[ text ]

[acclimatized]

It feels weird posting here after everything that has happened. The first day after I arrived, someone told me things weren't usually this hectic. And I doubt R.E.M envisioned zombies, grenades and mutinies when he wrote Man on the Moon.

But now I think I can suspend my disbelief and accept that I have been here before and can't remember a sodding thing about it. So, this is a re-introduction. My name is John Watson and I'm a doctor. I would like to help if I can and apologize to anyone I might have accidentally ignored.

Cheers.

Comments

[acclimatized]

You do?

[ aside from ros and ashraf, no one else has recognized him. ]

[theguideless]

Yes but it was hard to remember iI was a lot different but you helped me a lot I remember that

[acclimatized]

Well... I am pleased to hear that. What is your name?

[theguideless]

Martin I used to be Martin Darkov that whas when I remembered you

[acclimatized]

Hello again, Martin. [ due to the strange nature of the message, john is compelled to ask. ] Darkov. Is that your surname?

[theguideless]

Darkov is what i was before but not anymore

[acclimatized]

[ now he is confused. ]

Sorry, could you explain that to me please?

1/2

[theguideless]

Im sorry i dont write very good please wait

text -> video

[theguideless]

-ite... [in the middle of tilting the screen to squint at buttons.

blink.

he tilts it upright now.]

...Hel-hello? Can you hear?

video

[acclimatized]

[ after a bit of fumbling with his own tablet, john switches to video as well. ]

Yes, I can hear you. [ his lips quirk into a smile. ] Hello again.

[theguideless]

[smiling in turn, brighter. relieved:] Good...I, I mean. Hello. [ducking his head a little.

a beat. he stares, starting to look a little distant. it's odd, hearing and seeing, trying to make it more familiar...

er, wait. he blinks, head shaking a little.] Auh, you asked about...Darkov, right?

[acclimatized]

[ in turn, john's expression creases in understanding, even though he has no idea what the boy is about to tell him. it's a well-practiced technique all medical men possess and he's relieved how easy he can slip into this professional persona. ]

Yeah, I did. [ a beat ] If you feel okay telling me about it, that is.

[theguideless]

It's easier to explain out loud. [his smile is meek.] I'm not a very good writer.

[a beat.]

Darkovs were my family. We were made to kill monsters...ah, well. That's what we were taught. For a long time. [lifting up a hand, dragging his fingers across the palm.] Making weapons from our bones...killing things in the night.