first puzzle | voice

[recinerate]

[beyond was dead, and now he's not.

it's a perplexing position for anyone to find themselves in, of course, but even more so when there's something fundamental about that person that's gone missing - something that should be there, but isn't. beyond has found he is missing such a thing, and has decided to take advantage of the technology of this new place in order to work out his thoughts regarding this dilemma.]

"In the social jungle of human existence, there is no feeling of being alive without a sense of identity."

[his voice is quiet, raspy, almost unnaturally even in tone. he pauses, then picks up with one of many questions currently on his mind, addressing anyone within earshot.]

What shapes your sense of identity?

Comments

video.

[recinerate]

I would guess that keeping your distance is not a particularly effective strategy when it comes to getting to know someone better, but as you wish.

video.

[chillestrogue]

Hence why I said paradox.

I'll let other people get to know you better first. Less chance of harm that way.

video.

[recinerate]

[another slight arching of his eyebrow, here.]

You believe I am dangerous?

video.

[chillestrogue]

Everyone's dangerous. I just don't know if you're the uncontrollable, unavoidable kind of danger.

video.

[recinerate]

I can assure you, Captain, I'm not. [he actually believes this.]

video.

[chillestrogue]

You understand why I have difficulty going on faith on that one.

video.

[recinerate]

Of course. If would be foolish to take my statement at face value without any evidence.

video.

[chillestrogue]

Do you want to be believed? Or is my trust in you not a thing you care about?

video.

[recinerate]

I haven't yet seen a compelling reason for why I should want or need your trust.

video.

[chillestrogue]

And you're not likely to get it with that attitude.

video.

[recinerate]

What advantages would securing your trust afford me?

video.

[chillestrogue]

I'm going to find a way off this ship.

Could offer to take you with me once I do.

video.

[recinerate]

[ok, NOW you have his attention. beyond remains outwardly impassive, though - he's pretending to be a warden, so there's no reason he should want to leave.]

You truly believe you can do this?

video.

[chillestrogue]

I believe there's nothing lost in giving it a fair try.

video.

[recinerate]

There are those who will try to stop you. Are you sure it's wise to speak of your plans so openly?

video.

[chillestrogue]

It's no secret half these inmates are planning escape every second of their lives. When you're behind bars, you spend a lot of time thinking about freedom.

video.

[recinerate]

[beyond recognizes this truth from his own experience, though for him, freedom was more equated with death. still, he nods in acknowledgment.]

Your offer to include me is curious. I could be among those who would endeavor to thwart your plans.

video.

[chillestrogue]

You could be.

Then again, you'd be blowing your chance of escape. And if you really wanted to stay here and ruin my plans, you'd still be stuck here, with me, for an infinite duration. And now I'd know just what kind of person you are.

Trust me - even if you don't want to help, you don't want to be on my bad side, either.

video.

[recinerate]

Oh? Why is that, Captain?

video.

[chillestrogue]

Because I'm going to do whatever it takes to get home.

Whatever it takes.

video.

[recinerate]

You're quite confident in your abilities.

video.

[chillestrogue]

Do you have family, Beyond?

video.

[recinerate]

That's a curiously personal question, Captain.

[his expression betrays nothing, but there's a sudden sharpness behind his eyes when he non-answers.]

video.

[chillestrogue]

Not as personal as the one you asked at the beginning of this post, and one you haven't answered, I've noticed.

video.

[recinerate]

Are you referring to my question, or yours? [he hasn't answered either.]