06 △ VIDEO

[neveraskedforthis]

[ Video--coming from Adam's tablet for once, and not his retinal enhancements. it shows him, obviously in his messy apartment, and obviously... different from what one might be used to. he's neither properly dressed nor his usual stoic, composed, monotone self.

but most notably, the lenses of his shades--which are mounted to his head--are retracted. his eyes are visibly artificial. here's the usual gravely voice: ]

...And they keep dragging more and more people here. Or is that the machine malfunctioning again? Can't be sure anymore.

Anyway, hello. My name's Adam Jensen and I'm -- [ insert vague, dismissive gesture here--his hand, too, is artificial and looks like it's made out of black metal. ] ... who the fuck even cares. I'm the local oversized can opener. Hi.

[ if it wasn't obvious before that he's drunk, it's sure as hell now. ]

Given the uh, premise under which you all arrived here as well as the popularity of thought-provoking surveys lately, let's talk about a topic each of you surely can contribute to with a story or two. Since I couldn't help but notice that we're quite a miserable bunch of misfits. Exceptions prove the rule by the way.

[ pause, during which he reaches off screen... for his smoke. ]

So, broken dreams. There's a pretty catchy song on them by Green Day which I can only recommend. But before you scurry off to find it, why don't we share with the class why we're all so damn bitter, and not only since we ended up in this shithole. Though I guess the shithole made it worse, in some cases. I don't know. Getting it off your chest might have a soothing effect, or something.

[ another pause, and he seems pensive for a moment. he might be able to offer alternative treatment methods for your troubles which may involve punching ahem. ]

Here, I'll start. I was planning to get married not too long ago, start a family. I had the perfect girl, a decent job I liked and paid well, and then--then science happened.

[ a dry, humorless chuckle. ]

Gotta love science. Your turn.

Comments

[voice]

[loyalism]

Jensen.

[A pause. He doesn't mind sharing a little now that he's beginning to view Adam as... a comrade? A friend? But not over the network.]

Would you mind company?

[And someone to distract him from making an ass of himself in public...]

[voice]

[neveraskedforthis]

[ sounding a little dry, here: ]

Hn, do I look like I need some?

[ HEY IT WAS JUST SO QUIET AROUND THE APARTMENT ... ]

[voice]

[loyalism]

A little, yes.

[And don't pretend you don't, Jensen. You wouldn't be making drunken posts on the network asking for story time if you wanted to be left alone.]

[voice]

[neveraskedforthis]

[ well you got a point there. though mostly he just wants to talk. ]

I didn't drink that much...

[ which is true. ]

[voice]

[loyalism]

[There's a quiet huff of amusement from Fox.]

Then we have that to be thankful for.

[Not that he believes it, but still.]

[voice]

[neveraskedforthis]

Not sure what you mean. Even intoxicated I'm still quite personable.

[ that's what adam thinks, anway.]

[voice]

[loyalism]

That's what I'm concerned about.

[Because he's suddenly so talky instead of being that grumpy standoffish guy with a side order of snark.]

Either way, drinking alone must be boring. And I'm not exactly busy right now.

[voice]

[neveraskedforthis]

[ alcohol. it's magical. ]

Used to it. But sure, whatever. But let it be said that I'm not sharing mine.

[voice]

[loyalism]

[There's the asshole we know and love!]

No worries there. I'm bringing my own.

[Yes, he's already on the way. And yes, he already knows where Adam lives. He's a creepy stalker, after all.]

I'll be there shortly.

[voice]

[neveraskedforthis]

[ yeah no ]

... I'm not living in transport housing. Haven't for a while.

[voice]

[loyalism]

I'm aware.

[...AWKWARD PAUSE.]

I'll explain later.

[voice]

[neveraskedforthis]

... Excuse me?

[ HOW. did you get his address. ]

[voice]

[loyalism]

[Doesn't take it quite at well as certain other grumpy standoffish guys. Noted.]

I did a little research. You know what they say about old habits.

[voice]

[neveraskedforthis]

[ not at all. ]

Research? More like snooping around.

[voice]

[loyalism]

[To be fair, Adam is new to the concept of "Fox knows everything because he's Fox". It's forgiveable.]

That would be one way of putting it.

[It could have been worse. He could have let himself in while Adam was out or asleep or something...]

[voice]

[neveraskedforthis]

[ who says he didn't. ]

I'd strongly suggest you stop doing that.

[ it's grated out. ]

[voice]

[loyalism]

Understood.

[He'll stop when he's dead. Maybe not even then.]

I'll be there shortly.

[He repeats it a little more firmly. You can grump at him all you want, Jensen, but you're not getting rid of him that easily.]

[voice]

[neveraskedforthis]

[ yeah well if he continues like that fox will be dead before long. ]

Right.

[ so adam will be here, waiting, and being entirely conflicted FOX WHAT IS YOUR DEAL. ]

[akshun]

[loyalism]

[Would it be better if he had a bad Russian accent?

True to his word, it doesn't take Fox long to get there. And be thankful, Adam, because he actually knocks instead of just letting himself in.

Also he has more booze.]

[akshun]

[neveraskedforthis]

[ He might let Fox in just because of that booze because he's running low. He might be drunk right now but he'll be super fucking wary of Fox because whoa what a creeper...

So he opens the door, shades ON. ]

Hi.

[ dry & deadpan. also not moving to let him in just now. ]