ONE. » video

[rideofthefearlings]

[ The screen turns on to show nothing but an almost completely black room. If the viewer watches long enough, their eyes might adjust to see dull shapes of what could be furniture but it's hard to tell. Then something darker than the gloom, a black-on-black shadow, moves past the screen and a voice comes across. For some, it will be audible and some, perhaps not. ]

What a charming little city you all have here. So bright and colourful, so full of life.

[ A disembodied mouth appears against the blackness of the background, grinning a razor smile. It's followed shortly after by a pair of bright gold eyes, the voice low and amused and confident, ]

And yet like most things there is a touch of darkness to it. With that in mind I pose a riddle, for those of you who choose to play along: when is a captive not a captive and a cage not a cage?

---

((OOC: Remember to check out his permissions post for whether your character can see/hear him. Thank you!))

Comments

text;

[logistical]

Kindly clarify.

Re: text;

[rideofthefearlings]

[ There serves little purpose in obscuring the fact, he decides. This place has already thrown his expectations for a loop, not only being able to communicate with people directly who were not other spirits, but having both child and adult alike respond to him. It had been a long time since the Nightmare King had been so thoroughly caught off guard, but this place -- whatever it was -- has done it. ]

There are some who exist in the world that cannot be perceived without a basis of belief.

perma-text until otherwise stated both ends

[logistical]

[Spock would only ask more and more questions until he found some semblance of the truth. He stares at the word belief for a while, pondering. In his world there are only facts, lies, and things that are yet to be solidified as facts. There is little room for fantasy, even if there is a place for hope.]

Do you exist independently or as part of a system of belief?

[To him, there was a difference. Ginny's magic existed as part of a system which had rules, and was thus quantifiable. A loose cannon was... less so, and thus more difficult to grasp.]

[rideofthefearlings]

Independent. Though it might be more accurate to say, I exist across all systems of belief, in one form or another.

[ There existed no culture, no race, and no world without Fear. ]

[logistical]

It suggests a universal principle.

May I ask what, precisely?

[rideofthefearlings]

You seem like a smart fellow, why don't you take a guess?

[logistical]

Given that I cannot perceive you, it is highly probable I am either unaware of or do not acknowledge the belief upon which your existence relies, and thus, any guess will only waste your time and mine.

[rideofthefearlings]

I have nothing but time. You may return to place your guess when you're in a more discerning mood.

video;

[logistical]

[Spock has switched back to video, and his original expression of mild confusion is now curiosity. He's talked to Jim and then he looked over the other replies. While he still couldn't see or hear Pitch, he could observe other people's responses and thus come to a sound conclusion.]

Mr. Black. I have determined that the basis for your existence is Fear.

Re: video;

[rideofthefearlings]

[ Eyes like molten gold seem to swim out of the gloom on the feed. ]

Well I certainly hope you don't expect a pat on the head for cheating.

video;

[logistical]

I am employing all the resources at my disposal.

[So dry, but ah! He can hear a voice!]

I am able to perceive you. [wait for it...] Fascinating.

Re: video;

[rideofthefearlings]

[ Unlike with Jim, there isn't much of a connecting feeling when Spock's perception changes and that's interesting to Pitch. Probably more interesting than bodes well for the Vulcan, truthfully. ]

Your captain suggested you might be the one to ask regarding information on the structure of this place.

permavideo;

[logistical]

I am.

[He forwards a text attachment]

Here is the rudimentary information. Should you require further assistance, I will do what I am able.

Re: permavideo;

[rideofthefearlings]

[ Pitch reads through it expediently, though he'll go back through and review it later on with his own notated thoughts. One thing seems glaringly missing however. ]

Where is information on those brought here?

[logistical]

It is centralised in a place known as the Hall of the Missing. It is futile to keep track of existing residents when they have been known to appear and disappear at any moment, so the City keeps record when they leave.

Should you wish for a more comprehensive list of current residents, you will require approximately four weeks to study this network at a Vulcan's processing capacity. The earliest known is approximately five years prior to today.

[rideofthefearlings]

There's been no common thread to those brought here, and those sent away versus those who have stayed for extended duration?

[ Not that five years is anything but a blink to him, but still. He doesn't exactly look forward to being limited to one city and its surroundings for the foreseeable future either. ]

[logistical]

If there is a pattern, I have yet to determine it.

[And he's sure he would, if one existed.]

[rideofthefearlings]

You have yet to fully determine me, forgive me if I don't place full confidence in your observational skill just yet.

oh SNAP

[logistical]

The basis is illogical and thus you cannot be expected to adhere to reasonable standards.

You are forgiven.

[rideofthefearlings]

Illogical but not untrue, as having this conversation should clearly underscore. I may have to request from your captain someone less biased to present the information, next time.

But I do appreciate your attempt.