freeskies | (no subject)

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.

Violently.

[Penelope offers a tired, almost put-upon smile.]

I've remembered a lot of really, really dangerous places. And even more fighting.

[he's been to warzones, and countries without a particular love of his profession for the express point of writing embarrassing stories on them. While he raises his eyebrows just a bit at the point, he doesn't seem to have as much of a visceral reaction to it.

Besides, there were other, stranger parts of the memory that concerned him. Such as his attitude about being arrested. It wasn't exactly hard to connect that memory with his previous one-- he was a criminal. And one that was hard to impress.]

I see. Then, perhaps this once, I will ask you spare me the gory details. We came here for other matters, did we not?

[Penelope arches one eyebrow and nods, flipping the tablet around.]

There is one thing. Before I show you this, I think you need to know that there is someone else that I've shared visions with, here in the city. Well, a significant one anyway. My girlfriend remembers chocobos too, but we haven't had any overlap yet.

Officer Noah Gabranth, who recently lost his Retrospec connection, is someone from that world that our doubles are. If he gets his connection back, he'd be someone to step lightly around.

[Which is an ominous statement but...]

[one he can't really appreciate just yet, especially without memories of the judges. But, he does humor her warning. He gives her a quick nod, and a serious look that meant he would take her warning to heart.

But that was all.]

Of course, though... Hmm. Well, perhaps, that is for another discussion at another time.

I am very keen on this video you've promised, Penelope.

[A nod. and she flips the tablet into play. Giving him This thread as a little show.]

So I see you made quite the friend... [he almost sounds as though he'd be joking, but the look on his face is serious.

In fact, he pauses and rewinds a few times on parts that he finds particularly interesting, for one reason or other. The first swimming, the appearance of Bruce, the garden. These are the things that draw his attention.

Still. Despite his initial statement, he looks... perturbed.]

... I see what you were hinting at.

Bruce? Yeah. He was great.

[How can an octopus not be awesome?]

And yeah. You see? Things can be...weird. To be frank this isn't the most insane thing that's happened to me since Retrospec started fucking with my life, but it's close.

[he leans back, and places a hand to his chin as he puzzles over the video. The footage was raw enough that he doubted it was photoshopped. But there was a part of him that wondered...

He looks up at Penelope, and then waves a hand at her.]

Then, since we are both at a similar crossroads, shall I propose a partnership?

I admit that I may not have helped with our... previous interactions. But I've a strong suspicion that you and I will remember more about each other as time goes on.

[Closing her eyes, Penelope folds her arms and rests them on the table, thinking that over. Sorting out what she knew of this guy. He'd been present in the fight with Noah, and appeared in the background more than once, he'd given her advice, and other people talked about him at times. The rabbit woman in particular. That made things complicated, because as much as she disliked Franklin Brewer and his disdain for fluff pieces, she knew he would probably wind up being someone important to her.

Slowly drawing a breath, she offers a hand.]

Fine. Just...don't treat me like you did before. I may not be a world-weary journalist, but that doesn't make my job any less valid. [Entertainment being what it was, after all.]

You are right though. I've got the same feeling. Like...an itch, I guess. We're tied together, undoubtedly.

The thought never crossed my mind. [he doesn't entirely sound sincere, but, he at least follows it up with more.]

Regardless, I believe we may be able to help each other. I can't abandon the story I've come here to investigate, and given what I've seen, experienced, and heard, I doubt my editor would be keen on the Retrospec story. But you've knowledge I don't, and proof.

That was well thought-- or exceedingly lucky. I'm impressed.

[Puffy cheeks. She knows you're not sincere. Ass.]

It was just normal for me. I was covering the convention, then stuff went crossways, and I had my go-pro with me. It seemed natural, and I try not to go anywhere without a way to record something, and in higher quality than a cell phone camera.

That said, I am willing to work with you, and share what I can.

[She slides the tablet back to her end of the table, and flips a thumb drive over to him.]

There's a copy for you. As a start.

[he takes the thumbdrive, and smiles thoughtfully.]

I appreciate this gesture of goodwill.

Hopefully, I'll have something to follow up with soon. After all, like you, I should have some way of putting this world-weary journalism skill to good use.

That's very true.

You do understand that the sleepers aren't going to believe it, or think it's completely normal, I hope?

[Just to get that put out there. She doesn't want him totally disappointed.]

Is that what you're calling them?

[he holds the drive, and then switches it through his fingers, before finally pocketing it in his bag. This was important.]

While it is unfortunate, I'd surmised something like this might occur after my own amnesia. But this information isn't for them.

That's what the collective has been, yes. It seems to fit. It's like they're living in a waking dream.

[And one that they keep adjusting to fit all the weirdness going on.]

Who are you planning to share it with?

I'd propose that it should be for anyone who wants to see it, should they become users of the app. After all, they should be prepared for what could happen in the future.

[he's a journalist... this is what he does]

That's acceptable. I don't mind if you distribute it, but do please keep my name attached. It's a...branding thing, I guess. Also I can edit out the really boring bits. Like, the going from place to place bits.

I should be grateful you're not charging a fee.

So, you have my word. This video will be entirely attributable to you.

Why would I do that? I want this out there as much as you.

[But she's in business too, and as altruistic as she is...there's no harm in having it attributable to her.]

I can also help with context, if someone has questions, after all.

Which they should, if they choose to be smart about it.

[and some people seemed smart, he supposes.]

Hopefully, they do.

[And honestly she's not sure what else to say to that anyway.]

Have you had any other memories besides the one we just shared, though? The...world...our doubles are from is pretty wild.