Chapter 4- The Different Scully "I'm Fine"s and How To Tell Them Apart.
"I'm fine." A phrase I've heard way too many times while working with Scully. I hate to say it, but I've come to expect hearing it as much as I expect the scientific, rational explanation-of-the-week.
So Scully says she's fine. Okay, what next? Depends on how she says it. Therefore, KNOW HER TONE.
· CALM: She really is fine, or else she's doing a damn good acting job.
· BREATHLESS: This can be expected after chasing someone or something. Or after a fight. If Scully cannot explain the something, she might throw in a "What was that?" or something similar.
The above two are nothing to worry about. Usually. There's only been one time where it was a cause for alarm:
Scully vanished one day. She wasn't abducted; she ditched me and went after Cancer Man. I guess she thought I wouldn't let her go if she told me. She knows me too well. We'd been trying to track her down, when she called Skinner. She told him to tell me she was fine. That was her mistake. If she'd wanted me to believe her, she would have told me herself. But Cancer Man is trouble. And I couldn't find her. It was one of the few times I couldn't find her.
But that's over with, and I need to quit the guilt. This guide needs to be finished, just in case.
It's the following tones or way of speaking that should be regarded with concern or caution.
· TREMBLING: obviously, Scully is most definitely not "fine." Be prepared for a rare Scully emotional breakdown. A melting of what my colleagues (can I call fellow FBI colleagues anymore?) the "Ice Queen" façade. Hugging is accepted under these circumstances, but you have to initiate it.
· HIGH PITCHED: Look out world: there's a possible pissed-off Scully coming your way. Or she's distressed, or denying feelings. Deal with each possible outcome accordingly.
o Distressed: See TREMBLING
o Denial: Don't pressure. Only repeat the "Are you okay?" question once. Try to look in her eyes. You can tell if she's in full denial, or just trying to be strong that way. If it's the latter, comforting may be needed. If she's really in denial, you'll just have to wait until she can deal.
o Angry: Do Not Pressure. Under any circumstances. It'll only make things worse. She's not in the mood to have you being nosy, and if she thinks you are, then your death warrant is signed. Switch subjects, and let Scully cool off.
DOES SHE SAY ANYTHING ELSE?
If your name follows the statement, she probably needs comfort. If it's at the beginning, you may be in trouble. Use the tone guide to be certain.
BODY LANGUAGE
Does this really need explaining? I think you can figure it out for yourself. After all, crossed arms = anger or defensiveness, moving away = she doesn't want to talk about it, & moving closer = (Usually) comfort me. What more do you need to know?
This chapter has been essential to working with Scully, so if you've just skimmed it, GO OVER IT AGAIN.