0011000100110011 (Accidental Video)

[want_a_vacation]

*It's the middle of the night, a good bit after Dark Hour, but Allen isn't asleep. His phone is recording him sitting at his desk, the glow of both his heavily modified desktop computer and a futuristic holographic screen providing most of the lighting. But even in the low light, it's easy to tell that something's eating at him.*

What the hell did I even mention that out loud for? As if the dreams weren't bad enough already...it's almost like I wasn't even thinking before I spoke up.

*He shakes his head and shuts down the holoscreen before grabbing a pot of coffee off of his desk and topping off a mug of the stuff.*

But why that, of all things? Dammit, this is just what I need...

*He rubs his forehead, then starts emptying packets of sugar into the coffee as the phone flicks off.*

Comments

[Voice, locked]

[truthsnomiracle]

If it's any consolation, I see no need to spread the tale any further.

[Voice, locked]

[want_a_vacation]

Oh, don't tell me this thing... *This is a groan, then a sigh.*

Thanks, but...that's not the problem. I didn't think you would to begin with.

[Voice, locked]

[truthsnomiracle]

The concern is where we spoke, correct?

[Voice, locked]

[want_a_vacation]

Not just that, although I definitely hope nobody overheard.

I've... *Another sigh.* I haven't exactly been sleeping that well recently, and actually thinking about those memories just made it worse.

[Voice, locked]

[truthsnomiracle]

I see... Given what you said in our conversation and what was accidentally broadcast, it sounds as though your experience with nightmares stands in contrast to my own.

[Video]

[namedforcat]

[Because Allen is his friend, this post worries Gaignun]

Allen? Are you alright?

[Video]

[want_a_vacation]

*He looks tired, even for someone who's been pushing himself too hard.*

I'm just...kind of stressed out right now, that's all?

[Video]

[namedforcat]

It seems like everyone's been on edge lately...I was hoping you would have been able to escape that.

[Video]

[want_a_vacation]

Not exactly easy, all things considered...

[Video]

[namedforcat]

Understatement of the year there Allen. [He flexes his once wounded shoulder a little.]

But still, if there's anything I can do to help you...

[Video]

[babel_hacker]

Mister Ridgeley? Are you okay?

[Video]

[want_a_vacation]

I'm fine. It's...it's personal.

[Video]

[babel_hacker]

If you say so.

...I guess it's pretty obvious by now that your phone recorded you earlier.

[Video]

[want_a_vacation]

Yeah, I noticed that.

[Video]

[babel_hacker]

These phones should have a lock system in place for recordings.

[papermache]

*Guess who else is up at stupid o'clock? And just as caffeinated, judging by the pyramid of Mad Bull empties.*

Looks like these past weeks have been just what everybody needs.

[want_a_vacation]

No kidding...it's like everyone's gone insane, stupid or both.

*Head. Desk.*

[papermache]

You working on something important?

[want_a_vacation]

Just double checking some information and basic design theories and making sure I have secure backups of the files on both of my computers.

*So busywork.*

[papermache]

Basic design theories at caffeine o'clock? Either you're behind or you're bored.

[Video]

[puppet_show]

[My, my.]

Are you alright, sir?

[Video]

[want_a_vacation]

*He's been mostly polite to the other people who've asked after him because he already thinks positively of them, but he's going to be kind of short here.*

I'm fine.

[Video]

[puppet_show]

Well, sorry for being concerned!

[She's definitely annoyed in return, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out he's not really as he says. There's still a hint of worry in her voice even still.]

If you want me to leave you alone, I can understand. It's just... I'm sorry sir, but you don't sound fine at all.

[Video]

[want_a_vacation]

*He rests his face in his hand, rubbing at the bridge of his nose.*

Sorry, I didn't mean to snap. I'm just in a pretty bad mood with everything that's been happening lately.

[Video]

[puppet_show]

I'm told tension has been running high lately...

Do you want to talk about it? Sometimes you just need to get things off of your chest!