savetheearth | 001 ✮ text

[ 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". ]

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[ A pause, as he attempts to piece things together. Nothing here still makes any sense, but he's beginning to see something of a picture.

A very muddy picture, mind you, but a picture, nonetheless. ]

So, my lost voice is supposed to be one of these "echoes"?

[ more importantly, however... ]

And, why would the police be after you all?

Oh that's your actual voice? I thought it was a bad connection! [She sounds surprised but not horribly so, just intrigued.]

Ah, yes it would be an echo, they can come back in forms of memories, items and even powers. It's a little scary at first but- well I haven't gotten anything horrible back.

As for the police... I'm not sure? I just was told to be careful around them.

[ A sigh. ] You can see why I was looking for cough syrup now. You'd think that these so called "echoes" would be a bit more interesting than laryngitis.

[ It's really that that's making this difficult to believe.

He pauses for a minute, considering something. Finally, he decides that there's really not any risk in mentioning this to a kid. ]

If you'd like, I could mention it to them. I'm involved with the police. Sort of.

[ More of a co-operative relationship, if anything, and his assignment has really only just started. ]

[She's quiet for a moment, because she doesn't want to offend and she doesn't want to lie.]

Okay. Just be careful. You seem really nice and I don't want anyone getting hurt.

[ His voice is actually pretty reassuring.

And he figures it's safe enough to save more. ]

If it makes you feel better, my bosses are definitely higher up than the police. So if some corrupt cop tries anything with me, they'll have a lot more problems than one agent.

[ Oh, how little he knows. ]

[The reassurance works, she's smiling again and it comes back into her voice when she replies.]

That's good. I like police officers, I want to believe in them.

[In truth she wants to believe in everyone, but that's a sentiment not many share these days.]

I'm Holly, by the way.

The law is there to help you. And it's... nice to meet you, Holly. Given the circumstances and everything.

[ He pauses for a moment or two, debating on whether or not he should give out his real name.

He settles on a middle ground of sorts, using the nickname his kid sister had given him when she'd decided that "Gerald" was just too much work to pronounce correctly (it helped that she was about.. three when this happened). ]

You can call me "Garrus".

[ After all, "Officer Vakarian" made him sound way too much like his father. ]

Garrus? That's a really cool name! [She compliments, smiling all the while, before she continues.] Thank you for offering to help. There are a lot of nice people on this network, we try to help each other.

[She's thus been spared anyone who might use it maliciously.]

Well, it's more of a nickname my sister came up with. My actual name isn't nearly as exciting.

[ You know what... this kid is absolutely adorable. ]

It's no problem, Holly. I'm one of the "good guys".

[ Okay. Maybe that was too cheesy for Gerald's own comfort but... at this point, maybe he was allowed to be a bit cheesy. ]

[He can't possibly see her smile but the fact he's trying means so much to her.]

I'm glad. I really want to believe in everyone, at least with you being one of the us, we know there's someone we can trust.

[ He's still not quite sure that he's one of "them", but... ]

I intend to keep it that way. People should be able to trust those in positions of authority. Otherwise, the whole system starts to break down.

[She doesn't know much about the system idea but she likes the idea of people be trustworthy, so she'll take it.]

Thank you, Garrus. I have to go now but if you need anything, just mention me on the network and I'll see it!

And you do the same, Holly.

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