Voice

[deservinghell]

[Having determined the netbook is capable of a video feed, Henry makes certain to broadcast only his voice when he reaches out to the network; given the effect his condition has on reflections and even digital images, presenting an empty backdrop for no apparent reason is not the way he'd like to initiate first impressions. With the channel open, there's the clearing of a throat, then:]

And thus the whirligig of time brings in his revenges. I suppose it's about time fate doomed me to fight another man's war, eh? The Devil knows I've been asking for it. But it begs the question... What did the lot of you do to deserve it?

[The accent is unmistakably English, though a sharp ear might infer he hasn't been among Englishmen for some time.]

Comments

[itase]

Wanting didn't really have anything to do with it. But I'll take that as a 'yes' on whether or not to add you to the list of 'recruits from a world filled with people who want to kill them,' huh?

[deservinghell]

That's a tricky subject. But I take it there's more than a handful of you who might consider this place sanctuary, then.

[itase]

Sanctuary is a pretty generous term, given reactions so far. Like, throwing a hundred dollar tip down for a two dollar coffee generous. But, yes. That list of mine is pretty impressive so far.

[deservinghell]

Which is fairly consistent with my impression so far, I guess. No, I don't want to be here any more than you do, nevermind what's waiting for me back home.

[itase]

Eh, it's not so bad. Go places, meet interesting people, flit with the rich and famous. And there's the deep psychological trauma, but I'm told that's just part of becoming a real adult.

[deservinghell]

[A dark chuckle.] You're not wrong.

Does the lady have a name? I'd hate to have to leave this conversation remembering you as a cyber pirate.

[itase]

But that would be amazing. Normally people just remember my unfortunate life choice of being a poli sci major.

And it's Darcy. And you, Mr. Damned?

[deservinghell]

It's Henry, though I think I could shrug into Mr. Damned without much trouble.

How long have you been here, Darcy?

[itase]

But then you'd need a snazzy costume to go with it, Henry. You can't rock that kind of name properly without getting into the superhero gig.

And a coupla weeks. Just long enough to sample the wares of madness and terror.

[deservinghell]

Oh, the costume can be arranged.

And I suppose you're not the one to ask about the odds of getting out of here, then.

[itase]

I don't think there's anyone to ask about that. Even if someone figured it out? I'm guessing they're long gone.

[deservinghell]

Right. The undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveler returns...though it would certainly be a shame if death is the only way out.

[itase]

You're sure you're not just from drama club, H?

[deservinghell]

Maybe I am. It's hard to be sure of anything when you can't keep your feet in one...reality, universe...whatever you'd like to call it.

[itase]

Oh, sure. Go with the tall dark and mysterious routine. It's-

Well. Really effective, actually. Good call.

[deservinghell]

I've had a bit of practice at it.

[itase]

And how do you feel it's worked out for you. Life choices wise.

[deservinghell]

I think your approval warrants calling it a victory.

[itase]

Okay, I'll give this place this one: it knows how to pick the smooth operators.

[deservinghell]

As well as the more charming political science students, it seems.

[itase]

Oh, I've got the corner on that market. You're the one with competition.

[deservinghell]

I'm not worried.

[itase]

I'll just be over here, keeping score and ranking.

[deservinghell]

Good. Then I await your verdict.