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[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

[centurian]

[ Said perhaps a little too quickly... ]

It's just laryngitis.

[ A pause ]

But theoretically, if we were going to say that it's not laryngitis and something completely unrelated, then I can still probably blame it on permanent vocal cord damage or something else just as fun.

[ That sounded reasonable enough... RIGHT? ]

[espigeonage]

[Julien can't laugh involuntarily anymore, but he does exhale in a particular way as if he would have laughed, here.]

Of course, of course. If you need to be able to point to a doctor to get the right jargon, I recommend the LSR! I work there, and we've got two actual doctors who're networked.

[centurian]

I'll keep that in mind.

[ After all, it might be useful. ]

Who do I ask for?

[espigeonage]

Either one! Strider or Solus, they'll both work. Solus has this... scanning computer thing, if that helps.

[centurian]

...Scanning computer thing?

[ He couldn't help but wonder if maybe he could be a bit more specific. ]

[espigeonage]

It's wrist or arm mounted and... holographic, maybe? I think it's some shade of orange, but I've never asked. I don't think I've ever heard what it's called, either, if it's got a name.

[centurian]

[ He's silent for a few moments, and can't quite explain how exactly he feels... or what comes next. ]

An omni-tool. It's called an omni-tool.

[ Which raises the question as to why this doctor is in possession of one, and how he suddenly seems to know what the heck that is. ]

[espigeonage]

Whoah, really? How do you know?

[centurian]

[ a little too quickly ]

They're standard issue at the Bureau.

[ Was it a joke or an honest attempt at a lie? The world may never know. ]

[espigeonage]

[a little pause.]

Ah. Yeah, you guys would be at the cutting edge, what with the government being competent and all.

[centurian]

Yeah, I mean, we're totally on the ball with Locke City and everything. That's why they only sent one rookie agent to investigate rumours of white collar crime.

Total competence.

[ He does still believe in the government, but sarcasm. It's too good of a coping mechanism. ]

[espigeonage]

[Julien fakes a laugh, low and genuine-sounding.]

Absolutely. One rookie who's on the network, at least!

[centurian]

See? The odds are completely in our favour.

[ Gerald sighs deeply before speaking again. ]

You don't suppose that was an... echo-pulse thing, do you?

[espigeonage]

Absolutely! They'd better start running.

The... omni tool? Yeah, probably. He got it pretty suddenly, as I recall.

[centurian]

Though that raises the question as to how the hell I knew what it was.

[ And definitely piques his curiosity about this Doctor Solus... ]

[espigeonage]

Yeah. You really should talk to Solus. Come to the LSR sometime.

[centurian]

I'll be sure to do that.

[ pause ]

If my laryngitis doesn't clear up.

[ Which, he's sorta doubting more and more that it will. Especially given what he's just remembered, and how he has no idea how he remembered it. ]

[espigeonage]

Hah. Right, right. He's not exactly sociable, but he's not bad.

[centurian]

I'll be sure to look him up.

[ a pause ]

And thanks, Julien, for taking some time to talk to me. It doesn't exactly ease all the crazy, but it's nice to know I'm not entirely alone in this mess.

[espigeonage]

You're welcome. We've all got to start somewhere, right? Best of luck.