[Video]

[stormcloud_ofcaring]

[There is a golden eyed man with a large nose staring at you. The expression he's going for is neutral, but the way he purses his lips gives away his unease.]

I do not know who can hear me, but I was instructed to put a set of numbers into my computer, which...has led me here. I was told to do this by a young man who was convinced that he knew me...

[His voice is low and his accent is obvious, with wide, nasal vowels and 'd' replacing most 'th' sounds. His eyes start to roam around the edges of the screen as he considers how to continue.]

It was not a pleasant conversation. I was accused of being a danger to children. This is very insulting; I work with children. It is my job to treat them and make them well. I don't know who is listening, but I will not stand to be insulted again. I am here for answers, not for being told I should not be allowed to do my job, or that I am 'evil'.

[Now that he's made that point, he shifts, picking up something metal off screen. When he lifts it to the camera, the large, heavy amulet spins on its chain. It's almost as big as his fist, with an eye-sized orange jewel at the top of it and several smaller, similar stones embellishing both sides.] This appeared a week ago. I have no idea what it is, or where it came from, but I can't...shake the feeling that it is mine.

[He sets it back down, out of frame.]

Can you tell me what this means? Can you tell me what's happening to me?

((ooc: Ghannam ran into Luke, who recognized him and told him about the Number's Club. Sorta.)) 

Comments

[stormcloud_ofcaring]

[...okay how the fuck is he supposed to respond to that? Ehhhh when in doubt, ask questions.]

Quarts or simply colored stone?

[wastingtime]

As far as I could tell, colored stone. You'll have to forgive me as I was more intent on getting out of there as opposed to staying and getting a better look. I'm not much of a fighter.

Nonetheless, it's put somewhat of a halt on my investigations. I've mostly been cataloging what I still have.

[stormcloud_ofcaring]

That is more than understandable. Forgive me, I simply wish to understand the situation as best I can.

As I've said, I would like to know more about your research. My name is Dr. Ghannam Demir. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

[wastingtime]

No forgiveness is required, Dr. Demir. I am Dr. Elian Price of the University of Boulder, though I dare say my sabbatical may go longer than I first thought.

May I ask your field of specialty? And for you to call me Elian.

[stormcloud_ofcaring]

I work in pediatrics, a profession I fear may be all to applicable to the members of this network. That there are children involved at all worries me, let alone ones undergoing such an unprecedented metamorphosis.

Is the University of Boulder the one in Colorado? What brought you here?

[wastingtime]

I am entirely too uncomfortable with so many young people being involved in this...chaos. Were it possible, I would speed them all away.

[but he can't.]

I came from Colorado to visit my grandniece, among others. I found she was already part of this, and I was swept up as well after remembering a set of numbers. And at this point, though I may be only of so much help, I feel I cannot abandon her.

Nor anyone else.

[stormcloud_ofcaring]

[Forgive him for cutting to the chase but lets cut to the chase;]

It's my understanding that the powers and memories vanish once one leaves the city. Why not spirit the children away? For their own safety and mental health?

[wastingtime]

Aside from the fact that their absence would be noted, even were they willing to leave?

Make no mistake, I do not condone them fighting.

But all told, I think, at this point, they have the right to.

[there's a pause before he continues to write, slowly, as if forming his thoughts as pen meets paper]

We are in a war, Doctor. And this war will spread. I fear that we are deeper in it than we even know, and that it will become bigger than we could imagine. That there is more than just this city and these children at stake.

If they are willing to face this threat, if they are able to stand against it, can we honestly tell them that they are incapable of fighting? That they have no right to fight?

Sometimes, we have no choice but to put our faith in children, because they are all we have to rely upon.

[stormcloud_ofcaring]

[...Well no one had quite put it so plainly before. War. With...aliens. And this corporation and perhaps even themselves.

A war the likes of which he'd never seen. One without precedent, without known rules or even recognizable combatants. This man knew more than he did--he had just begun to scratch the surface on this ridiculous, unsettling mess--perhaps he should agree with his assertion.

Too bad he doesn't.]

I'm afraid we will have to agree to disagree, Elian. I believe they are meant to rely on us, and we should not fail them by putting them in undue danger. I understand I am not aware of most of the details pertaining to this war, but I will remain honest. We will see if time changes my answer.

[He fucking doubts that.]

[wastingtime]

I understand.

And in a way, I hope you do not change your mind.

[because frankly, he doesn't /like/ that he thinks this way. even as much as he thinks it's necessary.]