006 | Video | Day 70

[manofiron]

[ Although the video’s on, it shows a remarkably dull view of the sky. After a moment, during which nothing happens, it may become apparent that its owner doesn’t realize that it’s on. When he starts speaking, in the vague, disconnected voice of a man who’s either delirious, sick, or extremely hungover, it may go a long way in explaining why he doesn’t know he’s being recorded. ]

Well, that… must’ve been some night. [ He sighs and the video blurs until it shows a delightful view of the ground. ] JARVIS, where’s the car? And the nearest source of ibuprofen. I need like, a bottle. Or six.

[ There’s a moment of silence. ]

Jay? Don’t do this to me again, buddy. There’s at least enough power in the— [ The image spins, like the hand the camera’s attached to is patting at something. ] Seriously? The car and the transmitter? What the hell happened last night?

[ There’s another blur and it resolves into a wobbly image of the sky again. ]

Okay, this isn’t the end of the world. Deliverance, maybe, or the woodsy version of The Hills Have Eyes. But that’s okay. I can handle it. Just gotta find a gas station, preferably one without a bunch of cannibalistic yokels, call Rhodey, try not to get eaten by said cannibals, and wait for help to come. And then take a vacation, because obviously going down to the Crab Shack for happy hour with Mister Irresponsible is a bad idea.

[ And with that, he stops talking and starts walking. ]

Comments

[manofiron]

That's actually a good question. I just—I can't really give you an answer.

[ And if he tried, he's be at it all day. ]

I'm alive. Or hallucinating. Or maybe both. I'm not sure. This is actually happening, right? You're not a figment of my imagination right now?

[thezerothlaw]

I am real, Tony. I can assure you of that. As far as what else you might be experiencing, it is difficult to say. Is there anything in particular that I can perhaps confirm or deny?

[manofiron]

How about the status of the town? I remember... There was something happening, wasn't there? People changing into something? Is that happening?

[thezerothlaw]

That did occur. You were a vampire, I was human. To my knowledge, everyone has returned to their previous species.

[manofiron]

Well, that's one bit of good news.

You doing okay? Being back to normal?

[thezerothlaw]

I am adjusting.

[Honestly, there's more than one thing he'd like to discuss with Tony, but now is probably not the time.]

What else can I assist with?

[manofiron]

You need help with that, you let me know. I've been dealing with some changes in JARVIS lately. I can share the wealth, so to speak.

As for me, I don't know. You know any good techniques to jump-start some memories?

[thezerothlaw]

I would greatly appreciate your insight, Tony, but I suspect it can wait until you're feeling better.

[Possibly Giskard could have helped with that side of memories. Daneel's not sure he's experienced enough to try.]

I am not certain. Possibly not. Memories could be triggered to return, but they may also return on their own.

[manofiron]

A glass of whiskey and I'll be fine. It's just a hangover.

[ At least, he thinks it's a hangover. ]

Great. Patience. That thing I don't have. How about that? You know how to cultivate some of that?

[thezerothlaw]

I've never found patience difficult, Tony, but I'm not human, either. What is missing from your memory?

[manofiron]

I don't know if there's something missing so much as it's just blurry. I'm not used to that. Everything's always so clear, like instant recall. This I've got to work for.

[thezerothlaw]

Do you recall anything of your time away that might be enlightening?

[He doubts it, but he can hope.]

[manofiron]

About our captivity here? No. I couldn't remember this place. Not until everybody started talking to me on this thing.

[thezerothlaw]

You didn't remember?

[That is alarming, and now Daneel wants rather badly to look over Tony's mind for differences.]

That would explain your confusion, yes. Was your confusion, then, comparable to having arrived the first time?

[manofiron]

I think so. It's been a while since I was here. For me, anyway. A really eventful while. But I think it's comparable. With the exception that, the first time I was still clueless even after people started talking to me.

Guess I lucked out this time.

[thezerothlaw]

[Astonishing. Impossible, he would have thought, but--]

You've been gone several days. Are you saying that by your perspective it's been longer?

[Impossible, but even if it is, he needs to know as much as he can.]

[manofiron]

About a year, give or take. I wasn't really keeping track, but it's been long enough that I figure that's a fair estimate.

[thezerothlaw]

[Gone for a year, and then back here after a few days? Time shouldn't work like that, surely?]

Where did you go in the meantime?

[manofiron]

Home. California. It was twenty-twelve the first time I came here. It's twenty-thirteen now.

[thezerothlaw]

[Daneel pauses to take this in.]

This is highly improbable.

[Not exactly disbelief, but he feels obliged to point that fact out.]

Your memory is confused. Did you recall this place while you were in California?

[manofiron]

Tell me about it. I spent all of my life dealing in science and this isn't anything like science.

[ He shakes his head. ]

No. I didn't even dream of the place.

[thezerothlaw]

[This is all the more reason Daneel ought to wait before discussing his situation with Tony.]

I see. Though I admit I am glad to see you, I am sorry that you've returned here against your will.

[manofiron]

Don't be sorry. I needed the vacation.

[ He gives him a smile. It's a little tight, but it's a smile nonetheless. ]

Maybe something useful can come from this. Some clue as to how and why I left that we can use to get everyone home.

[thezerothlaw]

Perhaps so. Do let me know if I can offer any assistance.

[He thinks about this momentarily.]

I have moved houses, if you need to find me.

[manofiron]

Really? Why? What happened?

[ A beat, and he adds, remembering a particular conversation about houses and furniture; ]

Do you have a real room now? With a real bed?