spaghettimonster | Save Our Earth IC Contact

Hey.

Is this your number?

Edited 2018-09-13 12:09 (UTC)

[There's a couple hours delay before a response comes - likely a mix of the time that passes before Russell checks the Network at all, and another much shorter delay before he responds.]

I don't hear you reciting a number...? Did part of your message get cut off?

I'm on my phone. So I typed it in.

[It's just the easiest way of accessing the network wherever and whenever she wants. Convenient when you have a grandmother who is easily talked into buying you a phone if you say that you totally need one to stay in touch and safe because those are the times.]

[It really is; that's the same way Russell's tapped in, this time. This voice sounds familiar, though it's taking a minute to place, between the confusion of a network message that went up a while ago but has no responses yet.]

Certainly, certainly, but... I don't understand. Am I the only one hearing this? Besides you.

Well, I input your number and not mine.

So I'd assume to just be talking to you.

And that worked?

That put you in contact with me??

Obiously.

Unless you still think that I'm a ...part of your imagination.

No, I know better now. Even if it would be simpler.

You sound like a kid. And familiar. We've met... Did I think I was imagining you then?

No.

We met when the lady gave us food after the zoo hunt.

That's it, you're the kid who asked strange questions.

[As though that doesn't describe most kids ever.]

And I told you my number, but I didn't say what it was... You remembered that? That was weeks ago, that's seriously impressive.

I wrote it down.

They don't dial if you break them up and put a smiley in between, or a number that doesn't go there, or a word, or something.

Thinking of that so easily... You're making me feel old.

[He's only in his 20s, he shouldn't feel behind the curve technologically.]

Well, you are old.

[From her point of view he's positively ancient, after all.]

What? No! I'm... not that old! Not even thirty.

You're an adult.

But not adult adult.

What else would you be, a child adult?

Y...Yes? Or is that just a manchild...?

No, that doesn't work. Let's say I'm a young adult.

[Nailed it.]

Manchild sounds more appropriate. You aren't particularly young.

I'm plenty young!! And... And to prove it, I'm hanging up!

[Once he figures out how.]

That's not proving anything except for that you can't deny the truth.

Proving...?! There's no winning arguments against nosy, stubborn children! Think what you like!

There's only no winning arguments because I'm right.

No you're not!!

[Finally, he remembers out how to disconnect, and breaks the connection on that defensive screech. The network doesn't work like a phone, does it? Will he get loud messages when he's specifically pulled himself out of that headspace, or will they be stuck on there as recordings to experience later - or, optionally, never?]

Hey, you need to tell my family that you're dogsitting me all day on Saturday.

[Not checked immediately, but when he does he's baffled.]

Huh? I don't have anything on my calendar... Are you sure it was all day?

Of course it is all day. I want that much time free from someone checking where I am.

You...

[There's another minute as he tries to follow, then his voice returns with a good deal more suspicion.]

I'm not scheduled to take you, you're asking me to... volunteer to, to be your fall guy for your plans for the day?

Of course.

[Duh.]

That's what you will be. Don't worry, nothing will happen to me while you're responsible.

That's not how dogsitting works, they ask me, and...

Why don't you sneak out? I know you've done that before.

I want to go to the manor House all day! And if I stay away for that long without [an excuse] a dogsitter, they'll notice!

Sure, but it's not like they'll ask you questions about it! They'll just... be more careful letting you out for a while.

[When he puts it that way, he doesn't envy being a dog.]

It's too bad you can't get yourself hired as your own dogsitter...

[He mutters it, because it's a ridiculous notion. Too many holes to fill. Even if Chad made a convincing human, with all the relevant documents, he'd need a body-double for the dog, and Chad's not just any Pomeranian after all.]

...I could if they don't see me pick myself up.

[No, but perhaps he could figure out some logistics... (fat chance, Chad).]

But not now.

And they'll start looking for me too soon. [And he is a rather recognizable dog.]

Right, that's true enough...

[Russell's fingers tap rhythmically somewhere, a percussion to his thoughts. Benjiro pointed out that offering Chad options that Russell can live with is the best way for the dog to feel like he's decided something, without overwhelming him. If he can offer Chad an idea that doesn't involve Russell volunteering to the family, and trying to come up with an explanation why, it'll surely save him trouble in the long run.]

Hey, is there... Is there any kind of limit to how long you can be human? I mean, do you need to be a dog to go to the manor all day?

[Surely.]

[...]

I don't think there's a limit.

I have never experienced one. But I've never stayed a human for particularly long, either.

You know how it works best, but...

[He's going to regret suggesting this, isn't he.]

They won't know to look for a human. Right? So, if they come looking, you can duck out of sight... Do whatever you do, to change... And they'll be none the wiser.

[...Ohhhhhhhhh.]

They will never find me.

[He'll still be in trouble once he's home again, but that aside... he'll walk unhindered.

He should probably place some clothes somewhere outside for stealth manoeuvrers...]

[Thank goodness.]

Exactly. And - huh. If they don't know I'm involved, they might call me to look for you... but won't get mad if I fail.

[At least if Russell really needs to find Chad, he can pester him with the network.]

[Russell will probably be called in to help looking frequently now. Does he really understand what he did here... At least Chad will spend enough time in human form to maybe acquire fitting clothes?]

All right.

[And the connection ends. He has things to prepare, now.]

Chad mentioned getting an Echo after chasing a mouse, and that you were there with him. One, did you also have an Echo, and Two, if so, are you all right?

[Walter is Concerned.]

[Pretty quickly after Walter's text comes a terse reply.]

in fine
1 yes 2 yes
just a memory

[As far as he can tell, anyway. It's been only a short while, but nothing's physically changed, and he hasn't noticed any changes to his temperament, besides just feeling a bit embarrassed for the guy (him) who went through it.]

[Walter quietly hopes that parsing typos won't become harder for him in future.]

Did it seem relevant to what just happened? Chad didn't like his memory.

bugger all to do w anything

...
but now you mention it
i didn't like mine either

Remind you any of when we first encountered a certain Mr. Evil?

[Though at least those memories weren't calculated to traumatize; the onset of an Echo was enough to disturb and distract.]

no relation
but it was PERFECTLY timed to let something get away

i didn't see him anywhere though
and believe me i looked

[After a few minutes of disorientation and pestering Chad for answers, anyway.]

Or whatever you let get away?

[Which leads to the regrettably-simple conclusion:]

We're not dealing with a mouse as one of the Numbered now, are we? Much as I'd rather it not be Mr. Evil again.

[At least two minutes pass before a reply from Russell, as he first squints suspiciously at that very specific guess, to doublechecking the network to confirm just what Chad's been saying.]

i refuse to believe just being numbered is enough to cause echoes
i haven't caused you any echoes have i???

maybe he turns into a mouse

[If Chad can turn human, who's to say other animals can't, as well. Not that it's a comforting thought in any way shape or form.]

Considering you have to get an Echo to begin with to gain a Number, I agree. And no, just being near you has not caused me any Echoes.

[Separate text:]

That's the likeliest option - if Stone smells him, we could get a better idea.

[Since Chad's already had a go.]

...is that how it works then

[He hasn't kept up with the theories and conclusions about things, and the chronology of the beginning of all this has gotten fuzzy for him.]

Hold up now, who does stone need to smell

[Walter's well aware this is going to sound strange, but:]

The mouse - though that might be more of a 'what' than a 'who'. If it's one of the people we know already, in a different form, wouldn't there be some underlying connection? If we just assume they can cloak that sort of thing, it's a nonstarter, but there's no foul in trying in the first place.

Wait, Chad was with me when I saw the mouse

He didn't mention it smelling like anyone we know

[Which might rule out that whole fearful scenario - a huge relief. Or it would be, if he knew...]

I don't know, does Chad smell the same?

[He's pretty sure Stone's met both forms by now. If Walter's keeping up with collecting and analyzing information, he's more likely to know.]

It'd be like triangulating a signal; if anyone else can track life signs, or has an enhanced sense of smell, their skills would also be immensely useful.

[As well as imply further accuracy.]

Oh right, checking each others' work

I can't do that but Ill tell you if I gain a power like it

[After all, it would make sense for the undead to be able to sense life and death. How else do zombies not attack each other, pheromones? And given all signs point toward lich or necromantic construct...

(I don't remember if Russell knows about Mary Ann's life sensing ability, no sign of knowing in any of my threads, so he can't offer that suggestion.)]

[If Russell could start seeing souls, that would be a help.]

Thanks. I'll do the same.

[(And that's fair, tbh. Don't think she's mentioned it to Walter either? Check the Network post where Stone asks about visible powers.)]

right then
i'm going to see what Chad's been saying
he wasn't real talkative at the time

[((From my skim, she mentioned the invisible cat, but not life sensing. Doublechecked the checkup post, no mention. I'm going to proceed with the assumption he doesn't know.

Hilariously, I'm realizing that I didn't specify seeing souls in my app, though Undertale monsters definitely can see it, especially when it's been pinged another color or are using it to select parts of Papyrus in his date/hangout. I'll keep that in mind for future echoes.))]

Given how Echoes can be, that's understandable.

[Because hoo boy, has Walter been knocked flat by some before!]

Save Our Earth IC Contact

voice - finally getting around to putting that number in her phone after Pride

(returning from hiatus!)

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June 7th - Normal (Encrypted) Phone Text

Phone Text

Re: Phone Text

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f for my borked italics there, did i do <i> instead of <small>?

Not sure. |D

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Please do keep it in mind, yes! ;)