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

[patheticvillain]

At least you're sorry about it. I'll get you some later, all right, that way you'll be prepared next time.

Why're you asking this weird bullshit, though?

[recinerate]

It's a way of initiating conversation.

[patheticvillain]

You know what would be a better way of initiating conversation?

[He clears his throat and adopts a rasp that's a passable imitation of Beyond's own.]

"Hi, my name is Cough Drop, and I want to know what shapes your sense of identity. What shapes mine is . . ."

[Dot dot dot. Your turn now.]

[recinerate]

[beyond is not amused.]

My name is not "cough drop."

[patheticvillain]

[Point for Cassel, then!]

What's your name?

[recinerate]

Beyond. What is yours?

[patheticvillain]

Cassel Sharpe.

[He doesn't ask Beyond what, even though he really wants to.]

What if I don't know the answer to your question?

[recinerate]

Then I would suggest thinking on it more seriously. You must have some idea of your own identity.

[patheticvillain]

Doesn't history inform everything we do?

[recinerate]

Certainly. What does that have to do with your identity?

[patheticvillain]

What I do shapes my identity. History shapes what I do.

[recinerate]

Are you unaware of your own history, then?

[patheticvillain]

I used to be. So I try not to take it for granted anymore.

[recinerate]

Did you suffer from amnesia?

[patheticvillain]

Yeah. For a few years. Very selective, though.

Do you believe in magic?

[recinerate]

[beyond is from a world of concrete facts and logic, not magic.]

No. I don't. I have never seen any evidence to indicate that magic exists. Why?

[patheticvillain]

Because if you want to hear more about identity from me, you're going to need to believe some things.

I can show you, if you want.

[recinerate]

[it sounds preposterous - but what about the last few days hasn't seemed entirely impossible? beyond has long been trained to collect all available data and form a conclusion based on how those pieces fit together. there is no reason to refuse.]

All right, Cassel. What would you like to show me?

[patheticvillain]

Do you want to do this in person, or on the video? I've got time to kill either way.

[recinerate]

Which do you think will be more effective?

[patheticvillain]

That's a good question.

[He thinks about it for a second.]

In person, it's easier to tell that I'm not faking it.

[recinerate]

Very well. Where would you like to meet?

[patheticvillain]

Can you find your way up to the deck?

[recinerate]

I'm sure I can manage.

[patheticvillain]

Meet you there, then. I'll be the one in gloves.