[ 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]

Sad?

[ Walt's drunk. Even more drunk than he was at the swearing-in ceremony. So he laughs. ]

I prefer the term useful.

[ People are so easily manipulated. Know the Bible verses and you can find a way to control the sheep by their faith. ]

[restingstitchface]

[Correct. People are easily manipulated. Spill your thoughts on the network, Walt. Do it.]

Useful, yes.

... Why?

[He asks curiously, innocently. Why do you use that term, Walt?]

[kingpawn]

[ Drunk, Crane. But not stupid. Never stupid. He knows this network isn't secure. ]

Because it makes those of us who are awake all the more aware of their stupidity.

[ It's a valid answer, but it's not his real one. His real one is saved for a time when he's not in his underwear and dribbling wine on his chest with clumsy fingers. ]

[restingstitchface]

[Bah. Party-pooper.

Anyway. Crane's quite satisfied. His tone is calm and analytical.]

I don't disagree. Insight is an incredibly potent tool.

[Doesn't sound like his personal opinion, but it's enough of an answer. Maybe even a hidden message, given their earlier meeting.]

[kingpawn]

It is. And that's why we both chose the fields we're working in, right?

[ It's impressive that Crane can have this conversation with mostly-naked Walt while keeping a straight face. ]

[restingstitchface]

[Crane nods. He can keep a straight face at lots of things, ok. Lots of things.

He eyes Walt up and down.]

Speaking of fields, do you always enjoy going al fresco?

[kingpawn]

[ Walt shrugs lightly. ]

I don't think that's relevant to our conversation.

[ Don't hate, Crane. Don't hate. ]

[restingstitchface]

[You're too interesting to hate, Walt.

He just gives a smile.]

So. Will you contact me about work later?

[Preferably when sober.]

[kingpawn]

Yes, of course. If you have something to discuss, I'd love to hear it.

We can talk in the morning or whenever you're free. If you stop by the pharmacy tomorrow, my breaks are flexible and we can discuss things there.

[ He will be wearing pants. Promise. ]

[restingstitchface]

It would be pleasant to visit you there, yes.

[Allow himself to nosy around. See how you run things. How your mind works.]

Tomorrow it is. I'll pop over after work.

[Earlier, actually, to surprise you.]

[kingpawn]

I look forward to it.

[ It will be Crane's first time seeing him sober! ]