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

[characterdefect]

What happened to them?

[recinerate]

[his voice goes even more flat with this answer:] They died.

[characterdefect]

Mm.

Some of the people in my family, they lost theirs, too.

[recinerate]

Such is the human condition.

[characterdefect]

That people die? Or that they find a way to carry on?

[recinerate]

Death. [he would know, having been surrounded with reminders of death from his very first awareness.] "No one can confidently say that he will still be living tomorrow."

[characterdefect]

True. Death is ubiquitous. We can never escape it.

[He also finds it beautiful. But that's not something most people care to talk about on first acquaintance.]

You feel strongly about this.

[recinerate]

It's a strong subject. I would think most people would feel strongly about it.

[characterdefect]

Not everyone has a quote ready to whip out about it.

[recinerate]

I read quite a bit. [or he used to, at least.]

[characterdefect]

I do, too. More fiction than philosophy, though, if you want the truth.

I'm sorry.

[recinerate]

For what?

[characterdefect]

Your family.

[recinerate]

Ah. Thank you, but it's not necessary. It was a long time ago.

[characterdefect]

Time heals all wounds?

[He's never believed that.]

[recinerate]

Something like that.

[the exact opposite, actually. but beyond is a liar about most things that matter.]

[characterdefect]

Well, I'm glad you've found that to be true. I never did.

[recinerate]

Perhaps you just not have had enough time yet.

[characterdefect]

Maybe. I have all the time in the world, now.

[recinerate]

What sorts of fiction do you like best?