video;

[carriesparasol]

[Alexia looks prim and proper, and ready for business. So really, not much different there. She addresses the camera with a straight face.]

It appears to me that these viruses are becoming a larger problem with every passing month. I was willing to write them off as mere nuisances before, but something must be done. For now, I think we must strive for more, and better information on the viruses. Because of this I will be taking a survey. I would appreciate it if as many members of the community as possible were to answer a few questions open and honestly.

1. What is your name?

2. What is your sex?

3. What is the name of your home world?

4. Do you often travel to other worlds?

5. How long have you been a member of this community.

6. How many viruses have you been personally affected by since becoming a member?

Thank you for your time. I will be sure to share the results when I have finished fathering them, if anyone is interested.

Comments

[madeitsquare]

Now hold on, how do you expect me to count all the viruses I've been affected by?

[carriesparasol]

I would think they would leave a lasting memory.

[madeitsquare]

Sure, maybe when you're new. But when you've been here a couple of years and have other things to keep on your mind, they all start blurring together.

[carriesparasol]

Perhaps you would not mind making some kind of effort? At least recall as many as you can?

[madeitsquare]

Ach, right. Let's take a look at this survey...

1. Scrooge McDuck

2. Male

3. Earth

4. I don't have a worldhoppy device of my own, so I don't really do it that often.

5. Over two years now.

6. Too many. At least... twenty, if I had to guess. Maybe.

[carriesparasol]

Which viruses would you say left the largest impression upon you?

[madeitsquare]

There was one where... I was much younger, and I was living through that specific period of my life... except I had access to the community. It's not that strange compared to some of what's happened before, but it certainly sounds odd when you try to explain it.

[carriesparasol]

Indeed it does. You had no prior memory of accessing the community before that virus, correct?

[madeitsquare]

Right. I'm sure I'd know if I'd had this place nagging at me when I was trying to make a living!

[carriesparasol]

That is very odd. It seems to be able to manipulate memories and multiple levels.

[madeitsquare]

That it does. Heck, it could probably pull the most ridiculous things off, and then make us forget all about it!

... If it already hasn't. [Gulp.]

[carriesparasol]

A truly unsettling notion.

[originaldragoon]

1) Rose
2) Female
3) Endiness
4) Only when I have to really, even though I do have my own means of worldhopping.
5) Several years now, though I have not kept tracked of the exact number.
6) Too many to count. There are probably a few I did not even realize I was affected by.

[carriesparasol]

Thank you, Miss Rose. Could you perhaps tell me of the viruses you can recall?

[ video ]

[regalbearing]

Madam, I am afraid that I have only recently been made a member of this community, and so can offer you very little in the way of information. But if possible, I would like to offer whatever other aid I can in this matter. From what I have heard, these viruses are troublesome, and if there is a solution, I should like to see it found.

[ video ]

[carriesparasol]

Yes, they are quite a bother. I thank you for your kind offer. In the future if you are affected by any viruses I would appreciate it if you informed me.

Though, since you have newly joined the community, might I ask a few questions about that?

[ video ]

[regalbearing]

I will.

Yes, of course. What do you wish to know?

[ video ]

[carriesparasol]

Did you join by choice or was the community forced upon you?

[ video ]

[regalbearing]

For me, it was the latter. I came across it on one of my acquaintance's machines and I couldn't stop it from displaying until I had posted here.

[ video ]

[carriesparasol]

But you had machines capable of such a feat where you were?

[ video ]

[regalbearing]

Yes, although I am not sure of how common they are. Quite common, I think.

[ video ]

[carriesparasol]

Thank you.

In my own world, such devices are very uncommon and so I like to hear of such things in other worlds.

[ video ]

[regalbearing]

Ah, is that so? What sort of world do you come from, if you do not mind my asking?

[ video ]

[carriesparasol]

I come from Earth, as many people here seem to. Though at the point in time I am living in, such devices should not be possible.

[ video ]

[regalbearing]

"Should not be"... are you saying that in spite of that, you seem to have acquired one that works within your own time?

[ video ]

[carriesparasol]

Yes. That is exactly what I am saying.

[ video ]

[regalbearing]

Through the peculiar action of this community, no doubt.

[ video ]

[carriesparasol]

It is quite baffling. Though it only causes more interest to find out how it works.

[ video ]

[regalbearing]

I agree. Many I have spoken to here seem to agree that most things about the community's methods and motivations are a mystery, but there do not seem to be many actively searching for the answers. I'm somewhat relieved to find that there are some people who feel driven to investigate it further.

[ video ]

[carriesparasol]

It would be foolish to continue leaving things unchecked.

[ video ]

[regalbearing]

Yes, quite.

May I ask your name? I am Saber; it is an honour to make your acquaintance.

[ video ]

[carriesparasol]

I apologize for not introducing myself sooner, Miss Saber. I am Lady Alexia Maccon. It is a pleasure to meet you as well.

[handwritten]

[lifeisbrief]

1. Okuda Takiko

2. Female

3. Earth

4. No. I haven't been able to outside of a virus.

5. A few months.

6. One.

[handwritten]

[carriesparasol]

Thank you for your answers Miss Takiko.

Which virus was it that you were affected by?

[handwritten]

[lifeisbrief]

The one where people had magical powers and changed into "sailor senshi" to fight monsters.


It was very silly, when you think about it.

[handwritten]

[carriesparasol]

Ah, yes. I recall that one. Were you returned home upon the conclusion of the virus?

[handwritten]

[lifeisbrief]

Yes, I was. Apparently only an hour had passed at home.

[handwritten]

[carriesparasol]

Yes, that often seems to happen. Convenient, though terribly confounding.

[handwritten]

[lifeisbrief]

I wonder why it happens.

[handwritten]

[carriesparasol]

That is another question to add to a very long list, I'm afraid.

Video

[material_guy]

I've been here a few years now. Travel around worlds whenever I can get a lift. Lost track of how many viruses, but probably around ten give or take... My secretary did a survey like this a few months back, tryin' to see how long most people stick around, but gettin' any good, solid numbers ain't easy....

Video

[carriesparasol]

Is that survey still available for others to read?

Video

[material_guy]

Didn't get her to put together a chart or anything yet, but lemme go find it 'n you can skim the stuff where she talks to 'em... Lemme see, lemme see... There you go, should be sent.


[Text: Link]

What're you lookin' into all this for, anyway?

Video

[carriesparasol]

Thank you.

I wish to understand the viruses and how they work. They are troublesome and if I were given the choice I would prefer them to stop. By understanding them perhaps we can control them someday.

Video

[material_guy]

Hnnn... Well, you're not the first one to want to try that, but... Someone used to keep a calendar of when stuff hapened, to try and predict 'em. They think they found out that doin' big parties and stuff puts 'em off a little. They figured there's about one and a half viruses a month if you do the math. Sometimes two, sometimes none, once in a real great while just one... I dunno the exact numbers, since I wasn't on that research team or whatever...

Video

[carriesparasol]

Do you know the name of this person?