A tastefully decorated if somewhat spartan postmodern apartment. Dim light fills the living room. The soft glow of a televid set cascades around a solitary figure seated mere inches away, cross-legged in a lotus position on the plush carpeting. There is no telling the gender of the shape, the features buried beneath the austere facade of the Deathsuit. The back is emblazoned with a Dark Lament logo, underneath in smaller print 'Research and Development'. Facing the Deathsuited shape on the televid is the holographic image of a televised INTERVIEWER, female human, mid-20's with a well-crafted beauty and impeccable fashion sense. From the small thrust stage of the televid projector she speaks to her audience and her pre-recorded guest.
Ebon. Operative. Hunter. Pioneer. These words are used to describe our next guest, a controversial proponent of a new Ebb-science he has termed 'Videosis'. Let's welcome to our studio the aptly-named 'Parallax.'
The image on the screen cuts to wide shot of a slim male striding across a decorated soundstage. His fashion sense is business casual, with his trendy hairstyle dyed to match his monochromatic silvery eyes. A charming smile greets the interviewer as the image cuts to a two-shot of the pair taking their seats on the set. In the apartment, the shape barely registers a response, so lost in an inner world is it. The SCL badge identifies the shape as the man featured in the segment, PARALLAX, Ebon, late twenties, solo operative, SCL 5A.3, Media training package. On the screen the interview commences.
Thank you for coming on our show. We appreciate your coming by, especially in light of your recent success in the limelight. Our viewers would like to know, what is Videosis?
Firstly, thank you for the generous fruit basket you left for me in the green room. I found your little card to be very touching…
The interviewer, briefly, takes on the demeanor of a girlish admirer. With a slight smile used to ease past the pleasantries the ebon returns to the topic at hand.
To answer your question, Videosis is the ability to directly interpret electric pulse communication as sensory stimuli and respond accordingly. To put it in layman’s terms it is the ability to place your consciousness inside a televid signal.
Amazing. So you can actually interact with Tee-Vee?
Not exactly. While I can make minor alterations in the Electro-Magnetic signals being broadcast I cannot physically interact with the elements within. I can only perceive and monitor.
Inside the living room the physical likeness of the ebon continues its silent televid vigil. Fingers type away at an Oyster laptop resting on his folded knees. The interview moves on.
I know that both Station Analysis and Dark Lament, the Ebb research institute, have expressed interest in your work. Can you explain for our viewers at home your relationships with both companies?
My work with Dark Lament is in its media studies field, all of which can be accessed through datalinks on the Ebb Channel.
Do you find yourself being pressured to advance into Necanthrope stage like your colleagues at Dark Lament? Have you yourself given thought to the possibility?
Yes and no. Although the prospects are tempting I don’t think it is right for me at this stage in my life. I find that the losses far outweigh the gains. And I also have current projects to attend to.
I’ll say! If they have anything to do with those reports leaked last week linking you to a massive crackdown on subversive channel-piracy rings. Tell us, is it true that you’ve been assigned to the case and if so, what kind of a soft company is this ‘Silence’?
It’s not a soft company, Silence is an individual subversive. Virtually untraceable, the Company isn’t exactly sure what gender or species it may be. Is believed to be a free agent operating somewhere inside Downtown but has worked with Channel Resistance in the past. The most dangerous subversives are the unpredictable ones; the ones that make up their own rules, like this individual. And to answer your question, yes, I am involved in a current investigation.
How exciting! But what about your private side? How does our beloved protector of the public image unwind from a hard day of fighting terrorists?
On the televid screen the operative’s disarming smile gradually returns to his face. In the apartment the oyster computer spits out a faxed extermination warrant, with the subject’s name simply listed as “Unknown Subversive / ‘Silence’.” Without disturbing his meditations the ebon gently picks up the fax and signs his name on the form, sealing the deal.
I spend a lot of time at home. Before I used to watch a lot of television, but now I prefer to relax inside instead of outside of it. I find that it makes for a more intimate experience. By the way, I have to admit that I am a big fan of your program.
Really?! Oh wow… that sounds so voyeuristic. Thank you…
Her expression reads as one of coyish infatuation mixed with a savvy sense of salesmanship. Even as she plays off of her interviewee she is playing to the audience, which in this case is the same person. In the apartment the ebon cants his head slightly to one side, his mind focused on another time and another place.
You have such a kind, sweet soul Parallax. I wish I could know what it’s like to know you as well as you know me, but for now we’ll just have to wait until our next interview. Thanks for coming and I’m sure you’ll be back again soon.
The physical form Parallax leans forward, bringing the sealed lips of his Deathsuit helmet over to brush against the holographic smile of the unnamed interviewer. Even though he is flesh and she is an illusion the effect of the kiss almost connects. His silvery eyes open and out pours a stream of white light. It overpowers the scene, plunging all into a bright abyss.
To be continued,
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