Twentieth Theory [Voice]

[i_speak_softly]

To all of you from post-1776 America, happy Fourth of July. [Thoughtful pause.] Well, I suppose it's the fourth of July for everyone else too... I hope you're all having a nice day.

Um. [A throat-clearing, a clanking of metal.] If anyone is interested in current events from - October 9, 2006... I found a newspaper.

[Long pause.] I'm not the only one - seeing things, am I? I thought I was just hallucinating, but the newspaper seems pretty real...

Filtered to the Genius Pirate || Not Really Sure This Is Going To Work

Captain - Might I have a word with you?

Filtered to Winry || Unhackable

Winry, do you have a minute?

Comments

[derek-bliss.livejournal.com]

Happy fourth.

And yeah, I'm seeing things on and off.

...What does it say?

[i_speak_softly]

Hi, Derek. What kinds of things have you been seeing?

Hm... Google bought YouTube, the United Nations is getting a new Secretary-General, and North Korea tested a nuclear weapon.

[derek-bliss.livejournal.com]

...Sounds about right.

Mostly stuff from my job. Sometimes the last team I had before I got here. So far, not both at the same time. [Which is a relief.]

[i_speak_softly]

Oh - I'm sorry. Mine aren't like that. [Thank goodness.]

[derek-bliss.livejournal.com]

Don't worry about it. At least I know it's not real. [His quiet tone might suggest that if he wasn't seeing it, he'd probably be dreaming about it, anyway.]

So what are you seein'?

[i_speak_softly]

Inert things. Buildings. Subway trains. Hot dog carts. No enemies, no friends. [Trade-offs.]

[derek-bliss.livejournal.com]

[Creepy. But at least it's not nightmare fuel...hopefully.}

Any hot dogs in the carts? I hear NYC's got some of the best sidewalk 'dogs you can get.

[i_speak_softly]

I never see the carts, actually. I only smell them. [Smile.] If I ever find the hot dogs, I'll bring you one.

Filtered

[crytearsofjoy.livejournal.com]

Yeah, Don?

[Voice]

[fonon-professor.livejournal.com]

If I may ask, what's so special about the fourth of July? It's some sort of holiday for a few people, isn't it?

[She knows she read something about it, but it was a long time ago and there's just so many holidays out there...]

[derek-bliss.livejournal.com]

All right. Now that right there? That's torture.

But yeah, if you do, load it down. You only live once, after all.

[sofar-sogr8.livejournal.com]

Happy 4th to you too!
Is there gonna be anything going on?

[Voice]

[i_speak_softly]

Yes - the Fourth of July is when Americans celebrate gaining their independence from Britain. Even though, historically speaking, it isn't a very significant date.

[i_speak_softly]

There were some fireworks last week... but I don't know if anything is happening today.

[i_speak_softly]

Will do, Derek.

... So, you've never been to New York?

Filtered

[i_speak_softly]

Winry... [Aw geez, now he has to actually talk to you.] I haven't seen you since, um... [Okay just get it over with.] What did I say to you, when I came back?

[sofar-sogr8.livejournal.com]

Last week? A little early, huh?

[derek-bliss.livejournal.com]

Passed through a few times, but never really had a chance to check it out. Usually had someplace else I had to be at the time.

[i_speak_softly]

I know the feeling.

[derek-bliss.livejournal.com]

Sucks to be the so-called hero, huh?

[There's both gentle amusement and sympathy in that tone.]

[i_speak_softly]

It depends on your perspective. If you were from Mexico, they'd be late.

[i_speak_softly]

Actually, at the time I was a wanted fugitive.

[derek-bliss.livejournal.com]

...for what?

[Derek can't imagine that, for some reason.]

[i_speak_softly]

We were helping this other person who - well, technically he was government property, which is why he was on the run....

I'm not making any sense, am I?

[derek-bliss.livejournal.com]

[Derek raises an eyebrow, and then sighs.]

Actually...sadly, yes you are. Go on.