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]

No, I do not have faith that they have the best interest of citizens at hear. I have known too many governments not to believe such a pretty lie.

[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.

[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?