video; | id: hank_127

[lostsymmetry]

[The call registers as video, but displays only a geometric mess of blue. Those who recognize the logo won't be too surprised by what comes next.]

<Welcome to Domesticon. Working together today, for a more efficient tomorrow.>

[Cheery and automated, like a call center recording... and replaced, immediately after with a much more human range of tone.]

Hey. Me again.

So, your friendly local techs took a crack at system access the other day. Most functions are still locked, but we're reading big electrical spikes along the shaft and behind the sealed area on Deck Two. Something to think about, if you're the type to pry at doors.

[If, unfortunately not the only thing.]

This also, ah... showed up on the camera feeds.

[The AI's "face" vanishes from the video display, replaced with a view from one of the consoles. It shows a young, fair-haired human making his way down one of Reverie's many halls: Snake, for those who knew him. He doesn't do anything unusual. But after a moment, the human's outline distorts... shimmers... and melts away, leaving no trace of flesh or clothing.

The video reverts, and Hank's voice picks back up, tense with concern.]

He's not the only one. Run a headcount with your friends?


[[ooc: The tech collaboration he's referring to is here. While not OOCly planned in conjunction, the Deck 2 spike is the same area Team Door will be ICly going for on the 15th—so feel free to have your characters connect the dots!]]

Comments

[solarcharged]

[ It hurts, all over again. The sense of powerlessness is overwhelming. He pauses, chewing back a hundred of responses he could give, before settling on: ]

God, I hope they've gone somewhere better than this.

[lostsymmetry]

Me too.

[It's honest. A little grim. A little rueful, too. As much as the carbons dislike it, this is the best place Hank's ever been by far.

But gone anywhere beats the other possibility.]

Are you okay?

[solarcharged]

[ He stares beyond the video feed for a moment, expression fixed as he wrestles with the low level anger that's beginning to simmer somewhere deep in his chest. ]

I'm fine.

[ Not really. He's hurting and angry as hell. But Apollo doesn't admit these kinds of things to anyone, barely even his own husband let alone other people. ]

I guess it's better to know than to not.

[lostsymmetry]

It can be.

[The words waver just a little: old undercurrents of regret.]

But hope's nice too.

When, you know. You can afford it.

[solarcharged]

Yeah. When you can afford it.

[ Wow. When did AI suddenly get this profound? Apollo takes a steadying breath. ]

Thanks again. It's good to know that there's someone -- [ He avoids the word 'something' ] -- out there who's able to find some answers. It's something we've been pretty short on lately.

[lostsymmetry]

[He notices that word choice. There's a flicker of warmth as he responds—not quite happiness, not under the circumstances, but... appreciation.]

I'm sure they'll turn up. [Answers, that is.] But you're welcome.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do.