rusty muse is rusty;

[dim_mirror]

This must surely count as the peak of your laziness. If it isn't to be perceived as another symptom of your neuroses.

As it is, I had been led to believe I was retired, isn't that so? Or is this a benefit reserved for the old of age, the walking-impaired? In which case, I shall remind you that certain people shall place me in the first category without hesitation and perhaps jokingly in the second as well.

My will against yours doesn't comprise a fair match, but I have made my voice heard now, at least. You are so very fond of it, so do treat me accordingly. For the sake of consistency, if little else.

- Mireille Duroc

Comments

[population_ctrl]

Are you really so opposed to this? Another talk, another chance to meet...

[dim_mirror]

Dragged out into the light like this, we are reduced to nothing but clay between their hands, Jean Louis.

[population_ctrl]

No one's forcing you to think about that, are they?

[dim_mirror]

I'm being realistic.

[population_ctrl]

As always. But only in the negatives.

[dim_mirror]

Then, do feel free to present another reality to me.

[population_ctrl]

You need to open your eyes, first. [Sigh.] Come now, Mireille.

[dim_mirror]

[She watches him. A long, silent moment.]

I'm sorry. I'm being difficult again.

[population_ctrl]

At least you haven't changed.

[dim_mirror]

You're too easily bored, Jean Louis. I wouldn't want you to lose interest in me.

[population_ctrl]

Not a possibility.

[dim_mirror]

For which I'm glad.

[population_ctrl]

Likewise.

[dim_mirror]

I'll have to repeat your own words back at you: Not a possibility.

[population_ctrl]

Your alternatives have never been the best, no.

[dim_mirror]

Don't think I'm choosing you out of fear. Of my other options.

[population_ctrl]

[Chuckle.]

Nécessité fait loi.

[dim_mirror]

[She swallows thickly.]

Your pronunciation is still -- something to be admired.

[population_ctrl]

Regardless. Did I get my point across?

[dim_mirror]

Perfectly.

[population_ctrl]

You carry your past with you, just like the rest of us. It hardly matters.

[dim_mirror]

We are both shouldering Father's dead corpse, isn't that so? Together.

[population_ctrl]

... that's morbid.

[dim_mirror]

But true.

[population_ctrl]

He would have been proud of you.

[dim_mirror]

So I'm aware.

[population_ctrl]

Are you?

[dim_mirror]

You're by my side, Jean Louis. Naturally... He would have been proud.

[population_ctrl]

Perhaps. In any case, you are much more than he could have hoped for.

[dim_mirror]

Nothing of which I am on my own.

[population_ctrl]

What's that supposed to mean?

[dim_mirror]

You have been with me all along, haven't you?

[population_ctrl]

That I have.

[dim_mirror]

Should I say, amen?

[population_ctrl]

It couldn't hurt.

[dim_mirror]

Since I'm an atheist, there's no such thing as blasphemy, correct?

[population_ctrl]

Depends. We probably have a party or two that would object.

[dim_mirror]

Currently, they are Potos' problem.

[population_ctrl]

To the detriment of our country.