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[acrimsongaze]

[the feed begins, showing a woman with red hair, fair skin, teal irises, and scarlet glasses, glaring so intensely at the camera you'd think she was trying to burn it with her eyes. she's absolutely unhappy with the current situation for several reasons, the first being--]

I am sure someone is viewing this, and who ever is should know where the hell I am. If this is supposed to be paradise for the dead, this is the poorest rendition of it I've ever seen. And trust me, I've heard of one with Faygo rivers and trees that grow special stardust. I believe I'd take that over this.

[even after their subtle betrayal, she'd take the damn clowns' idea of heaven, and all the clowns in it. at least then she'd be in her own body, and would understand so much more about it.]

The matter of where can be addressed with ease, as can the matter of why I'm here, how I was brought, and who did so. What I do not understand is the "what" of things. Particularly, what am I? Am I some sort of slug? A strange relative of the cholerbear? Is this what reincarnation really is? If it is, I think I would've been more content as a ghost.

[she gives a thoughtful pause, then softens slightly. her answers would come in due time. they always did. no need to be so upset... her gaze focuses back onto the camera, but this time it is not so harsh.]

If anyone has any information regarding any of my questions, please contact me as soon as possible. I am willing to work with anyone who has an idea of what is happening to me. [her calm facade shifts into something a bit more manic, a grin suddenly splitting her face.] And if anyone has any intelligence on the pirate, Marquise Spinneret Mindfang, please report it to me as well. [for what reasons? none that could be too good. before the feed ends, redglare winks, and offers few parting words:]

A good evening to you. Until we meet again.

[end feed.]

Comments

[youcantransform]

Quite.

Are you suggesting that the hotel management is draining something from its residents for their own ends? This is something you've seen before?

[acrimsongaze]

I can't be too sure, but you say people are losing some of their power. I don't know what humans use for energy, but we use [how to put it delicately...] people. [nailed it.] Psionic power is incredibly potent and powers anything you can imagine. As long as they're kept alive, their minds are ever-charged batteries. Of course, we have other means of power, but it's not nearly as clean or portable. [ah yes, extolling the virtues of slavery and body horror.]

Who is to say that our lovely management, who has the power to take us from different universes and keep us here, isn't draining us of power like that?

oops

[youcantransform]

[Well, that's horrifying. But he doesn't let it show, because either she's fishing for a response that he refuses to give, or because she simply doesn't know that anyone would consider it amoral. Likewise, no specific follow-up questions about those batteries.]

Who indeed.

What might that suggest about the nature of the 'lovely management', in your experience?

8* it's all good, all good.

[acrimsongaze]

[it might've been a little of both. just to see the strength of the human stomach.]

It suggests many things. If we compare them to my empress, Her Imperious Condescension-- who is capable of a great many things-- then they have a goal, a plan, one that cannot be achieved through "normal" means. They are not weak in any sense of the word, and they should not be tested. We are seen as inferior, playthings at best and tools at worst.

But we serve a purpose. They would not save us from unsavoury circumstances if we didn't. I believe it's beyond our power.

But this is all speculation, and if they are anything like her, of course. [she grins devilishly, and laughs softly.] Still, I have not met them myself, but I do not see them being truly generous.

[youcantransform]

Certainly not.

But this places a new perspective on things; one of many. Thank you.

May I ask how you prefer to be addressed?

[Because she's identified by the network, buuut Neophyte Redglare? He doesn't know what to do with that.]

[acrimsongaze]

You're extremely welcome.

[the matter of names gets her to smile even more. part of her wants to see him trip over himself, but she does like him. perhaps she'll give him her title quickly-- after teasing him, of course.]

You may, but I may not answer. [and then another--] What do you think I'd like to be addressed as?

[youcantransform]

[It's not hard to tell he's being lightly baited, and it makes him smile very slightly.]

A gentleman endeavours not to presume.

[acrimsongaze]

What a good answer. Not the one I was looking for, but fantastic nonetheless.

[she smirks at him, but her expression shifts into something faraway-- she's addressing him, but she isn't at the same time.]

My title is Lady Redglare, Neophyte Legislacerator. It doesn't matter much now that I'm removed from Alternia and I am actually dead. You may call me whatever you feel comfortable with. Lady Redglare, Neophyte, Redglare, Red... [a number of names that aren't her real name.] And what may I call you?

[youcantransform]

Lady Redglare, then.

My name is Harry Hart. Harry is perfectly fine.

[acrimsongaze]

It's an absolute pleasure to meet you, Harry. Are you always so formal, or is this how humans loosen up?

[youcantransform]

[Dryly:] I wouldn't like to speak for my entire species, but I'm told I'm a rather starched example of the breed.

[acrimsongaze]

There's nothing wrong with it. Some people have higher standards than others. That, it seems, is a universal constant.