apping into singularityrpg what what.

[therapeutics]

I like to think I'm fairly easy to please. For instance, I'm okay with space. I'm okay being ripped away from the only home I've known for the past three years. I'll even live without the one television channel, and I've made my peace with a supposedly sadistic intelligence system.

But that thing called a "canon point?" Your supposed little "blessing in disguise?" That's the real curse around here. And yes, luckily, I don't have to deal with the aftermath, but do you realize the severe trauma a close call like that can inflict on someone? That it is going to inflict on me?!

Forget about the spaceship, honey; you're the one with the sadistic streak. Of course, I saw that in your eyes the minute you decided this whole thing.

Comments

[nolongerhollow]

What sort of trauma, Madame?

[therapeutics]

The sort caused by near-death experiences and the like.

[nolongerhollow]

[A slight wince] Oh yes, that. I've died twice myself, and it always knocks one down for a while emotionally. But it is recoverable.

[therapeutics]

Died twice?

[That. Sounds like it could be familiar.]

That could hardly not be a supernatural occurrence, if you don't mind my saying so.

[nolongerhollow]

Guilty as charged, Madame...I am sorry, I did not catch your name.

As for me, well...my name is a bit infamous. But my friends call me Vlad.

[therapeutics]

Doctor Julia Hoffman. A pleasure, Vlad. And you needn't worry; it's not ringing too terribly many bells for me.

[nolongerhollow]

Doctor. My apologies. Well, that's good, because I was mostly infamous for being a nasty heartless bastard, and I've since grown out of that.

[therapeutics]

Have you? Then I should congratulate you - such things can he hell to break.

[nolongerhollow]

Well, I came to realize that it was worth it. I did not wish to be a destructive force in people's lives anymore. My race is predatory, but we do not have to be monstrous.

[therapeutics]

And what is your race, if you don't mind me asking?

[nolongerhollow]

[A formal bow.] I am Count Vladislaus Dracula, first among my bloodline of vampires. But fear not, I am not as I once was.

[therapeutics]

[Oh, it's cool, Julia doesn't look too terrified. Except she does. But that only lasts for a second before she settles on "incredibly tense."]

Do you mean to say you're not a vampire anymore?

[nolongerhollow]

[He lowers his voice, and deliberately sits down so as to loom less and seem less threatening.]

Please. There is no need to be frightened. Yes, I am a vampire. But I am a vampire who has learned to live peacefully among humans.

[therapeutics]

Yeah, the last one I ran into supposedly was living "peacefully" in our house, too!

[Gurl, calm down. She forgets the part where Barnabas "peacefully" murdered over ten people before herself.]

[nolongerhollow]

You were lied to by one of us, then. I am sorry that you went through that. He is not me, and I would not, but it will help I will stay right over here and well out of arm's reach.

[therapeutics]

[Muttering:] Something like that.

[But! It's okay. She's relatively calm, now. As calm as she's going to get.]

Okay. That can work. Thanks - or something - I guess.

[nolongerhollow]

Damn. You're terrified of vampires. That means I cannot flirt with you. I'd like to box this fellow's ears.

Ah well. Perhaps one day I can make up in some small way for his poor impression.

[therapeutics]

Well, I can't say his actions make the rest of you out to look like saints, but - flirt with me? [It's almost alarming how quickly her tone changes.]

Can't imagine why you'd want to do something like that.

[nolongerhollow]

There is so much I wish I could explain about my various kin, our culture, what is wrong with our culture and the upbringing of our young ones, and how so many of us don't realize we have to be monstrous just because we are vampires. But I fear I might upset you.

[A blink, and then he laughs.]

Oh my. Why would I flirt with you? An attractive, intelligent, well-established woman who can hold a decent conversation even when she's frightened? I...can't imagine.

[therapeutics]

Really, what you're proposing sounds like nothing more than common sense. [She stops just short of saying that she wouldn't call Barnabas monstrous, but.]

Oh? I'd be careful with that - you wouldn't want me to let my guard down.

[nolongerhollow]

It is but it isn't. Young vampires are, for example, often left alone and untutored, and adopt the role of the legendary monster out of ignorance. I have started fostering various young ones to try and keep them off that path.

[He just chuckles.] Doctor, I am perfectly content to take whatever time is needed earning your trust.