[Network] username: leonskennedy | ota

[needsabreak]

[The camera angle isn't the most flattering, hinting that the tired looking young man isn't too used to camera phones.]

Hi. My name's Leon Kennedy. I'm new. I know a handful of people here are new too but some have been here before. I guess, I'm hoping to talk to a few people who are returning about the things you know about this place. Talking over this thing is fine but I'd prefer to meet in person.

Anyone who's returning who'd be alright meeting in person, I'll throw a drink on me into the deal. Your choice, beer or coffee.

Comments

[tolife]

[ His cup set aside again, as Herbert nodded.] Yes, I was researching a drug here that was killing chosen. I pissed off the wrong dealers in the process, so they killed me for it.

[ Works clipped very logical explanation. Someone was refusing to himself dwell on it. ] Of course, I do not remember anything past being shot. It was as if no time passed for me, myself. No going home, no new memories, as some get when they vanish and return. I awoke in a dusty bed of my assigned housing as if nothing had happened, aside from old caked blood on my clothes.

[ There was the important question. ] The Emperor, the Duchess, seems to have replaced him. He lived to toy with us, never offering answers or insight, and seemed to enjoy watching us suffer. The others I have heard of were the same. Except for Nina. Nina was a wonderful woman. She seemed out of place for that crowd. She'd offer you into her home and talk to you as a person. While, she couldn't give a lot, but she listened and tried to help.

[needsabreak]

No, I don't mean your death... or... maybe I do? You vanished when you died? You said this was your second time here, but you... you actually never left but also never woke up after you 'died'...

[He quiets, trying to piece all this together. None of it seems to make any sense, no rhyme or reason to it.] I guess that means you didn't fulfill whatever purpose you'd been brought here for.

Do people only vanish because they die? I guess, there's no way of knowing that... [What with the vanishing and such.

His head hurts and the coffee definitely isn't helping.]

Sounds like you had a bit of a thing for her.

[tolife]

Fair enough. I may have even confused myself. Though I am certain I died, so I am counting it as a second time.

[ He was not ashamed to admit that. ] Perhaps not, but I honestly do not care what they want me for. I would rather be home, or at least in my own time.

Sometimes, but some of those who vanish never would have been in a situation to be killed. So I don't believe they are connected. I may need more data there, though.

[ Herbert laughed then and shook his head some. ] Funny, but no. Never, not for anyone.

[ He sounded very serious when he said it. ]

[needsabreak]

I... huh... I wonder if that happened to anyone else. I was under the impression that the couple of other people I'd spoken to had left and are back now.

... You said you had dried blood on you and that the room was dusty... were you covered in dust? [He leaves some questions unspoken. Herbert seems more than smart enough to ask them on his own. If his deceased body hadn't been in that room and he hadn't gone home, where had it been? Leon doesn't know about his new acquaintance but he'd be pretty concerned by that.

On a more lighthearted note, he does get some wry amusement out of Herbert's staunch denial and he raises his hands in feigned surrender.]

My mistake.

[tolife]

I am certain it has, but I could reach out to some of those I know who have been around a while and ask. They are used to me having far too many questions.

[ A moment spared to check his watch. The glass on it was broken, but it still kept perfect time. He had awhile left. ]

I awoke with the blanket fully over my head and all, but it was very dusty. I was not. At least until; I sat up and it settled. [ He had no issues answering the questions, after all, knowledge is important. And if they ever want to get home, working together was the only way.

Most likely anyway. Shaking his head some, clearly amused at that wry amusement on Leon. ]

Good, keep that in mind. Anything else you want to ask of me?

[needsabreak]

[With the blanket over his body. Interesting.] So, you were there the whole time. Your body was.

[He's not really sure if it's significant or what it means but he is curious if this is what the others experienced as well.] Sure, if you wouldn't mind asking them. I wonder why your experience was different...

Actually, I do have another question. The City. It's... sentient, or so I've been told. Are you aware of any way to communicate with it? Or know of anyone who has tried?

[tolife]

[ He could go into detail over how strange it was given how little he sleeps, but no he simply nodded.] It would appear so. For me, it was as if no time moved.

I will get back to you once I gather the data, of course, Mr. Kennedy.

[ He paid attention to that transmission. That was how he had Leon's last name. ]

I've heard that before, but honestly, I have seen no evidence of this myself. Speak to Devi D, she's been here longer than most I know.

[needsabreak]

[Leon remains silent as Herbert answers what he can, obviously trying to piece everything together and now questioning some of the things he thought he'd started to understand. He needed to write all this down.] Thanks.

[He moves his cup of coffee experimentally, pretty sure it's only luke warm at this point but he tries it regardless, making a bit of a face.]

Devi D? Alright. [Herbert can't know this but Leon will meet up with her for one of the most aggravating and almost enlightening conversations yet.]

I can't really think of much else unless you can think of anything we haven't talked about yet.

[tolife]

[ Nodding silently a moment to the thanks. The wheels of his mind spinning already, this would be his distraction from work today. ]

It's never good once it cools.

[ Herbert commented at the face Leon made. He might have no idea, but he knew the girls always showed up where she was needed. So he'd not be shocked too much if Leon updates him. Devi was the closest to a friend Herbert would claim these days. ]

That is perfectly fine, I should be heading out soon anyway. Thank you for your time, and please feel free to reach out to me should you find any info of use. [ Pulling a business card from his inside jacket pocket, he held it over to Leon. It was an old one but the info was the same. ]

[needsabreak]

[Leon looks up when his coffee is commented on, offering something of a polite smile of acknowledgement and agreement.]

Sure, I don't want to keep y- [He blinks owlishly at the business card, taking a moment too long to reach out and take it.] You... have business cards... [It's less of a question and more of a statement of fact.]

Yeah, definitely. Nice meeting you. [Leon gives him a nod as he stands up and heads out as well with quite a lot to think about.]

[tolife]

I am from 1989, yes. I have business cards. They are from my last time I was here.

[ Grabbing up his briefcase from beside his leg, he stood.]

A pleasure to meet you as well. I will be around should you need anything.

[ A nod given as he turned to walk to pay the bill. Looking back to Leon when he was told, he nodded the man's way again. A silent thank you, before he vanished out the door. ]