[ 01 ] Video; Possible Action for housemates?

[kingpawn]

[ The video starts rolling well before Walter's prepared to sit down and talk. What the viewer gets is about twenty minutes of a frail and sickly thin, older white man in his tighty whities, staring blankly into the screen. A bottle of wine is in one hand, continuously pouring the contents into a glass as he drinks them down only to refill it again. It's the alcoholic channel, with a few fascinatingly thoughtful jaw clenches and an unwavering staring competition with the lens. Finally, he clears his throat and speaks up. ]

So this is supposed to connect me to others 'like me?' These so-called imPorts...

[ He studies his empty glass, turning it in his hands. ]

There's one question that never got answered, and maybe you can give me some insight? Clue me in a little because I sure saw a lot of fire and brimstone a few days ago...

[ He looks up, dead eyes focusing on the screen. ]

Is this supposed to be hell?

Comments

[kingpawn]

Judging by how this government seems to be run, I wouldn't be surprised. Anyone seems to be able to get one of those REGISTERED tattoos -- even if they aren't exactly spandex material.

[lackey]

It's true. They'll let anybody into the club. I take it you registered?

[kingpawn]

They have a very convincing benefits package.

[ aka: yes. ]

Did you register?

[lackey]

You bet. All that free stuff. Folks that aren't registerin' are missin' out.

Even if there was no free stuff, usually better to go with the flow when the government's involved.

[kingpawn]

Not so sure I agree. Easier to go with the flow? Yes. Better? That implies putting faith in a system destined to fail...

[lackey]

Huh? Oh, I-... No, I don't mean it like that. Puttin' faith in the gov. Don't mean it like that at all. Just sayin'... better to smile and nod and register if they want you to register. You go against the stream too much, people you don't want noticin' you notice you. And then everything gets screwed up. Or gets more screwed up if it was already screwed up to begin with.

Don't see this government failin' any time soon, either. Way too powerful. [There's another pause. When Mike goes on, he speaks up a little louder.] Great too. I know you guys are listenin' to all this. You're still great! I'm sure this guy thinks so, too! Nothin' to see here.

[kingpawn]

[ As Mike goes on, Walt sees the error in his ways. He shouldn't be very vocal about his displeasure, even though it's within his basic human rights to voice an opinion. Still, this network isn't very secure. Louis proved that. But at least he has an excuse. Alcohol makes you say some preeeeetty strange things, right? ]

Yeah. Great. [ His voice is thin. ] Love the quota thing, too. That's a nice touch. Makes us feel useful at least once a month.

[lackey]

Right, yeah, the quota thing! ... Wait, no, I was bullshittin' you about the quota thing. There's no quota thing.

[kingpawn]

[ Faintly amused: ]

I know.

But I wouldn't be surprised if there was a secret quota. Or rewards for 'good behavior.' The more heroic someone is, the more they get lavished for playing the hero -- something like that. And for the rest of us? It's just a countdown until they decide to just poof us home the same way we came in.

[lackey]

Oh. Okay. Just... makin' sure. Can't always tell with... well, can't always tell. I was just havin' a little fun there, with that. Wasn't tryin' to mess with you seriously or anything.

[Pause number three is longer than the first two. The faint snap of a lighter being lit can be heard.]

Yeah, yeah. To what you said about a secret quota. Wouldn't be surprised if there was somethin' like that goin' on. I already got sent home once. I said some things about the gov on the network and next thing I know it's a month later. People told me I must have gotten sent home. Now I don't remember anything, but I'm dead back there, so that makes sense, right? I think that makes sense. People also said that it's not the government that yanks people in and out of here but some god machine. I don't totally believe that, though. There's gotta be some government involvement. There's always some government involvement. Not that that's bad! Government people watchin'. Not bad at all. I feel very safe with you guys keepin' an eye on everything. Super safe.

[He's a bit of a rambler.]

[kingpawn]

[ Walt listens, and the more he listens -- the more he wants to talk to this guy, away from the very public network. ]

I think we should talk. In person, if possible. You seem to have some opinions that I share, and I think it would be a very good conversation.

[ A thoughtful beat. ]

Are you free the day after tomorrow?

[lackey]

Uh... Yeah. Yeah, should be free... day after tomorrow. Where are you? Where do you wanna meet?

[kingpawn]

I'm in Heropa. Perhaps we can meet for lunch or dinner? My treat. There are a few restaurants near pharmacy where I work that I would love to try. Unless you have some recommendations?

[lackey]

[Pharmacy oh hello.]

Dinner. Dinner's better. Anywhere you wanna eat at is fine with me, though. Not picky.

[kingpawn]

Alright. I'll let you know. What's your name, by the way?


[ OOC: Do you want to do a log for this? Or take it to a contact post? :) ]

[lackey]

I'm Mike. Who are you?


[OOC: Log would be great! I can set one up if you like.]

[kingpawn]

My name is Walter. Or Walt. It's nice to meet you, and I look forward to meeting with you in person soon.

[ OOC: Yeah, that would be great! :D ]

[lackey]

Nice to meet you, too, Walt. See you in two days.

[OOC: And here it is! c:]