Stage 1 ► Video [Console]

[makesright]

[ The video feed flickers on and Tom is staring into the camera, then glancing off to the side -- then smiling. He looks tired, but relieved. ]

Well, that was simple enough.

Hello, there. My name is Dr. Thomas Light. I arrived some time ago, during a festival, and... I seem to have lost some time? I'm not sure what day it is, but I have one of these now --

[ He holds up his arm, motioning toward the simple metal bracelet on his wrist, with a dark stone set neatly inside it where a watch face would normally be. ]

If anyone could be so kind as to tell me how long I was out? And why I woke up... somewhere completely different?

[ A quick glance at the world behind him reveals he's in the... water sector. ]

Comments

audio;

[makesright]

Two months!

[Tom shakes his head, looking bewildered.]

I feel like I just slept through the night. I don't recall going home.

audio;

[skeletonenigma]

[That's interesting. And a little worrying.

But now that Skulduggery's here, he might as well be helpful.]

Has anyone explained what the gem is?

audio;

[makesright]

Only that not having one got me free admission into that crowded hotel last time -- and it was a very strange thing that I didn't have one.

What is it, exactly?

audio;

[skeletonenigma]

It's a soul gem. No one knows exactly how it works, but it's meant to be what keeps your soul anchored in Keeliai. If you're away from it for more than three days, it kills you. [With a touch of amusement:] That's why most of us found it strange when anyone who arrived during the festival didn't have one.

audio;

[makesright]

A soul gem. That's... well.

[ He sounds a little unsettled. ]

Thank you for warning me. I'll certainly be careful with it.

audio;

[skeletonenigma]

Frightening? Metaphysically impossible? Scientifically impossible? Alarming?

[Whatever adjective Dr. Light meant to use there, Skulduggery probably agrees.]

Don't mention it. While you have me, is there anything else you're not clear on?

audio;

[makesright]

All of that and more, I think. I'm no expert on souls, but that doesn't sound... natural.

[ says the man who built children from scratch. yes. natural is exactly the kind of life you lead.

Still, his tone brightens slightly after a brief pause.]

Not at the moment, but I'd very much like to know your name. And thank you for the help/

audio;

[skeletonenigma]

[Well, a living skeleton isn't exactly natural either. Skulduggery almost points that out, but remembers at the last second that he's talking to a new Foreigner without video turned on.]

Oh, yes, my apologies. Skulduggery Pleasant. Not at all; I'm glad I could help.