first feather; video → text

[cagedowner]

[ the communicator clicks on to the video function, showing the owner of the communicator who seems oblivious to the camera rolling. He’s barefoot, and sitting on top of the old slide in the park, with a kiseru in hand (still lit) ]Did I fall asleep while waiting for Doumeki to bring the whisky? I hope I haven’t dropped the kiseru again. It would

Comments

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[lutefisk]

It's hardly Japan, for one.

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[cagedowner]

Judging from the street signs, no.

Are you a resident of this place?

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[lutefisk]

No, and the same can be said for anyone who responds to this.

It'll be a while before you get that whisky, if anything.

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[cagedowner]

That's a shame.

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[lutefisk]

Unless they end up coming here with it.

Have you been told the basics?

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[cagedowner]

Do people come here often?

I understand this is a place called Discedo in a world called Fortuna.

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[lutefisk]

Often enough. They leave often too.

Someone will likely bring up the scientists soon enough. Our abductors.

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[cagedowner]

Interesting.

You have met our abductors?

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[lutefisk]

I haven't. I doubt any of us have, really. Even with full abilities.

You possess anything otherworldly? You'll notice fast they don't exist here.

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[cagedowner]

I have noticed a restraint.

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[lutefisk]

Apparently it's the fault of a chip implanted into us.

You can remove it for a price.

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[cagedowner]

Naturally, everything comes with a price.

What is it?

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[lutefisk]

It depends on what you're capable of.

The most prominent side effect is that you temporarily lose control of your abilities. Depending, it can either be harmless or cause devastation for everyone here.

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[cagedowner]

Its as if everyone pays the price for it.

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[lutefisk]

You'll just need to gauge whether it's worth the gamble.

But even then there are other priorities. Where you decide to stay, for one.

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[cagedowner]

I assume there are not that many places to choose.