ONE [Video]

[rocksforbrains]

[When the video starts, it just seems like whoever recording it dropped their communicator. It's a still image of slate grey stone.]

Ugh, still feels like I'm gonna break this damn thing. Hey, this on?

[The same twists around to show that, no, that was the palm of someone's hand. Specifically, a tall, bulky rock man frowning down at the device, stone brows furrowed over faintly glowing white eyes.]

Alright, cool. So. Hey! Dropped off in another realty again. Super awesome. I love going to sleep and waking up in freaking Florida. On an army base. Surrounded by humans. With no gate in sight.

[He pauses, presumably for effect, before quickly adding.] That was sarcasm, by the way. This whole thing sucks. Like, it sucked the first time I was here, but now it's a brand new level of suck 'cause now I don't even know if this is a real alternate reality or another trip inside someone else's head. Sure, I remember this happening before, but memory doesn't count for jack when it can be changed, right?

[With the set-up delivered, his grimace suddenly switches into a big smirk.]

Luckily, I'm a genius and I've got a foolproof scientific method to figure out if this place is real or not with just two simple questions.

[He holds up a finger.] One - has anyone seen a Fake White Jesus-looking dude with one-glowing eye running around? If the answer is yes, then this is totally his fault, and I want to punch his stupid face in.

[A second finger goes up.] Two - and I wanna remind you guys, this is just a scientific question - are people allowed to bang in this reality? Don't laugh! It's super important. Just gimme a yes or no answer. Or send some photographic evidence I'm not gonna say no to that.

Okay, got all that? Good. Now while I wait to see if this is all bullshit or not, I'm gonna go run a test by going to the nearest sandwich place and seeing if they'll give me a free hoagie. Y'know. For science.

Comments

[helpdesk_hero]

I promise you, I have better taste than that. I think.

[It's... complicated, Noriko. When isn't it with their group?]

While I am seeing someone, it's not Josh.

[electricblu]

You think? So you're not sure.

[ There's a stiffled chuckle. While she's curious about this person David's seeing she's going to let it go for the time being. ]

[helpdesk_hero]

[Well, he did date you, Nori.]

Yeah, There are more than a few situations that I've dealt with recently.

[electricblu]

[ Well, she's hot shit so she doesn't see the problem there. ]

Ah.

[ She wants to ask but also feel it isn't her place and he doesn't owe her anything more than what he's said. ]

[helpdesk_hero]

[Yes, she is fucking attractive and just about everything he wants in people. Or thought he had. Or maybe she was. Who knew.]

Listen, I'm going to switch this over to private, is that cool? Because, you know, our friends are sure a cluster of crazy.

[And he wants her to feel comfortable asking. Even as uncomfortable as he is, they are a team.]

[electricblu]

[ Tastes can change so maybe she was what he wanted at the time. ]

You don't have to.

[ Everything is starting to get to her and she's certainly starting to feel the exhaustion. ]

[helpdesk_hero]

If you need a break, that's fine. But we should talk at some point.

[electricblu]

Yeah. Let me, uh, let me get as settled in as possible. [ And for things to calm down at his place. ]

[helpdesk_hero]

Of course. When you're ready, get in touch with me?

[electricblu]

Yeah. Maybe when you're done with my gauntlets.

[helpdesk_hero]

Uh, that should be done in another two hours.

[electricblu]

Oh.

[ There's a sigh. ]

Did you rest at all?

[helpdesk_hero]

Of course I rested.

[Some. But not much. This was more important.]

I can get a courier to bring them to you. You already know how they work.

[electricblu]

[ She figures it probably wasn't a lot. ]

Is the courier going to have the instructions to return the inhibitor to you?

[helpdesk_hero]

[She would figure correctly. David doesn't care about it when he's taking care of her.]

I guess I can pay for that to get shipped?

[electricblu]

I could run by and drop it off but that kind of defeats the purpose of a courier to begin with.

[ She might be emotionally drained at this point but physically she's practically vibrating. She's going to end up going for a run the moment she has those gauntlets anyway. ]

[helpdesk_hero]

I don't want you to wear yourself out, Nori.

[And he doesn't imagine she wants to see him yet. He's not setting that up earlier than it has to be.]

[electricblu]

Okay.

[ And she's just going to leave it at that. ]