recinerate | first puzzle

Entry tags:

first puzzle | voice

[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?

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[flatly:] It is my name. What is yours?

[Now he's just feeling obstinate.]

Quicksilver.

And what is your answer?

I just gave you my answer.

[Pietro gives him an almost innocent look, ruined by a knowing smirk.]

Can't you figure it out, Philosopher?

That is what shapes your identity? The name Quicksilver?

You're the one who said it, about names being a good place to start.

But you're being a bit too literal.

Yes, that was my answer - you asked me to go first, but you have not yet provided your answer.

What, and I can't use the same answer? If you're going to keep inventing rules, you should at least give a guy some warning.

It doesn't make for a very interesting discussion if you simply agree with my statement.

I'm not, exactly. After all, my name's different than yours. Not my fault you can't figure out anything about my identity from it.

Quicksilver, also known as the chemical element mercury. The only metallic element that is a liquid under standard temperature and pressure conditions. Commonly used in thermometers, barometers, fluorescent lamps, and manufacture of industrial chemicals. Formerly used in medicine and dentistry; now less common due to its extreme toxicity. Shall I go on?

[Pietro sighs dramatically.]

Still being too literal. You sure you're not part computer or some shit?

I am entirely human, I can assure you.

Oh, well, that explains it then. Humans.

What about them?

You're all a bit- [He makes a vague, somehow condescending hand gesture.] I'll try not to hold it against you.

Are you not human, then?

Of course not.

I'm a mutant. Homo superior.

I see. That must explain your name.

[beyond has no leg to stand on when it comes to questioning normalcy of names.]

Is this also what shapes your identity? Being a mutant? Homo superior. [there's a small stress of the way he says "superior."]

[Pietro may have emphasized that part, himself.]

Of course. Why the fuck wouldn't it? I'm sure being human shapes yours.

I don't know that it does. I wouldn't know anything different.

Edited 2015-07-02 00:24 (UTC)

So you're saying you can't be shaped by the negatives as well as the positives?

Most humans didn't know we existed either, back home. Not for a long time. Funny how much that human identity mattered, when they found out.

Anything is possible; I don't discount it. I just haven't had enough time to give it much thought. I've only just learned that anything other than human exists.