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[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 39 Transcript\n39 - Safe House Part I"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You- you have a safe house."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Told you.\nWell, it is a safe house - I figured you didn’t want anybody knowing.\nI am never going to make a fuss about you buying me dinner ever again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Until we get the Damien situation handled. I’m sure Ellie will figure something out, but let’s not take any risks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I’ll go.\nIf Damien is wandering around out there on some sort of manhunt, I’m the one who should be out in public. He can’t do anything to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’s right. Chloe should be the one to go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thanks, Dr. Bright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chloe, if you’re going to be out already, would you mind dropping by my office and getting a few files? I’ll tell you which ones."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What for?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe I can find another solution to Damien’s problem - a different carrot to dangle in front of him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good idea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mark-\nI don’t know.\nMark, have you been talking to Damien?\n-asked if Caleb was dating Wadsworth’s nephew.\nHow did we miss that?\nI should have.\nDamien said he knew someone who had Wadsworth’s address. I thought he was bluffing, I should have realized.\nNo. I don’t think she will. I’m confident that she’ll settle this one way or another.\nWhat do you mean?\nMark-\nGreat.\nSam, would you be so kind as to show me where I’ll be staying?\nSound logic, Sam.\nA little.\nWe’ve been managing alright so far.\nNo, I suppose not.\nIs this really the time to be discussing this?\nFair enough. We are friends, Sam. But we’re all just adjusting.\nWhat do you mean?\nLike I said, we’re adjusting.\nI think so. I honestly don’t know, actually. Sometimes it’s like old times, like no time has passed, and other times well, I can feel this enormous canyon between us.\nNo, no, Sam, it’s fine. I think it’s been good for him to be out and about, even if that means being at someone else’s apartment.\nBut that’s not right, is it? Him missing me when I’m right here?\nI miss him too. I just, uh- I don’t know how how to close the gap.\nSome of it was already there before though. We had been- well, we disagreed about some things. Before he went missing, we- we were arguing about how Mark was living his life. We were becoming more different as we grew up and it was- it was hard. We had started to grow apart. I’m not sure we can ever get back what we had.\nLooks like Chloe’s optimism is getting through to someone.\nShe’s immune to Damien’s power. It made the most sense.\nWhy does it matter?\nYou’re not. Sam, you have done so much in the past few months-\nYou can’t.\nHe- he brought you up. Earlier, he called, made some threats-\n-and he mentioned you specifically.\nWell, I called him on his bluff about hurting Mark and he seemed to think you were the next best target.\nI don’t know. But Sam, I don’t think it’s wise to underestimate him right now-\nSam, I really don’t think Damien would hurt Mark-\nI know. Me too.\nOh lord, is that Huggermugger? I haven’t seen that game in ages!\nCan you believe it? I’d half thought I made it up - I’ve never met anyone else who’s heard of this game.\nNo, actually, Frank brought it from Chloe’s house.\nDon’t you remember playing this as kids? It was our favorite. You and mom would be on a team and me and dad-\nMark-\nMark, have you given any more thought to calling them?\nMark, they worry about you-\nThey send me a birthday card every year. They’ve been sending yours too.\nChristmas. Two years ago. They called.\nOf course.\nThe truth. That you had gone missing.\nMark, of course not. Would you have preferred that I never spoke to them ever again?\nI didn’t take their side, Mark. I just- I didn’t see the point in cutting them out of my life entirely.\nI’m sorry, okay?\nI think so. They’ve retired. To a small town in Canada. One where they can get to know all the residents.\nI believe that was the idea, yes. I tried to talk them around, you know. After you first told them. That’s why I didn’t cut them off. I thought I could-\nIt turns out reversing two decades of fear was a bit beyond my reach.\nWell, it was a very bad experience.\nI’m not trying to defend them. It’s just- some people don’t react well to finding out that there’s a whole subset of humankind that could easily overpower the average person. They felt powerless. Their entire world changed and they didn’t know how to protect us from the new reality.\nNo, they didn’t.\nI know. And I’m sorry. I should have told you about The AM. But I promise - I won’t keep things from you ever again.\nBut shouldn’t that be a two-way street?\nWill you ever get to the point where you can start telling me things like you used to?\nWhere’s Frank?\nGood thinking. I’ll go check on the boys - see if they’re hungry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Frank? What are you doing here?\nI thought I said to stay at the house.\nI know, but I’m safe from him. You’re not, you need to go back.\nYeah, actually, I think I’ve got everything. Did you drive here?\nOkay, yeah, that’s a good idea. Let’s get going.\nGod, Damien, have you just been lurking outside the building this whole time?\nGo away.\nNo way.\nHe doesn’t know anything-\nYou know your power doesn’t work on me. Frank and I are leaving.\nWhat-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think it was by the microwave.\nBefore we play, you should know: I am very good. Completely undefeated, in fact.\nIf I remember correctly, I had to leave halfway through to set up for the science fair. You can’t win if your opponent isn’t there.\nWhat the hell happened?\nHow long has she been unconscious?\nWhat, why? What were you even doing there?\nShe’s immune to his ability. You’re not. You shouldn’t have been there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Frank?\nOh my god, my head hurts. Damien- where is he?\nCrap."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, everyone, get your things. Sam, you wouldn’t happen to have a second safe house, would you?\nDamien, just leave. We can’t do anything for you-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Damien, just go away.\nNot all of us.\nI-\nAnd what exactly do you want from Wadsworth?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It would appear so, yes.\nSam, I-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam, don’t listen to him-"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 4 Transcript\n04 - Patient #12-D-10 (Sam)"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Patient #12-D-10. Session 2. After vanishing ten minutes into her first session, she reappeared minutes later, only to briefly apologize and flee my office. I must admit, I was surprised, but very relieved, when she made a second appointment.\nSam, it’s lovely to see you. Why don’t you come in?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you for agreeing to see me again, Dr. Bright. I’m- I’m really, really sorry about last time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s okay, Sam. I’m very happy you wanted to see me again. You rushed off last time before we could really talk."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, I know - it’s just, it was the first time someone had been there since…well, I just got freaked out. I wasn’t sure how you would react."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had hoped I made it pretty clear last session that I’m accustomed to some pretty strange stuff."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, you did! It’s just - it seemed a little bit too good to be true, you know? I’ve never told anyone about my trips before and I- I just panicked a little bit, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I completely understand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s actually why I came back, I- it felt really nice to talk to someone about it. I didn’t know it could feel like that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did it feel like?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like the pressure had been let out of my chest just a little bit. It’s been so long. So long of keeping this secret and I’m just- I’m very grateful. Thank you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don’t need to thank me, Sam. I’m thankful that you were brave enough to share your story with me. I can’t imagine how difficult these past 15 years have been for you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It definitely hasn’t been a walk in the park."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why don’t you tell me about it. Now that you finally have someone to talk to, you must be bursting with stories."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ha, I guess I am! I’ve never really thought about it. After a while, the trips became so stressful that I stopped seeing them as anything special. But, I don't know, thinking about them in the past week- yeah, I guess it makes for some pretty interesting party conversation. Well, if I could ever talk about them publicly, that is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pretend for a moment you could. What would you say?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, I don't know. That for someone with no passport I’ve traveled more in 15 years than people do in a lifetime?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, and where have you gone?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s hard to keep track. Name a place and I’ve probably been there at one time or another."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I suppose that time is the more significant part of your trips, not location."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. So name a time then."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wouldn’t even know where to begin. Why don’t you just tell me about one of your favorite trips."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. Um, well, this one time I ended up in New York in the twenties. I think I was…uh, 15 or so? So things were still pretty fresh and exciting. And I- well, I only spent a night there - but it was so interesting, I saw so much. Gosh, everyone was dressed so beautifully and the city just glittered. I’ve never been to New York City - well, past 1950 that is - so I don’t know how it compares, but I can’t imagine it’s half as lovely now. I had arrived in Times Square, so I just wandered around there for a bit and ended up at something called The Follies? It was a- a dance show with these amazing costumes and dancing women and, well, it was just really neat. And the people sitting behind me were talking about going to the jazz clubs in Harlem after the show. The Cotton Club I think, and I thought, “well, that sounds fun, I’ll just follow them”. See, that’s the trick, to find some interesting people to follow around. Gosh, the first few times I traveled, I was so overwhelmed trying to take everything in that eventually I learned to pick just one thing to focus on. But if you choose wrong, it can be so boring. People’s day-to-day lives can be incredibly mundane. I mean, I suppose I can’t throw stones - my day-to-day life is pretty mundane."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam, you were just talking about visiting the Cotton Club in the 1920s. I wouldn’t exactly call that mundane."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, no, I guess you’re right - it’s not. But, you know, when I'm not- when I’m not in other places, I lead a pretty simple life. Some might even call it boring."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, it sounds like your trips more than make up for it. Finish telling me about the Cotton Club."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, um, well, I followed this group into a cab, it was a pretty tight squeeze but I don’t really have any you know, physical presence when I’m in other times, so I don’t think they noticed - and we drove uptown and they were all laughing and drinking. Which I know was illegal but they all had flasks and the cab driver didn’t seem to mind. And they were just so happy. I remember thinking how nice it would be to have friends like that. Well, just to have friends at all, actually. But anyway, when we got to the club - well it was just- it was some of the most wonderful music I have ever heard. And everyone was so wild - I remember, I had just finished reading The Great Gatsby in school and it was just like that. Loud music, energetic dancing, alcohol flowing - I think we were out until 5am. And then just as the sun was coming up, I came back. Wow, I’ve never said any of that out loud before. It sounds completely crazy, right? I mean, it sounds like someone’s dream."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It does sound pretty spectacular, but that doesn’t make it any less true. I believe you, Sam. I believe that you traveled to 1920s New York and you saw all that. It’s fantastic, yes, but - as they say - the truth is often stranger than fiction."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t think whoever came up with that phrase was really thinking of this kind of situation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I suppose not. You said you were reading The Great Gatsby at the time?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, for English class."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So you read arguably the most famous book about New York in the twenties and then you went there - that seems like quite a coincidence, doesn’t it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. I remember thinking that at the time. That maybe I could control where I go. But it’s not like that all the time. Especially as I got older, the places I went just seemed more and more random. And even if I could control where I go, I don’t think I can ever control leaving in the first place."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why do you think that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because, it’s always so sudden. It just comes out of nowhere and I don’t exactly have time to think of where I want to go or prepare or anything like that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Last session you talked about the physical sensations that precede an episode, but are there any emotional ones? What were you doing before going to the twenties? What kind of emotional state were you in?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, well, I don’t really remember. I mean, it was a long time ago."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I understand. Just try. Think back to that time. To the moments leading up to the trip."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was in the kitchen, uh, with my mom and I was doing homework I think. And then I started to get that feeling that I get - the tightness in my chest, the light-headedness, so I went into the bathroom where I could be alone and I, you know, went away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Had your mother said anything to you? Maybe something that triggered a reaction?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, no, I don’t think so. She was cooking dinner and I was doing my work so we weren’t really talking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. Do you remember the work that you were doing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know what? I- I think it was the English assignment actually. Our essays on The Great Gatsby."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Were you enjoying writing it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, no, no I wasn’t. I was really worried about it, actually. I remember thinking that I wasn’t going to get it done on top of all my other schoolwork and yeah, yeah, I was really worried about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And the other times you’ve traveled? Have you been worried about things?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes! Yes, it’s- well, I get anxious sometimes. I’m not always working on something but sometimes I just get nervous about getting things done, or- or going grocery shopping or having to talk to someone. Or last week, with you! Is that- do you think that’s causing it? Like, panic attacks or something?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, Sam, I think that might be exactly it. The physical symptoms you’ve described align very closely with those of a typical panic attack. I think you may have an anxiety disorder and your panic attacks are just a little different than most people’s."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s putting it mildly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, yes. But this is good news. There are methods people adopt to deal with panic attacks - perhaps the same methods would work with you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I mean, I’ve heard of those kinds of things before. But, I just don’t really think that’ll work on me? I mean, I’ll barely have any time to do any breathing or whatever it is before I disappear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then maybe it’s about changing your lifestyle a little bit. Learning to handle the day to day stresses and lower your anxiety."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can’t you just - I don’t know, can’t you just give me some medication or something? I mean, if you really think that this is some sort of bizarre anxiety disorder then there’s medication for that right? Something that could maybe stop the attacks for good?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that really what you want, Sam?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean? Of course it is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So you’re telling me that, if you could, you would get rid of this ability all together? You would give up the chance to travel through time and see such amazing things?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I- I think so? I mean, if it just keeps happening - if I can’t learn to control it, then yes. I can’t live like this anymore. If there’s a way out, I want it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t think medication is the answer in your case. And besides, I am not an MD. I can’t prescribe you anything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I could go see someone else right? I could go to a psychiatrist and just tell them I have panic attacks and get something to get rid of them?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is this why you came back to see me, Sam? To get medication?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no- I mean, maybe but not entirely. I really did want someone to talk to but I just - I thought maybe there would be some sort of drug that might help. I mean, modern medicine has come so far right? And I was looking up some stuff online and there are plenty of drugs now that deal with pretty serious conditions."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "While that’s true, I don’t think it applies here. You time travel, Sam. Your body bends both space and time on a regular basis. That’s a little outside the realm of modern medicine. There’s no way of knowing what a serious psychotropic drug would do to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So there’s nothing you can do after all. I just have to stay this way forever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not saying that. You have an incredible gift and I think you can learn to harness it. If we can get to the root of your anxiety, maybe you can learn to expect your panic attacks and prevent or even focus them on a specific time and place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You really think I could learn to control it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With my help, I think that’s a distinct possibility, yes. But you have to be committed - you need to be open to what I tell you and make sure that you answer all my questions honestly and fully. We’re entering foreign territory, Sam. But that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Think of it as embarking on a new adventure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m a little tired of new adventures - I thought that would have been obvious by now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course. I know you must be frustrated, but this is progress. A week ago you were dealing with this alone, which, by what you’ve told me, meant not really dealing with it at all. But now I’m here to help you. You need to trust me, Sam. You don’t need to do this alone anymore."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. Okay, I guess - I guess you’re right. I suppose I could - I could try."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good. That’s good. See? I think you’re doing better already. Being open about your ability will make all the difference in the world."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don’t mean I should go out and tell people about it do you? Because, I don’t think I’m ready for that yet, and who would I talk to exactly? I don’t have a lot of people in my life for obvious reasons and I-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam, Sam, it’s alright - breathe. I didn’t mean you should be talking about this with other people. I’m sorry I should have made that clear. Obviously, it would be foolish to make your ability any more public than it is. (stern) You cannot tell anyone else about this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, of course not. I don’t know what I was thinking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you can talk to me. You can tell me everything you remember - all the stories you’ve been keeping inside all these years. And you should. It will help me help you if I know as much as I can about your condition."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. I think I can do that. What do you want to know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tell me about your first trip. Ancient Greece, wasn’t it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ha, yeah, it was Ancient Greece. Well, first of all, I was so confused - I mean, one moment I’m lying on my bed reading and the next, I’m lying in a field and I get up and look around…\n(time passes)"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, Sam, I am so pleased that you came back. Start trying those calming methods every day as I taught you and consider the journal idea."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You really think it will help to write all my trips down? Isn’t that a little dangerous? What if someone finds it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even if someone did, they would most likely think it a work of fiction. But yes, I do think it will help. If you bring me copies of what you write down, I can read through them and see if I can spot any patterns. We may find something helpful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alright, I can do that. Thank you, Dr. Bright. Really, I- this- well. It means a lot. What you’re doing for me. I had forgotten what it could be like - I mean, I haven’t thought about that first trip to Greece in so long. I forgot how wonderful it was at first."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It can be like that again, Sam. You can learn to control it. I have faith in you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So I’ll see you next week?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Absolutely. See you next week."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Successful first full session. While the patient was at first reluctant to embrace her ability, I think we will be able to harness it. Her travels have been quite impressive - she’s traveled much farther back in time than I would have expected, and to such different geographic locations, that I’m beginning to think her range is limitless. Whether or not she is able to become fully corporeal when traveling back remains to be seen. The things that could be possible…I’m getting ahead of myself, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t immediately think of Mark when she said she could time travel. We’ll have to wait and see. She’s still holding back so much - if I can get her to trust me without spooking her, I think she could be the biggest asset I have.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 41 Transcript\n41 - Birthday"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m nervous, why am I nervous.\nNo. No, I’m here.\nI’ve just never done this before.\nRight, yeah, you’re right. (beat) Okay, I’m gonna go put the vacuum away before anyone gets here. Can you, um, finish tidying up in here?\nMark’s right. Thank you so much for helping out.\nThanks, Chloe.\nThank you. I thought I said you didn’t need to bring gifts.\nI’m pretty sure that’s not how it-\nI suppose I’ll suffer through then."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Already here. Champagne anyone?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is that?\nChloe-\nWe don’t need-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Aren’t you already drinking a scotch?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think it’s really the intention that counts, not the actual substance you’re toasting with."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We didn’t-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you, everyone. Really. This is…well, it means a lot, all of you being here.\nUh, okay, well, do you guys want a tour of the house?\nRight, of course. Sorry, I don’t really know what you’re supposed to do at a birthday party."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you expecting anyone else?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t think so. Unless, Chloe, is your mom coming?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, only one way to find out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, hi guys-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb. Adam. What are you doing here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You didn’t need to do that.\nWhat is it?\nIs it from you too? Oh, no, right, of course-\nThanks. I just moved in two weeks ago. It took a little while to sell the old place.\nMark."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mark, are you alright?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh god."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Chloe, I told you, I don’t need a big to-do.\nI mean, no, but it was probably pretty obvious.\nChloe, it’s okay-\nReally, I don’t mind.\nI know.\nWhat, when? She got here ten minutes ago.\nDon’t worry, I won’t.\nYeah, I trust you.\nYeah, I do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not that much. It’s the feedback loop, I imagine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, okay.\n“An Anthropologist on Mars”…\nWow, thank you. Both of you. This is really thoughtful. I can’t wait to read it.\nOh, sorry, one sec-\nUm, I don’t know. Everyone I know is in this room.\nHello?\nAgent Green?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Owen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ll be right back.\nAgent Green, why are you calling? I thought we’d moved to monthly check-ins-\nI haven’t used my ability in front of any non-atypicals or for any nefarious purpose.\nI think you think my life is a lot more exciting than it is.\nOh. Why?\nWhat do you want, Agent Green?\nWha- I didn’t- I-\nI was so careful this time, how on earth did you find out?\nWhat do you want?\nI assume you’re not just calling to tell me best wishes and insult my hacking skills.\nExcuse me?\nI have, uh, a curious mind, Agent Green. I’m just trying to educate myself.\nAre you going to report me?\nSo you’re not?\nYou don’t? What are you doing, Agent Green?\nHuh? Uh, yes, yeah, we are.\nThank you, Agent Green.\nYes?\nWhat?\nOh, okay. And you’re not, you know, keeping him?\nRight. Okay. Thanks for letting me know.\nThanks. You too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam. What did he want?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We’ll talk about it later. Adam, you need to take Caleb home."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can’t you drive?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, Mark, go upstairs and sleep it off.\nAdam, bring Caleb to the front porch and get him some fresh air. If we keep them apart, the feedback loop will stop and it should wear off.\nNo, Frank, you don’t need to do that - I don’t think you’re contributing to the loop that much.\nThat’s okay. Thanks for coming. Have a good night at work."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don’t go driving anywhere until one of us checks on him.\nWell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I’ll say."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Owen- why was he calling?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, he- he called to wish me a happy birthday."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, not actually. That was his cover reason, I think. He- uh, he knows I hacked them again.\nMaybe?\nWhat?\nUh, a few weeks ago."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chloe, have you been having continued trouble hearing thoughts?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Have there been any other symptoms? Anything else out of the ordinary?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chloe, it’s been-\nChloe, I know that you’re not my patient anymore, but you can still come to me with this sort of thing. If you gave me a detailed report of the past few months and how you’ve been feeling, we might be able to identify the problem."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Partly, yeah. I mean, we were so ill-equipped in November. If any of us got hurt again there’s nowhere to turn. I just- I want to be prepared.\nIt’s already done. I don’t know how useful it’s going to be - I haven’t had the chance to look through all the files yet - but it can’t hurt.\nHe said he wouldn’t report me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He did?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s odd."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey, I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fair enough."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That wasn’t all. He also- he told me that Damien is being released."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They’re letting him go?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Agent Green said they’d done all they can for him\nI don’t know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ellie wouldn’t let him out if he was a danger to Adam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I’m gonna go check on the boys.\nJesus, I didn’t realize how cold it was out here. How are you guys doing?\nI’m sorry, Caleb. I wish you’d told me you were coming by - we would have held off on some of the merriment.\nYou know that’s not what I meant. It was nice of you guys to come by. But do your parents know you’re here?\nReally?\nJoan doesn’t want you to-\nAdam, would you go grab Caleb some more water? You guys shouldn’t be out here in the cold for much longer.\nAre you okay?\nCaleb.\nCaleb, I- Um-\nI’m not-\nSo that was Agent Green calling.\nYeah.\nDamien is being released.\nNext week.\nI guess. Agent Green said he was “more or less” recovered.\nI don’t know. But Caleb - you can’t go looking for him, okay?\nAnd if he- if you see him at all, if he shows up, you call us right away.\nI know you feel bad and that you’re also still angry and I get that, I do. I know that you might want to, I don’t know, get closure. But it’s not a good idea.\nI’m not trying to tell you how you feel. It’s just that the past couple of times Mark and I have seen you, he’s picked up on some stuff-\nCaleb, that’s not at all what I’m suggesting-\nCaleb-\nI- I’m not really sure.\nYeah.\nI’m sorry.\nRight. Are you guys okay?\nAdam.\nThe AM is letting Damien go. That’s why Caleb is- well, I thought he deserved to know, but I don’t think he’s taking the news very well.\nYou didn’t know.\nShe didn’t tell you?\nI’m sorry.\nI’m not- I just- family is important. I’m sorry that yours is- well, that things are hard right now.\nYeah. Drive safe and text me when you get home, okay?\nThanks, Adam.\nOh my god…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You named the cat Roger?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm sorry, that’s what you’re focusing on? Not the image of Frank, Marine extraordinaire, chasing a paint-covered cat?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s just a funny name for an animal!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, that’s a very good point. How many cats does your mom have now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You think?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m glad the three of you got away for a few days. It sounds like it was really nice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The fireworks?\nSpeaking of cats, where’s Darwin?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, who knows. He gets a bit overwhelmed when there are lots of people around. He’s still not used to having company. Kind of like his owner, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There are certainly worse things in the world."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, it was definitely the best birthday I’ve had in a really long time. So thank you both.\nHuh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Squiggly lines?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m always worried.\nYeah. I’m just gonna- I’m gonna see if he wants any cake.\nHey-\nHow are you feeling?\nOh, there you are, Darwin.\nI see that. Looks like he has a new favorite, the little traitor.\nIt’s okay.\nHey, you gave me an amazing day and cooked a wonderful dinner and if anyone is going to be sympathetic to leaving a party to go cuddle with a cat, it’s me. Not to mention, I’m the one who told you to come up here in the first place.\nHe’s fine. Adam takes good care of him.\nNothing, it’s just- I have a house that I don’t associate with someone’s death or injury and tonight that house was full of actual, real life friends who know who I am and I got to eat birthday cake that someone else baked for me and the secret agent that spies on me isn’t gonna arrest me and now there’s a cute boy and a cat in my bed and just, all in all, this has been the best birthday.\nYeah, I guess I do.\nTo wish me a happy birthday.\nI’m not. I mean, he was also calling to scold me about the hacking and to- well, to tell me that Damien is being let out.\nOkay enough to be on his own.\nI guess not.\nOh, that’s the face.\nThe worried rabbit look that Joan talks about.\nOh come on, it’s cute.\nOuch, harsh burn.\nMark, are you- did you keep- did you bring the scotch up here with you?\nThen why-\nOf course. You know you’re always welcome.\nMark-\nNo, that’s okay, there’s not much to do. You just- stay here and get some sleep.\nSweet dreams.\nThanks for clearing up. You didn’t need to do that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam, sometimes it’s okay to let people do things for you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The irony of that statement coming from you…Where’s Chloe:?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She had to grab the bus. Early classes tomorrow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She didn’t want to interrupt so she left you a note - it’s on the table."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aw, it’s a little drawing of Darwin. Did she just do this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She did. It was fun to watch her draw - artistic people never cease to amaze me. Mark used to do the same thing - leave me notes with all sorts of doodles on them. I would try to reciprocate but…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can’t draw?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nope."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Me neither. Listen, I got you something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What? Sam, it’s your birthday-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, I know, but it’s also - it’s been almost exactly a year since we met so I just- think of it as an anniversary present of sorts. I know people don’t really do anniversaries with their therapists or their friends, but most people aren’t friends with their former therapists so the thing is sort of strange and, you know, I’m trying to lean into my strangeness. So, anyway, here you go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s…a hard drive?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ve been taking trips for the past few months - at least once a day."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. And between the atypicals I’ve tracked down in the past and the info I’ve…borrowed from The AM, I think I’ve got a working taxonomy going. I know The AM has their own system, but they’ve only been around for a few decades. I’ve learned a lot of things that I don’t think they know and I’ve put it all on that hard drive for you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam, this is wonderful, but-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because I think we could actually do it. I know you’re on the fence about it, but I really think we could build something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It won’t be like them. Because it’s us. We won’t make the same mistakes. Between your experience and my access, plus the fact that I actually know what it’s like to be atypical, we could do things right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We don’t have the resources they have, the money-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. But we could get started. We could help. Really help. Just- look it over and think about it, okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I feel a bit foolish. You got me invaluable research for your birthday and I just took you to a showing of Rogue One."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was a great gift. Watching you watch scifi movies is my new favorite thing. And, besides, my birthday hasn’t meant anything to me in a really long time. But meeting you a year ago, that means something. I just- I need you to know that. I mean, all the bad aside, all the, you know, the-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lying and secrets?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. On both of our parts - I know that I’ve been hard on you-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But putting all that aside, you changed my life. If I hadn’t met you, I would’ve never learned to control my ability and actually do something with it, I would never have met Mark, and I would have spent this birthday trying not to think about what was missing from my life. So thank you. I’m just- I’m really glad to know you, Joan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Me too, Sam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A toast, then: to saying goodbye to a pretty mixed bag of a year. Hopefully this one will be full of only good things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’ll drink to that. Cheers."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 42 Transcript\n42 - Subject #E-307"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who brought him in?\nI promise you Agent Green, that was already impossible. Now, who brought him in?\nGreen.\nAlright, I want to talk to him once his physical is complete.\nExcuse me?\nWhat on- why?\nWhat do you mean?\nWhat the hell happened? Take me to him now.\n-\nAny change?\nI see.\nYes. And I would have gotten there faster if you’d given me the whole story from the start.\nIt was my family, Green, it- never mind. You know what, the situation is under control now.\nHe’ll be fine. He’s strong, he’ll move past it eventually. My sister on the other hand- I don’t think you realize what a mess you created here, Green.\nYou should have brought Damien: in the moment you became privy to the nature of his ability. But your feelings for Dr. Bright—\nAt least I’ve been keeping a close eye—\nDon’t put this all on me, Green. You’re the one you told Damien about what Mark can do.\nLet me know when he wakes up.\n-\nRobert? Robert, can you hear me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Huh? Wha-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here, here have some water."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why are you here? Wait- where am I?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re at The AM, Robert."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. No. There’s no way that he- there's no way that he could- what did you do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't do anything, Robert. You were brought here, bloody, broken, and we patched you up. You’ve been unconscious for two weeks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s alright. We kept you unconscious so your body could focus on healing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, yeah, I’m sure that’s why. What have you been doing to me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Robert, so suspicious. We’ve been taking care of you. You were left for dead and we saved you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. No, that’s not- what happened?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rest up, Robert. We have a lot of work to do.\n-\nHow are we doing today, Robert?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can’t keep me here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So dramatic. No one is keeping you here, Robert."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stop calling me that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We are looking out for your best interests. You're not well enough to be back in the world."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah? How would you know? You’re not a doctor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, but I do employ them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then where the hell are they? I’ve been sitting here for almost two weeks and the only person I’ve seen is you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don’t worry, they’ve been doing their jobs."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you really think I’d let my employees in here when you’re conscious?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’ve been knocking me out?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have an IV don’t you? Uh-uh, I wouldn't do that if I were you, Robert. You still need what’s in that little bag. Now, you seem well enough for some questions, so let’s get started."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Excuse me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want to ask you some questions about your ability."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not your damn lab rat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, but you are my patient and the more I know about you, the better I can help you. Now, I have Joan’s notes, so I know most of the basics - your ability presented when you were young, grew stronger during puberty, then your parents abandoned you-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? How do you know about that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Excuse me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I never told Dr. B. about that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s a recent note…Perhaps Mark told her. Did he know?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He wouldn’t."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I rather think he would, Robert. He brought you here, after all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. There’s no way he would do that. Not after all the sick and twisted stuff you did to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And yet here you are. You should count yourself very lucky that someone got to you before I did. You threatened someone that I love. That's not something that I forgive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn’t think you were capable of that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Forgiveness? I wouldn’t count on it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no. Love."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not a monster, Robert."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s not what I hear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, yes, dear beloved Mark. He’s not exactly an angel either. Some of the things he did while he was here, Robert- well, they would chill even you, I’m sure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know what you did to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you? Are you sure that you got the full story from him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mind control, remember?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mm, but that’s not exactly what it is, is it? These notes suggest that you’re not all that good at what you do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I get by."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, we’ll find out soon enough. Don’t worry, you’ll have another face to look at soon. But first: what’s your range?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How close do you need to be to someone to manipulate them?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why would I tell you that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can you use it on multiple people at once?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not telling you anything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fine. We’ll continue this another time.\n-\nAnd how are we today, Robert?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I don’t know, how would you be after spending weeks looking at four blank walls with no one to talk to except you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m delightful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let me go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I told you, you’re not being held prisoner."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then these are just for decoration?\nUnless, of course, you’re into that sort of thing, in which case, all you needed to do was ask."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s just a precaution. Your ribs are healing nicely but we don’t want you running off the moment you feel well enough. We still need to keep an eye on that brain of yours."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You got plans for it or something?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think we could have a very fruitful partnership, yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fat chance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Damien. Don’t you want to be better? Be more in control? More powerful? I can teach you that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought you didn’t forgive and forget."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t. But I’m not going to pass up a valuable research opportunity simply because I don’t like the subject."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought I was your patient."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Po-tay-to, po-tah-to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are you going to do to me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m going to help you. But in order to do so, you need to answer my questions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fine. But I want to know something first."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who really brought me here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dr. Bright and Samantha Barnes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And what did they tell you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That you’d had an accident."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "An accident?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I got the whole story later."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From your nephew?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you’d like to maintain the civility of this conversation, Robert, don’t mention my nephew again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wouldn’t worry about him if I were you. His boyfriend seems to have him pretty well protected."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He's pissed at you, isn’t he?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Excuse me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, c’mon Annabelle, just because I can’t use my ability on you doesn’t mean that I can’t read you. Something’s ticking you off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s none of your business."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know, I’ve had a lot of time to think about that night, what with all the nothing to do around here, and I wasn’t totally out of it. I remember bits and pieces. And I distinctly remember little nephew dearest being fairly confident that the sun shone out of your ass. Did someone find out the truth about their sweet Auntie Annie?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How old were you when your parents abandoned you? We had an agreement, Damien. I told you who brought you here. Now you answer my questions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thirteen. Do Adam’s parents know that you put him in danger?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Leave it alone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A question for a question."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This isn’t a negotiation, Robert."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then I’m not saying anything more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What exactly do you think is going to happen here? You’ll pout and complain until you get your way? You don’t have the upper hand anymore, Robert. I would like to learn from you, yes, but I don’t need you. It would be dangerous for you to labor under the assumption that I do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then what? You just leave me here to rot? I thought I wasn’t a prisoner."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re not. Yet. You are currently in our intensive care unit, but we do have more…high security areas. Approved and funded by the government of course. After all, we can’t exactly put atypicals in regular prisons."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not a criminal."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Aren’t you? Let’s see, off the top of my head: attempted kidnapping, actual kidnapping, breaking into a private facility, stalking, harassment, credit card fraud, and, oh yes, you haven’t paid your taxes in, well, ever."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can't prove the credit card fraud. They were legitimate cards. It’s the cashiers who look the other way when they’re declined."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course, lets pass the buck to the minimum wage workers, why should the mind manipulator take responsibility? And really? That’s your defense? The credit cards were legit?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, they were."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re a real brat when you don’t get your way, you know that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can I expect more stimulating insights into my personality?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let’s find out, shall we? Have you had any contact with your parents since they abandoned you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As long as I'm in the same room, I’m good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My “range”. You asked me a little while ago. You want me to answer your questions, don’t you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fine. So, 10, 20 feet you’d say?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And does it work on multiple people at once?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It sure does."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Accurately?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gets the job done."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This only works if you answer my questions honestly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fine, it’s a little harder to maintain, but I know what I’m doing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what exactly are you doing? What does it feel like?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What does it feel like?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Joan never asked you that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She never put it that way, no."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sometimes I think I don’t understand that woman at all. So: what does it feel like to manipulate someone’s emotions?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s the greatest feeling in the world."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Care to elaborate?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s like...it's like stepping outside every day into ideal weather. Like having every piece of clothing you try on be a perfect fit. Like- like going two hundred down an open road."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you’d know that, wouldn’t you? You’ve been ticketed for speeding 11 times."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, well, I wasn’t always the magnificent creature who sits before you now, it took a little practice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did you memorize my rap sheet? I had no idea you were that interested in me, Director. You know, you might give a fella the wrong idea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was very illuminating. I see why you felt the need for an identity change."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, well, “Robert Gorham” didn’t exactly know what he was doing. Kid had to go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Regardless, a very impressive juvenile record. I shudder to think what you’ve done since turning eighteen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know, Wadsworth, I think you could give me a run for my money."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m curious, Damien, do you ever feel remorse? For the things you’ve done that is."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What I do is within the bounds of my profession and the law."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, my, my, what an interesting interpretation we have of the law."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Takes one to know one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t torture people."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Neither do I."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not how Mark tells it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I said, takes one to know one. So, do you? Feel remorse?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ve never used my ability to hurt anyone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You tried to kidnap a seventeen year-old boy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wouldn’t have hurt him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You threatened to make a woman kill herself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Samantha Barnes. You implied to Dr. Bright that you would use your ability to make Samantha Barnes harm herself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How in the-?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh come on, Robert, you’re a smart man. You’ve met me - are you honestly surprised that I’m tapping my former employee’s phones?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re unhinged."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I’m not, Robert. I’m efficient. You wouldn’t have done it, would you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Harmed Ms. Barnes?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She would have had it coming."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why? Because she took your favorite toy? And that doesn’t answer my question."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have hurt people, you know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh? Do tell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You wouldn’t find it in those little files of yours. Not everything’s as cut-and-dry as speeding or breaking and entering."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do what I need to survive. Sometimes that has a ripple effect."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A “physical harm to other people” kind of ripple effect?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sometimes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I learned that it's easier to run from the law if you've convinced the law it was someone else. Same logic works in bar fights too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You create fall guys."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Or girls. I’m not picky."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Has anyone ever died?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well that is quite a personal question, Annabelle. Buy a guy dinner first."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Damien."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not that I know of. But I don’t exactly stick around to find out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don’t sound particularly broken up about it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Should I be? I admit, it’s not ideal. The best cons are the ones that don’t have any fall guys - convincing my landlord that I’ve already paid rent for the month, making waiters think I’ve already paid, stuff like that. With those I can just slip away before anyone wises up. Things get messy when you have to create a diversion with another person."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And how does that work? You manipulate a person into thinking someone else stole their car or whatever it may be?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Exactly. And, hey, I can’t control how that person chooses to react. It’s- well, it's not my fault if they decide to take more direct action."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you really believe that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like I said, it’s messy. But it’s survival of the fittest. I’m not going to apologize for that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nor should you. See? Sharing wasn’t all that hard after all. It’s amazing what you’ll open up about when avoiding a difficult personal question."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you- huh. Alright. Alright, you’re pretty good, I’ll give you that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am. But you’re also very easy. All you really want is for someone to listen - actually listen. I'm sorry Joan couldn’t be that for you. Though I’m sure she tried her best."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You give her too much credit. She never actually tried with me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you try with her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not the professional in our relationship."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, is that how you think it works? You go to a specialist and they give you everything you need to be better? Stronger?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was supposed to do her job."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Therapy isn’t my specialty but I’ve dabbled enough to know it has to be a two-way street. Even in my own work, I have to acknowledge that things are much easier if the patient is there voluntarily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And is that why you’re trying to make nice with me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that what you think I’m doing here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, we’ve been talking for more than five minutes and you haven’t tried to kill me, so that’s already an improvement over my last social interaction."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What was your aim with that disastrous plan of yours? To get at me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looks like it wasn’t too disastrous then."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sure these were exactly the circumstances you were hoping for."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m good at adapting. You have something I want and here you are."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The immunity."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bingo."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So Mark can’t overpower you again?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So no one can."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, Robert, I think the fact that you’re currently chained to a bed is pretty solid proof that you can be overpowered, atypical or no. Did you really expect threatening Adam to work?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought it was worth a try."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don’t think things through, do you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t have to. I can fix anything by just wanting someone to believe something. I make a point to be smart but I don’t have to be careful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I knew there was a reason I liked you. Well, this has been very educational, thank you. I think you’re ready for the next stage."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That doesn’t sound very promising."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, on the contrary, Robert. You get to do the thing you love most.\n-\nHe can’t harm you. If anything goes wrong, I will come in and remove you. But we need to confirm that his brain injury is recovered enough to use his ability.\nI know that, Green, but this isn’t a normal patient with a normal brain.\nExactly. And isn’t that suspicious.\nHis brain scans have been, as you say, completely normal. Now that the swelling has gone down he’s recovered like any other human. Albeit, much faster and more completely than usual, but normal nonetheless.\nI think it’s a distinct possibility. And there’s one way to find out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re not the person who usually asks me that. Where’s Wadsworth?\nSo she sent you? While I’m awake?\nSo this is what she meant by next stage, isn’t it?\nYou mean, can I use my ability? Well, why don’t you take these cuffs off me, Agent, and we’ll find out?\nSure you do.\nHuh. Has she dosed you with whatever she’s been taking?\nThen- no- what have you done to me? Why can’t I- what did you do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I know—\nI’m not sure. It’s possible his brain tissue healed over it, or it’s been suppressed somehow? Perhaps a protective measure his neurology took in order to repair itself? We need more data.\n-\nHello, Damien."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Using my actual name, things must be bad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I’m certainly not here to tell you you’ve won a cruise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Does this have anything to do with the parade of people you’ve sent through here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The parade of people which you failed to manipulate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What did you do to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn’t do anything to you, Damien. And I've run out of ideas of how to fix you. You’re just powerless."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, not quite."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Excuse me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, if you’d bothered to stop by in the past week or so, I could have told you. But, well, I guess you had more important things to do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m here now. Tell me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can still feel it. A bit. The edges of people’s minds. Their emotions. Just- justwaiting to be influenced."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you can’t access them? Is it like what happened with Mark?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. No, that was- that was like my brain caved in on itself. This is- this is like trying to grab something that keeps moving out of your reach."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hm. That’s very disappointing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aren’t you going to help me? Fix me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t see how I could. You’re more or less fully recovered and, well, frankly, we can’t allocate any more resources to you. The boys upstairs are being difficult. We’ll have to release you and check in on you when we can."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? You’re just going to release me? Just like that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Isn’t that what you wanted?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not like this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You wanted to get to a place where Mark couldn’t overpower your ability and now you don’t have an ability to overpower. It’s imperfect, but there you have it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry, Damien. I’m running a very tight ship here and it has been a very bad 6 months for me so I really cannot afford to keep patients around who serve no value. Agent Green will be in shortly to walk you through the outpatient procedure.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 43 Transcript\n43 - Former Patient (#11-A-7) "
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(into the phone) -alright, I can bring these over to you tonight if- Right, of course, I forgot. Say hi to her for me. No, that’s alright, I have some work that I should probably finish up anyway. Thank you though. While I’m here, I’ll see what else I can dig up about physical response - there might be some old AM notes that will come in handy, I know I have those notebooks somewhere…\nSorry, Sam, I think someone just came in, I- I should probably go. Yes, okay, I will. You too.\nHello, how may I- Caleb. I- what are you doing here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hi, Dr. Bright. Uh, where’s Sarah?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "On her honeymoon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, the wedding happened?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, over the holidays."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow. That’s exciting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you alright?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Yeah, no, I’m fine. Sorry about last week."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I’m, uh, I'm glad you got home alright. I’m sorry that you walked into that situation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s okay. It’s not like it’s the first time I’ve been around drunk people. Just sort of caught me off guard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb, why are you here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, Adam has debate club today so I was taking the long way home and I just- I thought it’d be nice to say hi."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know you’re not supposed to be here. Your parents-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My parents mean well but the new therapist they have me going to doesn’t know jack. I can’t tell him half the stuff I’m going through because he doesn’t know I’m atypical and my parents don’t want me telling him. They, like- they don’t know what they’re doing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They just want what’s best for you. And they were very clear that they don’t want you seeing me anymore."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But it’s not up to them. Just- please, Dr. Bright. Can we just talk? Not as therapist and patient but, just as, I don’t know, friends?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You did it with Sam and Chloe—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s different—-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re a child, Caleb—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I’m not, I’m going to be eighteen in four months and I’m- I mean, I’ve done things— I don’t feel like a kid anymore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course. Do you want to sit down?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Yeah, thanks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How have you been doing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. I’m glad that I— well, that the holiday break came when it did. Even though it was a bit weird this year. Obviously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why was it weird?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, my parents spent the whole break looking at me like I was gonna lose it at any second. It wasn’t exactly relaxing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry to hear that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And Adam went to Ohio to be with his dad’s family for Hanukkah so I didn’t even get to hang out with him and, well, his parents are kind of freaked out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because of what I did. They- they’re worried. I mean, they know I would never hurt Adam but, I guess, I don’t know, it’s complicated. Adam says his mom and his aunt are in a pretty big fight about the whole thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Was your Christmas okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This isn't about me, Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why not? This isn’t a therapy session, remember? You don’t have to talk to me like a patient."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m confused, Caleb - what exactly is it that you want from me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t want anything from you. I just- I miss you, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Therapists don’t typically have contact with their patients after they’ve stopped sessions with them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, but there’s nothing typical about any of this. That’s, like, the whole point. This has never been a normal doctor-patient relationship."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then why can’t we just talk? As, like, human beings."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because I was supposed to protect you. And I failed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My job - my only role in your life - is to help you. It’s to guide you through living with your ability and make sure that your mental health is attended to. And I failed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We’ve been through this— it’s not your fault. Maybe things wouldn’t have turned out exactly the way they did if I didn’t know you, but I’d still be with Adam and his aunt would still be who she is. That, like, has nothing to do with you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know, Caleb. It’s not that, it’s-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should have been there for you. In November. I should have- I should have helped you during that crisis. But I froze."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, and I should have listened to you more about mindfulness and all that stuff and not gone off the deep end."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m your therapist, Caleb. You were in emotional turmoil and I did nothing. And I am incredibly sorry about that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s why you didn’t put up a fight, isn’t it? With my parents."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I expected for you to, I don’t know, to push back. But my mom said you jumped right on board with them. That you thought it was a good idea for me to go see someone else. And, like, that was it. My parents didn’t even talk to me before coming to you. And it’s not fair. It’s not their fucking choice in the first place, and you should have known that and I shouldn’t have just let them decide for me, but I could feel how scared they were and I just, I wasn’t- I couldn’t take fighting with them anymore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You haven’t often fought with your parents very much in the past, have you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nah, not really. Not since my thing first started and I was yo-yoing all over the place. I mean, they’ve been really great for the most part. And I’m lucky. Like, believe me, I know that. They could have freaked out way back then and they didn’t, they just tried to find a way to help me. But, like, after the whole thing with Damien, they totally blew their fucking lids. I mean, you know that, you were there—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only for a moment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, sorry about that. They shouldn’t have thrown you out like that. But, you know, son gets dropped off by his therapist covered in blood…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I understood their reaction completely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. It was like that for days."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I imagine that was difficult for you to deal with - all those emotions swirling around the house."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Yeah, it was bad. But Alice stayed calm during all of it, somehow, and having Adam over really helped. When he was allowed, I mean."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Allowed?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His parents wigged like mine when they got the whole story. Like I said, I think they know that I would never hurt Adam but, well, I don’t even know that. Not really. Not for sure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that something you worry about?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I mean, not just with Adam. With anyone. The first couple weeks after, everything was so tense and, like, at a fucking boiling point, and I had to finish my college apps and something’s going on with Alice underneath all that calm, I don’t even know what, and there were times when I just couldn’t see, you know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean? You physically couldn’t see?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, kind of. Like, my body just gets so full of toxic bullshit that I get this tunnel vision and I feel it- that feeling of wanting to hit something. Of wanting to, I don’t know, just, like, explode."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You felt that way when you first came to see me, do you remember? And it was difficult, but you learned how to manage it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, but his feels worse. It’s like I let something loose and now it won’t stay quiet. And the thing is- I’d do it again. If it came down to it, if I had to hurt someone to protect Adam, or my family, I’d do it. You’re scared of me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I’m not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can feel it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am scared, Caleb. But not of you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of what I might do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of you letting this rule you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re an incredibly kind boy, Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not a boy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. You’re a good man. With a good heart. And that doesn’t mean that you won’t have these impulses - these angry feelings - but you shouldn’t let that destroy the kindness in you. I don’t want you to become vindictive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Have you been talking to Sam?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re both worried about me going after Damien, aren’t you? Finishing what I started?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What? No, of course not. Why? Is- is that something you’ve thought about?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. I mean, yeah, I’ve thought about it, I guess. But I wouldn’t. I don’t think so."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think Sam was worried you’d try to apologize."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To Damien?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That you’d try to get closure that way. Neither of us thinks that’s a good idea."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. No, trust me, if I never see that guy again I’ll be happy. Why does she think I’d want to apologize? Is it- does she- Mark’s been telling her stuff, huh? And you, I guess?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know you haven’t seen him very much but he’s-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "-picked up on stuff. Yeah, Sam said. What exactly has he been feeling from me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Guilt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, yeah, that makes sense."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’ve been feeling guilty?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mark has been. So has Sam. And so do you. Like, all the fucking time. That’s why you guys are all fixating on that. But, look, I get it. When I was first getting used to my ability, it was sometimes easiest to feel things that were close to what I was already feeling. I see people doing this all the time. People are always putting their own bullshit onto somebody else and saying it was their’s all along."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So you don’t feel guilt about what happened?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jesus, okay, we need to stop talking around it. Nothing “happened”. I did something. I beat a guy close to death. And yeah. Yeah, I feel guilty. Because sometimes I fall asleep and I wake up with fear on my tongue and I realize it’s not mine, it’s his. His fear, his pain, and just- just a little, tiny part of him that felt, like, victorious. Like he was happy somebody was finally punching his stupid fucking face in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re still feeling his emotions?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. No, it’s not like that. Not exactly. It’s like- it’s like having a nightmare or something. Like some sort of weird aftershock. Because I don’t know that I processed it all at the time, you know, because there were too many- there was just so fucking much. But in the days right after, it was like having an empathy hangover. Not the kind that I was having at Sam’s party, not the actual hangover, but, like, so much got poured into my body and as I worked through all of it, I felt things, like, one by one. It was like detoxing or withdrawing or something, except instead of sweating out chemicals, I was just swinging from feeling to feeling. And, like, every now and then, something pops up totally randomly - like- I don't know, like, the feelings are like an old injury that hurts if you move it the wrong way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Has something like that ever happened before?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Not this bad. Not this much. I never felt like I was, like, a container that could carry around people’s feelings. It’s, like, all too big for me to push away. What? You’ve got that feeling where you’re holding something back. Just say it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Holding something back is an emotion?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is with you. You hold in, like, a lot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m trying not to be your therapist. If this is just a social call, it’s not my job to diagnose you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So if this wasn’t a social call?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Trauma, right? That’s what you want to talk about. PTSD."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that what you think?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s what my other- my therapist says. I didn’t tell him the whole thing, just the basics of, you know, a violent event and, yeah. He thinks I’ve got to deal with some trauma."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Has he been helping you do so?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, the best he can, I guess. But Adam is more helpful than ten non-atypical therapists put together. He’s really good at keeping me in that green place, that good mix of his feelings and mine. That helps. But— but he’s scared. I can feel it. And I don’t know if he’s scared of me or of Annabelle or of Damien or what, but he’s scared. And I don’t know how to make him not be scared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you talked to him about it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. I’ve been too scared to. Fucking ironic."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What are you afraid of?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That he’ll tell me it’s me he’s scared of after all. That he doesn’t look at me the same way. That he can’t be with me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you have any reason to believe that he feels that way?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. I mean, he told me the exact opposite but that was, like, right after and, I don’t know, his feelings could have changed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you think they have?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He got into Yale."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s wonderful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Yeah it is, I guess. I mean, he’s so stoked. Like, I’ve never felt him as happy as he was when he heard he got in. We were in different classes on, like, opposite ends of the building and all of a sudden I got punched in the stomach with, like, this pure joy. And I knew, I knew it was him. The moment the bell rang, I ran to find him and it took, like, two seconds because I just followed the feeling and there he was with this, like, stupid huge smile on his face. I’ve only ever felt him that psyched maybe, like, once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When was that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our first kiss. That was the first time I saw him really smile. This was definitely like that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you’re worried that this means his feelings about you have changed?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Well, no. I don’t know. I’m happy for him, for sure. But, like, I’m not gonna get into Yale. I didn’t even apply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re very smart, Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, thanks, but tell that to my grades. I spent most of junior year completely flipping out and then getting my first boyfriend. Neither are great for schoolwork. And god, my grades from last semester were, like, bad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I take it you didn’t apply early like Adam?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nah. I just sent in my apps a few weeks ago. Now for the waiting. And, like, yeah, I applied to some places that are within driving distance to Yale but even if we’re close, we’re not in the same spot and he’s gonna be around a bunch of brilliant nerds like him and I’m just- you know, with everything that’s happened and him going to a new place with new people, I’m just worried I’ll be left behind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have months left in your senior year, Caleb. There’s no purpose in borrowing trouble. Try to focus on the present and enjoy the here and now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is anybody actually able to do that? Like, do people actually enjoy the present without freaking out about the future?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have no idea. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn't try."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you able to do that? Enjoy the present?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m certainly trying to. It’s a little easier now that Mark is back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But that frustrates you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mark being back, it’s making you feel, I don’t know, it's like, unsettled or something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose if I’m being honest, I don’t really know what to do now. The past few years have been spent laser-focused on getting Mark home and safe and now that he is, I’m not sure what the next step is. Not to mention, I’ve lost about half my patients for one reason or another. And I’m certainly not consulting with The AM anymore."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re not?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Agent Green still calls to check in occasionally, but I’m officially off their payroll. I think Ellie is hoping it will drive me back there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Have you talked to her at all?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Adam hasn’t either. I guess Mrs. Hayes and Annabelle are seriously on the outs."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That doesn’t surprise me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, well, no kidding. I’d be pissed too if I were Adam’s mom. Her sister put her son in, like, a huge amount of danger."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And yet you can’t understand why your parents don’t want you seeing me anymore?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I understand it, I just think it’s stupid. It’s not the same situation. It sounds like Annabelle basically trash talked Damien until he snapped. At least you were leaving him alone. Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you sad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, it’s alright, it’s not you. I just- I wonder if I could have helped. There’s always an amount of lingering doubt around patients you’re unable to help. I worry that I lost patience with Damien too soon. Maybe there was something more I could have done."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did he ever seem like he really wanted help? Like he wanted to do the work?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. He wanted answers - a solution to his control problem, more information about atypicals - but he was always completely unwilling to do the work to get there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When we first started, you told me I had to meet you halfway. Like, that’s how it works, right? You can’t help someone if they don’t want to help themselves or, like, whatever the saying is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When did you get so wise?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know, I’ve been reading up on psych stuff a bit. I wanted to make sure I applied to, like, the right schools."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re still thinking you might use your ability to do social work?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Or, I don't know, something like that. I know I’m not in the best shape at the moment, but I’m willing to do the work to get back to where I was. Especially if it means something like that never happens again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s wonderful to hear Caleb. But you know there’s no guarantee that you’ll completely get rid of those angry impulses."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t say it to be discouraging. It’s just that sometimes the work we do is consistent; focusing on getting through every day rather than aiming for a time when everything is perfect."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I wouldn’t say you’re in bad shape now - quite the opposite in fact, considering. You’ve been calling out the shifts in my emotions very confidently. And accurately."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s gotten easier with you. I know you better now and, well, I don’t know, your emotions are closer to the surface now. I think maybe having Mark back has made you, like, more emotional."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, that sounds right. Having him back with me is like walking around with an open wound that anyone can poke a stick at. It’s incredibly vulnerable."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For what it’s worth, I don’t think it’s a bad thing. Emotional you, I mean. It’s- I don’t know, it’s nice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you, Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And Mark isn’t in danger anymore, right? So you don’t have to worry about being vulnerable or whatever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mark will always be in some degree of danger, simply because of who he is. Ellie may have backed off, but there are others who would love to get their hands on him, I’m sure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Others? Wait, as in like other AMs?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In this country, yes, other branches."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What the hell are you talking about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "North America isn’t the only continent with atypicals, Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, yeah, sure, but, wait, there are other creepy science organizations like The AM?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The AM is a fairly recent institution. It was only founded in the thirties. Atypicals have existed for much longer than that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What, so you’re saying there’s like - like, a global conspiracy?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wouldn’t go that far. But monitoring organizations have always existed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think that’s enough of that. You don’t need to go digging into what else is out there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can’t just leave me hanging like that!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I can, Caleb. I may not be your therapist anymore, but I’m still going to try and protect you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And these other organizations, they're dangerous?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I honestly have no idea. I don’t actually know that much about them myself. Many of them are highly secretive. I’m going to assume there’s a reason for that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like, more secretive than The AM?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Much more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jesus."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed. Why are you smiling?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam is gonna absolutely flip when I tell him this. Like, I know it’s all serious - secrets, danger, blah, blah, blah - but it’s also really fucking cool."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can you just promise me you two will stop with the amateur sleuthing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could, but I’d be lying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re not always going to be able to protect me, Dr. Bright. No matter where I go to school next year, eventually I’m gonna leave and be on my own and you won’t be there to tell me when I’m doing something stupid."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, please don’t get all sad, you feel like my parents. They’re going through the same thing. I get it, it’s what you guys do, it’s hard to let go or whatever, but I’ll be fine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know you will be. I think you’re going to have a wonderful life, Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jeeze, don’t say it like I’m gonna walk out of here and you’re never going to see me again. I was serious about the being friends thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s very sweet, Caleb, but you don’t need to come visit me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want to, Dr. Bright. I, like, care about you and stuff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I care about you too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cool, great, so can we cut it out with all the guilt crap, alright? You’re not responsible for every bad thing that happens to people."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. But I do sincerely apologize for not being there for you in November."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I get it, okay? Everyone was freaking out, you were worried about Mark and dealing with the fact that Damien looked the way he did. None of you were prepared for that. I’m guessing you haven’t had to deal with that kind of messed up violence in therapy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There have been incidents in the past but you’re right. I was unprepared. I’m very thankful Frank was there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, same here. Dude is really good to have around in a crisis."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know this isn’t a session, but do you want to talk more about what happened? About how you feel?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. Not right now, I don’t think. It comes and goes in waves, you know? Like, right now I feel good because you feel good - I think you’re happy that I’m okay - but I also still have nightmares about it. But it’s hard to think about how bad it makes me feel when I’m not in it, you know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I understand that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess that might change now that Damien’s getting out though. Have you heard from him?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I haven’t. I’m not sure which day exactly he’s being released, but I can’t imagine he’ll coming running to my office when he is."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re not worried he might, like, want revenge or something?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Damien is impulsive and largely acts out of desperation and fear. He’s not a planner. In fact, if there’s anyone who knows how to be in the present moment, it’s probably him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Guess I should go ask him for some tips then. I was joking. So what do you think he’ll do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t know. Depending on his experience there, he might turn his focus onto the AM - he’s always had a bit of a fixation on them anyway - but I imagine that his first priority will be survival. It always is. And, given that The AM is letting him go, I think his ability is probably significantly diminished, which would mean he’d have to learn how to live without it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’ve thought a lot about this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose I have."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is he your new mission? Now that you have Mark back?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Definitely not. I’m certainly keeping an eye out, but I will not be going out of my way to ever see him again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, you and me both. Think we’re likely to get our way?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I doubt it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. I should probably get going - my parents are gonna start wondering where I am."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All of a sudden I have a very strict schedule. It’s annoying as fuck."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eh, it’s okay. I guess having overbearing parents means I’ve had at least one part of a normal high school experience."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re also star of the football team and have a very nice boyfriend, so I’d say you have at least a few items in the normal column."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not the star."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So that wasn’t you I read about in the local paper?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I did have a lot of stuff to work out this fall and I left it all on the field, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very successfully, it seems."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whatever. I’m sorry you never got to a game."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not sure that would have been appropriate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I guess. Maybe you can come to graduation though? My parents should have chilled out by then."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d like that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cool. I’ll let you know when I have all the info about it or whatever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sounds good."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alright. I’ll see you later, Dr. Bright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Take care, Caleb.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 44 Transcript\n44 - Patient #14-A-8(rose)"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Patient #14-A-8, session seven. It has been a few weeks since I last saw the patient, as she chose to return to The AM for a two-week program. She decided to do so after making great strides in the control of her ability and getting a little carried away.\nHello, Rose. Come on in, take a seat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hi, Dr. Bright. How are you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m doing well, thank you. How are you doing? What’s your mood like today?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mm, about a six, I think? I’m feeling more centered. Less like I’m going to lose control."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I take it your stay at The AM was helpful?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, it was. I think it was the right call, going back in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m glad to hear it. Could you walk me through your time there? I- they haven’t sent the file over to me yet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Didn’t Agent Green call? He said he was going to fill you in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah. He did. I missed the call and didn’t- I haven’t had the time to call him back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gotcha. Well, it was a bit like the first time around, to be honest. Except more...a little more rigorous, I guess. They helped me, well, detox, for lack of a better word. Put me in a room that’s meant to block atypical abilities, gave me sleeping pills to put me in a really deep sleep, that kind of stuff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How did you feel about that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was kind of scary at first. But it helped. I haven’t had a dreamless night of sleep in months, you know that. And when I dream, I want to dream more and then I sleep more and then I’m not awake and not living and that’s what got me into this mess in the first place."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you feel like your life is a mess?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Less so than I did two weeks ago. But, yeah, okay, not really. It had gotten messy, but wasn’t yet quite a mess. It would have been though, had I kept going. I can’t sleep through my life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, you can't. But I do think there’s a balance to be found. Your relationship to dreamwalking isn’t a standard addiction and shouldn’t be treated like one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. And I know that you weren't on board with me going back to The AM. But it did help. They think there’s a balance to be found too. But I needed that week of just no dreaming. It was really hard at first. Empty and lonely and I woke up with that itch under my skin but after the first few nights, I was waking up rested. And actually looking forward to my day. To being out in the world, talking to real people."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s wonderful, Rose. You said it was only the first week that you had a dreamless sleep?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. The second week they put me in a different room and let me walk. And then during the day we would do stuff similar to what I’ve been doing with you - the talk therapy, mindfulness, trying to focus on enjoying the present reality."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you find that helpful?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "None of their shrinks were as good as you, but, yeah, it helped. It was just nice to be in an environment I could be honest in, you know? When I had these moments throughout the day when I wanted to go to sleep and walk around, I could just say so. And they would talk me through why that impulse was coming up and help me work through it. Or sometimes just distract me from the itch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did that make it easier to wake up in the mornings?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mostly. There were still times that I wanted to stay in the dream world. It’s just so- sometimes I think that learning to control it was the worst thing I could have done."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why do you say that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don’t get me wrong - I’m relieved to not be falling asleep at the drop of a hat, but being in control brings its own problems, doesn’t it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean choosing to go into dreams."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. I never expected it to be this easy. Based on everything The AM told me when I first went there and all the stuff you said in our first session, I expected it to take forever. Gaining control, that is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You adjusted remarkably quickly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you think it’s because I come from an atypical family? That there’s something in our DNA that makes us really good at this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did your brother have an easy time learning his ability when it first started up?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess. It also only took him a couple months to get used to reading minds and learning how to lower and raise the volume on them. Though, he was at The AM for two whole months, so that might have made things easier."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Does it bother you that you had an easier time than you expected?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. It bothers me how quickly I got sucked into it. In the beginning, I was so worried about going into people’s dreams and learning stuff about them but now I want to do it. I understand Aaron a lot better now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His telepathy. He likes hearing people’s thoughts. I didn’t get that. I just thought it was really annoying to have a brother who could hear what I was thinking. And a little creepy. But it’s not a voyeuristic thing for him. He tried to explain it to me once. That he wasn’t listening to spy on people or to learn their deep dark secrets, but to understand them. He talks about how it’s not just the thoughts themselves but the shapes of them- the patterns they make. He makes it sound like art or music. Something beautiful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And that’s what dreams are like for you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, they are beautiful. I wish I could show them to you. To see what I see…it makes people make sense. I mean, dreams don’t always make sense obviously. A lot of the time it’s just visual gibberish. Well, and sometimes actual gibberish. But once I got good at going into dreams, it was easier to find the truth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The truth?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "People’s true thoughts and feelings. Or, at least, some of them. Everything that lies underneath. Everything that people try to bury everyday. You can’t hide from those when you dream."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And those are the things that you enjoy seeing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When they’re not nightmares, yeah. And I’m getting better at dealing with the nightmares too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They don’t frighten you anymore?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I still get startled, sure, but I can usually shift the dream away from them pretty quickly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I’m inside someone’s nightmare, I can stop it. I can help them dream about something else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re controlling dreams?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How long has this been going on?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Since the holidays?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why didn’t you mention this at our last session?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. I guess I was scared of what you’d think."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did you fear I’d say?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That it wasn’t okay. That I was crossing some boundary that shouldn’t be crossed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you think you’re crossing a boundary?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know I am. Of course I am. But I wasn’t even doing it on purpose at first. My mom was having a nightmare and it was awful and I was there, thinking about how I wanted to make it stop, wanted her to dream about something nice and then she was. She started dreaming about me. As a little kid."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you felt that your presence there was the reason for the change?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not at first. But then I went to Aaron’s dreams the next night and he was lucid dreaming and—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meaning he could see you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, exactly. And we were in the snow and he was teasing me like always and then snowballs just starting hitting him. It was hilarious."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you did that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not on purpose. But I was thinking about how I wanted to wipe that stupid smug look off his face and then snowballs started throwing themselves. He got instantly wigged out because of course he heard my thoughts and normally that means he can get the drop on me in our fights, but a snowball pelted him in the face before he could even lean down to make one himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your brother can hear your thoughts when you’re both asleep?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yep."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you were performing telekineses in your dream?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I guess so. Huh. I didn’t even think of it like that. It just seemed like dream logic to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How frequently are you able to control other people’s dreams?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. Like, sixty percent of the time, maybe? But I’m getting better."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rose, how much have you been dream walking since leaving the AM?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Every night."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just at night?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, so I’ve made a few little day trips. But it’s only been two or three times in the past week, I promise. And it’s mostly been into my own subconscious. Going into other people’s heads when they’re awake is a little unpredictable."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Which you enjoy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I know. That’s why I’m trying to stay away from it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s still remarkable to me that you can dreamwalk when others are conscious."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is different, though. Things are more static-y and frantic. Harder to move through. But it does the job in a pinch. Okay, okay, I know that I sound like an addict. I didn’t mean it like that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How did you mean it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I really have been doing better since The AM. It’s just- it’s hard. Did you ever read any fantasy novels when you were a kid?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Some. Why?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They’re not really my thing these days, but I read all the Narnia books growing up. Did you ever read those?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I did. Mar- my brother was a big fan."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right, okay, so you know the gist. I loved them because that idea of climbing through a wardrobe and finding another world was just amazing. And then watching things like Alice in Wonderland or Wizard of Oz…when you’re a kid, you hope that there’s some magical land out there for you to stumble upon. And, as you grow up, you realize that there isn’t. And I don’t believe anyone who says they’re fine with that, because it is crazy disappointing. But I found it. An actual magical world. And I can access it whenever and anything is possible there but it’s also completely safe because it’s not real. But it feels real. And I can’t give it up. I won’t."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No one is asking you to. As I said, we can’t treat this like other, non-atypical addictions. Your ability is part of you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can we stop calling it an addiction? It makes me feel like a failure or something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rose, before you went into The AM, there were days when you were only awake for two or three hours. You were missing work, not talking to your family, or Emily—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That only lasted for a few days. I could have stopped it. I mean, I did stop it. Yeah, it helped to go to The AM, but I did the work."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. You should be proud of yourself for getting help when you needed it - that’s an extremely difficult thing to do. And Rose, you’re not a failure. Addiction is not failure. Struggling is not failing. As long as we keep trying, we don’t fail."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But what does that mean for me? I don’t want to stop dreamwalking. I couldn’t, even if I wanted to. Like you said, it’s part of me. I’ll dreamwalk regardless. I might as well do it on purpose."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then it’s about finding balance. The dreamwalking in itself is not inherently a problem. But the habits you formed around it were creating issues in your life. Those are what we need to focus on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At The AM, did you talk about why you were feeling the impulse to dreamwalk?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A little. It was all the same stuff that we’ve talked about before - the fact that it’s exciting, that it’s so much more surprising than real life. I get to take risks and see new things without any consequences. Other than learning things about people which, yeah, can sometimes be awkward. But it’s worth it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How are you feeling about other aspects of your life? Outside of the dreamwalking."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good. Fine. A new assistant chef started at the restaurant and she’s sort of taken me under her wing, which has been really great. But I worry that being away for two weeks will have ruined that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sure she understood that you needed to focus on your health first."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess. It's just frustrating to miss out on things because of my ability. Even when it’s frustrating to be in the real world."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But feeling that way also means that there are things in your life outside of dreams that you value."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "True. Sometimes I wish I didn’t straddle the two worlds, you know? That I could just pick: dream world or real world. And I don’t know which I would pick, it changes day to day, but it’s exhausting to jump back and forth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s like I belong in both places and also don’t belong in either. And that’s not a new feeling - being in an atypical family and having to hide that, I always felt like I was living two lives. Hell, even being gay in a mostly straight world feels like that sometimes. But this is different from all that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In what way?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It feels more concrete. It’s literally two different worlds. The way I relate to people now is completely different. I can bring information from dream world into my real life if I want, but then there are times when I don’t want the other person to know that I know something. Especially if it’s someone who doesn’t know what I am."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you told Emily yet?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. I’m going to. I really, really am. I just keep chickening out. And I hate it! That’s not who I am. I’m not a coward. And I’m not dishonest. But it’s just so much harder than I thought it would be. And we’ve been dating seriously for nearly three months now and I know I have to tell her but the longer I wait, the more guilty I feel and the less I want to tell her so I keep putting it off and it just goes round and round."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you worry she’ll react badly?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have no idea how she’ll react, that’s the problem. She knows about the narcolepsy, which was already weird enough—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thousands of people have narcolepsy. It’s not weird—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, I know, I gave her the whole spiel. And she took it in stride, like she does with everything, but adding a completely fake-sounding, fantasy-novel condition on top of that might be a hard pill to swallow. I don’t know that’d she’d believe me. I wouldn’t believe me if I hadn’t grown up in this world."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is this something you've talked to Aaron at all about? Has he dated non-atypicals?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, he has. But he’s never told any of them about his ability. I love my brother, but he’s kind of the worst when it comes to girls. I don't think he's had a relationship that lasted longer than three weeks since his telepathy started up. He says he gets bored of people really quickly because there’s no mystery to them now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you ever feel that way now that you get to see into peoples’ subconscious minds?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you kidding? Some people are more of a mystery now. First of all, the subconscious is a really wacky place. Half the time things don’t make sense at all. And secondly, it’s where people put all their repressed stuff so a lot of what I see completely contradicts what someone does or says in their normal life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In what way?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Take Aaron for example. Whenever he dreams about me or my parents, he’s so loving about it. In reality, he’s kind of a jerk. I mean, I love him and I know he loves me, but we’ve always been super competitive and that makes our relationship kind of combative, I guess. He would never be as affectionate with me as he is in his dreams. Dream me, I mean. When I’m there and he knows, it’s pretty much the same."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hence the snowball fight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Exactly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But that sounds like going into his dreams help you understand him more, not less."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s connecting the thread, you know? Seeing how he feels in his subconscious and then dealing with him in real life, it’s like two different people. And I can’t figure out why he acts the way he acts sometimes because that’s clearly not what’s at his core."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You said you’re both combative - why do you think you behave that way?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because he does?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that all?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’s older. He started it. I guess we’re both afraid of being vulnerable? And now that we each have this weird window into each other’s heads, it feels even scarier to be vulnerable in reality."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is there someone you feel you’re able to be vulnerable with in your real life?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Present company excluded?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want to say Emily but she doesn’t know this huge piece of me. I feel like I can talk to her about anything and everything except this. And at first it was fine but for the past month as it’s become a bigger and bigger part of my life, it’s made it hard to be myself around her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you think finding a balance with your dreamwalking will make you feel more comfortable with her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think telling her would make me feel more comfortable. But I just don’t know how to do it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where is the resistance to the idea coming from?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That she'll call me a freak? That she’ll break up with me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How would you feel if that happened?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Completely devastated. I think— I think if I let myself, I could fall in love with her pretty quickly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you let yourself?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ve been trying to keep a bit of mental distance because, well, I’m scared. If I let myself fall head over heels and then tell her and she rejects me, I don’t know what I’d do. And then there’s my mom."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your mom? What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her precognition. She’s never been all that crazy about any of my girlfriends. She’s liked them fine but hasn’t made a big effort to get to know them because she'd always know that they weren’t serious, even if I didn’t. But with Emily, she’s totally different. She’s constantly inviting her over to Shabbat and asking me about her and it’s so weird. She's way too invested."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is the first person you've dated since your ability started, isn’t it? Do you think that might have something to do with your mother’s behavior?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yeah, maybe. I hadn’t even thought about that. I finally asked her about it the other day and all she said was, “Emily is important”."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did she tell you why?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. She tried to make it sound all mysterious but I don't think she totally knows why herself. It’s not always clear visions with her. Sometimes it’s just more impressions. Like, she can feel it in her gut that Emily is going to be an important person in my life, but not how. I mean, I doubt she’s the woman I marry because, hello, I’m not even twenty, but maybe, I don’t know, maybe she’s the first person I tell about my ability?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is it important to you for your mother to be right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My mother is right. She’s always right. She’s really good at what she does. Even when it’s inexact."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How have you dealt with your mother’s predictions in the past? Do you use them to make decisions?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She usually doesn’t tell me when she sees stuff about me. Unless it’s practical. You know: “take an umbrella today” or “don’t go near Bobby or his brothers this week because they all have the chicken pox and don’t know it yet”. That kind of stuff. But she doesn’t tell me or Aaron the big things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why not?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She wants us to make our own decisions. She says even though she can’t help making choices based off what she knows, she wants us to have free will. Not to be ruled by destiny."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But she told you about Emily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I pestered her about it for a few days. I could tell she knew something and it was driving me nuts. But now I see her point. I feel like there’s a right choice to make but I don’t know what that is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Were your strong feelings for Emily there before you talked to your mother?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then why does it feel different? She was already important to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The stakes feel higher now. There’s something bigger for me to mess up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And how do you think you’re going to mess it up?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By telling her or not telling her. There’s no good answer. I tell her, she might freak and leave. I don’t tell her and we get serious, I have to hide who I am forever. I want an option C."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you think option C would be?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To stop dreamwalking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you said yourself you don’t think that’s possible."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s what I thought at first but the AM, the pills they gave me - they worked really well. Totally dreamless sleep."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And that could be a long term solution? I thought those drugs were only for detox."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess they’ve tweaked the formula, because they said they were basically like normal sleeping pills now. I could take them regularly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that what you want to do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. But it might be a good idea, right? So that I don’t go down that road again?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It certainly helps to have the option. That’s not the case for all atypicals."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ugh, I know, Aaron is always complaining about how there isn’t a pill in the world that can fix his headaches when they get bad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Many nonatypical people take sleeping pills when they are having a hard time getting fulfilling rest. This doesn't have to be different. Did you go over everything with a physician at The AM?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. They said the same thing - that it’s basically a like normal sleeping pill. I just take them when things get to be a little too much. They seemed to think I could take them every night, though."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If they really are like normal sleeping pills, those can become addicting on their own. That may not be the best long term solution. However, if The AM has been making strides in psychotropic medicine that works on atypicals, that could help you get on the path to addressing the underlying relationship you have to your dreamwalking."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think the sleeping pills are as far as they’ve gotten, so I guess there isn’t really an option C after all. I mean, I’m happy to take the medicine when I need it, but the truth is, I don’t want to stop. Towards the end of the week of dreamless nights, I started to feel groggy and weird again. I think you’re right. I think it is about balance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then you do what is going to help you find that balance. As long as it’s within the bounds of what your doctor said was safe for you to do. And if there are any problems or you want to reevaluate, you should call them right away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are there other atypical doctors? You know, outside of The AM? My family has always gone there for atypical-related stuff and to a normal doctor for everything else. Do you know of anyone who does both?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not currently. But if you’re not happy with your AM physician, I’m sure you could ask Agent Green—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no, it’s not that. My doctor is fine. It’s— you used to work there, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did you ever get the feeling that something weird was going on?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Something shady."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rose, did something happen while you were there?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no, nothing happened. Not to me, anyway. I was dreamwalking and I found myself in another patient’s dreams and it was, I don’t know, it wasn’t good. At first I thought it was just a nightmare but then when I was leaving, he was checking out at the same time. I recognized him from his dream. And I introduced myself, because if there’s any place where you can go up to someone and say, “hey, I was in your dream last night, can I ask you some questions about it”, it’s at The AM."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did he say?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was freaked. He said he didn’t want to talk there but we exchanged numbers and I’m getting coffee with him tomorrow. I don’t know, the whole thing feels pretty hinky."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you sure you should be meeting with this person?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, it’ll be fine. We’re meeting in public, in the middle of the day. And besides, he’s atypical too, so it doesn't matter that he knows I am."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you know what his ability is?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Nothing that was immediately obvious. He just seemed so scared in his dream. I want to know why."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You never saw anything suspicious there? At The AM?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can’t talk about my time there - it’s all completely confidential. But you’ve had a good experience. The most important thing is to find physicians that you trust. As long as you feel you're making progress, that’s what matters."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I guess. Well, anyway, I’ll see this guy tomorrow and see what he says. I definitely don’t want to go to an organization that’s doing something unethical. Plus, it’s nice to make new atypical friends."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s very true. It’s important to have a community of people you feel you can be yourself with."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Exactly. Ugh, god, this whole conversation has been weirdly stressful. Could we- do you think it would be alright for me to take a quick walk?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you want to walk to relax or to escape?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To escape."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why don’t we try a little meditation first and see how you feel.\nHow are you feeling now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Better. Less like I want to run away into dreams."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s good. This week I want you to try those mindfulness exercises when you feel the impulse to dreamwalk during the day. And try to pay attention to where that impulse is coming from."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, I can do that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Call me if you have any concerns."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you’ll tell your parents where you’re getting coffee tomorrow? You’ll leave if you feel at all uncomfortable?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will, I promise. And maybe if he needs more help, I could introduce you guys? It seemed like The AM wasn’t really helping him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My door is always open."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Great. I’ll see you, Dr. Bright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Goodbye, Rose.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 45 Transcript\n45 - Chloe\nHello? Hey, mom. No, I’m up, I’m up. Oh shoot, it is? Yeah, I must have slept through my alarm. No, I’m fine, I just didn't get to sleep until late. Yeah. Yeah, it was really bad yesterday. No, just more of the same. I know. I’m going over there today to talk to her. Yes, I’ll call and remind him. Okay, Mom, I need to get to the registrar, I’m already way behind. Yes, I will. Love you too.\nHey, Frank, it’s Chloe. I just realized you’re probably still asleep because I know you had a shift last night so I hope this message doesn’t wake you up. I’m just walking out of the registrar’s office so, yeah, it’s official. Which means me and mom are going to leave on Saturday after all so if you could remember to look after Roger for a few days, that’d be great. Um, feel free…um, what was I saying? Sorry, it’s a little loud here and things just um…oh yeah, feel free to stay in the house to paint - I know the light can be a little better during the morning. Anyway, just put food out for him in the morning and then check in on him before going to work? I’m sure I’ll see you before we leave but I told mom I’d remind you so that’s me doing that. Okay. Sleep well and I’ll talk to you later."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(from inside) Come in!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sam, it’s me!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m in the office. And I’m a little stuck."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? What happened in here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not really sure. I brought all the books in here and then built the bookshelf and now I can’t move the bookshelf because the books are in the way and so I’m just- I'm sort of trapped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, here let me—\nOkay, now can you—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, lemme just—\nThere we go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What would you have done if I hadn’t come over?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean, I could have climbed out. I just didn’t want to step on the books."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh right, obviously. Where’s Mark?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He doesn’t actually live here, you know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not yet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chloe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? You’re thinking about it all the time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s way too soon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Says who?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t know, common sense? He’s only been back in the world for eight months. I’m not going to rush him into something he’s not ready for. Or something I’m not ready for."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, okay, I get that. I just want you guys to be happy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We are happy. I think. Yeah, we’re happy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is it? Oh. The drinking?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t know that it’s totally healthy, that’s all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And neither does Joan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We’re just a little worried."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, like you said, he’s only been out of that terrible place for a little while compared to how long he was there. It’s gonna take him a little while to adjust."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. Of course. I just don’t want him hiding in something that could hurt him. But god, who am I to judge? I basically barely left my house for years. I still get nervous when I have to go outside. I mean, I get it. And he’s an adult. It’s his life and he knows best."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "True. God, it’s kind of weird to think about the fact that he basically missed the entire middle of his twenties. He graduated college and then was just put on pause for years. He never actually lived, like, an adult life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hence why he’s still living with Joan. Which I think they actually both need. We’re quite a pair aren’t we? Two people trapped in amber for years now free to do what we want and no idea what that means."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you have each other."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, but I don’t know how helpful that is when it comes to living in the real world or being in adult relationships. Neither of us have any experience in those areas. It’s just the traumatized leading the traumatized. One of the many reasons I don’t try and tell him what to do. Because I don’t know what I’m doing. We both have to make our own decisions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Doesn’t mean you’re not going to be worried about him. It’s normal to be worried about the people you love."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. Yeah, you’re right. Speaking of which, how are you doing? How are the headaches?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, things could be better."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s gotten bad, Sam. I don’t know how and I don’t know when, but it’s bad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What’s going on?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That feeling of tuning a radio and getting a bunch of different stations that are all static-y and brief? It’s that feeling most of the time now. And after a few hours in the presence of people, it just starts to hurt. Sam, how could you think that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What? Oh. I mean, obviously I would never have wanted Caleb to have blood on his hands but can you blame me? For wanting him dead?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. That doesn’t mean I like it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don’t have to. It’s my job as your friend to hate the people who hurt you. I hate that Caleb was involved but I can’t say I would have been torn up if Damien had died. I know that’s awful, to wish anyone harm like that, but, well, that’s the way I feel. And I’m a little surprised you don’t feel the same."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just don’t work like that, I guess. I don’t think anyone deserves to die. No matter what they do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you talked to Joan about this? About how bad it’s gotten?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, not yet. But I’ve tried everything - meditation, ibuprofen, exercise, listening to music all the time and just nothing works. I’m starting to lose it a little bit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why didn’t you tell me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m telling you now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chloe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s hard, okay? Having conversations with people is just so hard now. I got used to hearing what people are thinking and now- now I just- I don’t know how to talk about things anymore. I feel like I have half the information I need at any given moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know you can always talk to me about anything. I can’t help if I don’t know what’s wrong."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What could you have done?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’ve come across some relevant stuff in my research. You’re not the only telepath who’s had problems after a head injury."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What did the others do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, nothing that worked. Not yet. But I know The AM is constantly trying to figure it out and I plan on beating them to it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you and Joan are definitely going forward with forming your own organization?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. And this is exactly why. We know we can’t trust The AM - at least this division of it - but you need help. Actual medical help. And there’s nowhere for you to go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you want to change that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want to try. I mean, it’s just me and Joan right now but maybe once we have more research compiled and clear goals, we can get an MD or a scientist on board. I don’t really want to involve the boys more, but I’d definitely love to talk to Adam’s parents about their work."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m sure he’d be willing to introduce you to them. I think he’s worried about what to do if something happened to Caleb."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you seen him recently? Caleb, I mean."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, we hung out a bit this past weekend."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How’s he doing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’s okay. When was the last time you saw him?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My birthday."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was almost a month ago."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. Mark went running with him once—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yikes, in this weather?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, I’m pretty sure that’s why it was just the once."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But he hasn’t been by?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think he’s avoiding me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because I know what it’s like to have your ability make you do something destructive and permanent?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sam, it is so not the same."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I know it’s not. It’s not at all the same. Thank god. But I think maybe feeling my feelings is hard for him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Guilt you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He shouldn’t feel that guilty, in my opinion. He was defending his boyfriend. It got out of hand, yes, but I think he knows that. He knows that what he did wasn’t entirely his fault. That it was unfortunate, but it doesn’t make him a bad person. I think being around me makes him feel like a bad person."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know, you’re not a bad person either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can know that and still be chewed up inside by guilt. Still be afraid of what I could do without meaning to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You think you make Caleb afraid of himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think my emotions probably highlight some fears he already has, yeah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God, I think you’ve been spending too much time with Joan, you’re beginning to sound just like her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, yeah, I’ll admit - I’ve talked about this with her. What can I say, woman’s got insight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now you sound like Mark- it’s almost like you’re trying to become part of the family or something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are relentless. I swear, you’d matchmake the entire world if you could."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can’t help it, I love love."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And yet you are incredibly picky when it comes to your own love life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn’t saying there was. I just don’t want you to be focused so much on everyone else’s happiness that you forget your own."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I won’t, I promise. But you know how rare it is for me to really fall for someone. And then there’s the whole ace thing - some people don’t want to sign on for that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Which I think is dumb—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I get it. You can’t make a relationship work if what you both want out of a relationship is fundamentally incompatible."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, I guess. I think that person is out there for you, though. Someone that you’ll feel all those warm fuzzy feelings for and who will love you for who you are."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think so too. But I’m not in a rush."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you shouldn’t be. You’re not even twenty-two, the last thing you need to worry about is your romantic future."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Exactly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So stop bugging me about mine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fine! I’ll just continue to plan your wedding in my head."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh my god, I’m gonna kill you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey, I don’t want any trouble, I’ve seen your right hook."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At least you would have the advantage of seeing it coming."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Yeah…hopefully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "God, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, it’s okay. You just got used to me being able to hear everything clearly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re going to be okay, you know. It’s either going to get better on it’s own or we’ll find a solution."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sam. I don’t have to read your mind to know you don’t really believe that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s okay. Besides, my mom and I have come up with a sort of a temporary solution of sorts. That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m gonna go away for a little while."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What? What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My mom has this friend— an old friend who used to work at the university with her way back in the day. I think he’s an ex, but I couldn’t get a clear enough signal from her thoughts to know for sure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And this friend knows how to help you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He might. He used to be a librarian - information science guy, kind of like you - and he knows about atypicals. I guess a bunch of stuff went down when he and my mom were working together. Like bad things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What kind of bad things?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. My mom is so good at keeping her secrets and especially now, I have no way of getting to them. But I think it had something to do with The AM. Which would definitely explain why my mom has always been insistent about me staying away from them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did she get taken by them once?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I don’t think so. Ugh, it’s so frustrating, because I just get snippets from her thoughts and she won’t talk about it so I’m having to piece together all this information."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, wait, why does this mean you have to go away? Is your mom worried about The AM doing something?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no, nothing like that. I think she used to be worried about that because I used to hear stuff in her thoughts whenever I would bring up The AM. She would think things like, “I didn’t do all that just to have them take her”- her being me, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do all that?” What does that mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Again, I don’t know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sorry, I don't mean to push."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, it’s just— for the past year, being around my mom has been like chipping away at a wall that I never knew was there. We used to be so close - I thought we told each other everything. But I guess knowing someone’s thoughts can mean knowing they don’t always tell the truth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You think she’s been lying to you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think she’s been keeping things from me. Anyway, I’m going to go stay with this guy for a while."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because he knows stuff about atypicals."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, yeah, partly. But mostly it’s because he lives on this farm way out in the country so I can just be alone for a little while."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you want to do this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I need to do this. Being around people before was hard but rewarding. Getting to see people’s thoughts, know people in that way, it was beautiful. And now it’s fractured and broken in a way that grates. It’s frustrating and painful and just constantly reminds me what I’m missing. I think some quiet would do me good. And if he can help me great, but if not - at least I’ll have my own brain to myself for a little while."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How long are you going to be gone for?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. I’ve officially dropped out of school. I don’t know that it’s the right call, but I also don’t know if college was the right thing for me in the first place."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can always go back if you want to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. But for now, I need to focus on getting better. I’m just so tired, Sam. I know you understand what that’s like."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, I do. Will you call? Can we still talk and stuff?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, of course. I, you know, I’m not going to Antarctica. And I know myself. I know after a week, I’ll be dying for some socializing. My ex Alex actually lives about twenty miles away from the farm, so I’m hoping to go visit when I feel like I’m up to it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is this boy Alex or girl Alex?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Girl Alex."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And that’s the one you’re still on good terms with?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m actually on good terms with all of my exes, thank you very much."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course you are."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, yeah, she’s the one I’ve kept in touch with the most. But I haven’t seen her in years so it’ll be good to get some face time when I’m feeling better. But I’m honestly really looking forward to being in a place with nobody around for miles. Mr. Sandoval teaches four days a week so I’ll mostly have the place to myself during the day. I can take walks and keep practicing watercolors and listen to music and actually hear it for once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, that’ll be nice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once more with feeling?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sorry, I just- I’m gonna miss you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. Me too. But I think this will be good for me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. That’s all I care about. When do you leave?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Saturday."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jesus, that’s soon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, sorry, for the short notice. But I’ve got the whole day free, so what can I do to help?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We can go do something actually fun if you want. We don’t need to stay here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, come on, I’m going to help you organize. That is fun for you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you for indulging me. You’re a very good friend."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The best. Don’t forget that while I’m gone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I could never. Okay, let’s start with these files over here?\n-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sam, what’s this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is a file on the Hayes. Or on their work, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh yeah, it’s just preliminary notes about their research."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought you said you hadn’t talked to them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I haven’t. Not yet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you’ve asked Adam about it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, he doesn’t know that much."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did you ask Frank? You know he doesn’t like talking about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I didn’t ask Frank, I didn’t ask anyone. I- I went back in time. It took me a little while but I got there eventually and was able to see stuff first hand. Much more informative than hearing it recounted from someone who was there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You went back to the military experiments? The ones Frank was a part of?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um, yeah. But there were other people there. And Frank was only there one of the days I was there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don’t think that’s a little, I don’t know, invasive?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There’s no harm in watching what’s already happened. They don’t know I’m there and I’m using the research for good."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, but you also didn’t get permission to be there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’ve never gotten permission. And neither have you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I know and you know how conflicted I feel about that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s just- it’s a little different when you’re seeking it out, you know? It’s one thing to get dropped somewhere when you don’t mean to, isn’t it another to go spying on people we know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But it’s not like I’m, I don’t know, watching them sleep or anything. It’s their work and I’m not using it against them-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What, like I use my ability against people—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What? No, that’s not what I said—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just don’t want you to fall down some sort of weird slippery slope of invading privacy. The hacking was bad enough—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was hacking The AM—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So, what, just because we don’t like them, that makes it okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m doing it for good. Sure, maybe I know some personal things about people but I have the right reasons."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don’t you think that’s what The AM thought too?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not— I didn’t mean— just be careful, Sam. I know what it’s like to be able to get a glimpse into people’s lives— their pasts. I know how tempting it can be to just keep digging."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chloe, you know me. You know I’d never hurt anyone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I also know you’d do anything to protect the people you care about. Even if that gets you into trouble."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not going to get into trouble. I have stopped hacking them, you know. No more paper trail. Or, you know, digital trail."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you’re still getting information about their work so— oh, you’re going back to The AM too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Look, I know that I’ve been a little intense about starting this whole thing up but I’m not going to make the same mistakes they’ve made. I’m going back because I don’t want to make the same mistakes. I can learn from them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just trust me. This is for you. And Caleb and Mark and Frank and for me. I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have you all and I want to make sure there’s a place where atypicals can go. Not just a place where they get a Dr. Bright - that’s important and that will be a part of it - but one where they can meet other people like them. That’s just as important and it’s an area The AM has completely overlooked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. You’re right. And I do trust you. Sorry, I didn’t mean to— I just think this whole thing with my mom has me a little freaked out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not naive. I know that people are complicated. That they can mess up and do bad things even when they’re good at heart. I mean, I know I’ve done that - poked my head where it doesn’t belong, used my ability in ways that crossed a line. But I’m worried about what my mom has been hiding from me. I’m worried she did something to protect me that hurt someone else. And I know she’s a good person, but I didn’t think I could still be surprised by who someone is. I thought I knew her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You do, Chloe. She’s not a different person just because she has some secrets."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know that. But not being able to see clearly into people’s heads anymore...most of the time, my ability just confirmed what I already believed about people."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Really?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. I know that’s probably surprising. But most people, at their core, in their innermost thoughts, are good. And even when the bad thoughts come up, it doesn’t take away from who that person is. Because that just means they’re working to be kind. And that’s beautiful. And it far outweighs the people I would encounter with entirely ugly thoughts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But now that you can’t see either…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everything is just so much muddier. I find myself being suspicious of people. When I can’t hear people’s thoughts, I don’t know anything about them. They could be one of the bad ones and I would have no idea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know this is probably a cold comfort, but most of us get by okay without telepathy. You just figure out who to trust."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know and I lived most of my life like that. But it’s hard to go back. See? This is why I need to go away for a little while. I need to get my head on straight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chloe— are you running away?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I get wanting to be alone and get a change of scenery but that might not fix it. You can’t just hope that you’re gonna wake up one day and be better. You have to work at it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. That’s what I’ve been doing. And it’s not working. You said yourself that there’s not a solution for it. What am I supposed to do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I just want to make sure you’re not giving up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not. I’m just taking a break."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I should probably get going."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you sure?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I need to start packing and stuff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right. Are we okay?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Yeah, of course we are. I’m sorry if—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I’m sorry—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This will get easier, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Life? Specifically life as an atypical?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I— I don’t know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’ll see you before you leave, right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course. I’ll call you tomorrow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sounds good."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bye Sam. Don’t get trapped behind any more bookshelves."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’ll do my best. Bye, Chlo."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, hey!\nYeah, I gotta get home.\nWe’ll hang out later this week. Before I—\nJust for a little while.\nRight back at you.\nSome things are strong enough to cut through all the static. Has it been different at all for you since November? Sharing my ability?\nI don’t get it. Why does it work better for you than it does for me? I’m sorry, I know it’s not your fault—\nHas Sam asked you about it?\nAnd how do you feel about that?\nThat doesn’t answer my question.\nLike I said, it’s not your fault.\nYou shouldn’t. You did the right thing at the time - you couldn’t have just left him when he was like that, all helpless without his ability.\nIt’s different. We don’t know that he’s powerless.\nIt’s been a week, Mark, don’t go looking for trouble in your own thoughts. If Damien finally wants to leave us all alone, we should just be thankful.\nHow’s the job hunt going?\nHow are you otherwise?\nHave you thought about talking to someone? Like a professional someone?\nYou’re thinking about leaving too? You’re thinking really loudly right now.\nYou really think one person could do that?\nHave you talked to Joan or Sam about any of this?\nYou’ll never be without them, not really. No matter where you go.\nExactly. I’ll still call. It’s way easier to talk that way anyway. Soon you’ll be sick of me.\nBe honest, you’re a little relieved that you won’t have to hear people’s thoughts anymore.\nAnd now it’s my turn. Next time you see me, I’ll be a new woman. Relaxed and in control.\nWill do.\nOf course.\nBye, Mark.\nHey Mom! Yeah, I’m headed home now. Yes, I called him. It’s been good. Yeah, she’s good, I helped her organize her office a little bit. Yeah, I told her. She thinks she can find a solution. No, I know, I’m not going to count on it. Um, no, it’s been— yeah, okay, I have a little bit of a headache. All day. Yeah, it's worse than yesterday, and last week— I know. I’m gonna be fine. I mean, come on, it has to get worse before it gets better, right?\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 46 Transcript\n46 - Damien\nHello?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(over the phone) Good morning, Robert."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you want?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m merely checking in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you have to do it every fucking morning?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I take it nothing's changed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why would I tell you if it had?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because Damien, you’re not an idiot. If your power comes back, you know we’ll know. Best to be upfront."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Says you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Has it come back?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn’t think so. Any change whatsoever?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, that’s very disappointing, isn’t it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you care so much, why don’t you try to actually help me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m checking in, aren’t I? That counts."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You calling every morning at six AM does not count as helping. I think I’d call it harassment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, well, you would recognize that behavior wouldn’t you? You kept calling on Joan at all hours of the day after she tried to refer you to another therapist. I’ll defer to your expert opinion on what constitutes harassment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was looking for help. You’re looking for an asset."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Were you looking for help, Robert? Or were you just bored."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was looking for help alleviating my boredom."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, of course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How about we just agree that, if something changes, I’ll call you. In the meantime, let me sleep in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh please, I’m not going to trust you to reach out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought you said you’d know—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Besides, if I can’t keep you at the facility, this is the next best thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you wanted to keep me so bad, why didn’t you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My superiors didn’t like it. I’m sure they’ll change their minds when you have your ability back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wouldn’t hold your breath on that, sweetheart, I’m just your average Joe now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can still feel the edges of others’ consciousness. I’d say that’s a little beyond average."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, little good it does me. Well, this has been charming as always, but I’d like to go back to bed now, so-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Robert, don’t you know that the early bird gets the worm? You need to get out there, seize the day, especially now that you can’t live off your ability."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, thanks for the reminder."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Really, you should be grateful for these wake up calls. I’m trying to help you adjust to your new existence. And the sooner you feel one hundred percent, the sooner your ability will come back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You really think so?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only one way to find out. Now get out there and take control back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Psychopath.\nUgh, fine.\nWhere’s the- goddammit.\nOf course.\n-\nFine, fine, I’m leaving, okay, no need to get hostile. Asshole.\nFuck, what the- what are you doing here?\nWhat, at this 7-11?\nI also live here. Not the 7-11.\nYes. What?\nWhat, didn’t picture me in such a nice part of town?\nYeah, well, I own a place around the corner. I mean, technically. You know, the landlord signed it over to me. They may have regretted it after the fact.\nYeah, small world. How long have you lived around here?\nUh-huh. Wadsworth hasn’t sent you to look after me?\nI wouldn’t put it past her.\nI ran out of coffee.\nWhat?\nAh, yeah, that. Well, uh, it seems that normal people have to pay for things. I kind of forgot about that pesky little detail.\nWhat?\nWell, it’s not like I was exactly building my investment portfolio, now was I?\nSpare me the sales pitch, okay? I’ll figure something out. I always do.\nWhat?\nI don’t want your money.\nIt’s just coffee. I’ll be fine.\nFine.\nDickhead.\n-\nMark! Marky, Marky, Mark—\nI still have Dr. B’s home phone number.\nI know! Of course I know. She works. She’s got one of those thing-a-ma-jigs- the job. But you’re home.\nYou know, I think I am. Yeah, I haven’t gotten drunk in so long. You know, I stopped. Because it was…you know, I don’t think I’ve ever actually had a legal drink until today. By the time I was twenty-one, I knew I didn’t like it.\nIt doesn’t matter now. Before- before it made it hard to stay in control, you know? I’d get sloppy, not smart. You can’t be sloppy when you can do what I can do. Do what I did. Hey, I can’t do it anymore So it doesn’t matter. I can get drunk now because it doesn’t matter what I want. Just like you said. It makes fuck-all difference.\nHow would you know? I have a hard time believing that the boy scout had a misspent youth.\nWhat, are you drunk?\nBut it’s the middle of the day!\nI have an excuse. Today is a special day - there are exceptions.\nHm?\nI wasn’t planning on getting drunk. I mean, I never do anything today, I just let it go by every single year-\nBut then Agent Green just handed me a wad of cash and I thought, “hey, why not? Why not go spend this on an expensive bottle of bourbon instead of being practical, that’d really piss him off”. It took me a while to find a place that didn’t ask for ID because, you know, I don’t have one—\nSure did. He basically threw it at me on the sidewalk. I didn’t even ask. I mean, it wasn't me- I didn't do anything. He was just being, I don’t know, nice? Was he being nice?\nNo, no, no. They don’t want me. They don’t want me and you don’t want me but who the fuck cares, I don’t need any of you anyway.\nBored.\nBack to what? Drinking yourself into oblivion?\nI know you, Mark—\nIs that what you want? You want me to apologize?\nNo, don’t hang up, just— you know. You know what it’s like, Mark. You know what it’s like to not feel your ability and I just— it’s awful. It’s so awful and you could be just a little bit more sympathetic about it.\nI’ve been a shoulder for you.\nThat place is horrible.\nNo, no, no, come on, I wasn’t going to actually do anything to him—\nI- nothing. I wouldn’t have gone through with anything. It was just-\nA means to an end. I wouldn’t have hurt her. You know that.\nYou know my bark is worse than my bite.\nHaving this ability isn’t easy, you know that first hand—\nAnyone would do the same—\nMark—\nFuck.\n-\nHello to you too.\nYeah, I’m fine. Just a little hungover.\nIt was a rough morning.\nWhat do you think happened, I drank half a bottle of bourbon, drunk dialed my— then I took a nap and a cold shower and now I’m here and I’ve got a headache so can we skip all the probing questions about The AM for today?\nGod bless you.\nYou’re nineteen.\nHe’s not an- I mean, he’s not- it was never like that.\nYeah. Something.\nWhat did I say about the probing questions?\nYeah, it sort of is.\nJust drop it, Rose.\nBit better now that I’m out of that place.\nI said better, not perfect.\nYeah, what are we doing here?\nOkay…\nLook, if it’s someone from The AM, you know I’m not interested.\nOh. Thank you.\nYeah? I wouldn’t be too sure. You only got into one dream. That doesn’t show you everything.\nAren’t we all hiding something? I mean, can we ever really know another person?\nIt’s an honest question. How are things going with Emily?\nHave you told her yet?\nSo that’s a no then. Kinda proves my point.\nBecause I’m the only atypical you know that you’re not related to?\nI’m not exactly on speaking terms with them at the moment.\nI said leave it alone, alright? What about this person who’s gonna help me? They must know other atypicals.\nWait, why are we meeting here? Why this park? Who is this person?\nOh, fuck, you gotta be kidding me.\nShit.\nMy shadow.\nWhat?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you always answer the phone in such a hostile manner?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caller ID is a beautiful thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’ve had quite the eventful day, haven’t you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not particularly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did you and Agent Green chat about?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Excuse me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did he say to you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who says we talked at all?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know you spoke to him this morning at around six-thirty AM."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jesus christ, are you having me followed?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did you talk about?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Convenience store coffee."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Guess we both go for shitty 7-11 coffee. Have to say, I was surprised. I would have thought your boy there would go for the fancy pour-over place that just opened up in our neighborhood."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our neighborhood?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, looks like we might run into each other from time to time. Small world, huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Agent Green lives on the opposite side of town."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you, Damien, this has been very informative."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Glad to be of service."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be talking to Rose Atkinson."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did you implant a tracker in me or something? Oh my god, wait, did you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rose is an excellent example of the good The AM can do. We don’t want you poisoning her against us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rose can make up her own damn mind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Stay out of it, Damien. Go adjust to your new life - get a job, get proper identification, rejoin society. Put all of this behind you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, no thanks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don’t say I didn’t warn you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We done?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I highly doubt it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Great. I’ll look forward to your call at ass-o-clock in the morning tomorrow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Excellent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ta-ta—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, oh, Robert?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God, what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Happy birthday."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fuck you.\nNo one.\nI should go.\nYeah, I don’t think this is a good idea.\nYeah, I know.\nNever mind. I just- I have a feeling she won’t be able to help me.\nShe’s expecting me.\nOh, I’m most definitely going to disappoint.\nHey, Dr. B.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 48 Transcript\n48 - Mark\n(gasps)\nHey, what are you doing up so early?\nParents?\nMm. You okay?\nYou could have woken me.\nIf only it were that easy.\nYeah.\nParents, actually.\nAbsolutely not.\nSo whatcha doing?\nHow long have you been up?\nSam—\nYou know, it surprises me a bit that one of your recurring nightmares is being left alone in the world.\nNo, I know that. But you’re master of your own universe, you know? That’s one of the things I- I just really admire about you. I mean, look at you right now - four in the morning, just going to town on some files. If you were actually the last person on earth, I could totally see you pulling a Twilight Zone and lining up all the books that you wanted to read.\nUh-huh, exactly.\nYeah, you still get freaked out whenever anything moves from your bedside table.\nI’m here, moving things around.\nNot something you’d have to worry about as the last person on earth.\nNot really. I had people to watch. I had you to talk to, eventually. I know some of your trips - and your nightmares - aren’t like that.\nBut in a dream, you don’t know that.\nNext time, wake me up.\nYeah, because you’re already always awake.\nYes you are, you operate on, like, no sleep. I’m really starting to think that you’re some kind of actual superhero.\nWith her steadfast companion Repressed Trauma Boy.\nYeah, yeah, we’ve fully entered the no-making-sense stage of the middle of the night.\nHush, you, you put your files away and go to bed.\nLearned from the best.\n-\nDo you think Caleb and Adam are mad at me?\nOh come on, I know you’re awake. It's just- yesterday, I was- do you think they’re mad?\nI know, I know. It’s just- every time I look at him, I see her.\nI know that.\nYeah. Maybe. How would that even work though? I’m ten years older than the kid. It's not like we're gonna hang.\nIt was?\nBecause that was such a resounding success. Last I checked, we accidentally got a minor completely smashed.\nMore of what? Binge drinking as a group?\nMaybe get some more research materials while we’re at it?\nEspecially about me.\nStill no luck getting into my files, huh?\nThat's too bad. Hacker Sam is kind of hot.\nCan you not ask me serious questions while I’m trying to flirt with you? No. I don’t know. I doubt that there’s anything in there that would surprise me- I mean, I was there but if you need it—\nBut you’ll observe how my ability works around our friends?\nWow, that was really convincing.\nWhat are you so worried is going to happen?\nShe scares you.\nBut I’m out. And she’s not coming after me and if she did, you’d come rescue me again.\nSo there were a few bumps in the road. You were still my knight in shining armor. You saved me from the dragon.\nThis metaphor is getting away from you, babe—\nYou need to know how to make a sword that will kill all kinds of dragons.\nYou know, you can take the cape off for a day, Anxiety Girl. The world is not going to crumble around you.\nThen Repressed Trauma Boy will be here to help you ignore it.\nBut scotch is how Repressed Trauma Boy gets his powers.\nOh, look, it’s morning, time to get up and carpe the diem!\nLooks like it’s going to be a good day for picture-taking, so I think I’ll spend it wandering around. What do you have on the agenda for the day?\nSam, this is one of those things. One of those things that I don’t want to talk about, okay?\nFine, do you want to talk about how I can hardly cook here because if I leave the stove for a second, you turn off the gas and take everything off the heat? Or about how you still won’t get into a car with me? Or about how sometimes I wake up in the morning and you’re not there - you’re not anywhere - and you come back and won’t talk to me for, like, half a day? It’s not even like you’re ignoring me, it’s like you forget I’m there.\nThen why do you go on trips in the middle of the night? Why was the past half hour one of the only times in months we’ve actually been in bed together in the morning?\nBut that’s not always what it is, sometimes you’re just gone and unless your control is slipping and you’re just not telling me—\nWhy?\nI think I’ve made it pretty clear that this isn’t some kind of fling—\nI’m not that kind of guy, Sam—\nThen what is?\nYou met your superpower-ed boyfriend in 1810, you still don’t really have normal people things.\nDo you trust me?\nThen trust that I’ll be there even if you sleep in for once in your life.\nDarwin and I aren’t going anywhere.\nI didn’t have a drink for four years, Sam, I think I’m due—\nDon’t try to diagnose me, I get that enough from Joan—\nI do. I do! I just— talking to her has been hard since— you know, we’ve been walking on eggshells around each other for the last three months and I don’t know how to make things go back to normal. I hurt her and she hurt me and normally we’d just do the classic Bryant freeze out for a few weeks but this isn’t her disapproving of art school or me disliking her boyfriend. It’s all too big.\nSam—\nAnd what, you’re going to sit in this big house all by yourself?\nAre you sure he’s the one who’s becoming too attached to me?\nYou’re never going to get over that are you.\nAlso Frank is better.\nOkay. I will have some quality sibling bonding time.\nBaby steps, Samantha.\nYou think I haven’t noticed how both of you have stopped buying alcohol?\nTouche.\nThese metaphors have got to stop. Yeah. I will. So. If I’m spending the weekend with Joan, I think I should try and do that other thing first.\nDo you think you could get all the paperwork together this morning?\nNicely done, Anxiety Girl."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mark, what are you doing here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey Joanie, do you have a sec?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, several."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can I have Damien’s address? I’m gonna try to take care of that today."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, of course. Sam didn’t have it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She probably did but I- I wanted to talk to you, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You did?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, of course, I still value your opinion on things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I never could have guessed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can we not? Do the whole passive-aggressive pseudo-silent-treatment thing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not trying to do any kind of passive-aggressive pseudo-silent-treatment thing, that’s your MO, not mine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You invented it! I didn’t come here for a fight. I just—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Got bullied by Samantha into talking to your sister?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Yes. Jesus, did she give you the same talk?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She did."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think you were too good of a therapist to her, Joanie, she’s so much better at talking about her feelings than I am."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you’ve always been better than me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So we’re really screwed, huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pretty much."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not mad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. You’re going to have to be a bit more specific."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "About you taking him to The AM. I know you think that I’m mad at you, but I’m not. It was the right call."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re mad I didn’t side with you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn’t say that I was mad about anything. But, yeah, a little."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I did what I thought was best for you in the long run. I won’t apologize for that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, that’s not my issue. You know how much I hate being treated with kid gloves. You’re always the one making unilateral decisions for us and I’m tired of it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We took a vote, Mark. I’m not obligated to vote with you just because I’m your sister."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. But it still stung. After everything I told you, it still stung."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I’m sorry for that. But it was the best decision."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, it was. Little good it’s done us now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought you’d have been happy about the most recent development. We got the best of both worlds - Damien lived and he didn’t get trapped in The AM forever. And, based on what Rose said, it doesn’t even sound like he was treated all that badly there anyway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, well, you can’t quantify someone’s suffering, Joanie. Come on, you’re a psychologist, you know that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Psychologists have feelings too, Mark. I’m not trying to be insensitive - I don’t approve of what The AM is doing, you know that - but I think I’m allowed a little bias when it comes to Damien."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re not usually the one who holds grudges, Joanie."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, well, I’ve changed somewhat in the past five years."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I know. Why do you think we have such a hard time talking now? We don’t even know each other anymore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don’t say that. That’s not true."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just don’t know what to do, Joanie. I thought I knew who you were and who I was and who we were but everything that’s happened- I’m just lost."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re not the only one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Want to talk about it tonight? I’ll make you dinner."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know, China House is still open."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stop. Do they still make their dumplings with a metric ton of grease?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I believe they do. I haven’t ordered from them in a while but it might be fun to relive my grad school days."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, let’s do it. I’ll pick up that beer you like— or, uh, actually, why don’t I pick up some dessert. Tblisi’s?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing pairs quite as well with terrible Chinese takeout as a Russian pastry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Exactly. What time are you done today?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Uh, I’m not sure. I’ll be home around 5 probably?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alright, perfect. So I’ll just go do this then."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What are you going to say to him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. I don’t really have what you’d call a “plan”."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You rarely do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Exactly. And things always turn out fine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You were kidnapped and then in a coma for two years and then kidnapped again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right, yes, valid point."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t want to- I don’t know how to help you without psychoanalyzing you so I’m just going to say that I’m here. If you want to talk through it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thanks, Joanie. I don’t really know what there is to talk through."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How are you feeling about seeing him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you’re not going to psychoanalyze me, don’t try to therapize me either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s just a question, Mark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. I haven’t seen him since, well, since The Incident, you know? So...it’s not like we had a real conversation then either. Although I guess the phone call the other day counts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why did you even pick up?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn’t know it was him. And then he was smashed beyond belief and it just sort of caught me off guard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Being without his ability has clearly rattled him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. He kept saying that it was allowed because it was a special day. I have no idea what he was talking about."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What day did he call you again?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, Thursday."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah. His birthday."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait, really?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s the one piece of biographical information about Damien that I always suspected was actually true. I think he hoped I would acknowledge it somehow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fat chance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed. What did you two talk about?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not much. I mostly yelled at him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why didn’t you just hang up?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I- I don’t know. There’s like- like some weird Pavlovian response. I spent three months answering his questions and now when I hear his voice it’s like I drop right back into that mode. That’s pretty fucked up, isn’t it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can’t say I’m thrilled about it. Are you sure you want to do this? You don’t have to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know I don’t. But I think I need to. I need closure I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Closure on what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. Guess we’re going to find out though."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mark—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ll be fine, Joanie. I’ll see you tonight, okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you at all feel his power come back—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ll get out of there, I promise. But he doesn’t have any control over me anymore. Not- not in the atypical sense at least."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We are going to talk about this when you get home."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, goodie."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Be careful.\n-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s me.\nCan I come in?\nJust- I don’t want to do this in the hallway, okay?\nWow. Um, this is a really nice place.\nHuh, it really is gone, isn’t it?\nI can’t feel anything. I don’t have access to your ability anymore.\nNo. No, I’m here for myself.\nAre you trying to make small talk?\nWhy did they let you out?\nWas it bad?\nAre you okay?\nI honestly don’t know, Damien. I- I shouldn’t fucking care how you are. But I do. This toxic whatever - you made me care and now I’m trapped in that.\nOh, so you didn’t use your ability to make me like you?\nAnd nothing else bled through, right? Because you have such perfect control.\nYou— Okay, what- what do you feel about me exactly?\nYou kidnap me, try to bond with me in whatever weird fucking way makes sense to you, drunk dial me on your birthday—\nHow do you think?\nWell, it’s not like you two were ever friends!\nDoing what right?\nIs that all you wanted?\nAll you wanted was a friend. Someone to connect to.\nMore power. More control. You don’t see a difference, do you? Between someone you connect with and someone you control.\nIt didn’t have to be like that—\nNo, no, but you do choose what you do with it. I don’t understand how you still don’t get that.\nDid you ever try?\nExcuse me?\nDon’t try and play her game on me, Damien. I played it for years, I know how it works.\nI recognize Wadsworth-speak when I hear it. You know, I’m surprised you didn’t connect with her. If anyone understands being a manipulative asshole, it’s Wadsworth. But, oh no, that’s right, you don’t like being on the other side of the equation.\nAnd is that it, Damien? No one ever loved you so you’re bitter forever?\nSome of us can be rejected by our parents and not lash out with a decade of abusive behavior.\nWhat the hell is that supposed to mean?\nWadsworth told you some stories, huh?\nYes.\nIt’s not at all the same. I was being experimented on. I had no choice.\nNo, I had a gun to my head. You’ve made choice after choice that has led to other people getting hurt.\nYou think I still care?\nAnd what about you? Do you care? Not just about my ability or what I could do for you. Did you ever actually care about me?\nYeah, yeah you did, Damien, and that’s what had me so fucked up because I never could tell what was real and what was you trying to get information from me.\nOf course it matters. Pretending to be my friend just to use my ability is not the same as being my friend.\nTo do what? What was the plan?\nBut you never asked me! You never asked what I wanted, how I felt. You just- you made all the decisions for us.\nYeah, at first. But I begged you- I begged you to take me back to my sister and you made me believe that I couldn’t trust her. You have no idea what that did to me, Damien. You and Wadsworth took something that was already fragile and you just- you shattered it. The person I love most in this world and you took her away from me.\nI’m not, I'm not, I’m just trying to make you understand.\nThat I’m telling you you hurt me. I’ve told you over and over. And I need you to understand that that’s real, no matter how much you try ignore me or try to justify what you did. You hurt me and that isn’t something you get to control.\nThat’s free will, Damien! It’s not fair. None of it is fucking fair. And that’s life. We bleed and fight and love and hate and hurt each other even when we don’t mean to—\nBut you kept doing it! Even when I told you what I needed, what I wanted, it was always about you—\nIf you treat other people like disposable toys, eventually they’re going to leave before you can throw them away.\nNo, you just lied to me for months! Kept me in a little box that you only opened when it was convenient for you. And that was just to start.\nIt hasn’t been long enough for what?\nI’m sorry, what?\nDamien, I came here to—\nOf course I’m still pissed about what happened in November—\nWe can what?\nI’m sorry, are you saying you’ve just been biding your time? That’s why you haven’t contacted any of us? Because you just assumed that “time would heal all wounds” and then you could be part of the gang?\nYeah, Damien, we all make mistakes, but there are different fucking degrees of mistakes, you know? God, are you saying that if you did have your ability still that you would have just mind warped us all into forgiving you?\nOf course there is!\nWow, wow, okay, no, you know what? This is good. This is what I needed.\nI needed confirmation that you actually are the unrepentant bastard everyone thinks that you are.\nNo, Damien, I came here to- I wanted you to make a different choice, I guess. I hoped that maybe you’d have changed a little. But you honest to god haven’t learned a thing, have you? You never do. And I keep expecting you to and you don’t and so I am ending this cycle right now.\nIt means, Damien, that we’re done. We are well and truly done.\nNo you weren’t. God, I can’t believe anything you say. I don’t know if you or the ability came first but you’re too twisted together for me to tell you apart.\nOf course you are. You’re- you’re poisonous. You- you want me to forgive you but you won’t actually do anything about it - I don’t think you really actually understand what you need to be forgiven for. So let’s have a fun recap: you forced my sister to give you therapy and tell you things she would never tell anyone, you kidnapped me, lied to me, threatened to make the woman I love kill herself, attempted to kidnap a teenager, and then manipulated a completely innocent girl so you could get back in our lives.\nAnd do you even know what you did to Chloe?\nBut physically assaulting her did. Did you know she’s had a hard time using her power ever since you knocked her out? She’s had to go away. She’s in pain. And she might never recover, by the way. You did that.\nAnd all the while, my head was so fucked up from you brainwashing me for months that I actually felt bad for you this whole time. I don’t— you honestly made me question, like, reality and, yeah, I don’t know what that says about me but I know that’s not entirely my fault. The things you’ve done are unforgivable. What you did to Chloe? Unforgivable. Sam and Adam- what you threatened to do to them, that is unforgivable. Do you understand that?\nWhy should I believe a goddamn word that comes out of your mouth, Damien? You made me doubt myself - my own thoughts - and I’m done compensating for that doubt by trusting in you. I’m sorry that your life has been hard and I’m sorry that you got fucked around by Wadsworth - that’s the last thing I wanted, trust me. And I’m honestly sorry I couldn’t be what you needed. But this isn’t good for either of us. And I’m done trying to make you better. It just makes me feel worse.\nDamien, maybe you can go somewhere else, move on, learn how to be someone who doesn’t poison everyone they meet, I don’t know, but you can’t stay here.\nYou need to get out of here. Out of this apartment, out of this city, out of our lives for good.\nExtremely.\nIt absolutely does.\nWhy not? What’s left for you here?\nNot anymore.\nIf you don’t leave, I can’t promise what will happen to you.\nI’m not threatening you, I’m trying to— Wadsworth will come after you. The AM will come after you. It’s only a matter of time. You should just get out while you can.\nI have people who will protect me.\nThis isn’t about some dumb clique, Damien, this is about the fact that your presence here makes people I love feel unsafe. Makes me feel unsafe.\nYou already have. That’s the whole fucking point.\nThere isn’t. This is just who you are, Damien—\nNo, you can’t.\nYou think that’s what I want? To be the one calling the shots? That’s not- Damien, it’s not supposed to work like that.\nI can’t, I’m sor— there I go again, the one apologizing when, with all of that, it never occurred to you to just fucking say “I’m sorry”.\nNo, no, don’t. Maybe you can change, Damien. I really hope you can. But you can’t do it with me. You scorched all the earth beneath us and this is me salting the ground.\n-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh good, you’re back. The food just arrived—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh shit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What is it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I forgot to get the pastry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s okay. Mark, are you alright?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know, Joanie. I honestly have no fucking clue."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you— how did it go?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think he’ll leave. I gave him all the new paperwork that Sam whipped up and it’s— it’s over. I never have to see him again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. Okay, that’s good. Do you want to talk about it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why did I care about him, Joan? Why did I want him to be better?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I— I don’t know, Mark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God, I need a drink."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. Right, okay. Did you get the dumplings?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Extra grease and all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’ll have to do.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 49 Transcript\n49 - Movie Night"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sam? I think the TV is broken!\nNothing, it’s just gone totally blank!\nI hit lots of buttons, but I don’t know what any of them did.\nGod, these new-fangled machines are so needlessly complicated.\nI’m still catching up, okay?\nOh, yeah, I was trying to chromecast Lemonade because it’s not on demand anywhere — do you have a Tidal account? Also, what is Tidal?\nOh, yeah, I was just looking around.\nI’m not having a lot of luck here. This is actually something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hello, hello. Listen, I know it’s March and therefore technically spring, but I brought ingredients for hot chocolate and enough marshmallows to feed an army."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey, sis."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Everything alright?\nUh-oh, did you figure it out?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yep. All good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good. Because I was promised a musical extravaganza.\n-\nI cannot believe you’ve never seen Singing in the Rain!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Singing in the Rain is not an old movie— it’s a classic. It’s the best musical film ever made. It has everything: song, dance, comedy, drama, Debbie Reynolds and Gene Kelly—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Truly something for everyone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Exactly.\nOh my god, here we go—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m sorry, it just doesn’t compare!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“High Society” is the far superior musical adaptation of The Philadelphia Story—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A perfect movie—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ignore my brother, High Society is better."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ignore my sister. The Philadelphia Story has Jimmy Stewart, Katharine Hepburn, and Cary Grant. I mean, that’s the dream. Right there, that’s the dream."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But High Society has music by Cole Porter!\nIt’s okay if you want to agree with me, Sam. My brother will forgive you.\nThat can’t stand, you have a bias—\nBut High Society literally has a song called, “I Love You Samantha!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, yes, exactly!\nYou’re quite a girl aren’t you?\nYeah, I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The surprise may also be coming from me— I thought you couldn’t abide romantic stories, Sam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I think I can take credit for that.\nHonestly, she sounds like how Joanie was in high school—\nOh yeah, she was in charge of every science club the school had. She even started her own Women in Science Club—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I was the only member, so I’m not sure that counts.\nI wonder if the club still exists."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, no. Joanie moved here for grad school and I followed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know, Mark, I’m not the only one who accomplished a lot in high school — if I remember correctly, you were elected student body president twice. Without running."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now hold on, that’s putting it on a bit strongly—\nIt was a very elaborate prank that my friends somehow pulled off two years in a row— I never actually took the position. I wasn’t even on the ballot!\nWhat do you mean?\nOh, no. I don’t think so anyway. I didn’t even really know I was atypical until college actually.\nYeah, I mean, my ability needs other atypicals to work so…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We know that atypical abilities are genetic to an extent but we’ve been unable to predict why it appears in some individuals and not others of the same genetic line.\nExactly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There’s still plenty of time.\nUm-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, they weren’t."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sounds good to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that your landline?\nWhat’s the singalong protocol?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh boy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Typically, Mark and I sing along to these kinds of movies, but if it’s Caleb’s first time seeing it—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, you have no idea.\nDo you want us to wait?\nHey, what’s going on, I can feel you freaking out from the other room—\nNot that I’m complaining, but what was that for?\nI was only in the other room.\nWhat’s going on, Sam?\nWhat?\nYou never know. That’s what’s so…unsettling about her.\nFor what?\nBetter than not telling me.\nHey, what did we agree? Repressed Trauma Boy is drinking hot chocolate and hot chocolate alone - maybe Anxiety Girl can take a night off?\nExactly.\nThat’s why I came in here. There is a mighty need.\nNo offense, babe, but I wouldn’t even trust you with Swiss Miss. But do you wanna send Joan in? I know she’ll have opinions about the exact temperature of the milk or whatever.\nI’m safe, Sam. I may burn my fingers melting chocolate, but I’m safe."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You haven’t started yet, have you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not yet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good. You always burn the chocolate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do not!\nSmart move, Sam, my sister is a terrible dictator in the kitchen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lies and slander—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know, I am capable of boiling milk on my own. I am not eight anymore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s amazing you didn’t burn the entire house down with that particular experiment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s amazing I didn’t burn the house down with a lot of things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s why you have me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don’t have to take care of me anymore, Joanie. Actually, that was never your job."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No one else was doing it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey, aren’t I the one who’s supposed to be resentful of our parents?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t see why we can’t use it as a sibling bonding exercise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just let it go, Joanie. They’re not going to call me back and that’s fine. Well, no, it’s not, but it is what it is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So you’re telling me you’ve let it go?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. As much as I can, I guess. I should have known they wouldn’t want to talk to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re their son. You were missing for years. They should have called you back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I’m their son who was missing for years because he’s atypical. They never accepted me for what I am, they were never going to accept me being in trouble for it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think they were relieved at least. That you were safe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You talked to them?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very briefly. I called about a week after you left them the message. I thought maybe they hadn’t heard it somehow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But they had."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Figures. You can’t fix something that’s been broken that long."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had to try."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It isn’t yours to fix."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course it is. It’s my family."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look, I’m okay with it. Or, at least, as okay with it as I’m ever gonna be. So you can be okay with it too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very well."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So, um, Wadsworth called."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just now. That’s who Sam was talking to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did she want?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Guess she’s pissed about Damien skipping town."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah. I hadn’t realized he was officially gone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. A few days ago. Looks like he ended up using the documents Sam made for him because he’s hidden from Wadsworth: now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s good. How are you doing with about it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was weird, Sam barely had to tell me. I woke up a few days ago and just felt lighter. I wasn’t sure he was ever going to go, I kept worrying he was gonna show up at our door but now I’m just relieved."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Me too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was gonna tell you when you got here but then the boys showed up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don’t you think they’d want to know?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They think he left a month ago. I don’t see the point in contradicting that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, well, it certainly took him long enough."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Anyway, I didn’t want another night wrecked by him but here we are I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing’s wrecked. You’re not wrecked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn’t say—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you were thinking it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah.\nFuck."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here, let me. Go run your hand under water."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it totally burnt?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We can just make more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? Why are you smiling at me like that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s just— it’s like old times. Same old Mark, getting distracted and letting the milk boil over."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey, you were standing right here too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s not a criticism. It’s nice. Some things don’t change."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s me. Same old Mark."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re going to be okay, Mark. Damien’s gone, we’ll deal with Wadsworth, and you’ll be okay. I promise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. Yeah, I’ll be okay.\n-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So what did we think?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, victory!\nWhat’s funny?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rose, are you alright?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let’s do it. My Fair Lady?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sounds good to me. But just one more - we shouldn’t keep you all out too late."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not all bad though."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s nice to have you around, Rose.\n-\nThat’s alright—\nYou do?\nI understand that. I find it soothing as well.\nReally?\nAnd then he has the audacity to sleep through it.\nWhy do you say that?\nI can understand that.\nCongratulations on Yale by the way. I don’t think I said that yet.\nI’ll bet.\nYes?\nIt is a challenging school but I have no doubt that you’ll do very well there.\nIt’s scary to move away from home.\nIt’s alright, Adam—\nYou’re an only child, correct?\nIt is. And you’ll find another group like this at college, I have no doubt.\nNo. No, I suppose not.\nNo one person can be everything for someone.\nCaleb hasn’t heard back from schools yet, has he?\nHas Caleb received his admission letters?\nAre you alright, Adam?\nDo you want to sit down?\nI thought I told Mark to soak that.\nI’ll leave it to you then and go wake everyone up so you can get headed home.\nFor what?\nYou’re welcome.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 5 Transcript\n05 - Patient #11-A-7 (Caleb)\nPatient #11-A-7. Session 10. Last session I encouraged the patient to make contact with a student in his class. He has been feeling this particular student’s emotions much more strongly than the emotions of any others. I don’t know what the reason for this could be, but I think it’s important for him to try and get to know this boy so that he can learn to balance the incoming emotions more effectively.\nCome in, Caleb. It’s good to see you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, you too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How are you feeling today?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, good. Great actually. Like, like, really great."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I feel really excited. Like, bubbly? Ugh, no, that’s a dumb word."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you notice anything new about Sarah today?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your secretary? No…not really. Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She just got engaged. Last night, in fact. She hasn’t stopped smiling all day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, wow, good for her. So that’s why- right, of course, it is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry, Caleb. I know it’s frustrating."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God forbid I’m happy for my own reasons. I thought it was a little weird that I felt good when I walked in here. I had a pretty shitty day at school."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In what way?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just…I felt, like, out of it today. It was just an overwhelming day. Too many feelings all jumbled up. You know how that is. It just - it always puts me on edge."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don’t you have English on Fridays? Is Adam no longer drowning everything else out?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, he is. But- like, I guess he called in sick today? I don’t know, it’s not like I know what’s going on in his life, but he wasn’t at school. And, I don’t know, I guess it was kind of nice just feeling one person. I’d gotten kind of used to it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You missed him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I didn’t miss him. It just- you know, he simplified things, I guess. Made it easier to breathe. Even if he’s like, so fucking sad all the time. Or he was. He’s been a little better this week."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I take it you talked to him like I asked?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I did."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How did that go?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Really badly at first, to be honest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I was all ready on Monday to do what you said. To talk to him and maybe see if he wanted to eat lunch together, or whatever. I mean, it’s not like I’m responsible for him or anything, but of all the ideas you’ve had, it’s one of the less head-shrink-y ones. The guy really does feel like he could use a friend. I guess it might as well be me, you know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m glad you feel that way, Caleb. You’re a very caring boy and you shouldn’t be afraid to let people see that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, sure, whatever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But it went badly? Did he say no?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, he didn’t get a chance to. I walked into class and he was sitting there listening to his Snow Patrol or whatever the fuck it is he listens to. And he was feeling really- really…ugh, I don’t know. Like...like, sad but calm? I don’t know. It was like, lonely but sort of resigned to it. Like, I felt alone but it didn’t hurt really. It was just kind of this quiet sadness, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can understand that. Sometimes being alone can be nice. We can be content in being a little lonely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure, yeah, I guess so. The music was soothing him a bit I think. So maybe he wasn’t listening to Snow Patrol then."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What happened next?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I was just sort of standing there and looking at him. Just adjusting to the feelings, you know? And then he looks up at me so I start walking towards him and then I start feeling really nervous and like, really hot. Like, temperature hot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s understandable that you’d be nervous to talk to him. It can be hard making new friends."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, it wasn’t me. I mean, sometimes it’s hard to tell, but these feelings were definitely someone else’s."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How do you know?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s like they didn’t fit into my body. Usually, it’s either that the feelings are all just jumbled up, like in most of my classes, when there are a bunch of different people feeling a bunch of different things. And then sometimes, it just takes over and kind of finds, like a, like a home in my chest. Like with Adam."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean it finds a home?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well…I don’t know. It’s like…when I’m around him, whatever he’s feeling just sort of settles into me and sits there. Next to my own feelings. Like, his sadness, or whatever, becomes my sadness."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Does that happen with anyone else when you’re one on one with them?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I guess. Like, when my mom is worried, I feel worried. And I know it’s hers but I also feel like it’s mine a bit. It’s got a different color to it from my own, but sometimes the edges blur together and it creates a new kind of color. Does that make sense?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It does. So, for example, if your emotions are yellow and Adam’s are blue, you get green."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right, yeah. Yeah, and with him, it’s like everything becomes green. Whereas with someone else, it’s a lot of yellow and a lot of blue and then a little bit of green between them. God, this is a fucking stupid way of talking about things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No it isn’t. In all my years as a psychologist, I have yet to discover a perfect way to talk about emotions. Visualizing them can be very helpful. So with Adam it completely blurs together? You can’t tell the difference between his emotions and yours?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not exactly. I mean, sometimes he’s blue, and he stays blue. But yeah, sometimes, his feelings make green and I know that they’re his feelings but they feel real to me. Like more real than other people’s."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And he is the only person you’ve encountered that has this particular effect on you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, yeah. I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Interesting. I wonder what the reason for that is."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, you and me both."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sure the more you spend time with him, the more you’ll grow to understand whatever connection is there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, maybe."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But let’s get back on task. You were saying you started to feel nervous and hot when approaching Adam?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, right, yeah. Yeah, and he was looking at me and I was about to say something ‘cause I was just standing there like an idiot and then this girl in our class, Caitlin, started talking to me and the nervous feeling got worse."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was it Caitlin who was feeling nervous?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, yeah, I think so."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what did she say to you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, she…um, she, uh, she asked me to this stupid dance at school. It’s a Sadie Hawkins dance? You know, when the girls ask the boys?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m familiar with the tradition."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So, yeah, well, she asked me to that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what did you say?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I said yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don’t sound very excited about that. Do you not like this Caitlin girl?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I mean, she’s fine. It’s just…I didn’t really like her feelings. Or, at least, I think they were her feelings."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The hot, nervous feelings you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, it just got worse the longer we talked. It made me feel like, prickly and just like, I don't know, fucking weird. My skin felt like it was burning up, like I had a sunburn or something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And have you ever felt this way before?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, yeah, I guess so. But never this strongly. I don’t think I’ve ever been talking to the person while they’ve been feeling that way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what do you think it is?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, I’m not sure. I guess she was nervous to ask me. I get that. I mean, I was already sort of nervous myself so that didn’t bother me so much."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What were you nervous about? Talking to Adam?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, yeah, I guess so. I mean, it didn’t go so well last time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So Caitlin’s nerves didn’t bother you. But you said you didn’t like her feelings? What did you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was the other stuff. The tingly, nauseous feeling. Or, not nauseous, really, but…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Butterflies?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did it feel like butterflies in your stomach?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, yeah, it did."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It sounds like she likes you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What, you mean like like-likes me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you disagree?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I guess not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re sixteen, Caleb:. Haven’t you felt that way yourself before?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, not really. Not in a long time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Really? That’s alright, you know. You don’t have to want romance or sex."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I know that. But it’s not that. It’s just…I haven’t been able to talk to another person and feel my own feelings enough to notice. And, to be, like, totally honest, I’ve sort of avoided girls for the past few years. Their emotions are so much bigger and…ugh, they’re just harder to deal with."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see. So, feeling this lust from Caitlin-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ick, no, can we not call it that? That’s just- that's weird."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course. Feeling this…attraction must have been surprising."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, it was. I mean, I guess she basically asked me on a date, so maybe it shouldn’t have been a surprise but yeah, it still felt wicked strange."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And do you find Caitlin attractive in return?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, she’s okay. Yeah, she’s pretty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don’t sound very convinced."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just meant that, yeah, I can see that she’s pretty but…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you’re not attracted to her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I’m not. I shouldn’t have said yes, should I?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not necessarily. There’s no reason you can’t go to a dance with someone as friends."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know but…I knew she liked me - like, somewhere, in the back of my mind, I knew that - and that I didn’t feel the same way but I said yes anyway. Isn’t that leading her on? Shouldn’t I have just been, like, honest?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ideally. But it’s not always that easy. There are plenty of adults who would have done the exact same thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So I take it you didn’t have a chance to talk to Adam after that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, no. I was sort of distracted. And by the time Caitlin sat down, Adam had taken out his notebook and started doodling or whatever it is that he does and it just didn’t seem like a good time to talk to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was that a feeling you were getting from him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, he was mad. And like, bummed about something. I don’t know, he just didn’t seem super approachable right then."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you try again later?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, on Wednesday, after class."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And how did that go?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It went fine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come on, Caleb. You’ve been on a roll so far this session. Don’t clam up now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I was nervous again. And he was too. The moment I said his name, he looked up, it was like, instant panic from him. I almost walked away right then. I didn’t want to make him uncomfortable, you know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you didn’t walk away?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nah. Then I would have looked like a total weirdo, just saying his name and then leaving."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So what did you say to him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I told him I liked his presentation on Macbeth and he didn’t say anything. He just sort of stared up at me, still pretty panicked. So I asked him if he wanted to get lunch and he looked at me all funny and said yes. So we went and got lunch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And how did that go?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was…different."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How so?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was…nice. We got stuff from the cafeteria and took it outside - I just told him I didn’t like how loud the cafeteria was and he felt the same way - and it was quiet and…not calm, but…I don’t know, it was nice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His feelings didn’t overwhelm you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, they did, sort of. I mean, I could feel them really strongly - he was nervous and confused and excited - but I was kind of all of those things too and it was just…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Green?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. It didn’t rub me up the wrong way like Caitlin’s emotions did. I mean, it was a totally different set of emotions I guess, but they just seemed to fit. Like, I could feel his emotions fine, but I could also feel mine pretty well. And I apologized for shouting at him last week and that made him less nervous and then it was just…I don't know, it was easy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m very pleased to hear that, Caleb. Were you able to control how much of his emotions you were feeling? Balance them out a bit?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, I’m not sure. I didn’t really try. Sometimes it did it on it’s own - like, it would be softer at times and bigger at other times and…ugh, I don’t know how to describe it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Try a visual comparison again. See if that helps."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, but I don’t think the color thing applies."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then try to think of something that does. What else have you encountered in your life that was similar to this experience?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um…it’s kind of like- it's kind of like the ocean."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The ocean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, you know when you’re standing at the edge of the water and the waves come up the sand to your feet and sometimes there’s, like, a strong wave and your whole leg gets wet? It was sort of like that. The more we were talking, it was like his feelings were the water. I could feel them all the time, but sometimes there would be a big wave and the feeling would sort of cover everything up for a moment and then go back again. But I was always myself, you know? It wasn’t like I ever became the ocean too. I didn’t get washed away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well. That is quite the analogy. I’m very pleased to hear that further exposure to Adam has made it easier to balance your own emotions with others. I’m curious - the ocean as you describe it is often thought of as a very calm place. Does Adam make you calmer?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess so. But, I mean, sometimes waves get really big and scary too. Like, when we were talking about the guys who were making fun of him, there was definitely a really big wave of anger that sort of took me under for a second. I got really, really angry too and sort of had to take some deep breaths like you taught me to calm myself down."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And where was your anger directed? I know in the past you’ve had a hard time with other people’s anger. It’s made you want to lash out at the source. Did you get angry at Adam?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, no. No, I didn’t. It was- I was angry at those guys. But I was sort of angry with them to begin with. Well, not sort of. Like actually, really fucking angry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you think you would have done something if those boys had come by in that moment?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. I mean, the breathing helped, but, yeah, I mean, I was still pretty mad. But I won’t hit anyone again, I mean, I promise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know you’re trying Caleb, but remember why you’re here. You haven’t been handling your anger - or the anger of others - particularly well. I’m happy to hear that the breathing is helping you, but we still have a long way to go on that front."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. But that was ages ago. I didn’t even know what was going on at that point, that I was feeling other people’s feelings. I’m not dangerous, I promise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know you’re not dangerous, Caleb. You’re a very kind boy. You would never hurt someone intentionally, I know that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you think sometimes other people’s feelings get the better of me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I do. Why don’t we take a break from the talk for a bit, work on those breathing exercises?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, yeah, okay.\n(time passes)"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alright, Caleb, let’s end there for the day. Keep meditating, finding those calm moments in the day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, I will."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you think you’ll hang out with Adam again?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. Do you think it’ll keep helping?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think it’s worth finding out, don’t you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Sure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good. I’ll see you next week then.\nEnd of Session 10. Good progress made in the past week. This fellow student seems to help the patient gain control of his ability. I’m still concerned about the patient’s tendency towards anger but he is making remarkable progress.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 50 Transcript\n50 - rose\nHuh. I guess we’re doing musicals tonight.\nAgent Green? What are you doing here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You tell me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, this is my dream."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I would have thought that would have been fairly obvious."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, well, waking up into a dream and immediately bursting into song would disorient anyone. You’re snarkier in my dreams than you are in real life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're just realizing this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "See? Definitely snarkier."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think you want me - the real me - to stand up for himself more. Myself. Hm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don’t worry about it, things rarely make sense in here. And can you blame me? I’ve been inside Agent Green:’s head. He’s not a bad guy. Just…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Spineless?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You said it first."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Actually you did. I’m you, remember?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whatever."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So are we going walking tonight?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where are we again?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sam’s house."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, right. That explains the song and dance. We were watching old musicals. I must have fallen asleep. I wonder if anyone else is…(beat) yeah, I can feel the edges of Sam and Caleb at least. I think Mark is beginning to doze too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So we’re going wandering?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Might as well, right? I definitely want to know more about these people."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don’t trust them?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t know them. They seem alright, but so did Damien when I first met him and apparently I was way off on that. I just- this is all a lot more complicated than I expected it to be. I knew The AM could be kind of ineffective, but I didn’t expect them to be evil. Atypicals never scared me before, so I just want to make sure I know what I’m getting into with these people."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re coming?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You like having me around when it comes to other atypicals - your family excluded, of course. I think it makes you feel comfortable to have an atypical authority to bounce your thoughts off of."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don’t psychoanalyze me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s all you do in here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, well I don't like when it’s turned on myself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s you doing it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, well, it's just weird hearing it said out loud. Okay, are you ready? Let’s see what we can see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Though the looking glass we go-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, hush up.\nOoh, I think Mark just fell asleep."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He looks pretty awake to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, the real Mark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is this not—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is Sam’s dream I’m pretty sure.\nSee how Sam is just a little more put together than normal? No bags under her eyes? Perfect hair?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Everyone has dream versions of ourselves."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is that why you’re two inches taller?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is why no one likes you. It’s nice though - Mark looks exactly the same."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And that means…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She doesn’t want him to be anyone else. That’s love, I guess."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re nineteen, you know everything about the world?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This world at least. Come on, let’s go pop into Mark’s head—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow. Where are we?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t know. Could be a real place, could be something made up in Mark’s brain. Could be a little bit of both. God, look at all that green."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wonderful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, this is sweet, but we still have at least one more person to check on—\nGod, I nearly got run over—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No you didn’t, they would have gone right through you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Excuse me for reacting to a herd of football players barreling towards me. God, I think we'll leave Caleb be for a bit, I think."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not a football fan?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not if I’m in the game, no."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alright, well, that’s everyone right? Should we just…wake up now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nah, let’s hang around. You know how fast dreams can change - maybe something interesting will happen. Or maybe someone else will fall asleep."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You mean Dr. Bright, don’t you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m just curious about her. Anyone in my position would be."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure, sure. I wouldn’t count on it, though. She knows what you can do - I don’t think she’d put herself in that position."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Everyone here knows what I can do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "True. But do you really think Dr. Bright would let her guard down?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess not. Still, we could..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought you said you weren’t going into waking brains anymore. It’s not like you ever learn that much anyway - subconsciouses are messy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. But I bet Dr. Bright’s isn’t."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rose, we are not—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jeez, what on earth—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Guess you were wrong about her subconscious not being messy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, no kidding. God, I never would have guessed that she’s dealing with that much anxiety all the time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After all this time, how are you still surprised by what goes on in people’s heads? You know it’s usually pretty different than what they present on the surface."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, I know but still. That was rough."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you ready to leave now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, come on, one more round."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rose, I really think—\nIs this Sam’s dream again?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think so."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it just me, or did it get a lot darker in here?\nI don’t understand, what happened?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The dream changed.\nDon’t give me that look, it's not like I want anyone to have a nightmare or anything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is that what this is?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s beginning to feel like it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, then do something. Isn’t that the whole point? Make new thoughts? Bring Mark back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t know how. I don’t know Mark well enough to make a dream version of him for Sam. And I don’t really know Sam well enough to know what she’d find comforting. This may not have been a well thought out plan after all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You think?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, keep looking Sam, I’m sure you’ll find him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She can’t hear you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. But I don’t get why she’s stopped and why everything’s gone all grey."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can you bring the color back?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What, like Wizard of Oz? No. I don’t think I can."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t know what to do, I don’t get why she’s giving up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This silence is freaking me out. Let’s go somewhere else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, not yet. Maybe…\nThere. Maybe that will—\nWhoa—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did Sam just—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I don’t think so. Not for real. We’re still at the house. Just the dream changed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is this the same place that Mark’s dream?\nDid you do that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Make her sing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe my dream is bleeding into hers a bit. Or maybe I carried it with me. The music."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We could have so much fun with this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "See? Now you’re getting the idea."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Though, it doesn't look like Sam’s having any fun."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, it doesn’t look like she is."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is the same place that Mark: was dreaming about, isn’t it? It must be a real place. Somewhere important to them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whatever it is, it’s beautiful. Just look at those stars."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do we think it’s a good memory or a bad one? Mark seemed to be happy here but Sam…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not sure. I think Sam was hoping to find Mark here maybe? I mean, can you feel that? The longing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. But he’s right here. I mean, in the real world. He’s right next to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. I don’t get it. Sam and Mark seem solid."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Surface versus what lies beneath, Rose. They do not always match up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But god, if they can’t make it work - two atypicals who can actually share an ability - how do I have any hope?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe it’s harder with two atypicals."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mom and dad make it work."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then maybe it’s just hard because of who they are. Sam clearly has some serious abandonment issues."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don’t be rude about it. She was technically orphaned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. Right. But hey, Caleb and Adam seem to make it work. One atypical, one non-atypical. They seem happy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "True."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jeez, warn a guy first."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn’t really do it on purpose. I was just thinking about Caleb and sort of slipped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looks like they won."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "See? Some people are having fun."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, for now…\nIs it just me or did that not seem like Dream Adam towards the end there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, it felt different. But I’m not even sure Adam's asleep. And is it possible for two people to share a dream?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re currently bouncing from head to head watching people’s sleeping brains burst into song. Anything’s possible."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "God, are any of these people happy?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re the one who wanted to learn their deep, dark secrets."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn’t say that. I said I wanted to get to know them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, what were you expecting, Rose? All humans have their issues."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess. Just, despite all the drama, they seemed to have it together as a group. Like they knew what they’re doing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Does anybody ever know what they’re doing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, thank you for the platitudes. Super helpful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m serious. You don’t know what you’re doing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sure I do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re currently poking around in the most vulnerable parts of peoples’ brains. People that don’t know you all that well and definitely didn’t invite you in here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What’s your point? I know that. I know what I’m doing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And clearly you’re not at all conflicted about it, based on the morally grey figure in your life acting as your dream guide and making you confront uncomfortable truths about yourself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sarcasm is a very bad look on you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rose, we’re not even helping. The dreams keep changing to something worse."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But maybe it will help. Maybe they need to confront some uncomfortable truths about themselves. Sam is apparently hiding a lot of her feelings from Mark—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How do you know that? You’re not inside their relationship—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And Caleb and Adam clearly need to talk about how scared they are to graduate and be on their own. Maybe singing it all out in their dreams will make them talk about it in real life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Heavy on the maybe. How many people do you know that pay that close attention to their dreams?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, normal people, maybe not. But these aren’t normal people. And they know what I can do. Maybe they’ll put two and two together."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And their first reaction won’t be to accuse you of sticking your head where it doesn’t belong?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m done having this conversation with you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can't hide from me in Mark's dream, Rose. I go where you go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No you don’t. This is my world, I get to choose who I share it with."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This isn’t just your world, you’re in other peoples’ hea—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s better.\nGod, that was…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Regretting poking into people’s heads?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shut. Up.\nI just wanted to know that I could trust them—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All you’ve done is prove that they can’t trust you—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, that wasn’t my aim—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You should go.\n[music & credits]"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m— I’m sorry.\nWhat?\nOh. Oh, I think she’s still in the kitchen. With Adam maybe.\nNo, no, no. That wasn’t her. Not really. It wasn’t really Sam either.\nWhat?\nOh, um, I was—\nI’m sorry."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 51 Transcript\n51 - Wadsworth\nMonday, March 20th, 4:45AM. I have Owen to blame for this godawful hour. He doesn’t have any reason to come into the office as early as he has been these past few weeks…if it means getting up an hour earlier just to beat him there and figure out what he’s been up to…well, if needs must.\nFirst item on the agenda: my call with the DC suits. Okay, I have to look over last quarter’s numbers and then make a summary of our current class Es…they’ll have to approve the budget. It’s necessary. They’ll understand that.\nOh, um send a bottle of wine to what’s-his-name, what's-his-name in General Bay’s office? Victor. Send Victor a thank you. He was so very helpful with the General’s personal calendar after all. He may be very useful in the future. Add him to spreadsheet F.\nCheck in on Subject #309. If she’s calmed down enough from the last session, introduce her to group sessions. Not with any other Class C abilities though. Oh no, that has the potential to get very messy and we’ve already had enough accidents.\nWhat else, what else…yes, respond to that email from Division 5…get someone to check on the bugs in Joan’s office, they’ve been strangely quiet lately…oh! Oh, Agent Green’s performance review is today, that’s right. Oh, that should be fun.\nRemember to call Adam.\n-\nCome in.\nAh yes, Green, shut the door and sit down.\nYou’re early.\nYou’re not punctual, you’re early. You know I can’t stand it when people are early.\nIt’s that time of year, Owen.\nMm-hm.\nSo. How do you feel you’ve performed in the past twelve months?\nOh, come now, Owen, you know that we start with self-evaluation.\nYes, well, HQ entrusted this division to me to run as I please. I find this much more effective than company policy. Please answer the question.\nOh, smoothly indeed. So smoothly in fact that some Tier 3s are out in six weeks.\nI’m sure you did.\nAh yes, your ‘curtains and throw pillows’ initiative.\nMm, they do, don’t they?\nI’m talking with some of the DC office later today. Why?\nI haven’t mentioned it to them yet.\nThere are other priorities.\nWe have an entire floor full of dangerous Class Es—\nAre you questioning my judgment?\nLet’s finish your evaluation, shall we? You say you’ve been doing a good job, running things smoothly—\nI say you’ve gone soft.\nAll this holistic healing crap—\nIt’s weak. You’re in a building full of super-freaks and you want to let them talk about their feelings and do arts and crafts and “learn how to cope”.\nTo an extent. The telepaths, psychics, empaths, telekinetics - fine. Help them learn how to live with their abilities and shuffle them along. But you let a dreamwalker walk in and out of here twice without further investigation.\nThere’s compelling evidence for dreamwalking leading to astral projection—\nBut it wouldn’t have to be if we did our jobs.\nIt’s not my curiosity that’s at stake, it is our safety.\nAll of ours. This was always your problem, Green - the reason you never would become director. You’re much too short-sighted.\nHow can you say that?\nBut the ones that do have us shamefully outmatched. If we’re going to protect ourselves, we need to know how they work.\nIt’s always been that way, Green.\nGod, Owen, your lack of ambition truly boggles the mind. Don’t you want to be the one providing solutions? You should never rely on someone else to do your job well.\nThere’s nothing wrong with wanting to be the best, Owen.\nExcuse me?\nOh, Owen, you’re not a psychologist, don’t try to be.\nOh, have you? My goodness, between night classes, getting here two hours before everyone else, and stalking former patients, my, when do you have time for an actual life?\nThen you and I have something in common.\nYou don’t sound convinced.\nOh, by all means—\nIs that right?\nWe are living in exceptional times, Agent Green, and-\nThen what would you suggest we do? Let these people run wild and potentially risk dozens of innocent civilians in the process?\nNice of you to finally admit that.\nYes, you were.\nYou needed to brought down several pegs.\nMy goodness, Owen Thompson humbled, never thought I’d see the day.\nOh, soft, yes. Sycophantic and spineless, yes. Humble? Self-aware? No.\nYou would have made a terrible Director.\nYour concern is noted, Green.\nThe thing you have to remember, Green, is that I know a lot more than you.\nI’m not being funny, Green. As Director, I’m privy to a great deal of information that’s only shared with top management.\nAbout the wider atypical population, security concerns, global communities, organized groups of atypicals- you name it. The world is a terrifying place, Green. Most people move through their day knowing only a fraction of the dangers we face. You know only a fraction. But I’m made aware of all of it. I have the big picture. That changes things.\nHow do you know? You can’t possibly know what’s necessary to protect against the threats if you don’t know what those threats are. I am protecting people. Remember what I said about not relying on other people to do your job? Well, The AM and our government have consistently dropped the ball in the past.\nI trust myself more than anyone else.\nIt’s not pretty, but it’s necessary.\nDon’t mistake your crisis of conscience as reason to criticize the way I do my job.\nOf course it is. Green, this has been building for years. You lost the love of your life — your words not mine — and rightfully so, you were holding her brother captive—\nAnd now that Mark is out, you’re feeling guilty about all of it and it’s taking the form of misplaced “caring”.\nI know you’ve been speaking to HQ behind my back. Well, actually I didn’t know for certain but the look on your face just confirmed it. I assume you’ve been expressing these concerns to them?\nI’m sure you did.\nNo, you wouldn’t dare, would you?\nThat’ll be all, Green.\nI have that call with DC now. Shut the door on your way out.\n-\nAdam!\nI was in the neighborhood. Do you want a ride home?\nHappy birthday!\nHere you go! Rocky road's still your favorite right?\nOf course. I couldn’t let your eighteenth birthday go unnoticed. Where’s Caleb?\nI’m just surprised that you’re not out with your boyfriend celebrating.\nWell, I thought you weren’t supposed to be working hard anymore. It’s your senior spring after all.\nI see. Well, good for him.\nOh, speaking of college, did you ever get my Christmas present?\nI know you’re into all that vintage stuff. So when you got in, I went digging in my closet and I wasn’t sure if I still had it. That pennant hung in my dorm for four great years. And now it’ll hang in yours.\nYou haven’t been assigned to a residential college yet, have you?\nOh, you’re going to love Yale, Adam. I’m so proud of you.\nDo you remember me bringing you down there when you were younger? Your parents would be away at some conference and so we’d take a road trip and I’d show you all my favorite student haunts.\nThose were some of my favorite weekends.\nI’d love to come visit you there sometime. Would that be okay?\nAdam, I know that things have been difficult these past few months.\nBut I’m still your aunt.\nI know. But it can be our little secret.\nRight, of course. Then you can blame me. I don’t think Becca can be more furious with me, so...\nShe and I will fix things. Eventually.\nThank you, Adam. Still, um, I’m sorry you got caught in the middle of it. I’m just so glad you’re safe.\nDo you- do you know where he is?\nExcept Samantha Barnes.\nYou don’t have to say anything, Adam. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.\nI never meant to hurt Joan—\nMark is dangerous—\nAdam, there’s so much you don’t know—\nI’m glad to hear that. But I can’t let someone roam free just because they’re nice.\nAdam, of course not.\nHis power isn’t dangerous.\nIn an ideal world, yes. But it’s not that simple. We wouldn’t trust each person with a nuclear weapon, no matter how nice they were. That would cause too much chaos, too much uncertainty.\nYou’re right. But we have to do what’s best for everyone. And sometimes that means doing things that aren’t fair.\nI think so. But atypicals can’t be treated like everyone else. They start leagues ahead of us. They have the advantage. It was never fair to begin with so we do what we can to catch up.\nWe do what we need to.\nI know.\nI dislike how messy it gets.\nAdam, I know when you’re young things seem really black and white. But life is so complicated. It’s chaotic and disorderly and we have to make order where we can. That can mean doing things we don’t like, but we do them because they’re necessary.\nOf course I don’t.\nI have bigger things to worry about.\nI know, Adam, and that’s exactly why I do what I do. I don’t want you to be freaked out. Ever. I want you to go to Yale and study Shakespeare and spend your life reading books and being happy. I never want you to worry about what might be out there. If I had my way, you never would have learned about atypicals. But you fell in love with one, and that’s fine—\nBut I do what I do so you don’t have to worry about the rest of it. So none of you do. You and your parents — as much as my sister drives me crazy sometimes — you are the most important things to me. And not everyone has the stomach for doing what’s necessary. But I do. I do the ugly things because I can and so that you don’t have to.\nI wish it were like that, Adam. I really do.\nI haven’t changed.\nBecca’s always known what I do.\nNo.\nFear.\nNo. No, not fear for me. Fear for you. Not much scares me. Except the thought of the people that I love coming to harm.\nI know. I’ve been working very hard to keep it that way.\nAmong other things, yes.\nOf course you are.\nAdam, are we okay?\nWhat— what can I do? What can I do to make things right?\nI never cause unnecessary pain. Everything I do, I do for information. To learn more. To be better.\nHello, Joan."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are you doing here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s been a while."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How have you been?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you want, Ellie?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I just want to talk."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "About what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not sure, to be honest. It’s been a strange day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I see."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Neither do I. Um, may I sit?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m surprised you’re asking permission."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, well…may I? Thank you.\nThis is a nice office."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Haven’t you been here before?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’ve never invited me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And yet I’m sure you’ve found ways to listen in on me all the same. I assume you’ve been in here to plant bugs or whatever it is you do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So paranoid. Fine. But you think I do that myself? I have subordinates for a reason."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Aren’t you going to sit?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why are you here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can’t I visit an old friend?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Joan. Please?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So. What do you want?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I said, today was strange. In fact, it’s been a bizarre few months."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s been a bizarre few years."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, that’s a fair point."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you decided to make things even weirder by coming here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’ve doubted yourself before, haven’t you Joan?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What’s that like?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Have you really never experienced it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not sure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you maybe experiencing it now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is possible."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It feels like looking in a mirror and not seeing your reflection. Your brain knows that it should be receiving information - knows what the sight in front of you should look like — but there’s nothing there. And then you start to wonder if the thing in front of you is even a mirror to begin with. You start to wonder if you ever had a reflection at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, that sounds terrible."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I made you feel that way, didn’t I? You said that to me. Months and months ago. That I made you doubt yourself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was pleased when you told me that. I was excited to think that I had that much influence over you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, that’s expected, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You think very little of me, don’t you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not sure what to think of you anymore, Ellie."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m facing a similar conundrum."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought you always knew what to think of me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, not you. Me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good lord. Am I witnessing Ellie Wadsworth being less than confident in her actions?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you ever found yourself in your driveway without remembering driving home at all?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Highway hypnosis."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Exactly. I’ve been driving along and feel as if I just looked up for the first time in years."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To find yourself in your driveway?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. I’m not sure where I am."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why are you here, Ellie?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t have many people that I can talk to about this, Joan. You’ve always understood me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s a chilling thought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don’t be glib, you know it’s true. You and I are birds of a feather."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How’s that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know what it’s like to get lost in a goal. To work so hard for something that everything else fades away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is it you’re working towards exactly?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Control. What else?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Control of what? The AM? Or are we talking world domination here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mm, that would be nice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ellie."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can’t take my hand off the wheel. No one else is capable of driving."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What about the people you mow down in the process?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You could have, you could've. Driven, I mean. You’re one of the few people I could have trusted to make the right calls. If I had someone like you by my side, I could— I could look up more. At least see what’s around me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m never coming back to work with you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Such a waste. It's such a waste."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are you seeing now? Now that you’re looking up, I mean."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "People have such weak stomachs. A dog bites them and they cower in the corner until I come to make it alright. And then they want to demonize me for putting the rabid thing down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe it’s referring to human beings as rabid dogs that they object to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your parents would be on my side."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is not a ringing endorsement of your side."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But they were right to fear atypicals. You can’t deny that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes I can. They had a reason to fear atypicals. That doesn’t mean it was right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What would you have had them do? Watch their best friends horrifically murdered and then go about their lives as usual?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If their friends had been stabbed or run over by a car or gunned down, my parents wouldn’t have become afraid of all people forever. The fact that it was an atypical shouldn’t make a difference."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But it does. This is what you all don’t seem to understand. They are different. Your parents didn’t witness a hit and run or a shooting— their friends were torn apart without anyone lifting a finger. You can’t just go about your life as usual after finding out that monsters are real."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What’s your reason, Ellie? For hating them so much? You didn’t see something like my parents, no one you love has ever been harmed by an atypical, so why do you have reason to call them monsters?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because I am paying attention. You’ve seen the numbers, read the same studies that I have — you know that the atypical population is increasing. If we’re not careful, we’ll go extinct."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why can’t we coexist?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You were always far too much of an optimist, Joan. It’s one of your worst qualities, I—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And pessimism is one of yours."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s not pessimism, it’s pragmatism. I’m much more intelligent than the average person—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, hubris, another fine quality—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And yet there are things that I cannot outwit. The fact that atypicals are many steps ahead of us is one of those things."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you try. You’re immune to them now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Most of them. Well, some of them. Class As, certainly, most Class Ds as well, but the physical powers I haven’t cracked that nut yet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ellie, I have to ask…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How did you do it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, unlike some people, I don’t let the enormous scientific research facility I run go to waste. I swear, if Agent Green was Director scientific innovation would just be dead. It'd be dead."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You…you used his DNA didn’t you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Agent Green’s? No, that'd be ridiculous."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know that’s not what I’m talking about."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Joan, your brother...he is a remarkable subject."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’s not your subject—-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no, not anymore. But he was extremely valuable to us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Get out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It didn’t hurt him one bit. He was already in the coma."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you realize how completely unhinged you sound?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I never would have harmed him. Not knowing who he is to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Knowing who he is to me” - Ellie, he is my entire family. And you dosed yourself with a drug you made from his illegally obtained genetic material."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, it was not illegal."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was unconscious, that doesn’t count as consent to experimentation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Joan, there’s no need to get so worked up about this, it’s in the past."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you’d never do anything to him or anyone else again, right? It was just a one off?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Joan, I know I’ve made some decisions you don’t agree with but that’s why I need you to come and work for me again. Be my backseat driver."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will never help you with your twisted agenda ever again—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t have an agenda, I’m simply trying to protect all of us. I want to help us move forward, please—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At what cost?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They don’t see it. They don’t understand that what I’m doing will be better for everyone in the long run. I know you can understand. If you just put aside all of this sentimental nonsense—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s not nonsense—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is unproductive. If you fall prey to it, it’s nothing compared to Green— he’s trying to take everything away from me—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope he does."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought there was no love lost between the two of you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There isn’t. But maybe someone with a weaker stomach should be in your place."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You need to leave. Now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very well. I hope that you think about everything that I’ve said, Joan. It’s really not too late for us.\nGeneral, hi, it’s Director Wadsworth. Yes, sorry for calling your personal number but…I have my ways. But listen, I have a proposal for you…\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 53 Transcript\n53 - Sam"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine. Just- just go back to bed.\nMark, I’m fine. Please. Just. I'm okay.\nMark?\nDid you— have you been sitting out here the whole time?\nYou didn’t need to do that.\nI’m fine.\nI— I’m just a little worn out. I haven’t been sleeping well.\nSorry for waking you.\nEnough.\nNothing.\nPlaying house. That’s what Wadsworth called it.\nNever mind. I- I had this dream last month that I- I haven’t been able to shake.\nYou and me, we were, um. We were moving into a house together. And you- you wanted to hang this photo you’d taken up on the wall…\nNo, it was terrible. You knew it was terrible and you wanted to hang it anyway.\nBut then the dream changed and you were- you were gone. And I wasn’t even surprised. In the dream, I mean. It’s- it's what I expected. But here you are. Sleeping outside the bathroom door even though the bed is just a few feet away.\nYou- you’re such an impossible thing. Do you know that?\nYou should. A beautiful, impossible thing. God, then the dream got even weirder. I went to England - where you used to be and then- then I started singing.\nYeah, it was bizarre. Can’t say that’s ever happened before but I guess we had just finished watching My Fair Lady so-\nYeah…what’s up?\nWhat— Rose?\nOh. Oh wow. That’s- I didn’t realize. That’s, uh…\nYeah, it’s definitely weird. To think that someone was in my head when I was sleeping and I didn’t even know it.\nThat’s why you haven’t wanted to hang out with her, huh?\nWhat does that mean?\nRight. Did you dreamwalk?\nCould you…it wouldn’t be possible for you to get stuck, right? While dreamwalking?\nGod, I’m sorry-\nThere are just a lot of variables.\nI wish you’d told me.\nStill—\nYeah.\nI’m not trying to be difficult-\nIf I had more information, maybe-\nI don’t know.\nSorry for waking you up so early.\nOh my god, have I turned you into a morning person?\nI thought that wasn’t until two.\nI think “coma” is a pretty good excuse.\nMark, you’re gonna do great. You’re talented and smart and incredibly charming. They’d be idiots not to hire you.\nAnd, if they are idiots, there’s always something else out there.\nRight. I thought you were looking just out of curiosity.\nOkay…\nThat sounds really nice. How long do you think we’d be gone?\nWhat?\nBut we’re building something here.\nBut Joan—\nThere’s so much to do here—\nWell, I mean, Wadsworth—\nAnd what, just give everything up?\nMark, this is my home, I’m not going to let Wadsworth run me out of town—\nYou’re asking me to retreat. I’ve done that too many times before—\nIt kind of is. And I have a family to protect—\nI— I can’t leave.\nI told you. I believe in what we’re doing.\nYou’ve really thought about this.\nI— I just bought this house. We’re only just starting to settle in.\nCaleb and Adam-\nBut Frank, our chess nights—\nWhat?\nOh. Right.\nA trip is one thing. But moving…\nLook you need to work on your resume and I should get to filing—\nYeah, but what if we didn’t.\nOkay.\nI can’t leave them, okay?\nMy parents.\nIf I move, I’m abandoning them. This place is all that I have left.\nThat’s not the point-\nIt’s not just that. It’s this whole city — the path we would take when they walked me to school, our grocery store, the smell of the air in the fall — they’re everywhere. And I’ve— I’ve spent so much of the past few years finally shaking up my life and it’s— it’s getting harder.\nRemembering them. It used to be so clear, you know? I was surrounded by them all the time - just me, and their things, and their neighborhood - and it made it easy to remember. My alarm clock goes off - the same one I’ve had since I was ten - and I can hear my mom’s voice telling me to get up and go to school or— or I push back the curtains that I took from their bedroom and still smell her perfume. Even the stupid egg timer that my dad would use for trivia nights - I mean, well, you use it to cook now.\nAnd that’s fine- that’s great, that’s what a timer is for even if I never used it that way but I’m beginning to forget how he would keep score when we did trivia. The memory of those nights is fading. I mean, we would sit on the living room rug and I had to throw that rug away because Damien bled all over it—\nMost of this is theirs! I had to get newer things when I moved into the house because I didn’t have enough but my apartment was full of their things. And it helped me remember them. Because I’ve never been able to go back. Not to the good times. Ever since I started being able to control this thing I’ve kept trying to get back to them, just to watch. Just so I can get the shape of their smiles and the sounds of their voices in my head again. But any time I try, it just takes me back to then. To the car and them being encouraging and patient and not realizing that they were about to die—\nSo don’t you get it? I can’t lose them again. I owe it to them to remember. And if I can’t go back in time to find them, to help me remember, then I have to be here. I have to pass my mom’s office and go to the park where we would feed the ducks—\nAnd walk through that intersection as much as I can because if I don’t—\nMark, just take a breath, you’re not there, we’re back in the house, we’re back in the present, just keep breathing, I’ve got you, okay, I've got you...\n-\nHi, Joan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam. I wasn’t expecting you- I thought we were meeting at the house later."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I just— I had to get some air."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is everything alright?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, no."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What is it? What’s wrong. Where’s Mark?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mark is headed to his interview in a bit. He’s okay. Now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What happened."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, we got into an argument this morning. About moving. And I— I had a panic attack."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I- I’m sorry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. About my parents. Brings you back, huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s understandably a very difficult topic for you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don’t have to do that therapist speak with me. I- I’m here to talk to my friend. And because I’m worried."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What are you worried about?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I traveled. I didn’t mean to but- like you said, difficult topic. One that sent me away when I was sitting in this very office over a year ago. I guess some things don’t change."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That doesn’t mean it’s going to start happening all the time now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I know, I know. I remember you telling me that just because the involuntary trips became less frequent didn’t mean I was rid of them forever. It was just- it was just surprising and very unpleasant but I’ll be okay. That’s not what I’m worried about."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What then?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mark came with me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see. Has that— have you two done that before? Traveled together?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. We’ve talked about it. You know, sorta daydreamed. About where we would go, what we would see. What it would be like to share that. But he- he hasn’t been ready. And I haven’t pushed. He’s so afraid of getting trapped again. Which I completely understand. Especially since I’m not like Camille - it wouldn’t just be his mind that gets stuck. It would be everything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s not going to happen again. The fact that Camille could only travel in her mind meant she was vulnerable to threats in the present. Mark only got trapped because it was a mental time traveler."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How did he react? To going back?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Badly. Understandably. It all went by so quickly—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You were able to bring you both back soon after leaving?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t understand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Neither do I."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I lost control. We got there - to the past - and it was the accident again, of course, and I was too upset to pull us back so I thought maybe I could pause everything like I had before but I didn’t have to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mark moved us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He brought you back?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. He moved us. To a different place. A different time. I don’t think he even meant to do it. I’ve never jumped that much that quickly - I’ve never even traveled while already on a trip. I didn’t know that was possible. It’s always been a two-way journey. I go there, I stay for a little or a lot, I come back. This had- this had stops."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How many?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A dozen, maybe? At least? I didn’t even get a good look at some of them, we were moving so fast."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And Mark was doing this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know that he was fully in control, but yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps having two Atypicals share one ability accelerated it somehow, increased the potency—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, it was definitely Mark. We kept going to places that were specific to him. And it was- it felt different."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My ability has a feeling. It’s a feeling I know better than anything else in the world. Even when I don’t choose it, when I’m not the one in control, it’s a part of me. As natural as breathing and as painful as suffocating. But this— this was someone else. I could feel Mark using my ability as his own. He wasn’t just piggybacking, he was steering. I can’t really describe it, but I just—I know. It wasn’t just mine anymore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you okay?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. It wasn’t a bad feeling, not really. Just unexpected."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can imagine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s not how I pictured it going. Us traveling together for the first time. I hoped it’d be nice. This was not nice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because of the places you went?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can I ask where?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn’t recognize most of them. I think maybe I saw your parents. You look like your dad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. I do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was just a quick flash of them. And then all of a sudden we were in a motel room somewhere and I was watching Mark watch himself lying on some bed, staring at the wall like he wasn’t even there. I can- I can guess when that was."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And then the AM. That was- that was the worst. And the longest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How long were you gone? In total?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Half an hour maybe? In the other times, I mean. We were at the scene of the accident for five minutes at least and then in the AM for fifteen probably. He- he couldn’t seem to shake that one off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You got him out?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eventually. He was in bad shape."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But he’s okay now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As okay as you can be after something like that. I— I brought him down a bit. We— well, we’ve worked out a sort of system."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We both have nightmares a lot. Most of the time we just handle them on our own but sometimes it turns into a full blown, you know, post-traumatic episode or what have you, um, and we know how to calm each other down. Or, at least, weather the storm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s good. I’m glad you two have each other."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am so scared, Joan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of Mark?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. For him. I didn’t know he could do that. Take over an ability like that - I mean, I guess a part of me knew? Because he took over Damien’s power but I just- what if he has a nightmare and wakes up into a panic attack and snaps away without me? I mean, is that possible? Could he use my power while I’m asleep? I don’t know why I thought we needed to do it together to make it work, but I’ve been just sleeping next to him this whole time like I’m not a danger to him. But I am. Time is huge. What if he went without me and I woke up alone and couldn’t find him and he couldn’t get back because I’m not with him and—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam, Sam, it’s okay. Breathe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just— this is a new dragon I wasn’t expecting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing, forget it, it’s just— I’ve been working so hard to protect him, I never thought that I could be a threat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam, you’re not a threat. You’d never do anything to hurt Mark. I know you. I’d also never have let you near him if I thought you’d be trouble."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Always the older sister, huh? That’s- that's good. He needs that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He needs you too, you know?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aren’t you worried? About his ability?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Everything about Mark has me worried all the time. That comes with the older sister of it all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just need to know more. I need to make sure that nothing like what happened today ever happens again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We’ll figure it out together, Sam. You, me, and Mark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You say that, but you don’t know. Not even the AM, with all their controlled environments and careful research procedure had any idea. I mean, they never even focused on how his ability worked with Camille’s. They just used the two of them to get information from the past - spy on people-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What? How do you know that? Mark has never mentioned what the intention of those experiments was. Not to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I know. He- I had to look."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought maybe he’d want to try traveling together soon so I had to know. I had to know how he and Camille did it so that I didn’t make the same mistake. And it wasn’t what I thought - they weren’t using her to figure out how Mark’s ability worked. They just wanted more eyes on the past. They thought two Atypicals at once might help them actually affect the past. That’s what they were trying to do with Camille when she died. They were giving her something to try and see if she could become corporeal in the past and it didn’t work, of course. And it killed her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam, how much have you-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just a few times. And only recently. I don’t stay for long, I'm- I’m never able to but I- I needed to know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mark won’t be—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, okay? But I’d rather he be pissed at me then…this is what I mean! The AM was so careful but they had this enormous blindspot when it came to his ability. And he got lost. For years. Without even trying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t need reminding, Sam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, I know, I’m sorry, I’m just— I’m freaking out. If he really wants to move away, then that’s fine, I’ll support it. Even if I- but we don’t know what’s out there. He could hurt himself or someone else or get taken again—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He’s a grown man, Sam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s a bit rich coming from you. Sorry, sorry. It’s just— he won’t talk to me and you won’t talk to me— I mean, when are you going to tell me about whatever Wadsworth said to you that has you so cagey—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I need to talk to Mark first—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know and I get that but that means I’m just left worrying about what could go wrong because neither of you seem to want to confront the fact that he’s not just different from other people, he’s different from other Atypicals—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have spent most of my adult life confronting that fact—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you still weren’t able to protect him!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that really the path you want to go down?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. No. You’re right, I should leave."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn’t say that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I— my head is all over the place. And I’m- I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to- I’ll talk to you later.\n-\nDamien.\nIt’s Sam.\nYeah.\nHe’s okay. He will be anyway. He’s- he's been doing better, on the whole. Since…\nYes.\nIt’s not a competition.\nHe’s not a arcade prize, Damien. God, you’re insufferable.\nBecause I’m worried.\nI’m not worried about you. I’m worried about him.\nHe— something happened earlier today and I don’t know what to do about it.\nI need more information. I need to know what you know about his time at the AM, what you know about Wadsworth, and when he took over your ability. I need to know what happened.\nBecause, Damien, I have no one else. Listen, I don’t like you, I think I’ve made that very clear—\nBut I need your help. You know Mark, as much as I hate to admit it. Or, at least, you know a part of him that I don’t.\nDon’t push your luck. We’re in love with the same man, I think that’s enough common ground without trying to call us friends.\nDon’t be stupid, Damien.\nJust— whatever you know! You’re the one who was obsessed with learning how his ability worked—\nHe doesn’t like talking about it.\nI— I have. Not often but— it’s only part of the picture. And the way he- when he took over your ability. I need to know what happened there.\nHe did, but I need to know what you were feeling. If there was a way you could’ve stopped it.\nMm, I bet.\nNo. No, of course not.\nI don’t want to spy.\nI haven’t made a habit of it.\nI never claimed to be.\nNo.\nIt still feels wrong. I- I know he wouldn’t like it.\nIt’s- it’s the lesser of two evils…\nOh my god, what am I doing?\nThis isn’t— I’m not this person. I don’t want to be this person.\nThe kind that tries to make decisions for other people. I can’t do this.\nI’m- I shouldn’t have called—\nWhat?\nDo you actually wanna know?\nHe’s still hurting. A lot happened has to him— before you, before me. But I’m doing what I can. To take care of him.\nGoodbye, Damien. I- I won’t call again.\nHey.\nSmells amazing in here.\nYep. And I swung by the store—\nI wouldn’t come home on chili night without cornbread. I have met you. What?\nUm, we need to talk.\nToday was bad.\nHow’d the interview go?\nI’m sorry.\nOf course it is. I shouldn’t have walked into that conversation this morning, I was already on edge from my nightmare and I- I should have known that a panic attack was imminent.\nStill. I’m so sorry. That- that you had to go through all of that.\nNo, no, you were just being honest about what you wanted—\nYeah.\nWhat? For what?\nIt’s what I would have wanted. In those times when things were…it’s what I would have wanted.\nYou’re here now.\nI have to tell you something.\nI freaked out today.\nNo, I don’t mean that. I mean, afterwards. I went full tilt control freak. I went to see Joan, to tell her what happened—\nI was awful to her. I’ve been awful to you all day, for a few weeks now actually—\nNo, okay, not awful to you. More about you. You’re not a thing for me to figure out and control. But you scare me.\nI went back. A few times. To the AM. I wanted to understand- wanted to know what went wrong when you got trapped.\nYes. Yeah. And I’m so sorry, I know that’s not okay but you’ve been talking about wanting to try traveling—\nAnd I started panicking. I started worrying what would happen if we went on a trip and got separated in the past. So I looked.\nYou and Camille. Mostly Wadsworth talking to other AM people about you and Camille.\nWadsworth was focusing on completely the wrong thing.\nI know.\nI know.\nI know, that’s what I’m trying to tell you. Today- what happened today sent me into a tailspin and I suddenly realized-\nNo, no that’s not it, I didn’t take a trip. I- I called Damien.\nI wanted to know what happened with you— what you did with his ability. Because what happened today…\nBut I never got his side of things. So I called, hoping he could, I don’t know shed some light.\nWhat? No. I’m worried I’m going to do something to you without meaning to. That you’re going to use my ability without realizing it and get stuck again—\nHow do you know? You didn’t mean to use Damien’s ability but that happened anyway. And at least with that it was something that kept you here, kept you safe. I’m not safe.\nI hung up. I realized what I was doing—\nI wasn’t thinking, okay? I told you, I got carried away—-\nYou won’t talk to me—\nBecause then I won’t fuck this up! If I know what I’m dealing with, I’ll know how to do it right.\nLove you! I don’t know how to love you, Mark. I never learned how. I mean, we met in the most messed up way possible and then the whole thing with you and Damien had me so confused—\nAnd I get it! I do. You didn’t have to be perfect for him. You could let all the ugly stuff out. And maybe that’s why I called him, I don’t know— it was a mistake, this has all been a mistake—\nNo, no, god no, not us. Thinking I could help people. Thinking that Joan — Joan, the person who manipulated me when I was her patient, who would have done anything to save you no matter who she hurt…and then me, someone who kept secrets from you when I first met you, who doesn’t know the first thing about people…why did I think that it was a good idea for the two of us to try and fix people.\nI have an inexperienced heart.\nBut I hid! Always! I mean, today, about my parents, I realize how that sounded, I do. It’s like what I said to Joan when I first met her - I’m just a ghost, haunting this city, moving their things from house to house like some sort of shrine. That’s— I know. I know how bad that is. I’ve been living with the dead for so long - in my house, in the past, in my own head and I— I didn’t know what it would be like.\nCaring about people. People who are alive. How wonderful and terrifying it all is. I didn’t know that my actions could have consequences because they never did before. Not since…well. I never had an effect on the world around me. And I got used to that. But that hasn’t been true for a while now and I’m not- I'm not adjusting to this new version of my life.\nOh so you’re fine with me calling Damien for information about you?\nYou can be mad! I want you to be mad—\nI keep doing things wrong. I thought I could do anything as long as no one died. That is my metric for behavior— as long as I’m not accidentally killing my loved ones, then I’m okay, right? But I pressured Joan into starting this thing with me, I’ve been spying on people in the past and I hurt you. I hurt you and that was the last thing I wanted to do.\nI love you so much. Do you know that? No, I mean, how could you, it’s not like I’ve ever told you. I love you and it’s…it's like having a stomach ache all the time. And I keep doing things to try and make it less painful and none of it works. Because you’re you and I’m me and our lives are just filled with uncertainty and danger. And so I’m- I'm just stuck. But I don’t want to wait anymore. I want to move forward with you but I have no idea how. So I just keep pretending. I keep pretending that I know what I’m doing, that I’m confident in my decisions, that I know how to help. I keep pretending that I don’t have nightmares all the time, that I didn’t spend this morning hyperventilating on the bathroom floor. But I can’t pretend anymore.\nI know. I know you don’t. I’m just- I'm not sure I’ve ever been this lost. Talking to Damien earlier it was like- like I traveled outside of my own body for a moment. And then it was like the last few months were just on instant replay and I realized I’ve just been grasping at anything that I could use as armor even if it meant leaving somebody else defenseless. And I- I don’t want to be that person. I never want to hurt you again.\nWhat? No, no, that’s not what I meant. I’m not scared of you. I want to share my ability with you. God, I mean, being able to share it with you might be the one good thing my ability has ever done. I’m scared for you. I just want to keep you safe.\nI know. That’s why I’m telling you that I screwed up. I thought I could do it all on my own. And that isn’t fair - not to me, not to you, not to anyone. I don’t want to do this alone anymore. I lose all perspective when I’m alone. And I’m not going to apologize for wanting to keep you safe, but I am sorry for trying to do it without you. I had no right.\nI know.\nI know. But I’m- I'm ready now.\nTo live. And to stop pretending, stop worrying about everything that could go wrong, stop being a ghost. I’m so tired. I just want to be with you. You’re one of the only things that’s made me feel alive and here and solid and I’ve been so focused on protecting that, I started to become someone I don’t want to be. I don’t know how to do this, how to love you. But I want to try. Even if it means leaving all of this behind, I think— I want to try. I’m ready.\nI’m not—\nI would never—\nMark-\nOkay.\nYes?"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 54 Transcript\n54 - Telephone #3"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes?\nI’ve had a very long day, Agent Green, now is not the time.\nWhat do you want?\nHelp with what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you want, Sam? We’ve both had long days and—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(through the phone) Look, I’m really sorry about earlier and we’ll talk about it, I promise. But Agent Green just called and— have you talked to him recently?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. I’ve been dodging his calls."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that why he called you? I swear, that man does not understand boundaries."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I know. And listen, I’m not trying to push you to talk to him or anything but he— he wants to defect, for lack of a better word."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What does that mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He wants to come to our side, I guess. Leave the AM and help us with our project."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Really."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s what he said. I guess Wadsworth is in DC at headquarters and he’s worried she’s going to come back and fire him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So we’re his life raft?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I don’t think he meant it like that. He sounded - I don’t know, he sounded pretty sincere."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He usually does. You want to fish him out of the water, don’t you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, there have been worse ideas."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Worse ideas than working with my ex who kept my own brother’s kidnapping a secret from me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, you have a point."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How do we know that this isn’t some plot orchestrated by Wadsworth?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess we don’t. I just thought— he offered to bring along AM files. Ones that we don’t have. We could use that research. And, I know he’s not exactly the most moral person in the world, but it might be, you know, good to have another perspective."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did you say to him? When you talked?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That I needed to talk to you about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He must know that I would be a hard sell on this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But do you really think it’s not worth at least looking into?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, it probably is worth looking into. How are you and Mark doing? Are you alright after what happened earlier today?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, no. We got into a pretty big fight and then he stormed out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I’m sure he’ll be walking through your door any second. Agent Green called just as he left and then I called you so…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry, Sam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I’m sorry. I— today was not my finest moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You and Mark have had arguments before. As have you and I. We’ll all get through it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How do you do that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stay so diplomatic. You’re allowed to be angry with me, you know. You and Mark both you just— you bury it, try to spare peoples’ feelings but who is it sparing, really?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, are you the psychology expert now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hopefully I’ve learned something in the past year."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am angry with you, Sam. But I’m angry with a lot of people and you don’t even crack the top five."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know whether to be insulted or relieved."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d choose relieved if I were you. You’d know if you were in my top five."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ll take your word for it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’ll text you when Mark gets here. Let you know he’s safe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thanks, Joan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We’ll talk later. Bye, Sam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bye."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(through the phone) It’s me. I just got off the phone with Sam: and she…well, I assume you’re spending the night here. I’m about to order food - Italian - so text me if you want anything. Okay, I’ll see you soon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey Chlo!\nLikewise, it’s been a little while.\nOoh, camping? That’s kind of romantic. Are you guys getting back together?\nGood, I’m glad.\nFrom camping?\nReally? You’re coming back?\nOh yeah, I know that feeling. What’s the diner called?\nI think I’ve been there. It’s, like, the only place on that one stretch of highway going East.\nSo you’re feeling totally better?\nChloe, that’s amazing.\nI can’t wait to see you. And hear everything about the past few months—\nI know, I know. I just- I missed you. And- well, I haven’t been doing so great recently. I- I think I really messed up with Mark.\nToday was so bad, we—\nWhat?\nWho?\nWhat?\nYou’ve got to be kidding me. Has he seen you?\nJesus, twice in one day…\nI talked to him earlier.\nDon’t hang up.\nI’ll say. You think he was headed back here?\nGood. That’s the last thing Mark needs. Not that I- I’m not trying to make decisions for him. I don’t know what he needs. But he has seemed better since Damien left. Lighter.\nIt’s really, really not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Frank, it’s Joan. I’m so sorry to call so late—\nEverything’s fine. I just wanted to see if you’d heard from Mark at all tonight? I know he sometimes stops by to keep you company on your shift.\nNo, it’s just that— well, he left Sam’s over an hour ago and I thought he was coming here but…\nHe probably just went for a walk. He’s a grown man, I shouldn’t worry so much.\nThank you, Frank. But I’m sorry for interrupting your evening with my own anxiety.\nWell I guess you should enjoy the peace while it lasts. I imagine things get decidedly more hectic when exams are over.\nHow do you mean?\nThe fear of the unknown.\nMaybe you should ask to switch to the day shift. Might be a little more something.\nReally?\nI’m very glad to hear that, Frank.\nI think that sounds like a wonderful idea.\nI’m guessing that means a visit to Chicago might end up being a bit permanent?\nI’ll look into it for you.\nOf course. It was good to talk to you, Frank.\nI appreciate that. Have a good night, Frank. Call if you— well, if you ever need some company as you’re walking around campus.\n(through the phone) Hello, Owen.\nI wasn’t sure this number would still be in service.\nVery aspirational of you.\nYou’ve been harassing Sam.\nWhat is it you want?\nWhat about her?\nOh, you’ve just now grown concerned?\nThat remains to be seen.\nYes, Sam said you wanted to come work with us. Forgive me for being skeptical.\nEventually.\nIf you’re going to try and convince me to bury the hatchet—\nOwen. That’s uncharacteristically ruthless of you.\nWhat would you suggest?\nWhat do you need me for?\nAnd you’re sure they will? Ellie may have done reprehensible things, but she still did them under the auspices of the AM. DC is as responsible as she is.\nWhat kind of information do you have?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hello?\nWho?\nYou- you’re with him? Is he okay?\nRose, what’s going on?\nRose—\nOh god-\nRose, it’s okay, it’s not your fault. He’s with you now?\nOkay, um, can you bring him here?\nThen can you take him to Joan’s— Dr. Bright’s?\nRose—\nYeah, I’ll tell her. Are you sure about this?\nOkay. Thanks- thank you for calling. And let me know if you need anything.\nGood.\nYeah. Thanks.\nJesus—\nIt’s okay. Normal hazard of who we are, I guess.\nYeah…okay, go help Emily. And seriously - call if you need anything.\nBye, Rose."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(through the phone) I know you won’t get this until the morning but I just want it on the record that I’m very angry with you right now. Just because you had a fight with your girlfriend doesn’t mean you can go off and get drunk with underage girls who then have to carry you home—\nI’m sorry. That was unfair. Just. Please be safe, Mark. I can’t lose you again.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 55 Transcript\n55 - The AM"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, don’t you look terrible."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I bet you it’s not as bad as I feel."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I made breakfast. It’s in the kitchen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rose actually fed me. She’s a chef, remember? Makes one hell of a fry up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, aren’t you lucky? Sounds like the Atkinson’s was a real resort experience."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was actually kind of a nightmare. Being in a house with four Atypicals - one of whom is a dreamwalker - is not my ideal way to sleep off a night of drinking. I’m about seven different types of hungover right now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know what you’re gonna say, okay? It’s what I get for falling off the wagon, for being irresponsible, for fucking up again. That you’re disappointed in me for doing the impulsive thing when I’m upset, that you’d hoped I’ve grown out of this. What, nothing to add?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I’m sorry, I thought you were carrying on both sides of the conversation, but if you’d like I could do your part. “I’m sorry, Joanie, it won’t happen again. It wasn’t my fault, Joanie. Thanks for posting bail, Joanie—“"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was one time in college—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Look at me, I’m fine, Joanie—“"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am fine. Stop treating me like a child."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then stop acting like one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look. I am sorry, okay? I made a mistake. But everyone is making fucking mistakes. I mean, Sam called Damien yesterday and you—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What? She did what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, yeah, yeah, I’ll explain later but, listen, she knows, alright? She knows she fucked up and I’m— I’m handling it. But meanwhile, Agent Green is downstairs—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He’s early."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What the hell, Joan? Wasn’t exactly a pleasant surprise. I had to tell him to wait a few minutes so I could come up alone because apparently you’re expecting him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He’s here to talk about Wadsworth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jesus, what happened yesterday?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She comes back from DC tomorrow and Owen wants to try and oust her before she can fire him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alright, I’m officially too wrecked to deal with this right now, I’m going to bed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s ten in the morning."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just— why don’t you talk with your boyfriend and we’ll finish this later."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don’t think we won’t—\nWhat?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, by all means, come on in.\nOh. Yeah, I do. I still hate your guts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s a terrible time, but I wouldn’t count on there being a different kind in the near future so say what you need to say.\nI rarely indulge in it these days, but yes. Thank you. Do you want to sit?\nBut you’ve had a change of heart?\nI don’t know.\nAnd you were always trying to impress me too.\nYou did.\nIt’s what makes her an effective leader.\nNo argument here.\nWas it? Running what is essentially an illegal prison was easy to justify?\nI didn’t know the specifics. I didn’t know the extent of it.\nAnd that’s why I went looking for Tier 5 in the first place. I was skeptical, I didn’t think what we were doing was right—\nYes, you should have.\nImprisoning people indefinitely without due process—\nExperiments, illegal drug trials, conditioning, kidnapping—\nBut there still has to be something in place about how Atypicals are treated. It’s not like we were given free range to do whatever we wanted - we were trained to help people.\nYes.\nNot necessarily. The CIA is an independent agency, isn’t it?\nWhat are you talking about?\nThen who oversees it?\nThey let you do that?\nYes, vaguely.\nThat’s what you told her this was about? Historical curiosity?\nYou’re not wrong. What did you learn?\nShe sent you all of this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What- I thought we got rid of these…Joanie, your file boxes are multiplying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They’re not mine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. You’re still here.\nWhat is it with you and hot beverages?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We were just taking a break."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Owen is trying to help us find some leverage over Wadsworth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, you’re in luck. Hi, I’m leverage. First hand account of all the shady shit that woman has done.\nAh, right. Because I don’t exist.\nSo that’s what all this is about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We’re trying to figure out whose jurisdiction the AM is even under. As Director of an AM division, Wadsworth operates independently from the government, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t beholden to some set of rules. We just haven’t found them yet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sounds thrilling. You should call Sam. She loves this kind of stuff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn’t sure you’d want to see her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I always want to see her. Even when she does stupid shit like call Damien."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Owen, we’ve sailed right past lunch time. Would you mind going out and picking something up?\nWhat happened?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After she talked to you, she panicked and called him to try and get information. She’d been jumping back into the past to try and figure me out and…god, I’m so pissed at her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re not the only one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, she said you two got into it yesterday. Are you sure you want to see her?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She is good with this kind of stuff. We could probably use her help. And, well, I’m already working with Owen, so it’s not like I’m being picky with my allies. Not that— it’s not the same with Sam. She— she went down a bad path but I— I understand it. I should have been paying closer attention."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jesus, Joanie, it’s not your job to take care of everyone. When are you going to realize that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Knowing it and feeling it are two very different things."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you think you and Sam will be okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think so. There’s no shortage of bad decisions between us, but nothing so broken it can’t be fixed. Will you two be okay?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well at least everything’s in the open now. Keeping secrets from each other never seems to end well. I don’t know why we keep doing it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "While we’re on the subject…Wadsworth told me something when she stopped by the other week. Something about you. And I’ve been trying to find the right moment—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She used me to make herself immune, didn’t she?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What? How—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I kinda thought as much. When you said that you had a theory about how she did it, I started thinking about what that could be. You didn’t get all the brains in the family, Joanie. Most of them, sure. But not all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why didn’t you say anything?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why didn’t you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn’t sure how to bring it up. Or when."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And what better time than when I’m sad and hungover. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know. That’s why I didn’t ask what your theory was or if you’d managed to prove it. But it’s true, isn’t it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She pretty much confirmed it, yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fuck."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couldn’t have said it better myself. You’re being uncharacteristically calm about this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ve spent so much of the past few years falling apart, there’s no more pieces of me left to break. Now I’m just…I’m fucking furious."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Me too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want to help."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With whatever Green and you are doing here. I don’t trust the guy—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Neither do I—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "—but if he wants to make sure Wadsworth never does anything like this ever again, I’m on board.\n-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come in.\nSam, good. You can start in on that pile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey.\nYeah, I’m good. Are you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. Ellie comes back tomorrow morning and, well—\nIf we can figure out who oversees the AM, we can determine which, if any, laws Wadsworth has broken.\nThey’re also not all squeaky clean."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So then it’s likely whoever’s on top is okay with what Wadsworth’s been up to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Or at the very least, willing to turn a blind eye. But if we can find who oversees The AM…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow, look who’s starting to grow a spine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought it would be the Department of Justice but we haven’t found anything to support that.\nWhich means we have to find the people who know it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Order…\nI’m looking at some stuff from the forties and they keep referencing “The Order”. With both words capitalized. Is that anything?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It does…\nOr a religious order."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What with like monks and stuff?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, you’re right, that’s why it sounds familiar. There was a kind of urban legend that would make its way through the AM every time a new class of agents or scientists came through.\nI always assumed it was mostly fabricated. An order of monks who have studied Atypicals for centuries helping to start a government intelligence agency always seemed like a bit of a stretch.\nMaybe not the monk bit, but a group that founded the AM…Mark, what does it say about the Order?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um…it’s all pretty vague. It’s a report from a case in 1944. Talking about how “an ambassador from The Order” brought over some information from the…“Registre Des Phénomènes Inhabituels”. God, it’s been a long time since high school French."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The…register of unusual phenomena?\nA single position, right? It’s not a whole department."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s kind of weird, isn’t it?Sam: Who has that position now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What if that position was some sort of oversight? What if whatever the Order is, it’s still in operation?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you guys think that this Order is what founded the AM?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was the story. If they still exists, they might be the people in charge. They might be able to do something.\nOkay, so we look for everything that mentions the Order. See if we can find out if it’s still operating."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is another way. Might be faster.\nSam?\nLook, if you don’t want to—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wherever it is, they crossed it first.\nWe can argue ethics later, but right now we only have so much time to find something that will scare Wadsworth: enough to bring her down. Knowing what she’s done doesn’t give us anything over her, but knowing who to take that information to might."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, Sam, come on, if you don’t want to, that’s fine, you don’t have to leave—\nRight.\nYeah. Are you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We’ll keep looking here. And then tomorrow, we’ll work with what we have.\n-\nYes, we have.\nThis isn’t about forgiveness. This is about setting things right.\nGood lord, Ellie, do we really need all the dramatics?\nYou’re leaving. Just like that?\nThen they must have been very disappointed when they received the file we sent to them.\nWhich means what exactly.\nThat’s a relief—\nYou broke several of The Order’s bylaws, we proved that—\nI wasn’t exactly grateful for that.\nOne promotion and you’re suddenly reformed?\nI don’t buy that for a second. You’re just going to poison the entire organization from the center, hurt even more people—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no, it’s fine. It’s…it’s weird. Being here in the daylight. It looks so normal.\nI guess you’ve seen it in the daylight though, huh? More recently than I have.\nTier 5.\nRight. The land of no windows.\nNo, it’s okay. In a weird way, it’s…I don’t know, it’s sort of a relief that- that you know. Makes some things easier.\nI’m still pissed that you went back without talking to me.\nAnd that you called Damien.\nWhat?\nYou’re kidding.\nWhat was he doing there?\nWhat?\nThank god.\nWhat?\nNo. No, I don’t think I would. I don’t— I don’t want anything bad to happen to him but I don’t ever want to see him again. Being around him, his power, it could feel good, you know? There was something about him. But it’s like going to take a sip of scotch and it ends up being bleach. You think it’s gonna be something that tastes good and get you drunk but it’s just poison. Chloe’s okay?\nGood. Do you think, uh…\nLose his number.\nYou’ve been keeping tabs on him.\nDon’t.\nI know, that’s not why— I just don’t— I want to be done with him. For good.\nThere are AMs all over the country - all over the world apparently. And we don’t even know if he’ll ever get his power back. He’s not our problem anymore. I don’t want him to be our problem anymore.\nI love you. I should have said that before— I should have said it a long time ago. I love you.\nYes. Look, I don’t know if that’s enough. There’s— there’s still a lot that we need to talk about. And…you’re right. There’s a lot to worry about. With me. Spending a night in a house full of Atypicals showed me that—\nNo. No, not really. It was just overwhelming. And it’s given me a lot to think about. And...I’m not saying everything’s fine but I just. I needed you to know.\nIs that Joan?\nI don’t know.\nYeah. Yeah, it definitely worked. I mean, there’s no way the folks on top can ignore what she’s doing. Especially after we told them that we’ll tell the Order if they don’t do anything.\nYeah, but the AM doesn’t need to know that. Joanie, what happened?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That remains to be seen.\nEllie is being promoted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seems that she’d secured a new job when she was down in DC and, uh, what we told HQ didn’t change that.\nThey think she could still be valuable, under supervision."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you fucking kidding me? That viper imprisoned and experimented on people for years and she’s getting a fucking raise?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knew this was coming. She knew we would try something so she got ahead of it. Admitted her own wrongdoing before we could, making her look trustworthy. Self-aware.\nIt’s clearly an imperfect system."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No fucking kidding."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t think the AM wants to tell the Order about Ellie- apparently this isn’t the first time that someone in the organization has gone rogue. It seems they like to handle it internally.\nIf we can find them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is bullshit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. It is.\nMark—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God, how dare she—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We should go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. She looks like she wants to talk to us, so let her talk to us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t think that’s wise. We’ll go home, re-strategize—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fuck that. We’re having this out, right here, right now.\nOh really? We’re gonna play that game, Annabelle Whitney? What, like your own nephew doesn’t know your real name? Or did you forget that we know each other."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why don’t you walk away, Ellie."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Too fucking right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, of course.\nAre you going to change, Ellie? Or is this just another power play?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Forgive me if I don’t exactly trust you.\nOh, and you needed to make yourself immune?\nI don’t believe you. How do you not see anything wrong with what you did—\nHow dare you talk about her—\nNone of that justifies torturing people.\nCamille was a good person.\nSo what, anyone who lives a less than perfect life gets to go into your Wonka factory of superhumans?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And where exactly did taking Mark - and I imagine many other innocent individuals - fit into this?\nDon’t pretend to believe that. He always had excellent control."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was always careful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don’t pretend to know my family better than me, Ellie.\nHQ must be thrilled to be gaining such an impartial mind.\nPut down the rabid dog?\nAnd meanwhile you’ll be off imprisoning “dangerous Atypicals” in DC?\nEllie."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fuck you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are we supposed to be grateful for that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will take you down someday, Annabelle. I will make sure that you can’t hurt anyone ever again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wouldn’t count on it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fuck. Fuck.\nMy legs feel like jelly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come on, we should get you home."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you really think she’ll leave us alone?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, you’ve been awfully quiet.\nWhat? What did she say to you? Did she fire you?"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 56 Transcript\n56 - Dr. Bright"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sunday, April 23rd - I am officially moving out of my office today. Sam has done a good job of setting up a work space for the two of us at her house and by the end of the week, I’ll be working from there full-time. I think it will be helpful for us to work in the same space more consistently. I’m hoping it will give us time to…\nWell, to learn to trust each other a little more. Sam has been nervous about moving forward with the project since everything that happened with Ellie, but I think she understands it’s more imperative than ever. And perhaps now that Owen is Director…maybe we’ll be able to utilize some of the AM’s resources after all.\nDo you want some toast?\nIt’s always helped organize my thoughts. Getting them out prevents them from just going round and round in my head.\nDid you sleep okay?\nI just know you’d gotten used to sleeping at Sam’s.\nHow are you two doing?\nI’m glad to hear that.\nNo, it hasn’t. Sam and I have our own issues to work through. But I think we will. I think, ultimately, we’ll actually make a pretty good team. We can keep an eye on each other.\nMark?\nWhat? That’s fantastic. What job?\nAre you working at one of the venues downtown?\nThe one with all the piercings and the multi-colored hair?\nYes, I remember her.\nHow quickly you forget which of us got their tattoo first.\nYou were fourteen and tattoo parlors aren’t exactly a kid friendly place.\nSo what about Kayla?\nAnd you’re going to go with them?\nI didn’t realize that you were still in touch with your friends from college. You know you can have people over - I always liked your friends, piercings and crazy hair aside.\nSure I did. I didn’t always understand them, but you have fairly good taste in people. For the most part.\nYes, I do.\nMm, yes, rock bands are known for their common sense and sobriety.\nOh. Well. That’s good.\nMark, no one thinks of you that way.\nYou know there are other Atypicals out there - ones that you won’t know or be used to.\nAbout what?\nMost of the time.\nYou know that Ellie was serious. When she said she would come after you if you risk exposure—\nOkay. So…three months, huh?\nAnd then?\nOf course I am. You’re going off on your own…\nYou had five years stolen from you, you’re allowed to take your time catching up.\nWhat are you talking about?\nOf course it did. I got my brother back.\nI have started—\nWhat, do all the movie nights not count?\nI know it’s not the most usual way to make friends, but I do care about them—\nI don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. With wanting to look after people. That’s literally my job.\nYou all do. You cook me dinner and Sam listens to me complain. Caleb is even coming by later to help me move the furniture out of my office. Where is this coming from?\nI…I don’t know.\nI’m not unhappy, Mark. I don’t want you to think that I am. I’m a bit frustrated sometimes, there’s things I’m still angry about, but you’re alive. You’re safe.\nYes, well, I’ve been a bit busy, if you haven’t noticed.\nYou’re not a problem.\nThat doesn’t mean I want you out of it.\nThat doesn’t mean you have to run away.\nOf course.\nWe need a little distance.\nNo. No, I don’t think you’re wrong. I have been deflecting. From living my own life. First with looking for you and then with trying to get you better. After— after you disappeared, I stopped caring about anything other than finding you.\nYes, I suppose that’s true, in a sense.\nYou’re welcome.\nSo, what, are you the well-adjusted one now?\nHave you talked to her about this yet?\nYou don’t think she will.\nOf her? I know she broke your trust—\nYou’re scared of getting trapped again?\nSimpler isn’t always better.\nI’m sorry.\nIt’s not always true for normal people either.\nI don’t know.\nNo, I— I honestly don’t know. The years we spent together are all now colored by what he did. I don’t have a clear view of how I felt then. I only know how I feel now.\nTired. Holding that kind of anger for as long as I have is exhausting. I don’t know that I have the energy left to hate him anymore.\nYou’re okay with me potentially cooperating with The AM again?\nFor instance, a safeguard against accidental time travel?\nWe’ll see what we can come up with.\nAlright, you big sap, I have to get to the office and finish packing things up.\nDinner later?\nI think that’s a great idea.\nOwen. What are you doing here?\nNo, it’s fine. I’m just—\nYes. Once the AM stopped footing the bill for office space, it was only a matter of time. Especially now with what Sam and I are doing—\nDon’t tell me you’re going to try and stop us after all of that.\nWhat do you mean?\nYes, Ellie getting a fancy new corner office is not what I’d call ideal.\nSmall victories.\nOwen, I’ve told you—\nOh.\nActually, I’d been hoping we could find a new arrangement. I’m not going to pretend that the AM doesn’t have information that could be invaluable to us. I know I was harsh to you when you were assigned to check in on my practice. But I think now we could be civil.\nThen what were you thinking?\nExcuse me?\nYou want to hire Sam and I to work at the AM?\nAre you out of your mind?\nYou do realize that Sam has hacked you several times and the two of us were responsible for a major security breach?\nYes, I know what I was doing. And I don’t regret a second of it. But you can't—\nIf she thought that, she wouldn’t have given the job to you. She wouldn’t sabotage a whole division.\nAnd is it working?\nAnd so you want to reform things from the inside, is that it?\nThat’s putting it lightly—\nI swore I would never go back and work in that place.\nWe’d- we'd have to eliminate Tier 5 entirely. Maybe change the classification system — having a whole category just for dangerous abilities is not doing anyone any favors—\nWhy are you doing this, Owen?\nBut why do you need me to do it?\nAnd you think I do?\nYou think we’ll make the right decisions because we’ve made so many bad ones before?\nI haven’t been running the most ethical practice here.\nYou can’t— you can’t do that, Owen. You can’t continue to view me through rose colored glasses.\nYes, you do. You always have.\nWhat do you mean? Better than I was?\nYes, well. Thank you. But you still can’t put me on a pedestal. Not if we are actually going to hold each other accountable.\nI’ll have to talk to Sam.\nRight.\nDon’t trust me to put you in the best light?\nNo, it's- that’s good. You shouldn’t.\nYes. We’ll talk.\nChloe, what are you doing here? It’s wonderful to see you, how are you?\nHow was your time away?\nI’m very glad to hear that. Chloe, is everything alright?\nI see.\nNo, that’s alright, I don’t mind actually.\nI will. I must say, I’m very impressed.\nThat’s wonderful. Do you mind if I ask how he knows so much? Is he Atypical?\nYes, it does. Do you— do you think Mr. Sandoval would be willing to talk to me?\nA hermit with an email? How very modern.\nThat it is.\nThank you.\nI wasn’t just thinking about that—\nAh, I see.\nIs everything okay with Sam?\nHe called?\nYou listened?\nReally?\nThat’s a bold move.\nAnd he said you could share these thoughts with me?\nI take it they’re good then.\nYou’re impressed.\nWas there much mooning today?\nHm. I can understand that.\nSo you think we should do it.\nThat’s what Sam said too. About working with Owen.\nAre you suggesting we mount a rebellion from inside the AM?\nThere is a certain appeal to affecting change from within an established institution.\nCan’t you hear the answer to that question?\nYes. I think I do.\nThere’s nothing wrong with caution.\nI’m scared too, you know. Well, of course you know. Hence the tip-toeing. It seems like a big decision to make without one hundred percent confidence that it’s the right call. But there have been very few decisions in my life that I’ve been completely certain about, so maybe…well. I’m scared too.\nI- Huh.\nI’ll think about it.\nThank you. For all the inside intel.\nThinking about becoming a spy?\nSo what will you do? Now that you’re back?\nWhat a lovely idea.\nI have no doubt that you’ll figure out.\nThank you so much again for helping me with this, Caleb.\nI’m sure that’s not true.\nJust you wait- you’ll come home from college on break and instantly be put to work.\nYes, you’ve said that before. What do you think she can do?\nI highly doubt your fourteen year old sister is on steroids.\nOne day you are going to explain to me how you are able to play a fictional game from a book about wizards—\nThat doesn’t actually illuminate anything for me.\nI’m getting further away from it—\nWhat?\nThat is…strange.\nWas Alice doing anything in particular when she threw the…\nThe quaffle.\nShe should come see me.\nOf course, Caleb. There was always a chance she would be Atypical and what you’re describing sounds an awful lot like super strength.\nI guess you’re right. Your parents really won’t need you to lift the heavy things.\nYes, I’m sorry I wasn’t much help in that regard.\nThank you for doing this.\nYou still have your sights set on that?\nThere’s something you should know…\nWe might go work at the AM.\nI’m sure you’ve heard that Annabelle has moved on.\nHow is Adam doing?\nMm.\nWhy is that weird?\nCynical?\nI have no idea, Caleb. I’m not going to hold my breath on Ellie changing her ways but people keep surprising me. And I guess I am hopeful. I’m hopeful that that continues, in a general sense.\nYou know, I used to be a lot like you. I wanted to help people. Make their lives easier.\nNot always.\nThank you for saying so, Caleb.\nI’m not the one saying extremely nice things.\nAnd you’re still embarrassed by it?\nNo, you don’t. You get to feel whatever it is you feel. That’s the wonderful thing.\nFor what it’s worth, you changed my life too. You reminded me why I joined this field in the first place. To help people. And the AM might be the best way to do that.\nIt’s how I started.\nYes.\nWhat do you mean?\nEllie wasn’t Director yet when I started there. But, yes, it worked. As far as I could tell. Now I wonder…in the beginning, I didn’t have all the information. I don’t think I had any idea of what was actually going on. Ellie and Owen were smart and capable and wanted the same things for Atypicals that I did. I’m not sure what happened.\nIt’s alright, Caleb. I guess I just don’t know if the place corrupted the person or the other way around.\nYes, I think you’re probably right. Ellie and The AM both have their darker sides and they just brought them out in each other, I suppose.\nYes.\nWere you about to say that I don’t have a darker side?\nThat’s true. I have my faults. I’m well aware of them.\nI think you might be right.\nOoh, very exciting.\nI think you should listen to your boyfriend on this one.\nWell, then, I’ll see you in a month or so. Graduation. You ready?\nThat sounds good."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I brought you an office-warming gift. Or, well, an anti-office-warming gift. An office-cooling gift. A goodbye gift- you know what, just, here you go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, Samantha, this is very nice scotch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. Don’t tell Mark, he’ll be so heartbroken."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’ll be our little secret. Should we toast?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s what it’s for. I’m thinking maybe I’ll like it better if it’s the really good stuff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that a slight against my scotch supply?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no, god— I’m sorry, I didn’t mean— You’re teasing me, aren’t you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In my defense, you are sometimes very easy to tease. Cheers.\nMm, that is spectacular."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oof—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Still not a fan?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, don’t think it’s for me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A valiant effort all the same. Thank you, Sam. This is a very nice gift."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Have to commemorate the occasion in some way. A lot has happened in this office."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, it has."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So…are we going to talk about the enormous elephant in the room?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you want to do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. On the one hand, it sounds like the worst idea I’ve ever heard in my life and on the other hand it makes a certain kind of sense."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, my thoughts exactly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And, well, traveling back in time to help a mysterious man on behalf of my therapist seemed like a kind of shoddy idea there for a while, but it all turned out okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I recall correctly, you were prepared to help said mysterious man long before I said anything about it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, you're right, I was."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you two talk?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yep. Boy, it’s been quite a day, hasn’t it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know, if I went to the AM, you wouldn’t be tied here anymore. It wouldn’t be the two of us trying to build something. You could go with him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re not going to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t think I am. Not right now. I don’t think he wants me to. Not really. I don’t want to lose him but, even more than that, I don’t want to hurt him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Me too. But I think time apart is probably necessary. We both have things we need to work through and maybe someday…well, I don’t know. But I, uh, I gave him something to keep him company. When I went looking for him, last summer, I kept a kind of audio diary. Recorded him a bunch of messages. And I never gave them to him. Too embarrassed I guess. But now he has them. To listen to while he drives. If he wants."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know you could also just pick up the phone and call him. He’s not going to Mars."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I’m gonna do that too. I mean, I’m terrified about what he’s going to encounter out there so I know I’m going to want to check in but, well, I don’t know, the audio notes seemed like a good idea in the moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think it’s very nice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you going to be okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I will certainly be calling him every day, just to make sure he’s still alive. I may even start texting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow, that is serious."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think it will fine. Difficult at first but it’s his choice. The fact that he’s even making it is a good sign, I think."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. So…what do you want to do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think you’re right. I think it makes a certain kind of sense. It accelerates what we’re able to do by quite a lot. We won’t have to start from scratch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But aren’t you nervous? About going back?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course. But I’m more…it’s funny. Earlier today I told Mark I was tired of being angry. But I think I was just tired of being angry at specific people. Because, in reality, I’m fucking furious."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow. Okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’ve= I've never been the idealist. I’ve had no illusions about what’s required for progress. I don’t agree with Ellie - I don’t think it has to be brutal to work - but I also have never tried to pretend that it’s all sunshine and smiles. Caleb asked me if The AM had always been doing bad things and I realized that I didn’t know, not really. I chose not to know. I knew there were Tiers that held more serious cases, but I didn’t stop to think about what that really meant. Not until my work brought me further into that orbit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But then you actually did something. You went looking. You tried to find out what was really going on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I did. But I worked there for years under the assumption that - even if The AM had some unsavory secrets - we were all working towards the same thing. I thought it was better than this. I still had some faint hope that the larger institution was working. That, no matter how slowly or painfully, we were moving forward, on the whole. But that isn’t necessarily true. An organization that allows someone like Ellie to do what she’s been doing…she’s at fault, of course, but she’s not the only one. And it is a massive disappointment, to be honest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And this is you wanting to go work for them?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. Because, hopefully, it means I can’t break it more. Owen is right, he won’t be that good at his job. He’s too much of a yes man, even if he does have good intentions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you are definitely not a yes man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I’m not. And I’m not spending one more day feeling bad about that. I’ve broken so many rules, and some of them I feel conflicted about but, for the most part - at least when it came to the AM - the rules were bad in the first place. Being in a position where I can make the rules seems like something I should be doing. If I can’t completely heal the wound, maybe- maybe I can at least stop the bleeding."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And, well, you really want me to come with you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why wouldn’t I?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It took me almost no time at all to go from complete recluse to someone who betrayed the people she cares about most. I may not be the most stabilizing influence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you’re self-aware - you realized what you were doing and you stopped yourself. It’s like what Owen said - maybe making the mistakes we have makes us uniquely suited to do better in the future."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Maybe."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "People?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The people you care about most."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. You. Who else would I be talking about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You— you didn’t betray me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I broke your trust, Joan. By spying and by calling Damien. I know how badly you wanted to be rid of him - he hurt you too. It was selfish, me risking him getting back into our lives. And I— I shouldn’t have said those things to you—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s alright, Sam—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, it’s not. You don’t have put up with that, Joan. Not from me, not from anyone. You deserve better. And I'm- I’m sorry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Apology accepted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good. And, listen, if you don’t trust me to make the right choices, it’s okay, I’ll—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, Sam. I want you to come with me. I— I care about you too. Regardless of where you and my brother end up in the future, you’re family."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. That’s. Thank you, Joan. You don’t know what that means."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think I do. I’ve been without a family myself for quite some time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. Well, not anymore. So…are we actually doing this? Are we going to work at the AM?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think so."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Huh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not panicking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just- if you had told me six months ago I’d be sitting here, having this conversation, I definitely would have expected some anxiety."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you’re not anxious?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh no, I am- I am definitely anxious. I'm just…I’m also here. Those two things are not mutually exclusive, I’m learning."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, they’re not. You don’t have to, you know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don’t use this as another way to hide."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don’t use this as another way to distract from having a life outside of your job."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Touché. This might actually work."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. It might. Did you ever, in a million years, expect you’d be going back?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. But I can’t say anything in my life is really what I expected."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We don’t always end up where we expect. But that’s not a bad thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess it keeps things interesting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know that isn’t your favorite - unpredictability."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. No, it’s not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Despite that, do you think you’re ready? For another new adventure?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I think I am. You?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. I’m ready.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 6 Transcript\n06 - Patient #13-A-3 (Chloe)"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Patient #13-A-3. Session 2. I’ve spent the past week meditating and practicing mindfulness in an effort to protect my thoughts from Chloe. We cannot be productive in our sessions if she is distracted by my subconscious. I am hoping to train Chloe to listen to conscious thoughts - direct her power so that she can select who she hears and when she hears them.\nHello Chloe. Please, come in.\nHow are you feeling today?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m doing well! I just had the most interesting experience on my way here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you? Tell me about it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, this week wasn't so great, to be honest. I followed your advice at first - staying away from large groups - but that just didn’t work. I like being where there are lots of people around and it didn’t feel right being cooped up in my house with just me and my mom."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Were the voices a little better when you were at home at least?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, they were. Things were pretty quiet. And the longer I stayed inside, the quieter they would get. And I didn’t like that very much."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why not? I would have thought that would be a relief."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, it was sort of nice at first, being able to listen to the sounds around me rather than the angels. But, then it just became lonely. My art suffered. I didn’t realize how much inspiration the angels were giving me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean by that? How were they giving you inspiration?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, they would tell me things - and sometimes show me things - like these bright, strong flashes of emotion and feeling and I…I just started to put it into my art."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They show you things?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In their way. I don’t really know how to explain it. They don’t send me clear images but I still sort of see something in my mind. Does that make sense? As if, when they speak to me, what they’re saying sort of becomes my own thoughts, you know? Like I’m picturing it in my own head or something. I’m sorry, that probably doesn’t explain it very well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s alright. We’re in completely new territory. The transfer of thoughts from one consciousness to another is bound to be confusing business."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you still think that’s what’s happening? That I’m hearing other people’s thoughts?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think that it’s the most logical explanation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you say so."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But back to your interesting encounter - what happened on your way here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh right! Well, I was walking to the bus stop from my house and I passed this homeless man sitting by the bank. And well, I don’t know if he was new to the area or if I’ve just never seen him before - I hope it’s not that, I hope that I haven’t just been ignoring him - but today, it was like…it was like the angels went out of their way to get me to notice him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, as I was walking past, I got all of these voices and images bombarding me all at once. It’s not usually like that - it’s not usually so- so…overwhelming. And there were other people on the street but I knew, I just knew, that it was all about this man. I mean, he wasn’t even doing anything - just huddled on the ground humming to himself. But the angels wanted me to pay attention to him I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chloe, I want you to try something with me. Instead of referring to these voices as angels speaking to you, I want you to talk about them like they are thoughts from other people. I know you’re skeptical about that theory, but I want you to just try thinking about it that way and see how you feel, okay? Can you do that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think so. Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good. So all these thoughts and images were coming from one man?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. Frank is his name I think. Or, it’s his name sometimes? That was a little unclear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, let’s just call him Frank for now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So what was it about Frank’s thoughts that were so different to you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, a lot of time the voices- sorry, the thoughts - are really scattered and confusing because it’s a lot of different thoughts at once. But this - this was like being in a big crowd and hearing a lot of overlapping thoughts but it was all from one person. It was all in the same voice. And it was talking about so many different things. Or I guess, he was thinking about so many different things. Oh god, his is confusing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know, that’s okay, Chloe. The more you talk about it in this way, the more it will make sense. But like I said, this is new territory - it’s going to be frustrating at first."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. So, anyway, it was the normal confusing swirl of thoughts but all from the same source. Like, they all had the same color to them - the same taste."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chloe, in our first session, you talked about voices almost exclusively. And yet today, you speak of images, taste, and color. Has something changed in the way you’re hearing things?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, not too much. I didn’t mention the other things before because they aren’t always there. I always hear things, but sometimes other things come with them - it can be a full sensory experience. But it’s only like that with really intense thoughts - like if someone is angry, or sad, or something. I guess…I guess it’s their emotions isn’t it? Not just their thoughts, but how they feel about it too?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very good, Chloe. I think you’re probably right. For instance, when you heard your mother thinking about her other child - the one who passed away - did you get any images or other feelings?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A little, I guess. It wasn’t really strong though - I mean, I guess my mom wasn’t really actively thinking about her, you know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right. It was more of a subconscious thought than anything else."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure, yeah. It was like…like, this dull ache. And it was gray and hungry. Ugh, that’s not a good descriptor. I wasn’t really paying attention to the feeling of it. The information was so surprising that I couldn’t focus on anything else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sure. How exactly does the information get to you? You’ve said the voices “tell you”. Was it your mother’s voice talking about her child in your head or was it someone else’s?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Umm…I’m not really sure. I’ve never thought about it like that. It’s not really like being told - not like how you say something out loud to another person and they hear you. It’s more that…I just know. There’s a voice - it’s not mine, it’s not really identifiable at all - but it speaks and even though I can’t pick out the words, I know what it’s saying. God, that sounds crazy. Maybe I really am a schizo after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, Chloe, I don’t think you are. It doesn’t sound crazy. Think about it: when you have thoughts, they are often unclear and unstructured, but your mind is still processing them. I imagine it’s just the same with hearing other’s thoughts."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I guess so. God, my head hurts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know this is overwhelming. But we first need to understand how and what is happening before we- before you can learn to control it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you really think I can learn to control it? To turn it off and on?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not certain, but I’m very hopeful. But let’s go back to your encounter with Frank. You were saying how you were getting everything at once - thoughts, images, colors…is that right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, yeah, and that’s never happened before. It’s never been every single sense. And usually people are thinking about a couple of things at once but I guess, well I guess people’s moods kind of affect what they think about, so it’s usually all the same kind of stuff that a person is thinking about. But this - this was so many different things. Angry thoughts, sad thoughts, happy thoughts, all of it at once. And I couldn’t really get a grip on any of them. One second he was thinking about fighting in the war - not sure which one, I never got a clear thought about that - and then the next he was thinking about his father. I can’t be sure, but I think he might be dead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mental illness is often seen in the homeless population - it’s very possible Frank is suffering some mental health issues and that’s what’s causing the erratic thought behavior. Particularly given his history as a veteran, if that’s what he is."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, he was definitely in the military for a little while. But that’s not, that’s not all he is. He’s an artist. He’s an incredible artist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why do you say that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because I saw it. That’s what most of thoughts were. Between the violence and the sadness and the loneliness, there were some of the most wonderful paintings I’ve ever seen. I don’t know how many of them were real and how many of them were only in his head, but they were breathtaking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That sounds lovely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, it was. But he’s still homeless isn’t he? He’s cold and hungry and he has beautiful art to make and no opportunity to. I want to help him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know you do. But you have to be careful. You need to focus on your own health right now. You can’t get distracted with someone else’s problems when trying to fix your own."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not trying to fix anything. Not myself or Frank. Neither of us are sick, we’re just…confused."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I apologize, I wasn’t trying to suggest that you need fixing. But you are dealing with a really big life change right now, Chloe:, and I don’t want you taking on more responsibility than you can handle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know that. I just- his art needs to be seen by people. He needs to paint. I think- I think he would feel better if he could paint."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you talk to him at all?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. I was- it was too much to process all at once and I had to come here, but I want to. I was hoping to talk to him on my way home. Maybe bring him some food. He looked so skinny."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your mother mentioned this about you - always trying to make the world a more beautiful and better place. That’s a wonderful quality, Chloe. And I think you could do a lot of good with your ability if you knew how to control it. Think of all the beauty you could see and spread around if you could read minds at will."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But how do I do that? How on earth am I supposed to learn how to read people’s minds?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Reading minds doesn’t seem to be your problem. It’s more a matter of whose and when. I’d like to go through some meditation exercises with you…\n(time passes)\nVery good, Chloe. Does your mind feel clearer now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Yeah, it does. I mean, it never went completely quiet but I was really able to focus on my own thoughts for once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s great, Chloe. I want you to do these exercises everyday, okay? Find a quiet place in your house, focus your mind and try to block out any extra noise. Depending on how these exercises go at home, next week we’ll try reaching out with your mind to read specific people."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So I’ll be reading your mind? I mean, you are the closest person."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I think that would be counterproductive. You said you can hear the people in the other offices in this building - we’ll focus on them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can you hear any of them now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh...yeah, just the usual clutter. People thinking about going home, worried about the work they have to do, excited about dates - normal stuff. I can’t tell where it’s coming from though."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, then that’s what we’ll try to figure out next week."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait…there’s someone. There’s someone here who isn’t- I don’t- I don’t understand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What is it, Chloe? What’s wrong?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. There’s someone here who isn’t- there’s something wrong. It’s- I can’t hear him but it’s cold…and empty…and…sharp. I think- I think we’re in danger. I’ve never - this is something new."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s my next patient. I promise you, Chloe:, you are not in danger here. All the same, why don’t you call your mom and ask her to pick you up. You can sit in my waiting room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No! Wait, your next patient? Is it the same one as last week? The one you were worried about? You were thinking last week about how he might be dangerous! Dr. Bright, you can’t treat this person. There’s something- there’s something really wrong with him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chloe, my other patients are none of your concern. Some of my patients are more difficult cases than you, but it is my job to help them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is different. You can’t hear what he’s thinking about."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You said you couldn’t hear him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s not- I didn’t mean- there’s something really wrong, I’m telling you!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chloe, our session time is up. I have to see my next patient now. Feel free to use the reception desk’s phone to call your mother and Sarah can get you some water while you wait to be picked up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don’t forget to do those meditation exercises and I will see you the same time next week."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dr. Bright-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I will be fine, Chloe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. I’ll see you next week, Dr. Bright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very good."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Excuse me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Please, come in, Damien.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The AM Archives Episode 1 Transcript\n601 - PEOPLE LIKE YOU\nI know this all seems a bit scary. This building is big and shiny and more than a little intimidating. But, I promise you - if you give us a chance - you'll find we're not intimidating in the least. We can help you. That's what we do here. (beat, then smiling) I know, the name can be a bit misleading - The Atypical Monitors - but it's an old name. A holdover from a different time. We don't want to monitor you. We want to make your life better. That's what the AM is for. It's for people like you.\nTITLES"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh?\nCorporate?\nI'm confused, I thought I was the one who criticized Owen and you were the one who half-heartedly defended him. I'll need to study my lines if we're working off a new script.\n(sassing her) But, Samantha, it's so fun.\n(pleased with herself) I know. (sighing) So, what exactly was wrong with Owen's intake?\nOwen's earnestness is never what I found suspicious about him. It's actually one of his better qualities, I think.\nYes, a lifetime ago.\n(turning serious) You know very well that Owen was never my arch-nemesis.\nNo.\nSam, it is in our name.\nWell, we are-\nWhat? It's true.\nIt's not the worst idea. You could talk to the clients as one of them. It might be helpful to have an Atypical face be the first one they see.\nSam, you haven't accidentally time traveled in months. I'm sure you'd be fine.\nYou've been reading management books again, haven't you?\nTechnically, you should be calling him Director Green.\nThat must be our new hire. (smiling) Let the initiation begin.\nFADE TO"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Great. Thanks.\nNo. Yes. Why? Should I be?\nNew management?\nOh, a bunch of people. They really make you go through the wringer, don't they?\nOh, of course. I didn't mean to- look, I was happy to do it. Go through all the interviews.\nWho?\nDirector Green? Yes, he seemed very nice. He was my last interview.\nAh. \"New management\".\n...How's that been?\nWell, congratulations.\nOh, it's, uh, Agent Crawford.\nYeah... how did you know?\n(laughing) Really? Did they have a terribly awkward courtship?\nOh. Alright then.\n(smiling) You have a point. What do I call you then?\nOkay, then. Mags.\n(trying to smile) Right.\nOh, well, I, uh...(wanting to be honest) I went through one of the AM's programs when I was younger. Division Two.\nUs... you too?\nWhat do you... I mean- that is- (beat) I'm never sure if it's impolite to ask.\nI'm a Cancer.\nMy Zodiac sign.\n(smiling) I'm glad to hear that, Mags.\n(turning around) Joan..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "-and through here we have what is essentially a hospital wing. Treatment for physical injuries mostly. Psychic injuries are dealt with over in-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tier two."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Exactly. I take it you've perused our manual?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just a couple dozen times."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see Owen was right about you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(diplomatic) I hope so. (beat) The manual, it's... different than the one they showed us in training."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, it would be. Owen and I took over this branch six months ago when the previous Director moved to the DC facility-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Headquarters?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, that's right, uh, you just came from there. Though I doubt Wadsworth was mingling much with the trainees."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wadsworth– was that the former director?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. She moved up and left this place in our hands. And with the help of Sam, we've made some changes to how Division Four runs."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What kinds of changes?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This division was started as a primarily scientific research branch decades ago. And while we're still dedicated to advancement, the research in recent years was...mishandled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mishandled how?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(ignoring him) Ah, Andrea- come meet the new hire. Jackson, this is Dr. Sharpe. She's our chief medical doctor. My MD equivalent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nice to meet you, Dr. Sharpe.\nPatient relations."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(explaining) Part of the new initiative."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, yes.\nI… haven't actually met her yet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She and Owen are showing a new client around.\n(stopping her) How is Alex doing?\n(dry, trying to lighten the mood) Well, don't tell him that.\nNo, I know- I, uh... (sighing) Thank you for the update, Dr. Sharpe.\nDon't mind Andrea. She's...well. She's from New York."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(smiling) Right. (beat) So she's new too?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ish. We poached her from the Los Angeles division about four months ago - we needed a new head of medical and got lucky that she was looking to move back East. She's... brusque, but brilliant. Helped a Class D get out of a dimensional bubble they'd trapped themselves in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is that the patient you were just talking about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. No, Alex is a new case. Well, new to us. He was in the LA facility for a number of years before Andrea brought him here. He's...a unique case. Very challenging."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I like a challenge."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(smiling) Noted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So...this new initiative- you're hiring exclusively Atypicals?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not exclusively. But The AM hasn't made a great habit of including Atypicals in their own care. We want to be different."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(warmly) That's very admirable, Director Bright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Call me Joan. (beat) You went through an AM program yourself, correct?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. And I would agree with you. Not all of the divisions have an Atypical perspective. To their detriment, if you don't mind me saying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Which Division did you go through?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Two."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(knowing their reputation) I see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(hurriedly changing the subject) But I'm very glad to be here. I, uh—you know, I have to admit something: I've actually read some of your papers and I gotta say-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(overlapping) You're kidding."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not. It's amazing what's in HQ's archives. And when I saw where I was being assigned-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(smiling) You dug up dirt on all of us?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What I could at least. Personnel files aren't easy to get your hands on but..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lord, my old graduate papers are. How mortifying."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(genuine) Not at all. I- I found them very educational."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(teasing) You know, you don't need to suck up to me - you're already hired."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(smiling) That's… that’s not what I'm doing.\nNice to meet you as well, Ms. Barnes. Uh, Sam.\nWere things overly formal when you did training, too?\n..right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should get going- I've got the Tier Three check-ups today."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thanks for the tour, Joan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anytime."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm sorry?\nOh, right. Well, it's much smaller than I would have thought. (rushing to explain) Not in a bad way, just-- well, HQ is enormous, but mostly administrative. And the Division I went through was even bigger. This is...manageable.\n(getting it) You want to do it right.\nSo...what's the non-official way you ended up working for The AM?\nAtypical?\nLong story very short.\nRight. (beat) I did hear...well, there were rumors at HQ. About this Division. Well, there are rumors about every division but...\nI wasn't going to say anything but, uh-\nWell... yeah.\nBut she's a Director of one of their facilities.\nHm. Guess I'll have to ask her about it.\nAh. So a long, bad story?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Owen, do you have a minute?\n(choosing to ignore that) How's the new patient?\nThat should be interesting.\nI'm sure she can.\nHe's...clever. Guarded. But clever.\nThat's because you take charisma at face value.\n(under her breath) Not many. (to Green) We need to start talking about what to do with Tier Five.\nOwen-\nKeeping them locked up is not an option.\nIf we really want to shut down this division's Tier Five, we have to start. Even if it is dangerous.\nAnd deny all our other patients care?\nThey're not monsters, Owen.\nHe's coming home in two months and I just want to make sure that this is done by then.\nWe both know that's not true.\n(a little harsh) Let's not open that particular door today.\nAnd that's what we need to determine. Who are we locking up? The person? Or the ability?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I did. Somehow. Walking through a building is very taxing work.\nI assume that's a lie.\nWhen you say \"assist on exercises\"...\nOh, so we're not...\nWith the new initiative, I thought maybe we...\nGreat. Thanks, Mags.\nGot it. Pretty tight security, huh?\nNo, I get it. Better safe than sorry.\nIs that the fire alarm?\nShould I-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do we know which patient got out?\nNot ideal.\nOkay. Mags, go to the security bay, lock down the rest of the facility-\nGo anyway, keep an eye on the cameras, and radio us if you see anything else.\nSam, go to the rest of the Tiers and explain what's going on, keep everyone calm. The last thing we need is an Atypical panicking and...\nOwen, deal with the security team, make sure they understand we're not handling this like Wadsworth used to. No one is to be harmed.\nI'm going to go down to Tier Five and deal with Sidney."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She won't be alone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(overlapping) Where did you come from?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let me go with you. I know I'm new here but I can help."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(suspicious but resigned) Fine.\nWe'll be fine. Go talk to security.\nCome on, let's take the stairs down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So, what are we dealing with?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An electropath. Are you familiar?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In theory. (more to himself) Having an entirely electric grid for the doors doesn't seem like the best idea now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our Tier Five cells are customizable. Sidney had a traditional lock on his. Several."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "History of violence?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How bad?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He electrocuted seven people at once. Only one survived."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(a deep breath) Let's go."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": " The AM Archives Episode 2 Transcript\n602 - The Electric Man"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sure Agent Green will have everything under control. There are protocols."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But right now, we need to move."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We need to find Sidney before he-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He's not here, I just checked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You just…(she remembers his file) Right."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's another door that leads to a service elevator - he must have gotten out that way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(trying not to panic) Alright, we need to get back upstairs-\nHelen, it's going to be alright. Someone will come back to check on you. I promise--\nThere's a distinct edge to the end of Joan's vow.\nWe won't leave you locked in here forever. That is not who we are.\nTITLES"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do I need to be here? I could be more use if--\nYou got it, boss.\nI did a full sweep of Tier Five already, he wasn't anywhere-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She's right, we need to focus. We need to decide what to do next.\nExactly. We went on lockdown with people mid-session. And even though they're safely behind securely locked doors, I imagine this is incredibly anxiety-inducing. We need to find a way to either get to them or communicate with them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She always that warm and inviting?\nYeah, look, I'm not really a shelter-in-place, look-at-files kinda guy.\nRespectfully, sir, isn't this definitely the time, and almost certainly the place? That guy was in Tier Five for a reason, so maybe we should stop him before he finds a way out of here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There are safeguards in place that should prevent that from happening."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you're powerful enough, and it sounds like this guy is, all you need is time.\n(curt) Sir. May I be excused to go help keep things under control?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(frustrated) Great, he went after Sidney having almost no information about him. What could possibly go wrong?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm gonna need you to step away from the door.\nHe's caught Sidney by surprise, Sidney gasps as he whirls on Jackson.\nGlad to hear that.\nLess glad to hear that.\nBecause you hurt people, man!\nThat's really the argument you want to make? \"Treat me like the other murderers?\"\nLook, I know Tier Five has--\nStay where you are."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The AM is changing, Sidney. I understand that you've been unhappy, believe me, but--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wha- where did she?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s not too late for you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I agree. We're done talking. Why don't you come with me, man, and we can--\nJoan!\nAre you okay? Talk to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(unsteady) My heart is beating so fast."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's enough out of you.\nI already told you--\nI'm done talking.\nSleep it off, big guy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(still out of it) What did you do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I knocked him out a lil' bit. (beat) What? Did y'all just wanna keep chatting, or...?\nEveryone's gathered in the med bay for a status report.\nWhoa, what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Really, Sam, I'm fine.\nYes, Sam, I know. I was there.\nDon't apologize, you were right. More people would have meant more targets."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's good you were able to take care of yourself. I had my hands full taking care of these two.\nBut, uh, can I ask? Where did you go?\nYou're a…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wouldn't sell yourself short, Sam. You did break someone's nose once. Though I will admit that Agent Crawford's right hook was... quite something."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's all good, man. I know we've all got jobs to do, calls to make.\nThank you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam's right. It's not a clear-cut situation.\n- I wouldn't finish that sentence if I were you, Agent Green.\nYou brought Sam and me in to help change the AM for the better. You need to listen to us when we tell you that things need to change."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He hasn't been outside in five years, man—\n-- Nah, nah. Sidney's a patient, right? Well, you hired me to do patient relations."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "\"Exercised internally\"? Do you understand how that sounds?\nNo one is calling you a monster—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm with Sam.\n(beat) Yes, Director Green.\nDr. Sharpe clicks her tongue in faux sympathy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I agree with that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As do I."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We don't know the whole situation. Plenty of Atypicals accidentally hurt others when their powers first manifest-\nMr. Sandoval. It's good to see you again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who's this guy?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's a member of the Order."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(sotto to Mags) That cleared nothing up for me.\nWorks for me. (beat) I mean, I don't know who the hell you are, but it sounds like the best idea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sounds like the only idea. The only one that'll satisfy all of us, anyway.\nThe AM has to take responsibility for making Sidney who he is today."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mind pouring me a cup?\nHi. Sorry.\nI just needed a minute to...decompress.\nHell of a first day.\nRight.\nThank you.\nPhysically I'm fine.\nThat was my first time seeing a Tier Five. I know that every Division has one but-\nReally?\nIt kinda was, to be honest. Not a horror show or anything like that, just...dark. A little musty. I was expecting something bright and sterile-\nYeah, speaking of - I'd love that Order explanation now.\nKinda the point of a secret organization-\nLike today?\nYeah, he said the \"Order's presence has gone unfelt for too long\"? I mean, who talks like that?\nHm. So what do we think: friend or foe?\nI guess...\nYeah. Why?\nLike she was dealing with a crisis. Why?\nWhat d'you mean?\nOh, we-- we weren't-\nI was only taking a break to-\nRight. Guess I'll go find out.\nMark?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You wanted to see me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I did. Please. Sit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How are you feeling?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm fine. I haven't quite gotten my hair to calm down yet, as you've no doubt noticed…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(chuckling)I wasn't going to say anything. I kind of like it. Reminds me of those cute troll dolls from when I was a kid."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(smiling) Since you called them cute I guess I won't take offense..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, my-- I didn't mean you were a troll!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I called you here because I wanted to thank you. So, thank you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was just doing my job."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, you weren't. Your job is patient relations. Not security detail, or lifesaver."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wouldn't call myself a lifesaver."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I would. Jackson, he almost got me. He did get me, just less than he would have if you hadn't been there to get me out of the way. You saved my life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(trying to deny it)"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm thanking you for saving my life. Just say, \"You're welcome.\" (beat, very serious) Unless you regret it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No! Of-- of course not. (beat, realizing) You’re teasing me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(warm) Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(smiling) Right. (beat, genuine) You're welcome."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I won't make a habit of needing saving."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I appreciate that. I don't think my heart could take it.\nI'm glad you're all right, Joan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Me, too.\nHey, Mags. Can you run me up that next batch of files? I'm ready to get back to work."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The AM Archives Episode 3 Transcript\n603 - The Grand Tour\nI know this all seems a bit scary. This building is big and shiny and more than a little intimidating. But I promise you-- if you give us a chance to—if you, um, give us--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you okay?\nMy mom's picking me up in like two hours.\nJust FYI.\nIntimidating?\nMm, my brother says you spy on people.\nTry?\nI thought you were supposed to be telling me about this place.\nThat's really basic, for a favorite food.\nIs this where I'm supposed to tell you what my favorite food is?\n(joking) Isn't it already in my file?\nJACKSON\nOh my God, it is?!\nAlice Michaels. Uh. Freshman? I’m from like... twenty minutes from here. (beat) What? (beat) Are you for real with the food thing?\n(laughing) Oh my god.\nI'm here because I can lift a minivan over my head and you wanna talk about food?\nYou-- you're-- seriously?\nYou're an Atypical?\nAnd you work for the A.M.\nThey let you be Atypical and work for the A.M.?\nHm. (then) Pepperoni pizza.\nWhatever. I'm right"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hm? Oh, uh-- come in--\nNo. No, I just got in early.\nThanks.\nGreat.\nFine.: (then) What?\nSorry. It's the-- security footage.\nBreakout attempt.\nI am taking a break.\nCome here for a second.\nI want to show you something.\nI know, but-- look--\nEverything quiet-- normal-- and then here comes Nicole on her rounds--\nShe passes Sidney's cell-- and then exactly when she turns past Ritz's room, just-- just out of the line of sight-- Sidney opens his door. And then-- as she comes back-- Did you see that?\nNot Nicole. Sidney. (then) His actions are deliberate. He's so sure of himself.\nAccording to his file, Sidney was on Tier Five because his history of aggressive and erratic behavior included electrocuting seven people at one time in an angry outburst over a stolen parking space. But he was able to carefully plan a breakout from one of the most heavily fortified facilities in North America?\nSidney has never planned a thing in his life. He's a blunt instrument. So why is he acting like a scalpel?\nYou think I'm spinning out.\nLightly.\nNo one blames you for that, Sam-\nSam--\nI'm not scared because of the breakout.\nI told Owen that we need to start seriously considering shutting down Tier Five. We need to evaluate each case and determine if they qualify for release or rehabilitation. But we can't keep people locked up.\nRight-- right.\nBut. We misjudged Sidney. I misjudged Sidney. And if I'm... missing things about one Tier Five, I could be missing things about the rest of them. (then): We can't just... let them out. Some of them are in there for a reason. From his file...I had thought-- Sidney was simple. But he was far more dangerous than I gave him credit for.\nNo, of course not.\nI-- I'm suggesting. That we adopt... stricter parameters. As we process people out. Especially with Atypicals who have histories of violence--\nThat's... oversimplifying.\nThat's not what I--\nI'm going to get some more coffee. Do you want any?\nOkay. (then) Thanks for the burrito.\n(distracted) Oh-- hello, Owen--\nI'm fine.\nI'm fine.\nI'm going to get some air. I'll see you later, Owen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh my god, so much talking.\nIs there a way I can, like, test out of some of that?\nJust some of it. What do you think?\nWhat if I'm really good at it?\nHave you done the therapy?\n(snorting) Okay, Action-Jackson.\nMmmhm.\nOh-- Dr. Bright!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh-- Alice! That's-- tight, too tight-- !"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(letting go) Sorry! Sorry!\nDr. Bright EXHALES a big sigh.\nDr. Bright was my older brother's therapist. For like a million years."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How is Caleb doing? Is he liking college?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think he likes it okay! He says living in a dorm with a billion other people is hard, you know?\n(rolling her eyes) Plus: he won't shut up about how much he misses Adam."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(aside-- to Jackson) His long-distance boyfriend."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(shrugging) I dunno. He hasn't had a mental breakdown or anything, so he must be holding things together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very reassuring, Alice. Thank you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All the places where I'm going to be talking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(distracted)Wonderful. I'm sure you'll love it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You should come with us!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No-- no, it's fine--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Please? You helped Caleb so much when he was going through this stuff, and this place just seems so... different."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm-- actually taking a break right now. If Jackson is okay with it--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jackson is okay with it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "... I'd love to join you.\nNow, the real secret of this place is up ahead.\nYes-- here--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(whispering) It's a vending machine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(whispering conspiratorially) It's the vending machine. And what I'm about to show you is confidential information. Are you ready?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm ready."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. Stand back--\nOh, she is going to kill me when she learns I showed the two of you. Mags thinks that this vending machine is top-level clearance issue.\nA person could rule the country with this kind of power.\nLet's start with the country and see where we can go from there--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll take the chocolate. If neither of you wants it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(slightly flustered) Oh-- yes, of course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thanks. (then) Hey, what's your favorite food, Dr. Bright?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jackson was telling me about how much he likes grilled cheese, and my friend Dani was telling me about this grilled cheese food truck that's supposed to be really good--\nWhat? I'm just saying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't think I'm following--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(long-suffering) If you also like grilled cheese, maybe you could check it out? It would give you a break from Milky Ways, at least."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "... Thank you? I will... take it under advisement."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you going to make me lift weights?\nCaleb is going to be so pissed. He had to talk about his feelings-- I get to get shredded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You'll be doing plenty of talking, don't you worry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Greatttt. (then) Can I ask you a question?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If my brother had been here-- at the A.M.-- would he have been Tier One, like me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hmm. Empaths are not generally considered particularly dangerous. So yes. I believe he would have been placed on Tier One."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(to Jackson) Were you a Tier One when you were a patient at the A.M.?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh-- That's a bit of a personal question, Alice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh-- sorry--\nSo you were dangerous?\nThanks.\nThat... sucks.\nI do, too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As do I."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(genuinely nervous for the first time) What about...Tier Five? I mean, do you guys really keep people trapped down there?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(sighing) Your brother knows a lot more about The AM than he's supposed to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, well only because your brother told him.\nI know you weren't the one to put him there, but he never did anything bad and was still in Tier Five for years--\nOkay. (beat, shrugging it off) Whatever, I'm still telling Caleb I'm more dangerous than he is."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The AM Archives Episode 4 Transcript\n604 - Homecoming\nSo, everyone we're about to meet today is here just for a check up?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's right. Each of these patients has completed an AM program. We typically do check-ups at the three-month, six-month, and one-year mark, just to make sure that all of the tools they took away from their programs are still working for them.\nAre they new? What changed about them?\nWhat a... colorful description.\nAgent Green, Agent Green?\nWh-- Agent Green, Agent Green?\nSorry, stop me if you've heard this before, but--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(distantly) Stop, stop-- All right, how about this? I'll move some things around. Ira, you'll get your tour now. Catherine, Camilla-- I'll meet you both for a debrief in twenty, all right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I work with a lot of patients with unusual abilities, and this is the most atypical thing I've ever seen.\nTITLES"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Catherine, Camilla-- it's always good to see… the two of you!\nCat snorts with laughter, and Cam gently corrects him. Agent Green makes noises of confirmation as she explains.\nHow's this?\nWell, Camilla, you can tell Catherine that even I know that's an optimistic assessment.\nWho wants to know?\nI don't think Dr. Bright would ever date a patient.\nMm. I take it the two of you are still having a hard time adjusting to your upcoming separation.\nIs anyone going to interpret for the hearing person in the room?\nWhat'd she say?\nIt's nice to see that those group sessions have really taken hold with you two.\n(a beat as Cam finishes interpreting for Cat; then, off simultaneous middle fingers)\nWow—wow. Well, that is a rude gesture, you two. (then) Fine, how is your control these days, Cam? Can you generate force fields at will or still just when you're feeling threatened or overwhelmed?\nMay I?\nI'm impressed.\nWhy don't you just tell me what it is and then I'll give you my professional opinion?\n(surprised) Oh. Well. That's a pretty big deal.\nIt's not about picking sides, it's about acknowledging that this is a big leap. Both in terms of your ability and in terms of what it means for your relationship with each other.\nWas that the force-field you just put up right now?\nWhat were the circumstances of the accident?\nSilence from both women.\nIf you're not going to talk to me, there are other patients--\nI see. High emotion can sometimes push the limits of what you previously thought possible.\nCamilla-- Cam. Listen. I understand that it must be difficult for you to face the prospect of Cat's absence.\nCam--\nI'm sure Cat isn't leaving you for-- good--\nI got it. Carry on.\nBeautiful words, I happen to agree with them.\nWhat is it? What'd I miss?\nOh goodness."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's just... Agent Green, Agent Green?\nSome people never saw him as their enemy at all.\nMaybe it's just because they haven't met you yet.\nSam! That was so cute of you to say that with a straight face.\nThank you, Sam.\nIndeed, there was. (then) Part of what drew me to Owen back before, well, everything, was how thoughtful he could be.\nYes. But before that, he was so good at listening to you. Like, really listening and then thinking about something for hours or days after that. Like, once I mentioned that I didn't like the view from my apartment window. I used to live in a place that looked out onto a brick wall.\nHah, hah. Anyway, I'm telling Owen how much I hate this window and how I can't wait to move, and then two days later I'm looking outside at this… beautiful floral mural, exactly the size of my window.\nOh, no, Owen doesn't have an artistic bone in his body. But he found someone who could paint a mural and then supervised the whole process. It was the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me.\nNo, of course not. But at his best, Owen takes in tons of information and then uses it to make people's lives better. Maybe that's what he's done here. Lord knows Wadsworth never had time to care about anyone's feelings.\nOr-- and this is crazy, but hear me out here-- he might have just been the good cop.\nI know. Agent Green, Agent Green?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I’m—I’m just gonna go check on Nicole.\nThat'd be nice, thank you.\nOf course. Everything's fine.\nThis isn't your med bay.\nHey now, no need to point sharp objects at me.\nHow are you feeling, Nicole?\nGlad to see that you're doing well, Nicole. Let me know if you need anything.\nI'm sorry?\nHe hurt you, Nicole. He was willing to kill you.\n(sighing) Thank you, Nicole. You've given me a lot to think about. (then) Dr. Sharpe."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come in.\nOwen, hi. Is something the matter?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. I've just come to tell you that you were right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My favorite words. (beat) Which thing specifically am I right about?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's time for The AM to see the best in Atypicals so that they can do their best in the world. Time for us to provide mentorship and lead the way in how Atypicals are treated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What are you saying?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm saying I'm on board. It's time for us to clear out Tier Five.\nFADE TO"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's right. Effective immediately, apparently, so I'm afraid our workload is about to get a lot heavier.\nI have to apologize for that, Sam. I still think that we need to be cautious, but I never meant to suggest... (beat) What happened with your parents was an accident and-\nYou didn't mean to hurt your parents-\nI know. And we will.\nOf course. I just need a quick minute to wrap something up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come in.\nYes, I did. Please, Jackson, sit down.\nI wanted to talk to you about your speech.\nI thought it was excellent.\nYes. I think Sam will be very happy with the edits you've made. It's actually quite an aspirational introduction.\nWell… The AM has done a lot of harm in the past. But the way you talk about it in your introductory speech… see, it isn't quite who we are right now. But it is who we want to be. It's who I want to be.\nYou are, of course, aware of the circumstances of Joan, Sam, and I being co-directors of AM?\nRight. They're the perfect people to help me see past my blind spots. And I can do the same for them.\nSo far. You'll see that nothing is ever really all good or all bad here. Nothing is easy.\nExactly. The situation with Sidney was one thing, and now this business with Alex-- I actually wanted to talk to you about him.\nNo. You wouldn't have. Alex is a little... off the grid. He's a pyrokinetic patient with severe ...well, anxiety, for lack of a better term. Adrenaline-fueled panic might be more accurate. We keep him under constant sedation for his own protection.\nEthical? Trust me, it is. It-- it's what he told us he wanted, before his anxiety sent his ability spiraling out of his control. But that's exactly what I mean. We're looking for a way to help Alex, and when we do... how do we test the cure? How do we get consent? If we can't, for whatever reason, find a cure, how long do we keep Alex under sedation? A month, a year? A lifetime?\nI've made a lot of mistakes. I've allowed patients to be detained by The AM for indefinite amounts of time and I knew it was wrong - I mean, when I found out that Mark was being held here, I should’ve--\nJoan's brother. (rushing to explain) He's not here anymore- (realizing what he's revealed) I- I shouldn't have said anything. It's not my story to tell. But I let it happen. And that's one of the many- many reasons why I know I need to do better.\nYes. We're civil now, which is better than the alternative... and far worse than what I lost. This is all to say: I'm trying to make up for those mistakes and I think you can be a great asset in that regard. I've given the order that we'll be clearing out Tier Five, effective immediately, and that'll mean a little more work for you.\nI never had any doubt. But your speech gave me real confidence in you.\nYes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jackson? What are you doing here?\nWhen we first got here we moved all the Tier Fives into one hall. There used to be a lot more people here.\n(muttering) He never means to.\nIt was a long time ago at this point. Or, at least, it feels like a long time ago. So much has happened.\n(shakily) Five years? (beat) They experimented on him, made him do things... it was torture. And I did nothing. I had no idea where he was and the entire time he was right below my feet, going through the worst things that you can imagine. All while Wadsworth and Green, the two people closest to me- (shaking herself out of it) But now he's out, he's safe, and… everything is fine.\n(after another long pause) You know, I've never been inside any of these cells. We talk to the Tier Fives through glass. But Mark spent years inside and I just- I want to know. I need to face it. But I just can't bring myself to go inside. Sometimes I'll come here to look and just will myself to cross the threshold, but I never have.\nGo right ahead.\nI know that.\nI'm not torturing myself.\nFine! I'm torturing myself, a little. It's just not fair. I was living a life. Making friends, doing my job, all while he was in here, suffering.\nI should have known. I should have--\n(softly) Thank you, Jackson. (beat) You- will you stay? Just for a minute? While I go inside?"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": " The AM Archives Episode 5 Transcript\n605 - Choices"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alex? Are you-\n(muttering to herself) No, you shouldn't be...we've already upped the dosage, I don't...\n(to herself, reacting to the flame) Oh, for chrissakes--\n(sighs) I'm sorry, Mr. Chen. You have to stay asleep. For your sake and ours."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is everything okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't you have better things to do than lurk outside the door, Agent Crawford?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wasn't- I got an alert?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, yes, Ms. Barnes' little toys."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don't approve?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's not that. I just have no use for a tablet that tells me what is going on at all times in this facility. All I need to see is what's right in front of me and I have eyes for that. And they are much more reliable than a shiny piece of tech."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is he okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alex - is he okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He is now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What happened?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well-\n(rolling her eyes) I wish you wouldn't call it that.\nSomething less...pun-y.\n(sighing) He's deteriorating.\nYes, well, he's deteriorating more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You've upped the dosage again?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. As far as we know, this is the longest an Atypical has ever been in a medically-induced coma. It's certainly the longest any person has been in this state.\nIn a sense. I believe his body is simply...well, burning through the barbiturate faster than expected.\nWe have to increase the frequency of his IV drip to start. But, well, we're...\nYes. Faster than we anticipated. And giving him more drugs is a band-aid, and one that could very easily be more harm than help at this point."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The more we give him, the more unstable he'll become. His ability burns through the drug, which it sees as an intruder, so we add more drugs, so it starts to burn faster, and we go round and round and round until..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Boom."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Exactly.\nI am finished with it, but it is completely untested.\nNo, I'm fairly certain it will but on the slight chance it doesn't...\nHe already consented.\nYes, thank you, Dr. Bright. I was the one who was actually there with him, I do remember."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If we woke him up now, he'd still be in incredible amounts of pain."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you, Agent Crawford. I'm glad someone sees sense."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hold on, I'm not saying I agree with you. Joan is right - Alex gave his consent months ago, before the serum was done, before we knew it would be untested-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, if you all would let me do a trial-\nOf course. I don't have any interest in testing a completely new drug on an unwilling participant, but you won't even let me ask our patients-\nThen someone on staff should do it!\nThen I don't know what you expect me to do, Director. If you insist on painting me into a corner-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(jumping) Goddammit, Sam-\nYeah.\nHe's getting worse. They're all in there arguing about what to do with him.\nNo, I- I was in there. It just got a bit...\nHuh?\n(a ghost of a laugh) Actually, that gives me an idea.\nA beat of silence.\n(deep inhale, exhale) Okay. That's better.\nJust ran outside and around the property a couple of times. Probably a few miles.\nHow do you do it?\nMake the big decisions. The hard choices.\nHuh. (beat) What do you...uh, what do you mean?\nNo, I didn't mean anything by-\nI don't know what you're implying.\nWhat? You mean, you and-\nYeahhh.\nAhhh.\nI'm not...that is to say, I haven't...(beat) Don't tell Joan.\nGod, that's embarrassing.\nHas she...? You know what, never mind, we shouldn't even be talking about this. She's my boss. You're my boss.\nThey'll never really know.\nAn asset. Like I said, I don't know how you do this- make these calls. When I started here I didn't expect to be in these conversations so soon. And now it's...\nLook, I don't know how much my perspective as someone who's been through an AM program will help. I don't have the rosiest view of it.\nWhy end up working for them?\nIsn't that a question that applies to half the staff here?\nMaybe. Or it’s just that we see something broken - go through something broken - and we want to fix it.\n(after a moment) I know that people have had it worse than me. That, all in all, my time in Tier Three wasn't all that bad. But some of the things I saw...the things I heard...\nDoesn't make any sense? I know. You haven't visited Division Two, have you? (at Sam shaking her head) It's huge. And a lot less hospital-like and a lot more prison-like than this place. There are a lot of people there who don't belong there and even the ones that do are usually mis-categorized.\nHow did I end up there?\nI was an idiot teenager, what else? You know how growing up there were always those kids that thought it was really cool to drag race their crappy cars down open streets late at night?\n(smiling) Right.\nWell, for some reason, those dirtbags were my friends. And once I figured out what I could do, I decided to join in on the racing. You know. Without the car.\nYeah. And teenagers aren't really known for their subtlety. The AM wasn't exactly thrilled about me flaunting my ability to my fellow high schoolers.\nTwo years later and, trust me, I wasn't about to start goofing off again.\nBeats me. They didn't even seem to be experimenting. I think they just...forgot about me.\nThey thought I was in juvie. And therefore, a complete disgrace to the family. They weren't knocking down The AM's door to get me out.\n(shrugging) We've cleared things up since then. I wouldn't say we're close, but they know about me now. The truth about me. And they can tell their friends I have a confidential job with the government, so they don't have to spend so much effort on saving face anymore. I know it could be worse.\n(nodding) True, that’s true. (beat) But, boy, hearing about what Mark went through...knowing what some people in Tier Five have gone through...it puts things into perspective.\nNot in detail. But Director Green let some things slip and then Joan...well, I can fill in the blanks.\nAnd you think shutting down Tier Five will fix things?\nOne person can't ruin an entire institution. I know she had her problems but Wadsworth was still just a person, like you and me.\nYeah, well, that may have been rotten to begin with.\nWe can't keep going the way we're going-\nBut you think The AM should still experiment on innocent people?\nLook, I agree, research still needs to be done, but we can't use patients as test subjects.\nExcept it is different. Atypicals are often scared and desperate and it's very easy to take advantage of that.\nSo you're saying that you have no problem with Dr. Sharpe giving a drug to an unconscious patient with no written consent?\nNone of us do. But if we're going to do this right, we have to do it all right. Or, at least, as much as we can.\n(sighing) Having an opinion is not the same as making a decision.\nI don't know. Sharpe wants to try the drug on someone conscious and less prone to explode but Director Green doesn't want to ask any patients and he's right so...\nLooks like.\n(laughing) Couldn't have put it better myself.\nI don't know.\nA cure?\n(nodding) Look, I believe it is Dr. Sharpe's intention to make it temporary, yes. (beat) But still, the thought is...daunting.\nReally?\nBut now...?\nI know what you mean. I never had a contentious relationship with my ability, but I don't know that I fully appreciated it before I went through The AM. That appreciation may be the one thing I'm grateful to Tier Three for.\n(quietly) Me neither.\nA long beat.\nWell, I should get back in there.\nRight. Well, thanks, Sam. For the talk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(fading in)...one way or another, you need to make a decision- (seeing Jackson) Ah, Agent Crawford, nice of you to to rejoin us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fine. I was just talking to Sam. Where are we at?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very much so, Director. It's impossible to say with certainty - I've never been in this particular position before - but I'd wager we have a few weeks - six at most."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(under his breath) Jesus."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(unfazed) Excellent reflexes, Agent Crawford."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(out of breath) Thanks.\nFine. You?"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": " The AM Archives Episode 6 Transcript\n606 - Decisions"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(over intercom) Would Sam Barnes please report to my office? There are file folders everywhere."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Any more subjects for review?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean patients?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. Yes! Sorry, I do mean patients."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our initial review turned up several cases of people who were either misdiagnosed--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "-- Like the psychic they thought was a time traveler?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, either like that, or Atypicals who have gained sufficient control after being held in the AM that can be safely released."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wonderful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You seem happy about this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aren't you? We're clearing out Tier Five, reintroducing people to society and normal, productive lives. What's not to be happy about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's normal after you've been held without due process for years at a time?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joan--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not trying to guilt you, Owen. I'm just asking the question. The AM kept people from their families. From the entire outside world."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're doing a terrible job at not guilting me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What I'm saying is that The AM created the problem with Tier Five. It made assumptions about people who were merely presumed dangerous. You can't pat yourself on the back for solving a problem of your own making."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know, Joan, you do work here now, remember? It's not just \"you\" anymore. It's \"us.\""
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I'm a part of the \"us\" that's fixing the problem. But is it enough? What responsibility does The AM have to the lives it's ruined?\nNot every conversation is a fight, Owen. I just don't want us to get so caught up with patting ourselves on the back that we forget we locked up people who never should have been locked up in the first place.\nYes. We're about ready to pull the trigger on some of these patients- (beat) Bad choice of words.\nNot all of them...Oliver, Mona, and Javier can all be let go. I did extended sessions with them this week and they all seem mentally sound. Well. At least as mentally sound as someone can be after years of imprisonment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you're sure about that? Even Sidney had his moments of remorse during his time here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(reluctant) I'm...I'm as certain as I can be. I think it's important we check up on them all, but even if they had violent tendencies, their abilities aren't as...potent as Sidney's."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sam, were there any red flags when you traveled back?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought we agreed you wouldn't try and evaluate patients based on their past actions-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So? Was there anything?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I said. Their psych evals told us that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then it's decided. They get released today."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I haven't had a chance to evaluate all of them yet but there is one that I think is equally as clear-cut. Taylor Griffiths-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Which one-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The telekinetic whose specialty is the human body. Namely, turning human bodies inside out, if I remember correctly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(a bit disturbed) Oh. Right. Her file was particularly gruesome.\nMm, not just fun it seems. Curiosity. She was a PhD student in the anatomy and physiology field before the AM discovered that she also had a night job as a serial killer. She can't be released."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How? She's a murderous sociopath who would take apart her own grandmother to see how she works.\nAgent Green softly clears his throat.\nOwen, if you say \"I told you so,\" so help me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just want to point out that this is the entire reason Tier Five exists in the first place. Of course we couldn't put Taylor in a regular prison.\nAll I'm saying is that nothing is ever fully black and white.\nSam, you’re being reductive and--\nI'm here, Mags. What's up?\nMr. Sandoval's here? Was he scheduled to be? Did I forget something?\nGo ahead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam, why don't you take these files to Mags and get our three patients started on their release paperwork."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Sandoval. What an unexpected pleasure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How can we help you today?\nYes. It's proving to be rather an intense process. We have some earmarked for release but there's one that...well, they would endanger public safety.\nWhat? What about Sidney?\nWhy would you take another dangerous Atypical off our hands?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Could this be a permanent arrangement? Any Atypicals we think might be a danger to themselves or others, we could just..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our patients are not animals, Mr. Sandoval.\nWhy not? If your process is so thorough--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(muttering) And yet you insist on micromanaging us.\nAnd who's fault was that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Owen. Lee is trying to do us a favor. Please let him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Understood. And I'm very grateful, Mr. Sandoval. We have to take responsibility for the lives we've ruined. (to Joan) I have to take responsibility for the lives I've ruined."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": " The AM Archives Episode 7 Transcript\n607 - The Right Way "
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I sent Oliver up earlier. Mags is going to get him processed out this afternoon.\nI have no idea why he was here in the first place. The guy can barely freeze an ice cube. Did he mention anything to you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(snorting) Oliver Ritz never \"mentions\" anything. He monologues."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's an understatement. I watched an old interview with him and Green once where he didn't shut up for fifteen minutes straight. I'm telling you, I learned more about the weaponization potential of mold spores than I ever needed to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's an..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Interesting man?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "\"Interesting,\"...yes. And no, I don't know why he was here. From what I gleaned from his file, even Wadsworth didn't have much of an idea. The order to put him on Tier Five came from pretty far up the chain of command."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then I'm glad he's getting out. If only to save us from having our ears talked off.\nBeat. As they walk -\n(whispered) This is weird. Don't you think it's weird?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's weird? Why are you whispering?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's so quiet. I've never heard Tier Five so quiet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well with all the patients Lee has taken off our hands -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I know -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And then the other ones we've released - I suppose it's no surprise that things are a bit quieter around here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's not what I meant. I just - I don't know. It feels. Calmer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "... I don't think I'm picking up on the nuances you -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It feels more peaceful. More... correct? Does that make sense? Less like a drain on our collective morality."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're doing the right thing here. It feels good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don't seem... as excited as I am about all of this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I am. Of course I am. The thought that no one like Oliver - like Mark - will be held here against their will? It's wonderful. Mark will be so thrilled when he hears about this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(guilty) Right...when he hears about this.\nBeat.\nSo you're not... freaking out anymore?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, a few days ago - you were worried that we were \"misjudging\" some of our Tier Fives. You made it sound like we shouldn't be releasing them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I never said that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You pretty much did."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I said. That there were some Atypicals who had the capacity to use their abilities for murder and mayhem, and that we are completely unable to predict when those... incidents might happen. (then) What?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're not making a great argument for yourself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's no argument to be made. We saw what happened when we underestimated an Atypical. I can't afford to make that mistake again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What happened with Sidney wasn't on you, Joan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should have noticed the changes in him. Because I didn't, people got hurt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nicole is going to be fine. You know that, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But that was never a given. She could easily have died. Any one of us could have died!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wonderful. Let's keep innocent people locked up for no other reason than the fact that Joan Bright is skittish."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not - (catching herself) Sam, I don't know what you want from me. We're releasing three Atypicals this afternoon. Atypicals that I evaluated and deemed safe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, I-- (beat) I know. I'm sorry. I do trust you, Joan. I just...I want us to be careful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We will be. But we can't get into this right now. I have an evaluation scheduled to begin in thirty minutes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who's up today?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her name is Helen. Controls... frequencies, I think? Radio waves, that sort of thing. She actually helped me and Jackson when we were trapped down here with Sidney. (an olive branch) I'm heading upstairs to go through her file. Do you... want to join me? I would enjoy hearing your perspective."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I think that'd be good.\nTITLES"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you have the admission paperwork?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Over here.\nBeat. More silence.\nHave you seen the records from 2011?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think they were under the X-Rays.\nThis is strange."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hm?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you seen this? Here - right there. The admission date."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "August 5th."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of what year?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "... huh. It's not listed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's right. And over on the pharmacology records, it says she was admitted on January 23rd. Again, no year listed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sloppy bookkeeping?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps? Then again..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why would anyone hide such a basic fact?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have no idea."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How long has... what's her name again?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Helen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How long has Helen even been here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll have to ask her when she comes up for the interview."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(beat) So I was thinking..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe I should stick around for this interview."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's highly irregular, Sam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know but -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We've never done anything like that before. Not to mention the potential breach of doctor-patient confidentiality -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I understand all that. But I have to be honest - you've been acting a little... not-yourself in regards to Atypicals, ever since the breakout."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Breakout att-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He got out of his cell. He nearly got out of the A.M. It was a breakout. Anything beyond that is– well, it seems like semantics, you know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not seeing your point."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My point is that I've noticed you're... leery of Atypicals."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Excuse me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just lately! When you had to sit down with that - weather-guy, the guy with the clouds. Javier? I thought you were going to pass out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I cleared him to leave."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And Oliver too!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After I pointed out all the inconsistencies in their files! All the reasons they shouldn't be here! \"More investigation,\" that's what you wanted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what's wrong with that? What's wrong with understanding the full picture?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don't get to dictate what makes up the full picture! Everything that scares you doesn't get be the whole story! There's a difference between being cautious and being fascist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So we should set Sidney out on the streets. Trevor, that telekinetic who killed four people should just be... free to keep killing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's not what I'm saying, and you know it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm working on figuring that out for us. It's my job. Please let me do my job."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'd be happy to. Except these days you're starting to sound less and less like Joan Bryant and more and more like Wadsworth. (beat, muttering) I hope you didn't talk like this when Mark came by."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(beat) When who came by?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mark. He was supposed to swing by here to -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's back?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He showed up this morning, he-- he didn't come to see you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, he..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was going to say hi while I wrapped up some stuff with Mags earlier. I—he must’ve gotten sidetracked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't - did you know?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That he was coming back? I - no. He doesn't - he didn't tell me anything.\nBeat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have to -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joan -\nYou have Helen's evaluation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She can wait."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She's been waiting! She's been waiting in our cells for this chance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(icy) Very well, Sam. Let's say - for a moment - that I am behaving... irrationally. What would you suggest? We can't ignore the fact that we do have some dangerous people on Tier Five. Intentionally dangerous people. Deliberately. They can't all be released like Oliver or Javier or Mona. (then) Take-- take Helen, for example. With the missing gaps in her paperwork. She's never stepped a toe out of line in all the months I've been here, but that doesn't change the fact that she is a frequency-kinetic with enough power to drop a man in his tracks. You don't want me to ask questions? You don't want me to try to get to know her? Fine. What do you want?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let me use my ability.\nI can travel back, find those gaps in her files, and fill them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's not the way we do things."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, it's not how you do things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can't solve everything by using your ability, Sam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It can solve some things. I told you, the past doesn't lie - it's objective, just like we should be."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I worry that you are thinking of your ability as a shortcut right now. It's not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A shor- It took me years to get this ability under control and you think I consider it a shortcut?\n(beat) You know what, Joan? Go ahead. Talk to Helen. See what she has to say. But there's more to this person than just your take on her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what is that supposed to mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It means: you do this interview your way, and I'll do it mine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam? Sam! (then) God damn it. (muttering to herself, icily) I will do it my way and I won’t be skittish about it.\nMags goes over release paperwork with OLIVER RITZ (30s/40s), a Tier 5 on the verge of getting the heck out of the A.M. for once and for all.\nIt is dead quiet - Oliver is the last patient in the building."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The AM Archives Episode 8 Transcript\n608 - Think Twice\nYou know what, Joan? Go ahead. Talk to Helen. See what she has to say. But there's more to this person than just your take on her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what is that supposed to mean?\nSam? Sam! (then) God damn it.\n(muttering to herself, icily) I will do it my way. And I won't be skittish about it.\nHello, Helen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(from behind glass) Dr. Bright. Hello."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How are you feeling today?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's so quiet down here now. I don't...I don't like it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(sympathetic) Thank you for your patience in all of this. I know this must be incredibly frustrating for you - seeing other Tier Fives being moved out-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where are they going?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, some are being released, and we're going to try and find a way to...compensate them for the time that we took from them. I know we can never make it up, but-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(frightened) Everyone's being released? Even the man who shocked that poor woman?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, no. Sidney has been taken elsewhere. Somewhere we hope he can be rehabilitated. (seeing Helen's fear) You're safe here, Helen. I know that hasn't been the case up until now, but we're doing everything we can to change that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So I can home now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hope so. But I need some more information first. Your file is..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, it's very thin, for someone who's been here as long as you have. (beat) How long is that, exactly? We weren't able to dig up your original intake form but the earliest date in your file is from over six years ago."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(softly) I've been here nearly double that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Really? That's- (beat) I'm very sorry to hear that, Helen. That is...unacceptable."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What else is in that file? I've- I've never seen my own file before."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I said, um, not much. That's what I wanted to talk about today, Helen. I know you've been reluctant to speak to me, and I understand that, really, I do, but I'm hoping I can get you to trust me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I talk to you, you'll let me out?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't promise that, Helen. We are trying to change things but there are still protocols-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The protocols are wrong.\nBeat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. (beat) But if we can talk openly and honestly, you won't be kept here anymore. That I can promise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I might be taken to wherever that awful man went.\nWe're always in danger here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not anymore."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why should I trust you? Why are you any different from the others?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The people who worked here before me...they were driven by fear. I'm not afraid."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even of Sidney? He could have killed you. He could have killed all of us. You weren't even a little bit scared?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, no, I was. I was terrified. But not of what he could do - I was scared of what he was willing to do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The world is a scary place. I have a feeling you and I know that better than most. But it's not the ability that's worth fearing; it's the person."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(quietly) Are you afraid of me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Should I be?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everyone else has been."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why do you think that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(gestures broadly) Look at where I am."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's what I wanted to talk about. I understand that you have the ability to manipulate frequencies-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(scoffing) Barely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You mess with a local radio station when you're twenty and that makes you a dangerous freak?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that what happened?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(frustrated) It's not even like I did it on purpose, I just... (beat) I wanted to hear that one song...you know... (she sings) \"I remember when, I remember when I lost my mind...\" (beat) What was that called? (sings again) \"There was something so pleasant about that craze...\" (trailing off) It was by someone with a really weird name..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Gnarls Barkley."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was the group that sang that song."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right...Gnarls Barkley. Do you remember what the song was called?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um, \"Crazy\", I believe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(snorting) Of course. How's that for irony."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, is that really what happened? You manipulated the radio waves to hear a certain song and ended up here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What, you don't think The AM would imprison someone for that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I believe The AM is capable of exactly something like that, I just...well, it's extreme."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In my experience, it's an extreme organization."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Would you be willing to tell me a bit more about that experience?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(close to tears) Why? There isn't much to say - I was brought here for no reason, kept against my will, and now I need to prove that I'm worthy of being released?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't need to prove anything at all, Helen. I just want to get to know you a bit better. That's the only way I'm going to be able to help you. (beat) Do you think we could do that? Get to know each other? (beat) If there's someone else in the facility you'd prefer to talk to-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No- no, everyone I've talked to before now is... (beat) I want to trust you, Dr. Bright. But it's not...I mean, do we- do we have to do this through the glass like this? It makes me feel like I’m some kind of animal. And I'm- I'm just so tired of feeling that way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course, I understand that. But there are proto-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Protocols, I know. But you said that you're changing this place. Are you lying to me already, Dr. Bright?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, Helen, I'm not lying to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then let me out of here. Just for a few minutes. Just so that I can talk to you without a wall between us.\nA long beat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay.\nI'm coming in to talk to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That little recorder of yours won't work in here. Not with all of the...\nHelen gestures vaguely around her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, right. The frequency suppression. I, uh, I didn't think about that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's also kind of nowhere for you to sit. Unless you want to sit on my bed-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no, that's alright. I'll- I'm fine standing. (beat) It's nice to meet you face to face, Helen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't you need this for your records?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This room is going to put your recorder on the fritz. You won't have any record of what we talk about and if you're so worried about files having missing information..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I take good notes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can't we just go to the observation room? It's so- it’s so harsh in here and I just want to...I want to sit on a couch. And look at a different wall. And feel like a halfway normal person having a halfway normal conversation. (beat) You said you weren't afraid. I won't do anything to you. I can't."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(deep inhale and exhale) Alright. Let's go sit down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(overly grateful) Thank you, Dr. Bright. Thank you for treating me like a person."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's not something you should have to thank me for. (beat) And, Helen, I should mention that the only other door in and out of this room is locked and coded. I would understand if you wanted to try and make a break for it but-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(resigned) I wouldn't get very far."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m truly sorry for this situation. From what I can tell, there isn't a legitimate reason for you being in here - there doesn't seem to be a legitimate reason for anyone being in a place like this, even someone like Sidney - but, well, we still have to be cautious."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I understand. For all you know, I'm actually a horrible murderer who is waiting for the first opportunity to kill you. (beat) I'm not even sure how that would work. Unless you're made of radio parts, I can't do anything to you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that how your ability works? Only on radio frequencies?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What does my file say?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It just says frequency-kinetic. No class, no level-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What does it say about me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(making a choice) It says you're extremely volatile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do I seem extremely volatile to you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, Helen. You seem unbelievably grounded for someone who has been through what you've been through. But I still need more information."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Like the extent of your abilities. What it can effect, how much control you feel over it, your own feelings about it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't feel anything about it. Not anymore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you did before?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought it was neat, at first. I could change the station without touching the dials, make lights flicker sometimes. It was a party trick."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It works on light frequencies as well?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't really know. I haven't been able to do it for a really long time. After a few years here, I just...stopped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You've suppressed your own ability?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn't mean to. It just happened."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see. How do you feel about that? Do you miss it? Are you relieved?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "...I miss it. (beat) Is that okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course that's okay. Your ability is a part of you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A part of me that other people hate."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Those people are wrong. And I'm sorry you were ever made to feel that being Atypical was a bad thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You really think it's a good thing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't think it's good or bad. It just is."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The person, not the ability, is what matters, right? Like you said?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Exactly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Could you help me get my ability back, Dr. Bright?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know, Helen. It's unusual, but not unheard of, for an Atypical to lose touch with their ability. Many of those people get them back, but it depends on why the ability stopped in the first place. Nothing is ever lost, but some things are harder to access."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know why it stopped. It just did."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, hopefully if we work more together, we can figure out why and help you get it back. If that's something you'd want."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course I'd want it. Without it, it feels like I'm missing part of my nervous system. Like one of my arms is constantly numb or something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did it feel like before?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whole. I felt whole. (beat) What do I have to do to get out of here, Dr. Bright? If I can't be whole, at least let me be free."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My hope is that you can be both, Helen. But I have some basic questions for you first. (beat) You said you didn't know how you would kill me with your ability-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, that was just a joke, I didn't mean that-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I know, Helen. It's okay. I think a little gallows humor is understandable in this situation. But I still need to ask - have you ever used your ability to harm another living thing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, of course not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Helen, I'm not going to judge you for what you've done in the past. I want to know who you are now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you're not going to judge me, then why ask?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because I need to understand why you're in here. The AM has a terrible track record, yes, but placing someone with your ability of your level in Tier Five simply because of a radio mix-up...are you sure nothing else happened before you were brought here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(after a moment, quietly) Traffic lights."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The traffic lights near my house. I- I didn't mean to, you have to believe me-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I believe you. What happened?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was just playing around in my room one night, making the lights flicker and I didn't realize...I didn't realize that the traffic lights outside my window were flickering too. It was never a busy intersection, but it wasn't well-lit, and people usually drove pretty fast. I grew up in West Texas, where there's not a stoplight for miles and miles and then suddenly there is, and people don't always slow down as much as they should. And I didn't know that I was making the lights flicker outside too and then all of a sudden, I hear this terrible crash outside my window. (beat) Both lights were green. They weren't supposed to be, but I made them green. And a truck sped through the intersection and... (beat) It was awful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm very sorry to hear that, Helen. It can be very frightening when an ability is new and has unforeseen consequences."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, exactly. Unforeseen. I didn't mean to, I had no idea that that would happen! But I guess The AM found out because a few weeks later there are people on my doorstep saying I need to come in for an evaluation and then I'm brought here-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You were—you were brought directly here? The AM has a facility near Dallas, I would have thought-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I went there first. I've been to a couple of different facilities I think. I don't know, they start to blur together and so much of that first year was just being moved around. I've been here, wherever here is, the longest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you know why you were moved?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. I don't. (beat) But please don't move me around again. Just let me out of here, Dr. Bright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think I will be able to do that. But first, it might be good to talk to some of the other facilities that you were at, see if they have any more information-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What, because you think I'm lying to you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you lying to me, Helen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What would be the point? It's not like there's something worse you can do to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Worse than what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Than the past decade. I've been trapped here, experimented on, watched other people get experimented on for- I don't even know how long exactly. You seem like an okay person, compared to the rest, but a lot of them seemed okay at first. They all turn eventually."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean, Helen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was a woman. Like you. Before. (beat) She was smart. And skeptical, like you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not skeptical of you, Helen. I'm just trying to get the whole picture. (beat) Tell me more about this woman."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought she was a friend at first. She was kind to me. More than Rostova, at least."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Director Rostova?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. He was in charge for as long as I could remember. And he was...so cruel. I think he liked making our lives miserable."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why do you say that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was constantly running experiments. He treated all of us like lab rats. I- I- (beat, scared) He's not still here is he? I know he liked to listen in, but I haven't seen him in so many years-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No- no, Director Rostova isn't here anymore. He retired."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He could still be listening."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Helen, I promise you, he's not. He- he passed away a few years ago, actually."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. (beat) I know I should feel bad about that, but I don't."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's alright. (beat) Do you want to tell me more about your friend?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The woman who was kind to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ellie. She was always assisting Rostova, but she would be patient with us. Gentle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ellie?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's what she told us to call her. At first. And then she became Director Wadsworth and I barely ever saw her again. (at the look on Dr. Bright's face) You know her, don't you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I'm...familiar with her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where did she go? Does she still work here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She...she still works for The AM, yes. But not here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. (beat) Well, that's a relief."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I understand that she didn't run Tier Five particularly well."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's a bit of an understatement. After...well, after she became director, she stopped being gentle with us. I don't know what she wanted from us, but the others hated her. I kept thinking I would wake up one day and she would be Ellie again, but...that never happened."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm very sorry that she betrayed you. But she can't hurt you anymore."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don't like her very much either, do you? (beat) How do you even know her?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, she was my direct predecessor. When Agent Green and I took over-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Agent Green? He's still here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's Director now. With me. He didn't approve of what Wadsworth was doing and wanted to reform this place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He did?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A little bit. Well, no, not really. He never came down here much. But I knew that he was Wadsworth's right hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not anymore."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But she still works for The AM? How is that fair?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It isn't.\nA beat. And then a marked change in tone from Helen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I should have killed her when I had the chance. And I was so close."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(taken aback) I'm sorry?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(clicking her tongue disapprovingly) Dr. Bright, this really is inconvenient. I should have suspected that she was gone when you started clearing out the cells but, well, we don't get the weekly newsletter down here in Tier Five."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Helen, are you alright?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mmm, this didn't go exactly as planned but, yes, I'm fine, thank you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(freaked out) Helen..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Having a hard time moving, Dr. Bright?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's happening?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, you know, just karma and irony catching up to you. You were right to be skeptical. I know I said you weren't, but you should have been. I was lying. Not about all of it - I really was brought into The AM for a completely innocent mistake, but I may have exaggerated about my lack of ability. (beat) Well, no, I just straight-up lied. But can you blame me? If you knew just how many things are controlled by frequency and therefore controlled by me, you never would have let us sit in the same room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Helen, what are you doing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Temporary paralysis. I thought about killing you but, well, I kind of dig your thinly veiled disdain for dear old Wadsworth. It's nice to meet people with things in common."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Helen, I'm going to need you to let me go. I can—I can help you-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't want help, Dr. Bright. I want revenge. Tell me where Ellie is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't do that, Helen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, come on, let me finish the job I started...what year is it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "2017."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "...Seven years ago. Goodness, it's been a long time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean you really-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tried to kill Wadsworth? Yes, yes I did. Well, technically, I did kill her. For a few minutes. Security was just a little too quick with the defibrillator."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Helen, I understand that you're angry. I even understand wanting to hurt the people who kept you trapped here. But if you let us help you, we can put all of that in the past-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(laughing) Oh, wow, you really must not like her if you're willing to let that slide. What's the deal? Professional jealousy? Lover's quarrel? God, I got so lucky having you in here. Never thought I'd meet a kindred spirit this way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It isn't luck, Helen. I-- I'm trying to correct her mistakes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no, luck is definitely playing a role in this. I mean, the fact that she scrubbed my file? I knew she was embarrassed by that whole heart-stopping debacle but wow, wasn't that just a stroke of good fortune?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What would your file have said if Wadsworth hadn't purged it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I like you, Dr. Bright. You're a very quick thinker. Even when you've had the electrical impulses in your arms and legs stopped. You must be getting very uncomfortable."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(weakly) Yes, I am. I-- I would really appreciate it if you let me go now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, that's not going to happen. In a few minutes, once that clock strikes six and the place is officially on weekend staff, I'm going to lock you in here and go deal with your colleagues. I think I'll start with Agent Green... I hope I can remember what he looks like."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What are you going to do to him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know yet. Depends on how helpful he is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't have to do this, Helen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God, you don't still believe the lost little lamb act I've been putting on, do you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think that everyone has the capacity for change, if they make the choice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I'm not making that choice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm very sorry to hear that. I think you'll regret it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eh, I doubt it. There are plenty of things I regret in my life. The people I've killed in this organization are not one of them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "People?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aww. You didn't think Wadsworth was just a moment of \"volatility\" did you? Why do you think I got moved around so much?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(sinking into herself) I see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I think you are finally starting to see."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You've been planning this for a while, haven't you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(smiling) Mmm. Maybe."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(realizing) Sidney. The breakout attempt. Of course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A very successful dry run I would say. I found a chink in the armor of this place - Sidney couldn't open my door - it's old school and double-triple-quadruple reinforced, the bastards - but I could open his. Vibrate an unsecured lock enough and poof - open door."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You wanted to see how we reacted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And let me say...not well. You really need to shape up your security, Dr. Bright. I get wanting to make this place less prison-like, but baby steps. You have to be cautious with things like this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm realizing that now, thanks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I really do appreciate you trying. It's nice. Naive. But nice. (beat) Oh, would you look at that. The little hand is on the six. The last of the regular employees should be on their way out and security is changing its shifts meaning I can lock this place down and move freely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Security is still very tight, Helen. Especially as we've been clearing out Tier Five. You won't be able to get out of here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't need to get out of here, Dr. Bright. We're way past that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Helen, please-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't bother, Dr. Bright. You can't save me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe not—maybe not, but-- but that doesn't mean you can't be saved. The AM is different now. The people in this building are trying to be different. Better. They don't deserve to be hurt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The AM created a monster and then locked it in its basement and forgot about it. When you decided to clean out the basement, you let the monster out too. This is exactly what you all deserve."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(struggling against her invisible restraints) Helen-\nHelen!\nHelen!\n(muttering to herself) No, come on, come on...\n(shouting) Hello! Hello? Is anyone out there?\nIt is eerily silent.\nA long beat.\n(whispered) Fuck.\nEND CREDITS"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": " The AM Archives Episode 9 Transcript\n609 - Lights Out"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(muffled through door) Hello?! Is someone in there?\nI'm so sorry - I - I didn't know where to go, and it was so dark -\nI'm so happy to see someone else! Everything out there is dead quiet -\n(wry) In these scrubs? What gave it away?\nHelen. Do you know - what happened? I was on my way up to talk to Doctor Bright, and suddenly the lights and everything went out -\nYou haven't heard anything from the security team?\nWhat about Director Green? What did he say about the short?\nDo you know where he is?\n(standing) But you know. You know where he is.\nNo thank you.\nI want to know where Owen Green is.\nThere. That's better. So much nicer to be able to see, isn't it?\nNow all we have to do is get the security cameras back online...\n... and there we go! Easy-peasy.\n(muttering) Come on, Green... come on out where I can see you...\n(pleasant) Please don't touch the fire extinguisher, Mags. It's against company policy to discharge them except in the event of a fire. (then) This is taking too long.\nGreen. Where is he.\nI know you've seen him. Owen. I want to know where.\nA stapler? You threw a stapler at me? Well that is not very nice, Mags. If you're going to use your ability to attack me, throw something that can do a little damage. Unless you can't? (then) Ohhh. Well that's too bad. Now. Let's start this again. Where is Owen Green.\nI don't want to hurt you again, Mags. But I will. (beat) Okay. Maybe it will help you to understand exactly what is happening when I set your mind on fire like that. Your brain is home to millions of tiny electrical impulses. Frequencies. And since they're frequencies, I can do whatever I want with them. (sighing) Of course. Too much of anything is bad for you. In this case, if I mess with your brain enough, I can cause some nasty permanent damage. Forget about using your little... ability. Forget about talking to friends. Forget about anything except constant... pain.\nAnd this is nothing. Imagine how it would feel if I really wanted to hurt you. (beat) If you wanted to toss another stapler, now would be the time to do it. (beat) No?\nWhere's Owen, Mags?\nYes?\nWhere.\n(beneficent) Thank you. You did the right thing.\nI'll tell you what - I'll make you a deal. You stay here - stay quiet, don't make any trouble, don't try to come after me - and I will try my absolute hardest not to damage him. (then) But if I hear a peep from you or this room - I will fry your mind as slowly as possible. And then I will do the same to your beloved Agent Green. Do you understand me?\nWonderful. Then I'll be out of your hair in -\nShe pauses - snapping her fingers. Silly me!\nOh my gosh! I can't believe I almost forgot! One last question for you, Magsie.\nWhat. Serum.\nTITLES"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hello? Hellooooo?\nIs everything okay out there? Hey - Jackson? Jackson! (then) Doc? Can you hear me? I-- I think your little experiment has a few issues! (beat) Fine. Fine. Doctor Sharpe? I'm officially tapping out in here. This test is over. You gotta let me out. (then) Ugh. Agent - Director Green? I swear, if someone doesn't come let me out of this chair in the next few seconds I'm going to - I'll – I’ll have a panic attack, and it's gonna be really embarrassing for everyone involved. (then) HEY! CAN ANYONE HEAR ME?!\n(shouting) Hello??? Hey! In here!\nOh thank god, I-- I thought for a second I was gonna die-- (then) Oh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hello, Mark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Helen. Hey."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Boy, it's great to see you again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yeah. Totally. Likewise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A little surprising, too. I thought you got out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You heard about that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, it was the talk of Tier Five! A tall, dark stranger just waltzes into a locked ward and scampers away with one of the A.M.'s favorite chew-toys?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If it makes you feel any better, things only got more complicated for me from there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well. All that aside, we were absolutely obsessed. The theories - they would make your head spin. Oliver thought you'd been abducted by aliens, but I told him it was more likely that you'd broken yourself out. It was... more inspirational to look at it that way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I bet. (then) Hey, Helen. How would you feel about doing me... just, a real solid?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mmm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The latch on this strap is just - out of my reach. If you could -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, of course! Where is my head these days?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you. Seriously. I thought I was going to - I don't know. Thank you.\nWhat - what's wrong?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh - seeing you like this is just bringing back some memories. Do you remember the last time we saw each other?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I - things were kinda hazy for me back then -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Really? I remember everything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's—that’s really rough. Do-- do you wanna talk about it? Hash it out - maybe over a cup of coffee, or several drinks-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You were strapped down, just like this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I'd love not to be. The buckle is right there-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was strapped down, too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A real Wadsworth signature move, I know -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They wheeled you into the lab and you were helpless. Weren't you? Couldn't do a damn thing. And the lab techs were there - prodding me into using my ability. Calming radio frequencies, shifting through the color spectrum - (laughing) It was a boot camp, wasn't it? If the A.M. wanted to put us through our paces - make us really, really good at what we do - they sure knocked it out of the park."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(apprehensive) I... I guess..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(ignoring him) These are new, though. They didn't have equipment like this back in the Wadsworth era.\nEven these scalpels are fresh out of the box. Someone's been pumping money into this place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. Helen. I'm not - gonna ask you to put that down, because that would be pandering and you're smarter than that -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They wheeled you into the lab. And the next thing I knew, this person - this man - who was nothing - was... reaching into me. And taking my ability. Using it for himself. (then) You could have asked first, Mark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn't - I didn't have a choice - they made me-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(genuine) Oh, I know, no, I know. Come on, Mark - I haven't lost touch with reality."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hah. Right. Right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not completely, anyway.\nSo. Back in the restraints. How does something like this happen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Old habits. You know how it is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hm. I don't think so. (then) Mags told me what they have you testing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You saw Mags?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I did! Back in the security room. She is such a sweetheart."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did you - is she -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You think I would hurt her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No - no, of course not -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That poor girl - you'd have to be a monster to go after her. Besides - she's one of us, isn't she? I think the A.M. has the Atypical-torturing covered without me joining in. No, Mags is safe. And very, very helpful. (then) ... so it's ability suppression they're interested in now, is it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I-- I don't know - I'm just the guinea pig -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you got out, Mark. And now you're back in the chair. Which means you're a volunteer. And if you're a volunteer, that means you know what you're testing. (beat) I'm - a little confused. They spent years forcing us to hone our abilities - now they want to take them away? (laughing) Boy, we must really scare them.\nNot everyone is a good little A.M. volunteer, Mark. It'll be for me when the people in the white lab coats decide it is. That's how things go around here.\nThis is it, isn't it? The serum? A whole refrigerator full of it - that's quite a stockpile.\nHey, Mark. Let's try something."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let me out of these restraints and I will do literally anything you want."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't need your hands for this. Come on, you'll love it!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "... what do you want me to do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Use my ability.(beat) Maaaark. Give it a shot. What are you waiting for? Think of it like - like for old time's sake. You and me, a medical lab. Straps and buckles and limited mobility. (pacing to him) It'll be fun. Wasn't it always fun for you? Reaching in and pulling pieces of me out? To use like they belonged to you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Helen. Please put down the scalpel."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You said you wouldn't ask that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You said it was pandering."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(strangled) Please. Helen. Put the scalpel down."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Use my ability and I will. Amp up the sound waves. Play with the lights. With the electricity. Do something. (pressing harder) Mark. Do something."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I - I can't.\nBEAT. Helen LAUGHS."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't believe it!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's true - I've been trying since you walked in here -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no - I believe you, sweetheart, of course I do.\nI just can't believe they actually managed to create a serum that worked! Good job, A.M.\nI mean, it's terrible. But I'm still impressed. (sighing) Too bad for them. All that hard work..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are you doing?!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Making sure that your stupid choices can never be inflicted on anyone else!\nThere. That's better."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait - the restraints -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(chuckling) Oh, poor Mark. You never were much of anything without anyone else, were you?\nHello? Oh, gosh. There you are, Director Green. I've been looking all over for you. (moving forward And Doctor Sharpe. I thought you'd be gone for the evening, but I'm actually glad you stuck around. Mark was just telling me about the amazing work you've been doing around here. It sure seems like a neat project. (leaning in) And between you and me? I think it works. Too bad I just dumped every vial onto the floor. Except this one.\nSFXL Even through the paralysis, Dr. Sharpe manages a strangled sound of protest.\nShhh. Don't try to speak. You won't be able to, anyway. It's a special little trick - one the nice scientists on Tier Five made sure I knew how to do. Scientists like you, Doctor Sharpe.\nOops! There goes the last of that serum. I have the clumsiest fingers sometime.\nYou - and people like you - kept me prisoner and forced my ability through every hoop you could dream up. Then you invent that? Those are - boy, those are just some mixed messages! You'd think that if you had a scalpel - like this one right here - you'd be happy to use it! (beat) Oh, well.\nOh - one moment, sorry about that -\nDirector Green. Owen. May I call you Owen? So many of the other patients do. (then) Don't worry about Doctor Sharpe. As long as you do what I say, what happened to her will not happen to you. You're too valuable.\nNot very much. I only want you to make a phone call. Maybe take a photo or two. It'll be totally painless, I absolutely promise.\nI know. And-- I'm very sorry about that. But I had to. She was trying to strip Atypicals of their abilities.\nMaybe it does. Right now. But I haven't lived in this facility for over a decade to think that you people will stop at \"temporarily”. (then) I'm going to release you in a moment, Owen. You're going to come with me. And if you behave, we won't have any problems.\nTo get Ellie's attention.\nEND CREDITS"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The AM Archives Episode 10 Transcript\n610 - Echoes\nYou know what, Joan? Go ahead. Talk to Helen. See what she has to say. But there's more to this person than just your take on her.\nIt means: you do this interview your way? And I'll do it mine.\nMONTAGE as Sam cycles through a few different scenes. We hear the following mixed in with the sound of her time traveling.\n(to herself) No, no, way too far back...\n(to herself) No, no, no...\n(to herself) There you are."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You promised.\n(pleading) It's been two years-\nI did what you said, I cooperated and it's terrible-\nYou lied to me, you said they didn't want to control me-\n(turning cold) No. You promised me, Ellie.\nI thought you were strong enough to do what I needed but you're as weak as the rest-\nIs she dead?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(to herself) Jesus.\nTITLES"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Really? Then why am I here?\nI'm not a bad person, you know. This has all been one big misunderstanding.\nAnd what exactly does \"overseeing my case\" mean?\nAnd you do that for all...what is this again, \"Tier Four\"?\nThe prison level.\nBut I can't leave.\nGosh, do you sweet talk all your cases like this?\nOh. Well that makes for a nice change, I guess.\nJust that, at the other place...well, I wasn't exactly priority number one.\nExcuse me?\nWell, I was disturbed.\nWouldn't you be bothered by being locked up without cause?\nYesterday you said you believed me when I told you it was all a big misunderstanding.\n(quietly) So...what? That means I'm going to stay here forever? Because I made a mistake?\nD'you know that everyone around here talks about you?\nYeah, people are always talking about the \"great Ellie Wadsworth\". That's a pretty name. Ellie.\nYou're really young to have this job, aren't you?\nHow old are you?\nOh, come on, that's not a state secret, is it? I know your first name now, I don't know what it matters.\nWow, that is young to be dealing with the big bad Atypicals.\nYou're right. I mean, I'm even younger than you, how dangerous can I be?\nDon't you remember that song? (sings) \"Girl, put your records on, tell me your favorite song...\" (at Wadsworth's head shaking) No? Really?\nShame.\nBut you want me to talk to the shrinks.\nBut I like talking to you. All of this is being recorded anyway, so why does it matter?\nAnd which conversations are those?\nOh. Those conversations.\nSo let me have them with you.\nEllie, Ellie. I think you're qualified to do pretty much anything.\nYou know I'm right. That's what I like about you. You know your worth. That's a rare thing. Most people are either insecure or overcompensating. You know that you're good.\nI thought you weren't a shrink.\nHappily. (beat) I'm like you I think. I know what I can do and I won't let anyone take that away from me.\nOh, lots of things. I can...ride a bike, speak Spanish...I make a mean chili.\n(rolling her eyes) And I can make certain frequencies do what I want.\n(shrugging) Beats me.\nYeah, I can make lights flicker and a car radio go static. I still don't get why that's a big deal.\n(getting worked up) Because I accidentally turned off some traffic lights. It's not like I knew that there would be two cars speeding through the intersection at that exact moment-\nI do know how to control it.\nI didn't mean to do that either.\nWhich one?\nAnd?\nYou're welcome. (beat) Do you think...do you think I could get some music in here? I'm going crazy with this twenty-four-seven silence.\n(joking) Why? Because I might make a bomb out of it?\nSeriously?\nNo, no, I'm sorry, Ellie, this is ridiculous. I'm starting to lose it here-\nLook, I know I act all nonchalant, but I... (beat) I'm scared, Ellie.\n(scoffs) Treatment? Having my head shrunk and being experimented on with the other freaks in this place?\nPeople talk, you know. And yeah, I might not be the strongest Atypical ever but I have enough capacity to amplify conversations. I listen, Ellie. And everything I hear just further proves that you're the only person I can trust.\nWhy not?\nDon't lie to me. You and I have been doing this for six months. You've adjusted. (beat) But maybe you've seen too much of this place? Maybe you don't want to participate in what they're doing? (leaning in) Look, I know you disapprove of the way things are run here, too.\nCome on, you're Ellie fucking Wadsworth. You can do whatever you set your mind to.\nIt's nice, isn't it? Having someone other than yourself believe in you?\nIt was. Until now.\nI thought I told you not to lie to me, Ellie.\nGod, am I ever getting out of here, Ellie?\nI've been patient! I've been here for almost a year now and nothing's changed. Nothing's happened.\nI don't want those quacks poking around in my head! I know what's going to happen. I'll say one wrong thing and end up in the basement with the rest of the castaways-\nPeople talk, remember? Trust me.\nNo. They're trying to take advantage of me.\nEvery doctor that comes in here asks about my ability - how I use it, how powerful I think it is, how exactly it works. You're the only person who ever asks me about me.\nBut if I learn to control it, they'll want to use it for something! I see the way Rostova looks at me - like he's won the lottery. It doesn't take much to imagine what an organization like this could do with someone like me.\nYou promised me, Ellie.\nI thought you were strong enough to do what I needed but you're as weak as the rest-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(to herself) Wow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ellie?\nWhat are you- I haven't seen you in years? I don't know how long I've been down here... (beat) I thought maybe you were dead.\nIn Tier Four maybe. Down here it's a little… quieter. (beat) You told me there wasn't a basement.\nAnd now you have the privilege?\nDirector. You did it.\nGood for you.\nIs that why you've come to see me? To gloat?\nAnd what reality is that?\nJust like that and all my goodwill is gone?\nSo, what, you're going to make me sit here in silence until I die?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Geeze.\nWhat- (beat) Um...hello? Joan? (beat) Shit, what time... (checks her watch) Thirty minutes, I was—I was only gone for thirty minutes...\nJoan? Is that you? Why are all the lights off-\nWhat's- (seeing Helen) Uh...what- you-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And who's this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(trying to play it cool) What're you- what's going on?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you a patient here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um, I'm an Atypical, yeah. (beat) You?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(ignoring that) So I'm guessing you don't know why the lights are off either?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I really don't."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hm. Odd."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um, what're you doing out here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "\"Out here\"? Where else should I be?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um, the scrubs - I thought maybe you were in the infirmary or something. You okay?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm fine. A little lost, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where are you trying to go?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have an appointment with Dr. Bright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So what's your deal? What can you do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You said you were an Atypical."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Kind of a personal question, don't you think?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(smiling) We're in a boot camp for superheroes, I think we can share."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What can you do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not much. I'm telekinetic but I'm not very good at it yet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Guess it's a good thing that you're here then."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(putting the charm on) It's starting to look that way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, look, let me take you down to Dr. Bright. I know the way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How do you know she's downstairs? I passed her office a few minutes ago. Wouldn't she normally be there?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, was she?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. It was empty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then she's probably downstairs."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And what's downstairs?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Haven't you been here for a little while? I know it's a big place but it's not that big."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have been here for a while. But I've seen surprisingly little of this building."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why's that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now that is a personal question."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought we were sharing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't even know your name."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sa- uh, Samantha."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(sweetly) Helen. It's nice to meet you, Samantha."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do people ever call you Sam?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Uh, why?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I don't know. You hear things when you've been around as long as I have."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't really know what you mean."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're a very bad liar, Sam."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why do you think I'm lying?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where have you been? Wadsworth mentioned something about a time traveler...is that you? Have you been poking your nose in my past?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wha- Wadsworth?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We spoke on the phone, just a few minutes ago. She's being...stubborn. As usual."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did you- what do you want?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To talk to her face to face. But I guess I overestimated how much she cares about Agent Green. I thought with them working side by side for so long... well. It's hard to know exactly what's going to work as leverage with that woman."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did you do to Owen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing he didn't deserve. What do you deserve, Samantha?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(making a choice) I did- I did go poking in your past. And I think I get it, I do, this place, it's been horrible to you but we're trying to change things and this isn't the way-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(overlapping) Oh, do shut up.\nGo ahead, keep talking. Do you hear that? All that silence? (beat) If I don't want to hear you, I don't have to. No one does. The sound waves still exist, you know they're coming out of your mouth, you feel the vibrations on your tongue but the moment they leave your lips, poof. I clear them away like so much smoke. And that's really all you AM lackeys do: blow smoke. Meaningless platitudes and hollow promises. And I'm done listening."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(starts to choke)"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whoops. Didn't mean to block your airwaves. Lemme just-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(breathes deep) What-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sorry, it's been a while since I've practiced on someone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(breathy) What're you going to do to me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mm, nothing. Not right now anyway. I don't need to kill anyone else-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "\"Anyone else\"?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(over her) -and I especially don't want to harm another Atypical, if I can help it. I don't know how you ended up working for these monsters, but you might want to reconsider some of your choices. (beat) Okay, well, I'm off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can't-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I think you'll find that I can. The locked muscles in your legs should tell you that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(shouting after her) Helen! Helen, please don't-\n(gasps) Oh god- (stepping forward with effort) Shit. (beat) Owen.\nEND CREDITS"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The AM Archives Episode 11 Transcript\n611 - Beggars Can’t Be Choosers\nMags? Mags, are you all right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stay back!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mags, calm down. And put down... everything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(near incoherent) I didn't want to tell- she made me. She made me, I didn't want to, I didn't want to...is Owen okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wait. What about Owen?\n(to himself) Okay, Owen can wait. (to Mags) Mags, I need you to put the room down. Stop panicking, and explain.\nI'm really, really sorry about this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You hugged me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. Again, really sorry. But now that you're calmer, I need you to tell me what's going on. The alert system showed something weird in Tier Five, so I went to check on Joan. Then I got locked in a stairwell and had to ram my way out. Whoever's responsible for making me ram my way through a steel door at seventy-five miles per hour is in for a real talking-to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's Helen!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's Helen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The lights, the lockdown, all of it. Helen, who was in Tier Five."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The woman Joan was interviewing earlier today? (worried) Is Joan--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She didn't want Joan. She just asked me about Owen. I promise, Jackson, I didn't want to tell her. But she did this thing. This piercing, high-pitched noise. I thought my head was going to explode."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I need to go check on Joan."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(panicked) Please don't leave me!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have to, but just for a second. Super-speed, remember? I'll be right back. Everything's going to be fine.\nOkay, so things are not great out there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You told me everything was going to be fine!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I meant it-- mean it. I still mean it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(crying) Oh my god, she's going to kill us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mags, I need you to keep it together. Did Helen want anything else?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Besides Owen? Did she want anything? Did she tell you? Did you tell her anything else?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(horrified) I told her about the serum. I mentioned it on accident. And then she asked. (pleading) I had to tell her. She-- made me tell her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's okay, Mags. Nobody will blame you. It wasn't your fault. (then) But like I said, things out there... we can't stay in here. They need our help."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What can I do? I can only use my ability when I'm freaking out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And we can't have that. Mags, the power is down, a lot of the doors are locked. Dr. Sharpe and the others working on the serum..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(dread) What? What happened, tell me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dr. Sharpe... she's dead, Mags.\nStop! You have to keep it together. Look, things are too messed up for you to fall apart on me. (meaningfully) The power is out, Mags."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(realizing) Alex."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Exactly. Someone needs to manually keep him sedated, or who knows what could happen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We do. We know what could happen. He could melt down."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In which case, you absolutely cannot melt down. You need to be the one to keep him under."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Me? But I--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unless you want to be the one to track down Helen. (beat) I'm sorry. That was--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Awful. That was an awful thing to say. She hurt me, Jackson. I'm not just being a wuss."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry. Really. (beat) But-- but we all need to do our part to make sure that this situation gets handled. And Alex is a really, really important part of that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I understand. And I accept your apology. But don't do that again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I won't. But you need to get to Alex's med bay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How do you know it's safe?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The way to his bay is clear. Helen probably doesn't even know about it since he's kept off the grid."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And what about you? What's your part?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm going to go find Joan.\nTITLES\n(hushed whispers) Joan? Joan?\n(frustrated) How is this not going faster?\nWho are you? And what are you doing to the wall?\nAnything happening on this Tier is my business. What are you doing down here?\n(groaning) What the hell just happened?\nWhat's your name, man?\nCut me some slack. I'm kinda new to the job.\nJackson Crawford.\nWhat are you doing?\nYour ability is transmutation.\nOliver, I need you to come with me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm okay. I'm fine. I'm all good, I’m all good. One more right turn, then two quick lefts, and I won't be on my own anymore because I'll be with Alex. I mean, he could blow up and kill me at any moment... but-- but that's a problem for future Mags.\nPresent Mags would rather hang out with a ticking time bomb than run into the person who killed her friend. (choking up) Oh, Andrea...\nOkay, two more lefts and then I'm there. This is fine this is fine this is fine this is fine--\nI'm here! Oh, thank God, I made it.\nIf she finds this room but can't see inside, maybe she won't want to look in here. Every little bit helps.\nOh jeez… it's a little warm in here...\nOh, Alex...\nOkay, manual sedation. Dr. Sharpe showed me how to do this in case of emergencies... I just need to find, um--\nOkay, syringe, check. Local disinfectant, check. Sedative, check. Okay, now I'll just-- fill up the syringe...\nAll right, ready to go. How does a nice nap sound, Alex? I'll just disinfect the administration site--\nI will not be disinfecting because you are way too hot to touch right now. I'm gonna just guess that you're disinfected. Like when you boil something and all the germs come off, right? Okay, this is-- this is fine. Whew.\nAlex, I'm gonna need you to stop making it hotter in here... It's hard to even... get close to you-- ow!\nYou're too hot. I\"m not going to be able to get close to you without burning myself. (beat) Mags, come on. You're telekinetic. Just guide the syringe over and shove it in.\nRight. Yeah, okay. I've got this. Just guide... the syringe...\nOh god, there's no point! I'm sorry, Alex, I don't have the precision, I never have. I'd probably stab you in the eye. I'm going to let everyone down. Even if Helen doesn't kill us all, I will, all because I can't get it together and do one thing right! (catching breath) No. No. No. We are not all going to die today, and even if we do, it's not going to be because of me.\n(muttering) I never liked this jacket anyway...\nOkay, I'll just wrap my hands in this and also...\nGauze... um, tape... all right, all right. (beat as Mags finishes taping her hands) Let's do this.\nLooks like the best site is the shoulder. (beat) Alright—come on, Mags—I’ve got this, I’ve got this--\nAaaahh! DONE! Done!\nBurn cream, burn cream! (as she applies it) Aaaaah, burn cream. (beat) All right, Alex. One dose down.\nATMOSPHERE - AM hallway"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(grunting) What did you just do to me?\nSo you're not just a transmuter - you’re an alchemist.\nWhat are you doing to the wall?\nHow's that going for you?\nLook, Oliver, you have to let me go. There's a lot of bad stuff going on, and I need to find my friends.\nThanks for that... disgusting offer.\nWell I'm choosing to stay here. There are people here that need help. There's a murderer on the loose, man!\nI can't do that. Not without knowing everyone else is safe.\nC'mon, man. Don't you have friends? People you care about? People you'd never want to see get hurt?\nLet me guess, before the AM locked you up.\nBeen hearing it a lot lately, but it doesn't get old. The AM has to own its shit, you know?\nSo those friends. What happened to them?\nYeah...I know how that goes.\nSome of them might surprise you. There are people here who are really trying. People who are...who are good. And strong. And worth protecting.\nJust tell your story, man.\nA bomb.\nWhat's that mean?\nUntil...\nAnd then something else went up in flames?\nThat's when you made a bomb?\nHow did the AM find out about it?\nThat's... that's awful, man. I know something about being put in the wrong place.\nYou can't leave. Your ability could help us stop the woman responsible for this.\nI'm not super equipped to unpack all that right now. But Oliver, man, come on. You don't want to break out of here.\nNah. If you get out of here the wrong way, someone will just bring you back. That's not what you want.\nC'mon, man. The AM? They'd find a way. So you don't want to go like this.\nI'm just trying to give you the score.\nHelp me. Help all of us stop the person behind this and get out of here, the right way.\nNo.\nShut up.\nI don't have any more time for this.\nI moved so fast I shook the floor apart. It's just science, man.\nCome on, you must appreciate that. Now--\nYou're gonna come with me to find Joan, and then you're going to help me save the day.\nI don't know, but I'm not leaving you here to get killed next to three inches of wet cement. You'll come in handy somehow.\nNo can do. Speed is of the essence, and you don't have what I have. Just, don't turn me into a snail or something, okay?\nHold on tight! We're going to find Joan.\nEND CREDITS"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The AM Archives Episode 12 Transcript\n612 - Collision Course\nHello? Hellooooo? (beat) Can anyone hear me? This is Joan Bright!\nI'm trapped in the evaluation room! Please, somebody - anybody - (still nothing) Hello?! (calling) There's a psychotic murderer wandering the halls of the A.M. It would be great not to be stuck here when she gets back! (beat) Wonderful.\n(mimicking herself) \"Patient displays an impressive degree of control over their ability. Knack for manipulating different varieties of frequencies speaks to some interesting possibilities, including physically incapacitating their therapist. (then) \"Recommend therapist be thrown off a cliff for acting like a goddamn idiot.\" (then, shouting) Hel-loooooooooo!!!!\nOkay. Okay. Stay calm, Joan. You can get out of here. You can figure out a way to -\nThe power's back? (beat) Owen.\nYes. (then) Med bay... med bay... extension 8-2-3...\nGod DAMN it!!!\n(shouting) Hello?! If you can hear me - Owen Green is in danger-\n(shouting) Please - tell Owen he needs to get someplace secure-\nFuck--!\nOw.\n(whispered) Anyone there? Owen? Sam? (then) Mark? (beat) Helen, if you're messing with me here, I'm going to be... even more annoyed with you. (beat) No?\nTITLES\nOwen? Are you in there? Hey - Owen!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(muffled through the med bay doors) Joanie?!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mark?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(muffled) Yeah... it's me..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What the hell are you doing in the med bay?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(muffled) Could you come get me out of here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(muffled) Just-- Please, Joan. Don't – just-- just please, come here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fine, fine! One second.\nDr. Bright stumbles forward into -\nMark?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where are you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Back here -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Behind the chair?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kind of...\nHey there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What the hell, Mark?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Could you just help me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why are you strapped down? Did Helen do this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, she... had a hand in it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did she knock the chair over, too?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joan, seriously. My wrists are killing me, it's dark, and I just had an escaped patient hell-bent on revenge in my face -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fine. Fine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank - thank you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you okay?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I’m good, I'm good. I promise. The chair was just - I heard footsteps in the hall and - freaked out because I thought it was Helen again. But I– I couldn't get free because the stupid A.M. puts so much money into things that lock down Atypicals -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Breathe, Mark. Remember to breathe -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. Okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's so funny?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're the second person to talk me off a ledge today with that exact little tactic. (then) Okay, where's Sam? She said she was going to be meeting up with you this afternoon."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Uh, we were working together earlier, but she-- she left."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She-- she left?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We... were having a conversation about some A.M. proceedings, and she decided to take a break."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You mean you had a fight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "... Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And she decided to… \"take a break\"?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She may have used her ability to time travel... somewhere..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jesus, Joanie! So you're telling me she's out there alone -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam can handle herself -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She's going to get back to the present and have no idea what's going on -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam will be fine. But you - you saw Helen? She was here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. She was here. She must have left the door unlocked when she... she was—she was looking for Green, and... someone had told her about the serum. (then) She destroyed it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All of it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everything that was in the refrigerator over there. Unless Doctor Sharpe has some secret extra stash, I think we might be out of luck there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "H-- Have you heard from Doctor Sharpe?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. But..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well. Helen was looking for Green. And Green was with Doctor Sharpe in the observation room. So, if A leads to B..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then Helen probably found both of them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And trust me when I say - she wasn't real happy with the idea of an anti-ability serum."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why didn't you fight her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who? Doctor Sharpe?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Helen. You know I mean Helen. Why didn't you use her ability against her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You want me to throw myself in the path of a super-villain?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no, of course not, but I -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I haven't been near a frequency kinetic in years. I was rusty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You've never been rusty before."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I-- I don't know what to tell you, Joanie, I--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(slowly) ... is that...?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think so.\nWhat's up with the lights?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shhhh -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shhh.\n(muttered) Oh no...\n(muttered) Andrea..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joan? Where are you - Joan!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh my God -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Could you just-\nhold on for one--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Andrea? Andrea?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(overlapping) Oh. Oh god, is that--\nThat's a lot of blood..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Andrea!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is she -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(beat) Yes. She's – I— I can't feel a pulse."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She's - she's gone. (long beat) Helen did this. She did this and - she took Owen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't like that look on your face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She's out of control. She - she was kept in that prison for over a decade and we - we forgot about her. We-- we created her and then-- tried to throw her away. (then) This is our fault. This is my fault."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joanie. Hey. Stop it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She's dead, Mark -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh believe me, I'm trying not to think about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I - I have to go -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Go? Go where?!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She has Owen – she will kill him -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She'll kill you if you go find her. Listen to me for a second. I'm the last person around who would defend the A.M. And yes, Helen... probably has a legitimate bone to pick with this place. But you didn't have a part in that. You were working to get her out. (then) Please, Joanie. Don't martyr yourself for the A.M. It doesn't deserve you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Woah, shh, shh-- Do you hear that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Someone's coming."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, but who?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have no idea."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(whispered) Is-- is it Helen?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(whispered) I don't know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you think she's coming for us?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I. Don't. Know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What if she tries to get in here? I don't think the lock is working -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. Okay. You - you take that I.V. stand and wait on that side of the door. I'll wait on the other. That way - if it's Helen - she won't see both of us at once. If she freezes one of us, the other one can try to - deal with her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, but—and-- if she sees both of us?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then we... cross that bridge when we get to it. I just need something heavy to hit her with..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uhh, there are scissors? Not heavy, but..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Huh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Looks like... Andrea's notes on the serum."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joanie..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shh, shh. Give me the scissors.\nNow!\nOof -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joanie?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that - Oliver?\nI thought you were supposed to be released earlier this afternoon!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can I let him up?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes - yes, sorry, yes -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How fast are you, dude?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm fine. Just a little tripped up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(irritated) Yeah, I'm fine too!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. I - we've crossed paths."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you're gonna puke, do it outside, buddy.\nYou do?\nUh..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sh-- she's capable of horrible things, Jackson. I think... Wadsworth knew that and locked her away because of it.\nPride? Or maybe just to punish Helen by... erasing her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wadsworth can be real vindictive when she wants to be."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At any rate. Andrea - Andrea just proves... the lengths that Helen is willing to go to.\nI-- I can't. I-- I have to find Owen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joan, we talked about this -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, you talked at me about this. Look at what she can do and tell me that Owen's life isn't in danger."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's not \"Owen's\" life that I'm worried about right now!\nYes! Listen to that random guy -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you seen Sam?\nI-- I don't know what to think right now.\nOh God, Mags. Is she -\n(dawning realization) ... the I.C.U..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But-- but Owen..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sharpe was a threat - Green is leverage. Against you, Joanie. She's not gonna throw that away.\nWe're kind of having a crossroads moment over here, buddy -\n(to Joan) Are you sure we can't give him to Helen?\nWhoa—shit--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll go with you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank God -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For now. And maybe - we can come up with an idea. Something that gets all of us out of here safely. Owen included.\nBut if we don't. I'm going to find Helen. And I'm going to get Owen back. (then) No one else is going to die here today. Not because of me. Do you all understand me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(beat) Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Great. (then) What do you say, Agent Crawford? Mind being our ride?\nEND CREDITS"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The AM Archives Episode 13 Transcript\n613 - Ghosts\nFrom Luminary Media, you’re listening to The AM Archives. This is episode thirteen, Ghosts, by Octavia Bray.\nADS\nFADE IN"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not to be rude, but aren't you telekinetic? Can't you just— (Mark makes a \"telekinetic noise\" and mimes injecting Alex.) --and stick it in him?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(pointedly, to Mark) We understand. No one is trying to pressure you.\n(pushing Owen to sit back down) Not you! Honestly, you need to sit there and rest. Drink some water.\nYou were being held hostage by a murderous, vengeful Atypical, Owen. That would have an effect on anyone.\n(briskly) Yes, well. If you want me to be distantly polite to you, I’m more than--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(sotto, to Sam) Ugh, gross.\n(sotto, to Sam) Aw, come on, don't tell me you're Team Green now too?\nUhh, guys?\nI still don't get it. I can lead you through some meditations, if you want. There's no need for anyone to get burned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you're so concerned, why don't you sedate him telekinetically? You can share abilities, Mags is standing right there.\n(worried) I didn't think of that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You guys, it's fine. Look, I'm calm, I'm not setting anything on fire--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Still, just to be safe, we ought to find another room nearby to shelter in. If we split up--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, she's right. It's the kind of bright idea that ends with everyone dying.\n(overlapping Oliver) Don't know that I'd want another ride on the Jackson-express but, yeah, sure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I'm fine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(sotto, to Sam) Huh. That's interesting.\nUh, yeah. About that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "About what?\nTold them what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I heard about the serum the AM was working on. The one that's supposed to give Alex a \"normal\" life. I also heard that you didn't have a means of testing the serum before you used it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mark-- you didn't--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I took the serum, Joanie."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(quiet) Are you fucking kidding me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(louder) I said, are you fucking kidding me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jeeze, Joanie-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I'm sorry, do you—do you expect me to be calm about this? We're hiding out from an elusive murderer who's taunting us over the airwaves. Dr. Sharpe is dead. Owen's been held hostage, you and I were both locked in, Mags has singed off her eyebrows literally putting out fires and I don't know what Jackson's been up to--\nHe got stuck in a floor, whatever the hell that means, and now you're telling me that my hyper-super-powered brother took a serum that has completely neutralized his abilities?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, to be fair, none of that stuff had happened when I first took the serum."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You-- you go away for months to \"clear your head\" and you come back with a completely hollow skull?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey! I did put some thought into this. Admittedly, not a ton--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So you took an experimental drug on a whim? What were you thinking?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was thinking that I could help! I was thinking that maybe I could do some good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your ability would have been good to have now! Instead, you're—you’re--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Useless?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. I would never think that. My being upset would never change that. (deep breath) But I am upset. You have been through so much for the sake of your ability. We both have. And you have worked so hard, come so far. Why would you volunteer to let it be stripped away?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I... I don't know.\nYeah. When Helen came for Green, she made sure to destroy all of it.\nIs there a point somewhere in here or..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam, maybe we should--\nBut we also can't just hide here and wait for her to find us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait for her to find you, Joanie. She's looking for you.\n(under her breath) Isn't it always?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(muttering) Not a valid mode of evaluation-\nShe killed her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So now she wants to finish the job.\nSo, what? She's going to kidnap me so that she can have a phone conversation?\nNowhere is safe as long as Helen is out there. If we give her the time to find us, she will find us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alright-- you know I hate agreeing with him, but I'm with Green on this one. Don't do anything reckless, Joan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(cutting) Oh, you're one to talk."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wasn't being reckless, I was trying to help-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Help The AM? Don't be ridiculous, Mark, you were self-destructing-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's rich coming from someone who wants to turn herself over to a murder-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, Jackson--\nJackson, can I speak with you a moment?\nI don't like that you're doing this.\nNo. I couldn't even if I wanted to. Having the serum would finally give us the upper hand. You need to do it. I just don't like it.\nBecause it exposes you to danger. I wouldn't like it if anyone put themselves in harm's way.\nI-- no, you're not just anyone. But I wouldn't want anyone else--\n(a little thrown) No. No, you're not.\nJust be quick.\nYou know what I mean.\n(firmly) They won't go badly.\nBe safe out there.\nOwen, Sam-- the two of you should take Oliver and help him with whatever else he needs to make the serum. If Jackson can bring back that component, we won't just be able to use it on Alex--\nExactly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you want me to do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Stay out of harm's way and not die, mostly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joan. Not having abilities doesn't make me completely helpless, you know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're wrong. And I do know. Do you have any idea how many times Jackson has saved my life in the past few weeks? More than twice! I resent being a damsel in distress but when it comes to Atypicals, those of us without abilities have to recognize the reality of our situation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right, but, to be fair, you operate in a fairly dangerous work environment. Not having abilities in the typical world wouldn't be the worst thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not saying that. I am saying that I don't understand how it's not the worst thing for you. You've fought so hard to accept and be accepted for your abilities. Why would you do this now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because I--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And don't say it's because you wanted to do a good deed. You're many wonderful things, Mark, but you're a forgive and forget kind of person. You wouldn't help The AM and of the kindness of your heart."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gee thanks, Joanie. (beat) Listen, I didn't want to--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How is that possible?\nWhat? You think this is her?\nYes. So if she can modulate sound waves--"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The AM Archives Episode 14 Transcript\n614 - Bad Blood\nHe's going to be okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hm? Alex?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jackson. He's gonna be fine. Mags, too. They're both-- they're—they’re tough."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You just met Jackson today."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I got - I got a vibe about him. A tough, uh… (then) Look, I'm mostly just trying to make you feel better here. You could just play along."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What about us? Do we have a tough vibe?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We've - we've been in worse situations than this. And we came out the other side. (then) Plus, we still have time to call Caleb and get him over here to defend us if we need to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We might be better off calling his sister. Owen says he saw her lifting and dropping the Milky Way vending machine to get a free candy bar."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No shit. (beat) They’re going to be okay, though. Mags and Jackson."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I just - can't get Andrea out of my head. That was - so brutal. I've never - Helen is so full of rage. I honestly don't know what else she could be capable of. Was she - was she like that when you were on Tier Five?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't remember much -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But she remembered you. Owen said the two of you talked - back in the med bay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, she mostly threatened me and gave me a panic attack."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Yeah, she remembered... (then) Look, back when we were– when-- when I was-- we were kind of in it together? Neither of us wanted to be on Tier Five, so... I don't know. With the doctors, though - or with Wadsworth-- she was... manipulative, I guess? Scary good at it. (then) What she did to Doctor Sharpe was real bad. But it doesn't surprise me. Does that answer your question?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think so. Thank you. (beat) We're not done with our other conversation, by the way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I'm gonna go check on Sam and Oliver -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mark. Talk to me. I promise I won't be angry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're already angry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I promise I won't yell again. (beat) Why did you do it? (beat) Please."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(beat; sighing) You know how I'm - back early?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had picked up on that, yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. So. I was on the road. Just - hanging around a bunch of people who - didn't know who I was or that I had disappeared off the face of the earth for a few years or any of this... A.M., Atypical stuff. It was great. (beat) And then - a week ago - the band was playing a show. It was a normal show, and nothing crazy happened, except... the show they were playing was a ten minute drive from Mom and Dad's house."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I was thinking, \"Hey, these last few months have been great. I'm doing great. Maybe this is the moment, you know? Maybe this is how I make my Grand Re-entry into their lives.\""
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, Mark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(bitter) Ahh, I see you know how this story goes. Top-notch fainting performance from Mom. And - to Dad's credit - he didn't grab that weird Korean-War-era Smith and Wesson off the wall. But still. The first question, the first question that they asked me was- \"Did they fix you?\""
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Christ."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I - I don't remember how I responded. I just kept thinking, all this time. All this time, and I went through so much and now I'm back and all they want to know is-- if I'm \"fixed\". (laughing) I didn't even quit my job. Not officially. I left and I came straight here and I walked into those A.M. restraints and I let them try to \"fix\" me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's nothing to fix."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sometimes I'm not so sure about that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mark...\nI'm so sorry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Me too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you can't keep doing this. Getting upset and just... reacting. I'm - I'm here to talk, you know. You're not alone. (beat) I love you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I love you too, Joanie.\nShit. Alex."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Grab that blanket - here -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How long was that since the last flare-up? Five minutes?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(beat) I'm going to... get the fire extinguisher.\nTITLES"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(approaching) Hey - could you keep it down in here?\nEvery time there's a loud noise, I see Alex twitch. God, I hope Joan finds that fire extinguisher soon.\nShe said she was... looking for one in the closet just outside.\n... She did?\nI've got one or two ideas."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hello, Helen.\nI'm here now.\nI saw what you did to Andrea, yes.\n\"Messy\"? You killed her.\nShe wouldn't have hurt you -\nAh--!\nHelen - please -\nI want - to help you -\nYou're—you’re draining yourself. You can't keep this up.\nAh--!\nYou're wrong, Helen. I do want to help you.\nIt does. I know - I know what the A.M. did to you. I know how they locked you away—how Wadsworth lied to you for so long. I know about it all.\nThis is a very broken institution, but we're working on making it better. And that starts - it starts with you. It starts with treating you better than you've been treated in the past. (then) You didn't deserve any of that. What you did - back in Texas - that was an accident. All Atypicals have accidents when they're first coming into their abilities. Why would you be any different? (then) Helen?\nIt was.\nI thought... you might be seeking comfort. Familiarity. And - Tier Five is the closest place you have to a comfortable, familiar sanctuary in the A.M.\nIt's... what I do. (then) You're still my patient, Helen. I'm here to help you. I want to help you.\n... Even if that’s the case, yes. Provided that you let the rest of the people in this building go free. They haven't done anything to you, Helen. Their only crimes are that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Many of them are even Atypical like you. Don't make them suffer for the A.M.'s mistakes.\nAnd Director Green?\nDeal.\nBeat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She wanted to do it earlier. I just barely talked her out of it.\nShut up, Oliver!\nStep by step.\nWould that work? If Joanie was the one to do it?\nThat doesn't answer my question, Green.\nNothing.\nNo one's fucking asking you to!\nNo. No!\nI'm coming with you.\nJoan is my sister. I have to -\nBullshit I can't -\nWhat, because I don't have my ability? You don't have any ability at all! You're not even Atypical!\nBut -\nI can handle myself in stressful situations.\nSo I'm a liability.\n(beat) If anything happens to her -\nI don't like this. (watery; to Sam) We were supposed to be at dinner right now. I wanted to get Thai.\nOkay. Okay. (then) You should go. Be - be careful.\nShut up, Oliver."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don’t need that scalpel, you know. I’m here with you now. I’m not going anywhere.\nI— I suppose I can't fault your logic. (then) Can I ask you a question?\nWhat will you do with Wadsworth when she arrives?\nIndulge me. Will you torture her? Suffocate her? Stop her heart? What did you have in mind for her?\nYes?\nWhy is that?\nAnd you want her to see you too.\nAh - please be careful with the scalpel, Helen -\nI will - strive not to. Could I just - would you mind putting the scalpel down, just - just for a moment?\nIt's just a nick.\nThank you.\nI am... at your disposal.\n(beat) I believe you know my brother Mark?\nDo-- do you need to sit down? I could get you some water -\nI am.\nWe're nearly to Director Green's office. I'll call Wadsworth - and she'll show up - and you can let everyone leave.\nNot me. I understand. But everyone else -\n... But you said -\n(resigned) I understand.\nHelen-\n(hissing in pain) God, don't-\nBelieve it or not, paralyzing my legs is hurting me-\nOwen, it's a trap-\nOwen-\nOwen? Owen! (to Helen) What did you do?!\nOh my God. Owen. Here - keep pressure on it and-\nHow could you do this?!\nNo.\nDon't touch him -\n(teary) I won't go with you -\nSo why don't you?\nOwen? Owen!\nAnd on that - and the chilling rattle of Green's labored breath -- we -\nEND CREDITS"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": " The AM Archives Episode 15 Transcript\n615 - Die When I’m Done"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Deputy Director Wadsworth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(through the phone; singsong-y) Hello, Ellie."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Helen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, that's a relief. I wasn't sure you'd recognize my voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How- (beat, gathering herself) What do you want."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Goooood, you've filled in the blanks. I've got a friend of yours here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Owen. What's going on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You see, I've done a little jail break and I would so desperately like to see you before I disappear into the wind forever. (then, low) We have unfinished business, you and I."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(keeping her voice level) Do we."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, come on, don't be coy, Ellie. I didn't get to finish what I started so many years ago and it'd be awfully sweet of you to help me out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why on earth would I do that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because if I can't get closure with you, well. I might just have to use good old Agent Green here as a stand-in. (beat) That's what he's good for isn't it? Taking the fall for you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Helen, stop.\n(concerned) Green?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was just a little preview. If you don't leave your cushy new office right now and come here, Agent Green's brain will be mush."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you think I'm going to willingly walk into my own death trap, you have another thing coming."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh come on, Ellie, we both know that you think you could outwit me. (then) You can't. But that doesn't mean you're not going to try. Especially with poor little Owen Green on the line."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(chuckling) You overestimate his importance, Helen. As always, you think you know which moves I'm going to make, but you've chosen the wrong pawn. (beat) You're right - Owen Green has been a valuable scapegoat. He's outlived his usefulness. (then) You're not getting anything from me, Helen. Not anymore.\nBeat as she inhales deeply.\n(urgent) Agent Malcolm, I need the jet right away. I have to go to Boston.\n(through glass) Aren't you going to let me in?\nAnother tense beat.\nI would say that it's good to see you, Helen, but...well, it's not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you for coming."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You didn't give me much choice. Where's Owen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you do care?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rogue, murderous Atypicals are my purview. I'm just doing my job."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(laughing) That's the watch phrase of Ellie Wadsworth, isn't it? You're always just \"doing your job\"."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what are you doing, exactly? Terrorizing a building full of people who are just trying to help you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everyone's always trying to \"help\" me. And look what it led to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(genuine) I really did want to help you, Helen. And I know you don't believe me, but I spent years holding Rostova back and if you had just given me more time, I-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bullshit. You were never going to let me out. You made me trust you - care about you - and it was all just to break me down, make me a willing puppet-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is not true, Helen. I did care about you. (then) But let's not pretend that I'm the only one who broke the trust between us. You killed me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not well enough. But that changes right now-\n(tired) What- why isn't it-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(taunting) Feeling a bit out of practice, Helen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(through gritted teeth) What- what did you do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can't hurt me anymore. Not you; not any Atypical."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What the fuck did you do yourself, Ellie?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I used the resources at my disposal to make sure that what you did to me could never happen again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll see about that-\n(breathing heavy from the strain)"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can keep trying, Helen. But you may end up killing yourself before killing me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(exhausted) I don't understand- how?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You always believed in me, Helen. Always thought me capable of great things. You were right."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Experimenting on yourself wasn't exactly what I was imagining. (beat as she gets her breath back) I don't think it was what you were imagining either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, well. People change."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No they don't. They just show their true faces."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that what you did? (beat, genuine) Was any of it real? Or were you manipulating me from the start?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(beat, uncertain) I-- I don't know. I've lost track of what's real."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you want to hurt people, Helen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want to be free."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then why didn't you just walk out of here the moment you could?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not free like that. Free of...everything else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We don't get clean slates in life. Trust me. (beat) Do you… Do you regret it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hurting all the people you have?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. They all had it coming."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(surprised) Joan. (stern) Uh, you-- you shouldn't be here. I have this under control.\nWhat are you saying--?\nOwen is what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They are both just the same as me. People want to call me a monster, fine. But that goes both ways.\nOh yes, Owen Green was such a help the ten years I spent in here alone and abused. He did such a stellar job of taking care of me-\n(bitter) And now I'm trying to make things right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Joan, is he really...\nHelen-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, no no no, I know that face, Director Wadsworth. You're not going to lock me up again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Helen, you have to know that there are consequences to your actions-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And there are consequences to your actions, Ellie.\nI may not be able to hurt you, but I can still hurt someone you care about."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(out of breath) Ah-ha, I found the correct weak spot after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Please—please don't hurt her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just a little performance anxiety. Give me a moment and I'll be able to stop your heart quite spectacularly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Please, Helen. What do you want? Whatever it is, I'll do it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My, my, my. Looks like I got replaced."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no. I still- I-- I still care about you, I do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then why did you leave? You finally got into a position to change things and you just left me locked up here-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was trying to protect you-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stop lying to me! Rostova got his way and you just stood by-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It wasn't just Rostova, I couldn't let them find out about you-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(mocking) Oh, yeah, is that why you scrubbed my files, to \"protect\" me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes! (beat) Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well you've done a fucking terrible job, Ellie."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(honest) I know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(overlapping) What the—who the hell are you?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What did you...?\nWhat did you do to me?\nNo...no, I destroyed all of it.\nOliver..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did you do to her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(rueful laugh) Well, isn't that just a kick in the teeth. You kill the doctor and you still get screwed over every which way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean you can't... you can’t?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just what you always wanted, Ellie. Me. Defanged."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’ve never wanted that.\nHelen-"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The AM Archives Episode 16 Transcript\n616 - People Like Us\n(in shock) She killed him. Stabbed him and left him bleeding all over the hallway. (hearing herself, shaking out of it) His body, we need to- I just left him there and he's-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How long do we expect she'll be unconscious?\nAt super speed?\nBarring any complications with the serum of course.\nAnd may I ask why you know how to do such a thing, Agent Crawford? That is not standard AM training.\nI see. (beat, gentler) Joan... Joan, are you--?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(quietly bitter) I should have known."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm sorry?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should have known that you'd be the death of one of us someday."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You-- you can't put this on me, Joan. What Helen did is Helen's fault and her fault alone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, it's not. It is her fault, but not only her fault. We're all- we're all complicit in this. In what Helen is and in what she did."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joan, I think—I think you should go sit down somewhere, let me handle this. You don't look well, and-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm fine-\nEveryone, shut up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(cold) I would remind you that I am an acting Deputy Director, Dr. Bright and as such-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't give a flying fuck what your title is, Ellie. This is my facility and I'm currently soaked in the blood of my co-Director so please do me the courtesy of keeping your hollow concern to yourself and let me do my job.\n(pragmatic, trying to hold it together) You were right—You were right, Agent Crawford, we can't think about...Director Green at the moment, he will have to wait. Right now we have two extremely pressing issues. The first is the very dangerous woman lying at our feet, And the second is-\nYes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And who is Alex?\nTITLES\nYou're telling me you've had a nuclear bomb in your facility for the past few months and you didn't think it was important to tell headquarters?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sharpe thought it best to keep it to ourselves-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So she decided to lie about his condition-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We've been handling it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Clearly you haven't. Not to mention, you've been secretly working on an ability suppressant, something you would have crucified me for attempting-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is this really news to you, Ellie? Don't you have this whole place wired?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've been trying to form new habits, Dr. Bright-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As have we all. (beat) Agent Crawford, do you think you could go--\nHe's dealt with Alex during a flare-up before so if it does come to that..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now you and I have to decide what to do with Helen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm surprised you don't already have a plan in mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know, Joan, you've never been very good at letting people grow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Excuse me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You hold yourself to an impossible standard, punish yourself for every tiny mistake, and you expect everyone else to do the same thing, but people do change."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then can you trust me when I say I'm trying to do better?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Trust you? No. (beat, quieter) Believe you? Maybe. (beat) I believe that you trust what you're saying is true."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I heard you got electrocuted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When Sidney tried to escape, you got caught in the crosshairs."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That… must have been terrifying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you understand me a little bit better now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe a little. (beat) That's the problem."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fear drives us to terrible things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's not an excuse."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, it's not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This serum...does Mr. Ritz have the formula for it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We're not simply going to hand it over, Ellie-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You may not trust me, Joan, but I don't actually have plans to deprive every single Atypical of their ability. But this Alex Chen is not the only individual who has experienced complications with their power. Headquarters has the ability to manufacture a suppressant on a larger scale, run actual, legal drug trials, and provide the option to Atypicals who may want it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And isn't it convenient that you could keep someone like Helen permanently harmless."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think we can all agree that Helen isn't harmless, even without her ability. (beat) I... I don't have a good solution for her. For people like her. I'm not too proud to admit that.\nAll due respect, Agent Crawford, but you're new here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's right."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Be that as it may, we need immediate action. I've already called in a containment team-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I knew it, I knew you already had a scheme-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As well as a... a medical professional for Owen and Dr. Sharpe. (beat) Where—um. Where is he? I- I'd like to see him. Before they take him away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose that'd be them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They are prompt.\nYou should go clean up, Joan. It's over now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's never over."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 7 Transcript\n07 - Patient #12-D-10 (Sam)"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Patient #12-D-10. Session 4. Both the patient and I have been learning more about her ability. She has not had any trips since the day I met her, but I’m hoping to induce another one during a session so that I may observe again. The more I learn about how the trips work, the better I will be able to instruct the patient on how to control them. So far, we’ve discussed her earlier, more pleasant travels. Today, I plan to ask about the less enjoyable trips.\nHello, Sam. It’s good to see you. How are you feeling today?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hi, Dr. Bright. Um, I’m doing well. Another trip free week!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m glad to hear it. But remember Sam, that doesn’t mean they’re gone forever. While I’m pleased with your progress, this isn’t something you can get over in just a few weeks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. But I’m enjoying the break while it lasts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course. I know that many of your trips have been challenging - much of history is very unpleasant. Do you think you could tell me about them?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, it’s really the amount of time spent away that’s difficult."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How do you mean? Most of the trips you’ve told me about so far have been a day at the most."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right, yeah, I mean, that’s how they started out. But after- well, when I was sixteen, they, um, they started getting longer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And less pleasant?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ha, yeah, I guess- I guess you could say that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Could you tell me about it? What was the first long trip that you took?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, it was, well, it was a few months after that trip to the French court that I told you about? And that one was just half a day, like so many others, but this- uh, this was the first trip that was longer than a day."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How long was it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, I’m not exactly sure? Three weeks? Maybe a month, I don’t know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A month? That’s quite a dramatic shift - one day to one month."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, trust me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And the amount of time that passed in your own life? Were you still gone for only a few minutes?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, yeah, I think so. It’s a little different every time, but I don’t think it was longer than 30 minutes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, one month. Where did you go?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m- I’m not sure exactly. Somewhere in Europe, it was hard to tell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Were you in the countryside? No people, no landmarks?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, no, no there were people around. It was- I think it was World War I? I mean, the uniforms looked like it was maybe World War I, and then there was the whole trench thing, so yeah, I think that’s where I was. I mean, I never got any confirmation, but it’s not like they exactly called it World War I at the time. I mean, particularly, when, you know, fighting it. Not that that would have helped if they did. Because, um, well, I don’t speak any German so, I didn’t really know what any of them were talking about."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You were in the trenches of World War I for four weeks?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, yeah, yeah I guess so."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you were how old? Sixteen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, somewhere around there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam, I’m - I’m so sorry. I can’t even imagine what that must have been like. To be so young and see what you must have seen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, yeah, it’s, um, something I’ve tried to not think too much about since it happened."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I understand. But I think it would be good for you to tell me about it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why? I mean, what can we possibly learn from it? I don’t understand why I need to talk about every single trip I ever took! I mean, it’s always the same - I’m just stuck there, not able to talk to anyone, not able to really change anything. It doesn’t matter where I am. None of it’s real - it’s like, just, dreaming or something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But it’s not a dream. And even though a month didn’t pass in your real life, you still spent that amount of time in what I imagine was a horrific war zone. That matters quite a lot. It must have been very traumatizing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course it was traumatizing! But a lot of the trips have been traumatizing. At least I know I can’t get hurt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you saw other people get hurt, didn’t you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I did. I mean, of course I did. It was a war. One of the worst wars in history. And it’s just like history class teaches you - absolutely brutal. The smell of the trenches, the mustard gas, all those bodies. Some of the men in the trenches were even my age! Boys, I guess, not men. And they all died. Every single one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m so sorry, Sam. I can only guess at the lasting effects something like that has had on you. The horrors that you witnessed, the carnage - you must have been completely terrified."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, yeah I was."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Talk to me about it. Tell me about what you saw."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why? I don’t exactly want to relive the whole thing right now, do I? Out of all the trips, it was one of the worst, especially since it was after- it was just really, really bad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Especially since it was after what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After- after such a nice trip. The one before it I mean - it was just a big shock, that’s all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should think so. That is a very big shift for your trips to take - do you think there was a reason for the change?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. I can’t control anything about them, you know that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course. But it seems as if your earlier trips were mostly harmless - sometimes downright enjoyable - and as you grew older, you started to travel to more upsetting places. Is that an accurate summation?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I suppose so."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So what caused it? I don’t think it was simple puberty and hormones that did it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why not?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Growing up is a part of human life in the same way that your condition is a part of you. They should have worked in harmony. It seems more likely to me that the shift would have been caused by a shock to your system. Was there anything out of the ordinary that happened in that time? A big injury? A major life change?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know - I mean, when you’re sixteen, everything seems pretty major, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam. You know the difference. Did anything traumatic happen to you during that time? First broken heart, perhaps?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ha, if only."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam, it’s alright. You can tell me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, I’ve never- I’ve never told anyone. I- I can’t. It’s too…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Too much?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, yeah, it’s too much. I don’t want to leave again. It’s been so good these past few weeks. Don’t make me leave again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can’t help you if you don’t tell me, Sam. Remember, even if you start to panic and you leave, you will come back. And I will be right here for you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can’t tell anyone. Please. I’m- it was all my fault and I’ve never told anyone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What was your fault, Sam? What happened when you were sixteen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was in the car with my parents. They were teaching me how to drive. I’d been so reluctant to drive the car anywhere but the parking lot where my dad had been teaching me - the road made me so nervous, driving is so dangerous - and they thought if they both came along, I’d be calmer about it. But I wasn’t. I was driving along the main road, my dad in the back, my mom in the passenger seat, and there were so many cars around, and we were approaching a big intersection and I started to panic, and I think I was yelling to my parents to stop the car because I- I couldn’t, I didn’t know what to do, and they were trying to calm me down because they didn’t understand. They didn’t understand I couldn’t calm down, that I couldn’t control what was about to happen and then- then I went away. I don’t even remember where I went or how long I was gone. But when I came back- when I came back I was in the middle of the road and in front of me in front of me was a huge truck. And it- it had slammed into the car. And my parents - they were dead. My mom had climbed into the driver’s seat to try and drive and if she hadn’t- they were both dead. I killed them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam. What happened was an accident. A horrible accident, but an accident nonetheless. You didn’t kill your parents."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course I did! I knew what might happen to me - I knew that driving made me nervous, and I got into the car anyway. I was driving the car, with my parents in it, knowing that I might disappear at any moment. I did that - I killed them. I yelled at them and then I went away and when I came back, they were dead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam, breathe-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And everyone was saying to me how terrible it was, how tragic, but how lucky that I was thrown from the car, that I lived. How it’s what my parents would have wanted - for me to live. Everyone comforting me, pitying me, crying for me, and they didn’t know- they didn’t know that it was my fault. That my parents would still be alive if I wasn’t who I was, if they’d just had a daughter who was normal-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Patient has disappeared in the same manner as our first session. She grew pale and shaky - though this time she seemed oblivious to the symptoms, which is very atypical for her as I understand it - and then her body flickered for a moment, before she disappeared completely. I must admit, as much as I wanted to observe one of her trips, I wasn’t quite expecting all this. I’m surprised that talking about her visit to the trenches didn’t induce panic - possibly a positive sign about her progress. But this trauma with her parents will continue to hold her back if we don’t- this is interesting. The air around where Sam: was sitting is beginning to shimmer. I don’t think I noticed that last-\nSam? Sam, are you alright? Where did you go this time?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It doesn’t matter. Why did you have to ask about that? I was doing well, you were helping me, why did you make me tell you that? I don’t want to do this anymore! I don’t want to keep going away. I don’t want to hurt anyone. I was feeling good today and you made me disappear. Why would you do that? Aren’t you supposed to make me feel better?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In order to get better, sometimes we need to feel worse first."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bullshit. You wanted me to go on “one of my trips”."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What makes you say that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know how much time just passed for you, but I was in the other place for a while. Just thinking about our conversation - you asking me about the bad stuff, the trenches, my teenage trauma. I get it, I do. You’ve seen a lot of strange things in your day, you’ve said, but never someone like me. Why not watch the freak do what she does best, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam, it’s important for me to observe your condition in order to understand it better. You can’t hide from it forever."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. Of course. Because then I won’t be able to control it. But why would I want to control it? I want it to go away. I don’t care about traveling through time - I’ve done enough of that for 100 lifetimes. I just want to have a normal life. Why won’t you help me with that? Why do you insist that I learn to control it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because I think it’s important, Sam. This isn’t like you to be angry. You’ve just come back from a trip - you’re not in the proper mindset right now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My mindset is fine! There was no one around where I went. Just me and time to think. And if you won’t help me get rid of this, if you’ll just make me relive all the worst things that have ever happened to me, then, then I don’t want to do this anymore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam, wait, don’t leave. You still have over half your session left."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no, I’ve had enough for today."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fine. But I expect to see you back here next week. We can talk about this more then. I don’t want you to give up just yet - you were making such good progress."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just please - please don’t tell anyone about my parents. I know technically it’s a crime and you have to report those, but please."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don’t worry, Sam. All your secrets are safe with me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want to believe you but- I just. I think I better just go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sam, wait-\nEnd of session 4. I was very surprised by the subject’s demeanor after she returned. She was angry and confused, but also more confident than I’ve ever seen her before. It seems that some of her trust in me was shaken, but I don’t think it’s broken beyond repair. I just need to take things slower with her. If I rush her, I may lose her and that is not an option at this point. She’s too important.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The College Tapes Episode 1 Transcript\n701 - Qui Tu Vis Esse"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "...now slowly bring your attention back to your body. Feel the couch on your back, your hands on your lap, the light on your face...take a deep breath in..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(inhales deeply)"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "...and out..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(exhales slowly)"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then...when you're ready...open your eyes.\nA BEAT.\nHow do you feel?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good. (beat) Ready."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(leading) Ready for..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everything. The rest of this year. Graduation. I'm ready for what's next."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(smiling) That's really wonderful to hear, Adam. (beat) The way you came in here today..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, I know. You know how it is. Month into school, work starts to build up...I panicked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you ready to tell me what you were feeling panicked about?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow. You think you're clever, huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What can I say, I've been your counselor for three years, I've learned how to use your own words against you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's cold, Miriam. (sigh, giving in) I don't know, I just... (beat) This summer was so great, you know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do. You've spent all your sessions this semester telling me about it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Boy, the snark levels are high today. \"All my sessions\" - I see you twice a month-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(smiling) Adam, I'm really happy that you had such a great time in London. It sounds like it was exactly what you'd hoped-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It really, really was-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But that doesn't mean you've come back to an entirely different life here at Yale."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. (beat, more somber) I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Look, I'm not trying to burst your bubble. I'm so glad that you're feeling ready for all the next steps, for your senior year and whatever comes after it. But you were pretty unhappy by the end of last semester and then you came in today, guns blazing-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shouldn't we have had this conversation before the regularly scheduled calming meditation sesh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, that would have been my first choice, but you insisted on telling me about each and every production you saw at the Globe-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(excited) I mean, \"Much Ado About Nothing\" and \"Twelfth Night\"? That's the dream right there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(gently stern) Adam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I got invited to a party today."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't remember the last time I was invited to a party."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whose party is it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My freshman roommate's current roommate. (sarcastic) Such close friends of mine, clearly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you going to go?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know. (beat) It's just some dumb \"beginning of the end\" senior party. I'm pretty sure I was only invited because they want as many people as possible to show."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is it useful to speculate on the motivations of other people?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(\"I know, I know\") No..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you want to go?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Honestly? Not even a little bit. I hate parties. And there's a reason I moved out of Saybrook after freshman year - those guys weren't exactly my kind of people. Hanging out with them now that we're all actually legal drinking age sounds...terrible."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So what's the issue? Don't go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I know, obviously I'm not gonna go. But it just...it reminded me that I don't get invited to a lot of parties. Or really anything that isn't for school or clubs."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You like school and clubs."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(exasperated) I know, but-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adam, I get it. I see this all the time - I believe the kids call it...FOMO?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No one calls it that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whatever you want to call it, you're worried that you're going to miss out on some crucial part of college."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. (beat) Yeah, I am."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you had a good time here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(smiling) Better than I ever could have dreamed. (then) I mean, it's been stressful as hell, but I was expecting that. And I can handle that. (beat) I know I've still got a whole year left, but I'm really proud of what I've done here. (beat) But what if that's not enough? What if I did it all wrong?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't think that's the right question. I think, when these feelings come up, you need to ask yourself if you're worried you're missing out on things you'd actually enjoy or if you're just disappointed that you're not some version of yourself you think other people want you to be."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But what if I don't know which one it is? What if there is a version of me that does enjoy those things and I've been too much of a stubborn coward to find that out?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe start with an even simpler question then. Who do you want to be?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(laughing to himself quietly)\n(muttering as he types) Oh my god, stop texting in class, you slacker-\n(chuckling to himself)\n(to the coffee cart guy) Make that two- (to Dylan, a little cautiously) Hey, Dylan, how's it going?\nUh...here?\nNo, we got a place off campus, like, years ago- Dylan, are you okay?\n(with forced lightness) You might want to pace yourself, dude. It's only Wednesday-\nMidterms? Dylan, what are you talking about? Those aren't until-\n(sighing and then to the coffee cart guy) Could I get one more coffee? Leave room for milk.\nYour coffee, madam.\nWow, everyone's having a rough day, huh?\n(overlapping) Clearly three years of living with me has rubbed off on you-\nIs that why you were texting me? Not like you to have your phone out in class.\nThe texts you sent me about how Jasmine and Ralph broke up? You're totally right by the way, it's definitely because of the way Ralph chews.\nNo, I went, I was texting you after therapy.\nOoh, speaking of funky, we should have that weird beer we picked up last week with the fried rice tonight.\nAh yes, the fabulous tradition of us cooking rice so badly we had to smother it in soy sauce and call it \"fried rice\".\n(realizing) Where are we going? I've just been following you.\n(teasing) Ooh, Professor Beck...\nUh, I was. Last semester. Adam Hayes.\n(charmed) Oh. Thanks.\nSorry, Professor, I sold my soul to the English department long ago.\nWow, is it just me or did Professor Beck get hotter?\nI know you were thinking it.\nAnd sophomore and junior-\nYou said dreamy, I didn't say dreamy-\nOkay, you're right, you're right. It's not cool. (beat) Still. Fun to figure out after all this time what your type is - enormous, muscle-y men with cheekbones that could cut glass-\nNo, I totally cracked the code- we just need to find you someone that looks like sexy Frankenstein's monster.\nBut it's incorrect-\nWhat?\nOn what?\nCaitlin, no you're not. Both of us are taking a lighter credit load this semester. Even with your TA stuff.\nYou're being dramatic again.\n(hissing out as it hits him) Fuuuuuck.\nOkay, but, I mean, we have until April for those.\nSo that we'd have more time.\nOkay, we were not slacking off-\nI'm not sure your math is right on that.\nOkay, listen up.\nDrink your beer.\nIt's going to be fine. Neither of us spent our summers slacking off. We were both doing work that we can use for our essays-\nHey, I'm writing about Shakespeare and I spent a lot of time reading and watching Shakespeare in the place he's from-\nThere was one cute British boy and we kissed once.\n(teasing) Which is exactly how you like it.\nWhat?\nOkay...so...\nAre you finally going to call the hundred people who have wanted to go out with you for three years?\nIt's not not.\nI'm serious! I know I was teasing you earlier, but if you're genuinely interested in dating, maybe-\nYeah, you know I'm not going to do that.\n(sarcastic) Oh yeah, because I was such an easygoing person before.\nBut I do know you. I've known you for, like, my whole life.\nYes, thank you, counsel, that's not my point. We have been friends for about six years now and I know that you don't say things out loud that you don't mean. (beat) So what's going on?\n(lightening the mood) I still think it's nuts that you use GCal and a physical planner-\nHey, I like my watch. Caleb-\nHad.\nYeah, well, be careful what you wish for. It doesn't last.\nAnd you will too.\nNope, not at all.\nLiterally anything. (beat) Ooh, did I tell you I ran into Dylan today?\nMmhm.\nGod, not you too.\n(deflecting) That's not the point. No, he wasn't the one to tell me about the party, because he was too busy completely wigging out.\nTalking about how worried he was about midterms?\n(dry) Those ones exactly, Professor Calendar.\nIt's weird, right? (beat) I thought Junior year was when we all cracked. Senior year was supposed to be a victory lap before we entered the real world.\nOkay, that settles it. I'm spending all of tomorrow in the library.\nDylan! Dylan-\nHey. You look...better?\nYeah, are you...are you okay? (beat) You know, the counselors in the health center are actually pretty-\nAre you sure? I mean, you seem...okay...but you were freaking out about your midterms yesterday and those aren't for, like, weeks-\nUm...yeah?\nUh, yeah, I did.\nI dunno, parties aren't really my thing.\nYou do?\nYeah...maybe.\n(rolling his eyes) I wish. We can still hear 'em from our place.\n(looking at his watch) Uh...no. It's only ten.\nI think so.\nYeah...someone must be messing around.\nI thought so.\nYeah. I guess... (beat) Anyway...I should get going.\nYeah. No classes today so...senior essay work it is.\nYep.\n(calling back) Sure!\n(absentmindedly sighs)\n(rubs his eyes and sighs through his hands)\n(to himself) What the hell...\n...were you sleeping?\nWhy did you text me, like, a million times, are you okay?\nI'm in Russell Library-\nWhat are you talking about?\nYeah, I know, tonight. It's only... (he looks at his watch) Four-thirty.\nYes.\nIt's midnight?\nNo, I'm- how is that- there's no way...\nThat's not gonna happen.\nYeah, I'm- I'm a little confused but I'm- I think I'm okay-\nI swear, this stupid old library is so dark, I never know if it's night or day.\nYeah, well, they figured out how to do that and let light in with Beneicke-\n(grumbling) Stupid old buildings.\nYeah...?\nYeah, I just- I hear something...\nNo, for real.\nDoes Russell have a basement?\nHm...\nStanding in a broom closet.\nIt sounds like it's coming from here...like...chanting?\nWhat, like, having a secret midnight library meeting?\nAre you sure? I'm still convinced that you've been tapped.\nThe evidence is that it would be fucking cool.\nOoh, a grate in the ground.\nNo, it looks into something.\nWait, actually, I think it does.\nOh my god, you won't believe this...it is Skull and Bones.\nI am not. There's a bunch of people standing in robes in what looks like a basement.\n(whispering) I'm serious! (beat, looking closer) Oh my god, this is amazing.\nWhat, through the grate?\n(breathing heavy) Yeah, yeah, I'm here.\nI, uh, I gotta call you back. (realizing) Or, no, uh, I'll see you at home.\nGotta go. See you soon.\n(muttering to himself) Come on...fuck...fuck, fuck, fuck-\n(relieved panic) Caleb?\nEND CREDITS"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": " The College Tapes Episode 2 Transcript\n702 - Insolita Res"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(groans)\nCALEB MICHAELS, 21, Picture of a standard male college student at war with the concept of mornings.\nOh shit -\nSADIE GREENWOOD, 21, a roommate not to be trifled with, eyes the bathroom, then Caleb, then the bathroom...then Caleb again.\nSorry!\nI'll be quick! I promise!\nDon't come in here I'm naked!\nDon't...don't do it.\nAhhhh!\n(lighly) Fuck you, Sadie.\nOh can you hit the - ?\nThank you!\n(dry) Ha-ha.\n(to himself) Job fair...how could I forget.\nWhat's up? Can I get -\nYeah.\nHey, Frankie.\nAre you already on campus?\nGrabbing my coffee now. You might want to text Sadie, she's back at the apartment.\nSee you soon, man.\nByeeeee.\nThanks! Have a good one.\n(Shouting) Accio best friends in the world!\nSorry. Got tied up on the T. (To Sadie) Sadie, how the fuck did you get here before me?\nDid you even take a shower?\nBecause someone snoozed and losed.\nYou're not a word.\nJust classes.\nNope.\nI cancelled it.\nDon't need it.\nProbably not.\nNah, I'm good. Ben and I were gonna run this afternoon.\nNah, that's okay.\nNo.\nI didn't say it was shitty.\nI told you, nothing happened.\nI swear. I'm just not in the mood for \"real life\" stuff, today.\nAnd I'll be fine. I don't need a counselor or a recruiter in a tent to tell me what's out there.\nWhat?\nWhat?\nWait. How did I miss that?\nI don't know.\nI'm...not really looking for anything right now.\nI get honey in my tea.\nFrankie...\nGuys!\nI love you but you're giving me a headache.\nYou could say that.\nThanks mom.\nFrankie'll take care of me.\n(laughs)\nGood luck today!\nBye!\nBen? They're good. We've been running a lot, getting them ready for spring crew tryouts.\nNah. We're focused now. I got them in a good groove. Control what you can.\nYeah?\nOkay. Yeah. That's a good idea. I can ask Ben this afternoon.\nWhat do you mean?\n(touched) Wow, uh, thanks, Frankie. Seriously. I needed that. (Beat) It's been cool. I took Ben on a hike up in Saugus this past weekend. Felt good to just walk and like, I dunno, talk without talking if that makes sense.\nI didn't take you under so much as I lifted my wing up and found that Sadie had put you there.\nActually reminds me of the game bus back in High School.\nIt's a familiar one.\nYeah, I'm fine. Nothing tonight can't fix.\nWhat?\nYou think?\nOkayyy. And we're done.\nYou deserve someone nice, too, Frankie.\nReally. You're the biggest romantic I know. You should put yourself out there too.\nI know.\nYou should have high expectations. You're amazing. (teasing) I mean, just look at those cheekbones.\nYou know this isn't like the fair from Grease, right? You know that.\n...no...\nThere's somebody out there that'll get your humor, I promise. (Beat) And really, if you ever need a wing man or something out there, I want to make sure you find your princess in shining armor.\nAlright. I gotta get to class.\nBye, Frankie.\nYou wouldn't believe how boring this lecture is. (beat) And maybe I missed your voice. Can't an older brother just have a nice moment with his little sis?\n(avoidant) Like I said, I was bored. What are you up to?\nCollege applications going okay?\nI'm not spinning out. What makes you think I'm spinning out?\nI'm that obvious?\nI don't know, I'm just feeling a little lost lately.\nThere's a lot of career stuff coming up today...and...I don't know...\nThat was almost sweet.\nEhhhh...that'll be for another conversation.\nSay hi to mom and dad for me. Love you jerk.\nYeah! They love hanging with you. We want to do it more.\nYeah, that'd be nice. (Beat) No pressure to come tonight though. If you have plans already that's totally chill.\nThat'll change once you start getting into stuff here on campus. Classes, clubs, sports...\nI get that. (Beat) It just takes time. Once you find your footing you'll...\nYeah. Sorry.\nSure.\nWhat's up?\nYou sure?\nYou don't have to be nervous asking me stuff.\nJust a guess.\nOkay. Cool. You ready?\nSure.\nThe human knot?\nThat's cool.\nWhat do you mean?\nWow, I sound so lame.\nYeah...What's up?\nWhat?\nWhoa, Ben! Slow down! Ben!\nBen?\nYeah. Okay. Yeah, yeah. It's okay, Ben.\nOkay. Okay. (Beat) Ben, listen to my voice. Just breathe.\nDo what? What are you talking about?\n(overlapping) We're okay here, I promise. Just take a deep breath-\n- Just take a second and breath.\nWhat happened?\nWhat do you mean?\nI was just trying to talk you down -\nWait, what?\nI... (beat) What do you mean by something?\nI don't know...do you mean...\nBen?\nOkay. I'm going to say a word...okay?...Let me know if it means anything to you?\n...Atypical.\nKnew what?\nWhat?\nAre you okay?\nYeah...how...?\nOh you and Frankie definitely need to hang more.\nYeah. And...you?\nEnergy.\nYou could feel that?\nNo. No, that's not-\nWell yeah, but. (Beat) Shit.\nNothing. I just haven't really...talked...uh...\nNo, Ben, it's...it's fine. Uhhh...(Beat) Over the past couple of years my powers have...evolved a bit.\nMy main thing is that I can feel everyone's feelings. But the...influencing feelings thing is...new. Ish. I don't know how it happens. And I thought maybe I had it under control but I guess I don't. (Beat) Fuck.\nYeah. Uh. Can you just...keep this between us? I haven't really -\n- It's just -\n- Yeah? -\nCool. Okay. Thanks.\nWait hold on. Don't get up so fast. Just take a second.\nWhat? (Extending his hand) Here.\nIt can. Depends on the emotions. Probably same for you and some energy.\nOh. Yeah. A lot of emotions pass by in those. Probably the biggest spike I get in my day.\nRunning did that?\nFuck. I'm sorry. I had no idea.\nPromise. No idea.\nJust Frankie and me.\nBecause of your powers?\nThat makes sense.\nUh, yeah, he might.\nWe're more than our powers. Your first instinct was right. No easy fixes...no cheating.\nNo. I don't think it's as simple as that. (Beat) How about we hold each other accountable on this, sound good?\nOh my god, man, I told you to change your voicemail - it's, like, almost 2021. Anyway, it's Caleb. In a weird place. Just been stressed about some stupid shit. Did a thing today that I'm in my head about. Ties back to what we talked about with this past summer. Yeah. Fuck - ha. Yeah. One side of my brain is still saying fuck it because it worked but - I don't know. I just keep circling in my head about stuff. (Beat) Fuck. (Beat) Hey Mark, do you know what you want to be when you grow up? Ha. (Beat) Alright, I'm done. Uh. Call me, man. Let me know. Hangout soon? Okay. Thanks. Bye.\nNope. No texting. Do this for real.\nUh hey. Hi. Is this Cole?\nIt's uh, Caleb. You gave me your number.\nI was going to text you, but then that felt lame because what you did was pretty brave and I figured I'd...you know.\n(Release) Yeah. Something like that. (beat) Is this weird? Is it actually super weird that I'm calling?\nMe too. Uh - do you wanna maybe grab something sometime? Together?\nOh yeah? Okay. That's awesome. Uh. Do you want to do something this Friday?\nFor sure. Yeah. Okay, well, I'll talk to you later then, and uh, see you in a couple of days...Cole.\nOh yeah. Duh.\nOkay. I'll see you maybe in the next...two mornings...but definitely Friday night.\nYeah. Definitely. Uh. Bye.\nOkay.\nIt's the crust, right?\nOnly because it's your turn.\nSimple minded Frankie.\nMean what?\nLet Ben do their thing.\nYou sure?\nOkay.\nYou're totally sure?\nSadie, your punch just caused fire.\nUh, yeah. I - I'm gonna take this in my room.\nI'll be back in a sec-\n(deep inhale; then)\nHello?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(through the phone) Caleb?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. Adam. What are you - what's - why - what's up?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know this is really out of the blue, but I wouldn't call you if... (Beat) It's just that. Not that I wouldn't. I just -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adam, what's wrong?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Something just happened. Something is going on around here. At Yale. And, I need your help. (beat)Caleb?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. What do you need. What's going on, I mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's something Atypical. I don't know what the hell it is, but I'm pretty sure it's something Atypical."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. Talk to me.\nEND CREDITS"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The College Tapes Episode 3 Transcript\n703 - Audiam Campanis"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "\"Hey Adam, How's it going?\"...\"Hey\"...\"Hi\"...\"Hey man\"...ewww. Don't be lame. \"Hey, it's good to see you\"...\"Hello\"...\"what's up?\"...\"Hey Adam, I'm a fucking idiot and don't know how to act like a human, remember me?\"...Ugghhh. (Deep breaths) \"I came as soon as I could\"...ugh...you're not a superhero, dude. Get a grip.\nSadie, I don't know if I can -\nHe's coming, I gotta go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hey."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(A laugh) Hey."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean. (Beat) Hey."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hi."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So, uh, how was the show?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, it was good."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Friday night slot - that's like radio royalty, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, it's been cool. Senior privileges I guess."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I listen sometimes. (Stopping himself) But not like too much. Like a normal amount."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Cool. How was the drive?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good...good. The drive was good. I had to wait to leave until my last class today, so, sorry it's a little later than I planned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No! Thanks for coming. I know this is random."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, of course."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wouldn't have if -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "- For sure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anyway..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So, uh, where are we going?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Uh, I thought we could grab some food. There's a burger place near my apartment. Talk about it there?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I remember the place."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh yeah. Duh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Burgers sounds good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good.\nTITLES\nDid you eat anything today?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? (Realizing) Oh, sorry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You still scarf down food like you're on the football team."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I missed Harrington's. This place has the best burgers and shakes, I swear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(Laughing) I think they missed you too. (Beat) How's Sadie?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sadie's good. She says hi."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knows you're here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, but she doesn't know why. Left that fuzzy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What about your roommate?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's Sadie."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You live with her now? Oh good. What happened to Jay?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh my god, get over it Adam."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jay was just my roommate. You were always so mean to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Were too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He liked you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, he was my friend and my roommate."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He didn't like me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because you weren't nice to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A-ha! I knew he didn't like me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because you weren't nice to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn't nice to him because he was overly nice to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Glad you got that out of your system."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't stick your tongue out at me. (Beat) Anyway, good. Sadie's good."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you still come here a lot?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not that much anymore. (Beat) They still have your photo on the board near the restrooms, though."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aw yeah! One pound burger challenge."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A very proud moment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. (grumbling) The extent of my college achievements...(pivot) So how was London?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh. Amazing. Obviously it was such an opportunity and a fun way to build up the resumé, blah blah. But god, I saw so much theatre over there. And I feel like the whole summer just really kicked Senior year into high gear, you know? I can't believe college is almost over. There's still so much to do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Last debate championships in the spring, my senior essay. Just...getting ready for the world. (then) Good thing is my professors have been helping me get to know some people in New York, so I think if I spend spring break down there, I'll hopefully be able to do some interviews."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow. Sounds like you have it figured out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean, I'm sure it's the same for you, right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Totally. Yeah. Lots of stuff to do - going on - all of that - yeah. Can't wait to...you know...graduate. (Beat) So, what's up? Why am I here? What couldn't you tell me over the phone?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right. Okay, so... (clandestine) There have been...\"incidents\" since school started."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn't sure it was anything at first. Chalked it all up to just...weird coincidence."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Like, all the clocks have been off. Everyone keeps being either way too early or way too late to class. The entire school schedule was erased before the semester even started - they said it was some kind of malware but... (then) Luckily they had it backed up; I spent a lot of time getting my schedule to where I wanted it. But I don't buy the virus thing. It's all tied together."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sounds like college pranks at the expense of punctual nerds."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thanks for that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(Smile through chewing) You're welcome. (Beat) So, all this weird stuff has been going on for a month?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. But here's where it gets crazy..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When I was in the library yesterday and time...just vanished."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Time \"vanished\"? What does that mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "...Caitlin and I had plans last night and somehow...time jumped. One second it was noon and then next it was midnight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So? You get carried away when you're in study slash reading mode all the time. That's like your thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was only in there for a few hours."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Doesn't sound like you were."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I missed a guest lecture the first week of classes...my radio show before that..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So it wasn't just last night?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. There have been these little things that I was just chalking up to stress or my watch being out of whack or -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "- You still have the watch I gave you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. But it's been acting up, even though I don't think it's broken."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can I see?\nLooks good to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(Realizing and pulling away) Uh, um, yeah, sounds like you just lost time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This isn't me losing track of time...it's time losing track of me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't see how this is...I mean..it doesn't have to be...you know, what you said on the phone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Atypical? Uh, yeah it does."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because, when I called you last night-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "- You didn't call me last night."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah I did."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You called me on Wednesday."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I called you last night. Thursday. That's why you're here. So, last night I saw someone in a -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "- I had to wrap up classes for the week before I could come down. That was two days ago. You called me on Wednesday."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No I...didn't...(Beat) Caleb, I called you yesterday. (Beat) Unless... (Beat) Huh..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. I want to try something. Pull out your phone and check recent calls. I'll do the same."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, yeah. See. Wednesday."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thursday."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? That can't be right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Holy shit! I was talking to you...from the future!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait, that's...what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's Atypical. It has to be."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure. Okay. It is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why are you being weird?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not being weird."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's like you're avoiding the Atypical thing or something."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't avoid the \"Atypical thing\". It's literally impossible for me to. It's my whole life. That's why I'm here, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're here because I need your help. If you don't want to be (here) -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "- No. I do. I'm sorry. This is just a lot to take in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How do you think I feel? (then) I mean, I know you know how I feel, but I just- I haven't experienced anything Atypical since...well...you know..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I know. Since me. (Beat) I'm good. I promise. It's just...daunting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What is...exactly?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All of it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I mean, all of it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Gotcha."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But really. I'm good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know you can feel how nervous and freaked out I am too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't need to. We're talking. I get it. Really, Adam."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh. Okay. Yeah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you saw something? Something Atypical?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes! Right, this is the craziest part-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Crazier than real life Minutemen?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So last night slash two nights ago, as I was leaving the library...I heard this chanting. (Off Caleb's look) I know. Weird, right? I followed the sound into this closet and I could see through a grate down into the basement. There were people in cloaks in the middle of...like a ceremony..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait, what? Like Death Eaters?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Kinda. Yeah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why didn't you lead with this?! Why wasn't the first thing you said when you got into my car \"Hey Caleb, dark wizards go to my school\"?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know - I thought after I dragged you down here \"small talk\" and food was the socially accepted way to ease an ex - you - you Caleb, a friend, my friend Caleb, I mean, into - I don't know. But now you know what we're up against. (Beat) See. Nervous."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Me too. (Beat) But wait...\"up against\"?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What they did down there in that basement...It scared the shit out of me. All of a sudden there was fire and electricity and things were flying around. I'd never seen anything like it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fuck."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So I ran out and I called you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This was last night slash my Wednesday?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. (Beat) And when I ran out...get ready...I found this on the ground."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An envelope- there was nothing inside, but look- that wax seal-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's the symbol? A Yale thing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know! But look at the words below the symbol."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(Taking the envelope) Again...Adam...lead with this next time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know...I know..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So...Sodalis Eximus...Eximius. Sodalis Eximius...\nWhat does it say? The wax is all...melty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I still haven't translated it because I wanted to see if you- (then) Oh shit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't tell Caitlin I invited you here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She's walking right towards us. Don't tell her about the conspiracy stuff."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then why am I here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know, too late -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey Caitlin, good to see you.\nI uh, well, I -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's visiting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah uh, I - Well, you see, we - uh I -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "- He needed a place to spend the night. He's on his way down to New York for, uh -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "- I'm visiting a friend down there. Which make sense. Obviously. Yeah. Uh, do you want to sit down and join us?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, she's good, right Caitlin?\nThe rain. The rain is so bad, he just needed a place to stay and I offered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's good. (Beat) I hope it's okay I'm here. I promise you won't even notice me. I can sleep pretty much anywhere -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "See you at home, Caitlin?\nWhat?\nLoud and clear."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So...I can't wait to visit New York, apparently..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You should check out Hadestown."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(exasperated) Adam... (then) So...I guess...where do we start?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean you're in?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I'm in. Obviously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's late."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh no...it must be time weirdness...ooooOOOoooh..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm saying...it's late...it's raining. Maybe we can just go to my apartment and we'll head to Russell Library in the morning? Sound good?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. Cool. Good idea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?\nYeah?\nThat is Caleb. You know Caleb.\nWhat do you mean, \"how I get\"?\nOkay, but if I put a song on my story and he does the same thing with the same song the next day...what does that mean? Anybody would analyze that.\nThat's not what this is.\nHe's visiting a friend in New York.\nI need you to be supportive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, hey guys."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, hey, Caleb. We were just - catching up. We sometimes do that in here. It's like our little - catch up...zone. Pretty normal. Catch up zones are things. Hi. How are you, hi."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh cool. Sorry, I just - I didn't really plan ahead. You don't have an extra toothbrush maybe?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, for sure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course you do. You're always prepared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hey Caitlin? Time for bed, maybe?\nGoodnight!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Night Caitlin. Thanks for letting me crash.\nThanks for this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No problem.\nSo, uh - I was thinking we can grab coffee first thing and then head to the library. Maybe we can find a way into the basement I saw?\nCaleb speaks through brushing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sounds good. What time are you thinking?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Eight?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cool, cool. (Beat) I like your PJ bottoms. Shakespeare."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh? Yeah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, they're cool."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, Uh, I got them this summer when I was - uh. When I was...(Collects and pivots) I'm gonna get to bed. See you in the morning?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. Night."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Goodnight.\nShut up, Caitlin."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The College Tapes Episode 4 Transcript\n704 - Malus Denarius\nHey-- Where are you? (beat, looking around) I'm at... It just says, 'the international terminal.' (beat, describing what he sees) There's, I don't know, there's a red bus in the loading zone? I'm next to a family that looks like they haven't bathed in months.\n(to the father) You're the one out in public. (beat) What? Are you... that navy monstrosity?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(calling out) Do you want a ride or not?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know if I should risk being seen in a garbage can on wheels."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ha ha, very funny. (quoting Mean Girls) Get in, loser, we're going shopping."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shopping?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's a line from a movie... how old are you again?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Says the grandmother. Wanna pick up the pace, Granny?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The speed limit says--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "See those parked planes? They're moving faster than we are."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Really? It's been, what, three years, and you're still... you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Miss me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm a good driver--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(interrupting) Slow does not mean good--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know, if you'd just use public transpo like everybody else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not like everyone else, Byron. (then, heavy) Besides... I wouldn't know where I'm going. (beat) I think a snail passed us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You wanna drive?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where are we headed?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could go for a waffle. Want a waffle?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(pressing) So, an IHOP? How far away is that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Got a hot date or something? (then) I wasn't sure if you'd want to drop your stuff at my place or if you'd wanna grab something first."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And immediately your mind jumps to waffles?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Curio Coffee. Ever been?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My usual haunt in Boston was a nine by five cell. Very few waffles."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. Well. They have, like, a rotating waffle list. And, at night, they turn into a pretty cool wine bar. (then) Not that I go there for that. Anymore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It sounds great."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(awkward, parroting) Great. (then) So, how was your trip?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dude..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sorry, sorry... Besides, you know how my trip was. I texted you the whole time. How's the House of Blues?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's weird, staying in one place."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(struggling to be thoughtful) And you don't... Get the urge... You're not tempted to..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eat a cell phone?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Drink."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Remind me to never play charades with you. (then) No. I've been... It hasn't been a problem."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I did like the one photo you sent... Imagined Dragons?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(laughs) Close enough."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm glad you've been in one place. Your texts have seemed... calmer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe. I feel like I still have all this nervous energy. But it's been good, to have a bit of a normal life. Hang out with Mags and Caleb. Have dinner with Joanie."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, yes. Does she know of your new house guest?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean... she's still Joan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meaning you haven't told her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not keeping it a secret or anything but we- we have boundaries. We don't constantly need to be in each other's business-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I find that very hard to believe-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I figured if you wanted to see her, you could reach out yourself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is she still running The AM?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then she probably shouldn't sit by the phone waiting for my call."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You weren't here for all the clean up. It's different. Promise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I'm here now. (then) Thank you, for picking me up. And letting me stay with you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well... I was shocked when you told me you were coming home. (then, awkward) I mean, back to Boston. (then) You've just been gone a while."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. I've... tried to make up for lost time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What brought you back?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's amazing how different unprocessed air tastes. Feels."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You didn't answer my question."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You'll have to wait until we get some waffles. (then) Did you choose a Boston team, yet?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't start."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know it's all intertwined, right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you mention the Illuminati--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who else could be behind the Boston dominance?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe they're just good teams!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A bell. Quaint. (then) What do you want? My treat, for the ride. And room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just a black coffee."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you serious? After the waffle talk?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm limiting my sugar intake."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then why did you suggest a waffle bar?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So I can smell it. I'll grab a table--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Uh. No need. We're in the corner."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The corner with the professor of the Dark Arts?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dark Arts? (to the barista) Black coffee and a giant waffle. With powdered sugar. Loaded with it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(to the barista) We'll be right over there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(sotto) Oliver, what the fuck?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hm?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(sotto) This is why you were asking where we were going? To coordinate a meet?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It may have been."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(sotto) Who even is this guy?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's why we're here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(sotto) After months of... You were galavanting through Europe and then..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(finally sotto) Mark. I need you here with me. (to Seamus) Connecticut area code?\nWaiting to see if the same can be said for you.\n(intrigued) Professor?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mark--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(interrupting) My associate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's me, party crasher. (unaware that he's reading emotions) Didn't mean to surprise you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I trust my associate implicitly. Anything you say to me, blah blah blah. (then) Now. How did you get my phone number."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You didn't give it to him?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(to Mark) Would you sit down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ow, ow. Not so tight--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(to Seamus) Him, I trust. You, I'm not sure about. Wanted to meet you first. (then) Answer the question.\nMy number is unlisted.\nYou... you said you needed my help."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hold on, that's why you--\n(sotto) Ow! Knock it off!\nYou--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's also unlisted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who are you, again?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, wait, I need some answers.\nActually, Professor, I have all the time in the world.\nAre you threatening me?\nYou're sounding more and more like a Bond villain.\nDis-- Disassemble?\nWhy don't you just call them?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, fuck."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I... I..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I think we're gonna get that to go, if you don't mind?\nMy friend here just got back in town, so he'll have to think about it. Right, Oliver?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I-- Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Great! Have a nice day, Professor Snape."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You left the waffle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fuck the waffle. Are you kidding me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, you don't want the sugar orgasm?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know what that would have required? A sentence. 'Oh, Mark, I'm working for the Order and I'm meeting some shady dude in Boston, that's why I came back.' That's it, and how long was that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I get it--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Less than a minute? How long was the car ride from the airport?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't know how to tell you--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You've been working for the Order this whole time?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's not--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Instead you tell me some bullshit story about 'trying to find yourself in bowels of humanity'--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To be fair, I said that after a fair amount of alcohol--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's how you were bankrolling your whole trip, wasn't it? It wasn't the money Sam gave you, or turning lead into gold--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Technically I can turn more than lead into gold--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I asked you. I straight up asked you--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So ask again now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why didn't you tell me you were working for The Order?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because that's not exactly true."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So, you're lying to me and tall, dark, and creepy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not lying to anyone. I did use Sam's money and I did turn things into gold. The Order doesn't pay very much."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But why didn't you--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't lie to you today, did I? I told you, you would find out why I came back, but I didn't know what I was walking in to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A lie of omission is still a lie."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wanted to be better informed before I gave you the debrief. I knew you would have questions--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you just waltzed blindly forward?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I brought you with me!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can barely benchpress a hummingbird!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Doesn't that count for something?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell me about the Order."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I helped them a few times. That guy, Lee Sandoval, you met him during..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I remember."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He had me work on a couple things, like a weird pocket universe... in an egg."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's... it's kind of hard to explain."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fuckin'... fine. Why you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The... you know how I made that serum? Using my power and yours to make... something magical?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I-- That's not- we don't do magic, Oliver--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's what having a fucking alchemist power means. There are other people with my kind of power that make all sorts of..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All sorts of what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I told you already. Weird egg-like stuff. Artifacts."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seemed like you were going to say something a little more helpful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whatever -- can we go?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I still don't really understand your power."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You and me both."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know you made the serum... that you put together the different chemicals and synthesized it--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You did, too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was following your lead, I had no clue what I was doing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Neither did I!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "People, with powers like yours, what kind of stuff can they make?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An actual crystal ball. Glasses that embed the knowledge of a book straight into your brain. Pretty much anything your high fantasy heart could dream of."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fuck, that... That's... Okay, so what's not so true about you working with the Order?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I helped for a little while, breaking things down. Taking apart all these amazing and beautiful pieces to make sure no one would get hurt. It was... Mark, what people can create... I saw so many amazing things. (then) Only, they stopped calling. So I went adventuring. Did things the AM kept from me. (beat) But it was... lonely. (then) And then, Seamus got my number. Somehow... He knew about me. That's why I came back. I'm..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Interested. (then) Is it wise to team up with a guy who clearly has his fingers where they don't belong?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(amused) Really?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Grow up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have... questions. And the more I worked with the Order, the more questions I had."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I have plenty of questions for Professor Creepy. He made me feel... weird."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Could you tell if he has any power?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Because I wasn't, you know, prepared. If I had any sort of heads up, I could have tried to figure it out but as it is, your power made it hard to see if he had one. (then) So, are you going to do it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I say no, will you still mad at me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(sighs) This isn't about me. (then) C'mon, let's drop off your stuff and get some dinner. Too late for waffles, anyway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What kind of place did you say this was?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No shabu shabu in your travels?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was mostly in Europe. And some parts of Northern Africa. (then) Is Israel considered Africa or Asia? Why isn't that sector of the world it's own continent, wouldn't it be easier--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's part of Asia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um. How is our fire friend?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alex?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's the one. Blown anyone up recently?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's been three years, Oliver. You'd have known about it by now. (then) Sounds like he's doing good, now. Your serum worked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our serum."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They were able to reverse engineer it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Think I could patent it, or is it too late?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's doing a lot of good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In their hands?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In my sister's hands. Joanie made it so that it's available to anyone that wants it, no charge."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Glad I was able to do something good, I guess. (then) I'm glad he's doing okay. You talk to anyone else from... down there?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joan hears things from time to time. (pointed) But, it's not like anyone tells me anything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I haven't heard anything, either. I mean, that's intentional, I guess, but... I'm just as out of the loop. Moreso. (beat) So, when the food comes, I just... cook it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yup."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We couldn't cook at your apartment?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's an experience."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah. I see. (then) So, how mad are you? One to frequency rampage?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "C'mon... I'm not mad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You sure? Because you barely said anything at your place. And other than speaking at the speed of light when explaining our order to the waiter, your conversation skills leave a lot to be desired."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Funny. (beat) I'm really not mad, Oliver. I'm... I'm actually good? Really good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh. That's... good?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I think it is. I mean, life's still rough. I still get the urge to drink. Some days are better than others, but the bad days are less and less. I don't love being in tight spaces. I'm not what you'd call a social butterfly--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Color me shocked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "--and since I'm not drinking in a town literally known for it's beer, I don't get a lot of invites anywhere. But there's a kid who's become like my little brother--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh yeah- Caleb?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. And Joanie... we're up and down, but generally OK. I... (then) I started feeling like myself again. Like I'm more than what happened to me. I'm more than what my power makes me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's really great, Mark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The job has helped a lot. Just... having a place. I haven't been in one spot for longer then three months, you know? Before... (beat) But now I've been at this place for eight months. I definitely needed to spread my wings, move around--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I get that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Figured you would. You know, I thought about joining you a few times. Especially after Sam left for her own around the world journey. But then... (beat) I don't know...suddenly, I needed a home. And I needed to make it myself. I'd been putting my home on Sam. Joan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(knowing) Damien."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fuck off. (then) But... yeah. What he did. What it made me. What Wadsworth made me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you're... better?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like I said. Some days are better than others. (beat) What about you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How has it been?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I told you, it's fine. (bitter) Couldn't ask for a better life post incarceration."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "See, that--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm joking."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not. (then) First, you traded one secret organization for another."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's not--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you didn't tell me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't own me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fucking-- (beat) Do you talk to anyone else? (beat) Right, so.... You didn't tell anyone. And then the secret organization just dropped you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was almost two years ago."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So, you then partner with some other guy who wants you to do some secret mystery work... (beat) Tier 5 can mess with you, man. In ways you...you don't expect. When you're not thinking about it. (then) I think that's our food.\nThank you.\nI think we've got it, thanks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do I need to say to convince you I'm fine?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So, you just dip the beef in the broth and let it cook."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not like you, I never needed a posse of delinquents to discuss my feelings."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I recommend cooking the vegetables first, they usually take the most time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't need help and I don't need to process and I don't need your pitying glances and imposing questions at 2am in the middle of a bar in Venice to check in on me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The meat cooks the fastest. (then, gentle) Why'd you come back, Oliver?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I told you--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You told me I would find out at the cafe. Then you said you wanted to know what this guy was about. But... why? You could have told him no. Could have kept drinking your way into oblivion through Europe and no one would have been the wiser, no one would have had to miss you. Right? (beat) Instead, you came back here, to the city that held you captive. (then) I thought you wanted to be free. (beat) But you're just running from something else now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You think you know everything, huh?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. But I know everything about being a Tier 5 survivor. (firm) So. What the fuck?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm broken."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, we're all a little--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, idiot. My power is broken!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean, broken?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Didn't realize there was more than one meaning to the word."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like, they're gone? Is that why the Order stopped..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. At least, I don't think so? But I haven't... I have made anything. Since that day, at the AM. When..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I remember."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. (then) It's not really that the Order stopped calling. Not entirely. They did stop calling, but after I stopped answering. I just... I couldn't be around that stuff anymore."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What stuff?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Stuff that works. (then) All those different artifacts, works of art. A frame that holds memories. A candle that sends messages. A music box that sings someone's greatest desires."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That... that doesn't even sound real. How the fuck did they make that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Those were the truly inspired pieces. The joining of an alchemist with another power to create something extraordinary. It's not often done, near as I can tell, but when it is... (beat) They were beautiful and simple and unique. Something someone somewhere crafted out of nothing. (then) And then they made me break it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I get it. It sucks when people use your powers against you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No... No, it's not that. Taking things apart is only one side of my power."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right, I know, the other side is building. Yin and yang, create and destroy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I would take these artifacts apart and help the Order study them. Figure out how they were made. Try to figure out more about these powers. And... the intricacy... the masterworks..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're sort of sounding like an addict, there, Oliver."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wouldn't you be?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is there anything I can do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was hoping you'd ask.\nYou were there, the last time. You helped me and it worked. It will work again. (beat) Do I need to take my shoes off?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wouldn't help the place. (beat) But yes. Take off your shoes.\nSo, run all that by me again..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I need a reacting agent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For... what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To combine into the power. Perhaps this is all psychosomatic and I need to create something as equally beautiful to the wonders I've seen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(sotto) Oh, sure, no pressure... (then, louder) So, where does that leave me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You will be my reacting agent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I-- I don't... Like, an experiment?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In a sense."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you know this works, we did it before, I don't... I don't think--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You weren't a conducting agent then. (beat) Well, you were, but only to react to the chemical I was making. So, technically, I didn't need you so much as I needed someone else like me. (then) With me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You want to join with my power to make a super saiyan -- only instead of a kamehameha blast, you make a talking lamp or some shit like that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sure! You lost me in the middle there, but... Exactly!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's Dragon Ball- never mind. I still don't get exactly what kind of artifact you could build with my power..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But that's just it. You and I, we could build anything. A power ray?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ha ha."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, how about a mug that fills with a person's power?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you just looking at things around the apartment?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you cleaned..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know, most visitors are grateful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What about a power controller?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A... what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Like, a TV remote, but for power."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That doesn't have anything to do with my power."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes it does. You're constantly changing channels. Sometimes it's louder, sometimes it's quieter. What if... what if you had a way to control that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I... I don't... Oliver, that's not a bad idea. (beat) But does it have to be my remote?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can manually change the channel, it'll help get your steps in. Now, put your hand out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver, I really don't know--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Byron, I really think... I think this will work? You don't know how much this means to me. I feel... I feel like I'm turning over a new leaf."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay... just, what do I have to do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(slightly manic) Where do you think that phrase came from? The 'turn over a new leaf' thing? (then) Stand there and hold the remote in your palm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perfect. Now. Open up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your insides, Byron. Let me see your insides. (calculating) I shouldn't have to build something entirely new, if I can just get a foot in the door, we can tie the power to the electrical current--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(becoming anxious) Oliver?\n(sotto) This is a bad idea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(from the kitchen) Where's your screwdriver?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Last time you only needed my blood--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Found it!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now you want... what, exactly?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(exasperated) I need access to your power this time. So come on, open a power vein and let me in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That sounds... invasive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You won't feel a thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(growing anxious) Is... Is that you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, holy shit, you feel that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Listen to me, Oliver, I think... I think you should stop..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What does it feel like?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver, what did I say?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What, Byron?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you listening to me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just doing some observations. Leopards and spots and all that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How... how much... how much longer?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know, it's not really an exact science, but if you boost your power up, maybe we will see if it connects. I do know of one chap- it took him days but that was a sheep farmer in Ireland who wasn't around people all that much and didn't really get how powers until much later in life--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why... aren't... you... stopping?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know, Bryon, I know, we're almost done, how does it feel--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I dunno, it feels like when you took my blood except it's my fucking power-- Stop!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sure it feels weird, but hold on, I just need a little more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(excited) Calm down, Byron, this could work..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I said stop."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mark?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I... I'm sorry, Oliver. I can't... (beat) You can never really leave Tier 5, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't mean to..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's fine. I'm-- I'm gonna go to bed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mark--\nI thought about your offer.\nYes. (then, more to himself) Seems all I can do is break things."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The College Tapes Episode 5 Transcript\n705 - Infernum Septimana\nYeah.\nSuper sure.\nI'm gonna eat it.\nSadie...\nNo, I'm gonna eat it I swear, give it back.\nNothing happened.\nOh my god, it's been over a week.\nNothing.\nSadie, it's Monday. I have my next class in 20, can you cut my brain some slack?\n(dry) Wow, it's almost like you're the Empath. (then, genuine.) Thanks, Sades. I appreciate it. (beat) Honestly, it was confusing.\nI could feel where Adam was at and I knew where my feeling were sitting in me...and they were pretty much in the same place. Which, lately, is...it's a whole thing and I don't want to get into that but -\nComplicated feelings.\nGood feelings that forgot why we split in the first place and it's like my brain had to keep opening the metaphorical door to tell the metaphorical sleepover feelings in their sleeping bags to go to metaphorical sleep.\nNo, it's just - I'm not good for Adam...I mean I knew that...but it was so obvious when I saw him. Too obvious.\nBut it's the truth. He's got all of these future plans, because he's actually been preparing for life after college and -\nI don't know if I have. I mean...now that...ugh...\nNothing. You know what I mean.\nForget it. Look...no matter how nice it was to see him or how cute his chipped black fingernails looked...we've been down this road before and it didn't work. It fucked me up bad and I don't want to go through that again. (Beat) He saw my scar...the one on my side, and -\n- And that just escalated everything.\n- No, Sadie, no, no, no. It wasn't like that. I was drying my clothes.\nWhat?\nSadie-\nAre you done?\nI sent him a text when I left.\nCan you stop?\nHe hasn't responded. To any of my texts.\nI just needed space.\nOur lunches used to be fun.\nFeels like more than a funk.\nNo, actually, I was gonna ask - have you heard from them? They totally bailed on me this morning and they haven't responded to any of my texts.\nYeah. The last time I talked to them was Saturday and since then...it's like they've been off the grid.\nYeah, you're probably right.\n(Handing over his sandwich) Oh my god, fine.\nWhat? What? Sorry...I...\nSorry, I'm sorry, I'm- I'm not trying to be so fucking self-absorbed. Fuck, I'm sorry Frankie.\nWait what?\nYeah. Yeah, I'm good. (then) What were you saying?\nOh. I don't know. Maybe? Depends I guess.\nOh yeah, that's a good idea. I mean, I don't know what's going to happen next year, but maybe?\nYeah. We were supposed to go running the last two days and I haven't heard from them.\nDoesn't really seem like Ben.\nYeah, hold on one sec.\nHere you go.\nCaleb. This is Frankie.\nPsych. You?\nCool.\nWow.\nI...actually...don't know.\nFor sure.\nYeah.\nYeah, well, now I don't know. I definitely don't want to go for my Masters, at least not right now, which limits my options. And I was thinking about being a school counselor -\n- But...honestly...some stuff went down at the internship this summer which has me fucking doubting if I could even get through an eventual Masters practicum to keep any fucking job, and I don't know if I can do this anymore. I don't know if I should do this anymore.\nIt was just...a lot that I wasn't prepared for. The people I wasa working with, everything that'd happened to them, with drugs and everything...their health...it affects their emotions...like how it all resonates inside them.\nLike if you...I dunno...warped the body of an instrument, the sound would be different, right? It would make a different sound because air would sit in it differently. Their emotions were so strong and frantic...trying to find space in bodies they didn't recognize; a lot of the patients didn't know where to place them again.\nYeah, but... (Beat) Fuck, okay. (Beat) Look, you need to promise to keep this on the DL, okay. I'm serious.\nFor real, Frankie. I'm telling you because I need to tell someone...I dunno...my own fucking age.\nYeah.\nPromise me.\nI accidentally used my powers on a patient.\nIt's complicated. It's not just an input anymore...I don't think...\nThere's an output, now...\nNo. I mean, I don't think that's how it works.\nI don't know...It's been going on for like a year now. Harbor Crest hasn't been the only time.\nFucking me too, Frankie.\nUgh. Promise. Like pinky promise.\nOne of the patients was having a panic attack and I...I made him calm.\nNo, I made him calm.\nI didn't force him. I mean, I didn't mean to. Fuck, okay I guess I forced him but not me-me, my powers me. My powers did it.\nYeah, me neither. And it's like I didn't even have control - I didn't talk him through anything...didn't do anything I learned from my old therapist, or my classes or training or anything. I just forced it into him. (deep breath) When it happened before...a while back...I didn't get what was going on at first and then when I realized...I tried so hard to shut it down. And I thought I did, I thought that not being with- (he stops himself) I thought I like, took away the danger of it happening again. But then this happened. And then a few days later...\nI made someone open up in a group session. Things they weren't comfortable or ready to open up about. I remember thinking \"I want them to make a breakthrough and share whats going on\" - they had just been a wall, you know? And it was almost like my power fused to my thought or something...like the thought of the feeling in me...and then it just flew across the circle into them. They opened up about some really, really dark stuff, and then when the feeling of calm and openness subsided, I could feel the fear and regret they were feeling. Like I flipped a switch from output back to input...\nThey were already a stranger in their own body and because of my stupid awful power I managed to take away the last thing of theirs that they had; their feelings. I violated them. I...fucked up everything. (Beat) I quit right after that. Came up with an excuse and bailed. And I've been walking around since trying to figure out what's next. I can't be around people and betray their trust like that. I definitely can't in good conscience go into therapy as a career...I want to stop using my power but I can't. (Beat) Fuck, and I did the same thing to Ben last week.\nThey were having a bad reaction with their power and I just fucking did it again, because I'm a fucking idiot.\nThey were totally fine with it actually. I explained and apologized and they got it because they're super chill and understanding, which made me feel even worse.\nI know, I know. But please don't tell Sadie yet. I don't want her to worry.\nYeah, I know. (Beat) I've been trying to not use my ability this semester, then Ben came out to me, so there's a lot of Atypical talk lately. And like, we don't talk a lot about it or even use our powers that much because...I dunno...you and I...our relationship isn't defined by that.\nAnd all last year, stuff with Adam...dealing with this...fucked up new thing I can't control...I tried to stop using my powers...talking about them...and then he and I drifted apart which made everything feel a million times worse...and when I saw him again a week ago, it was like all Atypical stuff. Non-stop.\nI don't know. It's hard to explain. I honestly don't know what it all was. It was like some fucking crazy fever dream and then a fucking emotional and existential hangover since. (Beat) I'm sorry, Frankie...Fuck...I'm really sorry for unloading on you like this.\nI'm a mess. Everyone would be better off if I just...I don't know...disappeared or something.\n(Worked up) Is it fucked up that I don't even know if those are my dreams anymore? Like...do I help people because that's who I am?...or because it's what's expected of me? Am I just trying to live up to something that isn't even me?\nLike, maybe this new thing I can do is the real me. Maybe controlling people's emotions is, like, the endgame of my ability and I'll be just like -\nSomeone I really don't want to be like. (Worked up) My whole life has been about emotions...I'm completely defined by them. I've always tried to be more than that and my powers won't let me be anything other than a container for it.\nWhat?\nThanks. (Beat) You know what the best part of the summer was? What kept me sane after quitting?\nCamping.\nAny time things got to be a lot...or I was depressed or whatever. I'd just pack up the car and go to like, Maine or Vermont or something, and just even out. Hike, swim...I dunno, just sit by a camp fire and clear my mind. Didn't even matter if I was alone or there were others around at the camp. Something about being away from the city, and cell phones and everybody dealing with their own emotional claustrophobia. Out there...things would just...there's just room to figure shit out.\nWhen I was a kid, my family would go up to Moose Pond in Maine for the 4th of July week. Jumping off the dock during the day. Sparklers on the beach at night. Catching lightning bugs with Alice. It was before I had my powers, or knew about them. Things were simple. Emotions were simple; like singular, one note things that didn't change every fucking second from every fucking angle.(Beat) Give me simple, uncomplicated feelings.\nYeah. I know.\nYeah. Hug.\nThanks Frankie. I love you, man.\nI just need time to figure stuff out.\nYeah. Okay. (Beat - noticing the stairs) Oh, wow.\nThe paint...it really does make the wood look more like wood.\nHey Ben, it's Caleb. I'm at the Common like we planned. This is the third morning in a row you've been a no-show and I'm worried about you. Give me a call, okay? Just so I know you're alright. It's cool if you don't want to hang or anything. Just let me know you're okay. Okay. Hopefully talk to you soon. Bye."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(through the phone) Caleb! This is such a nice surprise. Hold on one second. You're catching me head out the door."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sorry, Dr. Bright. I can call another time if -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "- No, it's been too long, just -\nWait for it to -\nThere we go. Bluetooth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm impressed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know what Bluetooth is, Caleb. I'm not that old. How are you? I feel like it's been months since we've caught up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Early morning workout before class?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How'd you guess?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is everything alright? Mark told me you boys talked through some things over the phone the other night. I was hoping you might call."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So I guess Dr. / Patient confidentiality isn't a thing with Mark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He didn't give me any specifics. Just said you were having a tough time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Gee, thanks, Mark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know, he thinks of you like a little brother, Caleb."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's actually not why I'm calling, Dr. Bright. I saw Adam this weekend."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. Exactly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How is Adam?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's fine. I mean, I didn't call to talk about him exactly either, I wanted to ask you about something weird at Yale... (Tone not matching the sentiment) But since you asked...he's more than fine. He's thriving. Which is great."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's really nice to hear. What's going on at Yale? -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "- It's just that, he was too fine. If that makes sense. At least compared to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam doing well is a good thing, isn't it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. Well. Yeah, obviously, sure. But, I guess I wasn't expecting such definitive proof that me not being in his life was such a good thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caleb -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "- And he had called me about weird stuff going on at Yale, so I dropped everything, which just made me look really desperate to be the super hero guy again, which I guess I was- and when I got there our feelings were all over the place and we ended up thrown into a weird supernatural thing after investigating, like, time ghosts or whatever and we hugged and it was just like our stakeouts outside your office in high school and that brought a bunch of shit up and I could feel the tension and I made it weird the whole time and it was just me and him together and feeling like he wanted to jump me or I wanted to jump him and knowing that isn't smart and I didn't want to complicate things more and I might be going on a date with this guy named Cole but do I tell him I was just Scooby Doo-ing with my ex or leave that alone? Or leave him alone altogether because I'm still into my ex and I have a superpower that's totally fucking up recently?\nDr. Bright? Shit, Dr. Bright did I break you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no Caleb. Just, taking it all in. Time ghosts?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. Adam thinks some Atypical stuff is going on at Yale and, it's a long story, but he needed my help and something is definitely going on there. Are there such things as Atypical ghosts? Well wait, first, am I crazy?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're not crazy, Caleb. I don't know what you mean by ghosts - and we will get back to that - but what you're feeling is understandable. You and Adam shared such an important part of your lives and now you're not together. But that love never really goes away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't still love him. I mean, I love him like a friend. Except we haven't really been friends. When we broke up...we just stopped talking. Sometimes we would send each other memes - (Beat) - A meme is a -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know what a meme is Caleb. Mark is my brother, after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right. Well...(big sigh) I just don't know what to do. This isn't even the reason I called. I feel so stupid."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know I'm always here to talk about anything with you. I may not be your therapist anymore, but I'll always be your friend."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then can you explain how there are Atypical ghosts and no one ever told me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know what you experienced at Yale- I have many, many questions - but there's no such thing as Atypical ghosts. There no such thing as ghosts. Period."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even after everything you've seen, you don't think so?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caleb, I'm going to be honest with you- whatever this is, I don't like it. You playing \"Scooby Doo\"...it could be dangerous."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't just ignore it. It's Atypical stuff and I'm Atypical, it's my job to fix it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even with your \"superpower fucking up\" as you put it? You going to clue me in to what that's about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's not important."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I beg to differ. (then) How about this. You tell me everything that happened at Yale - and I mean everything, no leaving out the dangerous bits to spare my feelings- and I'll look into it for you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, that's a fair trade-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not done. (then) I will only help you out if you tell me what's going on with your ability."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Isn't emotional blackmail kind of the opposite of therapy?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(smiling) Good thing I'm not your therapist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(exasperated) Fine. (then) Okay, so do you remember when I did the internship at The AM two summers ago...\nYeah. Wait. No I can't, I run with Ben in the morning, remember?\nNo, but if they do I don't want them to think I've bailed on them.\nLast Friday.\nYeah, I know...I've got a bad feeling about it.\nI don't know their other friends, or their class schedule or even where they live. Never really came up.\nBen did say they dormed...\n- Wait. An RA would know.\nSadie, I'm so sorry. I have to go.\nI need to head back to campus.\nI'll catch up with you later.\nSorry!\nHey, Trinie?\nGood. Great. Hey, as an RA, are you able to see where students live? Like, is there a way to find somebody, like where they dorm?\nA friend of mine...they've sort of dropped off the face of the earth and I'm worried about them. I wouldn't normally go this crazy about this, but I wanted to make sure they're alright. I just have a weird feeling about it all.\nBen. Ben Bernard.\nThem.\nThanks for doing this.\nHe's got A cappella rehearsal. We're not building tonight, but I remembered you were an RA, so I rushed over here, figured I'd try my luck.\nOh, yeah. Sure.\nUh...what do you mean?\n(freaked) What?\nOh. Okay.\nYeah.\nAre you Atypical too?\nJealous?\nOh, thanks.\nOh. Um. Accomplished.\nUh, thanks.\nThanks a lot, Trinie. That's- that means a lot.\nNah, I can't. (then) I have a date.\nYeah, see you around.\nYeah?\nHa ha. Games sound great.\nIt was actually really good. We grabbed food in the North End.\nYep.\nYes.\n- Yes -\nIt was a short kiss. Nothing crazy. It was nice. We're gonna try it again sometime soon.\n- A clusterfuck of a trip to Yale?\nNope, definitely am still in my head. But I'm trying to enjoy a good thing. And, I think...he's a good thing.\nOh shit, it's Trinie.\nShe found Ben's dorm. (Reading) \"Sorry this took so long. I got caught up in some stuff yesterday\". But here you go. They live in a double, room 407 in Clareby Hall\". Awesome. (Typing) \"Thank youuuu so much! You're the best\".\nI need to head over to the dorms, but I'll be back.\nWe're about to play Dead of Winter in sweatpants, there are others like us out there.\nThen lucky them.\nI'll pick up the soda on the way back. Don't start without me.\nHey, sorry. Is Ben here?\nThey haven't?\nYeah.\nFrat house?\nI don't get it. Ben never mentioned a fraternity.\nWait. What the fuck are you talking about?\nWhat's your name?\nLinus, I'm Caleb. Listen. Frats aren't rushing anymore. It's too late in the semester. Did you recognize any of the people?\nYou didn't report this to the school?\nCan I see the bandana?\nNo. Can I keep this?\nYeah. Okay. Thanks, Linus.\nI have a lot to catch you guys up on. Frankie, are you almost to the apartment?\nOkay. I'll be right there.\nBen is missing. Like missing-missing. And I think I have an idea of who took them.\nI'll be there in 15. I promise I'll tell you everything.\nOkay. Sorry. I'll be right there.\nAdam.\nAdam, I...\nI'm freaking out.\nMy friend Ben. They've been missing for a week and right now I'm holding a piece of cloth in my hand that I need you to see.\nHold on. I'm gonna send you a picture.\nOkay. I just sent it to you.\nI just...I need you to see what I sent you.\nAdam?\nBen tore it off one of the faces of the people that took them.\nSodalis Eximius.\nYeah. What the fuck.\nI think they did. Adam. I think you were on to something. And I think it's bigger than just Yale.\nAre you sure?\nI'm okay.\nAlright.\nOkay. Try and get here soon. I don't know what to do. Like, do I call the police? If it's Atypical does that mean I don't? I don't know what to do, I'm freaking out-\nOkay.\nOkay. Thanks.\nWhat?\nI will. I promise."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The College Tapes Episode 6 Transcript\n706 - Mortalis Deorum\n(Sighs)"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(muffled whisper) Would you guys shut up?\nAdam! Thanks for coming."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. Of course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(exasperated) Frankie..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well...glad someone's happy to see me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? Of course I'm--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hi Sadie. Nice haircut.\nAnd Ben is...\nSo...Cole's not the one in trouble."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no, that-- that's different. Ben is a friend of mine.\nThey've been missing for a week and when I went to, like, figure out what happened to them, their roommate gave me the bandana I showed you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shouldn't that be in... a ziplock bag or something?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. No cops. They... They don't always deal well with Atypicals.\nIt's hard to explain-\nSadie!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm surprised you haven't filled them in with every detail, seeing as this is clearly now your thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My thing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There was something strange happening, on my campus--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hold on--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And then you swoop in and make it your thing--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn't choose to take this on. It's not like I fabricated this whole thing to talk to you--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't say you did--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It feels like that's what you're saying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Does it feel like that, Caleb? What else does it feel like?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well now it just feels angry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tell Caleb to stop using his powers on me!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mature."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not the one that left without saying anything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You didn't need me!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We were supposed to go check out the basement! I didn't want to go by myself!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was trying to... be respectful!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You failed!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(exasperated) Frankie-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We got lost in time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For, like, a minute."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Awkwardness?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In our defense, we used to do it all the time in high school--\n(grossed out) The Hardy Boys were brothers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wait, that's why you left? Without saying anything or texting me--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We don't know yet, but something is going on. Adam found this same symbol when he was spying on some secret society.\nNo, like, the exact same symbol. Right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, it--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The library."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was on an envelope with a bunch of Latin.\nSodalis Eximius erit transfigurari.\nWell, considering I've been on my own in this investigation for the past two weeks and wasn't going to go into a dark basement by myself, yes, I did translate it. (then, deflated) But the translation doesn't make sense. \"A member of the excellent will be transformed.\" It's nonsense.\nNo clue.\nYou've seen it! It looks like a bad photoshop of a circle with arrows sticking out of it! How'm I supposed to know what the Hell that is?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(feeling his emotion) Hey-- hey. Can you... calm down..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Stop reading me--\nI know-- I'm not trying to--\nCan I-- I'm just-- I need--\n(labored breathing)\nShit.\nCaitlin... I... hey. (playing it off, badly) How you doing?\nCome on...\nI know, but... I didn't have a choice.\nThey hate me.\nNo, it's not rumination if.. I don't belong here.\nI can't just come back. There really is something going on and now someone is missing--\nYeah.\nI... I don't know.\nYeah. I will.\nIt's okay, Caitlin. You were right. I was trying to be a superhero. (then) But that not me.\nFucking shit.\nFuck!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(from the other room) Everything okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had an anxiety attack.\nYup. No more anxiety. It's all gone, just like that.\nCaleb called me--\nI took the bus.\nCaleb did the same for me.\nIt has?\nThis isn't some ploy, Sadie. I'm not trying to trick him or anything.\nThere's something going on and I-- I can't figure it out on my own.\nAre you suggesting I kidnapped Ben to get back together with Caleb?\nOr something's going on!\nYou don't think I know that?\nOh, I understand. So fucking much. I understand what it means to have someone going after Atypicals, to be a threat to people I-- (then) Caleb and I may not be dating anymore, but that doesn't mean I don't care. I will always care.\nAnd, you know what, you're right. It's not my place. What are mortals compared to gods?\nGood ol' Heraclitus. (then) I don't want anything to happen to him. You don't need to be his watchdog, there's no one who wants to protect him more than me. (then) But I don't have... I'm just me. Not special, no skills. In fact, it's my family's fault that--\nI know. (then) But you're right. I shouldn't be here. (beat) Take care of him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe it's... Greek? This bit here sort of looks Greek...or Roman I guess? Because it's Latin?\nDon't! What if... if it is a secret organization, they could tap your phone!\nHey, you okay? You and Sadie were gone a while--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll figure out what's happening at Yale, okay? You guys should go to the police about Ben. I'll handle Yale on my own.\nJust down on my luck tonight, Ellen.\nBus doesn't leave for another hour. So...\nOh, I know.\nNo... visiting him.\nDon't start. I know, it was a bad idea, and I know, I shouldn't have come, and yes, I'm sure it made things worse--\nYes. Many times. Literally, just now.\nI thought Asteroids was real life.\nSmartass rescinded.\nWhat makes you say that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Figured you'd be here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thanks, Ellen.\nNeed something?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thought you'd be on your way to Yale."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How quickly you forget the bus schedule."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How do you think I knew you'd be here? (then) Sadie told me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "About our super chill and totally cool hallway talk?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look, I'm sorry. She's worried."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No kidding."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm trying, Adam."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Trying to do what, exactly?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Be normal! That's why I left that night!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because it's super normal to leave without saying goodbye?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I never said I was any good at normal!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No kidding! (beat) But... it does seem like you're getting the hang of the normal realm?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only you would say it like that. (sigh) Yeah. I mean. Sort of. (beat) I don't know, it's like... just when I think I have a handle on one side of the empathy thing, it...it kicked into high gear on the other side. I can't ever get my footing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What- what do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sadie and Frankie are just worried."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sorry they were like that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Frankie's always been nice to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fine, I'm sorry about Sadie. She can't treat you like that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes she can! Out of anyone, she can be shitty to me. I'm your ex.(beat) And if Ben really is missing..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you think, whatever is going on at Yale, that it's part of what happened to Ben?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Or Ben just took a week off school, and this is all a crazy coincidence. Sometimes that happens."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not to us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. Usually not. (then) What are you going to do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As much as I don't want to call the police... It's not a bad idea. Maybe Sadie can file a report, she seemed pretty gungho when I left. Or we can get their roommate to do it, so it's not tied to Atypicals. I want to do everything I can to find Ben. The police might just not be... enough. Frankie is looking into the symbol now trying to figure out what it might be. He has some frightening insight into the dark fringes of reddit, which I refuse to ask about because that place is Dante's nightmare, so- (then, feeling Adam's emotions) What's wrong?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're sad again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I'm not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nice try."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(sigh) It's just... hard."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seeing you... with Sadie and Frankie."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? I'm not... We're not... Nothing's happening with them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, God, I know that. I just...(beat) First you had Doctor Bright. Then Sam and Chloe. Mark. Now Frankie and Sadie."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah...?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's what makes you normal."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought we established I'm not normal."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, no. But. (getting frustrated) With people. You're normal with people. You inspire people, I've seen it. To take on bad guys and solve mysteries and stake out park benches and save the world. (then) While I... I have Caitlin and she's the best, we've grown a lot and I wouldn't trade her for the world even if she's super stressed out at the moment. But other than that... (beat) No matter what, you always have your Atypical family."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sadie isn't Atypical."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Neither is Doctor Bright. (then) I just, forget sometimes. Until I'm around you. I always see what it's like... to belong."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You always belong with me. (beat) Oh my god."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thanks, Ellen.\nYes, Ellen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam, I didn't--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's fine--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, I mean, I meant--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, really, you don't have to--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's just, I don't want you to think--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not, okay? Feel my feelings, I promise, I'm not--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because you don't, and I would never--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb, I get it. You meant it, but you didn't mean it. You want to be normal, but not really. I matter, but only as it relates to your Atypical friends."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Woah. Adam, that's not it at all--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've got to go, or I'm gonna miss the bus."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's it then? You're just gonna leave? Because feelings got hard and complicated?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ha! That's rich, coming from you. At least I said goodbye."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will you let it go? I'm sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I'm doing what's right for me. You look for Ben here. (then) Let me know if you find them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're not gonna make the bus."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do still remember the bus schedule."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you're trying to get me to miss it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't want you to leave like this! Especially not if there's something going on!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unbelievable."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're still going? The bus--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And where would I go, with you? Why would I stay with you, after..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're just going to show up at your parents' house? At this time of night?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I could always stay with Aunt Annabelle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Great. Let me know if she took Ben."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know, Ellen. I know.\nMiriam? Hi... It's... Adam? Adam Hayes? I know it's late, but I needed... (then, to himself) What am I doing.\nBEAT.\nHello?\nOh. Um. Hi, Miriam.\nYeah-- yes. I'm... um.\nYeah.\nI'm still in love with my ex but we can't be together.\nMiriam.\nSo how do I fix it?\nYou're not gonna just... tell me what to do? Or what I'm doing wrong?\nHow do I stop... loving him?\nWe can't be together.\nBecause... because we just can't. (beat, Miriam lets him talk) Because he has so many people in his life, so many people who love him and who he has to care for and he comes from a whole different world than me, a world I can never be a part of, not really, because I... (then) I come from monsters.\nJust that... I hurt him. I don't know how it happens, I don't mean to, I never mean to, but I can tell. Just being near me, feeling what I'm feeling, it hurts him and I don't... I don't know how to not hurt him.\nYeah, he can do better.\nOh.\nBoston. (then) I came back... to help him. There's some stuff going on, I can't get into it. He asked me to help but... (beat) I'm not anything. The people he's friends with... he doesn't need me.\nSure.\nYeah...\nI really wish that were true.\nI'm here, Miriam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam?\nYou... you came back?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry. (to everyone) I'm sorry for just leaving.\nNo, I... thank you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(to Adam) Are you sure?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(to Caleb) There's something going on. And whatever it is, it's important. I would never leave you out in the woods on something like this. No matter what."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(to everyone) So. It's not on google?\nSo, when is a symbol not searchable?\nMaybe... it's not what it seems."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don't think it's a symbol?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean... not like what we would think a symbol would be."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why put it on a wax seal?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why put it with Latin? (then) Latin... when is a symbol not a symbol?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's going on, what's going through your brain?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When is a symbol not a symbol?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When it's multiple symbols. A formula."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A formula for what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All the different circles and lines, the Latin- transfigurari...\nIf this is Atypical, and this is medical..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Absolutely not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then I know just the people to ask about this."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The College Tapes Episode 7 Transcript\n707 - Caduceus\n(calling out) Hello?\n(calling out) The progeny returns!\nHellooooo..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(from the kitchen) In the kitchen!\nAdam, sweetie, what are you doing here!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(into the hug) Yeah, good to see you too, Mom. Where's Dad?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Grocery shopping.\nDid we know you were coming this weekend?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nope, it was sort of a last minute thing...(seeing the kitchen) Are you...baking?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um...yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's going on, are you okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh come on, I bake. I definitely baked for you when you were little."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh-huh, sure..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm getting into bread making."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your father thinks I need a hobby."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is he right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So...\nAre things slow at work?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not at all. But we do do other things besides work, you know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Since when?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Since always. It's just that those things used to be taking care of you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah...and now you're finally free. You've forgotten all about me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(dry) Exactly. I never spend a single second of my day thinking about you or your wellbeing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Glad to hear it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So. Out with it. Why are you home?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can't a person visit their parents?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When that person is you and visiting us involves leaving your beloved Yale for a weekend? No."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're very annoying, do you know that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. (then) So what's up? We were just down for family weekend, so I know it's not that you miss us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had some business to attend to in Boston."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "\"Business to attend to\"?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yep."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you recognize this symbol?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(taking the phone) What am I looking at?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you recognize it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is this a photo of...a bandana? (then) Adam, you know I'm not good with fashion brands, if you want me to get you something, just send me the link and we'll see what happens when Hanukkah rolls around."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh my god, mom, just answer the question. It's not a fashion thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(looking more closely) Hm...well...no. I don't think so.\nWhy?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You've really never seen it before?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's pretty distinctive, I think I'd remember."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's going on?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's...some stuff happening."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That sounds ominous. Mind filling me in?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Coffee first?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fine. Only because I want some too. (muttering to herself) Bread making...I don't know what I was thinking...\nSo...you think that a Skull and Bones style secret society full of Atypicals-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sodalis Eximius."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sodalis Eximius, right. You think they're meeting in your favorite library and performing some kind of ritual that is making time fluctuate on campus?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And that they kidnapped Caleb's friend, Ben, yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adam..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. I know it sounds far-fetched."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It sounds incredibly dangerous. You should have gone to the police the moment that Caleb's friend went missing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They have gone to the police. And the school filed a missing persons report but what use are the regular cops going to be if we're dealing with an Atypical cult?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What use are you going to be if it's an Atypical cult? (then) I'm sorry, sweetie, I don't mean to be harsh, but if what you're saying is true, then I don't want you anywhere near it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you believe me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course I do. You're my son. I'll always believe you. (beat) On top of that, I've seen enough in my day to know that there are plenty of things in this world we can't explain."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you've never seen anything like this, right? That symbol, the time loops...even with all the Atypical stuff we've experienced, this feels new."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, remember, me and your father don't actually work in Atypical research. It just...comes up sometimes. (beat) But you're right, this does feel new. Or very, very old."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Old?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your instinct that it's medical was a good one - this bit here...\nSee these lines wrapping around here? With the arc at the top? It almost looks like the staff of Caduceus."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An old medical symbol. It's still used today - a staff with two snakes wrapped around it, with wings at the top."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yeah...I kind of see that now. This is like a crude version of it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Exactly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But what does it mean? Today?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It usually just denotes some kind of medical practice, though I think it's had a lot of meanings throughout the years. I don't know what it would mean in this context though - this whole thing looks like a bunch of symbols mashed together."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's what I thought too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This one here- the circle with the line through the center? I think it's an old alchemy symbol. Stands for salt, if I remember correctly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How do you know that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I lived a whole life before you came along, my dear one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Meaning...?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meaning you got your penchant for nerdy obsessions from me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mom...were you an occultist?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, darling, I was not an occultist, I was just a student of medicine who had too much curiosity for her own good. (beat) When I first found out about Atypicals, I...well, I didn't take it in stride the way you did."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yeah, you know me, ultimate chill all time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think you did pretty well considering. After I found out, I panicked and spent the next three months in libraries reading every strange text I could to try and understand something that we still don't understand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You've never- you and dad never told me how you found out about Atypicals. How you ended up working with them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's a story for another day. (then) I don't want you messing with whatever this is."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? What do you mean? (then, suspicious) What aren't you telling me? You promised, after everything that happened in high school, that you wouldn't keep things from me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not keeping things from you. I don't know anything about this symbol, or what it might mean, but I do know that you plus Atypical business is not an equation I like. Especially if we're talking about a legitimate missing persons case."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't just do nothing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why not? You don't know this person, you're not an Atypical-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But something weird is happening on my campus-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll call The AM, ask them to send someone down there and handle this properly-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yeah, because The AM is so good at properly handling things-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The past few years have been much better. Joan's done an excellent job and your aunt-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Annabelle will completely overreact and probably send a swat team into my favorite library-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know you love Yale, Adam, but I'm sure this isn't the first time a secret society has caused trouble and it probably won't be the last. There are people who are equipped to deal with these kinds of things-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's not just about Yale-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then what is it about? I know you're curious and that you don't want anyone to get hurt, but this isn't your problem to fix-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mom, it's Caleb."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, sweetie..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's just...I can't not help. He would help me. He did, he came down to Yale the moment I called... (then, more to himself) At least, it felt like right away...it was the next day for me, but for him...(beat, soft) But then he just left."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adam, are you alright? (beat) I thought the two of you were in an okay place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We are. We're totally okay. We agreed to be friends and we are. And friends help each other. That's all this is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adam-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's Caleb. He's meeting with Dr. Bright and wants me to come."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I really don't think-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mom, you know me. You know I'm not going to let this go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(sighing) So this is what this is like, huh?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What what is like?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Having your child be an adult. (beat) You're right. I know you're not going to let this go. And there's nothing I can do to stop you. (then) I can't ground you or take car privileges away...all my leverage is gone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You've never grounded me anyway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I never needed to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wouldn't say all your leverage is gone. You are paying for my very expensive education. I do still need you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, sweetie, you never needed me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's not true. (beat) I love you, Mom."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I love you too, Adam. So very much. (then) That's why I'm asking you, as someone who loves you, to please stay away from all of this. I've never seen this kind of iconography before and if I don't know what it is, then I don't know how dangerous it is. I can't protect you from it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll be careful, I promise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is there a chance you can talk to Dr. Bright and leave it at that? Let her and The AM take it from here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure, Mom. We can try that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mmhm. Sure.\nYou should get going."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah.(then, playfully conspiratorial) But first, tell me everything you know about alchemy.\nYeah. But it can also mean base? Or body? And this little curved bit might have to do with mercury, or the mind.\nNo. She said it doesn't match the other symbols, like it was from a different discipline entirely.\n(to Dr. Bright) Do you know where it's from?\n(muttering) Something like that...\nHe's an alchemist? So he might know something.\nYeah, Dr. Bright.\nReally? Is he okay?\n(mumbling) Doesn't feel good, does it...\nReally?\nCurious how?\nSecret societies?\nI mean, it makes sense. Individuals who have a thing they don't understand happening to them are going to connect with people who are going through the same thing. And if there's any group of people who want to stay secret...\nSo was Agent Green trying to find more groups? Doing what the Order wouldn't?\nIs there any way...I mean, I don't know where his research is now but...do you think we could see it?\nWow...this place is huge.\nNope.\n(overlapping) Yeah, I guess there was just never the right time.\nSo, uh, he does come here a lot, huh?\nYeah, I mean, I've met her a few times when we went over to Sam's for dinner, but she was always more Caleb's friend than mine. Obviously.\nYeah...that sounds like Alice.\n(jumping in) Thank you. For letting us borrow Agent Green's files. I promise we'll get them back to you.\nHow have you...I mean. How are you? I know it's been a few years but...\nI know. We'll be careful. I promise.\nI...I think I might just hang here, if that's okay? I...I don't know that I'm ready to go deeper into The AM.\nYou're right, we should get those files and get out of your hair.\nHey, Mags. How are you?\nYeah. Yeah, I guess it has.\nWe did. We just- there's weird stuff going on...we're just helping each other out.\nYeah. Did he ever mention anything to you about any secret Atypical societies or-\nAlice.\nHi.\nWhat are you doing here?\nYeah, you too, Mags.\n(faltering) Oh, um, Caleb and I are- we were talking to Dr. Bright about- we need these files-\nI mean, yeah. It's still happening. Especially now with Caleb's friend missing-\n...Caleb didn't tell you that?\nAlice-\nI'm sure he just didn't want to worry you-\nPlease don't tell him I told you.\nI'm kind of surprised he hasn't caught you up. I thought you guys told each other everything.\n(dry) What a terrible older brother he is.\n(muttering) You've got the overprotective thing down just fine.\nNothing.\nWhat is it with everyone and those books? They're brothers, at least make us Nancy Drew or Sherlock and Watson-\nHa, trust me, the only weak excuses Caleb has been using recently are to get out of spending time with me.\nHe bailed. Before Ben went missing, Caleb just totally bailed on me.\nExcuse me?\nAlice. I'm not acting dumb.\n(shaking his head) No he's not. Trust me.\n(muttering) Tell that to Cole.\nKnow what?\nThen why are you always so mean to me?\n(jumping in before Alice) Nothing! So...are those the files?\nYeah, I'm good.\nThanks so much for letting us borrow these files.\nI might know a place where we could find some.\nYou know me so well.\nAre you sure you're cool with this? I really don't want you missing school-\nOkay. Thanks. (beat) And thanks for driving us.\nI said I might be able to. Russell Library has some good Latin to English texts. All the online translators are shit, which is why I didn't understand this phrase at first-\n\"A member will be transformed to the extraordinary\". I think. Or an extraordinary member will be transformed. But the Sodalis and Eximius are capitalized on both the seal and the bandana, which makes me think that's the name of the secret society.\nYeah.\nIt's got the right books, it's always empty, plus I figure it can't hurt to be where Sodalis is.\nIf a bunch of people wearing their symbol kidnapped Ben, it's probably best to start at the source, right? Russell seems to be the center of all of this. It's where I lost time, where-\nNo, go ahead.\nIt's fine, Caleb.\nReally. I'm just- I'm gonna start in on these files.\nCaleb, I just- (beat, deep breath) I need to focus."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": " The College Tapes Episode 8 Transcript\n708 - Non Facias Malum"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What time is it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seven forty-seven. (muttering) Four minutes since you last asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, cool, I have the same time on my watch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is how time works."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's how it's supposed to work."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you're so worried about time slipping again, why are we here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is the only rare manuscript library on campus where they don't make you register guests and then watch you like a hawk while you read books with white gloves on. (beat) Also, it's always empty. As you can see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The fact that you guys have multiple rare book libraries is so nuts. (then) You really found your place, huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, I guess so."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean, you guess?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anything interesting coming up in Agent Green's files?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, yeah, a lot of stuff. Like, this whole Order thing that Dr. Bright was talking about - it's been around for centuries-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, Oliver's notes say the same thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anything about secret societies in there? All Agent Green has is- \"In modern times, the membership of The Order of the Eye has been fed by several groups, both the ancient monastic order that founded it as well as newer and less formalized groups...\" blah blah but no weird symbols or Latin or mentions of black robes and basement meetings."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At least his notes are organized. I can barely read half the stuff here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can barely read at all any more. How long have we been doing this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only two hours."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fuck."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aaaand we're not even halfway through these. Great."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, here we go-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You found something?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Latin in Oliver's notes, next to some truly insane drawings-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "...what is that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't even want to know. But look- \"non facias malum ut inde fiat bonum\"."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What does it mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know yet. But I'm gonna find out.\n\"Don't do wrong to do right\"."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(looking up) Huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think that's what it means. The Latin in Oliver's notes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That...was not as helpful as I was hoping it would be."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. Not really. (beat) Kind of encouraging though, right? I mean, if the Sodalis people want to be doing right..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just because something's in Latin doesn't mean that it has to do with them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. (beat) I wish we could talk to Oliver."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think we should focus on figuring out the symbol-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right, I had a thought about that-\nSo, we know some elements of the symbol already- the caduceus, which I think in this case stands for transformation - erit transfigurari, the shedding of snake skin, et cetera-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And then there's the alchemical symbols for salt and mercury, the body and the mind. But there doesn't seem to be a symbol for sulfur, or soul, which is the third prime, but maybe the little lines here are part of that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wha-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I think those lines are actually not Roman or Greek at all, but from an entirely different system-\nAha- yeah, right here, see? Norse symbology. This is the Helm of Awe- doesn't it look kind of similar?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, yeah...it does. Wait, how- when did you figure all this out?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "While you were outside on the phone with Sadie?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've been back for twenty minutes and you're just telling me this stuff now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mixing Greco-Roman and Norse symbology is weird, I wanted to see if Oliver had anything in his notes-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you didn't think I could help?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I got distracted- Caleb, are you mad at me right now? I figured something out! I don't know what this has to do with time loops or what I saw in the basement but there is something there. There really is a secret society here and if their symbol is a mix of a bunch of different things than we're dealing with something new. Something weird."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don't have to sound so excited."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's just, you're treating this like a fun puzzle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh come on, Latin, Norse mythology, ancient Atypical orders? This is fascinating Caleb-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My friend was kidnapped, Adam."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I don't think that's fascinating."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Neither do I, of course-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This isn't one of our stake-outs, Adam. We're not in high school anymore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't have to tell me that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is that supposed to mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why are you being so- so- so-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Difficult! It's like nothing I do is good enough for you. I'm trying to help you-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're the one that called me-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, well, I'm not the only one doing that these days, am I?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, really? Is that what this is about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, this is about the fact that I'm helping you with something Atypical and you hate it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are you talking about? I'm trying to find my missing friend, I want all the help I can get!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well then stop telling me how to help you!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just want you to take this seriously!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam- (then) I need you to- (beat) Look, why don't you just- just- go get some air. I think we've both been cooped up too long-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't tell me (what to do)-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Please."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I get it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You get what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't want to feel my dumb, non-Atypical emotions-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's not at all what I meant-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's okay, Caleb, I've gotten used to this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Used to what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You pushing me away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's some nice revisionist history."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whatever, Caleb. This whole idea was stupid in the first place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait, are you not coming back?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have early class tomorrow-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's it? You're just giving up?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You tell me. You know what that looks like.\n(sighs heavily)\n(to himself) Fuck.\nOkay, look. I'm sorry. I'm not going to give up on this. (beat) Caleb? (beat) I'm sorry, okay? (beat) So what, you're just going to give me the silent treatment? (beat) Real mature."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(sighs heavily)"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come on, Caleb, just talk to me!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(to himself) Shit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb, where are you-\nWow, okay. Bye then."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(distantly) Uh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "...Caleb?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What just- how did you- (then) What just happened?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well...I left. And then I came back in and you were totally ignoring me-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(overlapping) What? What are you talking about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(overlapping) Which I'm now realizing was not you ignoring me, but you... (then) Did you notice me come back in?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. I ran out after you- (then) But I didn't even get outside. I just came back through the other entrance. (beat) What the fuck is going on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hold on, lemme try something."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh...Adam?\n(to himself) Goddammit, Adam..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, that time it threw me back in here just like it did for you.\nOh...you can't hear me again, huh. (beat) Shit. (beat) Um...\nUm...okay, hopefully you'll just stay there...\nNow I just...wait."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What...\n\"Go through the front door\"...how..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb! Can you see me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam, how...you went outside but that's your handwriting-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Time loops. We're dealing with time loops. Or just dimensional loops in general, in both the third and fourth dimensions. (beat) For some reason, going through the front door pushes us forwards in time. So when one of us goes through, we get out of sync with the other. That's why we can't see each other. (then) What time does your phone have?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um...thirty-one-fifty-six?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Cool. Coolcoolcool."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What about your watch?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(looking at his wrist) Well, the hands are just spinning around really fast, counter-clockwise. (then) That can't be a good sign."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, okay, it's gonna be okay. Let's just leave. Out the back entrance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean the one that just brought us both back in here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, if the front door puts us forward in time and also back in the building, maybe the back door will do the reverse?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Worth a try...?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right, what's the worst that can happen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We could be hurled into another dimension entirely, one in which our squishy human bodies can't survive?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, like...that's not likely, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I honestly have no idea."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Awesome. (then) Ready?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am if you are."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(takes a deep breath)"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well.\nThat answers that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At least we didn't get torn apart by space and time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, so...are we stuck here? Trapped in some kind of time loop?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seems like it. (beat) Okay, we have to be careful. No more going through any doors alone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're the one who-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know, I know. That was...rash. I didn't realize... (then) This is all pretty new to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, me too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You've never experienced anything like this before?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think you'd know if I had."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean, I don't know. I don't know what you've been up to in the past year. It seems like you have a lot of new Atypical friends."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "None of them can bend time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, okay, fair enough. (beat) Have you ever heard of any Atypical ability that could do this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nope. (beat) Sam might know though! I mean, she's a time traveler...this is kind of her area?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's definitely worth a shot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She's in Europe right now, so who knows what time zone she's in-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But who knows what time zone we're in right now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good point.\nOkay, so...phones don't work in here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That...makes sense, I guess."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So. New plan... (beat) Are there other exits out of here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not sure, actually."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought this was your favorite library."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is. It's gorgeous and quiet and no one is ever here - a reality I'm resenting right now - but outside of this main room it gets pretty...twisty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Twisty?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's just a lot of really claustrophobic rooms full of old, musty books."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought you would love that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Old, musty books, yes. Super low ceilings...not so much."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Guess we should do some exploring."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Great...poking around an old, dark library while time moves irregularly around us...sounds like a recipe for success."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm sure it'll be fine. It's not like there's anyone else here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(whispering) What the fuck."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(also whispering) Where is that coming from?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sounds like maybe upstairs? (beat) Should we..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You didn't see anyone else in here, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nope...it's a big place though... (beat) Not to mention, a cult meets in the basement so..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whoever it is, they sound...not happy.\nGod, I see what you mean...this is claustrophobic."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wait, shh- do you hear that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hear what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Exactly. The voices stopped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're right. (beat) You did hear them though, right? I'm not hallucinating?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Or we both are."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's comforting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(looking at his wrist) Aaaand my watch is still spinning."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And my phone is somehow showing the time as zero.\nI can't believe that watch still works."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, it doesn't at the moment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know what I mean."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's a good watch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've had to replace the battery a couple of times but...yeah. It's a good watch. (beat) The only eighteenth birthday present I still use. (then) So...thank you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "'Course. (beat) I like that you're still rocking the wide band style."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, well, I might not be the most fashionable person in the world, but I am consistent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I'm serious. It's always really suited you. (then) It used to drive me crazy, before we started dating, all I wanted to do was hold your hand and your chunky watch was like armor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why'd you buy me a new one then?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because I respect the armor. And I started to like it when I realized it wasn't there to keep me away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb...\nI never want to keep you away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Really? Because you've been doing a pretty good job of it the past year."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What the-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "God, please be someone who can get us out of here-\nWhat the hell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Try pulling-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They're push doors!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, but they're also doors that are supposed to lead to the outside, so who knows what will happen-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here, you try-\nHello! Can you hear us?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(with effort) They- Won't- Budge-\nShit-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whoa-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(breathing heavily) What the hell-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(breathing heavily) I don't know. (beat) Are you okay?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. You?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "M'fine.\nThanks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, so...time loops, disembodied voices, mysterious banging from outside, no way out... (beat) I know that this isn't ghosts but it sure fucking feels like it's ghosts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "God, can you imagine? After all the crazy shit we've been through, to find out that ghosts are real?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That would be pretty fucking awesome."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It really would be."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, so we should probably come up with a game plan.\nIf someone is doing this to us, maybe there's a way to counteract it. I know that my Empath ability isn't exactly powerful enough to go up against some time manipulating Atypical, but you are the smartest person I know so if anyone can figure out something, it's you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb, what did you mean before?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That I've been keeping you away. I haven't- (beat) We talked about it. After we broke up, we agreed that giving each other space was the right thing to do. And then we were going to try to be friends but you just...you stopped texting me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No I didn't."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean, yeah, you didn't ghost me or anything but you responded to my texts, you never texted first."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn't think you'd want me to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why wouldn't I?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look, your instagram was so- I mean, you've been so caught up with school and your radio show and then this summer in London...it didn't seem like you were exactly missing me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bullshit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Excuse me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know as well as anyone that social media doesn't tell the full story. Or even the real story. You just didn't want to talk to me anymore."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's not true-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know, you could have just been honest with me when you dumped me that you didn't want to actually be friends-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "\"Dumped you\"? You're doing a lot of rewriting history today, Adam."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How else would you describe it? You're the one that brought it up, the one who decided to jump into the \"state of the relationship\" conversation-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because you wanted to?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What are you talking about? Just because I wanted us to do more on our own doesn't mean I wanted to end the relationship-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You were constantly pushing me away-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pushing me into The AM internship, trying to convince me to spend more time with Mark over breaks when that was the only time you and I were actually in the same place-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because I didn't want you to feel like you had to hide your Atypical side from me!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've never felt that!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Except you stopped talking to me about it. You would always tell me everything about your ability, and how different things felt, how my emotions felt to you-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was the problem!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could feel it-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Feel what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The doubt!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What doubt?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The doubt you were feeling about me. About us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb, I don't know what you're talking about."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don't have to protect me from it. You were feeling it then and you're feeling it again now. (beat) I was just trying to do the right thing. Let you go. Make it easy on you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that why you..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I always have the cheat codes. It seemed like the right time to use them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you didn't actually..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just wanted what was best for you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's not up to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know, Alice said something to me when we were at The AM."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm sure whatever it was, she didn't mean it. It's just Alice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So you're not still in love with me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I- I can't do this right now.\nI just need some air-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb, you know that doesn't go outside."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, then, I need some time or space or whatever-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We can sync back up, just- just give me a sec!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(sighing) Goddammit.\nFuck."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What...\nThe hell...(then) Shit, why did I-\nNo...no, no, no...\nAdam?? Adam!! Open the door! Please!\nMy phone...\nCome on...pick up.\nAdam, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I didn't think, I shouldn't have left and now I'm trapped and I'm just...I'm sorry. I don't know if you can even get this, but my phone started working so maybe... (beat) Please, if you get this, just come outside. If you can. Or let me in. Whatever. I just need to- you were right. We need to stick together. I- (beat) We should have stuck together. I wanted to- I wanted to so badly but I couldn't- I was going to hurt you. I needed it to be your choice, I need you loving me to be your choice and I couldn't- (inhale) I'm so scared. Even now, I'm so scared, I keep feeling you and I think that maybe there's a chance, except what if it's me-\nFuck, I - I'm going to get you back-get back in there. I will. I promise.\nOkay, okay...you can do this...\nGooooddddammmit, fuck, that hurt.\nGod, I wish Alice was here... (then) Alice!\nShe can get here...she can pull open the doors and-\nOh god, please-\nAdam?\nAdam, I'm so sorry-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb? When'd you get here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just now. I tried to come right back in but the doors wouldn't open-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How'd you get in?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They just unlocked again after a minute. (beat) I really did try to come right back in. (then) I never should have left in the first place."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was only a few minutes for you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um...yeah. Why? (then, realizing) How long was it for you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Much, much longer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam, I'm so sorry-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's okay. I'm just glad-(beat) I really thought I might be stuck in here forever."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was able to get out. And it's day now, so I think maybe...whatever this was is over?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "God, I hope so."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come on, let's get out of here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I found something."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All the symbols...Greek, Roman, Norse...\nIt was the Norse that really set it off...it's so random yet so specific, and then I started looking through old Yale stuff, and there's this club-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are those...yearbooks?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I figured if all this stuff is happening at Yale, maybe it's been going on here a while. I mean, it's not like secret societies put their membership photos in the yearbook but...\nSee? Right there. The Helm of Awe, all by itself, in the banner for the Mythology Club. And on the other side? The caduceus."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whoa."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And right here?\nI know that guy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's one of Caitlin's professors. Jason Beck. Looks like he was part of the Mythology Club when he was at law school here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You think he's Atypical?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think he's more than a professor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God, only you would have noticed a symbol in a tiny photo from ten years ago. You're incredible.\nAlright, let's go see him and get the hell out of here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, please. But can we get food first? I haven't eaten in... (then) I actually have no idea."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Absolutely. Food, Professor guy, sleep.\nYou're taking all this with you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We're not technically supposed to take any books out of Russell, but you know what? No one is ever in here and we've been trapped in a time loop in this stupid library and no one has noticed, so I'm going to say it's probably okay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow, Adam Hayes, breaking the library rules. You really have grown, huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shut up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come on, let's-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shh, do you..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah.\n(calling out) Hello?\nWho is that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who the hell are you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "...Have you noticed anything odd?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, I don't know who you are or what you're doing here but you better start talking fast.\nNo you're not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Look, why don't you just-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, hey man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(overlapping) Mark?\nThis is a school. We're students. What are you doing here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(overlapping) Oliver...Oliver-Oliver? Oliver Ritz? The alchemist?\nI really need to talk to you.\nI'm thinking it has something to do with the time loop we've been trapped in for the past few...days?"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The College Tapes Episode 9 Transcript\n709 - Librum de Spirituum\nIs now a bad time to tell you I don't love a basement?\nI knew there was a catch to that nice guest house of yours. (beat, looking around) Well, this is one of the nicer basements I've hung out in. (then) At least I can leave this basement, right?\nMissed a step.\nYou... you aren't staying?\nOh. Sure. (beat) Maybe there's a librarian upstairs in need of some company? I didn't see anyone up there, but--\nNo, no, it's fine. I'll be fine.\nWow. That's some fancy safe you got there.\nHuh. (so...) It's beautiful. Is that real leather?\nWhat's that symbol there?\nWait. More importantly-- What are these things? They look... I don't know what these look like.\n(sotto) These do nothing for my complexion.(then) Huh. Comfy. No wonder you wear yours all the time.\nAnd you just need me to...\nBut... it's a book.\nI'm sorry, I'm not the one who's asking to de-spine a book like it's a piece of kale.\nNo! No. I can do it. I'll... I'll be careful. (then) 'No harm ever came from reading a book,' right?\nSorry, professor. That's just the one movie I actually have seen. (then) But... I want you to know... I am taking it seriously, I'm just... (beat) Um... maybe you can tell me what you know about the artifact? Where'd it come from? Before it was handed down?\nI hate to break it to you, Prof, but if you want me to take this sucker apart, you are going to have to tell me as much as you know about it.\nHuh. So. All that talk--\nBut they left their fancy book here? What does it do?\nSlam book?\nSo, it's a journal.(then) You know you can burn books, right? I get that, like, Hitler did it, so it kind of sucks, but if it's an artifact causing you trouble...\nYou wouldn't be keeping anything from me, would you prof?\nHey, Prof?\nWhat do you think went wrong with the book?\n(panting) Shit.\nMore than ever.\nNo, it's... it's okay. (beat) I'll give you a report tonight on the ledger. It shouldn't take too long.\nWhat, Byron."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? Are you serious? You fucking disappear for two days and then, when you finally answer your phone, that's what you say to me? What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mark--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You couldn't let your friend know you were leaving? If you were all right? What if the Order--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wouldn't call us exactly friends, Mark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fine. Casual acquaintances. Who pick each other up from the airport and answer phone calls from Venice at 2 AM--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was twice, I don't think that (makes it a habit)--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't tell me you took off with the creepy guy who says he's from Yale but most definitely has a plain white murder van--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's actually a black sedan."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver, would you just... be careful? (then) I'm running low on friends."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I--(beat) I'll call you later, Mark.\n(sighs) Okay, what do we have here? A... regular, old leather journal.\n...16.5 Inches by...23.4.\nStandard googling tells me that is not interesting. Umm...(beat) The leather is... worn, but not cracking. It must be extremely durable if it's 200 years old. (beat) Well, Yale was founded in 1701, so it's not that old. Unless... He got his dates wrong? (beat) Okay, so, no special power imbedded in the leather. Which means... it must be... (sighs) C'mon, Ritz. Just open it. Don't let it scare you... you're going to take it apart soon anyway... So. You just have to... figure out a way to create... Silence."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You've reached--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Stupid, anyway. He's the loudest person I know. (then) All right. Here... we... go...\n(over the noise) Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck FUCK! (then) C'mon, Ritz. You-- You can-- isolate the power-- and--\n(reading, pained) October 12, 1886. We took another attempt at it. The book is ready. I believe we have imbued our thoughts- (beat, not reading) There it is. That's it, that's the power. Psychic. It's got to be.\nI... what? Hello?\nThis is incredible. Who are you?\nYou can't hear me, can you?\nI... What is this book?\nWell. That's helpful.\nFuck. I... Fuck.\n(sniffs)\nFuck. That... (beat) What have you stumbled onto, Ritz?\nMark?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(on the phone) Hey! Got your message. Sorry, I was at a gig. Are you okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You-- Are you still mad at me? I'm sorry. I'm so sorry--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? What are you talking about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I just... I just talked to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No... you didn't."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I did. I said that fucked up thing about us and I didn't mean it... I'd do whatever it takes, whatever you asked of me, whatever the cost, I--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did I call the right number?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, sorry-- I... I don't know what that was."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So, the last thing you remember was a phone call from two days ago?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Byron, it wasn't two days ago. It was five minutes ago."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(nervous laughter) You're starting to scare me, buddy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(realizing) You said I left you a message? When?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Half an hour ago. Sort of wish I had been able to answer, now... You left me a weird voicemail. It sounded like a... like a groan?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's... brilliant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver, what's going on?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've got to go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, wait, Oliver, maybe you should--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Talk to you later, Byron. (then) Promise.\nAll right. Let's talk, journal. How... how can you exist? (beat) You... Most artifacts are built on the power siphoned off by the alchemist, combined with a baseline power like fire or mind reader, to create something new. Something brilliant. But you... You're a whole new species, aren't you? I feel it... There's... Unless I was wrong about the psychic power, but of course I'm never wrong. Especially not when it comes to psychic energy. It's always incredibly chewy, like old bubble gum. You... you still have the old bubble gum feel. But with the smell of ficus. Sycamores. Cypress. Are you... (then) Instead of two... are you a combination of three powers? Transmutation and then...psychic realization and time distortion? Because there's no way that was twenty-four hours. Couldn't have been. (beat) Of course, there is a distinct ache in my knees. My lower back. There's a dry taste in my mouth. (then) However, I am also an old.\nWhat do you say, journal? You gonna play nice?\nProf?\nHe has a point.\nWoah.\nThis is... a lot... Emotions. You don't just... show scenes, do you journal? I'm feeling their emotions.\nGod, it's... it's so much. Woo, boy.\nHow do I get off this ride?\nWoah, what?\n(angry yell)\nWhat... what am I doing? (heavy breathing) What do you want from me, journal? Why are you showing me this? (then) What else is there?\n(heavy breathing)"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(voicemail) You've reached Mark-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dammit Mark...(groan of frustration)\nIt-- It can't have been-- That felt... As if I'd been here for...(then) Oh. Shit. (beat) Are you happy, journal? You enjoying this time merry-go-round? (to self) I'm... I'm going insane, I feel like I'm going insane, was that... was that a hundred years or maybe two or was it just minutes I can't, I can't tell, I can't move, I need... I need... (then) Fuck this.\nC'mon. I don't care how many times I have to call, Time Lord. It's not been that long, it's not been years, I refuse to believe--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(on the phone) Oliver?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh thank God."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What the hell. I've been trying to get ahold of you--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This-- This artifact-- It's fucking powerful, man. It's nothing I've seen before."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver, it's been five days."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It... it has? (then) Thank Fuck. (beat) Listen, I'm sorry I didn't call sooner, I didn't have any control over it--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stop messing with me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not, I'm really not, I swear on my mother."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That doesn't mean anything, I don't know your mother."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fine, I swear on your mother."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "hat's not really a --(then) You okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's three powers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "...Cool? Wait, how?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Most artifacts-- Scratch that, all artifacts are a power, paired with an alchemist to infuse whatever the artifact is: a rock, an egg, a clock."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right, I remember... And this one isn't alchemy and another one, this one is alchemy and two other things?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It doesn't make sense, because adding the other power should cancel each other out. The alchemist is essentially the agent that binds the power with the nonpower."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver, Oliver, I-- I don't care. I'm just glad you're okay. What is going on?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But this thing... it feels almost like the two powers, the ones that aren't alchemy, are fighting for dominance. There's an abundance of energy in this thing... no wonder Seamus has been having trouble with it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shocking account from Professor No Good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blackwell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. Listen. I think you need to stop messing with it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, definitely not. Definitely not now. It only took days, not years."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Years?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you hear what I just said? About the power fight?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah it sounds like a bad X-Men movie, have you slept?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I haven't felt the time pass."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's not encouraging."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess that's not entirely true, is it? I mentally felt the time pass. I thought it was years. Hundreds of years all compiled and expanding in and around me and then it stopped and I felt my body, all the physical affects of remaining stationary over the course of only four days. (then) I should get up and walk around."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jumping jacks! I'll do jumping jacks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Buddy. I'm worried. Come back to Boston. Get out of Yale."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't call for advice, mom."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then why did you call?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because... Because I need you to ground me, tether me. When I go through these memories--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Woah, what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's a journal, Mark. It's filled with... I dunno, memories I guess? From a bunch of people. Over years."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Holy shit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's not even-- You wanna know the crazy thing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everything?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I feel it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like you feel the people?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, like. I feel their feelings. Their emotions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Get out of there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's not that bad--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, yeah it is. That's like playing with fire. Worse than fire, you're playing with shit that messes with your head."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's not messing with my head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, really?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Much. It's not messing with my head much."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then why do you need a tether?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I need help staying myself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is bad, Oliver. It's like... really bad. Why did this Blackwell guy want you looking into this? What does he want from it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's a good guy, Mark. I saw him in one of the memories, he... he was fighting for us. For our people."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean 'our people'."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Atypicals. You and me... He was fighting for us. I think... I think there's information in this that can help Atypicals. Maybe that's what the journal is trying to show me. (beat) I have to go back in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's something wrong with this whole situation, Oliver-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Professor Blackwell needs me to take the pieces apart... and I think I understand what he means now. It's... it's all tangled. It's not working right. But every time I get in the journal, I get distracted by the sensation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver... I know you're dealing with stuff, but this sounds like you might be in over your head."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe. (then) Ready to come with me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? Oliver, we don't know how it affects others, I might be--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's what's so fun about it, Byron."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you hear it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hear what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh thank God, you're still here. (then) You really... you really don't hear that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Close the book, Oliver."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Professor Blackwell. It... It sounds like he's talking to someone? There are pauses, but usually... Usually if it's a conversation, I can hear the other person.\nWhy can't I hear the other person?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't hear anything.\nOliver what's going on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe it was a phone call?\nOh... oh shit.\nI may have made a huge... fuck."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver... are you there?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mark? I can't... I feel..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh my god, you were gone for hours-- I thought-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mark I... I've gotta go or I'll..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is the feeling?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want... I want... fuck. Fuck..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver. I need you to tell me. What's happening."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He-- He's talking-- He's feeling again... only this time it's... I've never felt so much want in my life. It's like... it's like a hunger. (then) Mark..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come on, you can do this, you've gotten through worse. Come on. Focus. Step away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No...I can't...I need to...I want to fix it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then just fucking fix it!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(snapping out of it a bit) Yes. Right. Thanks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you doing it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I... I can feel it. It's... it's a mess.\nIt-- It's beautiful--\nMark--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it done?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think... I..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look, I'm on my way, Oliver, just, close the book. Close the book!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(groan of pain)\n(panting) Mark? (wry laugh) Dead. Of course.\nWell. That was exciting. (then) You're coming with me, journal friend.\nFuck... how long has it been?\nYou're okay, Ritz.\nOh, um, hi.\nI didn't realize anyone else was in this building...(then) What's up?\nYou guys haven't noticed anything...odd. Have you?\nNo reason.\nHm? (then) Nope. Totally normal here. This is a very normal...(looking around) Library. (then) This is still a library, right?\nOoh, aren't you scary. I'm positively quaking.\nNo, I'm not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver? Oliver, thank God, I got here as fast as I could, I've been so--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You drove all the way here... for me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You weren't answering your phone.\nOh, hi, uh, I didn't realize- (recognizing them) Hold on-- Caleb? (then) Adam?\nWhat the hell are you guys doing here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know these guys?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're just...my friend here- (then) Yeah, they're old friends. Caleb, Adam, this is Oliver."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh! Yes, that's me. So glad my reputation precedes me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hold on, me first. Oliver, did you fix it?\nWhat?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh. (then) Shit."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": " The College Tapes Episode 10 Transcript\n710 - Iterum et Iterum"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay...so...you're telling me that that-that- that- that musty old book just, like, plucked us out of space and time and put us in some weird little dimensional bubble?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I need to sit down.\nOh. Right. When did that happen.\nBasically?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But why is it all...\nIs it still doing stuff?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How does a book malfunction?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's super comforting, thanks.\nYou trapped us in here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. It's...night.\nI...don't know, I guess. (then) God, I'm tired. (then) And hungry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Food. Food would be good."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "...what? What time is it?\nBut you fixed it, right? You fixed the time loops-\nThen why are the bells being played at the wrong time?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hey. Hey, you said that they're played by an actual person, right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe someone's just been messing around. A prank."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe. But that doesn't explain-(realizing) Hey, Oliver?\nHow long have you been fiddling around with that ledger?\nOkay, we know it's been affecting the library- could it have altered time in that tower there?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The night and day thing..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's definitely fixed now though, right? Because it's still..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We should burn it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's dangerous."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No it isn't!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's...in there it felt-(then) Oliver knows what he's doing, okay? I mean, it was his notes that helped us figure out the symbol-\nDr. Bright lent them to us. But she said you were in Europe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You didn't seem to mind Dr. Bright having them-\nI'll give you your notes if you give me that book.\nIs that...Caleb look-\nThe symbol on the book. It's the symbol for Sodalis Eximius - or, at least, part of it-\nThere's a secret society, here at Yale, we think of Atypicals. And we think they kidnapped someone.\nThen who gave you the book?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not really."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caleb-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't see what a dumb old book has to do with any of this-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are you talking about? Why aren't you more freaked out about this?\nThat symbol being there is not a coincidence-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's just a book-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caleb-\nWhy are you being like this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We should just let Oliver deal with it. He can look into it for us and we'll go talk to Professor Beck-\n...yeah?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, do you know him?\n...that ledger?\nDon't call him that.\nYeah, he teaches government and polisci. Some sociology. Pre-law basically.\nProfessor Beck is a good guy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I need food."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't go see Beck without us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. See you tomorrow.\nYeah.\nI thought you didn't take sugar in your coffee."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't. Usually. This stuff is just burnt to shit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why are you drinking it then?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(sighing) I don't know, Caleb, what else am I going to do? My stomach is in knots-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And coffee is going to help?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I find the smell soothing. (beat) What."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing, I just. (beat) This is so weird. Just...all of this. Being here in this diner with you, where we used to come in the middle of the night when we'd forget to have dinner because-(then) And I know we're both freaked the fuck out-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Except you're not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The ledger-thing. It had the same symbol-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not exactly-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Really fucking close though. And you just brushed it off? Why didn't you push Oliver? I've never known you as someone who can't stand up to someone just because they're older."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I just...(sighing) I don't know, this whole thing has been- it's been scary, right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ben going missing, what you saw, all these symbols and Latin and occult stuff...it all feels really bad."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And an old leather book with the memories of past Atypicals doesn't fit into that mold for you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I just got a good feeling from it. I don't think it's a bad thing. (then) I think it's good."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean, it's good?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know, I just have this feeling that it's all going to be okay. And that book is a part of it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And when you say feeling..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, I mean \"feeling\"."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From a book."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Would that be the weirdest thing to happen to us in the past two days?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fair enough. (beat) I'm just- I'm surprised, that's all. Not just that you can apparently use your Empath ability on books now-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't think it will work on all books-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "-but that you're all of a sudden chill about this. I mean, you chewed me out for finding everything interesting-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry about that. I shouldn't have-(beat) I think I get it now. As freaky as all of this has been it's also...(beat) I mean, you're...excited, right? That's not just me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, yes, of course I'm excited. I mean, I remember meeting Sam for the first time and being so jealous because time travel? That's the dream. But then when I found out what it's like for her - or what it was like...all this stuff comes with so much baggage and we just- I mean, we were just in a time loop for, what, like...30 hours? It felt like forever, but also no time at all because it was like time was moving...I mean, it was literally moving differently! A dimensional pocket! We were in a dimensional pocket. And oh my god, can you imagine if we had gotten stuck there forever?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There were definitely moments when that's all I could imagine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not the worst person to be stuck in a pocket with though. (then) I mean, you know, it's probably good to be stuck with an Atypical in a dimensional bubble caused by an Atypical artifact."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your world...(then) As terrifying and confusing and stressful as it was...it was kinda nice to be part of your world for once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are a part of my world."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Atypical world I mean."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're a part of that too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not really. Not in the way that matters."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adam-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow, I can't believe yours still has battery. Mine died hours ago."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(as he digs it out of his jacket) Battery pack case- can't live without it- oh, it's Sadie-\nHey, Sadie-\nIt's a very weird, long story, but I think we found something that might help-\nWhat?\nAre they there? Can I talk to them?\n(full-body relief) Oh my god, Ben, it's you. It's actually you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ben's back?? They're okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(to Adam) Yeah, they're okay. (to Ben) How- what- (then) What happened? (beat) If you tell me this actually was all some fucked up frat hazing, I swear to god-\nWhat?\n(sympathetic) Ben...\nHow...how are you doing?\nThat doesn't mean you don't have the right to be...I mean. Ben. This is...\nYou should come down to Yale."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All of you. Sadie and Frankie too. We can crash at Adam's-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We can?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(to Adam) Please?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(giving in) Yeah, of course."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because you were kidnapped and you don't know by who or how but it's possible the answer is here.\nI'll explain when you get here.\nIt's on the way to your parent's place at least. I just really need to see that you're okay and I think I have to stay here for a bit.\nBreathe, Ben. Breathe.\nWe're gonna figure this out, okay? And, Ben, I'm not going to let anything happen to you. I promise.\nIs Sadie there?\nYou cool driving everyone down?\nNo. No, nothing like that. Just...we got trapped in a time loop.\nI'll explain when you get here.\nLove you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So. Guess we should pull out the air mattresses, huh?\n(laughing, but whispering) Shh, I don't want to wake Caitlin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(whispering) What are we gonna tell her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She still doesn't know about any Atypical stuff, right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. And I want to keep her out of it. Keep her safe."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm all for that.\nWha-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caitlin?\nThe library. We had some stuff to do-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(overlapping) Hey, Caitlin-\nSorry for barging in-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We just lost track of time-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(overlapping) Three days? No, wait, it was just one, maybe a day and a half-\nCaitlin I'm so sorry-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh god, your mom. Do you think she's set Annabelle on it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh shit-\nLook, everything's okay, I promise. I'm okay, we're both okay, and I'm really, really sorry for making you worry.\nWhat?\nWait, Caitlin, that's not-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We're really, really sorry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caitlin-\n(calling out) Caitlin-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adam..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We should- we should go to bed too. I'll make up the couch for you.\nCaleb?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sorry, I just-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I- (beat) Your upstairs neighbors are loud walkers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I'm convinced one of them sleepwalks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That would explain it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(in a rush) I don't want to be alone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I- I can feel you in here and I know you're feeling scared too and I just..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caleb..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(tentatively) Pillow fort?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You called your mom?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. (beat) She was pissed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is The AM gonna arrest us?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, thankfully not. She did call Annabelle and she's chasing down leads but apparently this is way out of The AM's expertise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's...not as comforting as I would have thought."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought you were pro-AM now. With Dr. Bright running the Boston division and especially with that internship you did."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. (beat) Yeah, I mean, I am. Pro. (then) Still scares me sometimes though."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The AM?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not just The AM. All of this stuff."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This stuff being..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Atypical stuff."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caleb, you are an Atypical."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know, but...it freaks you out too, right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, yeah, because I'm just a dumb boring old human. When weird Atypical shit happens to me, I can't control any part of it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Neither can I, that's the problem!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are you talking about? Yeah, the past- jesus, few days were rough, but you've got total control of your ability now. Like you said. Things are easier."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. (beat) Yeah, I guess."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caleb, are you okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm fine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm...(deep breath) I'm here. If you ever want to talk about anything. I know that we're not...anymore. But I'm still here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(snorting) Despite what Caitlin might think..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(hurt) What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(correcting) No, sorry, I didn't mean it like that. You're a great friend to her. I get why she's mad but it's not like you could control it. Just like you said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. Right. Then what-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I just meant about us not being...that anymore. She seemed to think that we were- that there would be a possibility... (beat) Never mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I haven't- that's not coming from me. I don't know where she's getting that idea because I haven't said anything about us- I mean, yeah, she knows that we've been talking again, obviously. But I haven't told her something's happening, I promise. You don't have to worry about that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why would I be worried about that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know. There's just...there's nothing in your way, I guess. Is what I'm trying to say."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing in my way...?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To Cole. Or whoever else. I'm not trying- I'm not trying to trick you into getting back together or anything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I never thought- that's not what I was saying. At all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. Okay. Cool. Never mind then."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(soft) You wouldn't have to trick me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Should we..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah...?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Should we talk about what happened?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean in the library?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. (beat) We both said some stuff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. (beat) I guess people say a lot of stuff when they're stressed out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was a really stressful situation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Exactly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry if I...if I made you uncomfortable or anything-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no you didn't."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, good."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did I...?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, not at all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cool."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Cool."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're all good then?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yep. All good."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(sighs)\nIt's Caleb.\nCaleb, we met, like, three hours ago.\nI texted Mark, told him I wanted to ask you about your notes.\nThat's not why I'm calling.\nDoes he like that you call him that?\nThat's kind of rude.\nThe book.\nDid you... (then) What did you do to it?\nI mean, I could...I just need to know- (beat) What does it do?\nI don't know what you mean?\n(excited) What is it!? I've never- I mean, I've been Atypical for years but this is- (beat) There's something about it.\nSo what does it do?"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The College Tapes Episode 11 Script\n711 - Spiritus Libri\n(Whispering) I really missed this.\n(in memory) I could feel it-\n(in memory) The doubt!\n(in memory) The doubt you were feeling about me. About us.\n(in memory) I- I can't do this right now.\nFucking idiot.\n(in memory) That's it? You're just giving up?\n(in memory) That's not true-\nIt's not true...\nI didn't want to hurt you.\nI wish I could...\nGod, I wish...\n(in memory) I- I can't do this right now.\nYou idiot, Caleb, you should have told him...\n(in memory) I just need some air-\n(in memory) Of course I do.\nSorry. Shit, sorry!\nFuck. Okay. (Beat) Fuck.\nWhat?\nI like it.\nMy friend it trying out for the rowing team, back in Boston. I figured Yale had to have one of these so I typed it into google maps. It was just in my head, so...\n- You said you were awake -\n(Standing up) What are you talking about?\nI know. I can feel it.\nMmhmm.\nDo what?\nWhich would be...?\nWhatever. I figured we could use the boathouse.\nI think it's where they keep equipment.\nThere's a new one up there. This one looks pretty much abandoned.\nAfter you.\nWhat are you talking about?\nDameron?\nNothing. I know what you meant. Adam used to read him to me every Halloween...\n(Sotto) Old people complain a lot.\nWhy are we just staring at the book?\nWhat are you thinking?\nA lot how?\nNo, I agree. I just want to know why you think it's a lot.\nI asked you first.\nYou answered.(Beat) Are you scared of it?\nYou didn't fix it, did you?\nBut you said you fixed it.\nYeah. I get that.\nWhat is it supposed to do?\nThe time ghosts...\nAdam and I heard time ghosts in the tower. And in the library, when we were stuck. It could have been this. It probably was this.\nSo what exactly is written in here-\n(Dizzy) Whoa.\nJust got lightheaded.\nI'm fine. I feel, amazing, actually.\nWhy'd you do that?\nWhat?\nI feel okay.\nWhat are you doing?\nDude.\nHow do I feel about you treating me like an experiment?\nThat may be why you're here but I...\nOkay...yeah...I feel different.\nI feel fine. Worse in the sense that I feel...\nI feel better when it's...\nYeah.\nCaleb.\nIt's like...it's like it's alive or something, right?\nWhat should I read?\nThe handwriting in the margins here looks...friendly?\nMay 11th, 1945 - Tobias Sitzer. I'm delighted. Utterly delighted. I have finished my final examinations, and -\nWhoa, can you hear that?\nI feel so happy. You, feel so happy.\nIt's incredible. It's...loud...if that makes sense.\nI've never felt anything like this. It's...it's. I dunno, it's simple. Like...unchanging. I'm getting non-stop happy right now. Like a sugar rush.\nThat's fucked up.\nYeah, that definitely doesn't feel right.\nYeah, I know but -\nIs he gone?\nWait. There's something...\nI feel something...coming from another page?\n(ignoring that) It's...it's familiar but...I don't know. (Focusing) I don't like this. But I know this? It feels different.\nNo...this isn't it but...something else is coming up...\nShhh...\nI feel...sad. It's really, really clear. And strong.\nI don't have to see it. I feel it. (Beat) They were young.\nIf I do that, they'll speak again right?\nBut I don't have to do that.\nI feel it. I can feel the whole thing. It's so sad. They were so young.\nSort of? Not really? It's hard to explain. But it's in me. What they wrote...I don't need the words. (Beat) But there's still that other feeling...in the back?\nIt wants to break through, but the sadness won't let it. That's amazing. It's like I can just stay with this one if I want to. It's not going anywhere.\nBut I wanna know. (Stopping) Here. Here it is. It's somewhere on this page.\nShhhh...\n(from the book) I fucking push and I can't control it and then I don't know what's real.\nWhat the fuck?\nWhat?\n(from the book) What if I do it again!? I can't control it.\n(from the book) Make it stop!\n- I can't.\nI don't know what to do.\n- I don't want to hurt him. I don't want to hurt anyone. I can't control it. Fuck I can't control it!\n(from the book) I wanted them to feel better and it happened.\nIt just happens. It comes out of me and it changes them. I'm not supposed to, but it changes them.\nI feel something. No - fuck - I feel everything and I push. I fucking push and I can't control it and then I don't know what's real.\nDoes he love me because that's what he wants or because I love him and I'm making him love me?\nI don't know what's real! I don't know what I want!\n(from the book) Make it stop.\nIf I want something and it changes a person and then I feel those feelings, but they aren't from them, but really from me, and I'm reacting off of what I'm feeling from them, then am I even feeling anything - what do I do??\nNo! I need to know.\nNo!!!!\nWhat if I do it again!? I can't control it.\nMake it stop!\nOliver, Make it stop!\nI'm doing this and I can't trust myself.\nI didn't do anything. I didn't mean to. I wanted them to feel better and it happened. It keeps happening.\nMaking them feel things. Stuff they aren't feeling. They're not supposed to feel, not from me.\nIt's an accident. I'm not trying to - it keeps happening and I can't do this anymore.\nI...I need...fuck...I need...\nI'm sorry. I'm so scared.\nEverything I know about myself. I don't really know. Everything I've done to get a handle on what I am - a fucking...picture frame for everyone else's pictures. Now I'm...I'm doing this and I can't trust myself.\nI...I need...fuck...I need some air. I need...I'm freaking out, man. I need.\nI'm okay. I'm...okay.\nI don't know. That was us in the book.\nHow did it? I mean, we didn't write in it so how...?\nThis is gonna sound crazy. But I feel amazing.\nYeah, but not just that. All of it.\nI feel incredible. Like...invincible.\nWhat?\nWhat?\nFear. Definitely fear.\nNo, just pure fear. It took over everything else. I didn't even know what I was afraid of at first and that made me more scared until it was all I could feel.\nOf what?\nPut themselves...like...there are people trapped in there?\nHow do you know?\nYeah. Emotions are living things, second to second. They overlap and effect each other and mix together. It's messy.\nAnd that was me.\nBut how -\nWe don't have that kind of time.\nShit.\nFine.\nYeah.\nWhat?\nWhat is that supposed to mean?\nNice.\nNope, just a scary humming sound from a haunted artifact. Totally normal. (Beat) So, what do we do?\nNo.\nBut look at it. There isn't anything there except for all the other scribblings. It's the same page, but we're not in it.\nWhat?\nLike the library...a time pocket thing?\nSo what happened back there...in here...was after now...so...\nHow?\nWe?\n...Do we put our hands on it?\nNow what?\nYeah.\nFuck you.\nI don't know how to do it, and I don't want to. What the fuck?\nWhy would I have a pen?\nSo? You're a nerd, shouldn't you have one?\nCan't you just...I dunno? Make a pen?\nYeah. With your alchemy thing?\nExcuse me?\nI'm not going to put my blood in a haunted book, are you serious right now? You do it.\nI'm not pricking my finger on any of this rusty shit.\nYou don't have a pen but you have a pocket knife?\nBut like, for what?\nYou're a weird guy, Oliver.\nDo you have ointment in there too?\nFor me. For that sick burn you just did.\nAre you sure we have to do it this way?\nFine...\nWhat?\nBecause that's where I knew it was.\nI need to focus.\nYou gonna do your thing?\nThis is stupid.\nI told you, I don't know how to do it on command.\nWhat you're making me do.\nI'm afraid of what this...Pokemon evolution-\nDon't ask. What this...evolution in my power means...for me and everyone I'm around.\nI've always been able to feel everyone's emotions. But this is different. I figured out how to tell the difference between...between...\nYeah. Adam for instance. The difference between his feelings inside of me and my own. But now...if I'm pushing my feelings or wishes or whatever into him and I have no idea if and when I'm doing it...I don't know how to tell the difference between what's really coming from him, or from what I put in there...In him, I mean.\nI've done it to people I'm supposed to help. I'm a psych major...this is my whole future...and instead of helping them...doing it the right way, the ethical way...a few times over the last year...I just, felt like I wanted them to be happy or calm or at peace or something and my power flips a switch and it's like I break into them.\n- I know what you're doing. You don't need to keep coming up with new ways to say fear.\nI know you do. I can feel it, remember? But -\nThat's like telling me not to breath, Oliver. I feel everyone's emotions all the time. And now, what I'm afraid of is that I can't trust those feelings anymore. I don't know which ones are real and which ones are what I want to be real. (Beat) But I don't need to focus because the one feeling inside of me, the one feeling that cuts above everything else, every second of every day...is fear. I can't control this and I don't know what to do. Back there, when I asked you to make it stop...it wasn't what the book was doing...I didn't want it to stop because of the single emotion...the uncomplicated, unchanging feeling of the book...synthetic or not...it made sense and it filled me up. What I was asking you to stop is the part of my ability I'm afraid of. The one I can't control.\nDid it work?\nI fucking push and I can't control it and then -\nSo what does that mean?\nOliver...why do you care about this book so much? I mean, I know you're feeling the same thing I'm feeling, but I don't know why.\nFix what?\nYeah. (then) Yeah, I know what you mean. (then) Now what?\nOkay. What time is it?\nWait, AM?\n(Checking his phone) Shit. I have a ton of missed calls. Adam.\nI need to go.\nSo...\nCool.\nI guess we'll...?\nOkay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Does anyone want coffee? I'm making coffee?\nDefinitely, let me see...\nAdam, where'd you put the tea-\nThanks.\nAdam, can you?\nUh, so, Frankie, what kind do you want? We've got peppermint, earl grey, chai, constant comet-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hey, sorry I -\n(To Adam) Yeah, okay. (To Ben) Ben!\nOh my god, I'm so glad you're okay.\nOf course, we never would have stopped. (then) Are you okay? What happened?\nOkay, we're going to figure it out. I'm just really happy you're safe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam...Caleb...can I see you in my room for a second?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay.\nThanks, Sadie."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How's everyone doing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm good, I just went for a -\n- Run. I lost track of time -\n- You?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How am I? Let's see. How...am...I?\nWhat the hell is going on? Caleb, it's been great to see you so much so far this semester but what are you two up to? And why are there three more BU students in our apartment clearing through our groceries?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, she's right. We've been really unfair and we need to talk.\nIt's okay.\nIf it's okay with you.\nI mean, it kinda is. Or, at least, it's both of ours. With CAITLIN: it is."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are you talking about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So is it okay? Maybe...maybe you can do it?\nYeah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "...Yes?...\nAdam-\nOkay...\nYeah..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You did?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah? I guess?\nAdam, what are you talking about?\nAn Atypical what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "- Atypical is a type of person. I'm an Atypical."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like a religion?\nVery funny."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's telling the truth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are you talking about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have powers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Super powers?\nBullshit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mood ring powers activate."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The College Tapes Episode 12 Transcript\n712 - In Solis Lunae\nStop that.\nDude.\nFrankie, I mean it, leave the toaster alone.\nYes, it is.\nAnd it's not five minutes?\nWhat is wrong with you?\nI swear, I really will leave you here.\nYou aren't supposed to be using you powers outside of campus.\n(teasing) Beautiful, huh?\nYou wish what?\nI mean, I don't know Frankie, but I'm sure it won't be too long.\nI should have known.\nAre you getting the shakes again?\nNo, you two, please stop. This isn't our space. Frankie, it's bad enough you act like you live at our apartment, don't--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's going on out here?\nIt's cool, guys. We just told her.\nIt's a hard thing to tell someone, you know that, Frankie-\nDropped in like you were.\nSadie?\n(weak) Come on, guys...\nWhich one of us--\nHey-- Hey, Ben, it's okay. We won't let anyone take you again. (then) Frankie--\nAssemble.\nOnly one way to find out. (beat) Get behind me.\nAdam, just...\n(sigh of relief)\nIt's okay guys.\n(annoyed) Nice. (then) Everybody, most of you have either met Mark or have heard me talk about him. This is Dr. Bright's brother.\nThat's actually not a bad idea..if you guys are willing to share a bed, it shouldn't be a problem... (then, as if just thinking of it) Unless... there's only one bed?\nTurns out... Oliver's the reason.\nSo, the people that kidnapped Ben? I think they're here. That they're part of this whole mystery with the book.\nYes, but it didn't help--\nUm. I don't...\nI thought we weren't--\nListen...\nI didn't want to worry you.\nThings have been weird, and I didn't want (things to get weirder)-\nAnd we don't have another choice. We need to figure out what's going on and he's the only real lead we have.\nCaitlin. Can you help us out? Please?\nAdam, please...\nI-- I can feel-- You're angry. Like, really angry--\nHow you doing?\nI'm glad you're safe. We were worried about you.\nWell, yeah. Duh. You're part of the team. (beat) How are the feelings? Do you still need help sorting through them?\nThat's okay. It's okay to not know. (then) What are you feeling now?\nI want you to tell me.\nI get that. It must have been scary. But now--\nBen, I... I'm so sorry. I can... I can help--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry... can I help you?\nCaitlin?\nYes? (beat) Caitlin, can you or Hayes tell me what's going on here? And why there are a bevy of downtrodden students in my classroom? My usually locked classroom? (then) I'm assuming you two are not students?\nDire..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Holy shit, you're... you're Atypical.\nYou're getting this, right Mark?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry, who the fuck are you all?\nI'm sorry?\nSeamus?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, Mark, that's not--(beat) Okay, so, a little while ago Adam told me about some weird stuff he experienced on campus. And then Ben, that's my friend here, they got kidnapped and Adam and I got stuck in a time loop, and Oliver heard your time ghost in a book and we're hoping you could help us out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(sighs) It...did, actually. A little.\nYou- Ben, was it?\nYou were kidnapped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We think whoever took them might have to do with this book we found."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The mythology club? You mean- (then) Oh. I. That was all a long time ago."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you know what we're talking about. So can you help us?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not sure. (beat) But I may have an idea on how to get more information.\n(not listening) Pardon?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mark?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Holy shit.\nHoly... holy shit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Professor Beck, why were you in the book? What's going on?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We have bigger problems than that. I know who kidnapped your friend."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": " The College Tapes Episode 13\n713 - Praeteritum Sancto"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I may have an idea on how to get more information."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh... so that's it.\nHow do you... turn it off?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(not listening) Pardon?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gah-- I don't, yeah, I don't want to see this...\n(about the vision) What's going on?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(about the memory) Holy... holy shit.\nWe have bigger problems than that. I know who kidnapped your friend."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He's telling the truth. What I just saw...it's what you can do isn't it? Your ability?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes.\nI can see pasts.\nNo, not at all. (then) Well, there's sometimes an emotional component to it - certain emotions are so loud they bleed through the past-\nOf course. I'm sorry. I- (swallowing) It's been a long time since I've looked into people's pasts. But, Ben, yours was so strong, I- (beat) I never would have looked without your permission. I don't do that. But this time-\nLike I said, it's not mind-reading. I'm not seeing your memory, not really. I\"m seeing the past. Played out in front of me like it's happening now.\nYes.\nWell, they aren't hallucinations per-say, but...yes.\nYes. And I don't...I don't understand it. I knew that he was a bit lost but I never thought...\nA former student of mine. Neal.\nYes.\nThat's why I say I don't understand. Neal was a good student. Kind, hard-working. I knew he was Atypical but-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whoa, so this was some kind of Atypical-on-Atypical crime?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sodalis Eximius."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're a member, aren't you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I- (deep breath) Yes, I was. (more to himself) I thought it was shut down. He promised me- (then) If I had known it was still operational, I would have kept a closer eye on Neal. I should have known that he would have been drawn in by them. By the idea of being \"exceptional\".\n(getting distracted) They...\nI'm sorry, I- (beat) This is all more serious than I think you realize. (then) The book you mentioned, do you have it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The kid's got a point-\n(calmly) Whoa, now wait just a second-\nWhat?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Out. (then, louder) Everyone out! (beat) All this arguing is getting you nowhere and Ms. Park is absolutely right-\nYou need to look after your friend. But this isn't your concern. I will handle this.\nI know more about this than you do- you're all just kids-\nAnd this is extremely serious business. Go back to wherever you're staying, lock the doors, hunker down, and I will let you know when this is dealt with.\nThis is not up for discussion. I know that you don't know me, but I am telling you to stay. Out. Of this. (then) Ben?\nYou'll be safe. You have my word.\n(breathing hard)\n(breathing hard) Shit.\nPlease, I won't ask again- (beat, seeing Mark) Oh. I thought it was one of the students."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The lungs on those kids, huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I miss having the stamina for those kinds of fights."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ha. I would say me too, but I definitely still do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Give it a few more years."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fair enough. (beat) Are you...okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(sighing) I'm fine. I'm a pre-law professor. Dealing with argumentative students is literally my job."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I meant with all the... (beat) Alright, I'm just gonna rip off the bandaid here, because it's always awkward- like you heard, I can share people's powers and it's pretty imperfect but I just saw what you just saw and it was a lot and that's coming from someone who's known Caleb and Adam for years and had to hear every agonizing piece of their break-up straight from Caleb for months."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh. I see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's...wow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Any ability?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mmhm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That must be... (beat) Awful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(taken aback) That's...not usually the reaction I get from people."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean, sure, I guess it must be handy sometimes but, only in a controlled setting. I imagine the rest of the time it's...overwhelming. (beat) I used to live with a bunch of Atypicals - before I even knew that's what we're called - and just sharing a space with them had its challenges. Sharing their powers too..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. (beat) It definitely has its downsides."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you want to..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. Sure. Thanks.\nIt's a little easier now. A few years ago I took this serum thing - manufactured by The AM. Well. By Oliver, actually. And it took my power away for a little bit. (beat) It was in the worst possible circumstances but all things being neutral...it'd be nice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You...your power was gone?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just for a day or two. It's been a little duller since then, easier to control. Which has been great to be honest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But they could make it permanent?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You looking to get rid of yours?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I... (beat) As weird as it is sometimes, to see things, I have pretty good control. Strong emotions can sometimes push the past onto me, like now, but mostly I can choose. I wouldn't get rid of it. It's part of me. (then) But I had a friend. Once."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And he would have wanted out?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "More than anything. His ability...it hurt him. It made him a target."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Made him a target how?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What happened with that young person out there...well. Atypicals have been kidnapped before."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sounds like you've been around the block, man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have no idea. (beat) Sodalis Eximius, they- it was supposed to be just a secret society. I was a law student here- my professor was Atypical too and tapped me for the group. I missed my community from LA so I... (beat) It was nice. To be around Atypicals again. (then) But I trusted the wrong person. Sodalis Eximius was rotten on the inside."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's a group-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Another group?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. Older than The AM. Older than Sodalis."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yeah, The Order?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh. You know about The Order."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yep."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right. Well, that'll speed this up probably. Then does \"The Vafi\" mean anything to you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The what now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Vafi."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(snorts) Why does that sound like a fuzzy animal from Star Trek."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, well, they're anything but fuzzy. They poisoned Sodalis but I think the core group is much larger."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How large we talking here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's impossible to say- they are deep underground - a collection of Atypicals and those...interested in Atypicals."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Interested how?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In learning about them. Using them. Using their powers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sounds like The AM to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, The AM has its faults, from what I've heard-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's putting it mildly-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But all groups, no matter how well-meaning, are imperfect. Even The Order has made their mistakes through the years. But the Vafi doesn't make mistakes and they are not well-meaning."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you think they took Ben? That they took your friend?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know for certain. The man who- well. After we got Blaze back, we were so focused on finding the person who had taken Blaze... but I could see everything. Everything that happened when he was kidnapped and it was part of a much bigger operation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What happened to him? To your friend?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When we found him- well, really, he found us. And he was...he was in pain and we couldn't...We brought him to people who we thought might be able to help. But then I left LA and...well. I don't know where he is now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's weird, isn't it. How, even now, with all the technology and social media and what-not, we can still lose track of people."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(bleeding in from the past) So, like...nothing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is strange."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Though, I guess, maybe sometimes that's for the best...\nLook, I know I'm a few years behind the curve now, what with my several years in captivity-\nRight, the coma. So I'm not totally up on everything that's out there, but you don't even have a Facebook?\nI don't know, to keep in touch with friends long distance, creep on the people you hated in high school to see how crap their lives are now...the memes.\nAre you sure? Have you seen memes? (beat, realizing) Oh my god, I haven't seen the memes. I'm so behind on my memes. (then) Hey, is \"bae\" a word? Sam said it was, but she was, you know, a figment of my coma imagination so I don't know where that's coming from.\n(teasing) You really don't have a lot of friends, do you?\nIs saving strange men from captivity the way you make all your friends?\nOh, thank you, kind sir, for rescuing me, how ever will I repay you-\nOh, come on, I'm a great singer. (lightly) But, come on, seriously, you don't keep up with anyone?\nYes, I'm ever so grateful to be getting a grand tour of every one-star motel West of the Mississippi.\n(trying to get Beck's attention) Uh, Beck? ...Professor?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(dazed) What- what-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You went away there for a second. Did you see something?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean, you didn't-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nope. Just watched you go kinda glassy-eyed. I'm assuming it was something in my past? (absent-minded) Guess you can't turn it on yourself, huh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. (clarifying) Yes, it was your past. At least, I assume, but that can't-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(trying to be casual) Well, that's a real haunted house with all sorts of jump scares, what flavor of trauma was it this time?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know Robert."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Robert? Uh, yeah, I've known a couple of Roberts?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Robert Gorham."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(breathless) What did you say?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I just- I just saw him. He was older- (more to himself) God, he looked terrible. He lost so much weight..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You knew Damien?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Damien. That's what he- I knew his real name was Robert, but he never used it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't believe he kept it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kept what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The name we gave him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Atypicals I mentioned - the ones I lived with...Robert was one of them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You- (beat) When-(then) Well. Fuck. (beat) The hits just keep on coming today. (then) What did you see?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just...the two of you in a motel. Goofing off."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. Good. One of the good ones."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not a lot of those?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was a...strange summer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. I think I know a bit what that's like."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you- I mean, he- (then) You guys lived together?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. It wasn't really...by choice. (then) Look, we could dwell on the past all day-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, that might be necessary, I have a lot of questions-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But we have bigger issues to deal with."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The society? I thought you had it handled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I...exaggerated. I needed to buy a few minutes, get my head straight on after the..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The CW-style teen drama?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you don't have it handled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I saw something...something else. I'm not sure if you saw it too-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I need to talk to your friend...the other actual adult-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mentioned Professor Blackwell-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, he's the one that kicked this whole thing off, at least for us-\nYou know him?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I did. He is not someone to be trifled with. If Oliver is in contact with him-\n...where did he go?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver? Oliver!! (beat) Shit. (then) What were you saying about Blackwell being bad news?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We need to find your friend."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The College Tapes Episode 14 Transcript\n714 - Omnis Abditus\n(panting)\nAll this drama... over you.\nI've seen impressive artifacts before, things that could take down kings and destroy worlds, but you... there's something special about you. You're at the heart of a secret organization. Maybe a few. And based on what happened with boy wonder this morning... Well, I think there's a lot more to you. So... What is Blackwell up to? And what did he want from me? (beat, a little giddy) I can't believe I've finally stumbled on an actual conspiracy. (then, more to himself) Shit. Come on, Oliver, you know that's not a good path...(beat) But it's okay, it's okay- you're safe now. (then) I don't know why you're- you're scared, but I'm going to protect from him. From Beck. I won't let anyone burn you or tear you or hurt one stitch in your spine. (long beat) Okay, Oliver, talking to a book like it's your child, not the sanest you've ever sounded.\nYou have to be dealt with. And maybe I should have showed you to Beck instead of keeping you hidden but... (then) No, I can deal with this on my own, I just have to...(beat) What would Mark do? (beat) He would throw you away. And that's not-- you're meant to be cherished. (beat) Okay, you're a book, so you're meant to be read. That's your whole purpose, right? But then why did you get tangled? What did Blackwell want me to fix? I thought I'd untangled you, made you more readable, but everything is still mixed up, looping...what are you hiding...(beat) I need to be able to read everything without you going into full time ghost mode but you...you don't trust me. You don't trust anyone. (rueful) I get that.\nSo, how do I convince you to let me read you. You've got something in there that's... important to you. I get it. (then) Would you rather have Blackwell here to read you? Or Beck?\n(yelling) Okay! Okay! Sorry! Fucking cheeky!\n(then, with awe) Jesus, you're...I mean- I've never encountered an artifact as alive as this before. (then) What we need is a sort of... tether. A way to move through you without get sucked into time machinations or the soap operas of the past. (beat) So... what do we use for this? Think, Ritz. (then) Is it... Have I been fighting you? Is that it? If I... let go...jump in head first...\nWill you play nice? Explain what the Hell is going on?\nWell, now you're just being an asshole.\nMark?\nHi, Mark-- You have? No, I didn't-- I must have had the phone on silent, I had to take a walk. Needed to get away from the cast of Riverdale-- Well, I didn't realize you called five times, okay? Listen, I'm-- Yeah, I know, I'm coming.\nWe aren't done, ledger. But you can't come with me. You need to stay hidden. But I'll be back. I promise.\nOh, is it finally time for the adults to talk?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where the hell were you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I told you. I took a walk. They're all so... loud."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why didn't you answer your phone?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm sorry I'm not constantly at your beck and call, all right? (loftily) Sometimes one has to--(then, seeing Mark) Are you okay?\n(to Beck) What did you do? Why is he all...agitated?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm fucking fine, we're in the middle of some fucking serious shit and you just fuck off..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey... I don't think you can say fuck that many times in a professor's office.\nMark, what's going on? Talk to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing. I just couldn't find you. Again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sorry, okay? I'm sorry. (then) Do you... need to leave?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know, just... You can go back to Boston, if you need to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, right. And leave you with all this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean it. I'd understand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I'm not you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I'm not letting you do that again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Push people away instead of letting them try to help."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll ship you out on a bus if I have to. Whatever this is, Mark..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's nothing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even if it's something... it's... you... um. You can tell me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sorry... (then, to Oliver) It's nothing, Oliver, okay? My sister would probably call it a flare up. Nothing serious. (beat) Now, where were you. Really."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are we really going to have a whole argument in front of this guy? I thought you needed me for something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Beck needs to talk to you, but... I'm trying to figure out which mystery concerns me more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I-- I wasn't-- I was just walking--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(sees Oliver's memories) Are you fucking kidding me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Which one?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The one where you went to the book, asshole."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, so, you're the Professor of privacy invasion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He already talked about this, weren't you listening--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, usually never!\nBut I--\nShit. Mark..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We aren't--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How can I assist you, oh captain, my captain?\nWhat about it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(sotto) Fucking supervillain name..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, now you're asking?\nBut I don't get it, what's so special about Professor Blackwell?\nFine. Go ahead.\nWait, Byron, where are you going?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was just gonna... give you both some privacy...(then) It's like an echo, Oliver. I see your past, too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure. It's too much for you, I get it, you can...Can you stay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(to Beck) So do I just...\nYou drive much faster than...\nI just meant... I appreciate the lift.\nYou could say that.\nYou get to see everything. You're not trapped.\nCan't.\nNope.\nSeems you already know all my stories, Prof. Somehow.\n(dry) Thanks ever so.\nYeah, well, I had a lot of time to perfect it.\nSo I continuously tell people.\nThat. Or they lock me up for most of my life. Your results may vary.\nTrue, who would want to lock up a face like this.\nThanks. (beat) Listen, I'm not a kiss on the first date sort of guy, so...\nSure, but I've been through too much shit to get offended. Besides, I'm Atypical. Of course I'm special. It's not my fault some people have a problem with that.\nOf fucking course I know that, I'm not an idiot.\nThat I'm not an idiot?\nMaybe it was just shock at the level of bullshit piled on in one conversation. (beat) Me? Change the world? I'd make it worse."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oliver..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You sure you're not a psych professor, you have such a skill--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, tell us what's wrong with Doctor Doom."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hold on, master is a stretch--\nI was joking about you being a psych professor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's right. And I'm not going to say I told you so..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Back off, Byron.\nOccult chaos magic? What, he's a modern day Alistair Crowley?\nWell, I've spent the past three years looking at a lot of things that could be considered pretty magical-\nSo he believes some out-there things. That doesn't mean he's evil.\nEasy for you to call him a master manipulator when he isn't here. I saw you two arguing in-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Give it a rest, Oliver. You know there's something off about him. Why else would you take the book from his safe?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No... we didn't get around to it, seemed rude to ask--\nSo? What's your point? You spent five seconds with that kid Caleb, that should be plenty of evidence that Empaths aren't exactly master manipulators.\nGive me a little credit, I wasn't born yesterday-\nWhat? No, I've never-\nThat sounds like a bit of a stretch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's right, Oliver. Caleb...well, it's not my story to tell but he- Professor Beck is right."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't buy it.\nYou saw my memory?\nWell, I saw yours.\nIn Blackwell's journal. Go ahead. Take a look. I remember it well\nGod, it's... it's so much. Woo, boy.\nHow do I get off this ride?\nWoah, what?\nYeah.\nSo who's spouting the most bullshit?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(sotto) Title of your autobiography."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You were willing to let Atypicals-- your people-- burn. (beat) Well?\nIt was in the book!\nBut you haven't given me any reason why Blackwell is untrustworthy except your own useless feelings about him--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fuck."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(incredulous) What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that possible?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe. But he didn't consider me a threat. He didn't lock me in a basement.\n(from the past) No! (desperate) Please! Stop, please! Let me out of here!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(pained) Fuck."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did you both just..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oliver, wait--\nI-- (then, to Beck) Professor, I'm sorry, I've got to--\nOliver!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm going for a walk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Back to the book?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Just a regular walk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hey..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let go--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hold the fuck on, Oliver--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Talk to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have to talk about it--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "About my terrible judgement in people?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. Tier 5."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like you talk about it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do talk about it! I talked with Sam and Joanie, and sometimes I talk to Caleb. And, hey, an actual therapist."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That you can't give any real details to!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But it still helps to talk! (then) Who do you talk to?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's not what I meant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(confused) What did you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What did I walk into? When you were freaking out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, are you also an Empath now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't need special powers to see that something Professor Bad News said before I got there had you rattled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's not every day you find out about an actual evil organization."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mark, we were both trapped in an evil organization's basement for years. So try again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's nothing, Oliver."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nu-uh. I know you well enough. For three years, I've ignored when you get like this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Like what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I say something or something happens, and then you get... like this. Muddled. Thrown off. Confused. And I never ask you about it, never pressure you to tell me your deep, dark secrets."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you... Wait, what? Are you mad about that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Obviously not. My point is, you didn't want to talk about that. I don't want to talk about this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's-- That wasn't anything to talk about--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Neither is this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, it is!\nYou aren't talking to anyone about Tier 5. You just throw yourself into a project and then another project and then you disappear off the grid and reappear in the middle of a conspiracy--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That wasn't my fault--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Isn't it? You couldn't wait to leave my apartment--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You didn't want me there!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I made you remember... remember what it was like there. Remember... everything they did."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't think I can remember all of that on my own? Talking doesn't make it go completely away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then what's the point of talking about it at all?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The point is you can't get better if you don't deal with it! You can't leave it in the past and let go and live your life if you're still holding on to it! You let some Snidely Whiplash knockoff convince you he can save the world!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can't fix me, Mark!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not trying to fix you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, you are! And it's annoying!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I'm so sorry that my caring about you is so annoying-- (then) God, I sound like my sister."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Exactly. I don't need a therapist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Beg to differ. (then) So that's just it? You're running again?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Better than staying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're going to run out of places to run to if you keep going."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And what exactly is it that you're doing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, you want to change the subject to me again?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is it? That thing you keep from me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought you weren't mad about it--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Since you want me to bare my damn soul to you, to talk about how it was to live with myself day in and day out, in a cell with no natural light, barely anything to entertain me, as if I was some kind of common criminal, when the criminals actually ran free and kept us locked down there and... experimented and poked and prodded... (then) You want me to show you everything, so tit for tat, boyo. (beat) I never ask you about the weird door in our friendship that we never talk about or you never open."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What door?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's... What I was talking about before. When you get that far away look, like you had in Beck's office. When you back yourself into a corner. I never asked about whatever it is that has you looking like you do right now, like I'm going to make you do something you don't want to do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shut. The fuck. Up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sucks, doesn't it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's not the fucking same."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, because it's not you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because-- I'm better! I'm not like that anymore."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have control, Oliver. No one can experiment on me, test my powers. I don't get tricked into thinking I can save the world. No one can make me... make me do what I don't want to do. Confuse me. I am in control now. (then) I am!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We never are! Beck is wrong, we are fucking magical beings and the world hasn't caught up to us and we're left waiting for the rest of the class. We're never in control."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, what? We're just supposed to run away and let the world happen around us? Fuck off when we don't want to do what we need to do for ourselves?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Isn't that control?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. It's not. Not when you're running from yourself. (beat) You can't just hide everything and try to forget. That shit always comes out. (then) Sometimes at a professor's office in Yale."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know how not to run, Byron."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. (then) And I'm not asking you to figure it out overnight or anything. I haven't. But... baby steps, right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Baby steps how?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Like, for starters, not running off with Severus Snape to his basement of doom."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Deal. (then) What now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We should probably go back in and talk to Beck, but then...maybe lunch? I think there was a place on campus by the library you were in. We can figure out where to go from there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know if I want to go back to jolly old Russell Library just yet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you think we should. You think there's still monsters in the basement?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not since I left."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't mean--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was just joking. But... who's to say he didn't have more than just the book down there?"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The College Tapes Episode 16 Transcript\n716 - Ex Quo\n(trying to catch her breath) Where... where am I? Alexis? Professor? Anyone? (then) I don't... How did I get here?\nYou're not the only one who can investigate a mystery like we're on some dumb D&D campaign, Adam. We can't all be drowning in ex drama. (then) It would be a lot easier if you were here but you didn't call me back and- (frustrated sigh) You're not supposed to separate the party, Adam.\nShit, why are there so many people in America's most abandoned library? It's Friday night, shouldn't people be out? (then) You know, like normal people, who aren't trying to discover the secrets behind some mysterious organization.\nNow... what? Mark and Oliver said... something about the basement. Which... I guess Adam also saw. But I've never seen--\nOh!\nSorry. You surprised me. I didn't know anyone actually... worked here.\nYeah... I... I was just thinking how old this library must be.\nDoes it have a basement?\nA basement? I know most of these old buildings do...\nCould I look around?\nBut... I'm doing research! On the buildings of Yale.\nNo. It's okay. Thanks.\nWell. That was useless. (then) I mean, I guess it's good to know there really is a basement. Not that I doubted Oliver... okay, yes, I did, but in my defense, he is a lunatic."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The time we've all been waiting for has finally arrived. I know that some of you are young. You've not experienced the horrors the rest of us have. You've not experienced what it's like, to be ostracized. (then) But you young ones have experienced what it means to hide your power. To pretend like the thing that makes you special, the thing that makes you stand out over the rest, is something to be feared. To be hidden. You've spent your whole lives in hiding. Fearing that someone would persecute you. And my friends, that time may be closer than we think."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I knew it! I knew it would be behind her desk. (beat) Maybe Alexis is right. Maybe I would be a good spy. (then) Or at least some sort of investigator. This isn't so hard. Just observing and understanding what you observe.\nIt's... Dark. (beat) Clever, Caitlin.\nThere's no light here, not even from upstairs. I closed the door so no one would suspect, but still... there's not even a little bit of light peeking in. (nervous chuckle) And... My iPhone light barely shines at all. How is that possible? Normally I feel like this thing is pretty blinding... Is there something that dampens the light down here?\nGreat. Just great. There goes my phone. Good thing I'm not afraid of the dark.\nThere's...feels like books. Tons of books down here. Just, everywhere. Like a bunch of books that haven't gotten shelved. Or maybe catalogued? How do libraries work...\nThis is going to kill my eyes. (then, struggling) The Theory... Behind Sports... Medicine. Gross.\nThe Great... Gatsby, also gross.\nOoof. You're a big fella. (then) Metaphysical... Anatomy of the... Highly Favored. (beat) Huh.\n\"For ages... man has... continued to experience... life... at a rapid pace... growing... just as we have... taught the land to grow. But what if... we have a chance to... break the bonds of... our simple bodies and... achieve so much more?\" (then) That sounds like... Who wrote you, buddy? (beat) Doctor... Seamus Blackwell?\nWhat... what is that?\nMust be coming from the catacombs."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(distant) Friends. Favored members of the Vafi. It's been so long... I'm so grateful that you would come to meet with us here, on this holy campus. For our hour has almost arrived! We are lucky, fortunate for all we have achieved, and all we will achieve."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Huzzah?\nLucky for me, Adam has a spare digital recorder. Such a nerd. (beat) I don't care what Professor Beck says. I can't stop thinking about it. I know, it's been a week, and I thought fall break would clear my head but I can't- especially not after...something is wrong. And I can't stop thinking that all my answers might be just a few blocks away in Russell Library... (resolved) I have to find that basement Adam saw. (then) Everything- everything that could possibly solve the mystery of how my life got to be such a wild mess of a nightmare... I think I could--\nOh. Um. (then) Come in, Frankie.\nDid you just come in here because you're bored?\nI get why she'd want to check in. Where is everyone else?\nIs he okay?\nBecause I talked to him earlier and things were weird but I wasn't sure if it was him or me but if we don't know where he is then we should all be out there-\nMe?\nFrankie, they only take Atypicals.\nLast I checked, I'm not Atypical.\n(smiling) You're ridiculous.\nOh-- Um. I sometimes... I like to record myself think.\nDon't look at me like that.\nIt's-- (falters, hearing what he said) Um. It's something I picked up from Adam. He told me once why he likes to do the radio show. Not just the music, though he lives for that. But, he said there's... something nice about getting the inside thoughts out. Listening to yourself talk to...try and make sense of things.\n(playful) You're not?\n(mumbling to herself) You have a point...\n(sigh of relief) Oh thank god. I wanna kill him half the time but...\nYeah. (then) No? (beat) I don't know. My feelings are all over the place tonight.\n(light laugh) No, Frankie. I'm not.\nAaaaaaand we're done.\nI do talk to people. I talk to Adam and my friend Jessica from high school, though we've kind of grown apart... (beat) I talked to you. This week. I mean, I know texting isn't literally talking, but come on, it's 2020, it's the main mode of communication.\nReally? Because you didn't answer that many of them.\nIs that why you're here? To have those conversations in person?\nI know. But I...I don't always know how to do that.\nGet to know someone. Without it being a debrief or a competitive argument.\nAnd I get why you and Caleb are friends. He's always been the kindest person in the room. The one who makes it easy to connect.\nI'm saying I...I appreciate you trying. Not a lot of people do. And even fewer people keep trying.\nI...I'm curious. To see your side of things. The...talking to other people being a good thing side.\nSpoken like a true extrovert.\nYou think I haven't?\nYeah... Yeah. (then) You always been this smart?\nThanks, but... I've got one more fight left in me.\nI've got to go to the library. (then) But, we'll play when I get back, okay?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The world does not get better. If we've realized anything in the past few years, it's only gotten worse. Those of us who are older than you, that's a lesson we have long learned, but it took you time to see that. To believe it. (then) And I understand. You were all raised a certain way. To hide. To live within the margins of society. To never let your power shine, for fear of who might see it. Who might know. And if you were found out, then you would no longer be able to survive. Because that's what you were doing. What we all have been forced to do. Survive. But not thrive. The world, it was not made for us. It was not made for those who are extraordinary. No, it was made by ordinary men, bureaucratic idiocies created to keep us in check. The Order. The AM. Striving to understand the unknown, as if those answers would diminish us. For, my friends, we are the unknown. They'd rather live against us, find ways to victimize us. Push us down until we forget the power that we have deep within us. The power to overwhelm them. They are not our masters. We are our own masters!\nThe moment draws near. Only one more night, friends..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Professor Beck?\nHi, Professor.\nYeah... I'm sorry about that. If you don't want me to be your TA anymore, I'd understand.\nThat's the thing... I was at first. I felt really calm about it. Like, everything made sense. I've known Adam and Caleb--\nYeah-- I guess. I mean, I've known them since high school so when they told me it all felt...okay? But...but the BU kids went back to Boston, and I did too, for the break, and something about the distance made my head clearer and- (then) Um. But that's not actually what I wanted to talk to you about.\nHave you and Oliver found anything?\nYou-- You guys said we shouldn't investigate. That we needed to leave this stuff to the adults. (beat) I mean, we're adults too, but Mark and the other guy came in and now it's like we're high schoolers again.\nWe already are!\nAnd are you? Handling it?\nNo, I'm sorry, Professor Beck. I respect you, you know that, but... But have you found anything that's helpful?\nPlease don't patronize me.\nNo--\nNo, I'm not, I'm just trying to... to understand what's happening on campus. My campus. That's all.\nSo you haven't found anything.\nOkay.\nSure. Of course.\nI guess I'll just... walk along the edges of the library to find the grate that Adam saw? (then) This is stupid. If there's a way into the basement, it's not out here. It would be in a back room or behind the desk, so the librarians can get to it. (beat) Is... Is she one of them? I could have sworn there were never any librarians here before... (then) Maybe it was stupid to do this on my own.\nAlexis! Hey! How-- How are you doing?\nYeah. Totally. Same.\nYeah? Yeah, I mean, midterms were rough. But. You know.\nOh... I... lost my earring in here earlier. (then) Sorry I didn't see you, I would have said hi!\nIt's weird, it's like Lollapalooza in here today. A total of five people in Russell.\nWhat... Um, what are you doing here?\nYes. (beat) Listening back to this morning when I lost the earring.\nSometimes I just like listening to myself think aloud.\nEh. You know how it is... too much school to catch up on. You?\nYeah. It sucks.\nOh... um... a sort of... investigative...thing.\nWhat? No.\nI think you've watched Alias a few too many times.\nWhat, that they recruit out of Yale? I mean, I guess...\nIt... it would?\nNot when you get to know him.\nYou want to help?\nBut if you've got work you should be doing...\nIt's really okay...\nActually... there is something you could do for me.\nThe librarian...\nCould you, like... distract her? Just for a minute?\nThank you so much, Alexis. I owe you.\nAnd... one more thing.\nCan I borrow your sweatshirt?\n(gasping) Did... did that... did that really just happen? Did he really just give a whole super villain speech? (then) I've got to tell everyone. This... I was wrong, I was so wrong, I shouldn't have... I've got to get back and tell them.\nShit! I forgot... phone's busted--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A little bird told me we had a visitor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alexis?\nWhat... are you... one of them?\nNo, that-- that's not what I mean.\nWhat I meant was... how could you work with him, Alexis? He's... he's crazy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Poor use of that word, Miss Park. I'm not crazy. I'm a visionary."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Isn't that what all nutjobs say?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Or, aren't all visionaries considered crazy in their time? Aren't those of us trying to change the way the world works considered heretics? Burned at the stake? Imprisoned for suggesting that the earth revolves around the sun?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This-- This isn't like that at all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Time will tell. Alexis, if you please?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, Alexis-- please--\nOw! No, I didn't mean-- Please, I know about Atypicals, I know good people are Atypicals, but this-- let me go-\nJust let me go. I won't say anything, I promise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Actually, your arrival was rather fortuitous, Miss Park."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You see, we're out one sacrifice. Since you and your friend botched the first job, Alexis, we are missing a crucial element for the ceremony.\nYes. Her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ceremony? What-- What are you talking about?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It shouldn't matter. We must make do where we can. And this lovely specimen might do well to replace the one you both lost."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Please-- No-- What are you going to do to me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't worry, my girl. We won't do anything too terrible. In fact, you may thank us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No-- No, please-- Alexis, let me go, please--\n(whimper)\nNo-- No-- Get off me! Get off! Help! Help!!!! (muffled screams)\nI know, this is ridiculous. To investigate on my own like this, but... What am I going to do, ask the BU Goon Squad to shuffle in behind me like a bad Three Stooges movie? (then) I guess I could have asked Frankie. He'd... He'd probably come with me. And I think...I think I can trust him. I want to trust him. (beat) But then he'd want to bring Ben, who shouldn't be going anywhere and they'd want to call Caleb, who would certainly call Adam and he-- He doesn't have time. What with all the mooning and monologuing. (then) Besides, I just need to do this on my own. Whatever this is... whatever is going on, I... (beat) They wouldn't tell me. They still won't tell me. Not the whole truth. (then) Like they don't trust me. Like Adam doesn't trust me. (beat) He was never going to tell me...(then) Whatever. At least if I can get a handle on all of this, solve whatever mystery is going on since no one else seems to be, maybe... Maybe I can understand all of this and we can go back to the way things were. You know, before the world went sideways. (then) And we can put an end to this bullshit once and for all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only one more night, friends. The moonlight of All Hallow's Eve will bring us the power we need, the strength to finish the course. (beat) We are so close!\nOh, we will get it back. I have no doubt.\nAm am I. But science is not the only answer. And the science of the unknown is still science. There are things even our brilliant, masterful minds cannot understand. Why, you've seen what I can do with my powers. The moon and the book, they are but tools to me. To us. They are the elements we will use to remake the world. (then) With some very special help, of course."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The College Tapes Episode 17 Transcript\n717 - In Tenebris\nOh my god, I don't think I've ever seen him fall down like that!\nIt's like watching a baby deer learn to walk!\n(laughing)\nI don't know, Caleb's pretty good with his hands.\nSorry.\nMan, we were pretty insufferable, huh?\nHe...what? You mean about Cole?\nYeah, but when they-\nWhat, does Frankie have a crush on him too?\nOh. Right. (beat) What about you? Are you happy and in love?\nYeah. I get that.\nI mean, that's the way it's supposed to be, right? You date around in your teens and early twenties and then you find your person when you're both adults.\nNo one ends up with their college sweetheart. (beat) And definitely not their high school sweetheart.\nOkay, yeah, sure, but people who only do that because that's what they expect or they're scared to be alone and they'll end up getting divorced when they're thirty. Straight people marry the first person they meet - queer Atypicals don't.\nYou are?\nNo, I know, I just-\nI wasn't-\nWe're not millennials-\nI just- I didn't expect all that.\nYeah, well, you're good at it.\nDo you- (sighing) Don't you ever worry that you're going to do it wrong?\nLife.\nI mean, you did choose to minor in philosophy-\n(muttering) Yeah, I knew a guy like that.\nThat wasn't what I was-\nHow-\nJust so we're clear, I didn't-\nSo...you think we should be together.\nAnd you think he...?\nI didn't say-\nRight. Well. (beat) Thanks?\nI'm gonna regret introducing you and Caitlin I think.\nYeah?\nWhat?\nWhere?\nWhat is she doing?\nShe must be looking for me. She said she needed to talk to me. (beat) She was acting so weird on the phone earlier.\nShe was like really happy...like Stepford Wife happy.\nWait, is she going inside? (to himself) Guess she gave up on lecturing me...\nWhy wouldn't she call?\nI don't really know. I thought she was, but then she wasn't, but then I started talking her ear off and I- I mean, how do we know she's not in trouble?\nI'm just gonna call...\nHey, Cait, um, so, don't be mad, but I'm sort of staking out Russell Library and Sadie and I- oh, Sadie is here too-\nWe saw you go in and I just- well, just wanted to make sure you were okay. Alright. Just. Text me when you get this.\nOther than that old guy.\nRight.\nI'm gonna call her again.\n(muttering) Come on...\nAnd walk into a trap?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hey, have you gotten a hold of her?\nYeah, and Frankie had already texted because apparently-\nWe have to go after her.\nWe can't just wait for something to happen. She could be in danger-\nCaitlin?\nCaitlin??\nWe'll find her.\nDo you see anything?\nIt's a room.\nOkay so...\nHow do we do that.\nOh, uh-\nYeah.\nWe'll find a way.\nWe have to.\nWhat does them being Atypical have to do with it?\nIt's just...that doesn't make them bad.\nRight.\nYou can't just lump us all together like that. Besides, you dated me for years and you wouldn't say I kept secrets from you.\nYeah.\nCome on.\nMaybe a couple of people.\nBack here-\nAdam. You're in the library past midnight looking for, as you called it, a creepy secret society cult. I think we can go behind the information desk.\nSadie! Frankie! Get over here!\nHere-\nDown to the basement.\n(whispering) They're coming from over here...be careful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(barely a whisper) Adam-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who are you, what are you doing down here.\nWe're not looking for a fight. We just want to find our friend.\nWhat are you (talking about)-\nAdam-\n(dazed) Yeah..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(hissing) In here!\nHurry!\nYeah, I'm fine, come on-\nI got a little bit kidnapped-\nShh!!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, I...(beat) Thank you.\nYou got Adam out. When I-\nYeah. Yeah, sure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't. (beat) Everyone still back there?\nLet's just get out of here.\n(breathless) Frankie, that was, I mean, I saw-\nWhat the hell just happened?\n(scoffs)\nInvestigating. What were you doing down there?\nGood job, you found me.\nI think that was one of their abilities. That Neal guy-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Which is why we ran right into them when we thought we knew where they were."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And why it was so hard to get out of there.\nWhere even are we?\nHow is that even possible? We can't have walked that far."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't believe it. Why would they want to hurt us. Why would they kidnap Ben?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I know.\nThat old guy, Professor Blackwell. He wants to do something, some kind of ritual, to \"remake the world\".\nIt has to do with that weird book those guys you know were messing around with. I mean, do you even know what it is?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(cagey) Not...not really. It's just a book."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whatever it is, Blackwell wants it.\nSomething on Halloween."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yep."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what Blackwell wants with it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's something else.\nThey need a...a participant. It was going to be Ben, and then me, but...\nYes.\nRight. But that just means he's going to find someone else.\nYep."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, we have one day to save someone's life.\nNo. We can figure this out. (beat) I won't freeze this time. (to himself) I can fix this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caleb?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hang back a sec. (to the group) Go on, we'll catch up with you-\nSeriously. I need to talk to Caleb. Alone.\nAdam. I just need you to trust me, okay? This isn't about you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caitlin, what's going on? What were you and Adam talking about? What does he not want you involved with?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Something that is genuinely not important right now. (thinking better of it) No, that's- Adam's feelings are always important but...(then) I was on the phone with him earlier, when you were on the phone too..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who were you talking to?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um, Alice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Funny, do you usually call Alice \"Oliver\"?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You overheard."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. And not just who you were talking to. (beat) You better start coming clean, Michaels."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What...Caitlin, I don't know what you heard, but-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What did you do to me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(surprised) What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When you and the rest of your club got here today, I was...I felt great. So happy to see you. All of you. But then I talked to Adam and he made me realize how weird I was acting and then I heard you talking to Oliver and... (beat) What exactly does an Empath do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Feel other people's feelings."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What else does an Empath do. (then) I'm sick of being lied to Caleb. People who hide things from me are not my friends."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(placating) Caitlin-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So I'm going to ask one more time. (beat) What did you do to me?"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The College Tapes Episode 18 Transcript\n718 - Amor Vincit\nI can fix this. I can fix...fuck I can fix me. I can...ugh. It's in the book - it has to be in the book - somewhere. We can use it to stop Blackwell. I just... need a couple more hours with it, I know I can figure all of this out. I need it. I'll show Caitlin I'm not a monster. I can control this.\nOliver?\n(exasperated) Caleb. What are you doing here, it's the middle of the night?\n(sighing) Can I see the book?\nWhat? Who are you talking to, I'm the only one here.\nYou're talking to... the book?\nYou don't know anything about it.\nA much bigger problem now. I did it again. The emotion pushing thing and Caitlin overheard our phone call and now I'm...I need the book.\nUh...(then) Mark told me you were here.\nYes, he did. He's... worried about you.\nI don't think I followed any of that.\nLet me see the book, Oliver.\nYou should talk to Mark about... whatever this is.\nBut I do?\nI really think you need a break from everything, buddy.\nAre you gonna leave this creaky old boathouse you hate so much or not?\nI have to at least try.\nMan, your emotions are... you're all over the place. (then) What are you doing here, Oliver?\nI don't think there's anything about this situation that could be classified as a habit.\nWhat-\nIs there some sort of short attention span section in that thing, you're giving me whiplash.\nNot from here, it seems.\nThat doesn't matter.\nI'm not lying! It's just... that guy, Blackwell, he's not a good dude. He kidnapped my friend and seems to be trying to take over the world by taking Atypicals or trying to sacrifice us for something and that book... that book has the answers.\nYeah.\nYou think I just make this shit up?\nBecause you guys have really done a great job solving this mystery all week. (then) What do you see?\nWhat. Do you. See.\nDidn't know you could be this eloquent.\nWow, you're... could you hold on to one emotion for, like, a second?\nAnger. That's... that's why I went to see Dr. Bright. I'd get so... angry. In school, I felt... I felt all the emotions at once, every single person's feelings.\nI can handle them better now. At least, I used to. Fuck, I can't even say that anymore. It's too much. (then) Oliver, you're feeling too much. (Beat) Can you just hold on for one sec?\nYeah. I just need - can you - fuck - pick a fucking emotion dude!\nI just need to take a breath - you need to take a breath, okay?\nYou know what I mean.\nCan you give me the book?\nThat's what I said.\nWhat? Is that what you named the book?\n(Through tears) That's good. That's it.\nYeah, I'm crying. It's sad. But it's good.\nSomething like that.\nWait.\nWhat? So you can have it?\nJust shut up for a second. Don't - feel - anything, you're seeping in on the edges and - (Beat) It's not working.\nWhat about this?(sighs) Yeah. That's it.\nHappy. It's happy. This could work. The last one could have been too close to what you were feeling.\nNo! You're still there. Can you go outside?\nWhy not!?\nOliver, just get out of me.\nOliver! You keep tainting the feelings with your own. Can you just leave for a -\n(Flipping through pages) - I need...confidence...where's confidence?\nJust stop, please. Let me focus -\nBecause I feel like a fucking coward.\nI froze earlier.\nI need to focus. Just let me find what I need, okay? Just back off.\nI couldn't defend him! I couldn't move! I just kept going back - thinking back to - to when - I can't hurt someone again!\nI don't want to fight because I'm afraid if I start I won't stop and I'll kill someone! Ah fuck! Dude! Get out! I don't have room for your feelings! Just fucking stop!!\n(Flipping through more pages) Fucking, where is it. I thought I saw an entry -\nShut up!\nAhhh!\nI'm so fucking tired of this!\nI'm not your pal. I'm not kid. I'm not sport.\n- Just shut up and keep your emotions to yourself -\nOliver, please, I need you to -\nI don't know what's happening!?\nI don't -\nNo it isn't. The book is the only thing that makes sense. Everything else is so messed up.\nThat's the point! That's why it makes sense.\nIt's not supposed to be like this.\nIt took me years to get a handle on my powers. Years. High school is tough enough, right? Before all of this I was getting by. I could walk through the halls and even if I wasn't alpha dude on campus I could see how people looked at me. I got it. I won the lottery. I was protected or insulated or whatever by the guys I hung out with. I got okay grades and that was fine. Everything was fine.\nThen this happened to me.\nMy fucking curse. (Beat) I'm tired. (Beat) I feel like...it's like...I don't even know if this is how drums work...\nBut it's like, when I got these powers, it just spread me out like a drum surface or something. Thin and pulled as tight as it can go.\nWhatever. (Beat) But everyone has a hammer and they keep hitting me and I keep taking it in and vibrating and -\nDude, I'm trying to explain and you're - see - even right now - you were happy because you felt clever or whatever and you said the thing and I said my thing and you got nervous, and then scared, then annoyed but going back between that and scared and now you're curious and impatient and frustrated and fucking I'm frustrated too and do you see what I fucking mean!!??? (Beat) Every fucking second of every fucking day I get hit over and over and I'm always constantly vibrating and all I want to do is be still for one second but the hammers never stop and they're all different, even when they're familiar because everyone is different and new and terrifying. And I'm just...I'm fucking over it - over everybody's feelings and problems with themselves or with others or worse - me. I went from walking the halls of high school seeing how everyone saw me to feeling how everyone felt about me...and every other fucking thing. Do you know what it's like to live in a body that's just a revolving door for everyone else's shit?\n- It's a whole-life crisis. (Beat) I used to play football.\nThat was my center. It's where I belonged. Even when the guys were dicks or the emotions on and around the field got to be a lot. I belonged there. It made sense. (Beat) Then Adam was there and he kept me green and balanced in a way I never thought was possible. (Beat) Then I lost football when I graduated because it's not like I'm gonna go pro and I became like every basic guy with a university lanyard and slides, except I'm never like any basic anyone because I'm me. So I'm just isolated and drifting through a city and a campus with thousands of people, trying to find some sense of community or equilibrium. And guess what?\nI found it. Friends, running orientations for new students. I got my community. But then guess what?\nMy powers go haywire and I lose my boyfriend and I'm back to being fucking...I don't know...Kate fucking Winslet on that door in the middle of the ocean. Just...drifting, cold and alone.\nIt's just not supposed to be like this.\nMaybe if I could just try the book again, I can level out and make some sense of what I'm trying to explain and -\nConcerned...sincere...pleased...disappointed...\nI'll stop when you stop invading me with your emotions.\nEasy for you to say, that's literally your power.\nI'm not going to throw you in the river. I'm not out of control. (Off Oliver's look) Not like that anyway.\nI don't know.\nThis is stupid. I shouldn't have come here, I know, I've got a problem and this book makes me feel good and centered but then the drop-off is so fucking horrible. This last week back in Boston was a nightmare. I know I played it cool over texts but -\nWhatever. I just need to recover from it and...I don't know how to get out of it, man. I don't. But could you please just give it back and let me use it for a minute? I'm really begging you. Please.\nPlease, Oliver.\nYes you can. I swear I'll figure everything else out.\nFuck you, man!\nOliver. (Beat) Come on man. Can't you see where I'm at.\nI don't have a lot of time on this. I need to just try and use the book to get a handle on my powers. I...I really fucked up. As if freezing wasn't bad enough, Caitlin found out about what I am. I never meant to influence her but I guess I did and she figured it out somehow and it probably cost me one of my oldest friends and it's only a matter of time before - before -\nOliver!\nI don't know!\nBack off!\nDon't make me -\nI'm not.\nJust give me a second.\nI don't know!\nAdam!! (beat) It's Adam.\nYeah...my friend.\nBut it's more than that.\nIt's everything...like...everything connected with him.\nAnd mine. And everything that it meant and everything that it did. (Beat) Ever since we broke up...the reason that we broke up...why I pushed him away...I was scared. I am scared.\nThat...that none of it is real.\nHis...mine...both. I told you it took me years to get a handle on my powers. I finally felt like a super hero...like I could control it, manage it, and I had Adam there -the one thing on this planet I fucking care about more than anything else, the one person that I love with every piece of me. And then this fucking stupid Pokemon evolution thing happened and I started pushing feelings on people. Not a lot but...enough. And I thought, maybe, the feelings Adam had maybe weren't his feelings anymore...but mine. Me wanting him to love me like I love him. And then I thought how unfair it would be if I just kept him, like- like an emotional kidnapping or something. I've seen, what that can do to someone, and I... Adam deserves so much more than that. He deserves so much fucking more than me.\nI dunno. Little things at first. He started pushing me to make other Atypical friends. He got distant. And I stopped talking about Atypical stuff because I didn't know how to tell him what was going on, the weird ways I was changing and then he started acting weird and asking me questions about my power all the time and I could just...I could feel his doubt. So much doubt.\nWhat if I got scared? What if I pulled some fucked up Raiders of the Lost Ark idol switch with his golden real feelings and my fucking sand bag of fears? I mean, apparently I've been pushing feelings onto Caitlin for the past twelve hours and I had no idea.\nThe way you and Mark are talking about things right now?\nSorry. That was...that was stupid. I didn't mean to make you sad.\nIt's not cool. Your thing isn't my thing. (long beat) The silence is freaking me out. I'm not used to it with you.\nYeah. Basically.\nThat's harsh.\nYou barely know us. How could you even know that?\nBut what if I don't?\nIt's me that I don't trust.\nI just want him to be happy. And to have that happiness be real.\nBut I can feel what he feels...and what a hundred people behind him feel too.\nAfter-school special?\nI don't want to feel this way. About me.\nYeah...I think so.\nI just wish I had my confidence back. I don't know what happened.\nI feel like I haven't stopped going through shit.\nAdam.\nSo, do you want to tell me about yours and Mark's problem?\nHe's, like, my big brother. I could help. (then) Besides, you know you're not that old, you keep acting like -\nNot better. Just...feels good to say it out loud, I guess. (beat) What do you want?\nAnd you think the book can do that?\nSo...what are you going to do with it?\nI can look through it more with you. My powers could help.\nSo have you.\n...Okay.\n...Okay.\n...No... it isn't.\nYeah.\nOkay.\nOkay. You calling Mark?\nHey, Oliver. Thanks.\nAnd you're right.\nThis books is dangerous.\nWhat you want...is what I want...\nNobody else should have their hands on this thing. (Beat) I can make sure of that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caleb? Caleb where are you? It's- it's 3am. Caitlin said you went to clear your head, but she won't tell me what you guys talked about-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm okay. Actually, no. I'm not okay. Adam, I'm so fucking not okay. But I think I know how I can be okay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caleb...what are you talking about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've been doing something. Trying to get a handle on my powers and I've been using the book to -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "- I've been using it to try and find my balance and I know I fucked everything up and keep fucking everything up but Oliver told me -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "- You're with Oliver? Caleb where are you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's okay. I promise. I'm going to make it okay. I'm going to fix it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "O.S.\nCaleb, tell me where you are. You're not sounding like yourself. You're starting to freak me out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm freaked out too. But it's okay. I've got the book and I'm going to destroy it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? Is Oliver making you do this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. He doesn't know I have the book. Well, now he does. But I ran away from the boathouse with it and I think I can destroy it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caleb -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm going to the tower and I'm going to end this. We don't have to guard the book. Nobody should get hurt by it anymore. I'll destroy it and then nothing will happen on Halloween. Everyone will be safe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caleb -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We need to talk, Adam. I need to tell you some things. But first, I have to do this. Then everyone will be okay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caleb, you sound -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oliver told me not to use the book again and I listened to him but then when I got near campus I needed it. I needed it and I don't want to need it anymore."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just wait where you are, Caleb. I'll -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I love you, Adam.\nAll right, book. It's done. That's it. You don't have power over me or anyone else anymore.\nNo. No! No one will be able to use you. Against me or my friends.\nYou can't control me! I know who I am, I know what I want, I have been through all this and I can go through all this again, but I won't let you win!\nWhat?\nYou... you.\nOliver, right? (heated) Whatever you're planning... you won't be able to do it. My friends and I--\nWanna bet?\nYou're one to talk, when you-- you're--\nYou're trying to take over the world!\nHow do you...\nIt... it wasn't?\nBut I... but it...\nNo... No. You...\nI... I can't... please- don't-\nProfessor Blackwell...\nI... I... I can't.\n(grunt)\n(grunt of pain)\nHow did you know my name?\nLeave my friends alone.\nNever.\nI guess consent is a foreign concept to you, huh?\nLike... how I'd be here?\nThat... that can't...\nBut it's... it's ancient.\nSo you...what, you cursed it?\n(pained gasp)"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(far away) Caleb? Caleb? (then, closer) Caleb! Come on, answer me!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adam?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh... oh thank God. I thought... You hung up after... after... and then I couldn't find you and you weren't answering your phone and Oliver didn't know where you were--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where's the book?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did you destroy it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No... No, I... I came up here to get rid of it... to stop it once and for all, but I... I didn't realize the book was leading me here and when I did... it was too late."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? Why? Caleb, what happened?!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(in tears) I fucked up, Adam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fucking, just... tell me!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's Professor Blackwell. He has the book."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The College Tapes Episode 19 Transcript\n719 - A Verbis Ad Verbera\nWhat were you thinking?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was thinking if I could keep the book from hurting anybody else that I had to try something. (Wincing) Ahh...."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just, keep still. (Seeing blood on the back of his head) Oh...Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm fine. I've just got a little headache, that's all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You've probably got a concussion. You're bleeding."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Guess the stone floor won..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This isn't funny, Caleb. You could have died."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm fine. Look at me. I'm fine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What happened?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I told you. Blackwell has the book. He knew I was going to be here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He said he did something to it. Like the book was always going to end up here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here the tower here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. (Wincing) Ahhh...fuck that hurts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just keep sitting. Caleb, if he has the book -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "- I know, I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is bad."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How did he knock you out? Did he sneak up on you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, we were talking - well, no, he was monologuing - and he cold-cocked me. Fucking hurt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How is that even possible? Why didn't you fight back?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn't want to hurt him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He's an old guy. But that doesn't matter...I don't want to hurt anybody."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You need to defend yourself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Last time I defended myself, I almost killed a guy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You were defending me. And that's different."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, it isn't."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that what happened in the Library?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't want to talk about last night."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't want -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "- You need to talk to me -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why do I need to talk to you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, really. Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because we're friends and I care about you...even when you're frustrating and making dumb decisions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But that's what I do, right? Just dumb decisions one after the other."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, you didn't end up here from making the right decisions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow. Yeah, okay. Thanks for confirming the last three years of my life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Talk to me, Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "- I feel like I'm paralyzed, Adam. (Beat) I'm afraid what my body or my power is going to do at any given moment and if I start I don't know if I can get them to stop."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean your power? What's wrong?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A lot has changed, Adam, since...since we were in high school."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't think I know that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ugh. Fuck. Okay, we need to -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "- Caleb...when you called me...you didn't sound like yourself. What's going on?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll be fine. I can handle it. I was handling it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah - no - lying on the floor unconscious...masterful strategy, Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was going to destroy the book."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How? Why up here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know. It must have been whatever Blackwell did to it. To keep it returning to the tower. The book speaks...it wants you to listen and- and I think it told me...I don't know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have conversations...with the book?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Not exactly. Just. I'm fine. Forget it. We need to call -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Stop. Just stop, okay. What is going on?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We need to tell everybody what's happened."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Stop."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "- No. Enough. You call me in the middle of the night. You tell me you're going to destroy the book, when I didn't even know you had the book, when you were supposed to be home, with me, with all of us. After everything that's happened, how could you- and Beck and Mark and Oliver had the book under control! -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "- They didn't -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "- How do you know that!? Now you tell me you've been using it? Using it how? What have you been doing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing. I told you, I tried to destroy it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I meant before tonight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've been gone, Adam. I was back in Boston. You made sure of that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What is that supposed to mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You and Caitlin weren't exactly dying to keep us all around."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This last week? We had midterms. You had midterms. Ben needed to see their parents, obviously."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, but what if I wanted to stay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You didn't want me to stay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want you to do whatever you want to do. You're your own person, Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whatever. I was in Boston, I wasn't doing anything with the book."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm talking about before you all left. Does this all have to do with when you met Oliver the morning everybody showed up? Did it talk to you then? (Beat) I can't believe I'm saying this. So the book talks?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It talks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Like, \"Hi I'm a book nice to meet you what's your name?\"."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Be serious."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am, you're just not telling me what the fuck you mean when a literal book speaks. (Beat) Have you and Oliver been playing with this thing the whole time?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wasn't playing with it. This isn't a game."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then you tell me what it is, Caleb. Because I have more questions than answers at the moment, and you're sitting on the floor bleeding from your head and I don't know what to do. Tell me what I should do here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Trust me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How can you say that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't, Adam."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, how can you expect me to trust you when all you've done is lie to me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's unfair."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's incredibly unfair."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn't lie to you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes you did."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We need to call everybody and come up with a game plan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't push me, Adam."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What? Like how you pushed me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fuck that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How you pushed me away? How you just keep pushing me away?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was trying to keep you safe!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "From what!? A book that was safely with Mark and Oliver in the first place; chatty pages notwithstanding? Plus, I called you here, remember? I chose to bring you here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, and why did you do that?!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know why."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No I don't! You call me up and you tell me there's something Atypical going on. You call me after we've been broken up for a year and, what? You figured because there's some Atypical bullshit afoot I have to be a part of it? Like, maybe I heard something at the last meeting or something? The last Atypical-wide group text or some shit?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was scared."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was scared too! I'm always scared. Have you ever stopped to consider that, ever? I'm scared that we're just going to keep doing this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Doing what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Going round and round in circles. Like we can't get away from each other's gravity. It didn't work last time, and I was finally getting over it and what you did was fucking unfair -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "- What I did was unfair? What about the DMs you've sent me over the past year...was that you finally getting over it? God! You've always done this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Done what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This push and pull, hot and cold, I want you but I'm not good for you bullshit. (then, frustrated) Fuck!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(overlapping) Don't put words in my mouth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not! It's literally been the same thing for as long as I've known you. You've always unilaterally decided what's best for me like I have no say in the matter...like I'm some fragile thing that you have to protect and I don't want that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then if you don't need to be protected, why am I here? You called me!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you came! (Beat) You always do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So what do you want!?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You didn't want me to come here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. I did. I thought I did. I still do. You just make me so crazy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How do you think I feel?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know, Caleb. You're the one with the powers. I'm doing the best I can here but you won't let me in. (Beat) Go ahead. Use your powers. Tell me what I'm feeling right now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not doing that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What are you afraid of? That you feel what I'm feeling?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No! That you feel what I'm feeling."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What does that even mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You want to know why this has been so hard? Why we broke up? Why I'm sitting here looking at you and all I want you to do is...is...(then) Fuck it - all I want is for you to hold me and kiss me but I can't...I just fucking can't?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why not?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because I don't trust it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Trust what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Any of it. What if it isn't real?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A lot has changed since high school."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You keep saying that but what does that even mean?! You? Us? Your powers? You don't like Thai food anymore? What do you even fucking mean, Caleb? Drop the vague tap dance and tell me what you're not telling me! (Beat) So I can understand! Please!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can make people feel things now!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can make people feel things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean like? -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "- What's been going on with me...it's been going on for a while. Over a year ago I started - I started accidentally making people feel how I wanted them to feel. Or at least how I hoped they'd feel on their own. I don't know. I don't know how it works and it doesn't make any sense, but it happened at The AM after you pushed me into shadowing there -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I pushed you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, you did."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So this is my fault somehow?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, that's not what I was saying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's what it sounds like."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I didn't want to fucking go there in the first place but you kept pushing and pushing and I figured you wanted your space -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's not what I wanted. I just wanted you to feel like you belonged somewhere. You were having a hard time at BU and I just thought-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That- that doesn't matter! This isn't...ahhh...this isn't the point of what I'm trying to tell you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I never wanted to push you into something you didn't want, Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look, when we were first...I mean- way back, when I was falling for you, I had this fear. This fear that your feelings- your crush on me, or whatever- was what made me fall for you-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, you said, you said they were your feelings-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And they were! I was wrong. And I knew they were mine because I- even when you weren't around, I couldn't stop thinking about you and then I fell in love with you and it was the best feeling in the world but... (beat) When this...new thing started happening, I started to think...that maybe...maybe it was the- the other way around this whole time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "- And then it happened again this past summer after I thought I got a handle on it...and then I did it to Ben weeks ago and -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I- I don't understand, you're an Empath, you don't...you don't make people feel things."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Apparently that's part of the advanced package."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But- but- okay, wow, this is a lot to process but I...(then) I still don't see why this means you had to break up with me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What if you don't - didn't really love me? What if I put those feelings there?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What? That's not how it works."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How do you know?! You're not Atypical."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Which you remind me of every chance you get!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You just can't understand-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no, I understand perfectly. I don't have agency of my own apparently, so our whole relationship was just some weird projection on your part and I wasn't completely gutted when you ended things-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You weren't! And I wasn't the only one to end things, you were fine with it. You basically pushed me out the door-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "- You think I pushed? That's not how it happened! (Beat) I watched you pull away. I encouraged you to get to know more Atypicals because it was so obvious to me that you needed more. Then I saw how you'd rather spend time with other people like you, and you surrounded yourself with them. You're basically Mark's little brother, you still paint with Chloe, you've got Frankie and Ben and everyone else before them and I wasn't enough."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's not- what are you talking about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I watched you fall out of love with me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam, this is ridiculous."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No it's not! It's my life! Which may seem ridiculous to you -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "- That's not fair -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I watched you pull away and you stopped including me in all of your Atypical stuff and then you told me you wanted to break up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You wanted to break up with me!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only because you wanted to break up with me! And then I told myself it made sense. High School sweethearts are a dumb concept. Nobody really finds their person before they're eighteen, that's idiotic, right? (Beat) What?...We end up together because we were born the same year and therefore have the same english teacher, A verbis ad verbera, so we're forever? It's stupid to think that a crush in high school is real life end game."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you felt this way the whole time then I guess it's good we didn't stay together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I felt this way because you made me!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "See! This is what I'm saying!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, not like that! You left me alone and I had to come up with some reason for why it didn't work out and Sadie made me realize that it's all bullshit. Everything I've told myself, everything you've been doing, it's all a distraction. It doesn't matter. (Beat) Fuck! I've spent the past year wishing something big had happened! Something that would make me hate you so I could make sense of why it all ended. But instead I was stuck with this weird fizzle out grey area that doesn't make sense. Like why the fuck aren't we together? Tell me I did something horrible, or that you fell for someone else or something because I keep going back to try and figure out why you just walked away from us and I don't understand it!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fuck, dude."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't “dude” me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're the only fucking people on the planet who can have a fight about how we love each other! I don't get it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't either. (then) On the phone, earlier, when you called. You said you loved me. So- so why are we fighting right now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because I don't know what's real! (Beat) I'm not being dramatic. I'm serious. It's like someone stomped on my inner compass and I don't know if when it says I'm going north I'm really going north. You think I have the answers to all of this!? I don't! I thought I had it together after Dr. Bright - after all the shit I went through. All that stuff we got through together...and then everything I knew about my power flipped on its head and I don't know what I am anymore. I don't know if what you're feeling right now is real. If we're having it out because I want us to and you have no say in it -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's such bullshit, Caleb-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because I'm stronger than that! I need you to know I'm stronger than that!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But it doesn't have anything to do with you!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Exactly! There it is! It doesn't! (Beat) This fear you have. That I don't - didn't love you. That's on you. Not me. You've made all of these decisions about us based off of what you think you did or didn't feel from me. (Beat) What you felt at the beginning wasn't my feelings influencing you; we proved that. And what I felt before we broke up wasn't you influencing me. (Beat) Somewhere along the way you lost sight of us; the real us. Not the second to second emotions we feel, but the us as two people who cared about each other. You're so obsessed with losing me or protecting me or doubting where I'm coming from."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because I know what you feel. I can't avoid it! For better and usually for fucking worse, I get the play by play."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But what were my actions saying?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was the problem! Your feelings were saying one thing and your actions another, and then when things with my power started to change...it just felt like your actions were the real you breaking through. Like they were trying to push me away while your feelings were pulling me closer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Or maybe why I did that was because I love you! Because I didn't want to smother you! (Beat) You said to me once that you wished it was just you and me alone in the universe. I said that that wouldn't be so bad...do you remember that? I was an idiot with heart eyes and nothing else in that moment because I was seventeen at the time and that's not how life works. (Beat) It's a nice idea but it isn't healthy. You need other people in your life. It couldn't be just us. I wanted you to find family in other people who knew what you were going through. And honestly, I need that too. Maybe not a tribe as big as yours...but I need people like Caitlin...and I need more people that get what I've been through too. And I don't think that's a bad thing, Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fine, you wanted me to find other people. But now you resent me for it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I just didn't count on you leaving me alone in the universe with a broken heart."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you want from me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want you to tell me how you feel."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm trying to -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No! You keep telling me how I feel. I don't need you to do that. I've never needed you to do that. When I was depressed as a kid, I knew it, I didn't need you or anybody else to tell me; I knew it. When our hands touched on that lunch table the first time and I felt like my lungs were filled with helium and I could fly away, I knew it. When we texted late at night and I felt more seen than I had ever been in my life, I knew it. When I held your broken hands after Damien and wanted to take your pain away, I knew it. From every fucking time we made-out in your car to the first time we had sex and every other amazing time after, I knew what I was feeling. I've never needed you to tell me what I'm feeling. I've loved that you can - that you can understand with me without me having to explain, that you get me but...I don't need you making decisions based off of my feelings. I just need you to be with me in them.\n(Beat)\nI know I don't need to tell you this, but human emotion is complicated, Caleb. You've expressed that to me a million times. And I promise you, I've loved you. I've loved you and everything in between. Full. Complete. The whole spectrum. Loving you showed me every color inside me and you painted a fucking kaleidoscope on my heart. But what's going on inside me isn't the total measure of who I am in this or what you were - no, are - to me. It's my actions...my choices. It's every time we sat on a date and didn't break eye contact when we knew we didn't need to say anything. Or those mixes I made you. Or how I stole your hoodies just so I could breathe you in deep when I was feeling depressed. (Beat) My actions, Caleb. I know how I felt. It's not your job to decipher what's going on inside me. You have to listen to me, and see what I do and trust I'm operating in good faith and nothing but unconditional love for you. (Beat) Now tell me what you feel."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fear. Just fear. (beat) I'm afraid this is what my life is going to be. I don't know how to be around people anymore. I don't know how to help them. And I need to help them. I can't not try. I wish I could, but it's the one thing that I do know...even if it's the thing that has me so mixed up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What happened to you that made you so afraid of everything?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Life happened."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, but life always happens...it's life. What changed?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The fear of losing what I have. Trying to help or protect you...I lost you. Trying to help people by going into psychology, and then I find out my powers might do the opposite of helping people...I lost my future."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You didn't lose your future."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Easy for you to say. Your internship in London, your school, your grades, everything you're doing, it's all working out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I feel so small and lost. I thought that we needed to grow apart from each other but...I just feel stuck in the choices of my past...like, I'm sinking and there's nothing I can do about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then make new choices. Make one right now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Make a choice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's not that easy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know it isn't. We've been thrown together the last month and I want to scream every other second."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's more than I bargained for bringing you here. But I made a choice and we're dealing with that right now, and you know what? (Beat) I'm glad I did it. (Beat) Because I get to see you. Even though we've been spending this whole time swinging between yelling at each other and moments where I feel like we're going to jump each other."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah - I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Make a choice, Caleb. You can spend all day sitting in your feelings and everyone else's feelings, but at the end of the day, it's our actions that count."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come on. What's next. Make a choice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know. But if you feel like you're in quicksand, here's the line. Grab onto it and pull yourself out. What do you want to do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know what I want to do, but I'm not sure I should do it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm just not sure. After everything. I don't know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't know what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you want me to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(softly) Do it, Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I missed you. I missed you so much."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I missed you too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've been such an idiot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We both have."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn't want to lose you and I did everything wrong. I keep doing everything wrong...I want us to be okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want that too. (beat) I didn't- I'm sorry. I didn't know you were going through this with your powers. I wished you'd told me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know what to do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So...just to be clear...you can put emotions in other people...like target them?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't really have any control over it...that I know of. But that's sort of how it works. But I have to be feeling it. Or like, have the intention for them to feel it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's scary. (Beat) I'm not scared. I need you to know that. But that's scary to deal with on your own. (Beat) You haven't talked to anybody about this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Frankie and Mark some...but they're no Joan Bright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why didn't you talk to her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess I didn't want to fall back? I'm twenty-one now. I didn't want to feel like I was as helpless and hopeless as I was at sixteen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You were never hopeless. And I don't think a therapist is something you really grow out of."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm supposed to be on a path to the next great thing; like you. And I've been scared that my last great thing was you and I had peaked or something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're Caleb Michaels."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I don't even know who that is anymore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're the biggest heart, the kindest eyes and the most empathetic person - no Atypical power needed - that I've ever known. (Beat) We can figure all of this out. Together."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You mean after we get the book back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The book."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm so sorry. I thought I could destroy it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did Blackwell say?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bad guy monologue stuff. I felt like I was getting Palpatined or something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He wanted you to join him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He said he wanted to make the world better for people like me and him. Said how nobody knows what it's like for us out there. What we go through."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He's crazy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He isn't wrong. At least about the last part. Guess it was more Magneto than the emperor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do we know what he actually wants to do with it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess what I'd been doing...on my own...with...Oliver. (Beat) I'm sorry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. But what do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The book was helping. I mean, everything's fucked, but I was able to use it to hold onto emotions."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The book has memories in it. Each of those memories are from the perspective of the person that put it there on the page. And each person left a trace of whatever emotion they felt the most in that memory. And Blackwell...he's...he's an empath. I think that's part of it. How some of these things got in there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blackwell is like you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He's nothing like me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right. Yeah, no, I know that, Caleb. But his powers? (Beat) You were feeling the memories?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Instead of all of the changing emotions I deal with every day...the pages have single feelings that I can grab onto. (Beat) You're worried."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, I am. Caleb, that doesn't sound safe. (Beat) You've been doing this the whole time?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As much as I could."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm fine. You don't have to worry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're not fine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey...really. I feel better than I have in a while. Thanks to you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, but Caleb. You sounded strung out on the phone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You think the book can help you control your power?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I thought it could. But I realized it was too dangerous. So I brought it here...but you knew that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm going to say something...but I don't want you to think I'm accusing you or anything, okay?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "...Okay..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you think Blackwell could help you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I only just met the guy, Adam."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. But you said the book convinced you to come here and Blackwell wanted that. So in some sense...you must have expected to see him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. I honestly didn't know he'd be here. And even if I did, I don't want his help."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't believe he's an empath. Did he force...I mean...did...uhhh..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did he force feelings on me like I can do now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. He can. But he didn't on me, I don't think. I guess he thought he didn't need to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not like him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know you aren't."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you're worried that I might be someday."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't say that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you felt it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did I say, Caleb? Listen to me...look at me. I felt worried. That's all. You made the mental leaps as to what I was worried about."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then what are you worried about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Aside from...everything? (Beat) I'm worried...that the idea of him being dark timeline Caleb is going to make you hurt even more than you already are."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You aren't Blackwell, Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam, I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Look at me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't want to be like him. Please don't let me turn into that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want to help people. I don't want to hurt them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. I know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I don't want to hurt you; ever again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm so scared that I'm on this train that won't stop. Like, my powers will just keep speeding up and go off the tracks and hurt everyone I care about."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's not going to happen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I...I did it to Caitlin last night."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What? What do you meant?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I influenced her. I didn't mean to. But I did."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How? When?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When we got here. I was so excited to see you. I missed you. All I wanted to do was be around you...and I think that feeling went into Caitlin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(Realizing) That's why she was so cheery..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I think...I think when we told her about Atypicals I was making her calm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh. (beat) Caleb, that's..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have to tell her. She deserves to know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She already knows. She overheard me talking on the phone with Oliver."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So that's who you were talking to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I may or may not have done some influencing of my own last night. I'm not proud of it. (Beat) Caitlin said she overheard you on the phone...in my room...and I asked her to put her ear up against the door."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I told her to stop like a second after I made her do that. I realized...I have to trust you again. I mean, I need to learn to do better about trusting you..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean you have every right not to. I fucked up. That's all I've been doing is fucking up and giving you reasons to not trust me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We both could do better in the not keeping secrets department."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even if we think we're protecting the other person."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But that's my job. I mean...it was. Not that that was the only part of the job description...I know, you don't need protecting, but, Adam, there's never going to be a day when that I won't choose to stand between you and something bad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How about holding my hand when you do it? Include me. We're stronger together, you know..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You mean like this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah just like this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your hand is cold."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is it? I'm feeling pretty flushed, so...that's surprising."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "...Oh yeah?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We're not going to have sex in a tower."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn't say that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You didn't have to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh so you have empath powers now, huh? I see."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know I'm scared, right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I am too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But even though I'm scared, I- I want to figure this out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You mean us?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm game if you are. (Beat) Dork."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meathead."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just catching up with my head wound."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let me take a look.\nYeah. The floor got you pretty good. We have some antiseptic back at the apartment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But that'll sting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't be a baby."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How are we going to explain all of this to everybody?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The fact that you were emotionally hypnotized by the book like Jafar's staff and you not only lost said book but you got knocked out by an old guy?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Something like that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We'll just tell 'em. If Blackwell needed the book and a...a sacrifice..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fuck."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "...he's halfway there. And we're almost out of time. Today's Halloween."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh my god, you're right. (Beat) But that means he's almost out of time too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We should go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. What time is it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(Checking his watch) Seven. (Beat) Everyone's probably still passed out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We'll wake them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you want to call Mark and Oliver?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I'm sure Oliver's looking for me anyway. (Beat) Hey."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's Halloween."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Trick or treat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come on. Let's go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Let's go."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The College Tapes Episode 20 Transcript\n720 - Ad Meliora\n...it took a lot of convincing for them to be cool with me coming back.\nI'm not going to let some pathetic, wannabe Atypical occultists ruin college for me. I finally found a place where I belong - where I feel like I can be exactly who I want to be, where I actually know other people like me - and no one is taking that away from me.\nI definitely need to have a conversation with my roommate about what constitutes a \"call the police immediately\" kind of situation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ben!\nI'm sorry I wasn't here when you got in last night-\nHow are you? How was New York? Are your parents locking you away in a tower forever?\nNot much of a break to be honest. I'm just glad you're doing okay and that you're actually coming back-\nCaitlin- (turning to her) Caitlin, I'm- I- I'm really sorry about yesterday and I- I have a lot of explaining to do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caitlin, I promise you, he's not dangerous. Caleb told me what happened and I know how scary this stuff is-\nThe former."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah...yeah we are. (then) Soulmate, huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hush you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's- it's Mark."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What does it say?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "\"Beck's office. 911.\"\nCome on, man-\nI really, really don't-\nI know, guys, I know. Trust me, I already feel terrible about it. I don't know how I'm ever going to get her to trust me again.\nI'm just glad you're here now. (beat) Besides, it's my problem, not yours.\nI...I don't. I wish I did but...(then) I think I kept her calm when we told her about Atypicals. Caitlin is good at not being rattled but...\nI wish I could say for sure that that's it, but I don't even really realize when I'm doing it-\nYeah...(then) This is it.\nMark, what's going on?\nWait, how do you know? Oliver isn't exactly the most reliable person-\nOkay, but that still doesn't-\nOh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hey guys-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adam- how did it go?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Uh..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(downtrodden) Great."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well...She's..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She's still pissed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I tried, Caleb, I really did."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. Thank you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's going on?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oliver's been kidnapped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "By Sodalis?\nOh god, is he the sacrifice?\nProfessor Blackwell...Caitlin overheard him talking about a ritual. Something to do with the book. And needing a sacrifice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There were some...other things going on?\nOliver didn't have the book. I did.\nBut Blackwell took it from me.\nLast night. This morning. I don't know, it's all a blur."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We do know where he is. Or, at least, where he's going to be.\nThe basement of Russell Library. That's where Caitlin overheard him and I think that's where the ritual is happening."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tonight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who's Alex?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait...Alex the pyro?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The guy from The AM?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why isn't this something we've ever heard about before? Does Dr. Bright know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you thought they came back?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And he put it in the book too. Made it this...seductive thing.\nThen we need to stop him.\nWhoa-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you okay, Professor? You look-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I'm not going to freeze this time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And if you do, I'll be there to help you. I don't know how because I have no powers or muscles, but I'll try."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh...are you sure, dude? You're like...\nI mean, you're super ripped. Respect and everything but Professor Blackwell is, you know, old. Like, old-old. I don't think you should...hurt him.\nRight. Because he can make people feel stuff.\nAnd that's...that's really bad. Right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(to Caleb) That's not you, Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. (beat) I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do. And we're almost there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The kind that's through a bunch of secret underground tunnels."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's right up here-\nCaitlin.\nYou figured right."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why are you...\nYou mean you-\nYou do. You absolutely do.\nI would really love that.\nOf course, I never want to do that to anyone, ever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(muttering) That's not ominous.\nNot if he's been messing with the book again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(hissing) Mark, no, wait-\n(whispering back) What?\n(hissing) What?\nBen, I-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caitlin!!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can't just...you can't make people in your own vision! You can't force people to be what you want them to be-\nYou should be. Controlling other people isn't a gift!\nNo, it's not. Not if they don't choose it.\nDon't confuse compassion with weakness, Professor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um...guys?\nMy watch, it's...it's an hour ahead."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are we- are we still in a time loop?\nBut there's no way we were underground for six hours, but somehow the sun is rising, so something is going on-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe we should go back in?\n(laughing) Oh my god..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(laughing) Thank god!\nMaybe you're right...maybe it is time for a new watch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey, I gave you that watch!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. But now I have you, I don't need to hold onto old reminders."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think Oliver is the creepy old man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh god, is it- (looking) Oh, uh...no. Is it someone from The AM?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe? I don't recognize her.\nHuh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sadie, what the hell, you know her?\nFess up, dude."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wait, what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sades, what the hell is she talking about? What's going on?\nUh, high? Atypicals hang out with each other-\nSo, wait, you were...what, tracking us?\nSadie!\nDamn straight we will."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You didn't think to mention this when we had our heart-to-heart last night?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mark, I live in Boston.\nBut yeah, we'll be there. Right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Definitely.\nWait-- Oliver?\nNon facias malum ut inde fiat bonum - the Latin in your notes. What did that have to do with all of this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't do wrong to do right.\nWhat? Are you okay? What's wrong.\nThen what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No kidding. That was awesome, Ben."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So...what was with asking me to calm everyone down? I don't think it worked.\nYou used it.\nThat. Is very cool.\nUh..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah.\nSo."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One of our weirder Halloweens?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hmm...I mean, in Freshman year we did see those kids on the BU squad throwing pumpkin guts at each other."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah...I'm not sure that qualifies as weirder."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Probably not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm...I'm really glad I called you. (beat) I mean, I'm not glad for everything that's happened. It's been scary and confusing and- and- and I still have so many questions. But I'm glad I called."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(smiling) Me too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's always us against the world, huh?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, yeah it is. I don't want to be alone in the universe with you anymore though."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. I want to be part of your universe. And I want you to be part of mine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think that sounds pretty okay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We can grow together. (a long beat) It's not going to be easy, is it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Growing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Well, yes. But...everything. This. Atypical shit. Friends and enemies. You and me. (beat) Life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. It's not going to be easy. (then) Wanna do it together?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do what together?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(smiling big) Yeah. Yeah, I really do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Cool."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cool."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Breakfast first?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, that feels like a good place to start."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 8 Transcript\n08 - Patient #11-A-7 (Caleb)\nPatient #11-A-7. Session 13. The patient’s friendship with a fellow student has yielded impressive results. The patient is much more balanced and able to filter incoming feelings better, though this does not seem to extend to everyone. He expressed having great difficulty at his school’s Sadie Hawkins dance and almost got into an altercation with another student who was frightening his date. No physical contact was made but the patient was nearly overwhelmed with fear and anger. See log 12 for details. I am hoping that further exposure to Adam will continue to help the patient gain control.\nAfternoon, Caleb. Come on in. How are you feeling today?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, fine. God, Sarah is pretty stressed, huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is she?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, she’s, like, totally frazzled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s strange. She seemed fine this morning. It must be the wedding."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why would the wedding be stressing her out? Does she not want to get married?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, of course she does. But wedding planning can be extremely time consuming and stressful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Really? I thought that was just something they made up, like, in movies."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m afraid not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Was your wedding like that? Wait, are you even married?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I’m not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. Why not?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb, these sessions are not about me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, sorry, I wasn’t trying to get into your business or whatever. I’m just surprised because you’re, you know…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What? Old?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no, not old. Just, you know, most people your age are married."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose so. I guess I’m one of the rare ones then."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You never wanted to get married?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb, what is this sudden concern with my love life?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sorry, sorry. It’s just, my parents were celebrating their hundredth wedding anniversary or whatever this week and then your secretary is all wedding crazy and I guess it’s just on my mind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re a little young to be thinking about marriage don’t you think? Unless there’s someone special you haven’t told me about?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? No, of course not, that’s insane."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb, I was kidding."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. Right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s perfectly natural for you to think about things like marriage at your age. You’re entering the phase of your life where you begin to have adult relationships, so it makes sense to wonder about long term commitments."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, exactly. Spending the rest of your life with someone seems a little nuts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that something you’re worried about? Do you think your ability would negatively affect a long-term relationship?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I guess so. But I think that maybe I could get used to someone’s feelings well enough to be with them. I mean, I already live with my parents and my sister and manage okay with that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s very true. And then there’s Adam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I just mean that you’ve managed to balance his emotions fairly well. And as you’ve been spending more and more time with him, it’s been getting easier, hasn’t it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, it has."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s been a few weeks since we really talked about Adam. How are things going with him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, they’re good. They’re really good. He’s actually a pretty cool guy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is he?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I mean, he’s still kind of angry and sad a lot of the time, but I think you were right. I think maybe he just, you know, needed a friend."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And would you consider the two of you to be friends?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, yeah, I think you could say that. I mean, we do spend most of our time together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, yeah. At least in the past few weeks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Does he hang out with you and your other friends?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well…I don’t really have a lot of other friends, do I? I mean, I’ve got the football team, I hang out with them sometimes after practice, but I haven’t really been spending a lot of time with other people this year."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s true. Given your ability, it’s natural that you isolated yourself for a time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Exactly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But now Adam is a good friend?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, he is. I mean, I don’t need to isolate myself from him, not really. He sort of makes sense of everything. When I’m with him, things just…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fit?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, exactly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And he isn’t sad anymore?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, he still is sometimes. His- his family isn’t the greatest. Like, his parents sound like the opposite of my parents. They’re really hard on him, expecting a lot of him and all. I mean, he’s smart, he's like, really, really, really smart, so I don’t get how he’s not good enough for them but, I don't know, that's just how that feels."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that something he told you or something you felt?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, he told me. I mean, I could feel that he was sad, but I couldn’t tell why. And then he was complaining about his parents and it sort of clicked into place."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Does that happen a lot? You’ll feel something and then he’ll share a piece of his life and things will begin to make sense?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. And sometimes if I’m feeling something strong from him, I’ll just ask him what’s bothering him. But it’s okay - he’s not suspicious about me or anything. I mean, how could he be? That would be a really specific thing to be suspicious about and, you know, he’s my friend and I can tell when he’s upset so it’s not creepy or anything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course. Asking after a friend’s emotional state is a normal part of life. Whether or not you already know the answer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Exactly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you spend a lot of time talking about your feelings?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Geeze, don’t make it sound so girly. No, I mean, look, mostly we do, you know, like, normal stuff. Like play video games, study, listen to music, just goof off. Adam’s actually- he's got a great sense of humor once you get to know him, you know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have to say, Caleb:, I’m delighted by all of this. It sounds like you’ve done a very good thing for both you and Adam by pursuing a friendship."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess so. I guess you give pretty good advice sometimes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So kind of you to say, Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sorry. I just mean, you know, that I don’t know if I would have approached him on my own. So, you know, thanks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re welcome. How are things going outside of your friendship with Adam?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean, things seem to be going very well with him. You’re able to control your own emotions better, and balance them with his. Has that carried over to your interactions with other people?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, not really."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You haven’t been getting into more trouble have you? That incident at the dance almost landed you in the principal’s office again-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I know. And no, I haven’t gotten into more trouble. Though, to be fair, that incident did land me in the principal’s office."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It did?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. He called me in last week. He just- he wanted to get my side of the story. And I explained everything. Well, obviously not everything, but you know, how I was getting drinks for me and Caitlin and Henry was harassing her and trying to grab her and everything. And she was really scared and he was acting, like, really fucking aggressive - I mean, anyone could see that, you didn’t need to be me to know that - and so I pushed him away and he tried to hit me and then the chaperones got there, okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what did the principal say?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He understood. I mean, he was pretty cool about it all in all but I don't know, I guess Henry’s parents complained because apparently he comes from a family of dicks-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "-sorry. But anyway, Mr. Stevens was pretty annoyed at the whole situation and then I got really annoyed and I was sort of rude so he gave me detention."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, look, I know! But I couldn’t help it. I mean, normally adults are easier, but I had just had lunch with Adam and I felt good and normal for once, so I wasn’t really paying attention and he just sort of got the better of me. Sometimes it’s just fucking hard to keep everything in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": ""
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you tried hanging out with Adam in a group setting? I think it’s worth seeing how he affects you when other people are around."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, we still have class together. And he still drowns out everyone else for the most part. Except now he’s calmer, more focused. Well, and some- sometimes…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sometimes?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. Sometimes I feel that- sometimes I feel that butterfly feeling that we were talking about a few weeks ago."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you think it’s coming from Adam? Caitlin is in the same class, isn’t she?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, but after the whole Sadie Hawkins disaster, she hardly pays attention to me. No, I’m pretty sure it’s coming from him. I mean, I’ve gotten used to the way his feelings feel. The butterflies don’t bother me the way they do from other people. It feels kind of…nice. But I don’t really know what that’s about. I don’t know what he has to be nervous about."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you only feel it when you’re in class together?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, no. No, it happens other times too. Like when we’re eating lunch or studying or…it’s actually pretty random."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what is Adam doing when you start feeling this butterfly feeling?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um…I don’t know if I’ve- I don't know if I've ever really noticed. There doesn’t really seem to be a pattern - it just sort of happens."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hm. And do you ever get nervous yourself when you’re with him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um…yeah, I guess so."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why is that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I don’t know, I guess I’m still not totally sure if he likes being my friend. Like, it just sort of happened really quickly and we’ve never really talked about it. So I guess sometimes I get nervous asking him to hang out or whatever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because you think he’ll say no?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. Like, this past week, I asked if he wanted to come watch me play football. And Adam doesn’t really like sports so I sort of thought he’d say no."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But he didn’t?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, he said yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you were nervous to ask him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, like, really fucking nervous. And then I was nervous when he came to the game. And it just- it was so weird because, normally, all I can feel on the field is the focus and the aggression of my teammates. And sometimes the nerves of the other team. That’s actually how I know if they’re about to make a risky play."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Caleb, please don’t tell me you use your ability to cheat in football."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no of course not. I mean, I can’t really. It’s not like I can read their minds and see the plays. I can just tell when I should be paying extra attention. But God, can you imagine if I could see the plays? That would be awesome."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You were saying you were nervous when Adam came to the game?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah and so was he. That’s the weird thing - I could feel him over the whole team. I could feel how nervous he was. But it was really strange, ‘cause he was nervous for me. Like, it was his emotion but it almost felt like mine because it was aimed at me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you know why was he nervous for you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think he was worried I would get hurt. He thinks football is “a barbaric game for idiots who can’t afford to lose more brain cells”. His words not mine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see why were you nervous to invite him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ha, yeah, exactly. But I think- I really think he had a really good time. Once I started playing, it’s like…like he was in awe of me or something. Like he thought I was really impressive. Almost like- almost like he was proud of me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That must have felt wonderful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, it did. And I think- I think that’s what helped me win the game. It’s like he was there with me, rooting me on or something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His faith in you was encouraging."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Yeah, that’s it exactly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It sounds like the two of you have quite a connection."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I guess we do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What happened after the game? Adam must have been happy that you won."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, he was! He ran up to me, and he was smiling like I’ve never seen him smile before and it felt…I don’t know, it felt like I was on the top of the world. And I couldn’t really tell who was feeling happy - if it was him, or me, or both of us - but, I don’t know, it didn’t really matter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was the butterfly feeling back?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The only other time you’ve talked about that feeling, it was with Caitlin, whom you admitted wanted to date you. Do you think it’s possible that it’s the same for Adam?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? No, no we’re friends."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know, Caleb, it’s okay if you and Adam like each other in that way, it’s perfectly-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know it’s okay. But, it’s just. I don’t think I’ve ever had a friend like this. Not really. I don’t want to fuck that up with a bunch of other stuff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I understand. It’s a lot to process."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And like, he might not even feel that way. I mean, I’m still getting to know him and getting used to his feelings so who knows what he’s thinking when he gets all nervous like that. I mean, I’m still trying to figure out what feelings are even mine and I don’t want to-I don’t want to-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Overwhelm it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. It’s a little- it's too much to handle. I’m not saying that I haven’t thought- or that he’s not- I just can’t- I can't really think about that right now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I understand, Caleb. And you don’t have to. You and Adam don’t have to be anything more than what you are now if both of you don’t want that. It just sounded like maybe that’s what you were thinking about."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I really hadn’t thought about it all that much. I was just getting used to actually liking someone enough to spend time with them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can we- can we maybe do some meditation or something? I- I don’t know if I feel like talking anymore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sure.\n(time passes)\nAlright, Caleb, our time’s up. Don’t stress about Adam too much - just focus on getting your own feelings under control as always. You’ve made so much progress and you should be very proud of that. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, okay, I won’t."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good. I’ll see you next week?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "End of Session 13. Another very productive hour. The patient is making excellent progress in controlling his ability. I think I will soon be able to grade him as a Level 6. I have to say, I’m very proud of him.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Episode 9 Transcript\n09 - PATIENT #13-A-3 (CHLOE)"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Patient #13-A-3. Session 5. Both the patient and I have continued with our meditation and mindfulness exercises with moderate success so far. I have also made sure to move the patient’s appointments so she does not have contact with any of my other patients. She has reported being able to hear thoughts somewhat more clearly, which was demonstrated last session when she was able to pinpoint the thoughts of the lawyer in the office above mine. Progress to be certain. But I am hoping we can move forward more rapidly from here so that she might be useful in a few months when-\nCome in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hi, Dr. Bright! Sorry, I know I’m a few minutes early."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s alright, Chloe, come and take a seat.\nHow was your week?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was good! Great, actually. I finally talked to Frank!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chloe, I thought we decided that Frank was a distraction. That you were going to focus on learning to control your ability better."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, I know, but he’s not a distraction. Really. I just had to say something. Every time I walk past him - which is a few times a day, to be honest I’ve started just taking walks around the neighborhood to see him - but every time in the past two weeks he’s been thinking about his paintings. And at first it was paintings he had already done - ages ago, before he joined the marines - but in the past few days, it’s been about projects he hasn’t done yet, projects he wants to do. And they’re amazing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How can you tell the difference? Between paintings he’s already done and paintings he has yet to create?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, well, I don’t know. I just can."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So he is thinking about them in that way? Dividing the two categories in his own thoughts?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, not exactly. It’s not what he’s thinking about as much as how he’s thinking about them. I don’t know, maybe I understand better because I’m an artist too? I know how I think about something I’ve already made versus something I want to make and…yeah, that’s the difference I guess. The thoughts take a different shape in his mind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A different shape? So it isn’t a difference in color or taste or feeling like you’ve described before, but a shape?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mm, I guess shape maybe isn’t the right word? More like a path? Remember how last session I said that it was easier to figure out whose thoughts I was hearing if I held onto it and followed it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, the literal train of thought."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, exactly. It’s sort of like that. Like a thought has to start somewhere and then it follows a path until it turns into something else. So when Frank is thinking about something he wants to paint - or when I’m thinking about what I want to sculpt - it’s coming from a different place than if we were thinking about art we’d already made. So I can tell the difference because they’re following different paths - creating different shapes. Does that make sense? I thought I was getting better at describing these things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, that makes sense. And you are getting better at explaining the processes. You’ve come very far in the past five weeks. We’re pioneering a very ambiguous and subtle new field - the vocabulary isn’t going to be perfect right from the get go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, you’re right. It is pretty cool isn’t it? Thinking about all the different ways that people think and feel things?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s incredibly cool, Chloe. You are extremely lucky - as far as we know, you’re the only person in the history of the world that has been able to see inside the brain this way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ha, no pressure though."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I just meant that you are very unique. And I’m happy that you’re beginning to understand and appreciate that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I guess I am. I mean, even when it first started, I felt special, you know? Like the angels had picked me to talk to - to tell secrets to. Even though I know it’s not angels now, I still feel that way a bit. That I was chosen for something special."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe you were. I don’t know how much angels have to do with it, but I think you are very special and I think you’ll have the opportunity to do something special with this ability."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, that’s why I wanted to talk to Frank! I think I’m meant for him. That my ability is meant for him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His paintings! It’s a whole series - seven paintings, enormous oil paintings. And they are breathtaking. I mean, really, really amazing. Like, “could be in a museum” amazing. And he has no way of painting them. They’re just trapped in his head, trying to get out onto canvas."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry, Chloe, I don’t understand. What does that have to do with you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can help him paint them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chloe, this man isn’t your responsibility. Who knows how long he’s been living on the streets - he doesn’t sound stable from what you’ve told me. He could be dangerous."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But he’s not. I would know if he was dangerous. He’s not. Not like that patient of yours-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chloe, we’ve talked about this. My patients are my business - you have no right to invade their privacy when they’re here seeking counseling."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean, I have no right? You don’t get to pick and choose who I listen to. It doesn’t work like that. I’m always invading someone’s privacy. I can’t help it and your patients are not off-limits."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry - you’re right. I can’t tell you what to do with your ability - that is entirely up to your own discretion. But for my sake - and professional boundaries - I would prefer it if you did not mention my other patients to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. That’s fair. I’m just worried about you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. And that’s very kind of you, but you have nothing to be worried about. Let’s get back to Frank. You said you spoke to him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes! And I didn’t really know what to say, so I just gave him a few dollars and thanked him for his service. I know it’s not much, but it’s a start! And he looked me in the eye - a little confused I think, he probably couldn’t figure out how I knew about his military career - and he said thank you. You know, I figure I can just start saying more and more to him every day and maybe get to know him a bit. Maybe get him to go to the VA or something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right, you said that he was in the marines?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, for six years. And it really messed him up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why do you say that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I think he’s got that post-trauma thing - the P- the PT-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "PTSD. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s very likely. Many people who have been in a war zone develop some level of PTSD. You’ve mentioned before that you see violence sometimes in his thoughts. Are they images of the war?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. It’s really horrible. Some days are worse than others. I usually try to avoid him on the days he’s thinking about the war. I know that seems cold, but I have the worst nightmares if I listen to him for too long when he’s like that. It’s not easy to get out of your head once you’ve seen it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can imagine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And it’s hurt him so much. That’s why he’s so confused and angry and scared most of the time. And that’s why he needs to paint. Because when he thinks about his paintings, it’s like he’s almost happy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I still don’t understand what you’re supposed to do about that. Are you planning on buying him the supplies he needs? Provide him the space? Taking responsibility for someone of his situation is a very big undertaking, Chloe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I know that. And it’s not like I’m planning to adopt him. I just - I want to help. But getting his paints and canvases wouldn’t be the way, I don’t think. I’m pretty sure he can’t paint anymore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why not?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There’s something wrong with his hands. I don’t know if it’s an injury or just that he’s - they shake a lot and it frustrates him. Sometimes he just thinks “these damn hands, these damn hands” over and over and over again. I can hear him thinking about how he wouldn’t be able to hold a brush steady enough to paint. Oh God, that makes him so sad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m very sorry to hear that. But I still don’t see how you come into this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well…I was thinking I could paint for him. I mean, I can already see what they’re supposed to look like. And it’s not just that - I know what his thought process is behind it so I think I’d be able to mimic his technique. I’m not a painter - it’s never been my strength - but I think I could do it. With him. I think we could make something really beautiful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well that’s- that’s a very nice idea, Chloe. And actually, I think that could be a very useful exercise for you. A way to really get into someone’s thoughts and put them to use."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah…I guess. That’s sort of an odd way of putting it but, yeah. Yeah, I have this power and maybe this is the something special I’m meant to do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe. At the very least, I think it will help you gain more control."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think you’re right. Just spending more time around him has definitely made it easier to hear his thoughts more coherently. It’s like I’ve gotten used to the way he thinks so I’m able to pick him out of the crowd better and piece his thoughts together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That makes sense. He’s become a distinctive voice in your head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Exactly. Like you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, the more I come in here, the more I’m able to hear your thoughts. I mean, not like I’m trying to listen. I’m trying to respect your privacy and professional boundaries, and all that. Really. But yeah, every session I’m able to hear a little bit better. You’ve become a distinctive voice too. It’s funny, at first I could barely hear anything from you. It’s like your thoughts were behind this weird fog."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s- that’s probably because my singular focus was you - I wasn’t thinking about much else. I can’t imagine the thoughts of someone actively listening to you would jump out. It would just sound like an echo chamber."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I guess so. But anyway, now I can hear things a little more clearly. I’ve been able to sift through the fog a little bit. Like, I can hear you’re worried right now. What are you worried about? Is it your patient agai- no, it’s not that. It’s me? Why are you worried about me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chloe-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don’t want me to hear you? Why? I promise I won’t tell anyone anything, I swear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Please, Chloe, this is counter-productive. Listening to me will not help you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not listening anymore - I’m not trying to anyway. I can’t help it sometimes, you know that. Why are thinking about hiding something from me? What are you hiding from me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not trying to hide anything from you, Chloe. But I have a lot of sensitive information about other patients and I’m just trying to maintain patient confidentiality."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. You’re lying. You don’t care about patient confidentiality. You’ve already broken it. That’s- you just thought that! You’ve told someone about me!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I haven’t. You’re confused, Chloe. You’re getting your wires crossed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t think I am. Who did you tell about me? What are you trying to do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m trying to help you, Chloe. That’s all I’m ever trying to do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, you want to use me for something. I-I don’t understand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chloe, I promise you. I don’t want to use you for anything. I haven’t told anyone about you. Just my recorder."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your recorder? You record these sessions?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no, of course not. I take audio notes about my patients. Their progress, exercises I might want to try. But I am the only one who hears them. No one else knows, I promise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then why were you thinking about how pleased someone was going to be that I was gaining more control?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I- I was thinking about your mother. I know she’ll be so relieved to hear that you’re improving."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, okay. Um, all of this has made my head hurt a bit. I think we should call it day."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you sure, Chloe? I promise you, this is a safe place. We still haven’t done our meditation exercises for today. I don’t want you to hinder your own progress."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I’m sure. It’s just- it’s been an overwhelming day. I’m sorry for yelling at you. I think I just need to go home and think about some stuff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alright, if that’s what you think you need. If you want, you could come back tomorrow and-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, that’s alright. I’ll um, I’ll call next week about setting up another appointment. I’m, um, I’m thinking about getting back into classes so my schedule is going to get all weird, so…I’ll call Sarah and work something out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. Just make sure you do it soon. We don’t want to slow down now that we’ve gotten the momentum going."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no I guess we wouldn’t. Okay, well, I’ll see you soon, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, feel better. And don’t forget to keep up with your exercises."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure, right. I’ll just- bye!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To say we narrowly avoided disaster would be an understatement. It is far too early to talk to Chloe about the project and it must be kept from her while she is still this volatile. I think I was able to suppress my thoughts quickly enough but there is definitely some broken trust there. I will have to make sure to follow up - perhaps even introduce myself to this Frank fellow. We are too far along to have things start falling apart now.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Mini Episode 8 Transcript\nMini Episode 8 - September 30th, 2016\n(talking into a phone) We should be home by tomorrow, just in time for- I’m not really sure actually. Some weird little town a few miles off the highway. Literally a one-stoplight town, but there weren’t any good rest stops so- Yeah, yeah, exactly like that. God, I forgot about that place. No, he’s here, he’s- oh, he’s right here actually. He was getting food. I know, I’m watching out for that, Joanie. But he really is doing whatever I say. It’s not like there are more phones he can smash. Yeah, I know. Yes, okay. Yes, Joanie, I promise. I know. I miss you too. Okay, we should get on the road. But I’ll see you tomorrow, okay? The day after at the latest- no, I know, but we’re driving an absolute gas guzzler and we have to stop every five minutes for gas- yes, I’m getting enough sleep, that’s why- No, I’m not letting him drive! Okay, okay sis. Yes, okay. Bye.\nYou good?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Got the burgers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Great. Let’s get back on the road.\nAlright, what tunes are you in the mood for-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no music."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. Are you alright?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m fine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You just seem surlier than normal."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay then. We’ll just sit here in silence. Great."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stop it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Stop what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Making me want to talk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not meaning to, I’m just- I’m bored, okay? You may have been a complete tool before but at least you were entertaining. Wow, tough crowd."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just shut up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nope, don’t think I will. Because I don’t have to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re loving this aren’t you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Actually, I’m really not. If you don’t want to talk, I don’t want to make you talk. But I can’t help wanting what I want. You know that better than anyone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s different being on the other side of it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No shit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ugh, would you stop?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I told you, I’m not trying to do anything!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You want me to talk to you- to tell you things, to tell you the truth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can’t help that I’m naturally curious, Damien."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m recording you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You want me to be honest, there you go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean you’re recording me, recording me on what?\nIs that…is that a tape in there? Where on earth did you get that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The pawn shop back in town. I saw it in the window. It seemed like a good idea at the time. But then you had to go and pull the truth out of me-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, please, I didn’t do anything. I’m sorry, I’m confused - why are you recording me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In case."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In case of what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In case you do something to me. I want evidence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wow. That’s a little hypocritical, isn’t it? What do you think I’m going to do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know, Mark:, but you’re the one with all the power here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You seem to be doing just fine. You figured out how to be aware of it much faster than I did-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don’t know what this is like-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whoa, whoa, excuse me? I know exactly what this is like. You did the same thing to me, remember? For three months. It’s been one fucking week for you, Damien. Chill out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Chill out? You took the only thing in my life from me. You have no idea what it’s like to live with that power for your whole life and then have it yanked out of you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Look, I’m sorry that whatever happened has happened but you’re fine. You’re alive, I’m alive, Joan will figure out the rest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. No way am I seeing her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, you fucking are. You’ll be lucky if she’s willing to help you at all after everything you did."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She should be grateful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So this is really just your personality, right? Even without your ability, you’re just like this? This is who you are? Honestly?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have no fucking clue. Don’t you get that? Don’t you get that that’s why I’m so scared? Fuck, stop making me tell you things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whatever way you spin it, Damien, you kidnapped me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, yeah, you sound like a broken record."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That makes two of us. God, I don’t know how you’ve lived with this for so long. I’m not trying to make you want stuff but I can feel my brain reaching out for yours like a virus. Like it just has to infect whatever is closest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gee, thanks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Calling my ability a virus? Real nice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It doesn’t feel like that for you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It doesn’t feel like anything for me anymore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry. But you know what I mean - before…you- you liked it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course I liked it. I got whatever I wanted. Mostly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And it didn’t feel weird to you, planting thoughts in people’s heads like that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. It felt…good. It’s better than anything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, well agree to disagree on that. I can think of at least ten other things that are better than this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Food? Scotch? Sex? Getting to a really good part in a book? I mean, I don’t know, Damien:, there's a lot of good things in life. You don’t feel that way at all, do you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ve never been one for fancy food - it’s just…sustenance. What’s the point."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I don’t- ugh- but scotch is good. I like scotch. And books, but- Stop. Just. Stop."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Damien, I’m not-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, you’re just curious. You want me to open up - god, “open up”, what a saying, huh? That’s what it feels like; like you’re reaching into my brain and prying me open and poking at me and digging your nails into my weak spots. It feels violent."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know what it fucking feels like, Damien. Don’t you talk to me about being opened up and looked at. I’m sorry, okay? I don’t want to do this, but I can’t turn it off. I’m not- I don’t have the same control I had before. I’m doing the best I can."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure you are."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jesus Christ, Damien, I don’t owe you anything. You’ve had no qualms about getting me to tell you every fucking detail of my time at The AM and since last Friday all I’ve found out about you is that your real name is Robert Gorham and you are desperately lonely. Give me a fucking break."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m sorry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And are you saying that just because I want you to apologize or do you actually mean it? Be honest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. I don’t mean it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Great. Just great."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I do want you to forgive me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You want me to forgive you, but you’re not sorry? How does that work exactly?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wanted information about The AM and I got it. You seemed fine with it at the time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because you wanted me to be. How do you not get this by now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How do you not get it? Look, I know you’re curious about me, Mark, so let me do what you want and tell you- I’ve lived my whole life with people doing what I want and then instantly regretting it. Do you know what that’s like? People having buyer’s remorse about you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let me tell you, it gets old really fast. People tend to run for the hills. Like my parents. So, no, I don’t enjoy meeting people or sex or having friends or anything else you people do because I never know if it’s real or not. I don’t feel bad about making you tell me things because the world rejected me first. It didn’t give me a fucking inch to figure out who I am or how I fit into things so I had to carve out my own space. And if that means carving into someone else’s brains, that’s what I have to do. I got tired of wondering what people actually mean, what they actually want so I decided a long time ago that it doesn’t matter. If people don’t want me with them, then I will be above them. The power matters - it’s the one thing in my life that’s always been real. The power is mine and mine alone and it never lies. And you took it from me and made me tell you all of this crap and now I hate you for it. Well, you wanted the truth. Now you've got it. Happy?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Mini Episode 9 Transcript\nMini episode 9 - sunday, after my session"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well that was interesting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you recording or should I?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Already on it. We definitely want a record of this in case..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. I can’t believe how complacent he’s being."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. This is odd. So what a day, huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What a day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How are you feeling?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Weird. Excited. Worried. Relieved. Nervous. Happy. My hand hurts."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He speaks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m…I’m sorry about that. Sort of.\nI guess.\nYou told him something different though, didn’t you?\nBecause you stole him from us!\nExcuse me?\nGod, do you really believe that? Seriously, tell me.\nOkay, I don’t like doing this, because forcing someone to do something is wrong, but while I have the chance-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sam-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you hurt him?\nDid you- did you make him do anything he didn’t want to?\nYou know what I mean.\nAnd tell you things.\nYou made him tell you things, too.\nDid he really?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sam, we should keep walking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can you- you can’t read his thoughts, can you?\nOh, shut up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I can’t. And I’m not sure there would be anything to be gained even if I could."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He’s a good man, do you realize that? He’s so- he’s trusting. And you abused that. What, you don’t have anything to say to that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yikes, you really aren’t yourself, are you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well?\nI don’t want you to shut up now.\nIt wasn’t- I didn’t know about the names and- I might’ve been a bit selfish, but I didn’t try and trick him. None of it was intentional.\nBullshit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sam-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What, are you jealous? Is that why you tried to erase me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you want Damien.\nAnd be honest.\nUnderstand what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. Yeah, this is the address Dr. Bright gave us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why aren’t you going in then?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How is this possible? Neither of us-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t know. Residual effects, I guess?\nNo. No, go home, Damien."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And remember to eat. And sleep. And I don’t know, do whatever else you need to to survive. Well, within reason! Don’t- just take care of yourself, I guess? Do you think that’s enough?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seems to be.\nWell, that was-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I feel-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kind of gross?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now you know how I feel a lot of the time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know I can’t always help it, and you say it’s okay when I read your thoughts because we’re friends but- ick, sometimes it feels really wrong to hear stuff you’re not supposed to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wrong like making someone want to do something?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re not like him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could be though. I mean, if I wanted to, I could use the information I hear to get whatever I want."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I really don’t see you blackmailing anyone any time soon. Unless there’s good reason."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sam…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, I know. But you wouldn’t. You wouldn’t behave like him. Make someone spill all their secrets-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I do do that - all I have to do is listen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then it’s about intention-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it? Does good intention make it okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, this has been extremely confusing and disheartening evening."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dinner?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I shouldn’t."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My treat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sam, you can’t keep buying me food. And art supplies."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh come on, just let me. I have the money."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know you do, but it doesn’t seem fair."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course it’s fair - you’re an up-and-coming artist and I’m the wealthy, old lady patron. Tale as old as time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. Sushi?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perfect."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Order & Chaos, Chapter 1 Transcript\n617 - Barba Tenus Sapientes\n(on the phone) The Order's presence has gone unfelt far too long, Michal. These visits are crucial.\nWe've seen what happens when we leave the organizations to fend for themselves.\nI'm talking about the AM, Michal. I'm not concerned about New Zion. You've always conducted yourself above reproach, but it would be more suspicious if we did not visit New Zion.\nThis is not a punishment, The Order is visiting all organizations.\nYes, even him. In fact, I'm here now.\nOh, I will tell him none of that.\nI will see what I can do, Michal.\nPercy?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Sandoval! (chatting like an eager child) Welcome, welcome-- I couldn't believe it when you told me you were back, it was the best news--(then) Where's my assistant?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(state of shock) I told her I knew my way... what..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you like it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You've certainly changed the office to a vision of your own making."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(clueless) Thank you! (with frenetic energy) Would you like some tea?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, thank you, Percy--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Would you mind terribly calling me Permanent Secretary Higgenson-Wyte?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What ... Percy, why?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Protocol. Procedure. It's in the handbook.\nHere it is. I keep it here to make sure we're always up to code."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That seems to be slightly... antiquated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's British."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Percy--(with gritted teeth) Permanent Secretary Higgenson-Wyte."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(perky) What brings you to London, Mr. Sandoval?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, Percy-- Permanent Secretary-- I don't need tea--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cream and sugar?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're not listening, Percy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(bristles) Tea makes the world go round, Mr. Sandoval. One of these days I will find a tea that entices you and then you won't drink anything else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I admire your steadfast devotion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We take our tea very seriously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed. (then) Have things been going well since you've taken over?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We've certainly had our trials and tribulations, but we will overcome, same as any of your other organizations. Her Royal Majesty's Facility for the Strange and Atypical is not in the business of failing those in her care. (then) We're not the Americans."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed. (beat) Are you settling in well?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Drink up, don't want your tea to get cold."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I did not want any in the first place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tea is protocol for a social call."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This isn't a social call."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(that's what Percy was afraid of) You don't have to check on me. It's only been a few months."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(kind) I'm not your father, Permanent Secretary Higgenson-Wyte. This is strictly business. I'm merely doing the rounds for The Order. (pointed) Following Protocol. Hm? (beat) Since word's reached us about some of the more... concerning happenings with The AM, the higher ups thought it a wise investment of our time to send me on a tour of all the organizations. (then) Not just yours."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So, um... you're... you're going to... Where have you been?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nope. We're speaking about this Facility, not others."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right, but I mean... I just want to make sure... How do we measure up? (then) Protocol dictates taking you on a tour, should I take you on a tour?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(laughs) Percy, you forget, I've been here before."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Years ago. Before your retirement."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And just when I thought I had gotten out... you know the rest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was almost a pop culture reference, I'm so impressed!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Plenty of time to watch movies when you're alone in a cabin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What brought you back?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Eugh-- how on earth do you drink your tea without sugar?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "D'you know, Britain only recently stopped using sugar. Now we drink the way God intended, with only milk and nothing else, but--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(humored) I've been here before, Percy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You called her Permanent Secretary Campbell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't know her as well. So come, tell me. What other protocols have you established?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not established, Her Royal Majesty's Facility for the Strange and Atypical--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you not found a shorter name?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "--Has existed as a pillar of the British Atypical community and no, we don't need a shorter name. We are fine as we are."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that so?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. Now. Would you like the tour as the protocol dictates?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have something else to talk about with you, Percy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Must you keep not--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Something that isn't Order business. (then) Not entirely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've not done anything wrong, we're functioning well within the rules The Order has set forth and we send weekly updates-- (beat) Though I suppose if this isn't Order business, then I suppose you wouldn't be here about the updates or the rules. What-- What else are you-- (then it hits him) Director Sharon sent you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She didn't send me, I'm here on my own volition. (then) But Michal mentioned you'd been having a... spat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She has blown things entirely out of proportion, as she is wont to do. (beat) I can't believe she'd send you to do her dirty work. (then) Actually, I can, she's conniving and manipulative and she has no right--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She's got as much right to the artifact as you do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We've had the artifact for years. It's safe here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She seems to think there's no need to keep it safe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She doesn't know that for sure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Neither do you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is that what you came out of retirement for? To be on her side?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Percy, that's childish, I'm not on anyone's side--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Permanent Secretary. I'm not a child--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm on the Order's side and if this continues to grow out of hand, it won't be me coming to help resolve your conflicts."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She wants something, but she doesn't even know what the dangers might be."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So you're protecting her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not trying to protect anyone. (guilty pause) Especially not her. (then) I just-- The history of this thing... It ended up in our hands. There's got to be a reason."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's my understanding a lot of things have ended up in British hands--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I beg your pardon--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(stern) Percy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She may be right. There's no evidence that anything untoward will come of this artifact. (then) But it might. There are so few Atypical artifacts and even fewer ways to research them. I know-- (beat, annoyed) I know what her arguments are. Especially when they involve me. She thinks I'm... unfit. (then) I'm not trying to retain ownership of this out of spite, Mr. Sandoval."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I understand, Permanent Secretary. That's why I took the trip out here. To talk to you. And to see this artifact."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you suddenly have the ability to figure out what this thing does?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Would that such an ability existed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe-- Maybe we should go on a tour--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We don't need to go on a tour. It's in this office. (then) May I see it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How did you know it's in my office?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I may not have known Permanent Secretary Campbell well, but I knew her enough.\nIt's... It looks like..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A fabergé egg, yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, that's... unexpected."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You can see why I'm suspicious."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of... an egg?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why would anything take on the appearance of a fabergé egg? What could possibly be the reason such a device would take on such an unassuming shape?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, to be clear. You are suspicious of the artifact... because of how unassuming it looks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That—that-- that is an oversimplification but yes, ultimately, it cannot bode well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Percy--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(abruptly) Lee! (then) I understand that my methods may appear rather preposterous and exhibit an overabundance of care. I see that you have little to no confidence in what I'm expressing to be a logical concern. But you're not Permanent Secretary of this facility, nor is Director Sharon. (beat) It took years-- But Permanent Secretary Campbell put the Atypicals, the history, and the artifacts under my care and I will not treat these things lightly, no matter what your belief on whether I'm suitable for this position."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was still at the cabin when I'd heard you’d become Permanent Secretary. (then) You've worked long and hard for this position. You almost had it years ago, and when you didn't... that would have broken a lesser person. (beat) And now... I truly couldn't think of a better person to take up the mantel for this historied facility.\nBut you are young, brash, and foolish. You want very desperately to be correct that you don't listen, especially to those that may bring valid points to the table. And that... that will be your downfall. (then) Permanent Secretary."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(bitter) Director Sharon is not an 'other' that brings valid points."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Be that as it may, she is still a colleague of yours. So remain civil. (then) What are we going to do about this thing, this... egg."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The old ways are not always the ways in which we should stick."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is new territory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So we should learn more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That might be infinitely worse."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The world does not wait, my friend. With technology bringing in a new era of transparency, and globalization changing the way business is conducted, very few things stay hidden now. In-- in a way, that is probably for the best. (beat) I value what you're saying, but a new age has dawned. And we, well, we better know everything we can."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just don't think it's a good idea to give over control of the artifact."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Possibly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But... I can see that... it might be a good idea to study it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, that… that is a start.\nI'm going to Israel within the week."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're--- Is she--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I told you. I'm not just checking in on you. I do have a job to do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When-- when will you see--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suspect I'll see Michal as soon as I touch down. She's not one to wait for me to show myself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(laughs, harsh) No, she is not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Permanent Secretary Higgenson-Wyte?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, Mr. Sandoval?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm very proud of you.\nEND CREDITS"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": " Order & Chaos, Chapter 3 Transcript\n619 - Ad Meliora"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll return soon. (beat) No, that organization will be fine, there's no cause for alarm. (then) Yes, they're starting to release the... what they call Tier Fives. They're making it right. (beat) They'll be able to handle it. We've got bigger fish--\n(to himself) He's early. Of course. (on the phone) I'll call you back. I—no, I won't be much longer, this... We might have an answer soon.\n(exasperated sigh)\nPermanent Secretary Higgenson-Wyte."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What on you earth are you doing in Serbia?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you for making the trip down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Had no choice, you were very cryptic."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can I make you some maté?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just some tea, thanks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is tea."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. I-- Um. (uncomfortable) Yes. Please."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I apologize for being cryptic. That was not my intent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No trouble at all, maté. (laughs) Get it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(allowing a laugh) You could stand to workshop it a little more. (then) I trust you followed my instructions?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(uncomfortable again) That's sort of what I meant... by you being... cryptic. (then) You feeling all right, Mr. Sandoval?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Americans. They'll be the death of me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of all of us. (beat) I did bring it. Like you asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you.\nI truly did not mean to be cryptic. It's been a harrowing few weeks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What has been going-- What is that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A gourde. It's how one drinks maté."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why don't you use tea cups? There are plenty of tea cups--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's not how you drink maté,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seems a bit of a--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How would you like it if I microwaved your tea water?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Valid point. (then) There-- There are three."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, indeed there are."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lee..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right on time.\nYou can now see why I had cause for Serbia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's not exactly neutral territory.\nIt's PERCY, madame. Permanent Secretary Higgenson-Wyte to you, and I'm not hiding, I'm simply placing a body between us that you respect infinitely more than my own.\nWith all due respect-- No."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Glad you could make it, Michal. Maté?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Sandoval, you wouldn't--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't. (sips tea) I brought you both here to talk."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Under false preten--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Director Sharon, this is the first time in a long time we've ever been in complete agreement.\nThat's not my name--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sit down.\nExcellent. (then) I wouldn't have called the two of you here if I did not deem it entirely necessary and appropriate--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Sandoval--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, I think highly of both of you. But this recent skirmish weighs on our last nerve."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Order does not referee in petty squabbles."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then why are you--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Order is planning on replacing you both if you do not come to an agreement."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You wouldn't even replace the leaders of The AM, why does this require--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When The AM was formed we took some... precautions. They are not as much a concern. (then) But with you both...\nPrecisely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait, hold on. That's not-- Then you chaps must know what this artifact does.\nDirector Sharon--\n(getting angry) Michal, I swear--\nI wouldn't stoop to such a level, you've already got that covered--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is what I was talking about."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm sorry Mr. Sandoval, it seems you've brought me here on false pretenses. Britain will retain ownership--\n--Until we know more, but I will not place this potentially dangerous artifact in the hands of someone so clearly unhinged--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let's take a step back--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you got out--\nThat's not my name.\nDirector Sharon, I am sympathetic towards your plight--\nBut just-- Just because you are in desperate need-- (then) I could help now, I could get the Facility to offer assistance--\nBut we don't know what it could do!\nStep back, Director Sharon."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do-- What is that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I-- The safety of the world is at stake.\nPut-- Put that back--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Directors. We have a problem."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(distracted) Problem?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Michal, drop the egg."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let me hold--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, Percy, don't--\nPercy? (then) Michal? (beat) Shit.\nLee Sandoval. (then) Message. (beat) Artifact was triggered. (then) But now we have a new problem.\nEND CREDITS"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": " Order & Chaos, Chapter 4 Transcript\n620 - Tabula Rasa"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What... What..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lee? Lee! (then) Where's Lee?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where's the egg? (then) Does this place look different to you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, Lee was standing right there and now he's not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's neither night nor day."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's bullshit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "See for yourself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That... is that--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The sun and the moon."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Could just be Serbia. Things are weird in Serbia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Side by side?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My mistake, I forgot you were an expert on everything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(getting frustrated) Would you be serious, there's something strange going on--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't tell me what to do. (then) Maybe Lee went out the door--\nWoah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm refraining from saying I told you so."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your self control is admirable. (then) Are you thinking this is from the egg?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I told you, I'm refraining."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How magnanimous of you. (then) How do we get out of here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What happened to the alchemist and her girlfriend?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They were never heard from-- oh.\nBEAT OF SILENCE.\nThere has to be something--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We can't be stuck here--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But... but what if we are..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just... you and me? Alone?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You-- You've been in worse situations than this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "None come to mind, Percival."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why-- Why do you insist-- That's not my name. My name is Percy.\nWhat-- What do you mean?\nAre-- come again?\nMichal? Are you... OK?\n(realization) You-- You're--\nYou-- You're-- You--\nYou're the alchemist?\n(firmer than we've ever heard him before) Release Michal.\nYou've been here all this time?\nDoes this mean there's-- no escape?\nWe're just-- stuck here?\nI absolutely did not have any need to be trapped in a rejected Easter Egg.\nWell then how do we get out?!\nNo, no, I don't want any tea--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ma la’azazel--\n...Percival?\nMa-- Marguerite-- You... you were... you--\nIs there whiskey in it?\nWhat have you done to Percy.\nI don't understand, how do we get out of here, is this--\nDimension hop?\nIt looks like--\nAnd Percival...\nWhat-- How-- Do you want to get out?\n(beat) I'm sorry, come again?\nI don't-- You—What-- what do you need me for?\nYou want—you want me to... kiss you... who is in Percy?\nIt-- It's just a body.\nThen you will be waiting a long time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That tea is disgusting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you all right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course I'm not all right, we are trapped in an egg, alone with ghosts and some terrible tea!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They want us to kiss."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm sorry, what?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They haven't had bodies in years. They want to use ours."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, they bloody well can't."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Percival--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am not their puppet to be used and thrown around--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're not listening."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait you're... you're not actually entertaining this idea?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They won't do it without our consent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Excellent. They don't have it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you think I'm any happier about this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, of course not, you wouldn't stand to be paired with the failure that is Percy Higgenson-Wyte."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Would you shut up, this isn't about you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How is kissing me not about me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elohim ishmor, your ego is beyond compare--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm sorry, I was under the impression you hated me, are we not doing that anymore?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, dingus, that isn't what this is about, and, for the record, I do not hate you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I find that hard to believe."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't like you all the time, but I don't hate you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then we will not be able to give them what they want."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I will do just about anything for a good cause."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(touched a nerve) And I won't?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That-- That has not been my experience."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sarai?\nShe-- Sarai, I don't--\nShe-- Sarai, I can't. She...\nYou don't know her as well as you think. You don't know what I..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know, that really is calming. Like a dip in a cold pool. Bracing, but--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm the reason you got taken back to the containment camp, aren't I?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You were angling for supporters when we first met. To help-- To help you rescue the Atypicals your government had. (then) But I was lobbying for Permanent Secretary and I-- I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Michal."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. You're the reason."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I tried. When you—when we heard you were taken again, I-- I didn't get Permanent Secretary that time around, but I tried everything to get you support you needed but by the time--(then) By the time I became Permanent Secretary, you had already sacrificed so much to escape... (beat) Michal..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want to talk to Marguerite.\nI can't do it. Marguerite, I-- I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I can’t--\nWhat?\nHe doesn't deserve to be forgiven.\nHe... I...\nIt's-- It's not everything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Michal--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm the reason you didn't get the promotion. (then) I-- when we were there. At the convention... I needed the support. I thought I could get it, I didn't mean... And when I was trapped-- All I could think was--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Michal, I'm so sorry. I've never... I've spent all these years... I'm so sorry. I need you to know how sorry I am."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do know. And I'm sorry too. I think... Percy, we spend so much time fighting each other and I... (beat) Maybe... we got in this mess because..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Michal--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, listen.\nWe-- We both did things. For reasons we thought... we thought we were doing the right thing. But it hurt others, it hurt-- we hurt each other. (beat) We can do this for them. (then) Do you consent?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I consent."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ready, Marguerite? Sarai?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Michal?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, thank God, Percival.\nLee-- Did you--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How long were we gone?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. That's-- That's just not possible."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have-- Have you been there, Lee?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Michal, whatever you-- I mean-- we know what it does now. We know who... who lives there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can't use the gold. Not when it's... Marguerite and Sarai..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you think?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think... I think that's the best idea.\nCome on, Percy. I think... I think we have some things to talk about.\nA beat."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": " Order & Chaos, Chapter 2 Transcript\n618 - Non Ducor Duco"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's open!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Michal?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lee!\nI’m surprised you’re still upright after last night. The cabin you were in, there was alcohol, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We’re not all fish."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank God they pulled you out of retirement."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I was getting lonely in those hills all by myself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lee, I’ve known you a long time… you weren’t by yourself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(tastefully avoiding) And you… it seems you have a whole contingency of Atypicals now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You miss a lot when you’re sequestered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I read all of your letters."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, those were just to keep you on your toes. Make sure you hadn’t forgotten about me when I was in…\nCoffee or tea?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, thank you. (beat) Your charges seem surprisingly robust."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sunshine does them good. I hear you’re helping the AM with a similar problem."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Similar in concept. Though, they didn’t have to plan a massive jailbreak."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wasn’t massive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How many?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Little over 80."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d say that’s pretty massive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, when you’re stuck in a cage all day…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You sound better."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s all the yelling at the youths to be quiet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You look better. The Order sent me the files after the jailbreak."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(uncomfortable) You didn’t come here to compliment my appearance. (then) I’m fine, Lee. That… the jailbreak, as you call it, it wasn't my first time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you call it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The revolution."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That where the heavy artillery by the doors come in handy?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If the government wants to come take us back, we'll be ready."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought you said they settled?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They settled in a time of peace. You can understand my skepticism. (then) How have your visits been? Welcomed like the king you are? Liver still intact?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hardly. Most of the organizations are either incredibly suspicious or very terrified. Getting information is a nightmare and half the time, it's not as bad as they think... But then, they all can't be you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(diplomatic) We've dealt with more oppression than most. It's not their fault."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I simply wish I didn't have to prove myself to each and every individual. Prove the purpose of the Order."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's what you get for being a secret organization."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You of all people understand why we must remain secretive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I understand. Others, like the Americans? They are not so enlightened."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's proven... interesting, reestablishing a foothold there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I cannot imagine they like giving up that power to you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(defensive) But that's not my purpose--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm teasing you, Lee."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose you're correct. They've not experienced the same complications you've experienced."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Complications is a nice way of saying \"experimented on by our national government\". (then) Though I heard the AM locked--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Much to the same purpose."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bnei zonot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our thoughts exactly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't believe you still let them remain. You should have disbanded the whole lot of them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's not the Order's business."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's your fault they're around, that they're doing this--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is our fault they broke away from the Order, but their actions do not rest on our shoulders. They are autonomous."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Convenient for you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "S—uh-- (then) Have things proceeded well for you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(annoyed) Cut the shit, Lee."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(sigh) I have other things to discuss with you, not just--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We talked pleasantries last night, did you talk to him or not?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I-- I just told you, I'm getting very tired of having my actions doubted. Michal, you know me better than that--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're here to tell me we can't have it back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's… not what I came here to tell you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then where is it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I also did not come to bring it back to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We're done, then.\nIt was nice seeing you, get out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come on now, Michal--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am not a child, do not use that tone of voice on me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then desist acting like a child. (then, to himself) Both of you, you just revert to children on a playground--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(with venom) I am nothing like him. (then) Do you speak to all the directors like this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I speak whatever language suits them best."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And what's my language telling you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Frankly, that you're taking this far better than I expected."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fuck you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Michal, you're a reasonable woman, you understand why I cannot simply take this artifact from him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because he thinks it's dangerous?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And the fact that it would violate a multitude of agreements, but to put it frankly, yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He's delusional."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's not the point."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did he tell you where the artifact came from?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only that it's mysterious. The Order mentioned something about an alchemist, but that's all I've been told."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Correct. An alchemist, one of ours, fell in love with a British atypical."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're kidding."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fell in love, experimented with, what's the difference."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(dry) I'd forgotten you're a romantic."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oral storytelling conveys many meanings. (then) This was before New Zion, all I have are stories. Sarai was an alchemist who traveled to London, for protection, but also to learn about her abilities. And there, she met Marguerite."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what where Marguerite's abilities?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't know, don't care, the point of the story is they fell in love and hatched a mystery egg and now no one will let the egg rest in the rightful home."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She didn't-- They didn't actually… lay the egg, did they--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As far as I know, that's not an Atypical ability. (then) The egg is made from melted Israeli gold."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(it's all dawning) I see. This isn't about who has the artifact. It's about who has the gold."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I told you, that artifact has no power. At least, in anything but value. We would be fine to melt it, give them half and half."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How very Solomon of you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We need that gold, Lee. We're running on fumes and the Order doesn't kick over a lot of cash. We're a safe haven for these people. I can't abandon them. They'll all go back to the government and I won't know--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry it's been so bad."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm glad you're back, Lee."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you have any issues with--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No-- No, but-- At least now I know who I'm talking to in the Order."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can I make you some coffee?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's what I'm supposed to do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My job is to help you, Michal. (then) He is willing to have a... conversation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That will get us nowhere. Percival is wrapped up in layers of traditionalism and fear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This has to be a group decision. The Order tries not to make a habit out of solving other people's problems. We will give you the tools and then... well, we hope."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hope isn't exactly a viable business model."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We aren't a business."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm… I’m sorry to disappoint you, Michal."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You could never disappoint me, Lee. It's the damn world we live in. Keeps on spinning, doesn't it? No matter who needs what, the world still turns. (then) What can I do? To sway Percival?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you considered kindness?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You've met him. Imagine me being civil with him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That used to not be the case. I remember when the two of you met--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's the case now. (beat) Look, I refuse to kowtow to his ridiculous fears and inability to separate the forest for the trees. It's not my fault he's a spoonfed child. (then) Don't give me that look."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Spoonfed child—come on, that’s a little harsh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He's never experienced-- We talked about this. Few know, really know--\\ (then) I don't care what he does with his half. But we need the other half. Doesn't matter what form, so long as it's gold, I'm willing to do just about anything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, there are terms I will decide on and strings I will pull. But there is... something we can try."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you, Lee."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll discuss it with the Order. I have an idea, but I wanted to see you in person first. I've got, um... a few more errands to run. But I think... Well, I’ll be in touch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I appreciate that. We-- We all appreciate that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Michal? Whatever happened to the lovers? Sarai and Marguerite?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't know. They were never heard from again. (then) It's just a story.\nEND CREDITS"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Bonus Episode 9 Transcript\nPatient #1-A-5"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Remember to grab the files from Sam’s house and, uh...sneak back the AM files that Green took. Though I suppose there’s no one to sneak them past. And I need to talk to Owen about the filing system - would it be too confusing to change the categorization now? We need to stay compliant with HQ but there’s probably a better way to do things. Collect security deposit from the building manager on Monday...oh! And pick up packing material for the clock.\nYes? Is that - Vanessa Turner?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hello stranger."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What on earth are you doing here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Chloe said you were closing up shop. I had to come see for myself. And would you look at that..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Excuse the mess, I’m trying to reorganize as I pack, which is a little bit more chaotic than I expected. But please - take a seat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When do you leave?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "End of the week. And then on Monday-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re really going back there?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Believe it or not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even hearing you say it I’m not sure I believe it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How are you, Vanessa:? How’s Chloe?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’s good, we’re both good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re taking a little road trip this summer, correct? Going out to Chicago with Frank?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yep. I may finally have to put old Daisy out to pasture - a thousand mile drive might be too much for her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you still driving that horrible bug around?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Daisy’s not horrible!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s a bright yellow Beetle that will always smell like cannabis no matter how many air fresheners you hang."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’s from a different time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your mother should have left her in the seventies. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean- I know that car is one of the only things you have left of her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s okay. You’re right, it’s a piece of shit car. But she loved it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ll always be sad that you never got to meet her. I think you would have liked her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sure I would have."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You could have given therapy to three generations of Turner women."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, because it worked out so well for you and Chloe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think so."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nessie, you were never really my patient and I gave Chloe all of...twenty sessions before she got so caught up in my own personal drama that we had to stop."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In your defense, it’s hard to keep a telepath out of your personal drama and I did raise a very dogged young woman."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That you did. Still. I’m very sorry that she was ever put in danger because of me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, Joan. But she’s alright now. Thank god. Though if I ever see that Damien kid I’m going to throw a building at him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think we’ve seen the last of him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good riddance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Agreed. I’m glad that Mr. Sandoval was able to help Chloe heal - it sounds like she had a very productive time with him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. Yes, he was very helpful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you...did you see him again? When Chloe went out to his cabin?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I- It would have been too hard. For both of us, I think. There’s too much painful history there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And here I am going to work with my ex."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do wonder about your sanity sometimes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mm, me too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you and Owen...well, messy break-up to be sure-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s putting it lightly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you must have put it all behind you if you’re going back to work with him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t know that I’ve put it behind me...There are things that Owen’s done - and plenty of things that The AM has done - that I’ll never be able to forgive either of them for. But Owen...well, I think he’s trying to grow. He’s trying to make things right."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What about The AM? Are they trying to make things right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t know. As a whole? Probably not. But that’s why I need to go back. After all, I was complicit in plenty of their actions before. Now at least I have the chance to make up for it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You were complicit in the sense that you worked there, but, come on Joan, you didn’t really know what was going on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "True. But that wasn’t because I couldn’t know. I chose willful ignorance."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We all have choices we regret making. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have to be made."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose. Why did you make the choice to end things with Lee? I know it was decades ago, but I’ve never heard you even so much as mention another man in all the time I’ve known you. I never really understood why it didn’t work and the fact that you trusted him to take care of your daughter...well."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought you weren’t my therapist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not. This isn’t therapy, it’s gossip."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, is that why you chose a job where people tell you their life stories? Can’t resist the gossip?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What can I say, I like to know things. I did refrain from asking Chloe about it. Though I imagine she’s gathered a fair bit from your thoughts."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mm, it’s hard to say. I think she knows we were together at one point, but not the specifics. I’ve become pretty good at repressing what I need to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hm. In what ways does that repression- Sorry. Sometimes the therapist mode is hard to turn off."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can’t complain. You’re still one of the best listeners I know. Important quality in a therapist, yes, but also a really nice thing to have in a friend."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that why you came by? To have someone to listen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What, am I not allowed to visit an old friend? Fine. Yes. I guess I wanted to get out of the house - Chloe just got back and we’re planning the trip and she keeps talking about maybe visiting Lee along the way and I’m just...I’m not ready."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why can’t you just tell her that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Chloe...well. We’re close. We’ve always been close. She’s my whole world. But there’s a lot about me that she doesn’t know. That I don’t want her to ever know. She finally found out who her dad is. Was. I still think about him from time to time and she looked him up..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was never sure how to ask and Chloe never talked about him in our sessions-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He wasn’t around for very long. He was a guitarist. Total rockstar. As in: sex, drugs, rock‘n roll - the whole thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I always thought that was your scene too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just because you and I spent your twenties drinking and doing bad karaoke does not mean I was ever deep in the hard rock‘n roll lifestyle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, well, when I was in my twenties, you were a young mom, so I assumed I was getting a tamed version of Vanessa."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’ve met Chloe, right? You think that girl tamed me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fair point. Though it sounds like she got at least some of her free spirit from her father."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s true. Though I hope not too much of it. We were only together for a month or two and then he went on tour and I found out I was pregnant..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And he stayed on tour?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I- well. I never even told him. And I know that’s wrong, I know he deserved to know. But we were never very serious and he didn’t seem like the father type. Still. I should have given him that choice. It’s one of the biggest regrets I have."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What happened to him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He died a few years after Chloe was born. Heroin overdose."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And Chloe found that out?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Google is an amazing thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We had a good talk about it. And I think things are fine now but...I just hate that she found out that way. She should have heard it from me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So don’t you think it’d be a good idea to talk about whatever went on with you and Lee?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lee isn’t a public figure, she can’t Google that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’ll be honest, knowing that you don’t want to see him - I wondered if maybe Lee was..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Chloe’s father? No. No, she came a few years after everything happened with Lee. Though...Well. Did Chloe ever tell you about her sister?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her- Oh. Yes. Yes, she did. In her first session, as a matter of fact."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s what I figured. Chloe overheard me thinking about her sister which is how I knew Chloe was telepathic. Or, why I suspected at least."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The baby, she...she died."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. Two months old. I never...I never thought I wanted children. And I was so young, I had just started working at the university and was finally starting to figure out my telekineses and then I met Lee-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So you and he...?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We were so in love. I mean, we were just kids but it felt so much bigger than either of us. And then it was. It was bigger than us - suddenly we were bringing this whole new life into the world and it was beautiful and terrifying and the best thing that had ever happened. We loved her so much."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m so sorry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I almost brought a whole building down. After it happened. The grief was so...world-shattering. Up until that point I’d only ever made small objects move - picking up a cup across the room with my mind, shifting a couch a few inches. Losing Hannah...It’s like it broke me open and power just poured out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That isn’t unusual. I see a lot of Atypicals affected strongly by trauma - it can trigger the start of an ability or make it more potent. In rare cases it can stop an ability completely for a time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“More potent”, yeah, that’s a good way to put it. I didn’t know that telekinetics could cause earthquakes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that what happened?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was in my apartment, trying to find the will to get out of bed and face everything and then...the earth moved. And I could feel it, in my body. I hadn’t used my ability at all since Hannah died and then it was like it started using me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You caused an earthquake?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There’s probably articles about it that you could dig up - earthquakes aren’t exactly common in this part of the country. You’ve never heard of that happening before?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not with a telekinetic, no. When we first met, I thought you had remarkable strength and control but I had no idea that you were that powerful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, imagine my surprise. I can’t do it anymore. Well, maybe I can but I’ve never tried. And it’s never happened again. Thankfully. I would appreciate it if you kept that a secret from your new employer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Trust me, I will. They know you exist of course, but as far as they’re concerned you’re a run-of-the-mill telekinetic."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you nervous?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course. But it’s...it’s the right thing to do I think."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Take the beast down from inside the belly?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Or tame it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then for your sake, I hope The AM is easier to tame than me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It might be the wrong decision. But I won’t know until I try it. And if there’s something - anything - I can do to steer The AM in the right direction, I have to try."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How does Mark feel about that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s...complicated, I think. He won’t be visiting me at the office any time soon, but I think he understands that I’m doing it partly for him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your own form of vengeance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose, in a way, yes. I can’t actually burn The AM down for what they did to him, but maybe I can help turn it into something that will never hurt anyone that way again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope so. Though burning it down might not be the worst thing in the world."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, well, maybe if I were an Atypical, I would have destroyed the place long ago. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to suggest- I know Atypicals aren’t destructive. I just think...well, I know I can never understand what you went through with Hannah, but loving someone so much that losing them causes you to break something...that I think I do understand. If I had had a power I couldn’t control when I found out what they were doing to Mark...who knows what I would have done."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I get that. When Chloe got hurt...that’s the only time I’ve ever been worried I might get destructive again. I haven’t been that scared in a very long time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How’s your control now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good as ever. Very...”run-of-the-mill” as you said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You and I both know that’s not true. You’ve always had beyond exceptional control. Even by AM standards."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Which is why I appreciate you...cooking the books on me, as it were."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And me going back to work for them won’t change that. The AM has plenty of telekinetics working for them, but I have no doubt they’d love to add one as skilled as you to their roster."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don’t I know it. I appreciate you looking out for me, Joan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course. So when you said earlier that you’d throw a building at Damien..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yeah, I meant it. A literal building. I would throw a literal building at him. He gave my baby girl a concussion, he’s honestly lucky to be alive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If it makes you feel better, he almost didn’t survive that night."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I know. And yes, it does make me feel better. I’m not the kind of person to wish harm on someone else but..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know what you mean."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ve had to stop Frank a few times from marching out the door and carrying out vigilante justice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Really? I know Frank is no stranger to combat but I would have thought..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He definitely wouldn’t relish it. That man has seen enough violence for a lifetime, but he’s almost as fiercely protective of Chloe as I am. If I were ten years younger..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, so it is like that. I was wondering, especially after he moved in with you two for a little while-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is not like that, thank you very much. He’s my daughter’s friend-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Though he’s seven years older than her-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Still too young for me, Joan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t think there’s anything wrong with dating a younger man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There’s nearly two decades between us, I think that’s a bit too young."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fair enough. I’m glad you found each other though. Regardless of what the relationship is, it seems like its been good for all of you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It has. Frank is part of the family. And I know that he wants to be with his real family now that he’s back on his feet but still...I’m going to miss him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chicago isn’t too far."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At least Chloe is back now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Though she keeps talking about going away again - she loved staying with Lee and seeing more of the country and now with Frank moving out and your brother going on the road, I think she’s gotten the bug."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess that makes you and I the old ladies who sit at home and wait for our loved ones to return."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kill me now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At least we have our good friend, scotch, to keep us company."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How true. Speaking of...where is it? I know you have an office bottle..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All packed away I’m afraid."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You mean you finished it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "...yes. Sam got me some very nice scotch as a farewell to the office gift and it seemed rude to bring it with me to the new one!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, of course, you wouldn’t want to be rude to the scotch-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Exactly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God, how fast did you drink it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was a small bottle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alright, well that settles it, we’re going to the Eagle & Crown."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh god..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come on, we’ll relive your grad school days."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How is that place even still open?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One of the great mysteries of life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have to finish packing-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ll come back tomorrow with more boxes and pack everything up all at once-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There’s a system-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are not getting out of this. You and I haven’t truly hung out in years and we’re going to change that right now. We are going to get you out of this office and onto a bar stool and you and I are not going to be the old maids left behind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I really did miss you, Nessie."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Damn straight, you did. Now, let’s go raise some hell.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Bonus Episode 1 Transcript\nThe Bright Sides: Patient #10-E-2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you see?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Matilda."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who is Matilda?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A brilliant little girl who loves to read books and can move things with her mind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is this girl someone you know?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no. She's a character in a book."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, yes. I remember her quite well myself. In what way are you seeing her right now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's a girl, maybe ten years old, looking through a copy of the book. It looks beat up. Oh, and there's a card with a bunch of dates stamped in the back. But they end in 1997. I must be in the library."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What else do you see?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow, this must be an old copy of the book. If the check-out card is still in it. That seems odd. Well, it is a hardback, so I suppose if you take good care of a book, it could last a long time. But I wonder why they left the card in. I'm glad they did, it's like a little time capsule-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Myra. What else do you see?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, um, looks like just about every other Roald Dahl book. Oh! Ramona Quimby! And, The Boxcar Children. Oh, that's not in the right spot. It should be under \"W,\" not \"C.\" Hm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can you expand your point of view? Can you move into another aisle?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can turn my head, but I can't move my feet. I'm not really standing. I'm sort of floating? I can see a window to one side and a couple of kids sitting at a table to the other side. Oh, there's someone coming."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who is it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know. A woman. Maybe early thirties. Oh, she's coming fast. She's grabbing the little girl, she's grabbing her real hard. And shaking her. Hey! Let her go! Stop!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's alright, Myra. You're not really there right now. The little girl isn't really there right now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She's yelling at her. Saying she's a bad girl for disappearing like that. She was worried. The little girl's crying. The kids at the table are looking over. Stop it! Hey! Leave her alone!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Myra. I think that's enough for now. Let's come back to this room, and when you are ready, open your eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(overlapping) She's pulling her away. I can't hear them anymore. I can't do anything, I can't move. The book is on the floor. What an awful woman. Getting mad at her child because she failed to keep an eye on her..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "(overlapping) Myra, your meditation is coming to a close. Change your focus from inward to outward. Feel your body in the chair, your feet on the floor. And on the count of three, open your eyes. One, two, three."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it just me, or am I doing this meditation thing wrong?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There is no one right way to meditate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Isn't there though? I mean, that wasn't very relaxing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That isn’t always the purpose. The practice we’ve been working on over the past couple of months is quite specific: using visualization to access memories stored in parts of your brain that you may not otherwise recall."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is this something normal people can do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean by normal?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Non-Atypicals."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There are people who have eidetic or photographic memories, who are not considered members of the Atypical community. But being able to access deeper compartments of the brain is generally an Atypical characteristic, especially amongst Class As and some Class Ds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your newspaper ad...do you get a lot of patients who come in for the first time, who think they're \"strange and unusual\" in the Atypical sense but they're really just \"strange and unusual\" in the, well, general human sense? Do you have to turn people away who are really just looking for normal therapy? That was mostly rhetorical. I know you're not going to answer that question."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well then, shall we get back to it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good idea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tell me what you remember."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Library. I was in the library. Children's books. Ah, Matilda. My favorite book as a child. I used to read it over and over. As soon as I finished, I'd flip back to page one and start again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you remember seeing any people?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, no, no I don't. Oh, wait, there were two kids sitting at a table. I could see them past the far end of the row of books."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wonderful. Anyone else?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Mm-mm, no one else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did I say there were others?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There were two other people that you saw during your visualization, that, in my point of view, were very central to your experience, It’s interesting that you don't remember them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Were they people I know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't believe so. A young girl. And, presumably, her mother?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't- I don't remember anyone else. I don't remember them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's quite alright."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ugh, fuck. Sorry, not- sorry. I just- I want to be able to control this. I want to stop blacking out every time I project. It makes the whole ability pointless."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your ability doesn’t have to have a point, Myra. The most important thing is that you learn to live with it, not that you find some way to make it useful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Still, it would be nice. It’s so frustrating when I come back to myself and have all that lost time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Be patient with yourself. We haven't been working together that long. I actually think you've made a great deal of progress since your first session."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, yeah, I guess. I just don't get why I can't remember my projections anymore. I never had this problem when I was a kid."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's not uncommon for people who have dealt with trauma in their past, Atypical or not, to experience this sort of dissociation or memory loss. It's a defense mechanism."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't think my life has been any more traumatic than anyone else's."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We can't qualify trauma. Everyone has their own way of processing their experiences."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, what about other Atypicals like me? Other people who can astral project. Is it common for them to... dissociate?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's not unheard of. In my experience, most projectionists do recall their experiences, but it's often similar to recalling a dream they had the night before, rather than a solid memory. It could be that when you astral project, your brain is using all of its energy toward your ability and there's simply none left to form new memories."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you think my projections are directly associated with trauma. Like I'm trying to escape."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was reading about astral projection online- I know, I know- I’m not supposed to do that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I would caution against seeking out information on your own. There’s a lot of misinformation out there. Especially when it comes to people like you - there isn’t a WebMD for Atypicals."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right, I know that. But there are people who believe in astral projection anyway. And a lot of what I’ve read talks about visiting the astral plane. What is that exactly?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, as someone who has never visited it myself, my understanding is that it's a sort of other dimension that lies somewhere between the conscious and the subconscious. Some Atypicals with your type of ability are able to move their subconscious into this dimension, in order to communicate with people they wouldn't normally be able to communicate with, or recall information and memories stored deep within their or other's subconscious."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is that what mediums are? People who can project into the astral plane? Talk to dead people?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, there are some who believe their astral projecting allows them to find a place between life and death, but communicating with the deceased is a difficult thing to prove, to say the least."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow. But I've never experienced anything like that. I don’t think I’ve ever been to the astral plane."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That doesn't mean you are unable to, or that it's not something you could learn to do. However, your ability - the ability to leave your body and actually visit other locations in this world, in this present time - is far more unique."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You say that as if you're just trying to be nice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I mean it. It’s impressive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's not very impressive if I can't control it, much less even remember when it happens."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's why you’re here. If you're willing, I'd like to talk about what led up to this particular event yesterday - to you projecting to the library. Where was your body? What were you doing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, I had gotten into a car accident."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Really? Not too serious, I hope. Everyone was fine?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, yeah, everyone was fine. It was a fender bender, if you can even call it that. I was at an intersection, waiting to make a right on red. But there was a pedestrian crossing the street, so even though there weren't any cars coming, I couldn't go. Well, this asshole behind me starts blaring on his horn. But obviously I'm not going to go because I'm not going to hit somebody just because this guy is too entitled to wait two seconds. Anyway, so when I don't go, he pulls into the gas station right there next to us on the corner. But at the same time, the pedestrian clears, so I start going. He speeds through the gas station and out the other driveway onto the street, without stopping, of course, and hits me right as I finish turning. And neither of us are going very fast, so there wasn’t much damage. But he flips his shit. He gets out of the car, doesn't even move to let me pull over and get out of traffic. I was about to get out of my car, to, you know, do the right thing and exchange information, but when I saw him coming at me, screaming, I sat back down and locked the doors. He comes to the driver's side and starts yanking on the door, then he starts banging on the window. He's yelling and that's when I blacked out. Next thing I remember, I wake up, still in my car, and there's a police officer knocking on my window. I guess a few people called 9-11. But the other guy's gone. He fled the scene. Fortunately, there are still some decent people in the world and at least two witnesses at the gas station got the guy's license plate. So, I guess the police are going to look into it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry you had to deal with that. I'm glad you're not physically hurt but that sounds quite frightening."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I'm just glad Penelope wasn't with me. And I'm glad the guy didn't have a gun. Or, if he did have one, he didn't use it. He's definitely not someone you would want to be able to get a gun."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I imagine there are a lot of people who fit that bill, but there isn't much stopping them these days. So, it seems like, when you blacked out, you projected to the library."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I guess so."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In a previous session, you mentioned that when you were a child, you would escape to the library quite often, is that correct?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Both literally and, well, astral-ly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was a safe place for you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was a quiet place where I could hide in other people's worlds. I'd read books about kids with great lives and imagine I was in their shoes. And I'd read books about kids with terrible lives to remind myself that things could be worse."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And this man, in the car, he frightened you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Absolutely. I thought he might kill me. He was very, very angry. In a rage - a seeing-red kind of rage. And that's- that's a look that I'm very familiar with. I know what it can lead to. Or I don't know what it can lead to, and that's even scarier."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Myra. I know you haven’t been ready to talk about your childhood. And it's not always necessary to open old wounds. In some cases, it can be detrimental. Do you think exploring those memories would be helpful or harmful in your case?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You said this man had a look that you're very familiar with. What did you mean by that? What kind of look was it, exactly?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was like...that look that someone has when he just hates himself so much. And everything that happens in his life, throughout the day, is just more evidence of how unworthy of happiness he is. But he's incapable of feeling sadness, because that would be considered a weakness, so instead he feels anger. And he lashes out at other people. And it's really a misplaced attack on himself. Like every time he hurts someone else, he's really just trying to hurt himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And this is a look you’ve seen often?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not here. Back home. My father had that same look. Until the day he died. Penelope’s father had that same look. Until the day he died."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Generally, your black-outs occur during negative interactions with people, is that correct?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Definitely. I mean, when I was a kid, it wasn't always like that. But this past year or so, since it started happening again, it's definitely a response to people."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Would you say that the majority of your projections this past year have been a result of negative interactions with men?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hadn't really thought of that. But, yeah, I would say so. But, not just negative interactions. They’re scary, afraid-for-my-life interactions. I mean, fortunately, it doesn't happen very often. But it is always with men. Not women."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sometimes we have unconscious biases toward people with certain traits, so we might interpret their actions harsher than we do with others of similar behavior."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So, you're saying maybe I just judge men harsher than women?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That makes me sound sexist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's just the conditioning of your upbringing and past experiences. If you’ve experienced traumatic encounters with men in the past, it makes sense that that would be a trigger for your ability now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can we really even call it that? Does it count as an “ability” if I can’t control it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Many Atypicals have little to no control over their power when it first surfaces."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, but most of your patients are probably teenagers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not necessarily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Last week you said most Atypicals discover their powers in their teens or twenties."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "While that's true, there are many other possible, non-physiological experiences that can trigger an Atypical's powers, such as trauma or a major life change like moving or quitting a job. And, based on what you've told me previously, I'm fairly confident that you were, in fact, exhibiting the use of your ability when you were a child, it was simply mis-diagnosed and you didn't know it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But if that's the case, then why would my ability just disappear in my teens and twenties?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My theory is because of the medication you were prescribed during those years."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Really? Do drugs have an adverse effect on Atypicals?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It depends on the drug, and it depends on the Atypical. Some medication can be very helpful in managing an ability or its side effects. But that is still a developing sector of Atypical study - there haven’t been enough consistent trials and results to know exactly how medication effects all Atypicals."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, what do you think?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think, in your case, the medication you were prescribed as a child caused your ability to become dormant. You said you were on benzodiazepines for a number of years?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. And you think that could have stopped the projections?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think it’s certainly possible. This is where psychiatric care for Atypicals can become rather difficult - we don’t always know what medications are going to have an affect."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gee, great."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is frustrating. That’s not to say that solutions can’t be found. It’s just, well, it isn’t actually an exact science. A lot of trial and error unfortunately. And you were taking benzodiazepines for a number of years, correct?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Yeah, I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was twelve? And I was on Clonazepam or Diazepam- one of those other \"pams\" all through high school and college. But it kind of became a problem."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A problem how?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I- I kind of used speed to help me get through college while working full-time. Then I'd take my meds to bring me back down, and I'd go through my prescription too fast and have to go to a different doctor, and it became a thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "While it can be very helpful, prescription medication is also unfortunately very easy to abuse, especially when it's highly addictive. You’re not alone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I know. And I knew that’s what I was doing, that I wasn’t using it the way I was supposed to. But once Penelope was born, I cleaned up my act. I was back to only taking my meds as prescribed and I quit drinking, and everything else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And then, when were you diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I think I was 22, 23?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you know what the primary factors were that led up to that diagnosis?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, mainly mood swings and depression and anxiety and the drug abuse. And relationship stuff. I was in and out of an abusive relationship - well, mostly in. Much to the disapproval of most everyone else I knew. And I guess I was impulsive. I may or may not have driven his car into a lake."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "On purpose?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kind of? I definitely stole the car on purpose. And drove it out of town on purpose. And I was going back and forth between crashing into a tree and pulling over to collect myself. And then, next thing I know, I’m in the lake, in the car, sinking. For a moment I considered just sitting there. Staying in the car. Drowning. But then survival instinct kicked in. I couldn't breathe and my body just took over- I unbuckled my seat belt, rolled down the window, and swam to the surface. Thank god for manual windows, I guess. I crawled up to the bank and laid in the mud and I don't know how much time passed - maybe a minute, maybe an hour - but the police showed up. And an ambulance. And a fire truck. I spent the night in the hospital with a broken rib and a couple of bruises. And then I spent fourteen days in a psych ward."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How did you end up there?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think the ER doctor asked me if I had any intention of harming myself or another and I said \"Yes.\" So they fifty-one, fifty'd me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Were you prescribed any additional medication at that time?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, yeah. Just an SSRI and some other pill that I had to cut in half. It was for Schizophrenia, but when taken in really small doses it was supposed to help with anxiety, I think."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And, are you still taking those?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no. I weaned myself off those like a year and a half ago. About the same time I quit taking all my epilepsy meds."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Myra, I think it’s important to point out how dangerous it can be to stop taking your meds without a doctor’s supervision. Even if you don’t think they’re being effective anymore, it’s inadvisable to go off of them on your own."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell that to the American healthcare system."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I lost my health insurance. I know it’s not smart to go cold turkey, so I didn’t, but I couldn’t afford to buy my prescriptions anymore so I stretched them out as much as I could."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah. I’m very sorry to hear that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eh, it’s alright. Once I got sober and I got out of that quote-unquote relationship with Penelope's dad, I- I wasn't acting out as much. I was less impulsive, my depression went from being suicidal to just being sad. I guess what I'm trying to say is, yeah, the meds helped a lot, but since I've been off them, I've actually been okay. Well, aside from my ability resurfacing after almost twenty years. That's been kind of inconvenient."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Would you prefer to go back to keeping your ability dormant? Whether that be through medication or other means?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? No way. I mean, is that a possibility? Do some Atypicals just choose to get rid of their ability?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It isn’t an option for everyone, but given your history with medication, we might be able to find something that would work for you. When given the option, some Atypicals decide that they would prefer to just live, for lack of a better term, normal lives."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I gave up living a \"normal\" life years ago. But look at me now: I got my ass up, left my old life behind, moved to this beautiful new city and met a weird therapist who told me I basically have a super-power. No, I'm not running away from this. Not this time. Besides, I thought you couldn't prescribe me medication. That's what you told me in our first visit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's correct. I'd have to refer you elsewhere."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where? To another doctor that specializes in Atypicals?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. At the very least, you could get more information, understand all your options."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll think about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, you can come to me any time you’re ready to discuss it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It used to be great. I remember when I was in middle school - maybe sixth or seventh grade - I, projected, I guess, from the classroom out to this little park that was across the street. It had a playground made of wood and a rusty set of swings. And this was the first time I had ever projected to another location, that's why I remember it so clearly. And I think I was just bored. I made a conscious decision to leave my body, and walk out of the building, and across the street. And I remember I could see things and hear things, but it was a bit blurry and disorienting, like I was in a giant watercolor painting, and I couldn't touch anything. I tried to sit in the swings but I couldn't even move my arms to grab them. It's like, I could move from point A to point B, but I didn't actually have a body with limbs. I was just there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Would you say you were floating?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. But, I couldn't, like, fly, you know? Even though I was floating, I had to move out of the classroom and down the stairs and through the front door just like I'd have to in real life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How were you able to open the doors?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know. I think they were all just open when I needed them to be."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And that was the first time you remember projecting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, the first time I remember leaving my body and moving to a different location. And I guess my real body sort of slipped into this catatonic state, but I didn't realize it at the time. I snapped out of it when the teacher dropped a textbook really loudly on my desk. And I guess the teacher had been saying my name for a while but I wasn't responding. All the other kids were giggling when I came to and I was sent to see the nurse. At first they just thought I was day- dreaming, or being rebellious by purposely not responding. But once it happened a few times, they made my parents send me to a real doctor and that's when I was diagnosed with epilepsy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But when you were a child, you weren't blacking out, correct? You would remember your projections?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. As far as I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Prior to that particular time, what other similar experiences do you remember having?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It used to happen a lot at home. I'd be in a situation I didn't like and I could close my eyes and just, sort of, leave my body. I'd basically concentrate really hard on wanting to disappear, and my body would start tingling. First my fingers and my toes, then my arms and legs, until my whole body was vibrating. And then, all of a sudden, I'd be outside of myself. Watching myself experiencing whatever it was I was going through as if I were watching myself in a movie. Looking back, I guess I was doing this astral projection stuff a lot, but I didn't realize it was weird. I think I thought that maybe everyone could do it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you remember how the doctor at that time responded when you described that you were astral projecting?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At first she attributed it to a sort of lucid dreaming, or something. She thought the catalepsy might have been the result of a brain injury, but when she started questioning my parents about that, they kind of freaked because, well, they were afraid that they'd get in trouble. Or maybe they just didn't want to pay for it, I don’t know. The doctor referred me to a psychiatrist who thought I was schizophrenic, but then my parents stopped taking me to doctors altogether. The epilepsy medication was technically working - I wasn't projecting anymore - so I think they just thought it was solved."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's not uncommon for Atypical abilities to be misdiagnosed as psychiatric disorders. Or even for an Atypical ability to be entwined with an existing disorder. Unless a doctor has specifically worked in the Atypical field, they're not going to know to even look for Atypical explanations for their patients' symptoms. There are, unfortunately, very few doctors for Atypicals because there are very few people who even know that Atypicals exist."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey, how much of the population is atypical?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Most recent studies tells us that about two to four percent of the population can be classified as atypical. But those numbers are based off people who have actually come forward as having unusual abilities. We don't know how many may be out there living in secret or unaware of their powers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who keeps track of all of that? People like you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, there’s a network of sorts. Other doctors and therapists who keep each other updated on numbers and such."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How did you even get involved in all of this in the first place?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I understand why you’re interested but let’s keep the focus on you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What, you can’t share the trade secrets?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m afraid not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. Of course. Probably for the best, anyway. I'm sure it wouldn't be safe for the general public to know about us. There would be witch hunts. Pitch forks. Burning people alive at the stake. Tying up women and throwing them into the lake to drown. Oh, I wonder if any of those people accused of being witches back in the day were actually just atypical!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder, indeed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, back then it was basically a crime just to be a woman. You were under the Devil's influence if you simply talked back when your husband was beating the shit out of you. Or if you were pretty. Or smart. Or single. Ugh. I don't know how people did it back then. I probably would have slit my wrists."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't underestimate yourself. For all we know, you could have been the leader of a feminist rebellion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Or, you know, an actual witch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Better a witch than a pitchfork-wielding villager, wouldn’t you say?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow. Touché. We should get t-shirts made."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You said that when you were a child, you had regular out-of-body experiences when you were in a situation you didn't like. Can you give me examples of those types of situations?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let's just say my parents did the best they could, but I didn't escape my childhood without a few broken fingers and a dislocated jaw."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry to hear that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, well, I don't really want to talk about that here. That's not what I came here for."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did you come here for?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Therapy. Yeah, I realize that talking about my abusive parents is something normally tackled in therapy, but I just...I'm not ready. They just put such a fear into me. They'd make threats that if I told anyone, then it would be ten times worse the next time. Just talking about it now, to you, all these years later, I'm half afraid my father will come bursting through that door. We didn't have a lot of resources back then. Things were different in the eighties and nineties. And I grew up in a small town where half the population probably still doesn't believe there is such thing as mental health or global warming, or science."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re safe here, Myra. We can talk about your past when you’re ready. This is about what you want- not what you think you should be doing or what you think your parents would most approve or disapprove of."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want to figure this out. I need to be able to control my ability sooner rather than later. Or, I don’t know, maybe I should go back to suppressing it. I can't black out every time I feel threatened. What if something happens with Penelope and I need to protect her and I literally can't because my body is catatonic and my brain is trying to find the nearest library?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think gaining control will require breaking the association between your ability and your childhood trauma. For many years it’s served as a defense mechanism, but you never fully developed it. Now that it's back, your power is at the developmental stage that it was at when you last used it. In other words, the Atypical side of you is still a twelve-year-old girl."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Awesome."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But that doesn't mean you can't grow. You can teach an old dog new tricks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hate that saying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My apologies. It didn't sound right after it came out, but it was too late."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're not like the average therapist, are you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why do you say that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, you're just not what I imagined."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did you imagine?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "An old man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not sure how I feel about that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, you know, just societal sexism and ageism from my upbringing rearing its ugly head."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, well, while there are plenty of old men in this field, in my experience, therapists come in all shapes and sizes and colors and ages and genders. But I will concede that - my speciality being what it is - I might not fit into any kind of “average therapist” box."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm suddenly feeling kind of bummed that you're my therapist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh? Why's that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think we'd be good friends."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm glad to hear that. Although I can’t be friendly with my patients outside of therapy, I still think it's very important we have a positive relationship. At the very least, you should trust your therapist. Feel safe with them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Feeling safe. What a novel idea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You will get there, Myra."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why don’t we try a little experiment? See if we can get you to astral project on purpose."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay...and how exactly were you thinking of making that happen?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Using a specific type of meditation that has worked for other patients with the same ability."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like what we did earlier?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. But, if you're in any way uncomfortable, I completely understand and we can wait."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no. I just- I guess I'm mostly worried that it won't work and I'll be disappointed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's very likely that it won't work the first time we try. I'm actually not expecting it to. And that’s okay, we can always try again. The most important thing is to take that first step."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, sure. Tell me what to do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "First of all, get comfortable. Just like before. Whatever feels right to you. And give me one moment.\nSarah? Do you have a minute?\nPerfect. We're going to start now.\nI'm going to pull the blinds and turn off the lights.\nAnd I'm going to turn on some white noise.\nClose your eyes and focus on your breath. With each inhale, count to three. With each exhale, count to three. Feel the warm air flowing in and out of your nose. Feel your diaphragm expand with each inhale and collapse with each exhale. Inhale, two, three, exhale, two, three. Inhale, two, three, exhale, two, three. Now, I want you to close your hands into tight fights. Squeeze, and relax. Squeeze, and relax. Squeeze, and relax. Now, visualize squeezing your fists without actually moving. Squeeze, and relax. Squeeze, and relax. Continue focusing on your breath. Inhale, squeeze. Exhale, release. As your body becomes warm, you feel a slight vibration pulsing through your veins. Increase the pumping of your fists until the vibrations travel from your hands, up your arms, down your torso, and into your legs and feet. And when you're ready, leave your body. Let yourself go. Myra? Myra? If you can hear me, when you're ready, turn, walk to the door, and open it. Now walk through the door and into the lobby. Sarah has a bright yellow piece of paper taped to the front of her desk. She has written something on it. Read what she’s written and try to hold it in your mind, if you can. Now, slowly, turn around and come back into my office. At your own pace, approach yourself and re-enter your body. Now, I'm going to count down backwards from five. And when I reach one, you'll open your eyes and be back here with me. Five, you're more aware of my voice. Four, you feel relaxed and comfortable. Three, your body is back on this plane. Two, you open your eyes. One.\nHow do you feel?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fine. Relaxed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you remember?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I remember getting comfortable, and you were talking to Sarah, and then you turned off the lights and turned on that noise. And I was focusing on my breathing. Then you told me to squeeze my fists. And then you told me to visualize squeezing my fists without actually moving. And then you told me to step out of my body. And then...and then...I did it. I left my body."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you remember what happened next?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did I- I went outside. To Sarah- to her desk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s very good."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And- and- ugh, there was something...something written? On her desk?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s right. Do you remember what it said?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was familiar...something about the beauty of the world? It’s like it’s on the tip of my tongue."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's alright, Myra. You’ve already recounted far more than you’re usually able."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But am I even close?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let’s check shall we?\nSarah? May I grab that piece of paper from you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "\"Our aim is to make the world more beautiful than it was when we came into it. It can be done. You can do it.\" That’s- that’s Vonnegut. Welcome to the Monkey House. It worked. I did it. Sort of."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unless you and Sarah plotted behind my back before we started today, then, yes, you did it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your body knows what to do, but it has grown accustomed to projecting as a result of traumatic situations. Perhaps being in a safe environment and my voice guiding you allowed you to access your ability without the usual fear and anxiety. Also, it's my understanding that, as an adult, you've never really tried to project on purpose. Is that correct?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. I mean, no, I haven't, you’re right. It never really crossed my mind to try because it's generally a bad thing when it happens. And, you know, because of the whole blacking out thing. I don't get it, how come I was kind of able to remember it this time?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our brains often dissociate as a defense mechanism - to protect ourselves from potentially harmful memories of trauma. But in this case, you projected intentionally. You felt safe, so dissociating served no purpose."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I- I can't believe that it worked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s a first step. And a very big one. If we keep practicing, you’ll hopefully be able to accomplish the same thing without a guide, and remember your projections more clearly. How are you feeling?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I feel really relaxed. Like, really, really relaxed. I mean, I've gotten so used to this only happening when I'm stressed. But I feel good. Really good. Oh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's the matter? Are you alright?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, yeah. I just got a really bad headache all of a sudden."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can I get you something?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no, I'm fine. It's gone. It was really bad but really brief. Oh, I feel exhausted. I'm really tired. Um, are we pretty much done? What time is it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, we're more or less out of time. Are you sure I can't get you anything?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, no, I'm just so sleepy all of a sudden. I think, uh, I think I better get going."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why don't you sit in the lobby for a bit. There's a love seat out there. You're welcome to take a little nap on it, if you'd like."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yeah, maybe. I guess I shouldn't drive right now. Thanks, Dr. Bright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My pleasure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(from a distance) Sarah. You have great taste in books."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Myra is going to rest out here for a while before she drives home. Will you get her whatever she needs and let me know if anything seems out of sorts?\nThank you.\nPatient has shown exceptional skill with her ability. She was able to project into the next room, through a closed door, and read a piece of paper planted for her to find. And, she recalled the experience, albeit vaguely. But, to intentionally project on her first attempt is...quite impressive. She did experience what appeared to be a brief but painful headache afterward. And she expressed being very exhausted. I do recall that many astral projectionists experience physical symptoms as a result of projecting, but I'll need to review past case studies to determine the long-term effects of this ability and whether or not it would be safe to continue practicing during sessions. I will also need to consider how much of this I want to share at my next quarterly review.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Bonus Episode 7 Transcript\nPatient #2-B-4\nPatient #2, age 15. Session one. Appointment was made by the patient's father, in accordance with a juvenile court ruling. Evidently someone at the AM was contacted by someone in local law enforcement, and passed along my card. The patient has apparently had several conflicts with authority figures in school and at home over destruction of property, and when asked why she does this, the patient maintains that the fires are some sort of compulsive habit. I suspect there is more involved. A compulsive arsonist is one thing, but I have a suspicion that that's a misunderstanding of something a little more‚ well, 'strange and unusual'. Hopefully I can help.\nHi Rory, come on in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Would you like to sit?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't, uh...Your couch looks brand new, and I don't want to ruin it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's all right Rory. Couches don't stay that color forever. It's bound to get a mark or two sometime. I don't mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, Rory. Do you know why you're here today?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because the judge said I had to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right. Any other reasons?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because my dad doesn't trust me. Doesn't believe me. And I know you won't either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why don't we start at the beginning."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The outbursts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're not the first therapist he's brought me to, y'know. None of them believed me either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I'm a specialist. I'm not like other doctors. And I'm hoping you'll give me a chance."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What makes you so different?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We've got the next hour to find out, don't we? Why don't you tell me about your father."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He thinks it's something I can control, like it's that easy. Like I can just say ‚\"Don't let it out Rory,\" and that's just the end of it. But I can't. I just...He doesn't get it. He doesn't know what it feels like."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What does it feel like?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What does an outburst feel like, Rory? In your own words."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You won't get it either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm here to try anyway. That's my job."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know if I can describe it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Take your time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's this feeling, in my head, like a- like a pressure, in my head. Like, something pressing on my temples, from the inside out. And it's like, a tingling in my arms and my hands, like I have to shake them out, like- like my hands are about to sneeze? That doesn't make sense...ugh, this is stupid-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I promise you it's not. Can I ask you a favor? And it may be a hard one, but if we're going to continue I need you to really try."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, whatever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. The favor is: I need you to continue our session today, under the assumption that I believe you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I need you to assume that I believe you. When we talk, when you tell me what you're feeling. I believe you. Doesn't matter how ridiculous it sounds when you're describing it, your experience is the only one that matters here. So I believe you. Do you think you can keep that in mind for me? Can you assume that I will believe you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I, um, I guess so? No one- no one's ever really said anything like that to me before. It's a little weird."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can work with weird. So. Your hands need to sneeze."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? Oh, yeah. So it's like a building pressure in my head, and then my hands like, need to sneeze or whatever. And then I wave my hands, and there's, y'know, an outburst and then it feels better. Or I don't, and it doesn't."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Keep going. Tell me about that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, it's the same as a sneeze, kinda. You know, have you ever felt like you had to sneeze, and then you can't? You try like, tickling your nose, or staring at a bright light, but it just sits there, on the tip of your nose, and it's like- it's hard to think about anything else. Doesn't matter what you're doing, now the sneeze trapped in your nose is the only thing you can think about, and the pressure just builds up, and it's so overwhelming... or no, maybe it's like, you really have to sneeze, but you don't have a tissue, so you paw around looking for tissues, knocking over stuff, and you just have to run away from the table before you get snot all over dinner? It's like that. But in my hands."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And with fire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why fire, Rory?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know. It's not like I picked it. It just... happens."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "May I ask why you carry a source of fuel around with you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're talking about the lighter, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. I'd think the first step to stopping the outbursts would be to stop carrying a fire source around with you. Make a clean break."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look, Dr. Bright..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that the same one? I thought, um, I was led to believe-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, yeah, the cops confiscated that one. Which is a shame, because I really liked that one. My grandpa gave it to me. It was engraved and everything. No, I got this one from... from the gas station. Hard to find one without like, a huge skull printed on it or whatever, so I just went with blank. Here. Look.\nSmell it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, it's..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Empty. Just an empty lighter. No fuel."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But why?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Honestly? Because it gets me in less trouble this way. Right now people just think I'm lighting fires, like some firebug. Could you imagine what they'd think if I didn't carry a lighter on me? Jeez, they might start believing the truth... And I... They might try to..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rory, it's all right. You can go ahead."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, Dr. Bright:, it's fine, I can wait-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Please, Rory. I insist. Let it out. Just away from the file cabinet, if you're able.\nFeel better?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, absolutely. Thanks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're not- you're not freaking out?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing I haven't seen before."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Awesome. So yeah. The lighter helps. Stops people from asking questions I don't really know how to answer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right. Of course. I imagine that's preferable in public, or at school. For privacy's sake."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right, exactly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So then, what about your father? Rory, you're a smart kid. I imagine you had to know we were going to talk about this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure, yeah, I know. That's the first trick in the shrink handbook, right? Get em talking about their parents?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's on page seven, right on top in bold text."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait, there's really a handbook?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, Rory, that's what we shrinks call a joke."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, oh right. Sorry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tell me about the outbursts and your dad."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, he hates them. Hates that I'm always burning stuff in the house I guess. \"I paid good money for these walls and every scorch mark weakens the frame,\" blah blah. Stuff like that. He's in construction, so. Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What does he think about the lighter?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I mean, he knows it's a fake."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He does?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When you said he didn't believe you, I assumed..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I mean he's kind of a jerk but he's not an idiot. He's seen me have outbursts in rooms with no flames. Plus he already knew about people with superpowers and stuff, from my mom."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um, your mother is an Atypical?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is that what it's called? I dunno. Her stomach acid is really corrosive, it can like, eat through wood and ceramic and stuff? But it's also really bad for her throat. So she takes medication for it. She had to go to a special doctor's office and everything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I just, um..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, no, it's nothing, I just... That wasn't included in the file I was given."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Should it have been? Her powers didn't really, y'know, come up in court."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, of course. You're right.\nSorry. Where did we leave off? So your father knows about Atypicals."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, yeah. So he knows about the outbursts. But I think that he thinks it's something I can just stop. Like how my mom stopped spitting acid."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because she's on medication."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, would it be safe to assume..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He doesn't say it outright, that's not really how he talks. How he thinks about it. But yeah, I think he wants to put me on medication too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. And how do you feel about that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I'm afraid, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're afraid of your father?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, not like- not like that. I- I- I don't know, I'm not saying it right..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, alright Rory. Take your time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can we, um, I'm sorry, can we come back to my dad later? I don't know if I have the right words right now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sure, ok. We won't push it off forever, but let's talk about something else and we'll come back, ok?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ok. Thanks. So, what do we talk about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How about school?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you like it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's ok, I guess. I'm not a great student. Out of class a lot, distracting. Some classes are better than others. When they let me go to classes, instead of in-school suspension or whatever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Which classes are your favorites?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, I really like chemistry these days. My teacher Mr. Zazzo does a lot of labs, so we get to cause chemical reactions and stuff, and I do like those. Plus sometimes during the labs we're using bunsen burners or other heat sources, so a lot of times that's the only time in the day I can let out an outburst and no one really notices. It like, gets me through the day sometimes. And there was one time, I was having a really rough day, and I think Zazzo had another lesson planned, but he cancelled it and made up a lab on the spot instead. And he called me up to the head of the class to assist with the example. We did that thing where you heat up some potassium chlorate and drop in some candy, and it spits out all these pink sparks. And he kept, y'know, having trouble with the heat source or something, so he let me come in and fix it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sounds like Mr. Zazzo really looks out for you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I mean, I'm sure he thinks I'm just a firebug, but he thinks he's giving my \"destructive tendencies\" a creative outlet, and. I dunno. That's a nice gesture. At least he's trying to be helpful, y'know? As opposed to, like, my English teacher Mrs. Krakowski. She has a lot of class discussions about the reading in her class, y'know, Socratic discussions or whatever it's called. Which I'm not a huge fan of. When I read books I sorta like to stew in my own thoughts about it, and hearing everyone else talks about it makes it kind of muddy in my brain. And I spend a lot of my time in class keeping the outbursts in so I don't interrupt the discussions, so I sit there breathing heavily with my eyes closed. So she just thinks I'm sleeping, I think. Or else sometimes I'll turn a book back in and the pages are singed. So she doesn't really like me, so I'm not really doing well in her class."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you find that classes tend to go better for you if you like your teacher?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh... yeah? I guess so? I never really thought about it like that. I always figured the stuff we learn in class is just facts, right? So if I have trouble processing the facts, I won't do as well in the class. But yeah, I guess English wasn't always my worst subject, just this year. I dunno."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "School isn't just a list of facts and figures to memorize, it's supposed to teach you how to think, how to process information in the wider world. And you're getting old enough now, Rory:, that you have started to lay the foundation of the way you think about the world. So to me, it makes perfect sense that if your teacher is someone whose teaching style or personality fundamentally conflicts with the way you view the world, that you might struggle to reach that teacher's standard of excellence. But I don't think that makes you a bad student."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. I'd agree with that. I end up in detention and stuff a lot, for the outbursts, but I have pretty good grades on the whole."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, then, Rory..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aw damn. You got me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let's maybe talk about how your dad talks about Atypicals? And compare that to the way you think about your own abilities?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I gotta say Dr. Bright:, that was some pretty slick therapy-fu."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's why they pay me the big bucks, as they say."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fine, yeah ok. So my dad knows about...Atypicals? Yeah. He's known since he and my mom were in college together. They were dating when her power manifested, they were at a party and my mom had too much to drink I guess, and she threw up in someone's toilet and the toilet just kind of melted. But she kind of had a handle on it until she was pregnant with me. She says something changed, and it got a lot worse, and it didn't get better once I was born. I don't remember, obviously, but they told me she was in the hospital a lot for the first year I was alive. And then they put her on these meds, and I guess that was that. The only reason I really know about it is because when I was like 4, right before they got divorced, we were on vacation in Orlando, and my mom forgot her meds at home and then got food poisoning from some seafood restaurant, and she kind of destroyed the bathroom. They kicked us out of the hotel, and we ended up staying at some motel that smelled like old cigarettes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That must have been difficult."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. And while all this was going on, my dad wasn't really, like, in it with her? He'd pick her up from the hospital, but I don't know what kind of hospital it was because he couldn't really stay with her I guess. And then they broke up, and as far as my dad ever saw she was sick, and then she was better. They don't really talk much anymore, and I talk about it all with her but not really with him. Y'know, the meds sort of killed her sense of taste and smell, but she doesn't want him to see that it's affecting her I guess. So maybe he thinks... that atypical abilities are like a disease? Something you can just medicate away? And, I guess he must wonder why I wouldn't want to do that. If the solution to what's making our lives difficult is available, why I wouldn't be the first in line to take it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that how you see your abilities? As a burden, making your life more difficult?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No! I just think people need to... I don't know, fucking chill out or something. Oh‚ I'm sorry, is it cool to say fuck here? I don't, um..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, it's okay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. But yeah, no, I don't think they're a burden. It just feels, I dunno. Natural. Like a natural part of me. And like, when I can let it out, it feels good, y'know? It feels right. But people, I dunno. They freak out around fire. They get mad when their stuff burns a little. And it's just stuff, y'know? I mean I get it's personal property, blah blah, but it's all just stuff. You can replace stuff. But so then I tried to keep it inside, y'know, keep it contained. But I get so exhausted trying not to have outbursts, that when I get home and I finally let it out, it's bigger. More."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The flames, you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. And not just the size of it, it feels...wilder. More...erratic? That's the word, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's all over the place?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, exactly. The fire goes all over the place. But I think- I think if more people knew it wasn't something I couldn't really control, that it's just a part of me. And then I could let it out in smaller doses throughout the day, and it wouldn't get so..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Explosive?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I see what you did there. But yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you ever told your dad about that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, but I don't know. He doesn't listen. He's got this tunnel vision about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where do you think that comes from?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have no idea. You're the shrink, not me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indulge me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well. I mean, his wife had this ability, that made her really sick, like, it affected her daily life, and stuff. That's hard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is hard."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And then, she went and found medicine for it, and her powers were gone, and she was back to normal. I mean, there were side effects, but she didn't tell him, so... as far as he knows it was like, she got sick and then she got better."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right, that makes sense."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And then- and then he finds out his kid has a similar, I mean he thinks it's a sickness right? And it's getting me in trouble in school and it's tanking my grades, and- and he can't really tell the truth to the school board, so he's lying to protect me all the time. And I mean, after school all day, when I get home my outbursts are worse, but those are the only ones he sees, so maybe he thinks they're all like that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sounds like anyone might be a little concerned for their kid's safety."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You make him sound so fucking reasonable. He could just talk to me about it, y'know? He doesn't have to shout the entire city down."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hear you. And I'm not trying to justify the way he makes you feel. I just think it may help you to be able to communicate better, if you see where he's coming from. He's not an Atypical, he doesn't know what having these abilities is like. He wasn't able to get information from the people treating your mother, and she didn't tell him about the full extent of the effects it continues to have on her life. I think maybe he's just worried about you, like any good parent would be, and doesn't have the tools to know how to talk about it with you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah and that's fine, Dr. Bright, but he doesn't have to take it out on me! He doesn't have to shout things at me like \"why can't you just choose to be normal!\""
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course, Rory, we all have-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm a kid! I'm in school, and teachers don't like me. Other kids don't hang out with me because they think I'm some kind of fire-freak. I'm doing my best every damn day just trying not to burn the school down. It is not my job to explain to my dad that not everyone can just be normal like him, that it's not that easy! It's a part of me, and he just wants to cut it out of me, and- and-\nOh fuck, no no no, please, I'm sorry Dr. Bright-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rory. Take a deep breath. It's all right. You're right. Things are replaceable.\nAre you okay?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um. Yeah. I’m fine. It's fine. I- I know I said that thing about things being replaceable, but every time I burn something of someone's, I still feel really bad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know. That's a complicated thing, especially with the nature of Atypicals not being exactly common knowledge. But this office is a safe space for you. I knew what I was getting into, and I came prepared.\nIt's really okay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's kind of how it felt. The night of the forest fire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you think you can tell me about it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just- he wouldn't listen to me. He was lecturing me about something in school, I don't even remember. I couldn't even open my mouth to speak without him shouting me down. And I could feel the pressure building, there wasn't time to call my mom to pick me up or anything, but I had to get out of there. There was so much of that pressure in my head, I guess I wasn't thinking straight. I just ran out of the house and started making my way to her house. But it's like, all the way on the other side of town. Right through a forest. And like halfway there I couldn't contain it anymore. It ripped its way out of me, Dr. Bright. The force of it, like I couldn't control my arms. And when my head cleared, there was fire everywhere, smoke in my eyes, I couldn't breathe…it was an accident. I didn't mean to burn the forest down. But, like, try explaining that to a judge."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I believe you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hah. I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want to try something with you. If you're up for it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, yeah, ok."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I borrowed this from a former colleague of mine, I think he's from the same kind of place where your mother's medication comes from. It's a device that can help some Atypicals with fire-based abilities. They call it a, um, a \"pyroglobe.\""
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Really?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Really. Now, I want you to hold it by these valves on either side. Press the silver knobs to the centers of your palms."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, just like that. Okay. Close your eyes. Hold it between your hands. Take a deep breath. In, out. In, out. Good. Now, I want you to feel out the pressure. Feel it in your mind, and in your hands. Is it there?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. I feel it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, good. I want you to follow the pressure. Focus on it. Keep breathing. Okay, when you feel ready, I want you to add your own will to that pressure. Instead of trying to contain it, I want you to use it. Do you think you can?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can try.\nOh! Oh damn, I did it. That was cool!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good! Okay, let's try again. Deep breaths...One...two...three"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hah!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good! Again..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow, that was really cool Dr. Bright. I feel...wow, I feel amazing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you tired?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Exhausted, but so worth it. Wow. Do you think- I mean, do you think I could take the pyroglobe home with me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think my engineer friend would kill me if I let it out of my sight. But I'll talk to him and see if we can make you one of your own."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That would be SO cool. Wow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, Rory. Think you'll be back next week?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, definitely. I'll see you next week. Thanks Dr. Bright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well. Maybe I am getting the hang of this. Patient wants to seek a practical solution to containing and controlling their ability without medication, as well as finding ways to get to places where outbursts can happen safely in a hurry. We may need to work on techniques for rephrasing that need so that it remains palatable to the wider world, as well as improving communication between the patient and her father. It may be worth bringing the father in for a supplemental session, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Additionally, a note to myself to check in with Green. There was no mention of an Atypical mother with another class-B ability anywhere in the paperwork they sent me. The patient was born in an AM hospital, for God's sake, I should have- they should have told me. I don't much care for being handled.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Bonus Episode 2 Transcript\nThe Bright Sides: Patient #3-C-2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Patient #3-C-2. Female, 31 years old. Patient has been out of the country for the past few months. Last session was conducted approximately two weeks before she left. There was a semi-serious incident early last year, but since that event the patient has shown little to no signs of atypical behavior. With the events being so infrequent, there has been no opportunity to practice control over her abilities. This is something of a blessing and a curse. No events, no issues. But if something were to happen I do not feel confident that she has the skills to contain the situation. Abilities like hers are a considerable threat, as they have the potential to draw a lot of unwanted attention."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "(breaking up) Hi Dr. Bright, can you hear me okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Melanie? I’m having some difficulty hearing you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ugh, I’m sorry, the connection is not very good. One sec-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m only getting bits and pieces."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is this better at all?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, much clearer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sorry about that. The connection is really weak. Although, considering where we’re staying, I guess I’m lucky I have internet at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No problem. As long as you're somewhere you feel comfortable and safe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm fine. I'm in my hotel room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see your style has changed up a bit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you like it? It's called an ‘abaya.' To be honest, it's really grown on me. It takes the pressure off of deciding what to wear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's been a little while since we've spoken. How are you doing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm fine. Dr. Bright, have you- have you seen the headlines?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, about the dig?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not exactly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What are they about?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d rather not talk about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. Why don't you tell me a little about what you’ve been doing? You seemed really excited about this job the last time I saw you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. Sure, yeah. Um, well, Dr. Travers asked me to join him when he got the email from his colleagues here. It was a huge honor to be considered, it's a really important project. They found a human finger bone. It's incredible really, because its over eighty thousand years old. Early humans weren't supposed to have left Africa yet. It's too soon to tell, but this could change the entire dispersal theory. And this was just a third metacarpal, too small to give us all the information we need, but if we found more- well. It would have changed a lot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Melanie, that's wonderful. You must be thrilled, I know you've worked really hard."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Yeah, it's helped- well, it was a nice distraction."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you spoken to Becca since you left?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, no, it's definitely over."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm very sorry to hear that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, technically, that it's for the best. I kind of knew early on that we had different feelings about...well, about, you know. Having a child. Becca always said she wanted that too, but whenever I brought it up she would just dodge the conversation. I think that's something that can't be reconciled. I've= I've always wanted to be a mother, it's just always been inevitable for me. You know, raising a child, having those experiences. I can't imagine never having that. But, at the same time, I don't want to do that alone. And if my partner doesn't want to do that- It's just as inevitable you know, people that don't want to have children. I think that feeling is just as strong as the maternal instinct. One way or the other, you just, you know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're right. It's hard to change someone's mind, especially over a decision that can so drastically change one's life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. There's no going back. So when we had that last fight, it was sad, sure, but we both knew how it was going to end. It's really hard to be looking at the person you love most in the entire world, and it hits you, the reality of it. In a perfect world, love is the only thing you need for a relationship to work. But this isn't a perfect world, and love is just one part of it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's very true. That's a very logical way to look at it, Melanie."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This trip has really helped, it came up at the right time, I didn't even find a new apartment I just put my stuff in storage and got on the plane. I thought it would be good to get out of town, bury myself in my work. I had a fresh start."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Had?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know how to talk about it. I don't know where to begin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's okay. Take a deep breath. You can tell me at your own pace."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A couple of weeks after I first arrived, we were out in the desert. We're staying in a really small town in the middle of nowhere, and we still have to drive for a couple of hours to get to the site. I was working on my section, it's very slow going work, when a Jeep pulled up. New workers, from a university in London. That's when I first met A'dab. It wasn't...I didn't think there would be a problem right away. There are so many workers out here, we barely met that first week. But then, on a Saturday, there was some outdoor music that I wanted to go see. Men and women aren't allowed to stand together, so I needed to go with someone. When I ran into A'dab in the hotel lobby, I asked if she'd like to go with me. And that was when I realized I had a problem. A'dab is incredible. She was born here, but her family moved to London shortly after. She's a professor in London, she speaks like a hundred languages. And she's so funny, I was almost crying I was laughing so hard. I remember one of the musicians- he was doing this solo guitar act and his playing was beautiful, but his voice was like, a 4 year old doing bar karaoke. It was unbearable. And after we left, A'dab kept doing this perfect impression of it. I'd say‚ ’want to get breakfast tomorrow?' And she'd reply like ‘yes, I'll be there' but in this terrible singing voice, oh my god..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She sounds wonderful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought immediately, like, no way this woman is into me. I mean, I'm smart but she's like- she's like a next level genius. And I tried to just be friendly but...We work in the late afternoon or the early morning, so that we aren't working in the hottest part of the day. We worked late, until about one A.M., and then we all got in the van to drive back to our hotel. The sky was weird, very cloudy, which is rare for the desert. It was flat and gray, I just stared out the window trying to find the horizon in the dark. A'dab and I were sitting in the third row seats. Everyone was so tired, it was quiet in the car. I remember feeling so horribly homesick, just wanting to lay on a couch in my underwear and watch some Friends re-runs. I started crying, really softly, I was so embarrassed, I just didn't want anyone to see me. And then I felt A'dab rest her hand on mine. Her finger was just stroking the top of my hand. For second I didn't move or anything. And then I laced my fingers into hers, barely moving. And I remember the clouds just broke open. It was as if we were watching it on fast-forward, they moved so fast. They pulled back and- the most brilliant stars I've ever seen- everyone in the car gasped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you ever done that before?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No- never. It was terrifying - like it always is - but at the same time, exhilarating. I've never done it in a way that was beautiful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Melanie, you're a scientist. You think very rationally, you like to organize. And that’s often extended to your ability. I know you like to think of it as nothing more than a biological process but it’s more than that. It reflects what you’re experiencing - what you’re feeling. And if you continue to compartmentalize your emotions-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. I know. I'm trying so hard to control it. Sometimes I feel numb inside, like a blank white wall, but then it'll all come spilling out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re feeling unstable."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't even know where stable is or what it looks like anymore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't want to worry you, but that concerns me. You've been experiencing some very strong emotions, and if we can't find a way to help you process a little more efficiently, we could be looking at another major event. With your abilities, that can draw a lot of attention."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There’s a freak weather event in the papers every other day, Dr. Bright. I don’t know that I’d stand out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe not to the general public but there are...groups that keep an eye out for this sort of thing. It would be better if you didn’t do anything to end up on their radar."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think it's- I think it's a little too late for that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Last week, A'dab left the dig. It was really sudden, her coworkers said she had an emergency back home and she just left. She didn't say good-bye, she didn't leave a note, nothing. She was just gone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, Melanie, I’m so-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know what I did, I keep playing it back in my mind, over and over and over. Maybe I completely misread things, I shouldn't have taken her hand. I thought- I thought maybe- I thought there was a chance that we felt the same way but now- Or maybe I should have done more, maybe I should have said something. But it's dangerous to do that here, it's illegal. I'm just- I’m so confused. I've been out for ten years but, all this, it's just, it's- it's taken me right back there. I'm a lost sixteen year old. In high school, I couldn't be myself, I didn't know how to be. I didn't want to weird anyone out, I just tried so hard to fit in. I was so scared and alone and now- now, I'm a grown woman and I'm scared and I'm alone and I'm just- I am so tired of being hated. I made it rain. A country that gets maybe one day of rain in a year and old Melanie Trent comes and floods the whole place. It didn't stop. It went on for days and days. I just sat in the hotel with everyone staring out the windows whispering about ‚’What is going on?' And ‚”How could this be happening?' Me. I'm how it could be happening. It's all ruined of course. The site was totally destroyed. I- I flooded the entire place. The only thing I had left, and it's gone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Has it stopped at all?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yeah. Oh yeah, it stopped. I calmed myself down, I told everyone I was sick and I locked myself in my hotel room. I just slept. After a couple of days, the rain cleared up. Dr. Travers was going out to assess the damage and I wanted to go with, to see if anything was salvageable after I... We could barely get out there, the Jeep got stuck. We got to the site and it was completely flooded. Everything was just mud. All of our work. Destroyed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm so sorry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I actually felt it come over me. Absolute despair. It's hard to feel, sometimes, Dr. Bright:. You can only hate yourself for so long before your brain decides to shut it off. You just turn it all off. Better to feel nothing than to feel like this. Someone threw a rock at the Jeep. Dr. Travers and I turned to look when I felt one hit me, on the shoulder. I whirled around because I really thought someone was attacking us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't understand, someone was at the site with you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. It was hail. We ran back to the Jeep for cover. The windshield was cracking, Dr. Travers couldn't see anything. We barely made it back to the hotel. I haven't been back. I can't go back. I'll just make things worse. The site... Becca...everything is better off without me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Melanie, these thoughts you’re having are very common. A lot of people with similar conditions feel and think this way, but you are in a very unique position. For most people, these thoughts, as terrible as they are, are all in their head. For you, these thoughts are manifesting in your physical space but I want you to remember something: they are still in your head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How could you say that? How could you say everything I'm experiencing isn't real?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your feelings are real, the pain is real, but these thoughts are lying to you. Dr. Travers, your colleagues - they asked you to come on this trip because they value your intellect, your experience and your passion. You and Becca had to make a very difficult decision, and it had nothing to do with her love for you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They don't know who I really am. What I've done."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are not your ability. Your worth is not measured by it. If you saw someone cry, you wouldn't think any less of them would you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your ability is just an extension of your emotion. And it's healthy to cry sometimes. But when we don't express our emotions, when we bottle them up, they can emerge suddenly, in unexpected ways. Sometimes in ways that negatively impact our lives or the lives of others. I want to help you to express it in a healthier way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't want to express this at all. I want it gone. I don't want to be like this, what good has it ever done me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your ability is a part of you. We all have parts of ourselves that we don’t like, but that doesn’t mean we can learn to live in harmony with them. The sky clearing to reveal all those stars? You made that happen. Remember that you are capable of creating beauty, too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you know the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy trilogy?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The book series?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm familiar."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, in the fourth book-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wait, I thought it was a trilogy?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There are five books but they call it a trilogy. I've wondered why for a long time, but I realized the answer is probably just ‚’forty- two’. Anyway, in the fourth book, there’s this guy and he's a rain god. But he doesn't know he's a rain god, he just knows that everywhere he goes all the time, it always rains. And once everyone finds out he's a rain god, resorts and stuff start paying him to stay away, you know, to keep the bad weather away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, that's not exactly what I meant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, but it's an interesting idea. I guess, the best thing I can do for the dig is to stay away right now. Maybe I should go somewhere where they need rain, a drought-stricken farm or something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's more what I meant. There is so much you can do. But you don't need to leave the dig, I can help you over the next couple of weeks-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not sure we have a couple of weeks. I didn't know if I should say anything, I don't want you to worry about me, but I think I'm really starting to lose it-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Earlier today, when I emailed you asking if we could talk, I was at the hotel. Dr. Travers came to my room. He's been at the site, overseeing the repairs. He told me that a black SUV pulled up and this woman was there. She asked about the dig and about the, you know, the weather. It's been all over the news here. And he was just telling me because it was so strange, but then I noticed a black car outside the hotel. I know, I know, I know, it sounds insane, and maybe I'm just paranoid now on top of everything else, but I... think I'm being followed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Melanie-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's impossible that even be, the I mean, nobody right? Who would CIA or something? knows do they?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Melanie, I'm going to tell you something and I need you to listen very carefully. Those groups I mentioned - the ones that keep their eye out for people like you? Well, here in the US they have a variety of ways of dealing with this kind of event, but they would most likely cooperate with you as an American citizen. Where you are, a similar group may not do the same. There’s a checkered history between our governments and if the authorities there were to bring you in, there’s not much that I could do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are you talking about, what's going on?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Will you follow my instructions?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, of course, I-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can learn to control this. But you’ve been through too much to just swallow your emotions and hope nothing else happens. There is no shortcut around this, you need to grieve. You need to let everything come out. You need to mourn Becca and A'dab, the dig, everything. I will be with you every step of the way but you cannot grieve in the desert. You are not safe there. I need you to buy a plane ticket today, you have to go north, where a heavy rain or snowfall won’t be noticed-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, okay, I mean, I have a friend in Moscow, an old professor, I could get a flight-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, not Russia. That’s the last place you want to be. I wouldn’t be surprised if you were already on the NSB’s radar...I would recommend Greenland, or perhaps Alaska. Somewhere you can feel everything you need to, where the outcome will not be noticed and the governments are more...lax. Have Dr. Travers drive you to the airport and do not tell him where you're going. Do you understand?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As soon as you land, you call me. I don't care what time it is, I'll be waiting for your call."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dr. Bright, what is going on?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Buy the ticket now and call me when you land."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll talk to you in a few hours.\nThe situation has somewhat escalated for Patient #3-C-2. The lack of control I was concerned about has become an imminent threat. It seems that she has been classified as an exposure risk. This is, of course, dangerous for the atypical community at large but I’m more presently concerned with Melanie’s personal safety. I am dedicated to further treatment, and will be conducting more frequent sessions. I may also need to invest in a good winter coat, it looks like I may be making a trip north in the near future. \n\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Bonus Episode 6 Transcript\nPatient #4-A-5"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "New patient, session one. Male, mid- thirties. Extensive history of psychological counseling. Patient seemed very... particular while making his appointment. Insisted that we hold our first session in his apartment, rather than my office. Even agreed to pay the higher rates. Apartment Twenty-Six A... Where is Apartment...? Ah-ha."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sorry. I just - please, come in. Dr. Bright steps forward, coming into -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you. You must be Arthur-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, one second, please. Just - one moment.\nMmm... okay. I think that'll do. For now. Okay. Sorry, sorry, thank you so much for bearing. Just needed to finish that thought. But now it's done. So: hi. Dr. Bright?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's right. Arthur Sacks?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The - once again - very apologetic and appreciative Arthur Sacks. Here, let me take your coat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, no, that's all right, you don't need to get up to -\nOh. Right. You really don't need to get up to do that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Haven't done much work with psychokinetics before, have you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I've had some experience working with patients that have similar abilities to yours, yes. Though, many of them were still working on the basics of control; moving a marble across a table and what-not. You're..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "... a little further along, yeah. Please -\n-take a seat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, the water's ready. I, umm... I made you a cup of tea. A very nice Nil Noire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Sacks..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hmm?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not to... I just spent ten minutes buzzing your doorbell before you let me into the building. In the time it took me to find your apartment, you seemed to have forgotten I was coming. And yet you remembered to make me tea?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I made myself a nice cup of Nil Noire tea, which I would now very much like you to have."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see. Well, I appreciate the gesture. But this will be a lot easier if we can agree to speak plainly with one another."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I'm starting to see that. So... just to speak plainly... Doctor Bright? Or is there another title that would be more...?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Doctor Bright is fine. Or you can call me Joan, if you'd like."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Great. Well, Joan, here is your cup of tea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Careful, it's very hot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Sacks, you've -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Please, call me Arthur."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Arthur. You only touched that tea cup with your mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can tell how hot it is?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can. Yep."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You get that level of feedback?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not, uh, not quite. But I do have this... I guess you'd call it a secondary ability? It's called, um, eyes? Which let me see all the steam? That's coming off the tea cup? You're not much for jokes, are you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shall we get started?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, God, please. Let's. Oh, hey, umm... thanks again for agreeing to do this in my apartment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's all right."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's nice of you to say, but...it's not. It's unusual, and a huge imposition on your schedule. But really, it's the only way I could do this. I'm in a huge time crunch right now. There's a gallery opening next week, and I'm still not done with the last piece. I need to be on it every second I can get."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Really: it's all right."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that what you're working on right now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, that's it. That's the beast."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who is - is that Bellerophon?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good eye. Big fan of the old myths?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had a phase in high school. You?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Every sculptor wants to work the classics. All the old bastards had their shot at Ares and Aphrodite, and all of them. You want to get your own, see what you do with them, you know? But Bellerophon... he's my favorite. He's got everything. Hero. Monster-slayer. Makes Heracles look like the whiny crybaby he is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What material are you working on? Is that... Limestone? Marble?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Granite."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Granite?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only medium I work on. For about two years, actually."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Isn't granite particularly...challenging?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you're asking if this rock is particularly hard, then -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's difficult, isn't it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. Very. And time consuming. It takes forever to dent it, never mind shape it. Although...\nIt does go a little faster when you can use three chisels at once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'd imagine so, yes. And you can get the right level of control on all three? At once?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only way I meet my deadlines. It's just a matter of concentration."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And the end results are worth the trouble?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Granite is an absolute bitch. It makes you hate yourself, your life, and everything you've ever loved. But once you get it right? It's perfect. And it last forever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alright, well, if you’re ready, I’d like to get started with the session."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is there like... a secret oath I need to take or something?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, nothing quite so dramatic, but... since this is our first session together, there's a few formalities that we need to go through. Just for the record."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Such as...?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let's start with an easy one: first and last name."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You already know that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indulge me for a second. First and last name."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Arthur Sacks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you believe you have an atypical ability?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. I do. Is this really necessary-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what is the nature of your ability?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm a psychokinetic. Level 5. Type rated at two hundred and forty-five pounds."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wonderful. And how long have you exhibited visual signs of your atypical ability, Arthur?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fourteen years next December."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And how long have you been working with The AM?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fourteen years next February."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And throughout that entire time Dr. Conte was your liaison, correct?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's right. Have you... heard anything? About how he's doing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's... complicated. Working with electropaths is always risky, but Richard was always very dedicated to his patients. They say he should recover the feeling on the left side of his body. Eventually."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And until then..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll have the pleasure of taking over his duties as your official liaison. Let's see... any side effects from your abilities?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Well, actually there is one: insomnia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Insomnia?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yep."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Would you like to tell me more about that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't sleep. Then I take a Xanax, and I do sleep. It's not complicated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. So: Arthur. While we don’t think of therapy in terms of concrete goals I would like to talk about what exactly you’re hoping to-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I need you to give me the \"all clear.\""
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The “all clear\"?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yep. The “all clear”."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not sure I follow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, come on, Doc. I mean, look at me. I'm fully in control of my ability. I've lived with it for over a decade. I've mastered it, I love it, I use it for my livelihood. The only bad thing it's ever done is keep me up at night, and they make drugs for that. I. Am. Fine. So I don't see any reason why you can't file my quarterly report to The AM saying everything is just dandy. And that way? You liaise, I get liaised, The AM feels liaised to, and we all get back to our very busy lives."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah. That \"all clear.\" I see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is usually when the doctor goes to write the report saying “all clear”. So, are you going to-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. No, I’m not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And why is that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well... For starters, I have this wacky notion that as a therapist, I should make decisions and file reports based on my observations, not my patients'. Eccentric I know. I'm going to ask you some more questions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because I have things I want to know, but which I currently don't."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought you didn't like jokes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even therapists have a sense of humor"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You do have my file, right? Dr. Conte did give you that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And have you read my file?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, everything you need to know about my case is right there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The facts of your case are there. That’s not who you are. There are still things I’d like to know. For example -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look, I've been evaluated by dozens of specialists and -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Sacks. I am good at my job. If you’d like to pay my house call rates to have prolonged debates about the merits of independent informed observation, that’s your choice. But I think I can help you. And I’m not filing anything until I feel I have a full understanding of you and your situation. So I’d very much appreciate it if you let me do my job. Do you think you can do that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fine. Fine. We can... We can talk. Go ahead: ask your questions."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you. Now, has there been any change in -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sorry. Like I said: tight deadline. I really need to be working every second I can. Just... Doing my job."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course. Now, as I was saying...\nTell me about your life these days."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's a day in the life like for you? How's your routine?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Solid. As a rock."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Arthur."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's fine. It's... I don't know. I work a lot. During gallery season, pretty much around the clock. When it's not, I have free time. I read. I watch Downton. Good enough?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What about other people? Social connections?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, that's all good. Nobody in the history of the world has ever loved anyone as completely as my agent loves me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What about friends?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I have those too. We hang out. Have beers. Talk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you talk about?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Work, and families, and TV, and movies, and whatever their kids did, and what's stressing us out, and... you know, life things."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you consider yourself a particularly stressed out individual?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's not - turn of phrase, Doc. I'm fine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is there anything in particular that stresses-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm sorry, could you speak up? Just a little- It's just hard to-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I said - I was saying... Is there anything that is causing you more stress than usual?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aside from my work deadlines, no."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you're still having trouble sleeping? How long has that been going on?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Long time. Pretty much since I first started moving things around with my mind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you've been taking Xanax that entire time?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It gets the job done..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What about other medications? Are you still taking Lexapro?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I- No. Not for a long time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How's your physical activity? Are you exercising regularly?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course I am. I'm a sculptor. Every day I lift enormous slabs of granite."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I meant - physical exercise, Arthur. Like -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know what you meant. It is physical exercise, Doc. Psychokinesis takes effort. It's actually really exhausting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you're still doing it with your atypical ability. I meant bodily activity. For instance,do you ever go running anymore?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. I don't."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Never?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. That's not so unusual is it? Plenty of people don't run."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, it's... a little unusual. You used to be an olympic track runner, so it's -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Used to be. Used to be. I was a runner. I ran. Now I'm a sculptor. I sculpt. Next question."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'd like to talk about how you've been feeling lately. Have you been experiencing any pain or any unusual physical -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look, Doc, I know that - that a certain amount of physical blowback or whatever the literature calls it is common with psychokinetics, but really: I got this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Has there been any pain or unusual physical sensations lately?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? You just - I said no. My ability hasn't had any -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am going to ask you this question as many times as it takes, Arthur. Have you experienced any pain or unusual physical sensations lately?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're not asking about my ability, are you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, Arthur. I'm asking about your left leg-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My leg is fine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is? Good. Good. Because reading up on the accident, it sounds like it was very serious. How many fractures was it? It was somewhere in your file...there were several if I remember correctly -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seven! Seven. It was seven fractures. But that was more than a decade ago. It was hard, but the leg got better. I got better."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d like to ask you a bit more about the accident, if that's okay?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I got hit by a car. It sucked. Wouldn't not get hit by a car again. Anything else?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And your abilities first manifested themselves shortly after the accident, correct? While you were -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In the hospital, yeah. While I was in traction."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And how long was that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Long. Months. Plus P.T. on the other side."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And in the middle of all of that..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could suddenly move things by thinking about them. Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What was it like? When you first realized you could do it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was... well, part of it really sucked. I was in, um, pretty crippling amounts of pain. Just like... \"the walls don't stand still\" amounts of pain. And at first it was pretty scary. Unpredictable. Something would make a sudden noise in my room and my phone would go through the window. I hurt myself a couple of times. But, well, I had nothing to do. I was never going to run again, not professionally anyway. I was stuck in one place and my life was over. So I practiced. And practiced. And practiced. By the time I was discharged, I had a pretty good hang of it. Then The AM found me, and they got me the rest of the way there. They said I was... pretty good. Apparently I have a level of control and precision that most psychokinetics never really -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What about the accident itself? Can we talk a bit about that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'd rather not. It isn’t relevant. It happened before my atypical abilities-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I understand if you don’t want to discuss it, but having the context for the events that triggered the initial onset has been -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I said I don't want to -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh for God's - no, no, goddammit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is it all right? Is there -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I need you to be quiet for a moment.\nGot lucky. It's a clean break. I'll be able to work around the crack. Do you have any idea how bad that could have been?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Arthur, even if you have excellent control over your ability, controlling your emotions is not-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey. Don't. I'm in control. I've been tested. I did the lab rat thing. Everyone agreed. I have perfect control over my ability. That is a fact."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well... that we can test. Are you up for a quick exercise?\nYou remember the Murray-Blackburn?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I remember the Murray-Blackburn. But God, I haven't done it in ages..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, then let me refresh you: Standard playing card deck. I shuffle it, like so... And then I toss it into the air. You catch them... All fifty-two. And you put them in order. I time you, and we see how long it takes you to sequence fifty-two independent variables. If any of them touch the floor, you lose."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, yeah. I got this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay. Ready? Three... Two... One..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Done."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was... genuinely very impressive, Arthur. Well done."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you, thank you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Feel like seeing how you do with two decks at once?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come on. Let me show you how it's done."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, ready... three, two, one..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Done. One - And two!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wow. That- that's-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You got another one in there?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You feel like going for all three?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yeah. Let me show you how it's done. You know, I actually set the record for a three deck sort."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you really?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yeah. Fifty-six point two seconds. Wait, that’s still the top record, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I was actually looking at the records from The AM last night, and I think the record for a three deck sort was forty- nine point three."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Someone must have broken your record since the last time you were tested. But your time is still excellent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Come on. Let's do this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Arthur, this -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let's go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All right... three... two... one...\nArthur:, don't push your-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just let me-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just so you know... When the other telekinetic broke your record last year, it was after almost three hours of warm-ups, practice runs, and conditioning."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm saying she didn't break your record all by herself. She had a lot of help. But you don't like help, do you?Why it is so important for you to be the best at this? Why do you need to win at being atypical? You were a world-class athlete. You came in fourth at the 1998 Olympics. You would have been a favorite for gold in 2002, except you got hit by a drunk driver. But you recovered from that, and you became a world-class sculptor. Most people would kill to have one of the two obscenely successful lives you've lived. But the mere idea that you might need to even talk to someone about your incredibly complicated, sensitive, possibly dangerous power... that you can't stand. That drives you crazy. Why do you have to be the best at this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because... I have to be."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why? Because you were in an accident? Or... Because you came in fourth at the Olympics?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well...I have this colleague. Not a therapist, but someone who works with atypicals. And she has this... deeply unscientific theory about people with physical abilities. She thinks they're always one of two types: one kind, their bodies use their new powers as a... survival tool. A way of coping with an extreme physical situation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And what's the second type?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For the second kind, the ability is almost like a- well, like a punishment. For some part of themselves. Or a way of divesting. Almost like they're telling their bodies, \"See? I don't need you. I can get by just fine.\" What do you think my colleague would say about your, Arthur?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well... I think it depends. If I'm the first type then I got my ability because I needed it. Because I'd been in an accident, and the thing that made my life make sense had just vanished, probably forever. And my body just knew, on some molecular level I had to change. I had to grow. But if I'm the second type, then it wasn't the accident that triggered it. The way that pretty much everyone has always assumed it was. I was already well on my way by the time that car hit me. And what actually set it off... the thing that got me going... it was..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're not made out of granite, Arthur:. None of us are. No one is a perfect statue every single day of their lives. And that's something we all have to come to grips with. Sooner or later."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So... Is that what you think? That I just never forgave myself for not getting a medal? That I've been punishing myself? Or my body? Is that actually why I can't sleep?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. I happen to think my colleague is absolutely full of crap, as is anyone that would ever tell you that something as complicated as your atypical ability could be explained by something as simple as an either/or statement. I just thought that might help to... move some things around."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sorry. No easy answers here. But I am going to help you get some sleep. Some healthy, natural sleep."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah? What's that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is your homework assignment. Forty minutes of aerobic exercise a day. If you're not up for running, get a rowing machine. I really don't care what you do, but you're going to stop relying on the Xanax and you're going to get moving again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait, I thought you said this wasn't about -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You want to know why you have trouble sleeping? Because you spend fifteen hours a day lifting three- hundred pounds of granite with your brain and you're not giving it any fuel. You're using it as a muscle, and you need to get oxygen-rich blood pumping in the veins that travel through it. So get out of this apartment, and give it some gasoline."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Forty minutes?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Every day. And it'll feel like you're dying at first, but you're not. You're made out of tough stuff. Arthur, you need to remember that even when you're using your abilities, it's still your body doing it. And act like it. And - just for the record - you have amazing control over your ability. Some of the best I've ever seen. You don't need someone to help you control your ability, but…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "…but I really fucking need a therapist. Yeah. God. Jesus, you figured out all of this stuff just from talking to me for twenty minutes?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I said, I’m good at my job. Also, Dr. Conte took excellent notes.\nI have a slot opening up in two weeks. I'd be delighted to see you - in my office - every Thursday."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ugh, but The AM is so far out-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m actually not- I left the facility a few months ago. I have my own office - it’s far more central so I don’t want to hear any excuses. You can come in and then we can talk about getting you that \"all clear.\" All right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, yeah. You got it. Thank you Doctor Bright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're very welcome. And by the way, it's okay to just call it telekinesis. It doesn't make it any less cool, all right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right, all right... We'll go with that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Excellent. I'll see you in two weeks?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll see you in two weeks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wonderful. Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Arthur Sacks.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Bonus Episode 8 Transcript\nPatient #6-C-1\nPatient number 6-C-1. Bright, wry. They have exhibited minor shape-shifting abilities, but are disinclined to practice. They use self-deprecating humor as a defense mechanism but it often serves to undermine their position—\nNiko. Good to see you. Come sit down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey, Dr. Bright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How have you been since our last session?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m sorry about missing last week."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don’t have to apologize to me, Niko. I just want to make sure you’re doing alright."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That would make sense! Considering that you’re my therapist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How was your week?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Great!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How have you been sleeping?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Eh?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, that kinda captures the whole mood. “Eh.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Would you like to expand on that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not more tired than usual?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You seem—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Paler?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Grayer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I know. It’s a light shale color, right? I look like a golem. Check it out. It’s all over my body."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Really?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ankles, gray. Wrists, gray. All gray. Hair? Silver and black. I look like I’m in grayscale."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was this change a conscious effort?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. God, no! Man, if I’d chosen this, I would have busted through your office door the moment it happened. Don’t worry though! I’m getting a degree in theoretical physics— everyone expects me to be an eccentric dresser."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Has anyone asked you about it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, they have, but I’ve been telling people I had an experiment with, um, hair bleach that went awry. Getting that anime anti-hero look going."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you been practicing any shapeshifting?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not a lot, honestly. The last couple of times didn’t go that well, y’know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You were doing well with changing your hair color."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No I wasn’t!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Niko, you have to acknowledge your successes. You were able to effectively switch your hair from brown to pink— and then to green. That’s nothing to scoff at."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The color wouldn’t stay in my hair, Dr. Bright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It does take concentration to maintain a change the first few times."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, it didn’t, um, stay confined to my hair. It spread. The color would “leak,” y’know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Interesting. Where did it spread?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, okay, I tried blue. Looked great. Nice navy color. As soon as I walked outside, it spread from my hair to the tips of my ears, edge of my forehead, and the nape of my neck. Luckily, all normal places to accidentally spray dye."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m guessing that wasn’t the end of it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, it really wasn’t. When anyone noticed it, it would spread farther. I had blue splotches all over my neck, my face - It was as if me telling my power to stop being noticeable made it want to move, just to mess with me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Likely a reaction to social anxiety-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, no shit!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Niko."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the other hand, I could say that I, uh. “Blue” myself!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Excuse me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s a reference!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t know that reference."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Technically, also a reference—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Niko."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, in the end, I was wearing a scarf, beanie, and gloves in warm weather for a week."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wait. Why gloves?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, I tried changing my nail color. What?! I hate painting my nails. I figured, if I could give myself bad paint job, I might as well do it with my mind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That spread too?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, all the way to my wrists! It wouldn’t have worked that well anyway. Turns out that it’s kind of hard to make your nails look “painted” and not just discolored. It kinda ended up looking like I had cyanosis."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How recently did you experiment with this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A couple of weeks ago."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah. Is this why you missed your last session?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Listen, I just didn’t want to put on all my layers, again, and have to come up with some kind of explanation for the people who would stare. It’s already hot with a binder on, so…Plus, have you ever gotten sweaty palms in gloves? In warm weather, it’s not just the palm! It’s the whole hand!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I understand, Niko. And your feelings about your ability are valid. If you ever feel like you don’t have a handle on your shapeshifting— since it sounds like it was edging out of your control—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe just a bit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We can always have our session over the phone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The phone? Is that, uh. Protected?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have a secure line for phone sessions. Your privacy is safe with me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. Yeah. Yeah, I’ll try that. Thanks... Thanks, Dr. Bright:. Again. I’m sorry for canceling at the last minute."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s alright, Niko. Really. How is your research going?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We’re just fumbling in the dark for a greater understanding of manifolds used for string compactifications. Y’know, trying to explain and categorize the “extra” dimensions in spacetime— the ones we don’t interact with on a day-to-day basis— with math."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right. I’m afraid I was never very good at physics."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Please! You actually help people! You- you have have— you have something great that you do! My stuff? It’s just fumbling."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you enjoying your work?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mmm. It’s an irritating constant, it is background noise, and it’s my whole life. All at once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How are you getting along with your lab partners?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How are they?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Smart, of course. There’s a lot more of them right now: we’re working with the astrophysics wing of theoretical physics on another project."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you been spending any time with anyone outside of the lab?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean we all have separate sub-projects, so not really. We meet once a week?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You haven’t made any friends?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not six, mom. I can be sociable. Sorry. That was rude of me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know you’re under a lot of pressure—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, Dr. Bright:, I’m honestly— I’m okay—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you should make time for social activities, too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m… social!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you haven’t been spending any time with your peers?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There are a lot of ways to be social in this day and age."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, right. You run that online roleplaying game. Roleplaying forum?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is an online interactive storytelling module based on the fantasy world of T. Carrow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course. Well. How is that going?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was a huge upset over the weekend! Major plot twist. Bruce’s character, Calabi, was killed trying to defend the king of Eladron— and, you know, in Eladron, power comes at a price, right? There’s always a sacrifice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, no, I haven’t read the series."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, well, there’s a rule for magic and power in Eladron. You can wish for anything, but there’s always a downside. A sacrifice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For instance, you can have incredible magical knowledge, but you can’t control what it will be about. You’ll have spells from all over arcanum, but they’ll be random."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So there’s no telling whether they will be helpful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Or, you might have great knowledge, but not great brain capacity— which means you have to pick what subject you’re going to be an expert in for a day. If you try to access more than one field of knowledge, you might get an aneurysm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s fairly grim."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s what happened to Calabi. His chosen field of magic for the day of the battle was evocation, aka “I make the elements do my bidding.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But he needed another kind of magic?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When the king was possessed, Calabi tried to stretch his mental capacity to remember the counter-curse. Um, in the end, he banished the demon, but the king still died— and Calabi had a stroke."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s far darker than I was expecting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, T. Carrow’s world is very logical. All based around checks and balances. It’s kind of what I prefer now, in terms of magical systems."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So Tolkien’s work..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eh. I mean, don’t get me wrong, Lord of the Rings is a classic. But the stuff with the elves’ and Gandalf’s magic is more…wish-fulfillment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Isn’t a lot of fantasy wish-fulfillment?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not in fairytales. You get shitty, specific powers, depending on the whims of the djinn or fae or wizard who gives them to you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Be careful what you wish for.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Exactly. You get what you want, but never the way you want it. Magic has a mind of its own. And it doesn’t— um. Work well with humans. For instance, there’s Perrault’s story of the um, the three wishes. A starving peasant family gives a faerie shelter from the cold. The faerie grants them three wishes. The wife, only able to think of what she desires most, says, “I wish I had a sausage.” A sausage suddenly appears in her hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Which isn’t a very helpful wish for the rest of the family."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right, and the husband is angry! That’s one of their wishes gone. She could have wished for infinite riches! He says, “I wish that sausage was stuck up your nose.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And they have to use the last wish to extract it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Exactly. The son, seeing this, says, “I wish this wasn’t happening!” Everything goes back to normal— and the wishes are gone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s interesting that you’re drawn to this kind of magical system."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, our universe is fairly chaotic— and confusing. You spend a great deal of your time trying to understand how it operates through complex mathematics."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Living in a world where everything is controlled by a sentient force— albeit one that is fairly malicious— would be much more straightforward."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, no, Eladron’s definitely simpler. Easier to understand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And it explains things that are outside of your control as well."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like, for me? In my life?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, you’ve been having trouble controlling your powers. It makes sense that you’re taking comfort in a universe where there’s a reason why your powers would be malfunctioning."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. Wow. Yeah, that... that’s a read, for sure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A read?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like, you read me. Like an open book? It’s slang."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, it sounds like there’s been a lot going on in Eladron!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was a pretty intense game! Rachel, the necromancer, wants to raise Calabi from the dead, but y’know, the group has to figure out an equivalent sacrifice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How did Bruce take it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How did he feel about his character dying?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! Uh. He was happy? Y’know, a complex version of happy, since he’s really attached to Calabi, but he likes his story arc. We talked about it on the phone, after."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s wonderful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean... He was crying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But that’s not a bad thing! He’s, y’know. Mourning Calabi."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suppose that makes sense. The game’s been going on for almost two years now, you said?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah! Yeah, and he’s been with us since the beginning. He helped put the king on the throne in the first campaign. Also, he’s been going through a hard time. Playing a character who could make a difference, it. It helped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well… does he have an idea of who he would like to play next?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah! We’re working on designing his next character now. We’ve been talking every day!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’ve been talking every day?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like I said: there’s a lot of ways to be social, Dr. Bright:."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you been online every day?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, more or less."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For how long each day?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few... hours..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you been going outside?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh. Sometimes? There was the whole skin-turning-blue fiasco, that kept me inside for a while—"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Or eating?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ve been eating! Maybe not well, but I’ve eaten food."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anything with nutrients in it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "...Support your local bodega?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’ll take that as a no."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Sulaimani really does have everything I need. Maybe fewer fruits and veggies than most doctors would recommend, but— but I get to walk there!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is it reasonable to say you’ve been eating mostly snack food?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah... But I had to get everything ready for this big moment in the game! This was a plot-twist, Dr. Bright:."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Niko. I’m very happy that you have many, wide-ranging interests."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But what is most important to me, as your therapist, is your health. Did you go to your lab this week?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because of your game?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes? But— look, you don’t have to worry. I’m not going to just be limiting myself to online interaction. Bruce and I have been talking, right? And, um.\nHe’sgoingtobevisitingmereallysooninperson!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry, Niko, could you say that one more time—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’s going to be visiting me really soon in person!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bruce is?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes! So we’re going to be designing his new character together! In person!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And he lives in—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He lives in San Francisco, he’s a software engineer for Google, I told him about my power, and I cannot wait to meet him!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry, did you say you told Bruce about your power?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That. That is surprising, Niko. Something you might have led with, in fact."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Er. Yeah. I’m sorry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s alright. What… what led to this? I know that you and Bruce have been talking quite a bit. Do you have a romantic attachment?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? No! No, no."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only you’ve never shown any inclination to tell your other friends about this part of your life. The fact that you shared this information with someone you met on the internet is—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Strange?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not… necessarily, if you really think that he can be trusted. But as you noted, you haven’t met in person."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just because we haven’t talked face to face, doesn’t mean Bruce is less trustworthy. People can, and will, lie to your face. Honestly, the whole… “We’re in the same program together, we have to be best friends” vibe in grad school kind of weirds me out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can understand that—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At least online, people get it when you’re not quick to bond with them over everything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know your social anxiety isn’t something you’re keen to address."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, absolutely it is not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s also part of therapy, though. Talking about things you’d prefer not to deal with."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Undergrad was bad. Friendships went sour. I told you about this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You did. You were planning on joining a couple of clubs, though, weren’t you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I went to the LGBTQ org meet-up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You didn’t tell me that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because it was embarrassing and stupid. I went to one of their “outings.” I don’t even like going to parties— I hate clubs. It was just. Ugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What’s wrong?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just feel bad, because I don’t want to be down on my own community, you know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re allowed to feel how you feel, Niko:. You’re not wrong for having a point of view."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well. Okay. The trans community at my school is wildly small, and mostly trans men who are already transitioning. And ohhh my god. They’re just fetishized all the time! By the queer community and by straight women!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That sounds pretty discomforting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, imagine standing near a guy who is ripped and hearing the girl next to you say, “I wasn’t into him before T, but now he looks like a ‘regular’ supermodel!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then I become super-aware of the fact that I don’t look like an androgynous fae being. So I’m at this bar, freaking out, like, “Oh god, am I really experiencing dysphoria over whether I’m attractive to others? Am I actually non-binary or just vain?” And the one other non-binary person there was talking my ear off about how I should go with them to an edgy club where things were just not as “normative.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, that experience definitely doesn’t sound like your speed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God, no. The thing is… I don’t like talking about my gender. It doesn’t seem. Um. Mmmf. I don’t know how to say this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What’s the problem with talking about your gender?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, it’s just… it’s not really how I define myself. I mean— I am non-binary! I don’t feel like a man or a woman. I just… am."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s not what you prefer to focus on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is it easier to deal with your anxieties about your gender if you don’t have to talk about it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yeah. I don’t know how to manifest my gender. No idea how to make other people see it. Hooray for the internet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And that’s one reason you feel more comfortable around Bruce?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, yeah. There’s no— no weird moment online where the person who you’re talking to, who you’ve told your gender preferences several times, goes, “Niko, she— I’m sorry, I’m so, so sorry, you use they, I’ll remember that next time!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How do you define yourself, Niko?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You mean, beyond the gender nonsense? I don’t know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What about your work?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As in, do I see myself as a mathematician? A scientist?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mentioned not going in for your lab session this week."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s— I didn’t go the week before, y’know, because of the weird discoloration issues. So I’m already behind on my work for the project. And compared to Eladron… it seems… bloodless and strange?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your work in real life seems bloodless?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Or just— I don’t know. I wanted to be a physicist because I want to contribute to the world. I’m smart, I’ve always been told I’m smart, but I have no idea how that’s helping me right now!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alright, Niko, take a moment. Take a breath. What’s missing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe I’m… I’m stupid? For a smart person. I feel like I’m supposed to be achieving something important. Right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We all develop our skills and abilities at our own pace, Niko."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I guess. But I’m supposed to do something with— I’m supposed to be incredibly intelligent, according to my teachers, and the tests, and— and my parents. And then, on top of that, I’m given a superpower! That’s a huge responsibility!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Niko..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So yes, maybe— maybe I’m a little stressed. The game isn’t— it isn’t evil, or bad for me, or anything! Bruce and Rachel and the forum are keeping me sane right now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re feeling destabilized."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m feeling some kind of way. I am… unprepared for all of this, man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For life! Especially life as— as whatever I am."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, what do you think you are?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think I’m a failure! No, I’m calling it. I know I’m a failure. That’s how I define myself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Niko, that’s not fair. We’ve talked about not letting your anxiety have the final word."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it unfair? Let’s see. I am a mathematician who is just intelligent enough to understand complex concepts, but never have any insights of their own. I have a superpower I can’t use. And I am a non-binary person who looks like their birth gender and can’t do shit about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s not necessarily going to be true forever, Niko."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like, fun fact, you have a superpower that’s supposed to help you change your personal appearance. How jolly for you and your weird gender!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Niko—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But just in case that doesn’t work out for you, you can’t actually use any of the common surgical and hormone therapies recommended for trans people. Because you’re not actually, like, human. Your genes are wrong - they’re Atypical - and it might literally kill you to undergo the normal treatments."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Niko, I need to you to take a breath."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Honestly, it feels like the work of some kind of malicious being! Like, “you wished for the ability to change your body— here it is, sucker! With caveats.” So now your family can’t talk to you about your gender at all. Because what if someone found out about your power by extension— your weird, abnormal, ungodly ability?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that how your family has been talking to you about being Atypical, Niko:?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They don’t have to! These are the people who tried to trick me into converting to Catholicism. We don’t have to talk at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you spoken to your mother about that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. I know she’ll never admit that she’s done something wrong."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s...not uncommon. I know a thing or two about parents rejecting an Atypical child."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "...you’re not an Atypical, are you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. But my brother is."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! I… didn’t even know you had a brother."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You aren’t expected to know about my life, Niko. And I don’t often share personal information— both within the workplace and otherwise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hooray for being socially maladjusted introverts!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed. Though that’s actually something I want to address: you don’t seem like a naturally introverted person. When you talk about Eladron, it’s clear that you are more than capable of connecting with a group of likeminded peers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kinda sounds like a job evaluation, but yeah. Yeah, I… I guess you’re right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I understand that this can feel isolating. You haven’t had a sibling, or a close friend, to confide in. I understand the joy of escaping into a fantasy world. And, it sounds like you’ve made some real friends through the internet. People you trust."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes! Exactly!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But your online life cannot take the place of your real one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "...Are you sure?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. And, I think we have to acknowledge what happens when you don’t try to work on your ability."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do we have to?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We really do. You’re fading away. You said it yourself: you look like the grayscale version of the person I met months ago. I noticed that you had become more… withdrawn, before. But this has gotten to an extreme that genuinely worries me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "...Yeah. Yeah, I know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So why don’t you believe that you can access your ability in healthy ways?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. I get in my way? I get… emotional, and anxious, and hyperaware of everything I can’t control."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And the gender dysphoria doesn’t help with that anxiety."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know I’m doing something to my body. I’m thinner. Like, not in a fun, healthy way. Like in a stretched-thin sense. I can feel it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can feel your ability affecting your body?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I mean, not so much with the color-shifting. That’s so superficial, it barely registers as a change in temperature in my scalp, the skin of my hands and neck. But— but trying to affect my body shape?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Niko. That’s not something to jump into this early in your development."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m twenty-three, Dr. Bright! I want to look like myself! I want people to see me, y’know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Messing with that kind of deep-tissue shifting without training can have a serious effect on your physiology, Niko."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I know. I can— I can feel it. It hurts, Dr. Bright. I’ve been trying to pull in on the parts of my body I don’t like… and it just hurts. I can’t tell if there’s any other difference. I want to fade into the background."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I don’t get noticed, I don’t have to explain myself. Or have to give a reason for existing. I can just… live in my apartment. Eat packaged ramen from the corner store. Talk to Bruce online."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "…No, you can’t, Niko."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can’t, can I?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. That’s depression."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well. Shit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I will say, I’m glad that you’ve reached out to Bruce— though I’m still concerned that you entrusted your secret to someone you haven’t met."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If Bruce is catfishing for Atypicals, he’s playing a really long game."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That isn’t entirely unlikely, Niko."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What, really? Are there— are there, like, secret societies and supervillains? In this world?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d almost given up on anything less than mundane happening in our universe."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let’s just say that people are interested in Atypicals— as you might expect."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But there’s no reason for them to be interested in me, Dr. Bright! I don’t even have a real ability— it’s just the most interesting thing that I could think to say about myself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m afraid you’re wrong there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re afraid I’m not pathetic? Gee, thanks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your very unhealthy behavior has actually demonstrated that your ability is growing stronger. You managed to manifest a full-body physical transformation. You are… completely gray."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. By accident, and through— again— practicing unhealthy behaviors, you have changed an element of your appearance you could not previously change. I believe that your emotional state, particularly as it regards your appearance, is the trigger for your physical transformations."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m a human mood ring."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wouldn’t put it quite like that. Rather, when you give up on your powers—"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Called out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "—and when you don’t attempt to connect with the world around you, your powers manifest your anxiety and depression."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That… that makes a lot of sense."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Am I correct in believing this didn’t happen when you had anxiety attacks or depressive moods before?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How about that? Practicing using your ability has made it more accessible and more potent. Who would have thought?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "…Were you being sarcastic just now?!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m appalled? And delighted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe don’t give up on yourself quite so quickly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m still not controlling anything yet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then we need to work on grounding you. You have a friend that you trust. But Bruce is not someone who will always be nearby. I would prefer that you do not isolate yourself further by hiding in your room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is there someone in your lab who you think you could get along with?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not yet? But I have been kind of tuning them out. I think Joanna had a fantasy book in her bag? Maybe I could ask her about it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good! Start there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ughhh. It’s so embarrassing to have to be coached through making friends!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’ll get easier, believe me. Or— even if it is not easier, it will lead to you meeting the people who you can genuinely depend upon. And have affection for."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How long did it take you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A lot longer than I would like to admit to my patient. I’d like you to focus on this— and on moving your interactions online away from roleplaying for a little bit. Can you take a break from the game?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We could… go on hiatus?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think it would be good to limit your involvement so you can work on balancing your life and your hobby. Even having in-person games could help."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In-person… Dr. Bright, are you talking about tabletop games? Do you play tabletop roleplaying games?!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just something to keep in mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh my god, no, you can’t leave me hanging here, Dr. Bright!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In the meantime, we will work on accessing your ability through more positive emotions. If you want, we can practice accessing shapeshifting from a place of calm?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mmmmkay.\n...You’re really worried about this, aren’t you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It probably isn’t necessary. Like you said, this is a very long game for a catfisher to play."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But it’s still important enough for me to do this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. Okay, but I want to know more about these supervillains and— secret society people— when I see you next time. Mutual trust, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mutual trust.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Bonus Episode 4 Transcript\nThe Bright Sides - Patient #7-B-3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Patient#7-B-3. Session 36. Female, 15. Patient's desire to impress college prospects with a clean energy project has contributed greatly to improving control of her ability in addition to processing her grief. That said, I've asked Sarah to batten down the hatches as it were to ensure we don't lose data in the likelihood of another EMP event. Patient's faraday cage designs, while not a perfect solution, have helped enormously in the past and given we're near the anniversary, it's best not to take any chances.\nCome in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sorry, Sarah! Hi Doctor Bright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hi, Lou. What was that about?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. Sarah had me do a cage test before I came in to make sure I wouldn't, um, fry your equipment. But I kind of made her hair go all over the place in the process."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pity I missed it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, I could probably do it to your hair, but, um, I feel like that would violate doctor-client, uh, respect?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess I'll have to leave it to my imagination."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sorry, again. For the bother."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Like I've said, it's really alright, Lou."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, how have you been doing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. I think. This extra credit project is coming along really well. My parents keep telling me not to get my hopes too high, they said \"it's like catching lightning in a bottle kiddo\" but then I was like, I'm the zap-master, I could probably literally do that, catch lightning in a bottle, I mean. But then they said I'd be grounded if I tried."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That does sound dangerous."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know, I was kidding. Mostly. Anyway, I told them if Jamie can work with the Navy on barnacle research at sixteen, then I got a pretty good shot for at least internships with those energy companies. Some of the smaller ones I mean. The giants are pretty much run by butthole billionaires. Anyway, the big issue right now is storage, if I can figure that out, I got this thing locked down. I think. There's also the fact that whenever I lose focus, my voltage gets wonky and then it's just a downward spiral of problems and parts I need to replace and I've been burning through babysitting money to bribe the guys down at water and power as it is. Speaking of, would you be willing to call the local hardware stores and complain about the cost of their stuff? The prices for the supplies I need is practically highway robbery and my mom said she'd ground me if she caught me trying to buy from shady characters but I told her those hardware store guys are already shady characters!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sounds like you've been busy. How has your attention been? Have you been having a hard time losing focus at all when working?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lately, kinda, yeah. Which is frustrating because it was going really well and I felt like I had a lot more control. I've been trying really hard to apply what you've been teaching me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your work ethic is impressive, Lou, but have you given more thought to taking breaks? You mentioned maybe going to the movies with friends last week."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. Right. I forgot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lou."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know! I know but this project is super important and I got a feeling about what you're gonna say Dr. Bright but it's fine. I can make friends at college. Or in the industry. You know, Tesla didn't have many friends and was in love with a pigeon and he turned out alright. Well, maybe not completely alright but the man built a death ray! How cool is that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're allowed to have friends, Lou."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then what is it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean. You know. It's just weird."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You've accomplished a lot in the past year, it's not odd to celebrate that with other people."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know if I want to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because of Paige?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Maybe, I don't know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We're approaching the year mark, how are you feeling?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know. I just - sometimes it catches me off guard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How so?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like, the other day, I ran into her mom at the grocery store."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And how was that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We both looked at each other like we only just remembered how long it'd been. And then it was like it had just happened. I told her I'd call her and left really quickly because I was afraid I'd, y'know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's perfectly normal for those feelings to resurface around anniversaries. The fact you kept control and took yourself out of the situation shows enormous progress."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know that. I- I'm sorry, didn't mean to snap."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's okay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, I know I've been \"making progress\" or whatever with this whole electricity thing but when it comes to this other stuff...I don't know. It's stupid."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm willing to bet it's not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Have you...have you ever lost someone Dr. Bright? I'm sorry that's- that’s really personal."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have. In a manner of speaking."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you ever still wish you could talk to them?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you still wish you could talk to her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I feel stupid but I do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's not stupid. When- when people we care about leave us, we don’t lose the desire to talk to them. Sometimes things are left unsaid and sometimes-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's not it though."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's not it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, I got to say everything I wanted to say. Even though it felt like- it felt like it all happened overnight, it actually lasted a couple months. So, I had time. I didn't want Paige to be- to be gone and not know. Especially about, y'know, the whole \"zap master\" thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How did you feel after telling her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was really happy. Like, I was still worried and scared but it was nice that I could make her smile by using it in little ways. Nothing big, nothing like what I did right after. But, um, like I would recharge her phone by just holding it. Make the battery just go woop! I had to be careful though, not to do anything to the machines hooked up to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And how did she respond?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, she was so cool with it. I remember she laughed because she realized I was the one who wiped the library computers. Nobody knew who checked out what and they had to re-catalogue the whole system. I was so embarrassed but she had, like, five books overdue so she called me the King of Thieves, savior of stolen books. Her parents found them, the overdue books when they, uh, when they boxed up her stuff. Mostly short story collections. She liked those."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lou?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. Uh. I guess what I was getting at, um, I didn't- I didn't think about how there might be more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "More what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stuff. That after she was gone, I'd want to tell her more stuff as time passed. And I know I'm lucky. I know that a lot of people don't get to tell someone they love how much they love them, how much they mean to them. But- but there are so many new things that happen in a year that I want to tell her but I can't."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What are some things you wish you could tell her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know, stupid stuff. Like how Mr. Soto said he wouldn't write my recommendation letter or how Cody Cavanaugh is still a jerk to Hannah and me during lab or just- I dunno. Dumb stuff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sound like pretty important stuff to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe. It's just, it doesn't matter what the stuff is, if it's stupid or important because no matter what it just keeps piling and piling up and the weight of all of it, I can feel it on my chest and it's crushing me. And I'm so scared because I have a whole lifetime ahead of me and it's just gonna get heavier and heavier."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have experienced something that most people your age haven't. And, I know it doesn’t always feel this way, but you’re a very strong person."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I’m not! It's been a year and I don't feel any better, I feel like my muscles are about to give out because I can't... we were supposed to carry these things for each other. That's what a best friend is for, they carry what you can't because for some reason it's easier to carry someone else's pain but- but now I have nothing from her to carry except for her dying and it's just me and that weight and nothing else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lou, I need you to--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I really am sorry Dr. Bright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's okay, it's why we have safeguards."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm so embarrassed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I lost control and after seeing you for so many months..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Look at me. Grieving is a messy process. There are going to be days when you feel okay and can look back at your time with Paige with joy and then there will be other days-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like today."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right, like today. When it’s hard to see past the pain."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm just scared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What are you scared of?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That I'm gonna- that I'm gonna hurt somebody. When I hurt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not hurt. Sarah's not hurt. My computer may need a little help but that's why we made backups. You're safe here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's not...I mean... you're gonna think I'm a bad person."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you feel like you’re a bad person?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look, I'm not... I'm not gonna hurt anyone okay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, it's just... we're learning about the brain's electrical impulses in my bio class and I started thinking maybe I could manipulate that, make people feel different things. But now I'm scared that...that when I hurt I'm gonna wanna make other people hurt the way I do. But I swear, Dr. Bright I wouldn't and I hate myself for thinking that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Having those thoughts can be scary but listen to yourself. You thought of the possibility and then you rejected it. That's important, that's the part about you that's true."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Could you tell me what spurred these thoughts in the first place?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe because- because I just feel alone? Like, I'm the kid who's best friend died and it's just- everybody else has someone to help carry them and I don't. I walk around with this huge weight and nobody seems to notice so maybe if I could make them feel what I do, maybe it'd feel like someone else was helping me carry it. Like, in Lord of the Rings when Samwise is telling Frodo to share the load, it's like I'm Frodo on the edge of collapsing because the Nazgul killed my Samwise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But remember: Frodo had the whole fellowship. Are there people you could reach out to to help you carry that weight?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, talking to you helps a little bit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How about any friends from school, classmates you get along with?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What don't you know?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They're nice and everything it's just they're not..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They're not what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They're not Paige."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you mean by that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, she's-was a person. It's not like I can just go to the hardware store and pick up a replacement."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Making new friends doesn't mean you're replacing her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Isn't it though?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your relationship with Paige was and is still important. It always will be. When you make new friendships, you're creating new bonds, unique to the people you share them with. No one can replace Paige but you can still build a support network."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's the point if it keeps changing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You'll keep changing too, Lou. Your needs may change and so will your friends and that's okay. It doesn't make those relationships any less important than they are in the moment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So I guess this means the movies this week."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It doesn't have to be I gotta go to the movies but it may be helpful to reach out to some friends or classmates, even if it's just sitting with them at lunch. Whatever you're comfortable with."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is gonna cut into my \"zap master\" practice time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You might find that walking away from \"zap master\" time will result in you feeling refreshed when you go back to it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! I can see if Hannah will go with me to that neon shop downtown! I promise I'll keep my ability in check, just wanna see all the cool lights. You know Nikola Tesla developed something super similar to a neon sign? Never took off but that's Tesla for you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That sounds like a fun outing. Hannah's your lab partner, right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah! She's really good at the lab write-ups so I paired up with her fast."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well then, I think it sounds like the two of you could have fun together."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And maybe…I was thinking of asking Paige's parents if they'd go with me. To visit her, I mean. I figured they might like that, especially since I promised her mom I'd call her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s really thoughtful idea, Lou."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thanks. I'm kind of nervous but it feels right. Anyway, I better get going, I know we went a little over to deal with my...y'know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Absolutely not a problem. I look forward to hearing about your trip to the neon sign store next week."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dr. Bright, I hope- I hope you have a good network too. For those days when you hurt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you, Lou."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anyway, see you next week."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was eventful. I'm disappointed in losing some of the session but the patient is making enormous progress. While her clean energy project is exciting to say the least, it's a good sign she's feeling ready to stop burying herself in work and reach out again. I'll have to refresh myself on her ability's relationship with brain electricity. I recall a couple concerning cases of the ability being used on others and one in which it was used as treatment on the atypical individual themself. Given the patient's proclivity for following scientific rabbit holes to sometimes dangerous results, I'll need to keep an eye out to make sure she's not planning on doing anything potentially disastrous. And now to check on the state of Sarah's computer."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Bonus Episode 3 Transcript\nThe Bright Sides: Patient #8-C-6\nSorry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's quite alright, Austin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sometimes I just get caught in a rhythm - you know how it is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you feel yourself slipping?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No more than usual, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Would you play that again for me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Really?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you feel when you play?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing really. I know what you're getting at - that when I play, I'm happy and when I'm happy I don't...you know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you think that’s how it works?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess. I mean, I don't know. All I can think of are times when I was feeling anxious that I went full on freak."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't think you're a freak."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, you're a doc to the freaks - you're probably just used to it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you feel like that right now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A freak?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anxious."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A little. Not as bad as I get out in the real world, though."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you feel yourself slipping?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean? Am I - am I going invis?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not as far as I can tell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I sort of feel like I am, maybe. I don't know. Sometimes, when I want to, I can just make it happen. But even when I don’t want it, it, like, passes a point of no return and I can’t pump the brakes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can you remember a recent time that you went invisible when you didn't mean to?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, like an hour ago."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you're comfortable sharing..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I took the train over here. There was this group - a bunch of interns I think - coming on at City Center. And there was this pretty girl that ended up sitting across from me. I was just listening to my music and following along on my charts - and she kept looking over at me. Every time I looked up she was eye- ballin’ right at me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How did you feel about that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Excited at first. But she kept looking - and then I thought I was manspreading or whatever - I wasn't - and I kept catching her looks. So I- I started to panic. It was like she was trying to figure me out or something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And did you disappear in front of this girl?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, when I feel it kicking in, I make it, like, my life's mission to just get somewhere and ride it out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And how do you do that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's not easy. But this time I just got up and moved to a back seat - and just curled up out of view so I wouldn't go full on Claude Rains in front of her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Claude Rains?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. \"The Invisible Man\". 1933?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know who Claude Rains is, I'm just surprised that you're a fan of old movies."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not really. But I figured I'd deep dive into the history of my people. What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's nothing. I just think that’s- it’s nice. That you’re accepting what you can do. That you’re a part of something. How long did it last this time?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the train?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A couple of stops at least. - By the time I got to your neighborhood I sat up and she was gone. Sucks. Part of why I have no dating life. Anyway, she was judging me and stuff - and so I went invis."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Does feeling judged often trigger your invisibility?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Just people...not \"getting me\", I guess. Not even want to \"get me\". Not seeing me for me. Ignoring me, too. That's a big one. Like, not even giving me a chance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What is being ignored like for you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lonely. I feel alone. A lot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you are alone - physically alone, when no one is around - does the invisibility ever happen unexpectedly?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought we already knew how this worked? This is - what? - my sixth, seventh session with you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sixth. In almost two years, Austin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know... I know. I just...I only get to book sessions with you when I'm on break, and even then it's hard to find the time in-between family and band and just like-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's okay, Austin. You don't need to justify anything to me - I'm happy to see you whenever you're able. What is it, Austin?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You said that you \"see me\" and I don't know - it just feels nice to hear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Could you be more specific?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When you say to me \"I see you\" it’s, like, grounding? I don’t have to guess that you see me, because you’re telling me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re not always sure when you’re invisible?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, it's not like my skin gets all tingly and I can \"feel it feel it\". It's like an inside feeling. You know that sixth sense people get when someone is standing behind them or they're being watched and they can sense it? It's kind of like the opposite of that - like knowing you're around people but not feeling like you’re really there. I don't know. When it feels like I'm not being seen then that usually means I'm not. I've gotten pretty good at figuring out that I've gone invis but it’s still nice to know for certain."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't believe I’ve ever asked you this, Austin, but can you see yourself when your ability is triggered?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you were to raise your hand in front of your face when you were invisible, would you see your hand?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I guess not. Wait, is that weird?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not at all. Atypical abilities are very personal. While the mechanics of abilities across Atypicals can be similar, they vary from individual to individual. No person is the same as any other, right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. It's weird now that I think of it. It's like a shitty FPS."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "FPS?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's not important."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you told any friends at school about your ability? - I know you were struggling to-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What friends?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Austin. Austin?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm sorry. You know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What were you thinking about when you started drumming?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know...I- I felt that lonely feeling. Was I disappearing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, you weren't. Not as far as I could tell. What does the drumming do for you in these moments?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It just helps me. The sound, the movement. I don’t know. It just helps me be here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was there something in specific that made it difficult for you to be here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, I don’t know. You asked about my friends and...yeah. I don’t have any. So."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When we first met - it was your Christmas break Freshman year, if I remember correctly - you said you had lots of friends in your music program."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, well, Freshmen sorta cling to each other. Everyone is nervous, you kinda latch on to the first people that sit next to you. Then people get to know you and things change."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What about your roommate? You and - Thomas - was that his name?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, Tommy -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You were fairly close with him - is that no longer the case?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I ended up getting a single this year. Dorm life was getting complicated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How so?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sexiling."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Excuse me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know - the whole sock on the door thing. Roommate puts a sock on the door to let you know they're in there doing stuff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Stuff...Oh - Oh!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So you are saying this \"sexiling\" was getting in the way of your studies?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, sure - we'll go with that, DB. No, it's- it’s that it wasn't happening frequently enough."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So, dorm life is weird, right? You live with somebody - and you share a space - and some of the time you talk and are living in it together. And other times you're in the same space but you're totally ignoring each other just because - I don't know - that's just how it is. And when I was in there, sometimes I would end up going invisible and I wouldn't even know it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think I might suspect where this is going..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mm-hm. Tommy would put the sock on the doorknob when he had his boyfriend over, but the problem is, I'd already be in the room. But I was invisible."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. So did I. I saw a lot more than I wanted to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can understand why you would feel it best to move to a single"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. We didn't have much in common anyway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How so?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, like...so it's and HBCU, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes. Your mother’s alma mater, correct?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. And I don’t have a lot in common with people there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why do you feel that way?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We've been over this, DB."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're referring to-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, the “black mom, white dad” thing. Which makes me..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Complicated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Please forgive the platitude, Austin, but you do know we are all complicated. The fact that your father is white and your mother is black, it-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was raised white."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What does \"raised white\" mean to you, Austin?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know - I just was. I have trouble connecting with a lot of the folks at my school. And everyone else can tell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you feel that way growing up as well?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well yeah - but I really didn't have a lot friends growing up. I was pretty quiet. Nobody wanted to talk to me, anyway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When was it you started drumming?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know - maybe, 10...11?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And your ability didn't first appear until college, correct? To your knowledge. What is it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "\"Appear\". Just funny. Yeah, fall of Freshman year. That's why I started going to you. Thought I was going crazy until I found your name on a weird message board online. I didn’t know what to expect but it’s been nice having someone to talk to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m glad. You still haven't told your parents?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No way! Are you kidding? I'm enough of a freak."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are not a freak, Austin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well other people think I am. Everyone always has. I guess I've just always been on the outside of stuff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why do you feel that way?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know. It just feels like everybody else has something- is something- belongs somewhere. But not me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because of your ability?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, not just that. I've always felt it. Like I'm living in-between the cracks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like I'm here by accident, like I missed my stop or something. Like I’m just a bunch of jumbled parts that don’t fit. An undefined mistake."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Austin? Austin, can you hear me? Austin. Austin, I’m going to reach over and touch your hand now-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sorry. I didn’t realize- sorry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s alright, Austin. Where do you go when that happens?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nowhere."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nowhere?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's like I feel empty...but in a good way. And like, full at the same time. Does that make sense?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Does it make sense to you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess it does."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Those parts of you that you say don’t fit - do they line up when you play?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They're not there - I mean, they're not gone - but I don't care, I guess? Maybe it's just that I care less. I don't know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But, most of the time, you feel judged by your peers for all these different parts?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. Because I'm not like them. I'm different. Growing up I was a - a black kid - I looked like a black kid - I was always on the outside from the white kids in my year - and now I'm this guy who isn't black en- Never mind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In here, you don't need to extinguish your thoughts and your feelings, Austin. Please."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They see me as not \"black enough\"."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have they told you this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, no. But - it's like - we have nothing in common. To them -I'm this black dude who grew up listening to Panic! at the Disco and Arctic Monkeys - not Drake or whatever. I didn't grow up with soul-food, my Dad didn't get me into basketball. I know these sound like stereotypes but, like, everyone at school talks about growing up with this stuff - and I didn't."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can understand how that would make you feel like an outsider. But there isn’t a correct way to “be black” or any other race."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not talking about genetics or whatever - this is about culture, right? Black men listen to hip-hop and I don't."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you feel rejected by your classmates because you don’t listen to the same music?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm a music major. It's important. Trust me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even so-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And the messed up part is- if we really want to get into it -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Please."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t even know if I like the music I like because I just like it or if I forced myself to like it of hip-hop or whatever because I wanted to fit in with all the white kids I grew up with. Like a chicken and egg thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When you drum and you feel, as you've said, empty and full at the same time, are you black or white?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know. I don’t think about it that much."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, you're just you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I'm just me. I'm playing. It doesn't matter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you want to feel that way all the time?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Feel how I feel when I'm drumming every second? Sounds dope."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Austin, in my experience, if we try to divide ourselves into binary traits, of course we’ll feel like nothing matches up - because humans don't work like that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought I was Atypical."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Atypicals are still human beings. And none of us can be put in neat little boxes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But people still try to put you in a box. I just want to be me but the world won't let me. I don't think you get it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who are you, Austin?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's a weird question."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think it may be the only question that matters. \"Who are you?\" When you think of Austin Whipple, what comes to mind? Humor me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, I'm tall..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes you are. Keep going."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I like music...I play music...I'm pretty good at playing music."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "From what my coffee table and I have seen, you're great at it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My favorite color is purple. That good?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Keep going."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh...My favorite food? Okay...uh...Korean barbecue. Oh! And Italian. - And...Toy Story 3 is the only movie that has ever made…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The only movie that has ever, what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Made me cry. Okay, what's the point of this, DB?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you ever been in love?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "DB...No, but I want to be."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you ever felt happy?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What is the happiest you've ever felt?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Does getting my drum kit count?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that your happiest memory?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That I can think of. It's less about the drums - if you can believe it. More about me and my dad setting it up together Christmas Eve. My parents couldn't wait one more night to give it to me. I bet if you asked them a week later they would've been begging you for that one more night of quiet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's a really nice memory, Austin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, it is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you ever felt sadness?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Record screech, DB. Yeah. When my mom got sick."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry, Austin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's alright. She's fine now. It's been years. We're in the clear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now - the friends you had when you were growing up -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I told you, I really didn't have any."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The boys and girls in your year, then. Did any of them have boyfriends or girlfriends or best friends?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So they felt love, or wanted to feel love or -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure, yeah, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you think any of them have felt happiness?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, obviously, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sadness?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Duh. What are you getting at?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When I asked you to tell me \"who you are\" - you began telling me the things you like - and physical traits - which are part of you - but it's not who you are. Do your peers in college like Korean barbecue?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tommy is the one that got me into it. He and his boyfriend invited me out one night last year."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is Thomas Korean?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, his family’s from Mexico City, I think."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And he loves his boyfriend."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, remember the whole sexile thing? He loves him a lot. What’s the point?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your friend sounds like a nice young man, who not entirely unlike your peers growing up, is in love with his boyfriend. He's not Korean but enjoys Korean barbecue...What's his favorite color?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I actually think it's purple, like mine. You're saying none of my interests matter?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's not that they don't matter, Austin. They are a part of what makes you you. But who you really are is a young man who feels love, happiness and sadness, who happens to like certain foods and music that other people may or may not like. Black, white - these are words meant to describe what skin looks like - they don't come with predeterminate interests and they fail to encapsulate everything that makes us who we are."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But what about community? I mean, what I look like has a lot to do with that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Community is important. But not when we use the idea of community to snuff out the things that make us unique. And there are lots of different kinds of community. Yes, race, gender, sexuality- all those things the world defines us by, those can give us community. But so can our interests, our passions. You’re a musician in a music program - do you feel a sense of community there?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, not really. I don’t belong with those people either. Like, okay, at the beginning of this year, for instance. I volunteered to help man the band table in the student union during opening weekend."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's very nice of you, Austin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Didn't hurt that they were offering me priority hours in the practice room. But, so, I was sitting there behind the table with Dom, Kelly and Reece, I think it was."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Friends of yours?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nah, just bandmates. I don't really know them. Anyway, we were hanging there - and our job was to get freshmen interested in the program. So these kids would come up and ask questions - and we were supposed to draw 'em in and make them feel comfortable. And I would be fine talking to them about the music program and all that but then Kelly would lean in on them and next thing you know everybody is talking about movies and where they grew up and stuff and I just..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And that's a problem?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well no one would include me, I guess, and then - boom - full on invis. They didn’t even notice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where were you sitting?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Behind the table."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Were you behind your bandmates?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Before you realized your ability had been triggered, had you contributed to the conversation?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Not really. But I mean, Kelly and Dom kind of had that on lock. So I kind of just-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hid in the back?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But they ignored me - because I didn't fit in - so my whole deal kicked in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you think maybe you chose to sit in the back, Austin?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe you chose not to participate? Not to speak up?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But we don't like the same stuff. And they didn't want me to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did they tell you that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. But, I could tell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why not try and contribute with your different interests and opinions?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because I could end up looking stupid - and they'd just end up not liking me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So you chose to make yourself..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I chose to make myself invis. But I didn’t- I didn’t want to. It just happened."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You said that, on occasion, you’re able to control your invisibility; activate it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And how does that work?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just want to become invisible and then I am. But this wasn’t like that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you feel when you're in your invisible state? When you mean to do it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fine. Safe, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And when you don't mean to?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All over the place."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When you’re feeling insecure about being mixed race or being different or you’re feeling left out, do you feel the need to protect yourself? To hide?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, I want to not feel that way but- wait, are you saying I choose to go invis when I feel that way?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you feel safe when you mean to go invis, is it possible that you seek the same feeling subconsciously when you feel judged?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I want people to see me, that’s the whole fucking point."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you fear rejection?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course I do. Everyone does."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you feel like you need to keep parts of you hidden because they don't match what you feel is expected of you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes! Look, I don't know where I belong! Where I'm supposed to belong!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Austin?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hate it!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Austin? Austin I need you to stay with me. I see you - and I know that’s scary - it’s scary for anyone to be seen - but I want you to try and stay here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't help it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think you can, Austin. I know you’re afraid to connect - but I believe that you can connect with me. I'm here with you and I will never judge you. I accept you for everything that you are."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everyone judges me!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are a young man with an incredible gift for music - who is struggling to find his place in the world, like so many other people your age. You are who you are - a mix of genetic histories that merely controls the outside - not what's in your heart. And you have so much heart, Austin. Come back and let's talk - you don't need to be anything more than what you are, in this room. We can work on everything outside of these walls - but let's start here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm sorry. I didn't want to. I guess maybe- I guess maybe I did. But I didn't want to want to do it, if that makes sense."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It does. I'm not saying that your peers - or even myself - don't have an effect on your ability. But I am saying that maybe-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That maybe I'm blaming them more than I should - when I should blame myself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This isn't about blame, Austin. Being vulnerable is one of the hardest things we do in this life. I'd be out of a job if being vulnerable was easy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And if there were not freaks like me walking around."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For the last time, Austin, you’re not a freak. None of my clients are."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right, sorry. I get what you’re saying, DB. I do. And maybe...maybe you’re right. Maybe I hide a little. But people do judge me. It doesn’t matter what’s in my heart or whatever if all someone sees is either a scary black guy or a light-skinned nerd who isn’t black enough. You can’t tell me that people aren’t gonna make snap judgements based on how I look."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re right. We do, unfortunately, live in a world full of biases and prejudices. And I wish I could tell you that you’ll never be unfairly judged for the color of your skin. But we both know that’s not true."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "See? So I’m not totally delusional for being worried about people judging me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn’t suggesting that you were. Sometimes people are going to make up their minds about us based our exteriors. But spending energy wondering who’s judging you and how doesn’t actually help you. You can’t control what other people think. All you can control is you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You mean control when I go invis?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s part of it, yes. But you also control how much fear of judgment or rejection affects your own behavior. You can live your life based on what you suspect people think about you or you can live your life as your full, authentic self."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s easier said than done."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, it is. How are you feeling?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anxious. You see me, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do, Austin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cool. Cool cool. Can we do those exercises we do sometimes?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That sounds like a good idea. Start by getting into a position that’s comfortable for you and when you’re ready, close your eyes..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah it's called Panic! at the Disco. Brendon Urie is like the ultimate dude. He is next level. I could totally send you a Spotify playlist, if you want."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I- I wouldn't know what to do with it. I don't have many applications on my phone. I'm assuming this is for my phone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. I can just burn you a CD or something. You know how to play a CD, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, Austin, I have a CD player. I'm not that far-gone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Neither am I, huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Neither are you, Austin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cool - I'll see you around, DB."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can make another appointment with Sarah on your way out if you know when you'll be back in the city. And, remember, we can always talk on the phone too. You have my number. I'm here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I'll, uh, I'll do that. Thanks, DB."
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Bonus Episode 5 Transcript\nPatient #9-A-2\nI haven’t had the chance to tidy up after my last patient -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s fine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "-but when you called, I thought that-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did you get a new chair?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s the same chair."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Got it. I’m going to -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Please. Sit. How have you been, Victor?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Great. The restaurant is doing well. Chef Marquez was on the cover of City Break magazine the other month. Did you see it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m afraid I don’t subscribe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We’ve been getting a lot of customers from that. Chef’s over the moon. Bought this bottle of Laphroaig - 27 years - and gave some to everyone in the kitchen and the wait staff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That sounds wonderful"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For five hundred dollars, it better have been."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you expecting a call?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m sorry?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You keep checking your phone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. Yes. Just keeping an eye on the time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s a little after 5."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "5:07. Or - it’s 5:08 now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you to put your phone away for the rest of our session. Are you comfortable with that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure. I’m actually going to stand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Going to” or -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want to. Would like to stand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whatever helps you feel at ease."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A deconstructed duck confit with a seaweed and arugula salad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t think I have that in my mini-fridge."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, Chef doesn’t like to rely too heavily on acidic profiles."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pinot Noir. 2013. The whole bottle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Victor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You said it, not me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Victor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Damn it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you with me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you with me now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Has that been happening much? The..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Distraction."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Temporal dissociation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. It hasn’t."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’ve been doing the exercises we developed?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Every day."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is understandable that someone with your powers of precognition would experience a certain amount of temporal instability."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do the exercises. I don’t get distracted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see. It’s 5:10. I’ll save you the trouble of checking."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you. You’re probably wondering why I called you out of the blue."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s always good to hear from my former patients."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know we didn’t leave things on the best terms. I was- I was a little eager to be finished with our sessions. I thought that since I had a tight enough grasp on my- my- my visions -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your precognition."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought I could control when I had the - when they happened. So I stopped them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You stopped them?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And the temporal dissociation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Completely?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For the last year, I haven’t had a single vision."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Those exercises were never meant to suppress your abilities -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe not. But they did."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What brings you back to my office today, Victor?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We had a food critic come in for lunch today. It all ties in, I promise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What food critic?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Robert Ingram. He was with the Daily Courier, but then he quit and started out on his own. He runs one of the most popular food blogs out there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I may have seen some of his pieces."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So yes to Ingram, no to City Break Magazine? Did you see what he wrote about The Copper Block? That Asian fusion place over on 7th?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What Asian fusion place over on 7th?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Exactly. One bad Ingram write-up is like a thousand one-star Yelp reviews. But a good Ingram write-up is…well, it’s worth buying another bottle of 27-year Laphroiag over. So he comes in, and of course today is Chef’s day off. It’s all on me to execute perfectly, because God forbid Ingram’s food is one second overcooked -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did he order?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A deconstructed duck confit with a seaweed and arugula salad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Vinaigrette for the salad?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, Chef doesn’t like to rely too heavily on acidic profiles."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And was that it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pinot Noir. 2013. The whole bottle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For lunch?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You said it. Not me. Thanks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Better?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Less muddled. Caught up. I was pulling the duck out of the pan when - God, it had been so long, I almost didn’t know what was happening. It was like being in my twenties again..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You had a vision."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The strongest one I’ve ever... It wasn’t just seeing what was going on - it was like I was there, hearing and touching and. Fuck. Tasting. Smelling. And the feelings, too - emotions, not senses. It was horrible."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did you see?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elisa. My sister. What time -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "5:15."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I waited on that corner for four hours until it happened."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Please focus on me now, Victor:. What was Elisa doing in this vision?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She wasn’t in the vision. It was my phone. Just my phone on a table and - she was calling me. It’s been ten years since Elisa and I talked. And I knew - I knew she was calling with bad news. I knew she was going to tell me something that would - that -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How could you be sure it was bad news?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I saw myself answering that call. And I felt -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Take a deep breath -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I felt the world was breaking -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Another breath. Another.\nGood. You’re doing good."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sorry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You never have to apologize for your emotions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know. I know. It’s. The - what I saw was just so strong. The feelings are still so overwhelming."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Different than the temporal dissociation?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That. That’s just confusing, it’s not consuming."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Correct me if I’m wrong, but from what you’ve told me in the past, your temporal dissociation causes you to completely lose track of when you are."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And that doesn’t feel “consuming” to you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not really. It’s - almost deja vu. Sometimes it’s a little unsettling. Before I catch up to myself, I feel off-balance. But it always evens out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unlike the vision you had earlier-."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What time did you see the call happening?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "5:31. Today. Less than fifteen minutes from now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Victor -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Please don’t start."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I only want to suggest -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know what I saw."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sure you do. But we have to face facts. Precognitive abilities - in every precog, not just you - are notoriously unreliable. What you saw may be a completely innocuous call. It might not even happen at all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So I’m crazy, is that it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s not what I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because you telling me that “temporal dissociation” is “understandable” and then saying that whatever I see may not even be real feels a little bit like I’m being jerked around."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What you saw - what you felt? It was real for you in that moment-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was real, full stop."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "- your sister may or may not call. You may or may not receive troubling news. And you will have to deal with that when it occurs."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do I even say to her?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anything you want."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But after ten years..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tell me about her. Elisa."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’s my big sister. We grew up getting on each other’s nerves. She skinned her knee pulling me out of the way of this... asshole on a bicycle when I was six, and I broke my finger trying to punch a guy who wouldn’t leave her alone when I was ten. She was the last person to give up on me. Before I got clean. She could have walked away a lot sooner. No one would have blamed her. Looking back, I wouldn’t blame her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sisters are hard to shake."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I tried to shake her. This one night, I showed up at her door - three hits deep into something I’d bought off one of the busboys. I was chasing the visions back then - the ones that got me a little bit richer or a little bit luckier or... Listen to me. Therapy habits die hard, huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m impressed with your openness. You weren’t this forthcoming about your precognition two years ago."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you. I showed up at Elisa’s door. It was - after midnight. One a.m."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’d seen something."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d - yeah. I - I. You know, I don’t know how to talk about this when I’m not trying to convince you to fix me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There’s nothing to fix."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not skittish about this stuff for fun, Dr. Bright. I just - so listen, help me out here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can you walk me through your visions?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I already did - the phone call -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean your visions in general. In our previous sessions, you were reluctant to get into them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well. You’ve talked to other people like me, haven’t you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One or two."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then it’s the same as whatever those people felt. I can’t imagine it would be that much different."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Every atypical interacts with their ability in a unique way. You could interview a room full of precogs and each of them would tell a different story of how their visions present to them. I’d like to hear your experience."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I understand if you’re as reluctant now as you were when we first met. But putting words to this aspect of your identity might help you achieve a measure of clarity. It may help contextualize what felt so different this afternoon. Does that make sense? Victor?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Toxic."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s like having a friend. In your head. The kind of person who’s. Toxic. Someone who builds you up over and over again, and paints these pictures - if you do this then this will happen, it has to happen. X leads to Y, promise. But when it’s time for you to take whatever leap they’ve planned for you - sometimes they’re not there to catch you. When I get confused, when I dissociate - that’s small. That’s contained, just to me, just in one tiny loop. But the visions talk a big game. I’d get these ideas - buy a scratcher at this bodega, or be on the street corner at that time. Maybe you’ll win 50 bucks. Maybe you’ll meet the owner of that restaurant you’ve been trying to get in with. Maybe nothing will happen at all. Did I ever tell you that’s how I met Chef Marquez?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "By buying a lottery ticket?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had a vision - Chef getting rear-ended by some jackass in a BMW on the corner of Maple and Jefferson. I waited on that corner for four hours until it happened. Then I rushed over, all concerned and helpful. He bought me a drink for the trouble, then “You’re in the restaurant business too? That’s nuts. Small world, huh?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You never told him you knew of him from before the accident?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Never came up. I guess I figured... if he was already going to get hit by a car, then something good might as well come out of it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did you consider trying to stop the accident from happening in the first place?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not saying I was in a morally sound place at the time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I am not accusing you of anything. I’m genuinely curious."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then. To tell you the truth, I don’t think it crossed my mind that I could stop the accident. I’d had the vision, which meant it was either going to happen and I could make something out of the situation, or it wasn’t going to happen and at least Chef Marquez wouldn’t need to buy a new Hyundai. Does it sound kind of Machiavellian when I say that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, hen it comes to the morality behind atypical abilities, things are slightly murky."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only slightly?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have never fashioned myself an authority on atypical ethics. It’s a world of nuances I’m still feeling out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What time is it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "5:22."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can you tell me what happened when you showed up at Elisa’s house?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought there was someone inside. Hiding in her hall closet. I’d seen it. An intruder. Stalker. So I banged on her door for five minutes straight, and when she finally answered, I told her she needed to leave with me. Or else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Or else what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just “or else”. I wasn’t focused on specifics back then."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And she went with you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She called the cops to search her house, which is what a normal person would do. They didn’t turn up anything. Whatever I’d seen... it had all been in my head."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that what caused the rift between you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. That would be the time I stole her Prius and woke up in a pile of scrap metal in the middle of the highway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This was a mistake."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry? Are you -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m not dissociating. I’m saying. This was a mistake. I can’t talk to her. I shouldn’t have come here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Victor -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If she calls, I’ll - I won’t answer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why don’t you want to speak with Elisa?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s not it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s not me not wanting to talk to her. I can’t. Nothing that I say is ever going to be enough. How do I make it up to her? This was my first vision in two years - it’s probably off. I’m rusty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your precognition is a part of you. You couldn’t get “rusty” at it any more than you could get “rusty” at breathing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You said I was wrong."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Might. I said the vision might be wrong. But I’m not sure the odds of it coming true are really what are in question here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have a choice in front of you. You can choose to ignore your sister’s call. That is always an option available to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay. Okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You can ignore every vision you have for the rest of your life. You can continue to suppress your ability the way you have for the last two years, though I would not recommend it. Your precognition doesn’t have impact you any more than you want it to. But I worry that you’re neglecting an important facet of this decision."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Which is?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only this: as soon as Elisa calls, your vision is no longer just a vision. As soon as Elisa calls you, the maybe’s and what if’s become concrete. It’s your family on the other end of the line. Reaching out to you. By not answering, you aren’t just denying your abilities. You’re denying your sister."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So I’m supposed to start chasing my visions again? Doing whatever they tell me to do? I tried that. It landed me in the hospital."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you want out of this, Victor?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At, say, 5:40 - whether or not Elisa calls, no matter what she has to say to you - what is your ideal result? Would you like to have successfully avoided contact with your family?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want to talk to Elisa again. I want my sister back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then call her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Reach out to her. Before 5:31."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But she’s just going to tell me -"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If she has bad news to relate, then that’s unfortunate. You have a support system to help you handle it. Me. Your friends. Your coworkers at the restaurant. And even Elisa. But only if you talk to her. You have agency in this situation, Victor. You don’t have to sit around and wait for your boss’s car to get totaled. And you don’t have to sit around and wait for your sister to call. You can take control for yourself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What time is it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "5:28."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was thinking you might want to step outside…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re in this with me, Dr. Bright.\nShe might be driving. She always pulls over to answer her calls. Even when she’s on Bluetooth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Victor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elisa?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Victor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m proud of you for calling."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thanks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You didn’t yield to your vision, and you didn’t ignore it. You acted. That’s very impressive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I should, um… I’m going to go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you sure? You don’t want to wait ’til 5:31?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. No, I should go.\nDo I still schedule through Sarah?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You want to set up another appointment?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think that would be smart."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whatever you’re comfortable with. I’d be very happy to have you back as my patient. And I’ll look for that review. Cityscape Magazine, you said?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "City Break. Yeah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Victor..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s your phone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s 5:31."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’s probably just calling me back. Like you said, those feelings I saw - they’re wrong. They’re not real."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you going to answer?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hello?"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "Bonus Episode 10 Transcript\nThe Bright Sides: Patient #5-E-3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Weekly session update: Patients two and three have continued to progress at an encouraging pace. The journaling projects seem to be serving them both well and I think I could probably assign even more outside work. I’d like to create a list of books for them to read, possibly starting with-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hello?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, hello- I didn’t hear you- I’m sorry, can I help you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you, um, - Is this the office of Doctor Bright?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, yes it is. I’m Dr. Bright."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m so sorry to come by so late. I was out for a walk, sometimes it helps me think and I, uh, I saw your light on. And I was wondering, do you take on new clients?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you all right? You look..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s been a bad day. Week. Month. Hell, my whole life’s been kind of shit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m so sorry to hear that. I’m actually just closing up for the day, but if you’d like to schedule an appointment, I think I have some time tomorrow-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you- Is there any chance you have some time right now? I know, I know you’re probably really busy but- Please? Please, I don’t- I don’t know how long I can last."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you saying you want to hurt yourself?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you want me to?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course not. Why don’t you take a seat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank- thank you, oh thank you so much ma’am-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dr. Bright will be fine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you, Dr. Bright."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you are?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Damien. Just please, just call me Damien."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very well. Tell me, Damien, what did you mean when you said you don’t know how long you can last?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you new to the neighborhood?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Therapy isn’t about the therapist - it’s your story that’s important here. It can be hard, to talk to someone you’ve just met. But I’m not going to judge you. Why don’t we start simple. Tell me a little about yourself. I- I want to know more about you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you? I- I thought I’d seen every therapist in the phone book. Or at least, I’ve been going down the list."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is there a reason you’ve seen so many?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I- I think I’m looking for answers, I guess. I never feel- I don’t fit anywhere, not really. I’ve looked for years and years, to see if anyone has the anyone could help me and no one ever seems to be able to- I’m sorry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "These feelings you're having are quite common, Damien. Many people feel they don't belong. Tell me: what answers are you looking for?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re... you’re really good at this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re very soothing. Do you work a lot with kids? One of those family specialists? I’ve seen a lot of those."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I’ve worked with children- I’ll work with anyone who has unusual abilities-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What’d you say?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My specialty is working with Atypicals, but those feelings of discontentment and a lack of belonging, they’re not limited just to- to- I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be speaking about my other patients."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no, that’s okay. I wanna know. Do you know a lot of, um, what’d you call it, Atypicals?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’ve- I’ve met a few, yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you? Are you- you know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It- it runs in my family. But we’re getting off topic. What do you know about Atypicals?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can I ask, what did you do before you started the practice?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I really think that we should-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Please? It’s been- I’ve had- There are some monsters out there and I just need to know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What kind of monsters?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The kind who take advantage of anyone they can."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I’m- I’m familiar with that particular kind of monster. But I can assure you, you’re safe here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Atypicals you work with, are they monsters?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No they- They’re not the monsters I encounter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That- I can’t- This is amazing, Dr. Bright. This is... I- I’ve been looking for- I didn’t think there were more people like me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I- Yes, I’ve seen many different, um, many types of Atypicals. But enough about that. I’d like to talk about you. Tell me. About you. I- I want to know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I want you to know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So then tell me. We can start small, where do you come from?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nowheresville."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not from here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Not from here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you have family here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How about back in “nowheresville”."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nah. They moved on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Where do they live now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I mean, they moved on. They’re not in my life anymore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Their loss. My parents, they couldn’t handle their son being a freak."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re not a freak, Damien."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am what I am."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Which is?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let’s just leave it at that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So. Did you move here from your nowheresville?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I, um, I traveled around."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was that difficult? Moving from place to place?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nah. People were very kind to me. For the most part."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s good to hear. The world isn’t always the kindest place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know, don’t you? How harsh the world can be?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I- well. Why don’t you tell me about these people who were kind to you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even kindness has its price. People, they want- they want you. To use you. Get whatever they can and go. And you’re just a commodity, something for them to step on as they make their way through life. They just want you to agree, a world of fucking yes-men."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you been used?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ve- there’s been so much that’s happened. To me. Stuff that’s not fair. But bad things happen to good people, good things happen to bad people and the world just still spins, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, it does still spin. Everyone has their battles to fight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So how do you control it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How do you fight the battle so that you win the war? Or whatever metaphor you want to use. How do you keep control of the world around you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We can’t. No one can control the world, or the people around them. The world will continue to spin whether we like the way it turns or not. But together, we can work out a plan to help you cope with that. Control the things you can and learn to let go of the things you can’t."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You- you would do that for me? Help me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s my job. And I want to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You really think I can have control?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think everyone can."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you feel in control?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. I mean- I can’t control the rotation of the earth anymore than you can. But I think that everyone has the capacity for control within their own lives."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Interesting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don’t agree?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think we’re all playing a part in some puppet master’s sick game."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And what game do you think the puppet master is playing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think... I think the puppet master- just- why did God make people?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pardon?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "People. Big bang or creation, or whatever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you religious?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, but- the puppet master- he’s like God, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In what way?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why did God make people? To love Him? Or Her, or whatever you wanna believe."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You think the puppet master’s goal is to be loved?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Think about it. The person holding the strings can get whatever they want. Whoever they want. But they can’t- I mean, I don’t think it’s possible to really make someone love you. Not really."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s true. So the puppet master’s trying to control you to love him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell me about your other patients."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I- I don’t have that many right now. I just- I just started-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But you’ve been a therapist for a while, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So how did you get into this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I worked at an organization that registers Atypicals."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Really? What are the other powers out there?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, there’s a myriad of other abilities- but I can’t discuss that-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are the other Atypicals that you’ve seen-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, at my old job, I saw many- I can’t-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You said Atypical abilities run in your family but it’s not you so...who is it? Who’s special?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My brother!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is pretty good. You keep scotch in your office? Classy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re a mind manipulator."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well done, doc. I’m impressed, I really am. No therapist has ever figured it out. But I prefer the term mind control. Really rolls off the tongue a bit better."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There’s no such ability."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You sure? Then fine. Call me the puppet master."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Or God?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you’re one of the saps that believes in that shit, sure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I- I told you-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wasn’t really your fault, Doc. You wanted to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Interesting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So what was that about control again?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’ve lived with this your whole life?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, doc, I thought you realized by now, this isn’t about me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you want?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "C’mon, don’t you want to play?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are there others like you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was kind of hoping you could tell me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Impossible. I would never talk about my patients."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not unless you wanted to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Damien- Is that- that’s how your power works? You want something and it infects the people around you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don’t make it sound gross. C’mon doc, don’t you want to tell me all about the nice little Atypicals that walk in and out of your office?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m warning you-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All about their nice, juicy brains full of potential-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Have you had these powers since birth?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pretty much, but enough of that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Damien-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I said no--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then how can I help you if you won’t talk about your childhood?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, you still think I came here to be, what, fixed?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Therapy isn’t about fixing anyone, I don’t think you’re-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A freak? A monster?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Broken. I don’t think anyone’s broken, we’re all in various stages of process-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Spare me the platitudes, doc. I told you, I don’t need to be fixed or healed or whatever other crap you’re selling. That doesn’t interest me. Have you ever met anyone like me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I’ve met a few egomaniacal pricks in my time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thanks, but I mean anyone with my specific type of powers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. No, Damien, I can’t say that I have."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Huh. Bummer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why? Do you want to meet someone like you? See what it’s like-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Hell no, I know it’s- I know it’s not exactly pleasant. Can’t imagine you like knowing I have complete control over you right now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Damien:, don’t-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Relax, Doc. I’m not going anything to you. For now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then let me go, Damien."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m all the way over here couch, what are you saying-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You want me to stay. So I’m staying. But I don’t want to stay anymore."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nah, I don’t believe that. You like giving up control like this, don’t you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why go to so many therapists if you don’t actually want help?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To play. I get bored easily. A little while back I figured out that therapists make great toys."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I suspect it may be more than just that. Tell me about the kindness of strangers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mentioned that people were kind to you when you were traveling. I’m assuming their kindness was, in part, because of your abilities?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aw, c’mon, I was messing with you. It’s not like I was singing kumbaya around the campfire with folks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you did rely on strangers to travel around, didn’t you? With what you can do, you wouldn’t need to worry about money or bills or anything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re right about that. Safe to say I don’t have to hitch-hike the traditional way. Just ask a pretty lady at a diner if she'd want to drive me to the next town over. Aw, don’t look at me like that, doc, you said you wouldn’t judge."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And is that something you want? That world of yes-men?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t have a choice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Everything’s a choice. If you have control over your-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have control."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But not enough to change anything. Tell me about your relationship with God?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What the fuck are you talking about."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "During your little routine, you brought up God."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I brought up the puppet master."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that how you see yourself?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, sure, I’m a regular Batman villain, baby."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "God, like a puppet master, carries an incredible amount of control. But also an incredible amount of responsibility."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah and look where it lands the idiots who believe in Him- wars, genocides, fucking suicide bombers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that what happens to people who believe in you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What’s in this for you? How come you didn’t immediately kick me to the curb when you figured it out?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is my job."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don’t give me that. No one does anything for free. And you can guess I’ve got no money. Like you said, I never needed it. But you let me stay. I didn’t even care that much to want you to let me stay. So...out with it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Like I said, I’ve never seen anyone with powers like yours before. I- I would like to observe them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What, wanna lock me up and prod me with needles in some mad scientist lab?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No. No, absolutely not. You would have complete autonomy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, no shit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With one exception. You would leave my patients alone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But what if you’re lying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’d know if I were. These are innocent people, Damien, I will not have their minds violated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You make me sound...What if they could help me or were like me, you don’t expect me to trust that you’ll just-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Damien, if you’re not ready to trust me, if you weren’t looking for counseling or therapy, if you didn’t know there were others like you, then why-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ordinary people need reasons for what they do. I’m not ordinary."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, you’re not. But you’re wrong. Even the most extraordinary people have motivations, however buried they might be."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yeah, you think I've got some hidden agenda?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do. I think it's hidden, even from you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, do tell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think you don’t want to be one of the monsters."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I never called myself a monster."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, you did."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ten minutes and you think you know everything about me? Who’s the egomaniacal prick now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have a choice, Damien. You can’t compel people to genuinely love you - no one can - but that doesn’t mean you can’t still make a genuine connection."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You think it’s that simple?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s not simple at all. But it’s not impossible."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In my case-"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In your case, you have a greater challenge in front of you. A puppet master has to find the will to cut the strings."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I- why do you think I’d even want that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you saying you don’t?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’re looking at me like I’m going to bite you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not today. Not exactly my type."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fortunate for me. I should report you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To the police?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’d walk right out of there, wouldn’t you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To that...that place you mentioned. Where you used to work."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They’d be interested in you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m very interesting. But I take from your tone I wouldn’t like their interest so much."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can’t imagine you’d walk out of there in one piece."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That why you left?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m going to keep seeing you. And I’ll be keeping a record of you. Just in case."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why- why are you doing this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because, Damien, it’s my job to help people. Even people who don’t know how to ask for it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I told you - I don’t need help. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We’ll see. Now. Let me go, Damien."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And Damien next time you have to schedule an appointment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "See you later... Doctor B.\n[music & credits]"
}
] |
[
{
"from": "system",
"value": "The Intrusion Transcript\nThe intrusion\nTo this has it come! To this! Treacherous, contemptible spirit, and thou hast concealed it from me!Stand, then,stand! Roll the devilish eyes wrathfully in thy head! Stand and defy me with thine intolerable presence! Imprisoned! In irretrievable misery! Delivered up to evil spirits, and to condemning, unfeeling Man!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What? What-why is it so dark? Where... where is this?\nOh I’m sorry– wait...How did I do that? How did-"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who’s there?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um, hello? Did- were you talking to me? Can you hear me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, of course I can hear you! Who else would I be speaking to?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um...hi?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hello."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What, where- where are we?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You mean, you don’t know?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um, no? I mean, I’ve never- are we underground or something? Where are the windows? Where are the walls? I don’t understand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you don’t know where we are, then it’s above your pay grade. How did you get here without knowing where here is?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s kind of a long story."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Believe me, honey, we’ve got all the time in the world. There’s not many places I have to be."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um, it’s Sam? Samantha. Not honey. Just call me Sam."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Apologies. It’s been a while since I actually spoke out loud to anybody else. I’m Anthony. It’s nice to meet you, Sam. You can shake my hand, it’s okay. I’m not gonna bite."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not sure if I can."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, only one way to find out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "See? Not so bad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This isn’t usually how it happens. Our hands should’ve gone straight through each other."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is that, uh... Does that normally happen to you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not many normal things happen to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hear that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, where are we?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We are... Well, I suppose we’re somewhere outside of time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course we are. Um, so like, we’re just nowhere? I just fell out of the universe?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, it’s October 28th, 1943. About 3pm, Eastern time. We’re in Philadelphia. That is, if we’re anywhere at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s an oddly specific place outside of time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s the site of a big military experiment. It kicked off, well- we’re actually on the deck of a destroyer escort, the USS Eldridge."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Military experiment. Right. That’s- 1943, you say?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, but my question is, how did you get here without knowing any of this? What, did you stumble across a Timepiece and just flip it on? I don’t think I have any records of any misplaced equipment..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is that a computer? Do you get wifi outside of time?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What’s wifi?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That answers that, I guess."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where are you from? Or, when, I mean."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "2016."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where’s your Timepiece?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How did you get here?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s just something that happens to me. Or no, no Joan wouldn’t want me saying that. Um, it’s something I can do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What- You can just travel in time? Without any sort of equipment, or anything?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, yeah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hah, really? What is it with 21st-Century broads and time travel?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t know, but I’m not a broad. God, I do not miss the 40s..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m sorry, I’m from a different time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, that excuse won’t really work on me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you’ve never heard of the Timepiece?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nope."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What about ODAR?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t think so."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, isn’t that just... wizard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah I guess.I’ve been driving across the US, I’m- I’m looking for someone. And it’s- it’s not going great and I kind of had a bad moment and ended up here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And just like that, you end up here in the Blackroom?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just like that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you take trips often?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um, yeah I do. Though, not so many like this one ones where I don’t choose to go. I’m getting better at controlling them but it’s not a perfect science."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m a little surprised I haven’t heard of you before."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, what, you’re just some guy sitting in a bubble outside of time, with a computer and books but no Internet? Have you- have you always been here? Are you like- you’re not like, Father Time or something are you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ha! Hardly. I’ve been here for...a while, I guess. Days, certainly. Months, probably. It’s a bit difficult keeping track of time here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, I bet. What are you doing here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m coordinating messages for ODAR. They’re the Office of Developed Anomalous Resources."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What? Those aren’t real things."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They’re a fringe research division. Or, they were. Since I’ve been here they’ve grown into something else. Something a little less science-y, a little more espionage-y."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So like, a secret government time travel conspiracy?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Essentially, yes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh good, more government conspiracies. Jeez, and I thought The AM was bad enough but- Okay, so this is like a time travel pit stop? And you’re here to, what, be a traffic cop for time travelers?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "More like a mailman than a traffic cop."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You must have a ton of information on your computer here. I mean, if you're keeping track of all events through time, right? Uh, do you keep files on individual people? Like, people who have been to other times?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sometimes. If they’re important. You’re quick on the uptake."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you think I could-I mean, can you look someone up for me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know what? Why not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um, Mark. Mark Bryant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you said 2016, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. Really any time after 2011."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s a little tough for me to access anything beyond 1990 or so, but I’ll see if I can... No, I don’t see anything here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, um... Try Mark Bright, maybe?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing there either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Damn. Anything at all about Atypicals?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are you going on about?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They’re... We're... I don’t know what we are. People with weird abilities? Not just time travel like me. There’s this teenagers who feels everybody’s feelings, and I know a girl who hears your thoughts. I think I heard my therapist mention a girl who could make fire once."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your therapist?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh yeah, we’ve all got this therapist. It’s how I know any other ones like me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Must be some therapist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s not the most normal therapeutic environment, that's for sure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is impossible. Mind reading? Spontaneous combustion? It’s something out of Action Comics!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Remind me where we are again?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The difference between you and me is at least I know how my physics work. Your time travel doesn’t make any sense!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You don't have to be mean about it. I know it doesn't make sense, but, I mean, it's still mine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m sorry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s okay. I appreciate you trying to helping me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well sure, of course!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why are you helping me? I mean, if you’re part of some big government spy game, aren’t you worried I’m a spy?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good. Because I probably would’ve helped you anyway. Again, you’re the first person I’ve really spoken to in...Well, since I’ve been here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mean- you’re trapped here, aren’t you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes. I mean, I volunteered, but I can’t leave. Ever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You volunteered? I- I’m sorry, I’m just having a hard time believing anyone would give up their whole life to do this. To be here. Forever."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had my reasons. And I didn’t have much left to leave behind, in the end."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you- do you want to talk about it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not particularly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Listen, I get it. I was the same way. Talking to Joan about my problems was really helpful at first–"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, thank you. You’re a nice girl, but we only just met."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So, you picked this place over whatever it is you left behind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah. At least here I feel useful. Like I’m contributing something. Back there I only took. Destroyed. It is pretty lonely in here though. I mean, I never thought I’d see another face again, so it’s really nice that you’re here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know what you mean. I tend to avoid making contact with people. I get nervous that I may cause something bad. Whenever I take a trip, I’m never entirely sure what I’ll come back to find."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come back?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, whenever I return from one of my trips I usually end up in the same exact place but it’s always a bit of a gamble."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But time travel only works one way, towards here and now. The Eldridge, it’s- it’s the only point anyone can travel towards."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um, no? I’ve been spending a lot of time in the 1800s lately, so..."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So you can travel forwards in time too?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, I mean, I’ve never been to the future before– well, I mean, I’ve been to your future I guess. But yeah, I can travel forward to where I was last. When I was last."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sam you have to get me out of here!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whoa, what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Please, please take me with you! Don’t leave me trapped here!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whoa, okay, hold on. I’m not sure I can do that. I mean, I can’t affect anything in the past at all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’ve never tried! I’m sure if you can get in here you can get me out–"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whoa. Back up. Don’t come any closer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For the love of God, please, if you could just try, please, I can’t–"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I said back off!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m sorry. I’m not sure what came over me. I’ve been stuck here, and I just- I’m sorry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think I should try to go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no please don’t, I said I’m sorry, just- Please stay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not going to stay here with you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you leave now, I’ll inform ODAR all about you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You’re bluffing. You don’t even know my last name."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your name is Sam, you’re from 2016, you’re connected with something called the AM, that’s all they’ll need, and they have decades to figure out the rest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And then what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And then they’ll..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, I can guess. All those organizations are the same. You’d set me up for a lifetime of, what, being watched? Chased? Experimented on? You’ve only known me for a few minutes, but do you really think I deserve that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Listen, Anthony–it’s Anthony, right? I know what it’s like to want to punish someone else for your mistakes, but I have someone who needs my help. Someone I care about. Haven’t you- has there been anyone you’d do anything for?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Helen. My wife, Helen. She left me, right before I came here. And I- It was my fault. And I thought I was over it but..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And did you turn her over to a bunch of spies?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. No, I let her go. She didn’t deserve it. And neither do you. I just- I don’t know if I can stand to be left behind again. I don’t know if I can take it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, How about this. If you don’t tell anyone at ODAR about me, and if I return to my present don’t have about 50 government spies on my tail all of a sudden, I’ll come back and visit you. Does that sound okay? Okay. I’m gonna go. I’ll see you soon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No you won’t."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course I will–"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. You’ve got your own life to live. You don’t need to coddle some stranger in a dark room. But I need to hear you say it. That you’re not coming back for me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry Anthony I just- I’m not sure that I can."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was-It was nice to meet you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Give my best to the outside world."
}
] |
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