video;

[sivard]

[Wherever Zaveid is, his cats aren't around right now. Which is good, because he looks pretty serious.]

So here's a question for people, since I didn't get to talk to a lot of people when I suddenly got a prompt from an app I never downloaded telling me to be more interesting-- what, exactly, were you doing when you first noticed you had a new app? Had you just witnessed anything strange?

This still feels a little surreal to me. If I hadn't spent several days smaller than a remote, I'd be wondering if someone was pulling an extended practical joke on me.

How long has this been going on, exactly? Because it's strange to think there was so much going on I never noticed before.

Comments

[godcards]

Oh, they know a lot more than just your name. The little details seem to vary, however.

Soon enough they'll be sending you presents in the mail.

[sivard]

The word "presents" fills me with dread.

I've already gotten plenty of "last known photograph" shots of me from the app.

[godcards]

As it should, but it's not like they've mailed anything dangerous. Not yet.

I received them as well. Pretty much everyone did. They're keeping tabs on us for whatever reason, but even before the photos surfaced, they were privy to private information. The presents almost seem mocking, in that context. Whatever they send has a sense of... familiarity about it, even if it's something you've never seen before.

[sivard]

....What kind of "presents" are we talking about?

If you feel comfortable sharing them in a place they can observe things, I mean.

[godcards]

The only one I've received is a trading card. Like something you'd give children.

It has some indecipherable text on it though, so it's not just an ordinary card... That's all I know about it, however. Not too exciting in the grand scheme of things.

[sivard]

Huh.

That's pretty weird.

I know most trading cards usually come in packs. You really just got the one?

[godcards]

Yes, just the one. There's nothing to indicate if it's from a series or if it's a stand alone. It's rather strange.

I'll send a picture.

[ attachment.jpg ]

[sivard]

Oh, that is weird.

I've never seen a language that looks like that before.

[godcards]

Same here. If Retrospec wants to send gifts, the least they could do is send a translation along as well.

However, I've seen others receive things like stuffed animals and food. It all seems quite innocuous, but given the company's history... I'm still wary.

[sivard]

I don't blame you.

Even if it looks innocent, that doesn't mean it is.

[godcards]

That's right. I'm glad SOMEONE finally gets it. Most jump to conclusion or defense...

[sivard]

It's creepy, I don't know if anyone would be flattered to get something weird in the mail.

[godcards]

Perhaps you'll change your mind once you get something.

While it does appear random, these items usually elicit certain feelings of fondness or attachment. Objectively, I do agree it's creepy, though.

[sivard]

I'll be honest, it sounds unsettling to get something in the mail that I feel a fondness for, when I can't say I've ever seen it before.

[godcards]

I understand your point. Still, I simply gave you the information to have a resource... your own reactions are up to you, of course. Guess you'll have to wait and see if you get anything at all.

[sivard]

Can't say I'm looking forward to it.

[.......]

Does this mean you have a sense of familiarity towards that trading card you were given?

[godcards]

That is correct. I can't read the text and I've never seen it before in my life - the language or the monster on the card. I don't play card games so it's not like this is tailored to my interests. Objectively, this card is useless to me.
Yet I still feel like it's one of my belongings...

[sivard]

I wonder what would cause something like that?

Whatever it is, this retrospec company knows more than they're saying.

[godcards]

They absolutely do. They like to watch us squirm. It's entertaining for them...

As for the feelings in regards to the gifts, I can't explain that one. Much like anything else Retrospec does.

[sivard]

Sounds like none of us have enough information right now.

It's alarming.