video: the non-experiment (road not taken)

[4thdimensional]

[The man facing the camera might be familiar, or he might not. His face and voice resemble the Doc's, and the ID still reads 'Emmett Brown', but his demeanor has entirely changed. The man's hair is short and neat, he wears a prim and proper suit with conservative polo, and the eyes behind his glasses bear a stern impression, nothing like Doc's wide-eyed wonder. Perhaps strangest, his room is the vision of neutral sterility, lacking the inventive chaos and sprawling blueprints that usually surrounds him.]

Good evening, citizens. I believe this is the appropriate forum for introductions? My name is Emmett Brown and I have recently arrived in the town of De Chima. I've had a fine welcome, and I thank you, but I confess I'm troubled by some of what I've seen.

I see discord, grit and grime, compounded by the chaos these 'supernatural abilities' are said to bring, and I wonder, perhaps: if there might be a better way. You see, I'm the leader of a peaceful and thriving town, and if we're all to remain here for the time being, I believe I should offer my services to you as well. With some careful planning, we can make this town a cleaner, brighter, and happier place.

I therefore toss my proverbial hat in the ring for the role of Ambassador, and I'd be honored to receive your vote of support.

[He steeples his fingers, glasses glinting in the light.]

Comments

[Video]

[monge]

[Komasan might have questioned the haircut, but he did just announce running for ambassador. So...maybe he did it to look nice for the people.

That must be it...]

MONGE!! That's great, now we can run together, zura!

[Sorry, Ikki?]

[Video]

[4thdimensional]

[What the hell is that thing. It doesn't appear to resemble any Earth animal, but it probably has rabies.]

...I beg your pardon?

[It talked. How did it talk. He needs some time to process this.]

[Video]

[monge]

[Oh dear, did he talk too fast again? That's been happening a lot, he wouldn't be surprised. Komasan will just have to slow down.]

Now.... we.... can.... run.... together.... zura.

[Video]

[4thdimensional]

[He frowns.]

I heard the words the first time, I was merely expressing disbelief.

Is this some sort of practical joke?

[Well if everyone's going to fling that accusation around...]

[Video]

[crapbearer]

[ Max looks into the camera, looking a bit... pale. ]

...listen, I love a good prank as much as the next kid, but don't you think this is a little much?

[ Because this has to be a bad joke. A bad joke about someone messing with Doc's personality, which he should know is a touchy subject for Max.

Still, Max'll forgive him when he drops the act. Once he does drop it. ]

[Video]

[4thdimensional]

Where have I suggested that I'm being facetious?

[He's genuinely puzzled, peering at the kid over his glasses.]

[Video]

[crapbearer]

I — no, listen, it's cool that you're running and all, but that getup is a little much, is what I mean.

[ Why does Doc sound so weird, good grief. ]

[Video]

[4thdimensional]

A little much? Compared to the bizarre costumes I see on the streets, it's positively conservative.

[What are you even talking about, kid?]

video

[heymcfly]

[ what.

Marty has to try to ignore how odd Doc looks right now. He doesn't know why Doc went through such lengths to alter his appearance to get this vote, but maybe he was onto something. Maybe changing it up a bit would guarantee a solid vote better? Something's telling Marty that things are suddenly very, very wrong, but he tries to ignore it. Doc can't be going through trouble or anything. That's his best friend. ]

Jesus Doc, you don't have to go kissin' ass to try and get a vote. Just be yourself!

[ Is it him, or does he look sick? ]

video

[4thdimensional]

[He pauses a little. This young man's appearance triggers something in his memory...and he's addressing him with a strange familiarity.]

This is a sincere appeal. Though in the interest of honesty, I must admit I'm not a doctor.

[heymcfly]

[ His smile fades a bit. ]

C'mon, Doc. Stop dickin' around. Is this a birthday prank or somethin'?

Actually, never mind. You said your weird stuff, so how 'bout we go out? I'm eighteen! We gotta go out and get a bite to eat at least. Right?

[4thdimensional]

[His frown deepens.]

I suspect you may have mistaken me for someone else. I congratulate you on your birthday, but we haven't met before.

[Yet he doesn't sound entirely sure of that. Something about this teen is distantly familiar.]

[Text] I'm sorry

[doesntdomuch]

[Admittedly Perry had no clue if this guy was evil, but humans tended to be trash anyway and this guy seemed to be no better. Maybe if he's lucky he might be right and he might get a paycheck if he manages to catch him.

If he's wrong, eh, he can break out of prison.]

Where are you so that I can beat your face in.

[Text]

[4thdimensional]

[Turning off that video feed right the heck now.]

Relocating immediately, of course. Violence is not the foundation of a civil society.

[Text]

[doesntdomuch]

Then what is the foundation of a civil society.

[He doesn't actually sound very interested, but whatever can get him to argue with this weirdo.]

[Text]

[4thdimensional]

Respect for each other, decency in word and deed, equality of all.

video

[burnseternal]

I see that you have chosen a haircut to accompany your career change! I congratulate you on your decision to commit to tryng to change this place for the better. What do you propose to do to complete such a change?

video

[4thdimensional]

[All these little suggestions about the other Emmett continue to bother him, but he can file that away for later. Time to focus on the present.]

It begins with cleaning up the town. We emphasize recycling and renewable energy, invest in stronger security, and re-invest in equal education for all.

video

[burnseternal]

I certainly cannot argue with the need for more security. I find it surprising that after all that has happened, they have not seen fit to prioritize the safety of their citizens more than the far more fanciful things that they invest in. Did you have any ideas, specifically, as to how this would be accomplished?

video

[hsalf]

Leader? Like the mayor, governor... sounds a bit specific.

[If he was his regular self, he may be a bit more snide. But he's been affected as well, and is more curious.]

video

[4thdimensional]

It'd be most analogous to a mayoral position. I developed policies on cleanliness, respect, and equality in the interest of creating a happier town.

video

[hsalf]

I see. Such policies are often necessary, in order to create the best society possible. The way you say it implies success.

action

[superposition]

[Okay who are you and what did you do with Doc. Qubit doesn't bother replying to the post, since... he's in the same house. Instead he'll just poke his head in the door assuming it's at least ajar, looking concerned. Enjoy the disorderly hair.]

Emmett? What's this all about? You've lived here for months, for one thing.

action

[4thdimensional]

[All these people barging in. Emmett looks up, slightly startled.]

I don't recall. This house is almost entirely unfamiliar, and I'd certainly remember adopting dogs.

[He makes a face of displeasure. He is not a dog person at the moment.]

[superposition]

[He's not the only one displeased by this development. It's a big red flag, too - Emmett spends more time with the pups than anybody else does. He loves those dogs. Qubit folds his arms, leaning on the door frame.]

You didn't adopt them, I did. But you're the one who named Kepler.

[Is this another temporal displacement thing? It'd explain the memory loss, but not the... anything else.]

What's the last thing you do remember? Before, uh ... the haircut, I suppose. [Gestures vaguely at said haircut. This is perhaps the part that bothers him the most.]