I was at a loss for words, its voice was jarring enough, but it wasn't just intelligent, it was conscious, alive. I found it hard to respond, not only because of the surprise, but also because of what it had called me and in what language. The thing spoke English, the disembodied voices were speaking my native language from another world. I wanted to respond to the thing, to converse, but the words fell flat on my tongue. I had a brutal flash at the past and the depressing reality of being unable to leave the world I was in.