oo5 ⊗ video ⊗ fifth move ⟹ backdated to oct 5th.

[oxfordian]

[ charles is visibly distressed when he appears on the screen, this time. he's in what seems to be some underground facility, and there are other faces behind him—notably collette, emma, galadriel, raven, and others. his eyes remain closed for a second and you can hear him take a deep breath. then: ]

We have... borrowed a gentleman by the name of Richard Lawson...—from the United Earth. He is a cabinet member of the President's. Yes, the President of the United Earth. [ charles clears his throat, steels himself. ]

We've learnt a great many things about the United Earth from his head, and we feel it best to share that information with all of you, here on the Network.

[ charles states the next words with a heavy voice. ]

The President of the United Earth is not human. "He" is—artificial. Artificial Intelligence, or what you would call an A.I.. The United Earth... has never seen his face, as far as we have deduced.

We will try to answer questions about what we have learnt to the very best of our ability, but do be patient. Ah—[ he closes his eyes again, considering. then he nods as though he's made the right decision and he knows it. ]

That is all.

( note: wow i knew i forgot something like a winner. THIS TAKES PLACE DURING/AFTER these linked shenanigans: [ x ] [ x ] [ x ] [ x ] )

Comments

[myownbestfriend]

There are some party games you need to learn to play.

[No reference to games should sound so dire.]

[fe_male]

[ ........ ]

Like what? Do I get private lessons?

[myownbestfriend]

Someone needs to be able to question the machine and find out if there's a ghost in there.

[Flashbacks to the Danger Room. Emma hasn't discounted the possibility the AI is a pawn itself, or ensnared in some lasting, self-perpetuating mess created by people who are already dead.]

You can ride along on the next one.

[You always wanted to listen in on a telepathic interrogation, right?]

[fe_male]

[ Yeah because he totally got control of his brand spanking new ability that quickly. ]

Right, yeah. Sounds like a fun time.

[myownbestfriend]

[Don't disappoint her, Engineer Supreme.]

It will certainly be educational.

[Emma enjoys it, which is kind of a problem when there aren't two other powerful psychics around vetoing her worst impulses.]

[fe_male]

[ Seriously just giving you a scrutinizing look at this point. ]

Well, let me know when you're gonna do it and I'll, uh, just clear my schedule or something.

[myownbestfriend]

[Emma has more or less considered herself in a state of war since she was 16. Sometimes that mindset shows.]

Oh, lovely.

Drinks later?

[And sometimes she just wants to spend a relaxing evening pretending not to notice Tony making passes at her.]

[fe_male]

[ Aww, you know how to gently manipulate him so nicely. ]

Later today or later after the head-date? I mean, either way it's a yes, but.

[myownbestfriend]

Tony, you have no idea how much I need a drink.

[She's been mind-in-mind with Charles Xavier and Galadriel for three days. She's about to die of a goody-two-shoes overdose.]

[fe_male]

Oh, right now then, awesome, we can do that, right now. Where do you want to go?

[myownbestfriend]

Does it matter in this miserable excuse for a city?

[She misses New York, dammit.]

[fe_male]

Not really, it's just the illusion of choice. Closest it is. You coming?