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

Re: [video]

[priad]

Can you fight?

[video]

[neveraskedforthis]

Yeah, but I'd rather not. I'm not even getting properly paid for anything I do.

[priad]

What does that matter? War is a matter of honor, will, and strength. In the times of ancient terra, a fairly wise man warned against mercenaries, and with good reason. Their purpose is infirm. Can you really say the fighting you have done was because of lucre?

[neveraskedforthis]

... What?

Listen, I'm no soldier. Not even a mercenary. I used to work private security, because it put my skills to good use and the pay was actually decent.

[priad]

Then it may behoove you to learn, for this seems to be an existential war, if those strange beasts that so recently assailed us are of any indication of our foes.

[neveraskedforthis]

[ oh god who talks like that ]

I'm not that easily convinced, sorry. I have no real reason to trust either side in this.

[priad]

[ Space marines thats who. ]

And so you'll wait and sulk like Achilles in his tent.

[neveraskedforthis]

... Yeah, that was the plan. I guess you got better ideas as for what I can do right now?

[priad]

Learn how better to exploit the weapon you were issued with on your arrival here, for one thing.

[neveraskedforthis]

[ ... that earns you a laugh. and nothing else. he wasn't exactly ISSUED one, you know... ]

[priad]

[ Priad just stares and waits. ]

[neveraskedforthis]

[ oh man. ]

I don't need to train.

[priad]

Why?

[neveraskedforthis]

I haven't been given a weapon. I arrived as one.