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

[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.

[john_morris]

Do you know where I can find him?

[helpdesk_hero]

He's with Aegis Force. He's not too hard to find I think.

[john_morris]

Is that the name of his forge?

[helpdesk_hero]

No. That's the team he works with. Heroes have teams here.

[john_morris]

Ah, then I will make inquiries.

[And he does think he'll have to wander the streets to ask around, uncertain about this technology and how useful it could be.]

[helpdesk_hero]

I'm sure the Aegis force has a contact information page posted online.

[john_morris]

On line?

[helpdesk_hero]

Like how you've gotten this conversation out here?

[john_morris]

[The wording still confused him.]

That is what this magic box is called?

[helpdesk_hero]

...

[Oh god. David cannot hide his pain at that question. Fuck.]

No. This is a comm.

[john_morris]

Comm?

[Another blank look at the terminology.]

I'm sorry but I do not understand...

I tried to follow the instructions and press this contraption and then people began talking through it. It is quite a miracle.

It is called a... comm? For... communication?

[He's trying to understand and he isn't stupid but he does come from a time when he knows people who think a toothbrush is a new and incredible invention and need written instructions on how to use it.]

[helpdesk_hero]

[Oh god. This is bad.]

I... could probably teach you some on how to use it.

[john_morris]

[Luckily he is good with new inventions and quick to pick things up - unlike some he's known. So he at least got the basics of it and is more curious than fearful.]

I would appreciate that, sir.

[helpdesk_hero]

Alright then. Probably better to do this in person. Where are you?

[john_morris]

I am in Nonah 004.

handwave the teaching though?

[helpdesk_hero]

Alright. I will be there as soon as I can.

[And with that he disconnects the video and starts packing up.]

Sure!

[john_morris]

[Once Morris has more of a demonstration in person of how the phone works, he does get it pretty quickly. It's still very strange to him but he can work it out once he's properly shown and not having to try to follow basic written instructions that likely were missing a few steps and important notes.]