1.0 : video

[because_its_cool]

[A face comes into view, an older gentleman, wearing a white lab coat over a flannel shirt. He's studying the screen with one part curiosity, one part confusion, and one part terror.]

[He clears his throat.]

Ah, hello. My name is Doctor Walter Bishop. I just arrived here, and I'm not quite sure where I am. I know I'm in Saeng Seong, but I ... I seem to have gotten turned around. I was heading toward the apartments, but now I'm in a market of some sort.

[It's hard to place his accent, though there are hints of Bostonian and possibly London.]

I would very much like to find my way home now, if I could find someone who will stop trying to sell me things long enough to point me in the right direction.

[His tone is full of annoyance, but it drops away to leave him vulnerable again. His eyes dart from the screen nervously, then back.]

Yes, I would very much like to go somewhere quiet now.

Comments

[no worries]

[unionjackoff]

...Yes. Right. I know where that is. [thinks about it for a moment] Ah, across the way there should be a rug stand. If you keep walking in that direction, you should come to the next district. I'll stay on the line.

[because_its_cool]

Rugs? I didn't see anyone with rugs.

[Walter looks around, obviously getting more anxious.]

A rug stand, I don't see a rug stand, there's no--

[there's a pause, during which Walter's demeanor changes from nervous fear to nervous elation.]

I found it! I found it!

[The excitement passes quickly after he locates the stall.]

Did I need to buy a rug?

[unionjackoff]

[poor guy]

N-no, of course not. You don't need to buy one. Just keep heading in that direction, my good man.

[because_its_cool]

Oh. All right...

[So, he keeps going. As he walks, Walter is mumbling.]

... 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233...

[He stops, halfway between the government center and the hospital.]

I don't like hospitals. I hate hospitals. I don't want to go there.

[He's fixated, and he sounds terrified. Too much has happened all at once, and it's not going well.]

[unionjackoff]

[oh dear. now what? it's become apparent to England that there may be a few screws loose with this one. either that or he's just taking things really hard. he doesn't know, he's trying to be patient!]

You don't have to go in the hospital. Just walk around it.

[because_its_cool]

[Faintly]

Oh. Yes, I see.

[Walter starts moving again, still reciting numbers under his breath]

2584, 4181, 6765, 10946, 17711...

[until he's within sight of the building.]

There. That's it, I think.

[The video screen blurs as Walter turns his smartphone so that England can see the apartment building not far ahead.]

[video]

[unionjackoff]

[relief! he sighs]

Yes, there you are! Are you alright, sir?

[video]

[because_its_cool]

[There's silence on the other end, long enough to assume he's not going to answer.]

[And then he clears his throat.]

Yes, I think so. I... apologize for my behaviour. I'm not accustomed to being alone.

[video]

[unionjackoff]

It's quite alright. I know being brought to a new place can be disorienting. The only reason I'm used to it is because I've been here for months, but I was pulled from my world just as you were.