001

[noracingstripes]

[There's a sound like a rustle as the device is turned on, as if whoever has it is holding it too close to their face. The voice sounds furious.]

Stephen, I swear to fucking Christ -- if he's put you up to this I'm going to fucking kill you. Where the hell am I?

Comments

[audio]

[sevenofnine]

It appears to be Earth, more specifically North America in the early 21st century. The actual geographical location remains to be seen. In any case, it is not possible to leave. May I be of assistance?

[She doesn't plan to do anything beyond providing Matt -- and yes, she heard him identified -- with information. It'll be down to Mello to grant all of their stories credibility.]

[audio]

[noracingstripes]

America? They've brought me back to fucking America?

[Matt just sounds exhausted, by this point.]

[audio]

[sevenofnine]

Not strictly. It is a facsimile of America. If it were the real thing, it would not... repeat. [Seven expounds upon the last word, wanting to liken the situation to a faulty holomatrix:] If you exit the city in any direction, all roads inevitably lead back where you began. There is nothing on the horizon, and beyond that the city again becomes visible in the distance. Do you understand?

[audio]

[noracingstripes]

[There's a very long pause before Matt records his next message, which also involves a very long pause.]

... what the everliving fuck are you talking about?

[audio]

[sevenofnine]

[Her pause is much less noticeable. She just had to mouth 'everliving fuck' to herself, quizzically, before replying.]

Consider it a status report. You asked where you were. It was the only part I felt qualified to respond to, as I am not Stephen.

[audio]

[noracingstripes]

None of this makes any sense.

[audio]

[sevenofnine]

Agreed. If it is any consolation, you are far from alone. You will adapt.

[Audio]

[noracingstripes]

I don't know if I believe all this.

[Audio]

[sevenofnine]

Whether you believe it or not is irrelevant. This is fact, not opinion. It will be proven to your satisfaction.

Now, if you can resist the urge to swear creatively, I was not finished. The only place of particular interest we can access is an underground replica of this city. There are distinct differences between this side and that one -- it may be best if you observe them for yourself.

[Audio]

[noracingstripes]

... I think I'd rather not. If it's all the same to you.

[He sounds suddenly exhausted.]

We can move about freely within the city?

[Audio]

[sevenofnine]

What would you find it easier to believe?

[This in spite of the fact that it's entirely too late to lie.]

Yes. You will need the currency that was provided along with your communicator to purchase food or personal items.

[Audio]

[noracingstripes]

... I need cigarettes. Is there a place nearby...?

[Audio]

[sevenofnine]

[It hardly escapes her notice that he didn't address the first question. She isn't vindictive enough to withhold information in turn. He's disorientated, so he's off the hook for now.]

Yes. Exit via the front entrance and proceed to the right for a distance of-- [She derails mid-sentence with a shining moment of realization. Sometimes when people ask these things it isn't necessarily because they want directions.] ... I would prefer to show you than describe the location. May I accompany you?

[Audio]

[noracingstripes]

... sure. If you like.

[He sounds a little reluctant, but he's agreeing. When it comes down to it, he's more shy than anti-social.]

[Audio]

[sevenofnine]

I will meet you in the lobby. Now. [It goes without saying that she was prepared for him to say no -- the command voice is an unfortunate consequence of his agreement.]

It is not far. In the interim we can discuss cybernetics. [Either she has him at a disadvantage or she thinks she does.]

[Action]

[sevenofnine]

[Seven is soon waiting in the exact middle of the lobby, standing to attention with her hands clasped behind her. She's notably wearing her biosuit instead of her Disturbian casual-wear, since she's been regenerating in it as a rule. The garment may be horrific in terms of fashion, but it's also more efficient at regulating body temperature.]