3 (video)

[oncearanger]

[The displayed name reads 'Billy Cranston', but the face isn't his. Billy's trying to act as Lady Celebrían would, he really is! He sits up straight, his long hair awkwardly twisted into a loose and messy braid. He hopes that doesn't harm her hair. And he's especially grateful that the lady isn't the makeup type---he'd messed that up for one friend already. But his arms are crossed and there's an odd expression of disappointment on his face. Still, he waves, one hand making a graceful arc in the air.]

By my calculations, we've almost reached the estimated time that the personality displacement will be reversed. And...you know, it's funny. This isn't the first time I've been through this.

I asked one of my best friends to help me test a new invention that was supposed to allow thought-sharing once, but a missing wire resulted in this same effect. We were only switched for one day, and of course we wouldn't deliberately sabotage each other, but even then we made so many mistakes and tarnished each other's reputations so severely that we ended up nearly destroying our friendship. That was painful enough! I can't believe how many would do that intentionally.

Anyway, I've been doing my best to recreate my old device as a backup should the Initiative's efforts fail. If anyone has experience with something similar, can you help? I'll be in my garage on the west side.

Comments

[rivendellranger]

[His expression definitely shows signs of embarrassment.]

My best friend and I, you mean? We couldn't let anyone know we were switched. That was considered bizarre misuse of science where I'm from, and no one would know how to handle it. So we had to pass as each other for a day.

I misapplied makeup and looked like a clown, and in home ec class I managed to blow up the dish of the day. She dressed my body in sophisticated clothes I would never wear, which isn't too bad. But when she tried to give computer lessons in my place she ended up killing the system. We were at each other's throats by mid-afternoon.

[antitactical]

Was there some reason you guys couldn't call in sick and fake the flu or mono or something?

[rivendellranger]

We both had perfect attendance at that point, and we feared what would happen to our grades if we missed a day. And we honestly didn't think we'd be that bad at posing as each other.

[antitactical]

...

( She bursts out laughing. )

Perfect attendance shouldn't be part of a grade! Man, if that'd been how I was graded, I'd fail most the grades I was in!

[rivendellranger]

It can be part of it. With our luck, we might've missed a pop quiz---luckily we didn't. I trust her intelligence more than I trust her computer skills, but the fluctuation in grades might've been suspicious.

At least we couldn't do more damage to each other's lives! And it's a great help that everyone knows about the situation here.

[antitactical]

I still think you guys were being silly, but I'm glad it worked out okay enough in the end even if you did destroy each other's reputations. Funny how that happened, and if you'd sucked up missing a pop quiz, all that would have changed is someone else gets top score for the day!

( She winks; she is teasing by now, rather than being serious. )

Yeah, keeps things smooth. If I had to pretend to be Caesar for a week... I couldn't sleep half as much as he does!

[rivendellranger]

Hindsight is usually perfect.

[He smiles.]

You don't sleep that much? Or he sleeps a lot?

[antitactical]

I think Caesar's part cat. Seriously. He naps that often!

[rivendellranger]

Have you found yourself behaving like a cat?

[antitactical]

I've been feeling purrfectly human, meow!

[rivendellranger]

[Billy laughs appreciatively.]

If you have a cat morph I suppose that's more effective, isn't it?

[antitactical]

It would be! Though now that you mention it, I don't actually have a cat morph. Considering the cats around the city, I really should by now!

[rivendellranger]

Really? I never noticed the cats. I'm surprised we have so many.

But I'd definitely like to see that.

[antitactical]

Have you noticed the rats they live on either?

( She winks. )

They're good at staying out of the way! If you could smell them, you'd know they were all over. I think the Exiles eat them though so they're wary around people.

[rivendellranger]

They have to eat cats?

[Well, there went his appetite for a while.]

[antitactical]

Choose to. Didn't the Chinese used to?

[rivendellranger]

Ah, I see. And you're right---I just come from a culture that reveres them as pets.

[He looks slightly wistful. A furry companion might be fun to have.]

I guess you're also good at luring them out?

[antitactical]

Well, so do I, which is why I don't run out to get kitty on a stick because it just makes my stomach turn. But I can't like... be rude to everyone about their tastes? I'm the guest.

[rivendellranger]

Right. I'm just keeping my head down and doing what I can for everyone.

[antitactical]

Sounds like the best plan. Good luck, Billy!