khuioduan | ☞ third testimony ☜

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☞ third testimony ☜

[Wendy appeared onscreen this time looking...quite pale. By far the most fragile anyone would have seen her since her arrival. For once, it almost appeared as if she were too out of breath to speak...]

[...but, of course, that would never happen.]

If anyone could recommend the name of an adequate doctor around these parts...I believe I'm starting to hallucinate.

And not the fun, overly-realistic daydreams of my younger years. Goodness, no, it wouldn't be the medical credentials of a doctor I'd be asking for, if you get my drift.

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Are you talking about seeing the memories around here?

[An eyebrow raised, and she risked peeking up from under her hand.]

..."memories"?

[He nods]

All of these scenes playing out around town...they're people's memories. Some of us volunteered for research and...well, somehow, our memories are showing up everywhere. I'm sorry.

...then...I'm not hallucinating?

[After a second's pause, she let out a heavy sigh, hands lowering as a bright smile appeared.]

Well, that's a relief! Always said my mind would remain sharp as a tack, no matter how old I--

[She cut herself off, however, as the rest of it sank in. All the "visions" she'd been seeing. More than once of which had involved herself. A certain courtroom scene. Granted, far from her worst moment, but--]

Wait just a gosh darn minute. That's...that's a gross invasion of privacy! [Her eyes narrowed.] Who's responsible for this latest nonsense?

[Now Eiji looks confused.]

Wait. So you didn't volunteer for the testing?

I volunteered my time and assistance in a small matter.

I did not volunteer to have my brain invaded.

Then that's what happened to the rest of us. I don't know how, but everything's gotten out where everyone can see it.

[Eyes narrowing even further, she appeared to be rolling up a sleeve in preparation for...something.]

Unacceptable.

Those thoughts were a private matter! ...okay, so maybe they'd taken place in public, but not HERE public! I haven't even set foot in a courtroom once since I arrived! Not even in the audience!

I know. It's...some personal things are showing up in front of everyone. I'm sorry.

Not as sorry as...

[She trailed off as a thought came to her. One rather obvious in hindsight, but that she simply hadn’t bothered to consider until right then.]

They got you too, didn’t they?

Yeah. I volunteered for it too.

[She waved a hand in the air at that.]

Yes, yes, you mentioned that already.

[Less it seem she was contradicting herself, however, she lowered the hand and continued on more somberly:]

I mean they got you. Whatever memory was out on display for the world to witness...it was an important one to you, wasn’t it?

[He nods sadly.]

Yeah. A couple of things, really, that I didn't want anyone to see.

[Her expression was one of understanding. The memories displayed before her hadn't been the most private, but that wouldn't stop her from feeling pity for those whose memories had been far more intimate.]

You have my sympathies.

If there were any lingering sense of justice in this world, there would be some way to make it up to those of you who suffered far worse than I. [A pause, and her 'professional' facade immediately cracked with a single eyebrow twitch.] Scratch that. I want them to make up for the headache they're causing me.

Bunch of hoodlums passing themselves off as...whatever they're passing themselves off as. That's what they are.

[Eiji can't help but feel a little defensive in their place.]

They're not that bad. Just...a little overeager, I think.

[Don't give in, Eiji, that's how they want you to feel.]

Humph.

That's like saying a murderer was just a little pissed off at someone.

[That wasn't...even close to an accurate parallel.]

That...I...what?

[That is so off the mark that Eiji's completely failing to measure the distance.]

[Unfortunately, she was too far gone at this point to notice. Or care, really.]

I still don't fully understand what nonsense they're trying to pass off as Law here, but sure there must be something that protects the private memories of civilians here.

I mean, it's one thing if they go about and do it to someone who's already committed to serving to the best and fullest of their ability--although I can assure you, that's not a fine print I would have happily read--but to have the audacity to just assume they can project anything and anything they feel like with little regard for the personal feelings of the individuals involved...and, heaven forbid, what if there had been some highly classified secrets caught up in that nonsense? Oh, sure, the courtroom was a public gathering, and nothing shown wouldn't have been made available for future records and all, but what if, and this is a big what if, they had seen some of the more sensitive information I was privy to over the years. I mean one doesn't spend as long around a television studio--and a highly successful, popular one at that--without being let in on a few of the trade secrets, such as upcoming plot information and oh gosh could you just imagine if they had gone ahead and SPOILED future scripts or plotlines I mean I wouldn't hope they wouldn't find me responsible if it was something beyond my control if it was only because my memories were deliberately stolen--

[...no, seriously, stop her now or she'll go on the rest of the day.]

Uh, yeah. That's a really good point.

[His eyes are starting to glaze over. Better change the subject quick.]

So, were you thinking about maybe working in the law enforcement here?

[Cut off successful!]

[She did stare at him for a moment longer, mouth slightly open, before pulling back with a low 'humph']

If they expect me to work here, then yes.

I've been working in law enforcement since before many of you youngin's were even born. No reason to create even more change in my life at this stage.

[Eiji nods.]

That does sound like a good idea, if you've got that much experience. It would help them a lot, I think.

I'm sure they could use all the help they could get.

What about you, young man? What's your chosen area of employment?

[She just assumed he had one. He seemed reasonable enough.]

Oh? Well, right now, I'm working part-time at a cafe. I'm trying to help out in a food kitchen too, but that's just volunteering.

[She nodded her approval.]

How sweet.

Cute, respectful, and with a good heart? If mine wasn't so utterly devoted to my Edgey-poo, I might be more tempted.

[Also clueless, because he's staring in confusion.]

And the strong, silent type, too.

You must be quite the lady killer, young man.

[Okay, now he gets it.]

What? No, I...

[He's bright red now.]

It is an invasion of privacy.

[This being text and lacking emojis, he can't fully get across his disgust. So onto the main point:]

I've left the city. You may want to consider doing the same.

[Tone was not necessarily needed. The fact that they were in agreement was more than enough for her.]

Do you suspect it's not over yet? Are those who remain in any danger?

That fact that we don't know is reason enough to evacuate, isn't it? Aisling Tower has been working on this phenomenon for days, and it's only spreading.

[Tenn didn’t have a high opinion of Aisling Tower to begin with, but now…]

I don’t know if there’s physical danger. But since the Dreaming can blur the line between physical and metaphysical, caution isn’t ill-advised.

No, it isn't. And please do not think I am advising you otherwise. However, as a member of law enforcement myself, it would be shameful if I were to run now, when there could be others at risk.

Agreed. I imagine you’ll have much work ahead. Please stay safe.

[He could sign off now, but something is bothering him. After a pause:]

Are you concerned about confidentiality agreements? As you’ve said, this is an invasion of privacy. Do contracts cover this sort of exposure?

[An excellent, perfectly reasonable question. One in which, despite her ~~constant flirtation with the Prosecution~~ years of experience in Security, she only carried a minimal amount of knowledge in.]

That would depend upon the details of the contract itself, and how binding it may or may not be. Are you thinking of suing? I would be happy to testify on your behalf, if that were the case.

[He laughs, and is grateful that the audio is off.]

No, thank you.

I merely wondered if one could be held responsible for revealing information under these circumstances. I'm not sure the Ioduan Alliance has laws to cover this, if it's the first time this has happened.

The world I was taken from did. Unfortunately, different jurisdictions abide by different laws. And the way this sham of a city seems to be running, it would not surprise me in the least if, legally, those responsible will get away with it. Power corrupts. This was true back home and it’s true here, no doubt.

[His hands still as Tenn reads the last two sentences again. He didn’t expect someone to come out and say it - on a public channel, no less. Well, even if he’s learned to be cautious, he can speak (or text) his mind with his tongue in his cheek.]

Seems I was shortsighted in estimating the danger.

It would be difficult to prosecute with the influence of the Dreaming involved. I don't suppose one could raise a case against a force of energy?

[It was still a bit of a sore subject for Wendy, even though time has passed since that trial. To accept the fact that those in power and authority were not always the ones most deserving of her loyalty. Regardless of time and tenure. But, of course, that was precisely what that memory had reminded her of--]

[That she'd had to act discreetly, in a moment of otherwise distraction, in order to do the right thing.]

I once knew a lawyer who would probably try. Unfortunately, I have yet to encounter him here. I suspect I was the only individual from the world I came from to be taken.

I see. [In any case, his own contract is safe so long as he remains outside the city and away from other Dreamfolk.]

Taken... Do you still suspect a kidnapping?

I don't SUSPECT. I know darn well that's what it was. The very definition of kidnapping is to take someone by force. Typically for a ransom. Often through various illegal means. Regardless of what the latter may or may not entail, given the lax legalities of this world, one cannot deny that I was forcefully taken from mine. Thus, while the definition may not be 100% suited to this situation, I have yet to find a better description for what I have been through.

Then perhaps we should sue. Though I wonder how the defense would progress. The populace seems to consider the Dreaming a force of nature.

Blaming something physical would make it easier. I recall most of the previous arrivals directed their complaints at the World Turtles. Though calling them to court seems equally remote.

[He should be more concerned of the fact that he has typed all of this with a straight face.]

[She, of course, had absolutely no notion of just how serious the other person was about all this.]

[...though, to be fair, it's not like she would have cared either way.]

We'd never win. Evidence is everything, and experience has taught me that everything we could currently produce would be circumstantial at best. Which isn't to say some pea-brained lawyer with a bit of luck couldn't stumble his way to a victory...but it is unlikely. However, I have also recently learned that not every defendant needs to be declared guilty in order for a trial to be won. If nothing else, it would certainly send a statement.

True. [And he does smile now, not for the absurdity, but for memory of watching his passionate, moody teammate playing a lawyer on TV. Just one idiot huh…]

I don’t imagine there would be much recompense, and a statement could be problematic.

[…since many of us are relying on governmental provisions, goes untyped.]

The community has been very kind to us, considering we are foreigners. I wouldn’t want them to think badly of us if they have nothing to do with our presence here.

I would much rather speak my mind truthfully than bite my tongue because it might be considered problematic for others. And if the community has nothing to do with it, then they would not be the ones on trial. It's as simple as that.

[He can't say he agrees with such recklessness in this context, but that doesn't mean he can't appreciate it.]

You sound like quite a force to reckon with. If I ever do decide to sue, I'll remember.

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☞ third testimony ☜

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