exsilium | 002 ↔ video

[Saul's not a fan of using video on this thing. Anyone could be watching, and he's sure that's the case — which means he's about to show a hand of cards he never really wanted to — but he also knows he needs to come across as sincere and non-threatening as possible if he wants this request to be taken seriously. Text wouldn't work, voice... might, but also might not.

He still has his doubts, though. What he's about to do is ridiculous, even by his own standards. He'd laugh at anyone else making a suggestion like this, and he's half-tempted to laugh at himself, too, but when the feed clicks on and his image appears, he's all business. Literally: in a suit, at a desk, weapon laid out (for those who'd notice, the weapon is disengaged, the safety on; he's learning!), hands folded.]

This — [indicating the weapon, then lacing his fingers back together] — is a shotgun that's been modified to use non-lethal electrified bullets. The charge measures about 500 volts, and —

[There go his hands again, moving to retrieve one of the cartridges. He lifts it to the lens, waits for it to focus, then continues speaking.]

From what I understand, that should be enough to temporarily incapacitate a normal human being. But the problem is, I'm not sure. I've been using blanks on the dummies over in the Hold, so I have no idea what effect one of these things would actually have on a living, breathing person. So...

[He trails off, lowers the cartridge, and shifts uncomfortably in his chair.]

I realize how unorthodox and just plain sketchy a request like this is going to sound, but... who's willing to let me shoot them, and who's willing to be the medic present if-slash-when this happens? I'm looking for someone over eighteen, healthy, preferably human. I can compensate you with fifty doll—uh. Marques. Or we can negotiate, if necessary.

Serious inquiries only. Thanks.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Fingers crossed.

[No, really. He crosses his fingers.]

I'll keep you in mind, Ashraf. Thanks. Considering your abilities, is this something you'd recover quickly from?

[ so casual, with just the tiniest air of smugness: ] Instantaneously, yes. Really, the only downside is that I might not be the best example of its effect on an average human.

Yeah, that's what I thought. [His frown is a thoughtful one.]

Know anyone more human-like you could convince to do this?

Are you asking if I dislike anyone enough to ask them to be shocked?

I was leaning more toward "do you have any friends who won't think I'm crazy," but that's also an option.

The answer in both cases is "unfortunately not". You're going to look at least a little crazy, any way you go about it.

Alas.

[He shrugs a shoulder.]

I've already got a doctor signed up to help. You wanna tag along, too?

Sure. If it does end up being electrocution, I can help with that.

You can raise people from the dead?

[Enhancements, Ashraf had said. Shields. Healing magic. Necromancy wasn't on that list.

Saul arches an eyebrow.]

I can resurrect those who died prematurely, and of violent means, yes. There isn't much I can do for anyone taken by illness.

Who the hell makes up these rules?

God does, I imagine.

God needs to stop being so arbitrary.

[BUT SAUL ISN'T THAT THE NATURE OF —

He shakes his head.]

Are there people in your world who can resurrect those killed by illnesses, or is that just completely off the table?

[ wryly: ] I'll let Him know you said so.

None I've ever seen. All of the magic I know of is intended for use in battle, and with a few exceptions, there isn't much room for illnesses in battle.

[Saul laughs. It's completely out-of-place in this conversation, and it's not a nice sound, but there you go.

No room for illness in battle.

Ashraf should visit Albuquerque sometime.]

Ah — sorry, sorry. Anyway, okay. I'll let you know when this happens. You settling back in okay?

[ wwwwwell okay, he'll just patiently wait for that kind of out of place laughter to fade out, that's cool. and when it does: ]

Good, thank you. And I am, yes. I still can't remember where my favorite cafe was, but I feel like I'm getting closer.

I hope it's not the one with the shitty coffee near the apartments.

It could be. I do enjoy a cup of terrible coffee now and then.

[This face.]

[ ok fine he can't hold back the grin anymore ]

It was your suggestion. I hope I haven't made such a bad impression on you already, that "shitty coffee" would be my favorite cafe.

I dunno, man. I've had my expectations violated so many times since I got here that nothing surprises me anymore.

You seem to be coping pretty well, regardless. Violent tendencies toward the populace aside, I mean.

[He smirks.]

Well enough, I guess.

Any complaints?

[HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

That's what Saul just heard in his own head.]

I wouldn't even know where to start.

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