(no subject)

[freeskies]

FRANKLIN BREWER

All leakers, whistleblowers, and anonymous sources with a story to tell are welcome to leave a message at the tone.

VOICE | TEXT | VIDEO | ACTION

Comments

[freeskies]

I hadn't nary a clue.

I'm to take it that the information presented today is quite a bit more shocking for you than it is for me, then?

[mincingminuet]

That is an understatement.

It isn't new information, though. I was in the group that found the sphinx and heard it firsthand.

I was just processing it all, and trying to put my life back together. Didn't know this was coming.

[freeskies]

Shall I tell you my unqualified opinion on this matter?

[mincingminuet]

Sure. Why not.

[It's not like he's going to keep it to himself anyway.]

[freeskies]

I'm not so certain that this changes any particular part of our situation. It is a motive, to be sure. However, there are far too many unanswered questions that I'd prefer answered before I let alarm carry me away to an existential crisis.

[mincingminuet]

I agree. I mean, this message was originally for my girlfriend, who will take things badly.

It's hard to take, but logically it isn't changing who I am. At all. You cannot just apply memories and override all experiences we've had. Not that I like the idea of what's actually happening much either.

In any event, you are right. There's not enough information to truly go on.

[freeskies]

Well, meaningfully, Retrospec still has the ability to modify memories, bend reality, and be the all-seeing, all-knowing entity you've known and loved.

This doesn't meaningfully change that predicament, and it'd be foolish to act as such.

But perhaps that is my ignorance, as I've yet to be blessed, or is it cursed, with one of these blasted memories that have caused so much panic.

[mincingminuet]

If they wanted to do that to harm us, they would have by now. There's no point in giving us the autonomy that we do have, asking for our help, and then taking it away. I don't think they are an enemy.

You're still new though, Franklin. They'll come. I remember my first few, and honestly mine are something of a mixed bag. Other people's not so much.

[freeskies]

I'm certain it'll be something to look forward to.

And that is where we disagree. To be certain, I don't think they are an enemy. But nor do I think of them as friends. There are far too many unknowns, and previous experience has taught me better than to take a situation at its word.

So, I take any view of them with an abundance of caution.

[mincingminuet]

I didn't say they were friends either. I don't trust them. But I don't think they're enemies.

Anyway.

You wanted information the other day, as I recall? I actually have video of some of what I went through in space.

[freeskies]

I can't overstate my interest at this moment. If you've time, I'd like the chance to see first hand.

[mincingminuet]

I do. I'm out of class till Friday.

I know a cafe, and I can bring a tablet. Around four, maybe? I'll send you the address.

[freeskies]

Around four, then. I'll be there.

<--Action.

[mincingminuet]

[At the appointed time, Penelope is waiting outside the cafe, leaning casually against the dark wood exterior. It's a homey place, called 'Cagliostros' and has a seeming old-world flair. She's been there a little while, as it's not far from the fire station, so she'd gone to drop off some snacks to Freya.

She nods casually at Franklin as he approaches, and while she's not exactly thrilled to be seeing him...it is better that someone used to info-gathering gets the information she has.]

Franklin. I hope this place is up to your exacting standards.

[freeskies]

[actually, it's quite to his taste, but while his standards were exacting, he'd learned long ago to be flexible. He pulls off his sunglasses as he steps close to her.]

Penelope. You shouldn't worry about my standards in this one instance. After all, it's your information I seek, is it not?

No, all I need is a space quiet enough to hear the sound.

Shall we?

[mincingminuet]

As if I wouldn't come with a copy, and headphones.

[She is swimming in Fuji flash drives after all.

Pushing the door open without another word, she leads the way into a place that looks something like a tea-house from 19th century Venice. All wood, with dim lighting and booths with draw-string curtains. All in all, a nice place, complete with beautiful smelling coffee and tea.

Leading him to a booth after ordering a cup of a thick Persian-blended Chai, she sets up a tablet for him.]

Okay. So, I had my Go-Pro on me. And I've checked out the video since. It's pretty wild, and should at least give you some context as to how weird Unreality can be.

[Something tickles at her nose, some spice or other, and she lets out a little sneeze, quickly covering her face and looking around for a napkin or something...]

[freeskies]

[that was unfortunate, it had been awhile since he'd seen a place without napkins at the table. Interesting. He turned to his bag, reaching into one of the pockets, and pulling out a small package of tissues. He pulls one out and offers it to her.]

Always come prepared.

[but more about that unreality bit...]

[mincingminuet]

[Now naturally she takes it and cleans her hands and nose up before slathering them with hand sanitizer.]

Thanks. I think I ran out.

[With that she starts setting up the tablet, plugging in headphones and sliding them over to him.]

It's a pretty long video, but I've got bookmarks put at the main points.

For context, we were in a space station full of different biomes. The biome I dug around most in was an undersea one.

[freeskies]

[he's about to respond, when a puzzled look comes across his face. He knows her. Or at least, something similar's happened between them before. But with a handkerchief, not a tissue. A soft exhale.]

Hmm... So you were correct about the memories.

[honestly, he'd passed his first one off as a dream. Trapped in a sealed off area of a fortress? That could have easily been a daydream. But this was... harder to ignore with Penelope right in front of him.]

They do come quickly, don't they?

[mincingminuet]

[Penelope, for her part, blinks and leans back in her seat with a shudder, the memory flashing through her. That's not a comfortable thing for her, not in the slightest. It ties into several other memories, filling in a few gaps. The other her knows the other him. And she's not alone in that, apparently.]

They...do. It's always clearer with people your other self knew.

[Differentiating that, from the start.]

What did you see?

[freeskies]

You, doing something quite reckless.

[ok, that's not all of the memory, but that's the main part, isn't it? Of course, he tugs at his watch for a moment.]

Well, I suppose that wasn't all. But it was a rather brief memory. A minute or less, but I do know who I saw.

[it was her.]

[mincingminuet]

Mmm.

That's not really anything new.

[Reckless endangerment of herself is as common in her memories as confusion and fear.]

Did it involve...?

[She lifts the crumpled napkin, almost like it's significant.]

[freeskies]

[a nod, and then he places his hand on his chin, considering.]

Not quite so explicitly, but the gesture was one and the same. I suppose you also remember something of the sort?

[mincingminuet]

Now? Yes.

[A snort, and she drops the napkin.]

More to the point, I remember you. We traveled together, or our doubles did.

[freeskies]

I can't imagine how that might have went.

[yes he can: he's thinking not well, if he was as much a loner then as he is now.]

But more to the point, this is useful to know. I'm not sure how, but I can't imagine being alone with memories like these would be simple.