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

[cantcatchme]

So, what. Are we doing a philosophical discussion of the week now or some shit?

[recinerate]

Have there been previous inquiries made? This is my first.

[cantcatchme]

No. You're just presenting it like this is some sort of group therapy discussion or some shit. What's your angle?

[He only knows this guy is new from other responses - it's been over a month and he still hasn't met everyone on board.]

[recinerate]

I'm merely attempting to initiate a conversation. I'm not a therapist.

[cantcatchme]

So you're saying you have no idea how people talk to each other, eh?

[recinerate]

With words, usually.

[cantcatchme]

With... words.

Dude, you sound like a robot. Or, like, a fucking English professor.

[recinerate]

I'm not either of those. Do you have an answer?

[cantcatchme]

You're the deep thinker. You answer first.

[recinerate]

A name is a good place to start, for an identity.

[cantcatchme]

Great! Great. We'll start with you.

[recinerate]

Beyond. You?

[cantcatchme]

[Pietro gives him a level look, keeping a completely straight face with one eyebrow raised.]

Beyond me what?

[Because that's not a name. That's not even a code name.]

[recinerate]

What is your name.

[cantcatchme]

You're seriously telling me your name is 'Beyond.'

[Yes, he's avoiding the question. For no good reason, really.]

[recinerate]

Yes. Beyond Birthday.

[it's an unusual name, he knows this - but it's meaningful, and it's a name of his own choosing, and it's the only name he has left to claim for himself.]

[cantcatchme]

Beyond. Birthday.

[Just to make sure he heard him right.]

Please tell me that's a poorly thought out code name.

[recinerate]

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

[cantcatchme]

[Now he's just feeling obstinate.]

Quicksilver.

[recinerate]

And what is your answer?

[cantcatchme]

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?

[recinerate]

That is what shapes your identity? The name Quicksilver?

[cantcatchme]

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

But you're being a bit too literal.

[recinerate]

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

[cantcatchme]

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.