01 // audio

[fatemeter]

Good evening. [However little that means in a place that doesn't seem to have actual days, it hardly hurts to be polite.] My name is Naoto Shirogane. In my... own world [there's just a moment of hesitation], I'm a detective by trade. As such, in the interest of consolidating what information we have, I have a few questions I'd like to ask.

[It might be a bit difficult to put a gender to the voice here without any visual cues. It is unambiguously young - but given the practised, professional air with which all of this is being reeled off, you might overlook that. To some extent, that's the point.]

Firstly: what are the last events you recall before waking up in this "realm of dreams"? Is the memory continuous as far as you can remember, or is there a gap?

Secondly: were you previously familiar with the phenomenon of movement between different worlds, voluntary or otherwise? If so, what comparisons could you draw, if any, to the process of entering this one?

Thirdly: from what you know of those in this same situation, can you think of any commonalities we may have had prior to our arrival here? Is there evidence to suggest that the selection is something other than wholly random - based on certain criteria, perhaps, or even a conscious choice on the part of some other entity?

And, finally... [This level tone of voice doesn't change.] Where in this place might somebody procure firearms, should the need arise?

[Potentially unfortunate implications? What unfortunate implications?]

I assure you, any answers you can offer will be helpful. Thank you for your time.

[Without fanfare, the recording switches off.]

Comments

[fatemeter]

I understand. [She suspects she's stepping into dangerous territory, but that's never stopped her before.] One final detail on the matter, then: was this ability of yours lost before or after your arrival here?

[earthshatter]

Before.

[It's short and to the point, but it's at least an answer, which has to count for something.]

[fatemeter]

Thank you. [Not quite the answer she was hoping for - but yes, it is something.]

It seems that thus far the investigation has been focused on our present predicament rather than the means by which we arrive in it... But true randomness is extremely rare in nature. I wonder if they can be so easily separated.

[earthshatter]

True randomness is rare. But we know little enough about this place as it currently stands. What may appear to be true randomness may be somewhat less so, but still random at its core.

[fatemeter]

It's an element that can't be ruled out, that's true. But you propose it with quite some confidence.

[earthshatter]

I see little other explanation as things stand.

[fatemeter]

Meaning that you believe it is, in itself, an explanation?

[earthshatter]

For now, yes.

[fatemeter]

A null hypothesis, in other words? Interesting... Of course, if every case began from the assumption that there was no pattern, there'd be little use for detectives.

[earthshatter]

Is this a case?

[fatemeter]

Am I mistaken? Pardon me for stating it so bluntly, but this appears to be an abduction scenario at the very least. [She says it quite smoothly, with no hint of impatience or indignation.]

[earthshatter]

If we are truly dreaming, who is to say we are here in truth?

[fatemeter]

Who is to say, indeed? But that's a rather more sweeping assumption, and - [Here she almost skips a beat.] there's more to the human mind than mundane dreams.

[earthshatter]

There is.

[fatemeter]

Yet in this regard, you would treat them in the same way as a starting point?

[earthshatter]

For now, yes.

[fatemeter]

[...She can pick this line of inquiry back up when she has more than a hunch to show for it, she thinks. It isn't going anywhere like this.]

Thank you for your time, then. Your perspective has given me a lot to think about.

[earthshatter]

You're welcome. And good luck in your search.