[Voice + Video]

[avarice_alive]

So where the hell am I? [ If anyone's listening, they may be able to hear a muffled voice. It sounds as though the phone it's coming through is on speaker and nestled into a pocket. ] Shit, just closed my eyes for a second...

[ There's a clatter, and the phone hits the ground. ] Oh hey, what's-- [ There's a yelp and the screen comes to life. Now there's a video of a pair of leather shoes. A pause, and then the screen fills up with a face. ] ...The hell is this?

Comments

[just_as_planned]

I take it you're not familiar with modern technology.

*He'd normally hide his amusement better, but event.*

[avarice_alive]

I've never seen alchemy like this before.

[just_as_planned]

It's not alchemy, it's circuitry. And a valuable communication tool, you'll want to learn to use it.

[avarice_alive]

[ Greed pokes the screen. ] How does this work?

[just_as_planned]

Cameras, computers, satelites, the usual. I could explain it in detail, but I expect you'll be more interested in where you are.

[avarice_alive]

[ Greed stares dumbly at the screen. Com-what now? But that's not important. When the man mentions knowing about this place, Greed perks up. ] You know where I am?

[just_as_planned]

To an extent. Whatever world you're originally from, you're not there now. You're in an alternate universe, on an island called Prospero. It's part of a country called America, if that means anything to you. For the rest of the details, I suggest you read this.

*He attaches a copy of the FAQ to the message.*

[avarice_alive]

[ With a great deal of effort, Greed manages to read the FAQ. The text is so tiny! What is this madness. ] ...So basically, I'm fucked.

[just_as_planned]

Not necessarily. We might not know precisely what we're dealing with here, but we can still make our living. From what I've heard, there are also ongoing efforts to uncover more details about the situation. Besides, I can think of ways someone could potentially benefit from having visited this universe, given enough resourcefulness and determination in learning everything about it.

*This expression? Not exactly the nicest of grins.*

[avarice_alive]

[ Yeah that grin isn't so reassuring. But at least he seems to know what's up. ] Benefit, huh? What's there to be benefit here from?

[just_as_planned]

They have a saying where I'm from, knowledge is power. If we know how certain aspects of this world work, maybe we could replicate them. For example, I've heard death isn't the permanent vacation it's cracked up to be here.

[avarice_alive]

[ Greed really perks up at that. ] Would that make us immortal?

[just_as_planned]

*Oh-ho, he recognizes that reaction. Any immortality seeker would be able to spot that kind of interest in the word.*

So it would seem. I'm not certain what would happen if someone here died of old age, but it certainly sounds as if unnatural deaths have been reduced to mere inconveniences.

[avarice_alive]

[ Greed rubs his chin. Oh, yes, he could work with this. ] That's certainly... interesting. [ He pauses and frowns. ] ...Is there a limit to how many deaths you can have?

[just_as_planned]

I haven't heard anything to that effect. My source described it as a revolving door.

[avarice_alive]

A revolving door, huh. [ A pause. ] ...What's a revolving door?

[just_as_planned]

*He can't help but laugh a bit at that.*

It's two pairs of doors connected to a rotating pole. Witht the construction, it's entirely possible to go in one side and exit the other without ever properly entering the building.

[avarice_alive]

Huh, is that so? I've never seen anything like that before. [ He shakes his head. No, that's not the point. ] But you said death was like that?

[just_as_planned]

Or so I've heard. I haven't tested it for myself, but if it's true...well, I'm sure I don't have to explain what's so interesting about that concept.

[avarice_alive]

Mm, not at all. [ He holds his hand out, then stops. Right, he can't touch him through this strange alchemy. ] I'm Greed. Nice to meet you.

Keywords.

[just_as_planned]

*He seems vaguely amused by the name.*

David Xanatos, likewise.

[avarice_alive]

Alright, David. [ He grins with all his teeth. ] What do you say we team up?

Where's some ominous thunder when you need it...

[just_as_planned]

*He's not even phased.*

I think that would be beneficial to both of us.

[avarice_alive]

[ Greed claps his hands. ] Good, good. I was looking into immortality before, but then I got dragged here, so... [ he shrugs. ] That idea's pretty bust.

[just_as_planned]

I've done my fair share of research into the matter, myself. But my first order of business here is to re-start my company. I'm sure you can agree that a solid income makes things so much easier.