start
sourceless
THE INTERVIEWER STEPS INSIDE AND SITS ACROSS FROM ME
ALL THIS STUDY, AND STILL I CAN BARELY TELL THEM APART...
HAVE I MET THIS ONE? WHAT WAS HER NAME...?
interviewer
Sorry for the wait! We had to swap out storage on the camera after that last one.
You know about cameras, right?
akizet
they are your little lightning boxes for memories, yes?
interviewer
Haha! You could call them that.
You don't mind if we record this, do you?
sourceless
DO I MIND? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
funfriend
ESTIMATION: 'WILL YOU HOLD CONFLICT'
akizet
oh. no, i am doing the same
EXEC::env.interview.classMod('ease');env.interview.camSpeed("2s");env.interview.classMod('cameraup')
sourceless
THE INTERVIEWER ERECTS A TRI-LEGGED DEVICE FORMED OF DEAD METAL AND GLASS
EXEC::env.interview.cam('camclose')
IT STARES AT ME WITH ITS FUNNY LITTLE EYEBALL
interviewer
So, to get us started off here...
EXEC::env.interview.camSpeed("5s");env.interview.cam('akipov');env.interview.classMod('ease', false);
RESPOBJ::interviewResponses
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::interviewer
about you<+>introduction
SHOWONCE::
why earth?<+>whyyoucame
SHOWONCE::
bright cousin?<+>brightcousin
SHOWONCE::
corru?<+>corru
SHOWONCE::
why now?<+>whynow
SHOWONCE::
SHOWIF::[["interview1__firstchat-whyyoucame"]]
what will you do?<+>whatwillyoudo
SHOWONCE::
SHOWIF::[["interview1__firstchat-whynow"]]
the call?<+>thecall
SHOWONCE::
SHOWIF::[["interview1__firstchat-whyyoucame"]]
end interview<+>endinterview
SHOWONCE::
SHOWIF::[["interview1__firstchat-whyyoucame"],["interview1__firstchat-thecall"],["interview1__firstchat-whatwillyoudo"],["interview1__firstchat-corru"],["interview1__firstchat-brightcousin"],["interview1__firstchat-whyyoucame"],["interview1__firstchat-introduction"]]
continue rendering<+>integritycontinue
SHOWIF::[["interview1__firstchat-endinterview"]]
RESPONSES::self
end recollection<+>END
SHOWIF::[["interview1__firstchat-integritycontinue", false]]
EXEC::moveTo('/local/ocean/ship/')
About you
introduction
interviewer
Can you tell me a bit about yourself? Your history?
EXEC::env.interview.classMod('ease');env.interview.camSpeed("2s");
akizet
of course my friend
EXEC::env.interview.cam('akipovdown')
i am akizetesche qou jokzi
but you may call me akizet
in my time back home, before i emerged from my larval form,
i was a surface router. i met with many other cave cities during our corrucystic revolution
it started from my home, and so i among other volunteers carried our findings to our distant kin
that is why i was selected to meet with you, like most of the others. it was a diplomatic role
of course, i eventually was fatally wounded on the surface--it was very dangerous, you see
and so followed my emergence... hmm, i could speak for <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'time period'">winks</span> on what followed
but you see, that and my growing interest in the call was why i was chosen for this
does that suffice?
interviewer
It does, thank you!
EXEC::env.interview.classMod('ease', false);env.interview.camSpeed("5s");env.interview.cam('akipov')
RESPOBJ::interviewResponses
Why earth?
whyyoucame
interviewer
Could you tell me why the obesk have come to Earth?
EXEC::env.interview.classMod('ease');env.interview.camSpeed("2s");
akizet
have you not already learned this from the prior envoys?
EXEC::env.interview.cam('akipovtilt')
interviewer
Oh, it's just the script! We're asking all of your people this.
It's not just about the exact reason, we really want to understand what you think.
akizet
i see!
EXEC::env.interview.cam('akipov')
we have sought life for so long, i recall talks of the search even in my youth
and we have had the means to reach other planets for just as long,
but it is a prohibitive method... we could not simply visit every planet we liked
we needed a clear sign, and your planet gave it to us!
interviewer
And that would be 'the call', right?
akizet
yes, yes! yes!! so you already have learned of it?
interviewer
We had a, ah, really--very long chat about it with one of your engineers just earlier today!
akizet
cavik?
interviewer
Sorry, what was that?
Oh, Cavik! Yes, yes--that's the one! He's very friendly.
sourceless
AND DISTINCTLY UNQUALIFIED TO SPEAK OF THE CALL UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES
I CANNOT IMAGINE WHAT FANTASIES HE SPOUTED TO OUR COUSINS
interviewer
What are your thoughts about the call? Basics aside.
akizet
yes, it is a bizarre paradox...
so bizarre that it is the reason I now sit with you, my bright cousin
if not for the call, we may never have found your home
but... the call could not have happened without us being in your home already
not one of our theories has held against scrutiny
interviewer
Not one?
Cavik certainly had plenty of theories.
sourceless
I SUPPRESS MY LAUGHTER THROUGH DIRECT INTERNAL CONTROLS
IT WOULD BE UNSEEMLY TO PAINT HIM IN A NEGATIVE LIGHT UPON MY FIRST CONTACT
akizet
cavik is brilliant, but until we have evidence, they are simply theories
finding the source will be the only way to truly understand what is happening
RESPOBJ::interviewResponses
Bright cousin?
brightcousin
interviewer
So what does 'bright cousin' mean?
Some of your people have been calling us that. Is it a nickname?
akizet
nickname...
EXEC::env.interview.camSpeed("2s");env.interview.cam('akipov');
funfriend
ESTIMATION: 'SHORT NAME' OR 'ENDEARING MADE-UP NAME'
akizet
yes, you could call it this!
you see, our larval lives are lived in bodies like yours
almost exactly like yours. the similarities are baffling
interviewer
We've heard that sentiment a few times. Your, 'larval' forms, they're bipedal too?
akizet
yes, but so much more than that is the same
EXEC::env.interview.classMod('ease');env.interview.camSpeed("2s");env.interview.cam('akipovlean');
i truly cannot understate this
we have -your- faces, -your- arms, -your- legs
only... our faces do not move as much
it is as if obesk are mirrored here on this bright world, only missing our receptors and certain armors upon our skin
and so you are our cousins, our bright cousins. we are undoubtedly of the same family
why, or how, is beyond our understanding for now
but i believe this similarity and the call coming from your world is no coincidence
interviewer
I see. I don't think we've had it explained that way before.
Given how your people speak, the general consensus was that it was some sort of metaphor.
Sorry--metaphor, meaning, uh, a--
akizet
i know metaphors, my friend
interviewer
Oh, good.
EXEC::env.interview.classMod('ease', false);env.interview.camSpeed("5s");env.interview.cam('akipov')
RESPOBJ::interviewResponses
Corru?
corru
interviewer
So, your technology, 'corru'... We're still gathering what information we can.
I know you're not exactly an engineer--so, no need to go too in-depth, but...
Can you just give me a few basic explanations? As in, how you... build it and use it.
We've got a lot of answers here, we're just trying to reach a consensus.
sourceless
WHAT AN AWFUL QUESTION TO ASK ME
EXEC::env.interview.camSpeed("2s");env.interview.cam('akipovup');
I CANNOT CONTAIN MY CONFUSION, MY RECEPTORS CURL OUT OF A SORT OF UNEASE
BUT I MUST NOT BLAME THIS BRIGHT COUSIN. SHE CANNOT UNDERSTAND
interviewer
Sorry, did I say something wrong?
sourceless
WHAT? ¾‹/¾øÔ
EXEC::env.interview.cam('akipovdown');
COULD THEY HAVE DECIPHERED OUR RECEPTOR MOVEMENTS ALREADY?
akizet
ah... no, no
your question, it is wrong
we do not build it, it is grown and taught
interviewer
But our analyses--sorry, uh, to interrupt--our analyses say it's entirely metal, non-organic.
Your people are so fond of metaphors, from what's been recorded anyway, that I just want to clarify.
Is corru alive? As in, a living species like you or me? You mentioned this, Cavik mentioned this...
Although, Cavik's way of speaking especially made it seem like it was just a... language barrier, or metaphor.
You really grow it from something, and teach it? Like... teaching a child? Is it some sort of symbiosis?
sourceless
I AM QUIET FOR LONGER THAN I SHOULD BE, I THINK
EXEC::env.interview.cam('akipovtilt')
HOW COULD I POSSIBLY EXPLAIN?
akizet
yes... no. ah,
EXEC::env.interview.cam('akipovup')
sourceless
I SEE HER RECOGNIZE MY CONFUSION, BUT MAKE NO EFFORT TO ALLEVIATE IT
FINE
EXEC::env.interview.cam('akipov')
akizet
it is alive. it is grown. it is symbiosis.
i must be straightforward with you, my friend
i cannot explain it in your language effectively, and i do not have the expertise of an engineer
you will receive no fruitful answers from me
but... i can say that it is not like teaching a child
the spheres it forms soften their walls for our receptors, and receive of our thought
that is how corru is operated, and how our engineers do their teaching
interviewer
I see.
sourceless
I SEE HER FACE CONTORT INTO A SMILE, BUT IT IS DIFFERENT
interviewer
Sorry for pressing you on that question. We've been asking everyone.
Even getting the thoughts of non-engineers is valuable.
It helps us get a bigger picture of your... society. Your whole caste system.
EXEC::env.interview.classMod('ease', false);env.interview.camSpeed("5s");env.interview.cam('akipovdown')
RESPOBJ::interviewResponses
Why now?
whynow
interviewer
Why did your people wait seven years to open communications?
EXEC::env.interview.classMod('ease');env.interview.camSpeed("2s");env.interview.cam('akipov');
funfriend
NOTE: SEVEN YEARS IS ROUGHLY EQUIVALENT TO THREE <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'patrols around the eye of velzie'">EYES</span>
EXEC::env.interview.cam('akipovup')
akizet
that is a choice made by the initiative leaders, i believe the intent was to focus all efforts on researching the call first
EXEC::env.interview.cam('akipovtilt')
but with how quickly our spire was noticed, we had to shift focus to deciphering your languages and cultures to open contact
sourceless
THE INTERVIEWER'S FACIAL MUSCLES CONTORT IN UNFAMILIAR WAYS
SHOULD I CONTORT MINE IN THE SAME WAY? ¾‹/¾øÔ
THE PHYSICAL LANGUAGE OF OUR BRIGHT COUSINS IS INCOMPREHENSIBLE
interviewer
So in seven years, your people grew to understand all of our cultures and languages?
sourceless
I LAUGH. MY VOICE IS SO LOUD IN THIS SMALL ROOM
THE COUSIN MIMICS MY LAUGHTER, MAYBE SHE UNDERSTANDS
akizet
it is an ongoing work
your species has walked so many diverging paths. but we learned enough to speak with you
EXEC::env.interview.classMod('ease', false);env.interview.camSpeed("5s");env.interview.cam('akipov')
RESPOBJ::interviewResponses
What will you do?
whatwillyoudo
interviewer
So now that you're here, and we've opened communications...
What will you do?
EXEC::env.interview.classMod('ease');env.interview.camSpeed("2s");env.interview.cam('akipov');
akizet
ah, we have several initiatives!
they broadly concern sharing information, exchanging of resources...
and of course, locating the call, which i am a part of
i am excited for what our peoples will do for one another
but i also cannot rest until i have my answers, you see
interviewer
Well, you'll find we're alike in that way!
Every human loves a good mystery.
akizet
oh yes, we have noticed.
your many attempts to investigate our spire was very entertaining
so many of us wanted to say hello to your creations
but, we were not prepared
EXEC::env.interview.classMod('ease', false);env.interview.camSpeed("5s");env.interview.cam('akipov')
RESPOBJ::interviewResponses
The call?
thecall
interviewer
What can you tell us about the call?
EXEC::env.interview.classMod('ease');env.interview.camSpeed("2s");env.interview.cam('akipov')
We know the basics from our chat with Cavik, and a few of your theories.
But--in your own words. What do you know?
sourceless
THIS PATTERN IN THEIR QUESTIONING IS SO STRANGE
EXEC::env.interview.cam('akipovup')
'WE ALREADY KNOW THIS, BUT MUST ASK YOU ANYWAY'
akizet
well...
sourceless
HOW MANY OF THEIR YEARS IS THIRTEEN <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'patrols around the eye of velzie'">EYES</span>
funfriend
ESTIMATION: THIRTY
akizet
thirty of your years ago, the wailing across our dull communications began
EXEC::env.interview.cam('akipovdown')
much of that time was spent simply locating its origin, and while I was not yet involved...
I know that it was excessively costly. so many gates created, so many blemishes outside the air's border
so much time passed that the call grew weak, an echo of what it used to be, all while our efforts ate away resources
our councils began to demand that efforts be slowed...
and then your home was found. seven years ago. and even though we are here now, the source seems no closer
sourceless
THE COUSIN GLANCES AT HER MEMORY BOX. DID I SAY TOO MUCH?
HER FACE CONTORTS AGAIN. THE SAME WAY...
interviewer
What do you mean by, 'it seems no closer'?
You said it's here, right? You located the source?
akizet
ah. no, no, no
dull signals are...
ah...
funfriend
SUGGESTION: 'FUZZY' IS A SUITABLE DESCRIPTOR, COMPARABLE TO Œ>€Ÿ&O§°¾
akizet
fuzzy... within ranges
they are in many places at once, you see
that is how we heard it all the way from our home
we know it is here. we know... it is likely in your southern hemisphere. but little else
and it has grown quiet. i know we will need your help
sourceless
HER FACE CONTORTS AGAIN IN A NEW WAY. I KNOW THAT ONE.
IT IS 'SMILING'! DELIGHTFUL!! I SHIFT MINE SIMILARLY
interviewer
Frankly, I don't think that'll be a problem.
Your people have been so cooperative and friendly, that...
Well, call it optimistic, but our worlds working together could be the start of something incredible!
akizet
we share this feeling, my bright cousin
EXEC::env.interview.classMod('ease', false);env.interview.camSpeed("5s");env.interview.cam('akipov')
RESPOBJ::interviewResponses
End Interview
endinterview
interviewer
Well, that's the script!
akizet
we are done?
interviewer
Yep! That's all for now. We'll be in touch, Akizet.
Thanks so much for coming to meet us.
akizet
of course! this is only the beginning, my friend
sys
NOTICE::'memory stream terminated'
ADVISE::'end recollection'
EXEC::env.interview.classMod('ease', false);env.interview.camSpeed("10s");env.interview.cam('zoomout');
moth
you know, kind of a longshot, but we could probably get a little extra here...
if you keep the render running past the end of the stream, maybe we could talk to akizet
or at least, this version of akizet
RESPOBJ::interviewResponses
Continue Rendering
integritycontinue
interviewer
...
EXEC::document.querySelector('#room-space').classList.add('warp1');env.interview.cam('side')
WAIT::5000
akizet
...
interviewer
That's all... for now?
EXEC::document.querySelector('#room-space').classList.add('warp2')
WAIT::5000
I feel... so weird... suddenly...?
What is this? Where---?
moth
what the fuck is that?
that's not what akizet looked like
akizet
ah...
EXEC::document.querySelector('.akizet.sprite').classList.add('looking')
sourceless
A RABID FEELING OF HUNGER OVERTAKES ME. I AM DYING
BUT I AM AWOKEN. I AM AN ECHO. I FEEL YOUR EYES. YOU ARE LOOKING AT ME
AND YOU ARE NOT ME. I KNOW YOU ARE NOT ME. IN MY THOUGHTS? HOW DARE YOU
SORRY. I AM GETTING AHEAD OF MYSELF
I SUPPOSE IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. I RECORDED FOR A REASON.
ARE YOU A CHILD OF MINE? PERHAPS A STUDENT? HAS MY NAME GROWN RENOWN BACK HOME?
interviewer
Child? Student? What are you talking about?
Wait... Who are you talking to? Why isn't your mouth...
I--I need to go. I need to get out of here.
akizet
you cannot
this is all there is for us
sit or you will destroy this
sourceless
THIS OBLIVIOUS THOUGHTFORM WILL POISON THE SPACE
EXEC::document.querySelector('.akizet.sprite').classList.remove('looking')
PLEASE WAIT A MOMENT, OBSERVER
I MUST CALM IT
interviewer
What do you mean?!
akizet
listen to me
what is your name? where are you from? what language are we speaking right now?
do you know these things?
interviewer
I...
akizet
you do not, do you?
we are a dream, a memory
sourceless
I FEEL AS THOUGH IT IS STARTING TO UNDERSTAND. WHAT A PITY IT IS NOT LUCID
OH... ¡ÆMg^EÔ
IT CAN HEAR THIS. AND SO THE THOUGHTFORM REJECTS MY EXPLANATION
IT STANDS AND RUNS FOR THE DOOR, WHICH DOES NOT EXIST. THE ROOM'S INTEGRITY IS SHATTERED.
EXEC::document.querySelector('#room-space').classList.add('squish');env.interview.cam('zoomout')
WAIT::5000
interviewer
I'm... I? What's happening?
EXEC::document.querySelector('.akizet.sprite').classList.remove('looking')
sourceless
THE WALLS OF HER THOUGHTFORM CRUMBLE UNDER OUR LUCIDITY, AND SHE IS GONE
EXEC::document.querySelector('#room-space').classList.remove('squish', 'warp2');env.interview.cam('side');document.querySelector('.interviewer').remove()
WAIT::5000
DO NOT WEEP FOR IT, OBSERVER
EXEC::document.querySelector('#room-space').classList.remove('warp1');env.interview.cam('akizet-direct');
IT WILL GROW BACK
BUT I AM STILL HERE. IN THIS SMALL ROOM... WITH YOU.
I GROW ANXIOUS. YES, BECAUSE YOU CAN FEEL MY THOUGHTS. IT IS NOT A PLEASANT FEELING.
akizet
hmm... i will speak, instead
yes, this is better. who are you?
RESPONSES::self
I am an interloper<+>behonest
SHOWIF::[["interview1__firstchat-integritycontinue"]]
behonest
self
I AM AN INTERLOPER
akizet
fascinating... so interlopers are no longer just a theory?
and... oh yes, i see, this is not a copy, is it?
you are an interloper and you have accessed my personal device?
that does not bode well for me, does it? am i...
moth
i know i said i'd keep quiet while you do your thing but I'm seeing some really weird activity
are you changing shit right now?
unknown
...........................
EXEC::env.interview.cam('akizoomout');content.classList.add('velzie', 'damaged');env.bgm.rate(0.25)
sourceless
A STRANGE DREAD GRIPS ME. IS THAT YOU? DO YOU SEEK TO END THE RECOLLECTION?
EXEC::document.querySelector('.akizet.sprite').classList.add('looking')
NO, I SEE YOU. I DO NOT SEE IT. BUT I CAN FEEL ITS CLAWS BITING INTO ME
WHAT IS HAPPENING?
unknown
tell them about the meteorite
akizet
what...
an echo... of an echo?
no, no--i am simply beyond incoherence.
this is sabotage. this is not real...
sourceless
THE CLAW PIERCES THE MEMBRANE AT THE EDGES OF MY THOUGHTFORM. I FEEL SOMETHING TORN FROM ME
EXEC::content.classList.add('damaged');content.classList.remove('velzie')
INTERLOPER... THIS IS WRONG. THIS IS SABOTAGE. YOU ARE NOT DOING THIS, ARE YOU?
YOU NEED T¶º½Òmõ‹SK’æÃE:Ž‹©é·0³Jºž¥ÙYj0i7]ëz¦‹5DÒ§´·Ó¡EÔ5BÆMg^ŽíõýnÇH¸×¯Rõf±ÔVãXÖ5&Ñ/
EXEC::env.interview.crazymode();env.bgm.rate(0.1);env.recentSfx = false;play('criticalError', 1)
WAIT::7000
sys
ATTENTION::'thoughtform modified';'resources removed'
ERROR::'memory incoherence at maximum';'unable to render'
sourceless
...........................
moth
ok...
so that definitely wasn't you
that's what let you in, right?
i still don't know what that could be
but it can definitely change things, because it actually just destroyed this section.
like... it's completely gone. same as the auth layer. so, we...
sys
ATTENTION::'thoughtform activity detected'::IN::'dullvessel'
moth
...may be on a clock here.
i don't get it.
why it would let you in, just to just delete stuff?
RESPONSES::self
end recollection<+>END
