Video

[john_morris]

[The video opens on a man's bearded face frowning and obviously touching the screen. He mutters to himself at first.]

Is it... working? Just.. that... Ah!

[He pokes it one last time with his right hand then leans back, now just staring at the screen for a while.]

Hello? Is this... Can this be heard? They said I could be heard and seen through this small contraption. Is there anybody ...?

[He pauses, a little wide-eyed and takes a breath, muttering again.]

Ridiculous, truly... I... Maybe....

[Another pause and he side-eyes the device.]

On the off-chance that this is working as I was told...

Hello. My name is John Morris.

I do hope that I am not merely speaking to myself and the very vacant air around me like a fool... but I am told this will reach all the people that also have this ... rather magical communication box.

I have need of some assistance. You see... my hand...

[He raises up his left hand.]

I cannot let it touch anything or else something very strange happens. Like so...

[A glance around and he picks up a spoon. The silver utensil begins to visibly change to gold as he holds it in view. He lets the spoon fall again, looking distressed.]

I do not know what to do about this!

[He leans in again, poking at the screen.]

Do I... Hello? How does one hear a reply...?

Comments

[john_morris]

What is your name, sir?

[helpdesk_hero]

David Alleyne.

[john_morris]

Mr Alleyne, I do appreciate any kind advice you may offer to give.

[helpdesk_hero]

Sadly your situation is not one I can easily provide advice for, if I am being fully honest. The people I have known who had skills based on touch were lucky enough to have that barrier of cloth or something else to keep the power from being used.

[john_morris]

I am doing my best to ensure I touch nothing by accident. However, it is very difficult and I fear I will awaken one day with the very bedcovers turned to solid gold.

It may be a boon for my finances, however it could be a very uncomfortable inconvenience.

[He is trying to keep his spirits up with levity, despite his confusion and anxiety over this.]

[helpdesk_hero]

It's almost impossible to not touch something with your hand. Ever. But you'd probably be changing your bed and your apartment and... best to just talk to the government.

[john_morris]

It's a good thing that when I notice and pull my hand away, the gold does retreat.

[But sleeping and laying his hand down on something by accident would be another matter.]

[helpdesk_hero]

Well, the question is... That spoon. Put it down and see if it DOES still spread, or retreat?

[john_morris]

[He nods and puts it down. It stays gold as it is but doesn't affect its surroundings once Morris has let it go.]

No change.

[helpdesk_hero]

Well, sadly the best way to test this out is definitely something that could hurt people.

[john_morris]

Oh, I would rather not if it can be avoided.

[helpdesk_hero]

I know. But I don't know how to help you beyond cutting the hand off.

[john_morris]

Oh dear... That would be an extreme measure.

Someone else suggested a gauntlet. I wonder if that would contain it. Another metal rather than something made of hide or cloth.

[helpdesk_hero]

Lead. Go with lead. Try it.

[john_morris]

Where would I purchase such an item?

[helpdesk_hero]

That one I can't answer. I wouldn't know. But... uh, there's a guy. Darin I think? I don't know how to spell it. He has blue hairs and he's a smith. He might be able to help.

action!

[notyuvan]

[Tenno watches from the doorway of her room after first catching a glimpse of the broadcast.]

Heard you loud and clear. Though, being in the next room helps. Probably.

[She gives a nod to his hand.]

Have you touched your own clothes yet with that?

[john_morris]

[He startles.]

Oh! I do apologize. I did not realize anyone else was here.

My... oh, yes. I accidentally brushed my hand against them earlier and they began to change... but when I was no longer touching the cloth, they returned to their natural state.

[notyuvan]

Don't worry about it, I'm not bothered.

[She hums and crosses her arms.]

Void, that's gonna be tough. Turned back at least so you've got a starting point if you want to try experimenting. There should be a limit, you'd think.

[john_morris]

I do hope so.

[He holds his hand out awkwardly to the side so it doesn't touch anything. Just the left. His right hand is normal.]

Do you live here?

[notyuvan]

Yeah, I'm Tenno. I know how tough uncontrollable powers can be so maybe we can find a solution together.

[She takes a few steps over to look at the spoon he'd been handling.]

What have you tried so far?

[john_morris]

To be honest, I haven't wanted to touch anything else.

[So he hasn't done any testing.]

This is some kind of devil's magic, truly.

[notyuvan]

[Ouch. It doesn't show, but hearing that brings back some unpleasant memories. Memories that make her wish she'd punched one or two people in the teeth when she'd had the chance.]

There are worse things. Think about it, you'll never want for money.

[If his clothes turned back-] Anything else turn back if you stop midway through changing it?

[john_morris]

[He's very much not used to anyone with real powers, so it all seems like some unnatural magic to him, but he is trying to be reasoning about it. He seems rattled, but not panicked.]

The only thing I've kept firm hold of was that spoon and it hasn't changed back to its normal color.

[notyuvan]

[He's doing better than the Orokin did, at least.]

We've got plenty, I think. So we can do some trial and error if you're up to it.