[ VIDEO ]

[look]

Contact.

[ will sounds like he's giving a lecture when he comes on the screen. he's looking directly into the camera — it's easier to make eye contact with a device. ]

That's the key to all this. If you're receiving foreign sensation, you need to track down the person it originated with and make skin-to-skin contact. It'll stop the side-effects, and eventually — hopefully — break the connection. Doesn't have to be more personal than a handshake.

[ a pause, and he glances down, off-camera, visibly discomfited by the fact that the hand not holding his device is in the grip of another. ]

An... extended handshake. Whatever timer this thing is working on, we think letting go resets it.

[ the screen’s upended as sherlock hijacks the device, settling on his face (at an admittedly slightly awkward angle) a moment later. ]

But in the meantime— I’m sure you’ve all noticed that the physical links are current, unlike the memories, and arguably offer us a great deal more control. Passive sensations are the exception, but if I were to hypothetically hit my hand — as our resident neurologist has demonstrated — then Mr. Graham would feel it. [ and by hypothetically he means he's tested it, several times. ]

In the case of mutual sensations, like, say, holding one’s hand, this creates a unique feedback loop; the sensation of their hand in yours, and yours in theirs, et cetera. [ speaking of hand-holding, holding will’s hand is getting in the way of his usual gesturing; the screen's unsteady as a result. ] While I'm reluctant to test the theory with present company — no offense — I imagine this could apply to other neutral or positive sensations. If one were to engage in sexual intimacy with their link partner, for instance, then the moment of—

[ in another blur of abrupt motion, will takes his device back — and also his hand. no offense. ]

Better reset the clock to zero, Mr. Holmes.

Comments

text;

[virtuoso]

Potentially, but likely only w/links that have physical element 2 transfers.

text;

[tinytactician]

Don't most links/memories have some sort of physical element? Considering that the majority of them are formative or even cataclysmic events...

[virtuoso]

Memories allow 4 retroactive exp. but all transfer ends w/the conclusion of the memory. Links appear 2 B developing, some w/ongoing and immediate physical transfer.

[tinytactician]

But for what purpose?

[virtuoso]

[ enjoy a sudden switch to actually typing properly. ]

Some would say assimilation, but that would suggest an advancement of the mental link, not the physical.

Forcing interaction where it wouldn't have occurred previously, however, so perhaps some merit.

[tinytactician]

So perhaps it's a good thing? Regardless of intent.

[virtuoso]

Doubtful. Loss of autonomy is rarely a good thing. The interaction could have merits, but I imagine most would take a pass on the forced aspect of it.

[tinytactician]

Perhaps it is in preparation for something that requires a unified collective? As long as we're exploring all the worst case scenarios.

[virtuoso]

[ wow thank you for that thought. ]

Certainly hope it's in preparation for something. Progression implies an end goal.

Ship has unified quite well in the past; further motivation seems excessive. When did you arrive?

[tinytactician]

Just this last jump. I'll trust your word, then.

[virtuoso]

Not mine - look back on the network. Unified against trespassers, killed them. Fell apart slightly at the end.

Would you find it an acceptable trade? Conforming to deal with a threat?

[tinytactician]

What trespassers?

Yes. I'm in the military. [That's basically the same thing, right?]

[virtuoso]

Suppose you would. [ close enough. ]

& pirates. Pirates interested in avoiding confrontation, more specifically. Wasn't exactly a fair match.

[tinytactician]

Ah. That sounds...eventful.

[It'd be rude to say it sounded exciting, right?]

[virtuoso]

[ probably. not that sherlock's a gauge for normal human responses, here. ]

Imagine it was. Easier for a soldier to engage w/than this, in any case. What sort of military?

[tinytactician]

Survey corps. I'm learning it's specific to my home only, so I suppose it's equivalent would be...horseback/airborne hand-to-hand combat soldiers?

[virtuoso]

Horseback/airborne? Presumably not both at the same time.

[ worth asking. space, etc. ]

[tinytactician]

No, unfortunately. :( Our maneuver gear isn't very useful on horses. Though that would make it easier to transport them from place to place.

[virtuoso]

Maneuvre gear = airborne? No planes?

[tinytactician]

Personal three-dimensional maneuver gear. Compressed gas and a series of wires and straps to enable us to move up and down, as well as back and forth and side to side. Move in three dimensions.

Somehow we managed to invent that, but not airplanes.

[virtuoso]

[ well yes, that is slightly embarrassing. but since armin called himself on it, sherlock's happy to throw him a bone. ]

Suppose it depends what it's for. Planes not always the best tactical option.

[ noisy, for one. ]

[tinytactician]

[Armin waits a good long moment before texting back:]

Would you believe me if I told you? Even if it seemed...fantastical?

[virtuoso]

I apparently share an identity with a late 19th c. fictional character & have recently had the pleasure of sharing a psychic link w/a man who turns into what I can only presume is some manner of canine.

It's a safe bet I would, yes.

[tinytactician]

Oh. My. Well, you'd be likely to understand, then.

[Give him a moment to figure out how to best word it...] Where I'm from, these giants called Titans have hunted humanity down to less than a million. I'm in the army fighting them, along with my friends. The only way to kill Titans is to slice open the backs of their necks, hence the need to be able to move up and down.

[virtuoso]

[ ... admittedly, still one of the weirder things he's heard. ]

Can see why you aren't opposed to sacrificing one's sense of self for the Greater Good, then.

What world/year?