Payment where it's due

[yessirmrjohnson]

Where: Trevor's Compound
When: Tuesday Evening
Who: Caroline, Chell and Trevor
What: Caroline and Trevor are giving Chell the payment she deserves for all her hard work as a good and faithful test subject. Her voice.
Warnings: Mention of major surgery

Comments

[lovethedemiurge]

Compensation, now that's something Trevor would like to hear. Removing his gloves, the chairman cordially takes her hand, "Moving the frontiers of the human body and mind has its own rewards...though you might be able to help me."

[yessirmrjohnson]

She blushes a little despite herself. How long had it been since anyone made contact with her?
"Helping is what I'm here for. Wh..What do you have in mind?"

[lovethedemiurge]

The chairman offers a thin smile in return. Yes, this is him turning on the charm.

"As I've told you your project interests me. I might even be able to contribute."

[yessirmrjohnson]

"I...I can't. I would have to ask Mr. Johnson's permission to include you. If it were up to me, I would, but I could lose my job if I did." She gently takes her hand back.

"In my world, a woman isn't as valued as a man, especially in the field of science. It's very unlikely I would ever find a position as good as this again."

[lovethedemiurge]

"Pity. In mine I value all members of my country equally. It's the value of the work which matters."

[yessirmrjohnson]

Her gaze falls to the floor. "The women there are very lucky."

A moment of two of clear deliberation she finally looks back to him. "I suppose I could use some help. I'm having trouble with a few alterations."

[lovethedemiurge]

"Yes, they are," he adds, inwardly smirking.

"Of course, and what might these alterations be?"

[yessirmrjohnson]

"It would be difficult to just tell you. If you'll just follow me."

She lead Trevor off to her workshop that he had allowed her. Caroline had only intended to be vague, talking about only what needed work, but having someone attentively listening and wanting to help her rather than the other way around, it was too invigorating. Soon she was going on and on about its mechanics, the prototype from her time and how she had blended the technologies of others in the city. Over an hour passed.

[jumpsuitmonster]

She was having a wonderful dream.

It was raining, pouring. Dogs and cats. The rain was cold and the air was crisp, thunder rolled and rumbled the earth like she'd never known before. A smile grew on her face. Soon the cold became uniform, and she breathed deeply, the cold making her shiver, her teeth chatter. Only a moment later the shock of the cold jerked her awake, her skin not as chilly as she'd originally thought.

Oh. That's right---the help, her---voice.

She swallowed hard, attempting to sit up a moment, her head rushing and pounding with the after effects, as soon as her head meets equilibrium, Chell noticed the room was empty, and fiddled with the idea of speaking. Could she? Can she?

Nope.

Her throat was scratchy and hoarse. Maybe it wasn't finished yet? Trying her best not to panic, she goes to stand, and looks about the room with a puzzled look.

[lovethedemiurge]

In the next hour with Caroline Trevor learned much of her little project, interjecting with his own thoughts here and there. He must say it was the most engaging hour in this city.

He barely acknowledges Chell as she awakes. He turns his head to the former mute, "Excellent, you're awake. You'll want to refrain from speaking for the next two days."

He returned to Caroline, "Where were we?"

[yessirmrjohnson]

She glances from Trevor to Chell and then back. It felt rude to ignore the poor girl after surgery, but... Obviously Mr. Goodchild was confident that Chell was fine and her fear of stepping on his toes overpowered her concern for Chell's status. She did offer her a pleasant smile, though, clearly pleased she was up and alright.

"We were talking about twisting the quantum corridors between portals and their possible effects on the physical body."

[lovethedemiurge]

Of course he isn't worried; nothing could go wrong--it's his work.

"Ah, yes, of course. I've tested the effects of quantum alteration before. No real noticeable side effect other than a change in perception."