Initial Arrival 11

Day 2
Date Unknown
Yakutsk, Siberia, USSR

Shortly after the nurse had left, she returned with Ivan, who proceeded to approach Jennifer, bringing over a chair to sit down beside her. The nurse left them alone as she went to monitor the other patients.

Ivan begun the conversation. “What is it that you want?”

“I would like to have paper and pencils so that I can write and draw in order to organize my thoughts and to have something to do.”

“Are you going to write out what happened?”

“No, that won't work. Those thoughts would be too difficult to get out in this manner. I would like draw out my dreams.”

“How would this help to organize your thoughts? Dreams aren't real.”

“Dreams come from fragments of memories, constructed when the brain processes memories. And from them I can get an interesting story, providing a distraction and helping to prevent me from being overwhelmed. Besides, people often use fiction to understand fact.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“For instance, many games are constructed as some form of simulation to learn skills or make decisions. Fiction in writing and sometimes TV is often used to develop understandings of the society in which we live, even if it doesn't appear directly relevant. Myths and legends are used to develop a culture and the ethics of the culture. The supernatural provides a means for many to understand and appreciate human instinct and the complex processes which govern our world. These are a large part of how many experience the world.”

“Do you seriously believe in the supernatural? These are just stories told by primitive people who don't know any better.”

“Reality isn't so simple. Besides, if you were religious, you would be defensive, insisting the 'supernatural' can't be explained physically.”

“Are you religious or superstitious?”

“Neither, although this isn't really something I should discuss.”

“Fine. Will you show me your drawings?”

“I won't be able to stop you from seeing them.”

“Alright. I will get this for you.” Ivan got up and walked out of the room.

Later, while Jennifer was eating her breakfast, she reviewed the conversation in her mind. I still can't avoid saying too much. But he doesn't seem to be pushing too hard. … He is patient and wants accurate information. He knows that I am under his power and am not going anywhere. Everything he wants will come out eventually. He is the only one with whom I can communicate here. Every conversation must go through him and if I need to talk with someone it must be him. … Well, him or the man I met in the clearing. He spoke to me in English too.

She also realized that she still hadn't asked for the date. Well, he will be back. I can ask later.