[video]

[floridity]

[The feed opens on a young man — very pretty, and eyeing the device in his hand with some poorly-hidden skepticism.]

Good evening. I— this is working?

[A puzzled frown, and a slight cock of his head. This entire thing still seems somewhat dubious. But after a moment, he continues on.]

... I have two questions. First, is it true that our absence is not noticed in our own worlds? I would appreciate assurance on this matter, if there is any to be given.

Second... I am aware that we cannot willingly return to our homes. However... I understand that people do leave, and furthermore that some have found themselves here a second time. If there are any who have, and who remember, I would speak to them.

[A polite nod of his head, and — another frown, as he fiddles with the device. Forgive him. He's new. Finally, it turns off.]

Comments

video.

[ex_question191]

What if we don't remember?

[floridity]

Are you speaking from experience?

[ex_question191]

Yeah, actually. A bunch of people say I was here a while back.

[floridity]

That must be disconcerting.

audio

[supfirehawk]

I've heard it's like nothing has happened when we get back, but I don't believe it. It sounds too good to be true.

audio

[floridity]

I thought as much myself. And yet, it seems to me that very little of of this should be possible. Why not that small kindness?

audio

[supfirehawk]

It's not this ship's goal to play nice. You'll learn that pretty quick when another horror show happens.

[floridity]

Meaning what?

[wolfinthesnow]

None I know have noticed my absence, when they arrive here.

[floridity]

None at all? That is a comfort, then.

[wolfinthesnow]

Are you new to such devices?

[Jon don't laugh you too were once new]

[floridity]

[no, you'll just make him cranky!]

Entirely.

... It was but a small mistake. I will not make it again.

[assumedposition]

Wait-- really? Nobody notices that we're gone?

[Albert. Good job.]

[floridity]

So they say.

[assumedposition]

Oh... [his expression falls visibly...]

I suppose-- that's a good thing, isn't it?

[floridity]

Why should it not be?

[theshabbiestofmen]

I can't say I remember, but I would be willing to talk of my experiences, such as I know of them.

[floridity]

It would be much appreciated.

[theshabbiestofmen]

Right, well-- er, I was here for a number of months, but far older. Somewhere in my late twenties. I was informed of our-- ah-- rather dire future, and then when the next Jump occurred, I was my fifteen-year-old self, with no memory of my past.

[video]

[wolfdreamer]

It isn't certain that you will remember being here. People who have gone home and then come back--they say that they forgot that there was a ship, no matter how long they were here. Sometimes when they return, they remember being here again. Sometimes they have forgotten entirely.

[And--this isn't truly an apology, but perhaps it will help:] There is little of this ship that makes sense.

[floridity]

[He looks a little crestfallen.]

It was not sense that I was hoping for.

[wolfdreamer]

Then what did you hope for?

video

[littleduck]

[She's not sure if this is a good idea or not. But still, she might be of some help. So she hesitates only slightly before speaking.]

This is my second time here. I -

[She pauses, and lets out a soft breath of air.]

What are you wanting to know?

[floridity]

[A brief hesitation.]

You are kind to offer, but I would not ask it of you if you are uncertain.

[littleduck]

I just want to make sure I can actually help you, that's all. I'd feel terrible if you asked something I couldn't answer.

[She smiles, but it falls a little flat.]

Let's just give it a try. Ask anything, okay?