breakmychest | XXXVIII--video;

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XXXVIII--video;

[The camera turns on to reveal a frail-looking old woman in Victorian garb. She seems rather confused by the contraption, but she does understand how it works thanks to the general Barge run-down she's received. When she notices that it's recording, she smiles and sits back. She's on a beaten up looking couch and trying to look as if she's not uncomfortable with how old it looks, or how very modern the room is. She partially succeeds.]

Hello, I am Mrs. Anne Pratt. I hear my son William is a Warden here. [She frowns for a moment.] Though I can hardly believe this is his room. He seems to have... adjusted. [Her face smooths over, and she smiles again.] I'm very proud of him, even if I--

[She stops and coughs into a handkerchief for several seconds.] Excuse me. [She sips from a glass of water, then continues.]

It's not the direction I'd have expected, but I am certain he's doing good work.

[She smiles again, then turns off the camera.]

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[Don't worry! The cough won't kill her. That's... her son's job. Twice.

She looks a bit surprised about the question.]

Why, 1880, of course. Though I suppose that isn't true of everyone?

[While that would be somewhat comforting, George is mostly trying to keep at bay visions of a barge-wide consumption outbreak. No time for that now.]

No, in fact I myself am from 1897, but most people are from much further in the future.

[George is just pleased to be from at all in the future for once.]

Even farther? Good lord. [She shakes her head.] I suppose my son has enjoyed that.

Yes, it's all quite amazing. Do you know: they have laundry machines?

Oh, really? That is astounding!

It is astounding! Extremely convenient and time saving. Although funnily enough: modern people don't wear much in the way of clothing at all. I would have thought they'd wear much more.

That's positively indecent. They dress like that here?

Some of them, but it isn't indecent. Well, it is, but it won't be.

[She shakes her head.] Perhaps I'm getting old. I find this place far too confusing.

Oh, no ma'am. I was very out of sorts myself when I first arrived. I think it's only natural.

And my son? William? How has he taken it? Do you know? [As much as his cabin reeks of the future, she wants to hear details.]

I'm afraid I don't know him, but I'll see to it as soon as he returns. We fellows from our time ought to stick together.

Yes, that sounds like a lovely idea. It seems he's been making friends here, but I'm sure he could do with more.

You certainly can't have too many.

You'll look after that cough, won't you? If you head down to the infirmary, I'm sure they'll give you some Heroin for it. They're quite clean and gentle.

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