one_tough_duck

[Conversations with Dr Mallard looks different tonight. He's in his darkened office at the hospital, and he looks as though he hasn't had more then spotty naps for the past few days. Which he hasn't, of course.]

It is, indeed, turning out to be a long, strange trip, Discedo.

Is anyone else in need of medical assistance, at the moment? I'm afraid my eyes are beginning to blur the edges on your communications.

Ah. Young Mr. West has been sent home.

[he tiredly ends the transmission.]

Abigail, I realize that I am not your father (and that I am likely old enough to be your father's father), but when you disappear for so long, I cannot help but worry. If you get this - as your frequency is unavailable to me, for some reason - at least send me a message signifying your continued existence.

[the Scotsman chuckles, unaware of the significance of a lot frequency, and continues.]

As you may know, Dr. Yagokoro has begun chip removals; I, too, am able to do so...however, first I would be interested in additional information. Forgive me; on my world, I am afraid that superhuman abilities are only found in works of fiction;

Exactly what sort of abilities do you have?

[Hello, Discedo, time for Conversations with Dr Mallard.]

It appears that the "Scientists" currently overseeing the "Discedo Experiment", as we unfortunately are, encourage regular use of PDAs via electric shocks. They are fortunately not of sufficient voltage or frequency to cause permanent damage, or, indeed, even a mark.

[he bares his forearm for the comm, to show. Then he's lifting up a piece of worn paper - Ducky's been trying to take notes. There's a hole in the middle of it. Hmm.]

Just as well, I suppose, seeing as recording observations is much simpler - and more permanent - here when utilizing these devices. I will have to make it more of a habit.

[and back to looking at you, kid.]

A number of attacks have occurred recently. I understand that there is a regulatory system in place for law-breaking, as it were, but these incidents appear unclear...I have heard someone apologizing for certain "actions", but as far as I can tell, the attackers are monsters, and not denizens...

[his brow furrows for a moment, but he has an idea, Discedo.]

I am also to understand that earthly remains of those departed do not last long here, as one is...restored a day after death. However, there might be enough time to conduct at least a brief field autopsy on any bodies. Perhaps they would shed some light upon what is happening here.

[proposition finished, he reaches over to turn off the communicator - oh wait.]

Ah, yes, well - I suppose I should introduce myself before asking to take a look at everyone's bodies!

[he chuckles. Gallows humor.]

My name is Doctor Mallard, but please call me Ducky. I hope to be working with Doctorine at the hospital to improve this our newly made home. If you ever need any medical assistance, please don't hesitate to call.

[Ducky has his communicator propped up on an old desk, facing him as he folds his arms across the edge and begins his musings. He looks a little like he'd rather have something more to do, perhaps checking reports or writing something - anything to be busy.]

From all of your comments over this network, I take it that these events are rather uncommon in...Discedo, is it? A Latin name for a city supposedly outside of Earth?

[he shifts in his chair to talk to - presumably Abby, but even if she's not there, he's gonna keep on going. He's the Energizer Bunny of chatting.]

Strange. It would imply that either they came from home, or that home came from them. It would be natural, but perhaps fallacious, to assume the former. We can never be sure of something so vast, so beyond our comprehension...

[for a brief moment he pauses, lost in thought.]

Other worlds, other places....in all my wanderings, who would've thought I would end up here?

[the transmission begins with a low groan, and a distinctly Scottish accent comes through.]

Mr. Palmer, I was under the impression that the speed limit was to be obeyed at all times, not mindlessly doubled or perhaps -

[the man stops. The rubble around him shifts noisily as he takes a moment to look around.]

Oh…dear. I do believe we’ve taken a bit of a wrong turn, Mr….

…and I appear to be…alone. Quite unusual, I must say. Perhaps I’ve...suffered a bit of a bump to the head, then. Certainly I have had stranger dreams. I remember one where I was transformed into a platypus…

[he’s checking his head, shuffling in his neatly ironed jacket.]

Nothing yet…but I wouldn’t rule anything out at this point, I suppose. Especially not…here…my - goodness, what interesting scenery…

[he steps out of his rubble-y landing spot, stretching out to test himself.]

Everything else appears to be in order, at least…nothing cracked or bruised, though the morning may bring new revelations…

Well, off, then! Into the wild blue. Ruins of civilization...but perhaps there is something, or someone, to find here yet...