That's intensely thorough. And you're right: with how heavily this world revolved around data, you'd think that the absolute erasure of it would be unthinkable. Even with as less advanced as Eos is, we know that the internet is, essentially, 'forever'. There's always another backup server or a log of edits or someone who took a screenshot years ago, or even just peoples memories.
[it's a lot of power, and a lot of ability. And he wonders if it's done with traditional technology, or similarly to the way they've brought people to this world. Nothing says their dimensional transit would only work one way.]
The sheer unknown of it makes it daunting. The fact that even people born and raised in this world can't fathom the technology or abilities that would enable this makes it even more distressing.
Given this, it's not surprising that we go to such lengths to posture on the network and act as though we're not quite as in over our heads as we are. It would be easy to completely lose morale. Which, really, I couldn't blame some. I'm surprised more haven't disconnected entirely from Morningstar and chosen to find their place in this world, instead of searching for answers.
We don't even know if they're ill-intentioned, or if they care about us at all. I suppose they have some stake, as they gave us implants and dropped us off in populated areas, as opposed to simply killing us or leaving us disconnected.
[A pause.]
They go to great lengths to stay unknown. Do you think there's a way we could use that to leverage them into making contact with us?
We're certainly in over our heads, but we're not helpless, either. We're a clever lot, as disorganised as we are, with varied skillsets that have placed us everywhere from the government to the big three corporations in this city. We fought a giant monster, cured and solved a city-wide epidemic, sketched out the final hours of the terminated third party agent, and saved countless lives in the recent raids.
The steps you take don't need to be big, they just have to take you in the right direction.
[ his partner's words, not his own, and he'll say them until his path takes him back to her. ]
That being said, I'm interested in more audacious moves going forward.
Not long ago, we certainly hoped the third party would make contact, when two of our own were accused of murder and taken into the NAPD station unregistered. The displaced in question have declined to share the circumstances of their release for want of a considerable payout, but I'd be surprised if Morningstar was involved — which either means the NAPD let them go because they lacked the ability to book someone who doesn't exist, or our third party intervened.
All that to say, I think you're right that they're invested in us, for the reasons you've said and more. Testing just how much can only better inform our understanding of them, even if we don't win an audience.
[ it'll be risky — which sounds rather appealing, at present. ]
I appreciate that determined, optimistic-tempered-with-realism approach. We really could use more of that here.
[Because Fitz isn't wrong. They're an unknown quantity with massive potential. They have different experiences and worldview and ways of thinking about things that makes them unpredictable and surprisingly well-equipped for being a rag-tag group of dimensional refugees.]
Ah yes- those troublemakers. I doubt the NAPD let them go. While unable to book them, they still would have had to write reports. And that wouldn't have gone unnoticed. It's possible they were assumed to merely be implant-thieves, switching out their own to hide their identity, but even that would have drawn far more attention. As you say, I feel as though their freedom speaks to intervention.
Keith informed me of a monster attack from before we arrived, and the possibility that it was drawn into this world the same way we were, by the same party we were, which is worth considering also.
[But drawing attention.... It has to be something that won't endanger all of them- especially those with key positions in the government or Morningstar or any of the major corporations. But that's fine, there seems to be plenty of hot-blooded patsies among their ranks. The paintings around the safehouses are too much of an unknown and clearly aren't doing the trick... but perhaps the Third Party™ knows that it doesn't originate within them.]
We have to assume they'll cover up anything digitally they can. But they can't cover up what people see or experience, nor what they remember. It has to be large enough scale that people notice and talk and investigate.
And likely someone- or multiple someones- would be putting themselves at risk, should we think of something.
As for the monster, I agree with you and Keith both. 1. Our ability to cure the virus/spores spread by the burning of the monster carcasses suggests we're made of the same stuff, in some respect. You can't become the antidote or antibodies without a relationship to the source. 2. Unexplained earthquakes and power outages affected several megacities last summer, and quakes preceded the arrival of the large creature in question on June 27 2511. The creature's DNA was also degrading, which while different from how we flicker in and out, shares "canary in a coal mine" feeling. Clearly, this universe isn't stable.
[ just rapidfire rambles, as per. ]
I don't think it necessarily needs to be large, just impossible to deny for a few observant and stubborn types, unlikely to dismiss what they see. Perhaps we revisit the NAPD. And we watch for someone open to risk.
[ aka we wait for someone expendable... ]
its ok its ok, always willing to wait for these nerd bros
1. Keith mentioned that the glow in our chest seemed to be related to curing the illness caused, so I believe you're absolutely correct. 2. Do you think that means there are more creatures in other locations? And, for that matter, that there are more of us in other cities? 3. On that note, the stability here is really the most curious. It's impossible to know if we were truly transported across dimensions, or simply created here in the image of someone from our homes.
[which is the possibility he tries REALLY REALLY HARD not to think about because it fucks every plan up-- but he's gotta be honest if they're gonna get anywhere.]
Where any authoritative bodies meet, there's sure to be some sort of tensions. I'll see if I can't discover where any possible friction between the government or NAPD or UNA may exist and if that could be exploited for out purposes of getting the word out.
It will be hard to convince people that we're dimensional refugees. But I'm sure those who love a good conspiracy could be enticed.
You eyes and ears on potential exploits is much appreciated. Correct on 1. As for 2. No, I think there could be, but there haven't been any reports of similar anomalies yet. Not through official or unofficial channels.
[ neural net, morningstar, etc. ]
Whatever's happening in this world, we're sat on the hellmouth. 3. Seems a bit elaborate to go through the trouble of feigning capture and release, duplicating us but letting us become self-aware. I'm more inclined to take the Occam's Razor approach: The simplest explanation is the one most likely to be true. If it seems like we were kidnapped, at least for a time, we probably were. If it functions like a portal, it's probably just a portal.
[ the rest is still a possibility, but not worth fretting over (yet yet yet). ]
4. If someone is to be used to warrant attention, they don't need to convince anyone that they're a dimensional refugee, just that they're special. The superpowers, glowing, and general sense of entitlement on display ought to sell that much, in the event this plan has legs.
For the record, however, I'm working a project that would allow us to protect our identities and stand out simultaneously, so feel free to mention there's something in the works, if anyone is growing antsy about action. We ought to remember that any decision to go public invariably affects all of us, even those who have no interest in taking a stand.
[ spies keep their identities secret for covert operations, yes, but also to protect their loved ones and associates. it's not as black and white as finding patsies or being the big damn hero, at least in fitz's eyes. ]
[As always, Fitz has a point, leveling his concerns with ways the man had already thought it through. There's definitely a benefit from having the increased experience from time spent in this world.]
You may have a point. I just worry it could be easily passed off as some additional modification or cybernetic. We'd have to make a real statement, something large and long-lasting- and indisputable when both the government and whoever brought us here inevitable tries to scrub the records of it.
May I ask what that project is? It would certainly be safer, but also make it more difficult for the populace to connect with us on a personal level and care about our existence. Not that I'm advocating for full-on recklessly throwing ourselves to the mercy of this world, but I would like to consider all sides of it.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
so many delicious paragraphs....!!!!
[it's a lot of power, and a lot of ability. And he wonders if it's done with traditional technology, or similarly to the way they've brought people to this world. Nothing says their dimensional transit would only work one way.]
The sheer unknown of it makes it daunting. The fact that even people born and raised in this world can't fathom the technology or abilities that would enable this makes it even more distressing.
Given this, it's not surprising that we go to such lengths to posture on the network and act as though we're not quite as in over our heads as we are. It would be easy to completely lose morale. Which, really, I couldn't blame some. I'm surprised more haven't disconnected entirely from Morningstar and chosen to find their place in this world, instead of searching for answers.
We don't even know if they're ill-intentioned, or if they care about us at all. I suppose they have some stake, as they gave us implants and dropped us off in populated areas, as opposed to simply killing us or leaving us disconnected.
[A pause.]
They go to great lengths to stay unknown. Do you think there's a way we could use that to leverage them into making contact with us?
no subject
The steps you take don't need to be big, they just have to take you in the right direction.
[ his partner's words, not his own, and he'll say them until his path takes him back to her. ]
That being said, I'm interested in more audacious moves going forward.
Not long ago, we certainly hoped the third party would make contact, when two of our own were accused of murder and taken into the NAPD station unregistered. The displaced in question have declined to share the circumstances of their release for want of a considerable payout, but I'd be surprised if Morningstar was involved — which either means the NAPD let them go because they lacked the ability to book someone who doesn't exist, or our third party intervened.
All that to say, I think you're right that they're invested in us, for the reasons you've said and more. Testing just how much can only better inform our understanding of them, even if we don't win an audience.
[ it'll be risky — which sounds rather appealing, at present. ]
no subject
[Because Fitz isn't wrong. They're an unknown quantity with massive potential. They have different experiences and worldview and ways of thinking about things that makes them unpredictable and surprisingly well-equipped for being a rag-tag group of dimensional refugees.]
Ah yes- those troublemakers. I doubt the NAPD let them go. While unable to book them, they still would have had to write reports. And that wouldn't have gone unnoticed. It's possible they were assumed to merely be implant-thieves, switching out their own to hide their identity, but even that would have drawn far more attention. As you say, I feel as though their freedom speaks to intervention.
Keith informed me of a monster attack from before we arrived, and the possibility that it was drawn into this world the same way we were, by the same party we were, which is worth considering also.
[But drawing attention.... It has to be something that won't endanger all of them- especially those with key positions in the government or Morningstar or any of the major corporations. But that's fine, there seems to be plenty of hot-blooded patsies among their ranks. The paintings around the safehouses are too much of an unknown and clearly aren't doing the trick... but perhaps the Third Party™ knows that it doesn't originate within them.]
We have to assume they'll cover up anything digitally they can. But they can't cover up what people see or experience, nor what they remember. It has to be large enough scale that people notice and talk and investigate.
And likely someone- or multiple someones- would be putting themselves at risk, should we think of something.
one million yrs later
[ ignis... the true best man ]
As for the monster, I agree with you and Keith both.
1. Our ability to cure the virus/spores spread by the burning of the monster carcasses suggests we're made of the same stuff, in some respect. You can't become the antidote or antibodies without a relationship to the source.
2. Unexplained earthquakes and power outages affected several megacities last summer, and quakes preceded the arrival of the large creature in question on June 27 2511. The creature's DNA was also degrading, which while different from how we flicker in and out, shares "canary in a coal mine" feeling. Clearly, this universe isn't stable.
[ just rapidfire rambles, as per. ]
I don't think it necessarily needs to be large, just impossible to deny for a few observant and stubborn types, unlikely to dismiss what they see. Perhaps we revisit the NAPD.
And we watch for someone open to risk.
[ aka we wait for someone expendable... ]
its ok its ok, always willing to wait for these nerd bros
2. Do you think that means there are more creatures in other locations? And, for that matter, that there are more of us in other cities?
3. On that note, the stability here is really the most curious. It's impossible to know if we were truly transported across dimensions, or simply created here in the image of someone from our homes.
[which is the possibility he tries REALLY REALLY HARD not to think about because it fucks every plan up-- but he's gotta be honest if they're gonna get anywhere.]
Where any authoritative bodies meet, there's sure to be some sort of tensions. I'll see if I can't discover where any possible friction between the government or NAPD or UNA may exist and if that could be exploited for out purposes of getting the word out.
It will be hard to convince people that we're dimensional refugees. But I'm sure those who love a good conspiracy could be enticed.
no subject
Correct on 1. As for 2. No, I think there could be, but there haven't been any reports of similar anomalies yet. Not through official or unofficial channels.
[ neural net, morningstar, etc. ]
Whatever's happening in this world, we're sat on the hellmouth.
3. Seems a bit elaborate to go through the trouble of feigning capture and release, duplicating us but letting us become self-aware. I'm more inclined to take the Occam's Razor approach: The simplest explanation is the one most likely to be true. If it seems like we were kidnapped, at least for a time, we probably were. If it functions like a portal, it's probably just a portal.
[ the rest is still a possibility, but not worth fretting over (yet yet yet). ]
4. If someone is to be used to warrant attention, they don't need to convince anyone that they're a dimensional refugee, just that they're special. The superpowers, glowing, and general sense of entitlement on display ought to sell that much, in the event this plan has legs.
For the record, however, I'm working a project that would allow us to protect our identities and stand out simultaneously, so feel free to mention there's something in the works, if anyone is growing antsy about action. We ought to remember that any decision to go public invariably affects all of us, even those who have no interest in taking a stand.
[ spies keep their identities secret for covert operations, yes, but also to protect their loved ones and associates. it's not as black and white as finding patsies or being the big damn hero, at least in fitz's eyes. ]
no subject
You may have a point. I just worry it could be easily passed off as some additional modification or cybernetic. We'd have to make a real statement, something large and long-lasting- and indisputable when both the government and whoever brought us here inevitable tries to scrub the records of it.
May I ask what that project is? It would certainly be safer, but also make it more difficult for the populace to connect with us on a personal level and care about our existence. Not that I'm advocating for full-on recklessly throwing ourselves to the mercy of this world, but I would like to consider all sides of it.