001 :: VIDEO

[stimulations]

[The video clicks on to reveal a rather nervous looking young man, standing awkwardly and holding the camera at arm's length from himself. He coughs, straightens his glasses, adjusts his posture, and yet the suit he's wearing - very well-cut, truly - still manages to look completely ill-fitting on him, and once his attention is elsewhere, his shoulders begin to take on a slump again.]

I apologise greatly for interrupting the session, but I'm afraid I didn't accept any invitation to this game. That is-- what I mean is-- assuming I was sent one. [He looks suddenly quite alarmed at the prospect that he wasn't invited, speaking the next far too quickly.] If I stumbled in then I can only apologise further and hope to remove myself before I cause any more inconvenience.

[A beat, flustered, realising he'd had a slight panic there, trying to compose himself again.]

Only, well. [An attempt at a small smile. It looks uncomfortable on his face.] I apologise but I can't seem to find the exit codes. I'd be very thankful-- grateful, I mean, if someone could point me in the right direction.

[There's a very long pause, wherein he continues looking at the camera, as if he expects something to happen. Eventually he seems to suddenly realise it's not turning off, and gives another rather nervous cough.]

Yes, that's-- that's all. Thank you.

[And he presses the off button this time.]

Comments

[majestyofthethrone]

Well, those might be a little more accurate, but as far as I know, it's a spaceship.

[stimulations]

[A long pause, and there's a small edge of frustration to his voice as he speaks again.]

I-- thank you, but I understand-- I mean, I'm fully aware that it's a spaceship scenario.

[majestyofthethrone]

I think we're talking about different things.

[stimulations]

Yes, it seems likely that we are. [The frustration falls back into something more resigned and defeated, apologetic.] I should have known better than to air my request so openly. I apologise.

[majestyofthethrone]

Why don't you explain what you mean by exit codes?

[stimulations]

[Really, this was getting ridiculous. Everyone knew what exit codes were, and yet this was the second time he'd been asked. But fine, if they were so insistent on it,]

The codes necessary for a participant to release themselves from within a construct.

[majestyofthethrone]

I think we're working off different premises of the current reality.

What's your name?

[stimulations]

Yes, I mean, as you said. Talking about different things.

I am Josias St. John.

[majestyofthethrone]

I don't think there is an exit code.

I'm Seraphim Dias. It's nice to meet you.

[stimulations]

[He's really just giving up on trying to argue this now. Clearly no one was going to actually help him.]

Right, yes.

You as well. Though... if this can be called a meeting.

[majestyofthethrone]

I guess that depends on how you feel about the internet.

[stimulations]

The internet? Well, I suppose... it was a very important step in the advancement of technology. Though I'm not sure what that has to do with this?

[majestyofthethrone]

I mean, do you consider meeting someone on the internet meeting?