Ｑｕｅｓｔ １： Ｙｏｕ ａｒｅ ｎｏｔ ｓｅｅｉｎｇ ｄｏｕｂｌｅ

[popola]

[G'evening, Prospero. If you know her, you know Devola's not usually the type to initiate calls on the video feed, so perhaps whatever seems to have poisoned the water supply be in the air this time's started to effect her as well.

Or, perhaps, it has to do with the fact that she seems to have duplicated herself.

On screen are two women who look completely and utterly identical. Devola's usual wavy red mess of hair is combed straight, and is in duplicate. Two pairs of blue-gray eyes set into the same face are looking into the phone's camera. Two sets of the same clothing are being worn by two people with the exact same body-type. It's enough to make a person wonder if their phone isn't on the fritz.

Or maybe somebody did put something in the water after all.

Anyway, the one on the left shifts, starting to talk.] So, good news! If you're seeing double, that means you've got 20/20 vision and your phone isn't messed up, either.

[The figure on the right also shifted, albeit with something that looked like discomfort.] I still don't know why do we have to do this in such a confusing way. [This one, while looking all the same, speaks in a way more delicate tone.]You even went and combed your hair. You...are not really fond of combing your hair. Usually that's the last resort people have to tell us apart.

[Leftvola paused for a few seconds, staring off into space as if enthralled before she slowly responded.] ...It seemed more amusing this way.

[There was a long pause before the twin on the left reached up and began to muss her own hair, speaking almost petulantly.] They can figure it out from mannerisms too, I'd hope...

[Rightpola sighed in contained distress. Things never changed that much, apparently.] I suppose you are correct. Even so, it should not be a challenge but an aid.

[That said, the rightmost redhead turned to face the camera, her hair neatly combed and not at all ruffled. As it had always been.] Ah, I suppose introductions are in order then. I must thank you first; I know she is not a bad person, but apparently she has stayed among you for over half a year or so. For taking care of Devola, you have my gratitude.

M'not that bad at being self-sustaining... [A pause, and Devola -- now more easily and properly identifiable with her usual hairstyle coughed before continuing.] Err, anyway. This is, obviously, my sister, Popola. I filled her in on all the important 'Prospero is a silly place' details already. She's the smart one, so she's already caught up. Easy-peasy.

[Popola nods quietly, a faint smile on her lips.] It's nice to meet you all, inhabitants of Prospero. I will be doing my best to be of use, so don't hesitate to ask me anything if you need help. Back from where we come from, I used to... aid in the organization and inner workings of a settlement, so I think I should be capable of putting some order where needed. I will be also helping her with some projects she was taking care of.

[She doesn't say more because she doesn't want to brag.] About the Persona system...I have yet to try it myself, but I trust I will be capable of doing what's needed in due time. [Then she turns at her sister, as if asking if there is something else to be said.]

[Devola blinked, then nodded.] Ah. Right. I'd done some work on a kinda 'welcome to Prospero' pamphlet or flier or... just a text file, whatever you wanna call it. I was gonna put it up on the network earlier, but I kinda got vetoed on the grounds of 'not being clinical enough in tone.' So, expect that soon. Figure it'll make things easier, not having to repeat the same info every time someone new pops up.

[A beat.] Unless they can't read. Hm. Maybe it should be an audio thing?

I think we can prepare both if needed. As long as you don't make it a sung introduction to Prospero. [Not that it wouldn't be fun, but the last thing somebody lost needs is a pretty voice singing about how screwed up you are. Maybe. At any rate, Popola turns to the camera and nods reassuringly.]

I will make sure it's completely comprehensible and concise, don't worry about it.

[And with that, the PSA seems over.]

((OOC: Popola is a light red, Devola a darker hue. Naturally, expect responses from either of them.))

Comments

[greyerrant]

I endure.

[devola]

A decidedly stoic and neutral answer as usual. Nothing good or bad enough to be noteworthy, I take it?

[greyerrant]

I suspect you would be more concerned if I were to give an emotional one. Yes, there is something of note. This church that has been established... I distrust it.

[devola]

Yes and no. As wildly different as it would be, it's hard to read you sometimes. Guess that's to your benefit back home, though.

...As for the church, I can't say I'm too thrilled with it either.

[greyerrant]

You object to religion as well?

[devola]

Not in general. I'm used to there being so little of it, I can't say I care much either way.

This one in particular, however, stinks. Mostly of something-being-hidden.

[greyerrant]

Just so. It was such religions which caused much grief in my time, as well. I have told you about the treachery of Horus Lupercal, I believe.

[devola]

The guy who more or less betrayed everything you and your brothers were fighting for? Yeah, you did. That about-face had roots in religion?

[greyerrant]

Indeed. My lord was influenced by dark voices in the void, who whispered to him of jealousy and evil.

[devola]

[There's a pause before she replies, with an apologetic tone in her voice.] Erm, you'll have to backtrack a step. I'm not sure how whispers in space equate to religion.

[greyerrant]

Simple. A chaplain of the word bearers, our credulous, heretical brethren whispered in his ear and corrupted him to the superstitious alliance with Chaos and infamy.

[devola]

Ah. I can definitely see how that would be off-putting.

I don't think they're all like that, but I can't say I think they all have people's best interests in mind, either. Like I said before, this one in particular seems fishy.

[greyerrant]

We must find those among us most fit to investigate it, and examine this, then.

[devola]

There were a few people who seemed like they were making plans about that already... Ryuunosuke and Saori, I think. Got any tips or pointers to give 'em?

[greyerrant]

Don't overplay your hand, assume deception at all turns, and trust only that which you can empirically verify yourself.

[devola]

I'll make sure to pass it on, if you don't get the chance to.

Don't suppose you're making any plans to investigate, yourself?