001. [Video; English]

[notmanaging]

[Use this, the note had said, and after scouting her surroundings further, Adrian had found nothing else of use. It's with some slight fumbling that Adrian attempts to use the communicator; she turns on the audio function first by accident, then drops it to the ground with a slight thump - a few more noises and then the video feed turns on. As much

Comments

[verily_ergo]

No. It isn't Los Angeles, Ms. Andrews. You're in Discedo, now.

[notmanaging]

[Without even looking at her communicator, Adrian automatically traces her hand over the map, looking for a place called...'Discaydo'? 'Diskehdo'? She thought she knew all of the cities hotspots. Yet, when her search proves fruitless, she looks over at her communicator and is surprised to recognise the person she sees.]

Mr. Edgeworth?

[verily_ergo]

I'm afraid you won't find it on any map from Earth. This may sound rather ridiculous to the inexperienced ear, but you've been brought to a city in another planet.

You could not be in Southern California, in any case. It's far too cold, the ground is covered with snow and this is certainly no movie set.

[notmanaging]

I know it's too cold. I'm familiar with the state's weather patterns. [Her voice has become almost snappish, and she finds herself pushing her glasses up her nose in an attempt to calm down.] I assume you're not familiar with the sort of special-effects certain clubs employ? Sometimes, it is indeed almost like entering another world.

...I've never heard of this Discedo place, though.

[verily_ergo]

I assume you're familiar with life threatening situations. I advise you to first sample the feel of that real snow between your fingers before you find shelter posthaste. [Her snappishness gets a snap in return, although he manages to quiet himself considerably--possibly more than she would have ever heard--because he knows she'll be aware of the gravity of the situation in time.]

... None of us have. We are here nonetheless. Do you see any street signs? Landmarks?

[notmanaging]

[She reaches down, threads her fingers through the snow until they're so numb she can barely feel them. At first, she had thought it was just another special effect, but she can't remember fake snow ever being this cold. She rubs her fingers together, blowing on them for warmth. Then, her eyes scan the horizon.]

I think I see a playground.

1/3

[verily_ergo]

Have you acquired a map yet? If not, allow me to send you one.

[verily_ergo]

[Map of Discedo]

[verily_ergo]

I also strongly advise avoiding the graveyard. Your best refuge for now would be one of the apartment complexes or even the church or high school.

Additionally, should you have any questions concerning Discedo, I will do my best to answer them.

[notmanaging]

[She goes silent as she studies the map; this is like no place she has ever seen. Surely it can't all be real?]

This is starting to become far too elaborate, even for a prank.

[verily_ergo]

I would call it elaborate if it was a fabrication. It isn't. A group of scientists bring people from different worlds for some unknown purpose--there's no escape unless they decide to send you home.

[notmanaging]

Even if it's real, could it still not be considered elaborate?

[verily_ergo]

Yes, but that would be a mighty understatement if one applied "elaborate" to reality.

[notmanaging]

I can think of no other word that quite so adequately describes life.

...Can you, Mr. Edgeworth?

[verily_ergo]

Yes, but regardless, to describe life in one word is to do it a great injustice.

[notmanaging]

So how would you define life?