(anonymous user) don't give theater kids cameras

[endcaller]

[In early July, before the glitches become more frequent and noticeable, a newcomer greets the network. He's hiding his ID, despite appearing in the center frame on camera. Light pouring in from the window casts his face in the shadow of his deep hood.

If it feels a bit like he's staged this shot, it's because he has.

The hooded man waves.]

Greetings, my fellow Chosen.

Pray allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Fandaniel.

[He twirls a hand before himself and bends forward in an elegant bow.]

That is, I am the man sitting the Seat of Fandaniel on the Convocation of Fourteen.

[Slowly, he rises again, lips pressed into a grin. He speaks of his title with pride, mustering all of his thespian experience to make the pride seem genuine.

It isn't. He doesn't feel any real attachment to his Seat. Now, as always, it's a means to an end.]

I do not expect those words to mean aught to any of you. Know only this: My title is that of the Assayer of Extant Phenomena and Overseer of Life. I am the Observer, a task I take to quite well, I must say! Why, I studied life before I ever inherited my position.

[The smirk fades slightly as he taps his chin and starts pacing.]

Consider me the one who watches. Now and always. Do not be alarmed, 'tis all in the pursuit of knowledge. To that end, you will find a survey attached to this message. Please do fill it out at your earliest convenience and be honest in your answers. Remember, this is for science. If you decide to toy with me in your responses that would break my poor heart. And why would you ever wish to do something so cruel?

[The pacing stops and his smile returns.]

I shall be eagerly awaiting your replies. Ta!

[He claps his hands and the feed ends. Attached to the video is a small file...]

<b>WHAT IS YOUR NAME?</b>: I trust I need not explain this. <b>WHAT IS YOUR HOME WORLD</b>: Tell me about the world you hail from, its politics, its geography, its people... Consider me curious about anything you wish to share. <b>WHAT IS YOUR CRIME?</b>: If you would rather not say, I cannot force you. But I hope you will choose to be open with me. <b>WHAT SPECIES DO YOU IDENTIFY AS?</b>: What are you? I hope this is self-explanatory as well. <b>WHAT GIVES YOUR LIFE PURPOSE?</b>: ___

Comments

cw: suicidal ideation in brackets

[endcaller]

[Fandaniel thinks on this question, letting the absurdity of it, and his situation, wash over him.

If time is still moving forward and the Final Days are consuming Etheirys then anyone not dead soon will be. Except him. He'd wanted to die in the great calamity as well, he wanted his tormented death throes to be what invited oblivion. But he's alive. Zodiark is dead but he's alive.

A small giggle erupts from his throat.]

Ahahaha...

Other survivors than me, you mean?

I was brought to Expiation 'ere the end came, so I could not say, though I doubt there are others.

Hm.

'Tis strange...

I was in a very... peculiar situation at that time. One that should have made it nigh impossible for anyone to grip my being and yet, somehow, this world managed.

I should be enraged by my situation but I find myself curious. How did they accomplish such a feat?

You and I are proof that they have little issue ensnaring more complicated targets.

[If it seems like he is trying to dodge part of Morph's question it's because he is.]

[mightymorphin]

[There's a pause before their reply comes in, because yeah, this took a little time to process.]

I know this place is supposed to be a prison or whatever, but why would they go to the trouble of yoinking you away from certain death if they think you're a criminal? why do it for any of us?

maybe this is your second chance, Dan.

[endcaller]

A second chance? Hah.

Believe me when I say I'd hardly want or need such a thing.

But you raise an intriguing possibility. Do you believe that the keepers of this world see themselves as beneficent? Did they bring us here to unburden our hearts?

...Do you have any crime weighing on your conscience?

[mightymorphin]

I mean this place is way nicer than most prisons are, so I think it's possible. it's not like we were thrown in cells and given nothing but gruel to eat.

oh but listen to this! my crime is impersonation. you know, the thing I literally do all the time with my powers?

[endcaller]

I've been here no longer than you but you are not the first person I've met whose crime is, well... not truly a crime.

I wonder if the Council believes you should feel guilty for using your powers?

[mightymorphin]

maybe these people have a really broad view of what a crime is?

there could've been something shady I did with my powers once, I don't know. I haven't talked to anyone in charge yet to find out one way or the other.

[endcaller]

Well if you do not know, then you clearly feel no guilt.

My current theory is that the most obvious reason for our presence here is the most likely.

Some being, or group of beings, brought us here just for the sport of watching us scurry like rodents trying to figure out why.

[mightymorphin]

greeeat. sounds like a real supervillain thing to do. but I don't wanna be trapped here even if their intentions are altruistic anyway.