| | (T is sitting on a bench, hunched over. His hands cover his face. G enters, walks over to bench.)
G: Oh. It's you.
T: ...
G: Long time no see, eh? (G chuckles)
T: ...
G: Quite a beaut, this one is. She's got potential, don't you think?
T: Don't they all.
G: Why the pessimism? Haven't seen you in ages it seems. When was the last time we worked together? Why--
T: I was separated from Andy.
G: ... Oh.
T: We were amazing together. I can't see myself being partners with anyone else. We've never been apart and suddenly... Suddenly... (T chokes, his voice wavers) I've stood right next to her during every assignment. I made sure of it. (Quietly) What are the chances?
G: How long have you been together, if you don't mind me asking?
T: Since always. (T thinks for a moment) Since-since... Since "Adam."
G: The first?
T: ...
G: Well, if it makes you feel any better, I was quite close with my partner until we were randomly assigned to different stations too. Not as long as you've been with Andy but--
T: What was her name?
G: Her name? Uh, C... (long pause) Well look at that. I can't even remember her name. I'm pretty sure it's C-something though.
T: You must have been very close.
G: .... I've never seen you like this. Your new partner may be just as good.
T: We're going to be incompatible. I can tell. I... I almost feel sorry for this one.
G: Don't jinx it. I want another nice, long voyage, you hear? I've lost too many friends because of people like you.
(Rumbling can be heard in the distance)
G: .... It's beginning.
(T pauses for a long time before speaking)
T: This used to be her favorite part. Andy would always--
G: Cut it out. I'm sure A... A-whatever her name is will work wonders with you. I barely got out of the "Mary" alive thanks to Trent's inconsolable moping.
T: I-I'm sorry. I just want to know that Andy made it alright.
G: I'm sure she made the cross. You'll meet again. We did, right?
T: .... Are you always so sure about everything?
G: What can I say? I'm an optimist. I'm actually excited to meet my new partner. (G grins) Women love me.
T: Don't flatter yourself.
(Rumbling is louder now, beckoning)
G: She's calling. Ready?
T: As ever. (T stands) No pun intended.
G: That's my man! (G slaps T on the back) Don't let her hear you though. Immortality isn't something to be taken lightly.
T: I know that better than anyone.
(They both pause, as if waiting for the other to speak.)
G: ... This is still my favorite part.
T: Mine too.
(Both exit.)
-------------------------------------
"As the cistrons leave one body and enter the next, as they board sperm or egg for the journey into the next generation, they are likely to find that the little vessel contains their close neighbors of the previous voyage, old shipmates with whom they sailed on the long odyssey from the bodies of distant ancestors. Neighboring cistrons on the same chromosome form a tightly-knit troupe of traveling companions who seldom fail to get on board the same vessel..."
- The Selfish Gene, "Immortal Coils"
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| | Posted 2/9/2008 2:54 AM - 58 Views - 4 eProps - 2 comments
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