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 say the same, except I don't think I caught your name.

[in point of fact, beyond is certain he hasn't been told. but hey, transparency, right? he keeps both expression and tone completely flat, unwavering.]

video.

[chillestrogue]

[He hesitates - briefly - before giving a smile and his nerdy code name]

Captain Cold.

video.

[recinerate]

Nice to meet you, Captain. [as if beyond is in any position to judge when it comes to weirdness of names.]

video.

[chillestrogue]

Nice to meet you, Beyond.

[y yes he does stalk open conversations]

Interesting first post. Most people want to know where they are, how they got here. What happened to them.

Re: video.

[recinerate]

I suppose I must not be like most people.

[biggest understatement.]

Why do you rob people?

Re: video.

[chillestrogue]

Unless that's what most people say.

Because I'm good at it. Because it's challenging, and I like doing it.

video.

[recinerate]

[a slight arch of his eyebrow here, but nothing more.]

If most people are concerned about where they are, how they got here, and what happened to them, they wouldn't be questioned on why they're doing something other than what most people do.

[i.e., your argument is invalid.]

video.

[chillestrogue]

All right, I admit it. You're not most people. Which is why I find you interesting, for the moment.

Why are you here?

video.

[recinerate]

Why are any of us here?

video.

[chillestrogue]

Don't play that with me.

Why are you here?

video.

[recinerate]

I have reasons. None of which I care to disclose at this juncture.

video.

[chillestrogue]

It's all right to say "I don't know" or "I don't want to answer."

I just don't like it when you try to avoid the question entirely.

video.

[recinerate]

I'll keep that in mind, for the future.

video.

[chillestrogue]

What's in store for you and me in the future?

video.

[recinerate]

I have no idea. I can't see the future.

video.

[chillestrogue]

Can't make an educated guess?

video.

[recinerate]

I haven't the foggiest. Do you have a guess?

video.

[chillestrogue]

I think, for now, I'll keep my distance until I know you better. Little bit of a paradox, I know.

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.