Video ♔ 001

[pointofserenity]

[The first thing Charles had done when he had woken up in a strange place was to gather information. That was a simple enough task when he had noticed he wasn't the only person around even if he couldn't see anyone. The second was to examine the new additions to his pocket

Comments

[1blackcat]

They do take a bit of getting used to. It's easier for people familiar with cell phones. Although... if you're from 1962, that would be a bit ahead of your time, wouldn't it?

This one is called a Dreamberry.

[pointofserenity]

You have that right, I'm afraid I don't know what a 'cell phone' is.

[He hums.]

A Dreamberry for a Dream world is it?

[1blackcat]

That's right. A bit derivative, isn't it? But it works.

A cell phone is a portable telephone that operates off of a battery and relies on a network of radio signals to transmit the signal. They revolutionized phone communication by allowing people to call one another at nearly any location.

Dreamberries are similar in function with a more advanced range of options, like the video feed we're using now.

[pointofserenity]

That is interesting.

Do these require a battery as well? Or have already taken it into account?

[1blackcat]

Dreamberries don't require charging, thankfully. I'm not sure how it works, but they always seem to have energy without maintenance from the owner. Handy, isn't it?

[pointofserenity]

Definitely. Many things seem to have been greatly improved since my time.

[1blackcat]

That's very true. The year I come from is 1998. Quite a lot changes-- most of it for the better.

In any case, to return the introduction, my name is Omi Tsukiyono. Nice to meet you, Professor.

[pointofserenity]

The pleasure is mine... [Does his best to get the pronunciation correct.] Omi and there's no need to call me professor, it makes me feel like an old fart.

[1blackcat]

Ah-- sorry! Then, what do you prefer?

[pointofserenity]

Just Charles is fine.

[1blackcat]

[Just Charles? Omi hopes he can remember that. It seems awfully familiar-- especially for a professor-- but if that's what he wants, he should try to accommodate.]

All right. Then, it seems you're already aware of the possibility of meeting someone you know from an earlier or later point in time than you know them now. Have you heard about the dream broadcasts and the cards? Of all things that might create unease in this world, I think those three are the most likely.

[pointofserenity]

I've only heard about the dream broadcasts. What do these cards do exactly?

[1blackcat]

[Hesitates]

Promise you won’t use them for practical jokes?

[pointofserenity]

Cross my heart.

[1blackcat]

Okay.

Cards can be found at random throughout the world. It sounds bizarre, but touching one results in a wide range of potential side effects. For example, altered personality, changes in one's age, or even the acquisition of a different body-- including of the opposite sex.

The effects are always temporary, but they're often distressing at the time, and can have longer-lasting consequences. They're best avoided if possible.

[pointofserenity]

That's really possible?

[That is a distressing thought.]

I shall do my best to avoid them. It doesn't sound like much of a pleasant experience.