maskormenace | 💣 001

[There's the sound of fumbling and a little bit of unintelligible muttering before any real words are spoken - the communicator isn't hard to figure out, but it still takes some practice to get the hang of.]

-- this button here, and then-- oh, there we go. Have I got it? Hello.

[Alfie's voice is deep and rumbly, and very Cockney. He switches on the video next. It's zoomed in too close on him to give any real clues to his surroundings - there's just the back of a couch and a blank wall visible behind him - but his clothes are clearly old-fashioned.]

Fucking fantastic, these things. Looking at your little images on the screen, it's like you're really there. Yeah, wonderful picture quality. I'm very impressed. But I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, should I - bigger and bolder seems like something of a trend here. I discovered one of your supermarkets earlier this morning. Fucking hell, the size of that place. Entire aisles set aside for nothing but ketchup; for ice cream. Hats off to the future, eh?

[And since he's actually wearing a top hat, he goes ahead and tips it.

But despite his conversational tone, his eyes are deadly serious. He narrows them a little, as he peers closer at the screen. He seems calm and affable, sure - but if you look behind that front, it's clear that he is very much not happy with how his day is going.]

Right. How many people am I speaking to, right now? Is it just those who've been brought here like me, or do I also have the pleasure of the army's company?

[Because he would like to have words.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Is the imPort life so terrible that it bands you together?

The whole superhuman empowerment thing creates something of a divide, yes. Birds of a feather.

Why? Not enticed by your Network explorations?

Oh, it's all very interesting, mate, but I'll be hoping that the Porter sends me on my way as soon as possible.

I wouldn't hold your breath. Those who want it most tend to stay a fairly long time -- something of a joke, I imagine.

And here I thought it was random.

Well. We all presume a little intent on forces outside our own control, don't we?

Wishful thinking? Yeah, I suppose. Are you above that yourself, as a doctor of the mind?

I can at least recognize the mental patterns and redirect them. It is something of a benefit, actually.

Are you a skeptic of psychiatry? I have met a few.

I don't know much about it. I've never met one of you lot.

That's an oddly diplomatic sidestep, well done. You might consider me a scientist of the human mind and behavior -- and one with a prescription pad.

It's a truthful sidestep, innit.

Are you examining my behavior right now?

[A beat.] Would it disgruntle you if I were?

Do you think it would?

I think it might annoy you. I might guess you're someone who enjoys his privacy.

[True.]

But it'd just be guessing, wouldn't it. Go ahead, mate.

Well -- given your resilience and exhibited stability, your healthy sense of curiosity coupled with skepticism, I would say you are mentally sound. You demonstrate survivor behavior, carefully weeding out information in a strange new place to better understand and adapt to this world.

You are not displaying any signs of PTSD, which makes me think you are either better equipped, genetically, or have a high tolerance for violent change.

PTSD - what's that?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It can manifest in many ways, of course, I'm not saying you don't suffer from it -- you simply appear not to, from our brief discussion here.

I don't feel very symptomatic, mate.

You could always subject yourself to in-depth observation?

Let's avoid overkill today, shall we?

Another time, then. I would sorely not want to overwhelm you.

Yeah, wouldn't want that. Might tip me over the edge.

Let us hope no one confuses your sarcasm for sincerity.

You wouldn't put me in an asylum if they did, would you?

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slightlyoffchilt - 2016-09-17 19:56 (UTC) - Expand

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