video, un: howe

[manifestering]

Hello. Octavian here as ever.

[Octavian slightly too close to the camera, specifically, with glimpses of Rumpitur's streets behind him, beautiful springtime, all of it. He looks wildly out of place here, as always looking like a wasted Victorian in a sweater vest who's never seen daylight, but: here he is.]

Previously I shared with you all the visions shown to me by our previous AI iteration. The former Chosen turned into something else. I believe this is them.

Watch.

[And he moves, device still in hand and camera rolling, to approach one of the Naga. He asks them quite directly, "Do you remember what you were before?"— and the Naga blinks at him for a second before something changes in their expression, a clarity coupled with a strangeness of feeling, like they are seconds away from remembering exactly what he's talking about. It's there, definitely, under the surface—

And then it fades, and the Naga brushes him off with a dismissive wave and turns away.]

You see. They are nearly there. I have asked them many variations. "Do you remember being Chosen." "Were you human once." "Do you know where your people came from." All who react do so in this same way.

[A beat; he makes a little face, lips pursed.] The others have informed me I am either insane or rude. Belligerent. What did you all do.

[It can't have been him, he is a weird hermit who barely goes out. The rude questions and abruptly accosting the Naga totally unrelated.]

Somewhat unrelated. In her departure Root has left me with a small pile of her computers and other devices. I am not especially gifted with them. Will someone help.

Comments

[endcaller]

I could use a kick in the arse, I shan't lie.

Dare I ask why you offer? Have I done aught wrong?

[Other than have rancid vibes.]

This isn't about me destroying part of the city, is it? If you decide to fight everyone who does that, you will fight half the Chosen erelong.

[cactusy]

Call it a warning shot. But sure, I can beat you up for that too, if you want.

[endcaller]

Mercy me!

[He throws his hands into the air.]

I would never harm our favorite resident specter.

Though I must say, your commitment to his protection is commendable. Whence came it?

[cactusy]

You're being weird about powerful electronics. That doesn't go well, in my experience.

[endcaller]

[A playful wink.]

Ah, that.

I am a technologist. Surely you cannot blame me for my interest? I do promise not to use technology for anything wretched!

[cactusy]

What's the phrase - a hundred times bitten, a hundred and one times shy. You're smarmy as hell, dude.

[endcaller]

Ah, the tragic backstory comes into focus!

You were wronged by a scientist? Such a shame...

Hmm... 'Tis strangely a common issue in these parts.

[cactusy]

"Tragic backstory"? If that's what you want to call pattern recognition, sure.

[endcaller]

Pattern recognition! My!

So...

What manner of mad scientist was it?

[cactusy]

Not even close to your business. Just behave yourself around Root's computer stuff, and we're square.

[endcaller]

Aha.

I think it is very much my business if I am being judged by their actions.

'Tis only fair to know why I am mistrusted, yes?

[cactusy]

You're taking this too personally, dude. This is just me saying I've got my eye on you, not a preemptive prosecution.

[endcaller]

Ah!

How embarrassing for me.

Well! If keeping an eye on me is all this is, then watch and watch some more!

For I do so adore an audience, and I aim to entertain.

[cactusy]

You're kind of annoying. How's that for me judging you by your own actions? Better?

[endcaller]

Aye.

[A hand flutters to his chest.]

You are not the first to tell me this.

'Tis something I should work on, perhaps...

[cactusy]

You probably should; it's almost as serious an offense as mad scientist crap.

[Jokes aside, her tone remains flat, and dry as a bone.]