first ♎ || audio [cellphone]

[justitia]

[This call is preceded by at least fifteen minutes of sitting cross-legged on her futon, her cellphone lying innocently two feet in front of her on the covered cushion. She's staring it down with a tight-lipped and serious expression. That number has been bothering her again, and she's all too aware of the cool metal touch of the necklace resting against her sternum. Finally, she huffs out a breath of resignation and snatches up the phone, punching in the number before she can consider how insane all of this is--for about the hundredth time today.]

Hello? Is anyone there?... This is going to sound really strange, but I found this number, and I'd really like to know who it belongs to! [Certain definitions of "found" meaning "in her head". But she's trying to keep this as normal as possible.]

But if you're some kind of reverse telemarketer, I have to hand it to you: You're really good at your job. I'm not enough of a lôlô to buy anything--but still. Well-played.

Comments

[audio]

[northless]

We're not selling anything, I'm pretty sure of that.

Hi.

[audio]

[justitia]

Oh! Oh. [One for surprise and one for understanding.]

Hello. ...What do you mean "We"? Is this a party line?

[audio]

[northless]

That's one way to put it. It's more like a full-blown network, though.

[Audio]

[reckless_fire]

Heh. Telemarketer's new. Most of us just think we've gone crazy.

[audio]

[justitia]

...Really?


So this isn't some sort of Exorcism thing going on here?

[Audio]

[reckless_fire]

Nah, I don't think so--not that anybody really knows what kinda thing it is though.

[Text]

[shiromadoushi]

Don't think it belongs to anyone. But a lot of people can reach it.

[Text]

[justitia]

[Oh, hey text. She switches over to be obliging.]

I'm starting to get that impression.
Who is this?

[Text]

[shiromadoushi]

[[There's a pause. Being asked so flat out... so what if he was paranoid?]]

Someone else who had number in his head.

[Audio]

[twopercent]

[dryly:]

Let me guess. You got the number stuck in your head somehow and now strange things are starting to happen. Welcome to the club.

[Audio]

[justitia]

...

So this is happening to everyone? [She sounds almost relieved to hear that. Almost, but not quite.] Does anyone know why? Or what it's about?

[Audio]

[twopercent]

[Okay, Jack. Just ease in. Don't make it too hard on a new person.]

Not everyone. Just a few dozen people or so.

Why... well. Not exactly. We have a few good hints.

Speaking of which. Don't talk to anyone not on this network about it, or anything strange you've been seeing. I mean it. The last person who did got shot.

[...well, so much for that. Still, Jack feels obligated to point out just how dangerous it is.]

[dorkytracksuit]

Lolo. Is that anything like a chulo?

[switching to text]

[justitia]

Um, idk. Lolo is like dummie, stupid, etc.
What is chulo?

[still text]

[dorkytracksuit]

Boy you pimping!

[Audio]

[chalicejoker]

Found it? Really?

[There is no end to the skepticism in the voice on the other end of the call.]

[Audio]

[justitia]

For certain definitions of found?

[Pause...]

Okay, I've been told that I'm in similar company. So I guess you're not going to fetch a straight jacket if I say that it just sort of... popped into my head?

[Audio]

[chalicejoker]

Everyone gets in the same way. The numbers pop into your head, then you're stuck watching things get weirder and weirder. There are worse things that might pop into your head the longer this goes on.

[There are memories he has that he very much does not want, but what can he do? Nothing except sound grumpy and foreboding.]

At least you've tried it with something normal. It works with anything the numbers might be put into.

text. bc she recognises ur voice but hell if shes gonna return the favour

[really8adegg]

Ah.

Might I suggest a little backreading, as an aid in grasping the full gravity of our shared situation, before any further personal information is ill-advisedly shared?

[switching to text]

[justitia]

I've gotten the hint, thanks.
I still think it's a little ridiculous!
What are you even going to do with my first name?

[really8adegg]

Well, I for one already know who you are. And I think you'd be in a little bit of trouble if anybody else did.

[ audio; cellphone ]

[secondcomingof]

You're really good at being some kind of idiot, that much is for certain.

[ Casval Mass, everybody. Winning friends, deterring any and all potential enemies. ]

[ audio; cellphone ]

[justitia]

Auê... Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.

voice;

[comparative_insanity]

I'm gonna have to back what everyone's saying. Well, not what Casval said 'bout being an idiot, that's just him having his panties in a wad a bit. [He laughs softly.] But about it being dangerous and not telling the cops. Or, well, anyone.

voice;

[justitia]

Casval, huh? [Well, now she at least knows what to call that guy.]

Alright, I get the idea. Keep it on the down-low. Not that anyone would even believe me, but sure.

You don't seem too keyed up on paranoia. You wanna give me a name?