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". ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I actually have a Masters' in Computer Engineering.

And, I'd sorta been just assuming you hadn't. There's apparently not a lot of trust for the police around here.

[ Perhaps for good reason. But, something else catches his eye. ]

Hold on. You're saying that these so-called pulse-echoes are connected to past lives?!?!

[ Just when you think the day has run out of surprises, he gets yet another thrown right in his face. ]

Oh, that's cool! You working as a programmer, then?

Uhhh... Well, I think it would have gotten complicated what with the laser gun I was wielding, so...

Yeah that seems to be the prevailing theory around here. I mean, I keep seeing these memories of me and my kid together where we're like crazy spies or something? I guess it could be an alternate universe, but I think some people have gotten memories that disprove that or something. I haven't looked real hard.

I did for a while, working with the government. But I'm kinda on a different career path right now.

[ ...that didn't give away too much, did it? ]

And, it was an actual laser gun. And actual memories of being super spies?

Every time I try to convince myself that this couldn't get any weirder, something new has to come along.

Huh. You still work for the government? Don't tell me you're an IRS agent.

[Talking about his laser gun is more fun, really.]

Yeah, yeah! Both of those things are actual. Well, I mean I'm assuming we were super spies, at least. We had infiltrated a wedding? I mean otherwise why would I have a laser gun at my daughter's wedding. I'm sure she was acting as a decoy. She thinks so too, based on her memory. Plus she got this cool team jacket back...

Anyway, I'm hoping things get cooler the more I remember, and not lamer.

No, thank God. Something a bit more... classified. Sort of.

[ It wasn't like he was undercover or anything, so did it matter? Would people be able to readily guess his identity?

Gerald hadn't quite thought all of these things through, considering, part of him is still convinced he's dreaming. ]

You know, I have to say that I'd much rather be getting memories about being a super spy instead of developing a possible smoker's cough when I haven't touched a cigarette since a party in college.

How old is your daughter?

Wow, cool. Anything classified is cool in my opinion. I mean, government classified. Corporate secrets tend to be boring to anyone not from the same business. I mean, 'Ooh, tensile updates on artificial joints.' Not exactly the best bar talk.

I gotta say, sounds weird to me. Oh! You ever think you might be a robot? It sound anything like a robot voice? Some people here are robots. It's really awesome.

Yoko's 17. Just old enough to think I'm boring, even though I'm a sweet robotics genius.

By the way, I'm Jin Aznable, nice to meet you, stranger. We should hang out sometime, maybe your cool government agent stuff will spark off some pulses about me being a sweet spy.

I was going to say it's really not as exciting as all that, but with all these rumours on here about corrupt police and ThunderCorp, my assignment has definitely taken a turn for the "interesting".

[ and insane. ]

I'm also pretty sure that I'm not a robot. The smoker's cough was probably more on-base than any of that.

You can call me "Garrus". [ He makes a mental note to thank his sister for providing him with that nickname, as much as he hated it as a kid. ]I'd say nice to meet you too, Jin, but, given how confusing all of this has been, I think I can only manage, "it's nice to meet you under the circumstances".

You know, I actually wouldn't mind talking to someone about this off-network. It might help alleviate the whole "I'm going crazy" feeling.

Oh, man, that's so rad.

I dunno, you could be a cyborg. Or something like that. I'll tell you what I think if I ever get a chance to hear your voice.

"Garrus," huh. Pretty slick. I have no idea that your real name is Gary. Anyway I'll take an under the circumstances, ha ha.

You wanna get a drink or some lunch or something? If I talk about robotics during lunch, I can use my corporate credit card. Also, I'll tell you all about my spy memories, see if it sparks off a pulse in you.

Hey, for all you know, my name actually could be "Garrus". Maybe I had exceptionally unique parents. Or cruel ones, depending on how you look at it.

Regardless, I'd be interested in that. Is there any day that works for you?

[ Somehow, he almost feels like a small child again, with his father warning him to "never meet anyone off the internet, because there's a chance they could be serial killers".

But hey, if he was delusional, then this guy probably wouldn't show up. Given that he... probably didn't exist. ]

I guess I can't blame you. I mean even if it was just Gary, that'd be bad enough. :V

Sure, I'm the head of the department so as long as I crack the whip every so often, any day works for me. You can text me.

[He sends along a private message with his phone number.]

"Gary"'s not that bad, as far as names go.

And thanks, I really appreciate it.

001 ✮ text

[he can live with that. probably.]

[I'm thinking gar-bear]

[WELL IT BEATS GARBUS 83]

[garbus pls]

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