001 ✮ text

[centurian]

[ The whole thing was completely unbelievable, there was no doubt about that. Who would've thought that typing random numbers into your phone after a search for cough syrup would turn up an untraceable network filled with what looked like bunch of crazy people? At least, calling them "crazy" seemed like the most likely conclusion. It occurs to him that he really should be doing his job, but sheer curiosity kept him looking through the posts.

Besides, it could all be related to his assignment. Somehow (okay, that was maybe reaching just a little, but what exactly can a guy do?). So, he begins to type on his phone, not quite sure what sort of person will turn up. ]

So let me guess: This is all an elaborate viral advertising campaign for cough syrup, right?

[ Well crap. Sarcasm doesn't quite translate that well through text, now does it? Still, it seemed like the better option than broadcasting either his face or voice, where (to the right person) he might as well just say "FBI agent here! Ask me about my entire life". ]

Unless any of you have a better explanation. Because from where I'm sitting, cough syrup advertising still looks a lot more likely than "aliens" and "robots".

[ Still, as they always say, sometimes "the truth is stranger than fiction". ]

Comments

[Text | Handwritten]

[scramasax]

Excuse me, please. [Unsure whether to speak for the "us", as in "this network itself" or not.] One of us made a guide to what we know about what this is. I cannot show you myself, but one of the others most likely will... Until then, we normally suggest writing down the number that you used to access this by hand. You will notice something that you otherwise wouldn't have.

[Text | phone ]

[centurian]

[ Well that was fast. It also looked like the person used some sort of custom font too. Nothing too out of the ordinary, after all lots of people make their own custom fonts.

Still, he begins to look for a pen and a piece of paper, even as he continues texting. He might as well just play along for the time being, since the whole thing seemed relatively... benign. Come to think of it, he probably inadvertently stumbled across an RP server or something like that. And if things started to get too weird and uncomfortable... well, he could always report it to his superior. After all, he had the access code (that had apparently just... popped into his head). ]

Right. A "guide". So why can't you just show me yourself?

[Handwritten]

[originaloddcouple]

If that was the case, that's some really good advertising!

We've met so many nice people on here already, we'd have to personally thank the cough syrup people for giving us that chance!

[text]

[centurian]

[ More custom font. That strikes him as a bit odd, but when you're on an encrypted network that's either full of possible cult members (or if Gerald's being generous) Role Players... Well. It's to be expected. ]

The only problem that I still haven't found the brand that I was looking for. :P

[ He decides that the emoticon adds the perfect non-threatening touch. ]

text

[two_stones]

Has someone told you to do the scratch paper trick yet? It really should be in the FAQ.

text

[centurian]

As a matter of fact, someone just did. I don't really see the point, though.

[ He's really only doing it for his own benefit, in case this network actually turns out to have some meaning.

Though why at least two people are obsessed with him writing things down is really anyone's guess. ]

text;

[chernobolt]

is it not a little late in the winter season to be adding the cough syrup?

[priorities, Kara...]

text;

[centurian]

I sorta lost my voice last night. [ in an argument with his dad about his career prospects... which is somewhat embarrassing for a twenty-something to admit.

He knows he probably shouldn't engage that much, but hey... so far these people seem harmless (and he's beginning to downgrade his previous assessment of "crazy" down to "role players on a secret server". ]

text;

[willchange]

Pretty much anything looks more likely than aliens and robots.

It would have to be a very elaborate campaign, though.

text;

[centurian]

Well, you know multinational cough syrup corporations. They probably actually run the American government.

[ ...Yeah. Definitely some weird group of role players.

...So much for a little more excitement. ]

[ TEXT | PHONE ]

[keywarding]

I wish that were true, it'd be kind of a cool idea if it were though!

[ TEXT | PHONE ]

[centurian]

Sadly, the encrypted server was a bit of a give-away. But, I really wouldn't put it past companies these days.

[ There might've been a bit of sarcasm in there. ]

[Voice]

[espigeonage]

[yeah you probably didn't expect to hear someone talking but no matter which tab gets closed, it's playing.]

Cough syrup for its throat-soothing qualities, or the possible mind-altering ones? Honestly if it was, I'd expect the latter.

[text]

[centurian]

[ ...He had meant the former, but after a certain experiment, he couldn't quite rule out the latter (or his apparent temporary loss of sanity). ]

The former. I really just wanted to do a quick search on the best one for laryngitis. The numbers sorta just popped into my head.

[ ...What was even going on. ]

[TEXT]

[synonymouswithdookie]

nope we're totally at war with aliens and shit

turns out those aliens are trying to take over the world by lacing the world's cough syrup supply with

herpes or something

okay that part might not be true but the aliens totally are

[TEXT]

[centurian]

[ You know, a network that connects via paper is strange enough.

But the aliens definitely can't be real. ]

Do you think the cough syrup companies are in with the aliens?

[ At first, he thought he had a clear grasp on the situation, but he really has no idea what's actually going on anymore. ]

text;

[earnedmystripes]

write the number down on a piece of paper

[It'll save everybody so much time.]

the faq has a video of edwards murdering a kid and talking to general miller about aliens if you want the extra gory-ass proof

voice;

[centurian]

[ well he wrote the number down but...

WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY. You know what, that merits a voice because this is some serious stuff. When he speaks, you might notice a distinct hint of subharmonics... or maybe it's just laryngitis. ]

Who murdered who?

[ and for good measure... ]

You've alerted the authorities, right?

[text; handwritten]

[darkhourdear]

Are you sick? Mom gives me hot honey and lemon instead of cough syrup because it tastes better. [yes phillip has his priorities straight here.]

[text | phone]

[centurian]

No. I just threw my voice out.

[ And... Was that a mention of a "mom"? How old was this person? After his recent discovery, he really has to wonder just what this all is. ]

I'm more concerned about this network showing up on a piece of paper.

text (typed)

[tenaciousc]

OK, someone has to ask. Why cough syrup?

text (typed)

[centurian]

[ He almost replies with a sarcastic "why not" but the truth of the matter is... the situation is quickly moving to a place where not even the best sarcasm can save him now. ]

It was the last thing I searched on my phone for before finding this.

typed text

[amajin]

Yeah... That's what I thought, too. It'd be a lot better if it really was a really complicated ARG. Unfortunately, it's not, and also cyborg gang members are after us.

Merry belated Christmas!!!!!

typed text

[centurian]

Cyborg gang members.

You know, normally I might say you're crazy, but in the last couple of hours, I've had to take a lot on faith.

[ He must've fallen asleep and now he's dreaming. The alternative is... really not pleasant. ]

Text; laptop

[alilyinthemoonslight]

I think we've all been down this road at least a little bit.

Sadly, the skepticism tends to fall away little by little each day.

Text; phone

[centurian]

You guys do realize that none of this makes any sense, right?

[ Accessing a secure server from a piece of paper.

If he tried to tell this to anyone, he'd be out of a job faster than you could say... pretty much anything. ]

audio;

[sassymaru]

Oh if only it were cough syrup.

And not robots. Life would be far simpler.

text;

[centurian]

[ After what everyone's been telling him, while he really doesn't want to believe just about anything...

...A lot of people are telling him to believe just about anything. ]

Let me guess. The next thing you'll be telling me is that they're flying robots that are monitoring our every move.