savetheearth | [ laptop / text ]

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[ laptop / text ]

[You know how it sometimes helps to write stuff down when you've got too much on your mind? Well, there's this number, see, that's been plaguing John for a while now, and he figures, "Hey, maybe it'll go away if I just jot it down somewhere." If nothing else, if it's written down, he'll still have it in the case that he forgets it--highly unlikely, but let a man dream!

Anyway, the result of scribbling down said number on a post-it note ends up with him awkwardly scrolling on that tiny pad of paper for a few minutes before he gets pissed off at the resolution size and switches over to a bigger piece of paper, then over to his phone, and finally to his laptop. It's been about an hour now since he started reading (or rather, skimming over posts while stuck somewhere between disbelief and amusement), and John's finally decided to join the fray.]

You know, I'd be tempted to write this whole thing off as a really bad joke, but I could've sworn I saw some mentions of people I actually know on this thing. I suppose they could be in on whatever this is as well, and if they are, I'm definitely going to be asking who switched out my post-it notes for the iPhone seventy or whatever number they're on now.

But it doesn't feel right. People pretending to be other people--real people--on the internet? Sounds a bit too much like fraud to be fun. So what's going on here? Anyone feel like filling me in on the whole story? I'd be here for days if I tried reading everything.

[As he stares at what he's just written up, John wonders, "Christ, I haven't just stumbled upon some secret forum run by crazy people, have I?" Hm, maybe he shouldn't have posted anything. Oh well, too late now.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Is there a reason that you say that? [Why horns, that is.]

No special reason, aside from them being obvious and awkward. They'd be hard to hide, and it's not even October--can't pass them off as part of a costume either.

Halloween may be interesting.

There are always others here who will help each other manage if they are changed in ways that extreme. Although it should be that way, if we can only allow each other to know what is happening to us, it's comforting to have trust that it is.

[He's glimpsed through the other responses - and that this man already knows a few of the others, and is making introductions. This then is both acceptable and well-timed to the point:] My name is Anthony.

John. Nice to meet you, Anthony. :)

It makes sense that we have to rely on each other when weird stuff starts to go down, but I'm still a bit wary--might just be because I just found this place. There hasn't been anyone using these things to their advantage, have they?

It's nice to meet you, too, John.

[His first inclination is to respond in the negative - no, nobody has taken malicious advantage of the network, as far as he thinks anyone would be aware, but that may be hasty - not because he can seem to make himself doubt that it's the case.] Are you referring to the information we are sharing on this network?

The information and these things that people are regaining. I mean, I suppose you can't hurt someone by knowing ancient Egyptian, but say they learn to do something else--something dangerous. You haven't heard of any cases of that happening, have you?

[People are decent, right? Right?]

[Again, the response that forms instantly is "No. I have not." And again that seems oversimplifying if not blatantly unfair given the phrasing.

He halts, nudges himself to make this offer - it seems fitting as a sort of gesture of trust and, possibly, demonstrative, he acknowledges with a pang and woozy chill, for all he can predict so far.]

I'm going to switch to video, if it is all right.

[There's a bit of a pause on his end, like he's also thinking about how to respond to that. He's done voice with one person already, and now here's another guy switching to video on him... John scrubs a hand through his hair before typing out a quick:]

Sure, that's all right.

[He checks his surroundings and figures that it's dark enough that it won't give away all of his features--not clearly at least, and with a quiet sigh, he switches to video as well.]

Hello again, Anthony.

[There's an unsure smile on his face, but he offers a wave of his hand.]

[He was not, necessarily, expecting the man to whom he's speaking to switch to video first.

He is simultaneously strangely heartened - this is a sign of something positive, some level of unity being accepted, isn't it? - and stumbled on apprehension. But he had said first - he would switch to video. He had said it at a pointed time. He needed to get accustomed to doing this.

He hesitates a moment, fixes his eyes on the image of John, and manages a very restrained, awkward polite smile and a return in a high, young voice:] -- Hello...

[The paper picks it up and takes the cue to transmit his image with it. Also young, with the look of an animate gone-gray cadaver. Sheepish look held faint while confirming.] -- Am I... er - ..."showing up"... properly...?

[Well, Anthony looks a bit... off somehow--something about the color doesn't sit quite right with John--but hey, he's getting video from a piece of paper apparently. He'll chalk it up to crazy camera mechanics and "magic" for the time being; reality can kick in later.]

Yeah, just fine.

[He offers him another smile, this one a little brighter and a little more genuine. If this is happening, he may as well do it right.]

This counts as a gesture of trust, right? [Because typing something up anonymously is one thing and letting someone else hear is voice is another. But letting a person see his face? That's a whole new level right there.] Anyway, what were you saying about the... misuse of things here on the network and elsewhere?

[Anthony's smile flicks one polite notch up at John's. On the statement that follows, it's entered by a bit more sincerity - he does hope it makes for one.]

Ah. I was going to say that -- ... [He is attempting to speak to an adult stranger as a voice of authority. He buckles a bit. He is unsure. He is ready to feel guilty and presumptuous once he is done, but he can try, he has faith in this answer. Steels himself all at once to start speaking.]

It... -- ...hasn't happened... [Adolescent quiver slips into the word, and he internally winces.] -- That I know of. ...I think - we're... -- counting on each other - for that, too. ...To keep each other under control -- if we have to.

[Sheepish look again; let him be judged.

He's been asked if he craves brains. It really was probably a justified question.]

Edited (Dah. I thought I finished with those brackets. X_X) 2013-07-19 23:50 (UTC)

[Is it just him, or does Anthony seem a bit... camera-shy? Actually, he's not really sure if it's that or just nervousness. Is he just being too intimidating? John briefly wonders if the dark lighting is making him look imposing or threatening, but for the time being, he just maintains his easy grin, hoping it transfers through the screen.

Of course, it falters a bit when he hears those words slip past Anthony's lips.]

To keep each other under... control?

[He leans back in his chair, crosses his arms across his chest, and licks his lips. Okay then.]

Do you mind expanding on that? [He manages a tight smile.] If you'd rather not, that's fine. I understand.

[No point in making the guy even more uncomfortable, right?]

[John repeats. And reacts.

And it's driven like a barb, roughly, into Anthony's brain that he has just been caught and made aware that he's said something that sounds terrible, suspicious, cynical - he cringes, he's stung sorry - and he scrambles to set the thought straight with a blink wide and a sharp little shake of his head.]

-- No, I -- I'll - try to explain, what I meant. I'm sorry... -- That I - said that.

If we're aware of what's - been happening to each other, -- if anyone was... misusing -- what they've been getting... someone else should be able to tell.

[That isn't all he meant. A pause in which he takes a shallow, dry breath, in and out, feels a little jab of a heartbeat. He was asked to expand; he is still on the spot and within the obligation to say it forthright.]

I -- really meant... that - people are already... keeping an eye on those who've been having the - more -- extreme changes... [His voice pressed low and soft there - picks up a bit with a little more conviction.] It's just concern -- everyone's been themselves - though - the changes are - not always easy... to adjust to.

[Aw, shit, shit, shit! He didn't mean to make him even more uncomfortable. John's about to open his mouth to call the whole thing off and tell Anthony to forget it, but then he's continuing his explanation. So what's he do? Bite his lip, shut up, and listen, and when Anthony's done, that's when John reacts.

He scrubs a hand through his hair before pressing his hands together, palm to palm, fingertips to his lips--almost as if he's in prayer.]

I... haven't heard much about what sort of changes can happen. [His gaze flickers around the room for a moment before focusing again on Anthony.] But of the ones I've heard, nothing seemed too dangerous--at least, not obviously.

That's why I asked. I didn't know that some of the changes were, by themselves...[John's words drifts off into a sigh. He rubs a hand against his jaw, eyes drifting once more.] I'm sorry for putting you on the spot, but thanks for answering me honestly.

[Anthony clams up in turn. Accepts the response, still with a crawl of preparedness to regret everything that he's just said. Well-intentioned of course, but that John apologizes for asking him to talk spikes it.

The thanks, however, he takes as reassurance with gratitude.

His mouth thins - can't quite work up another smile in anything more than the faintest trace.]

-- You're welcome - sir.

[He lets that sit for a few seconds of grace. Quick glance to corner.

Then pushes his speech, with the slightest force and creak, back into progress.]

...Is there anything else I can tell you...?

[On that he's unabashedly (well, nay - somewhat abashedly) aware that he sounds apologetic if not pleading - if John trusts him with another chance not to turn well-meaning exposition into a shamefully awkward interrogation, he'll take it.]

Let's start off with this: just call me John. You'll make me feel old, calling me sir.

[His lips quirk a little at that. Yeah, yeah, yeah, he's older than Anthony, but that certainly doesn't mean he wants to be a "sir" at his age. John makes a soft considering noise, contemplating what to ask next; there's no way he's going to let the conversation just end here like this.

He just has to find a safe topic of conversation first.]

So... [ He chews on his lower lip for a moment, wondering if this will be okay.] Can you tell me more about these... creatures? The vermini or whatever they're called?

- I understand. John.

[With a light nod and flinch; another slip-up - but he's letting himself get flustered at this point. He recognizes it and wills it settled.

And he holds it down while awaiting the answer. He asked for this. It'll not get the better of him - and indeed. That's not a difficult subject to speak freely on.

Except that it's another on which there's little to say with certainty. He jerks back the impulse to ask on what basis he should start - that would be turning it back around not to mention stalling.]

They're -- ...There looks - like there are at least two kinds -- that we've seen. ...First were the parasites -- they... infest animals, which -- mutate, and follow us. There - should've been -- a picture of a bird with teeth linked to, in the guide. Some have hands, or human faces.

They do... ah. Look like - small versions... of the ones that we fought in the mine -- they're black and covered in quills. And have claws that're more than a foot long. -- They're bipedal...

Mr. Lyall referred to the parasitic ones as "dandelion sprites". [In case that helps create an image.]

What -- exactly... else are - you hoping to know...?

Edited 2013-07-21 15:22 (UTC)

[John just sort of nods along to Anthony's explanation. He'd skimmed over the references to the creatures in the guide and had gotten a general idea of what to expect and look for. Will he recognize them on sight? Well, he certainly hopes so, but John wouldn't put it past himself to miss it at first glance, especially something like... a bird with teeth.

His mind is obviously still very trained to ignore the unusual.]

There wasn't anything in particular. [He shrugs lightly and offers an easy grin.] I just wanted to know if there was anything else I needed to know about them, aside from what was in the guide.

It's a lot of ground to cover, as I'm sure you know. It's not every day a fellow gets thrown into the world of the paranormal like this.

[John stretches his arms above his head and then settles into a deeper slouch on the sofa.]

So now that I've interrogated you about all of this nonsense, tell me about yourself. [He pauses, considers, and then tacks on something else:] Or I guess if you have anything to ask me, that's fine as well. [Though, he rather doubts he could know anything of interest to Anthony...]

Of course... [The flicker of a smile returned is primarily polite.

Feeling a bit helpless by now - resignedly so, at least.]

Uhm.

[The first prompt is in fact that he doesn't feel any less helpless to answer. His eyes dart aside - he's at a loss for what's suitable to say, and it'd sound rather stupid to ask what exactly he'd be interested in knowing.

The continuation and invitation come as a bit of a relief - just one instant to clear the haze off the wonder most always in mind.]

...What did your -- first - pulse do? If I'm allowed to know.

My first pulse?

[John mulls over the question for a moment, scrubbing at his jawline with one hand. It's not that he minds sharing the first moment during which the numbers popped up into his head, but he's still not all that sure if the memory that accompanied it is like what everyone else is talking about or if it's just a remnant of a misspent youth.]

As far as I can tell, nothing. [It's a truthful answer. Even if he considers the memory to be part of this entire paranormal world he's been thrust into, it's still just a memory that makes very little sense to him.] I might of remembered something, but I'm not sure if it's just something I've forgotten or entirely unrelated.

[A sheepish smile pulls at his features.]

I have a lot of fuzzy moments in my past.

[A small tug of a sheepish smile, likewise, in some polite deference or empathy.] Oh...

[Anthony takes a glance aside, and looking at no one his expression flicks back down to uncertainly neutral - partly to stall, as he searches for something else proper to say to follow up, or for John to take the chance to continue - the latter being what he is subconsciously more anxious for.

Even if he's unsure he stumbles into giving this a go. John had begun by inviting him to share something about himself - return first pulse with first pulse.] Mine -- was - a vision. Too.

...I've been -- having them - as... a messenger in the Holy Roman Empire. [He begins sliding into mumbling as he says that, to keep humble, not overexcited, as even with the evident consequences he's honestly been almost proud to have been receiving a set of visions like his. The smile's come back, though - still sheepish, still friendly if cowed.] That's -- where the sword is from. -- That I mentioned.

Yeah? [He props his chin up on his hand and grins.] I like that.

Can't say I'm big on history, but getting memories like that? [John nods his head a little, clearly enjoying the idea.] I wouldn't mind them. Especially if there's swordplay involved.

[His gaze turns distant for a moment, like he's just sort of... imagining himself into that sort of time period. Sure, his imagination is probably pretty off, historically speaking, but it doesn't stop him from enjoying it all the same.]

Do you know how to use the sword now?

Uhm -- no. Not... properly. Yet. Though I have -- used it. Since then. ...I wouldn't go so far - as to say there is -- swordplay involved...

[Trying a self-deprecating bit of humor. he's somewhat unsure whether to accept that his share was well-received or whether he's being humored, but in either case the cordiality deserves to be met with him trying a little harder, sound a tad more properly conversational.]

I'm ah -- ...just a messenger. [It feels odd putting it in the first person without adding "in the visions" for good measure, but it's likely understood.]

There's still a chance to learn, right?

[Yep, John is totally enjoying the thought of getting something useful like that. And owning a sword! What's not cool about that? His delight lights up his face]

And there's nothing wrong with being a messenger--[Oh boy, he's going to try drawing from history again.] They play a big part in things. That one person... Revere? With the American Revolution? And didn't they name the marathon after a messenger?

I suppose...

[And - his tone of voice is very honestly lightening here; that isn't quite what he was getting at but he still can't help but be bemusedly appreciative of what he's trying to do and of the apparent interest, if a bit bashful.] -- They named it after Marathon -- actually... -- his destination; his name was Pheidippides. [He says the name a bit muffled since he really doubts he's pronouncing it correctly.

But uh - no - I know - there's nothing wrong with it -- I mean it. [In fact talking about messengers is stoking his happy ownership of his set of visions thus far.]

[ laptop / text ]

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And bah Marathon was the starting point, not the end one! Mix-up occurred OOCly and not ICly.

No worries! ;)