▽ 001 - video transmission

[double_edged]

[A splinter and a crack, a bit of a splash. Yes, this particular feed isn't the cleanest to come about, and the recipient that appears none too long after doesn't look as hot, either. He's definately just woken up from... something, that's for sure, and isn't the slighest bit pleased about it.]

Ahh... where...?

[Another rustling noise, and the General realizes what he's holding... or he would have, under normal circumstances. Whatever it was, it was the most ridiculous-looking device he'd ever see--

It was on.

A moment of confusion, then his brow comes down. With no knowledge as to where he was, or how he'd gotten here, for it to be broadcast to an unknown public was simply, downright demeaning. Whatever was in charge, he would be sure to have a few choice words with them.]

Von all den elenden--!

...

[The Lombax sighs, pinching the brim of his nose. An interesting situation, indeed.]

If there is any sentient life out there, speak now. I'm not in the mood for games.

Comments

[dotthedisconnect]

I'm afraid that you're wrong. I'm also afraid that you seem to have lost your memory of the last time you were here. I'm. . . given to understand that it happens, sometimes.

[double_edged]

The 'last' time I was here? Where is this? Who are you? Explain yourself!

[dotthedisconnect]

You might be better off going to the visitor's center before I try to explain anything. [He briefly rubs his temples] But in short, a questionably-divine aquatic life form has used it's evident trans-dimensional abilities to pull you from your universe and into this one--that may or may not be fabricated by the very same force--which contains many other individuals who share the same fate. You were here before, but you returned to your universe several months ago. From our perspective, anyway.

[double_edged]

[After awhile, the Lombax starts to calm down, running a hand over his own face in turn.]

Look, you don't seem to understand what I'm telling you. I was never here, I don't know you, nor anyone else. It--

[Wait.

Back the trillium harvester up.]

Trans-dimensional? We're in another dimension?

[dotthedisconnect]

[Oh, right. He had forgotten about this particular fixation...]

Yes. The coral in the central plaza is able to breach dimensional barriers. With apparent ease, I might add.

[double_edged]

A... coral.

Now this is just getting ridiculous.

[dotthedisconnect]

Yes, well. You won't find any disagreement from me.

[double_edged]

You still haven't told me who you are.

[dotthedisconnect]

I'm Tech. The two of us...bonded, over commonalities in our interests and goals. I guess you could say that we were something approaching friends. Maybe.

[double_edged]

Friends? I wouldn't go that far. An ally? Possibly. I know nothing about you, or your motives - how am I to believe you're telling the truth?

[dotthedisconnect]

You're not. But if you have lost your memories--and taking your personality into account--I hardly expect you to. But I'm sure that you'll figure everything out soon enough.

[double_edged]

I might be lost to the ways of this odd dimension, but I have ways to adapt to unfamiliar environments. If you are planning something, you won't get one over me.

[dotthedisconnect]

Yes. I would say that you needn't worry, but somehow I doubt that you would take my word for it.

[double_edged]

You're welcome to try.

Just don't expect all of your limbs intact afterwards.

[dotthedisconnect]

I'm not entirely sure where you're finding the threat here, but do you really all of this antagonism to help you out, here?

That's not what you meant by "ways to adapt," is it?

[double_edged]

Everything is a threat when you're in unfamiliar territory.

[dotthedisconnect]

Fair enough. But it would serve you far better to direct your suspicions to your captors, and not those of us in the same situation.

[double_edged]

...captors? There was no mention of any 'captors'.

[dotthedisconnect]

In a sense of the word. The Scientists, and the Head Nurse. They're strongly associated with the coral, though in what capacity we're not specifically certain.

[double_edged]

Suddenly, that doesn't sound as reassuring as I'd like it to be. Granted, being a former scientist myself, I have no qualms with others in the field, but with a name like that...

[dotthedisconnect]

Well, their study is fascinating, to say the least.

[double_edged]

How much have you gathered from them, thus far?

[dotthedisconnect]

"From?" Not much. They keep their information to themselves, and anything that we have come across is an accident on their part, or informed speculation on ours. You can find what we do know by accessing the community database. [he grins] My own personal project, I might add.

[double_edged]

[There's a thoughtful look from the old General. From the sounds of things, it was just as bad, or even worse than he had initially anticipated - someone was keeping them captive, and they weren't making a show of themselves. But slip-ups are always good, and can provide a decent tactical edge if it ever came to it.

Especially for him, for being thrown from one mess, into another. And if it's 'scientists', it sounds outlandish enough to be Nefarious' work.

Or Vorselon, with all the water.]

You've been building this up for awhile, it seems. So tell me; how long has this city been in existence? For what purpose does it kidnap those from their own worlds to serve here? You say the Coral itself is sentient. How?

[dotthedisconnect]

[Well, here we go.]

The sentience of the coral itself seems like an exceedingly dubious prospect, if you ask me. But the individuals who are supposedly native to this place claim as much. As far as I am aware, that is the only basis for our considering it such. Foreigners have been appearing here for some three years, but I am not sure of the history of the city prior to that. As for why they're brought here, there are numerous theories. I personally think it--or at least the technology--is some sort of experiment in sustainable energy, but that hypothesis is hardly solid. It would be best for you to see the evidence for yourself. Incomplete and contradictory though it might be.