[ 001 ]

[defies_reason]

[ VIDEO / ACTION ]

--be home soon.

[The voice is faintly tinny, coming from the phone only to be picked back up as service switches over (unexpectedly) to the Network. And along with it comes the visual of a man looking straight at the camera, since he had been brooding over the screen.

The expression doesn't last, though; his chin snaps up in alarm, phone forgotten, at what ought to be a window overlooking Miami and not... Well, he doesn't know what. He turns to look over his shoulder, one side and then the other.

He grimaces slightly, and says in a soft voice:]

Well, that's an interesting complication.


[ooc; some vagueness may occur to allow for continuity but feel free to bump into him if you'd rather!]

Comments

audio;

[dr_conscience]

I think I can forgive that, yes. The majority of us actually do not come from places where people regularly slip in and out of realities, so it's a relatable doubt.

audio;

[defies_reason]

It seems you've all adapted well.

audio;

[dr_conscience]

The impossible does have a way of bringing that quality out.

audio;

[defies_reason]

How many people go mad instead, I wonder.

audio;

[dr_conscience]

You might be surprised at how resilient most of the people here turn out to be. I'm certain some of them are.

audio;

[defies_reason]

Perhaps it's harder here to see the difference.

audio;

[dr_conscience]

It might be. And honestly, I'd believe we have to surrender a bit of sanity to survive.

[And... a slight pause.]

Though, I really ought to note, things aren't always terrible here. This can hardly be a heartening conversation upon arrival.

audio;

[defies_reason]

I'd rather hear the worst and be pleasantly surprised, I think, than have all optimism and no practicality.

audio;

[dr_conscience]

Probably a wise approach.

You know, I'd welcome you, but that's probably not a word you'd find particularly fitting at the moment. So, cutting to introductions - I'm James Wilson.

audio;

[defies_reason]

Call me Isaak.

[No last names, at least until he's sure he's not a wanted man here.]

Thank you, Mr. Wilson. For the consideration of my mood, as well as the welcome.

audio;

[dr_conscience]

It's, ah... Doctor, actually, but James is fine.

[Quick to add the humble on to that clarification, because his intention is certainly not to come off as a self-important jerk. There are enough of those around.]

As far from ideal as the circumstances are, it's nice to meet you, Isaak.

audio;

[defies_reason]

The pleasure's mine, Doctor.

[Come, now, don't downplay your accomplishments.]

audio;

[dr_conscience]

[Hey, he just doesn't want to come off as bragging. There's a light, cordial pause.]

Well, I'm... sure you have plenty to process, but if you do have any questions or need anything - don't hesitate to ask, if you'd like. I've... been here a fairly long time.

audio;

[defies_reason]

How long is fairly long?

audio;

[dr_conscience]

Well...

[He always has to pause to do the math, and he never likes having to tell new arrivals this. He doubts it's what anyone wants to hear upon arriving. But Isaak did say he wanted to hear the worst.]

Close to four years, all together. I went home twice - once for a year at home, which was a month in this City, and once for just a few hours, which was apparently a couple of weeks here. It's all... very disorienting, honestly.

audio;

[defies_reason]

My God, you've a talent for understatement.

Is that usual? Years at a stretch.

audio;

[dr_conscience]

If there were words that would suit, I'd use them.

But no, it's not. There are only so many of us who have been here for so long; I've seen more people than I could begin to count come and go.

audio;

[defies_reason]

That must be endlessly frustrating.

audio;

[dr_conscience]

Well, I'm certainly not about to disagree.

I'd say most people stay for a matter of months, instead. A year would probably be considered a long time to a lot of people here.

audio;

[defies_reason]

A matter of months is an unpleasant enough prospect.