[network] @beyonce | video | day 207 | I'd Rather Go Blind [open] [cw cognitive impairment]

[thewarningafter]

[It's midday when Stephen appears on the network, eyes rimmed red from crying, the vaulted ceiling of the chapel visible behind him. It's ridiculous to feel betrayed, as though there had ever been any reason to trust in the healing powers of a system of resurrection he doesn't even understand, but the shock of waking up in a body bag has been chased by grief and anger.

That's not why he's posting an open video to the network, though. Stephen's first thought had been to send a quick message to his traveling companion to let her know he's alright back and arrange a place to meet, but that plan had gone down the toilet the moment he'd opened up the network and realized he didn't recognize any of the names. That's deeply disturbing inconvenient, but there's an obvious solution -- he'll just have to identify people by sight instead of by name for a few days. It's fine. It's not real brain damage, it's something to do with the way the revival system works, so it's fine.

He offers the camera a fairly convincing smile, though his voice is a little raw.]

So the good news is that I'm alive. I'm not quite sure where I am, though, and I'm guessing I need to get out of here sooner rather than later if I'm going to make shelter. Anyone recognize this place?

[He lifts and turns the tablet, giving the camera a look at the altar. It's a lie, of course; he's already looked this place up on Nat's guide. He just wants to see some faces, get back in contact.]

Comments

video; private

[thewarningafter]

[He's been waiting for this call. He'd trusted the person he was traveling with -- maybe not as a tried and true friend, yet, but as a decent human being for sure. Cutting off all interactions would be one way to keep himself safe, but if he runs into someone else by accident he'll have trouble. Better to deliberately meet up with someone who will have his back.

He can't take her message at face value, though. He doesn't think anyone's caught on who would do anything to him, but he could very easily be wrong. He'll have to test her.]

I'm not sure. I remember leaving the shed near the school.

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[nursetemple]

[She bites her lip, her heart beating double time right now. It's relief and fear mixed up together, churning up in her insides.]

There was an anomaly. Do you remember that? Do you remember the microscope? You didn't want to let go of it.

[She swallows with difficulty, looking down and back up at the camera.]

Do you need any help? I'm not exactly far from you, right now.

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[thewarningafter]

[He sees how hard this is on her, but he keeps his mouth shut, waits to be sure. He'd given her a memory a few days out of date to see what she'd make of it, but even this level of detail is enough to reassure him. No one else would know it had happened because of the microscope.

He breathes a sigh of relief he hadn't realized he was holding in.]

It is you. I've been experiencing an atypical form of agnosia since I woke up in the chapel; as far as I can tell I've lost all ability to process names and faces. I don't think anyone's figured it out yet, but my situation's just a little precarious right now.

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[nursetemple]

[Well, that is definitely an atypical price to pay for - revival, or whatever it is, she still isn't sure. She lets out a breath, nodding to herself. She isn't sure how he's going to be able to navigate this particular hurdle.]

Okay. It's good that people don't know. I'm worried some people will try and exploit something like this if they knew.

[She pauses. There isn't much of a better solution to her than to have someone trustworthy with him.]

You shouldn't stay alone, though, that's for sure. Do you have any plan on what you want to do?

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[thewarningafter]

I was going to head east, but I've been thinking the same thing. I'd like to meet back up with you, try to stay together until this wears off.

[It's going to wear off.]

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[nursetemple]

[She nods.]

You said you're in the chapel, correct? I can be there quite fast, no problem.