eatsfish | ☂

You can see through me. I have no heart and if you touch me I sting. What am I?

If I'm correct, which I hope I am... a jellyfish?

You are correct.
Did you know that if a jellyfish is cut in two, the pieces of the jellyfish can regenerate and create two new organisms?

I didn't, no. I guess that would be useful, albeit incredibly strange.

What made jellyfish the theme of the day if I might ask?

I've been using them in my tests today.

I'm surprised they'd let you do that here. Are you getting the results you'd hoped for?

Why wouldn't they? I'm not doing anything questionable. They're quite open about using their facilities as long as the study relates to our locale.

The results are promising. None of them are dead yet. I named them since I expect they will last quite a while. Subject A is now Hartley. Subject B is Jell-O.

What have you been doing?

I suppose I'm still not used to the concept of authority no longer so heavily breathing down our necks.

... those names hardly go together.

You are authority, Oswald.

I fail to see how they don't. They're both famous brands of gelatin mix. Do you not like them? I was trying to be amusing.

Perhaps, but not the highest. Not for now, anyway.

I wasn't aware of the correlation. You'll have to excuse my ignorance. I've never found those concoctions to be very palatable. Why would my opinion on their names concern you?

For now.

Really? I find them quite enjoyable. It's not a concern but your opinion on anything is one I take into account. I thought you knew that.

So you're telling me that's perfectly fine and onions are the real problem?

Of course I know. How could I not? I just didn't think it would extend as far as what to name a jellyfish.

The onions' existence in most dishes is completely uncalled for and you know it.

Why wouldn't it?
But I'm not going to change the names even if you hate them.

We've debated this enough times that it would be a waste to repeat myself. I'm holding my position that oatmeal is much worse.

Because it seems like a small enough matter that you wouldn't need to.

I had a feeling you would say that.

Oatmeal is delicious but I will respect your disgust.

It is a small matter. Do you not want me to consider your view next time I'm naming something?

I appreciate it.

I hadn't meant to imply as such if that's how you took it.

I know what you meant.
But I can not consider your opinion the first one I seek out. Take off some pressure. Since it wouldn't be one-sided anymore.

You just couldn't let that opportunity pass, could you? You had to

[ He paused, taking an extra moment to consider what he'd just been told. He was still angry, sure, but he couldn't ignore the guilt that had begun to rise up in him either. ]

You know what? Say what you want, Ed. I deserve it.

Do you? What you deserve would be easier to determine if I had all the information.

You're right. You deserve honesty. I'll give you the truth, Ed, but it can't be like this. I need to say it to your face. It's the only way you might understand. What I deserve after that I'll leave in your hands.

Very well. Just say when.

As soon as you're able.

I don't want there to be secrets between us anymore.

Now.

Where?

Living room.

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