Once upon a sex scene...

Jason Emerson 2023/07/25(Tue)15:04 No. 1068908 ID: 11f77a
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Wow. You really can’t taste it at all.

Although sometimes...you get the aftertaste on the back of your throat and it makes you wanna ‘blugh’. It needs more Fresca. You don’t know when it’ll kick in--but it’ll probably come in gradually. You’ve never done this before.

Jason Emerson 2023/07/25(Tue)15:05 No. 1068909 ID: 11f77a
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Jason: Hnnk! Guh! Ugh, I can still taste it a lil. How do people drink this stuff? Like...for the first time. AND they decide to just keep drinking it?

Len: Yeah, ‘you just keep trying to stomach it. You just get used to it. The vodka ought to hit soon.

Len: You feeling that buzz yet?

>>1068909

Vodka and soda? Ugh, probably the cheap stuff. Likely it has that wondrous quality of nail polish mixed with paint thinner.

So, cheap ways to get drunk. Not bad, all considering, if that's the goal. Why, exactly, is it a current goal to drink those drinks which are generally categorized as cheap ways to get drunk?

Do you remember the girl from the orange dream?

That's what the soda is for! To drown out the taste until you stop caring.

Generally it's because of their buddy named Len who doesn't care if he's ruining their life. He's refilling their glass, so it's only polite.

Jason Emerson 2023/07/26(Wed)12:52 No. 1069007 ID: 11f77a
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>Vodka and soda? Ugh, probably the cheap stuff.
>That’s what the soda is for! To drown out the taste [...]
I wouldn’t know. I’ve never tried alcohol before. Maybe a sip of Guinness with my dad in a restaurant and even that was too bitter. My brother replaced the vodka our mom had back home with water.

We’re at our dad’s vacation home. Actually we’re only here to work at a hospital for the summer: cleaning and maintenance. It’s sort of my first job.

>Why exactly, is it a current goal?
Somehow my brother convinced me to just experience being drunk for the first time. I..I’m only 14 (my birthday is in another 2 months so just say I’m 15), and my brother turned 16 in April. I dunno; he seems to have a lot of friends to hang with. He may be used to it. As for me, I usually stay home after school. I don’t have many adventures to cause trouble in the neighborhood. So there’s a lot I’m missing out on. I mean...I ought to try it just once, right?

>Do you remember the girl from the orange dream?
I don’t know any orange girl. Nah.

Jason Emerson 2023/07/26(Wed)12:52 No. 1069008 ID: 11f77a
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I stomach another gulp. I don’t taste it this time which is kind of a relief. I’m starting to get sick of Fresca though.

Jason: So when does it, ya know, *urp* happen?

Len: Your head will feel a lil’ heavy. That’s normal. But you’ll find things real funny soon. Like... funnier than usual.

Jason: Oh really? Like what? I don’t just laugh randomly at anything.

Len: ...

Jason: ...

Len: Penis!

Jason: Heeeeh-heh-heh heh.

I know he’s getting drunk too. He still tells me to keep drinking.

Len: Shhit, man. What do ya wanna do once we get wasted?

Our vacation home is sort of in the woods. There’s a canal in our backyard where dad rents out dock space for boat owners. People can store their boats on his yard for winter and repair.

Try to do something harmless that you're normally good at, like a video game.

Hoooomewooooork yeeeeaahhhh

Try something creative! Write ribald poetry! Like dirty limericks or clerihew or epigrams!

Don't go out in the docks, not a good idea for being drunk first time, it messes with your ability to swim.

>>1069063
Yeah. Is beer pong an option? Or vodka soda pong I guess.

Surely going for a swim at the docks while plastered won't result in a tragic backstory. But just in case, perhaps watching a good bad movie instead?

Jason Emerson 2023/07/27(Thu)17:52 No. 1069110 ID: 11f77a
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>Hoooomewooooork yeeeeaahhhh
It’s summer, I aint got homework. Just regular work where I wake up at five in the morning.

Jason: We could write something funny. Make dirty limericks or something.

Len: The fuck, Jase? This is what you would do when drunk? You’re gonna stay a virgin forever.

Jason: Ha. Ha. Right. Sure. Uh... Maybe video games then?

Len: Come oooon, don’t be a pussy. Are you ever going to venture out of your own home? What games do you even have--don’t you only have two for your Playstation?

Jason: I think Resistor: Caprinekin is all I have for co-op.

Len: Whatever. Maybe later, then. You need to move around; really experience it.

He tugs my arm.

Len: Remember when mom bought all those soda cans--like--fifteen crates from a deal at the grocers? Let’s smash some in the garage! Or just... run around outside on the grass! Break bottles and shit.

Jason: Well..alright. I just don’t want to be near the docks. I don’t want to fall in.

Len: You’ll be fiiiine, dude. Stop worrying. We’ll be on the grass.

Jason Emerson 2023/07/27(Thu)17:53 No. 1069111 ID: 11f77a
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I seem to just... follow him.

Everything’s swirling a little. It got a bit brighter outside than I expected. Funny, I feel the effects in my head but I think I can beat this. I can try to remain completely aware of myself.

Yeah I can be a functional drunk. Watch me!

It’s just feels like my head’s been upside down for a while. It’s not so bad if this is what it’s like.

Jason Emerson 2023/07/27(Thu)17:53 No. 1069112 ID: 11f77a
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Len: Come on! Let’s chill in Farley’s boat! He’ll be cool about it.

He’s beckoning me to the one currently on land--propped up by concrete blocks and pivots. There’s a ladder to get there.

climb on up!

Should be fine as long as you don't rock the boat.

>>1069112

It's so little. Like, what is there gonna be to see other than the steering bit?

Climb up, get all the way up on the roof of the boat!

Jason Emerson 2023/07/30(Sun)15:51 No. 1069392 ID: 11f77a
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Jason: What’s there gonna be to see other than the steering bit anyway?

Len: Oh gee. You’re right. Guess it’s a dumb idea. Woowee. Just a steering bit. So jealous you have such foresight to not try anything in your life... Why even come here to work when you can be safe at home doing nothing? Gee.

Len: This is why you’re gonna live with mom until you’re 60, ya know. Just go places, man. Who cares where you’ll end up--you’ll find something to do. Now come on, just do it!

I climb up after him. I feel gravity pulling down on my head as I step on each rung. Perhaps it’s my perception being a little weird but the boat does seem pretty short from where I’ve stood.

I’m on the deck and the height causes a little vertigo. The boat rocks a little but I think it’s sturdy. Still, with how the drunkenness waves over my head it really does feel like we’re in the water sometimes. I have to sit down for a bit.

Len: How’re ya feelin’ so far, huh?

He grins; he’s amused by me. I haven’t even done anything yet.

Jason: I’m..I’m good. Nothing exciting yet I guess.

Jason Emerson 2023/07/30(Sun)15:52 No. 1069393 ID: 11f77a
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>get all the way up on the roof of the boat!
I think he knew I would get woozy from the height. He’s watching me like I’m some kind of monkey or something--I’m sure of it. I’ll show him how much I don’t give a shit.

I start climbing some more.

Len: What the- heh heh. Where’re ya going, man?

Jason: What’s it look like? I’m climbing on top of the roof! You can stay here if you wanna.

Len: That’s cool. That’s cool. Let me know what you find up there--heh.

It took a bit to figure it out, but I heave on top top and roll onto my back. Now I can see all, hear all. Feels a little more windy up here--but it’s probably my imagination. I don't really want to stand. It’s a fairly quiet property; there are people living in some mobile homes not too far away, perhaps I can see a neighbor on their porch. Farley doesn’t seem to be around at the moment.

Len is quiet for a bit. I hear something flicking, but he yells underneath me.

Len: Ya liking it up there?

licking it heh hehh

Maybe you'll like it more if you're even higher. Want to climb that tree near the boat? can you reach a nearby sturdy branch to climb up on from atop that boat?

Let's not climb TOO much. There's nothing to DO on the roof of things.

>>1069399
except maybe suntan

>>1069401

What's a suntan? Everyone's covered in fur.

It's definitely peaceful but I don't think he's interested in that.

Are you afraid of heights? Maybe you should get back down. With a little help.

It's honestly kind of nice. No reason not to stay there for a while.

Jason Emerson 2023/08/02(Wed)11:13 No. 1069617 ID: 11f77a
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I’m thinking about climbing higher but I was already shaking from being this far up. The tree near the boat doesn’t really have many branches to make it easy. I don’t want to break a leg either so I’m being still for now.

I just climbed up here on impulse, really. It’s a bit nice up here, in a way. Len breaks the silence though.

Len: Hey. Remember when that stray dog came by here for, like, a week--and he just left when we returned from work one day?

Jason: Yeah. I kinda wish he stayed. We kept feeding him and all. I wonder if he’s fine.

Len: He’s probably got some disease in the woods by now.

Wait... I smell somethin’...

Jason Emerson 2023/08/02(Wed)11:14 No. 1069618 ID: 11f77a
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I look over the lip of the roof and see Len with a weed pipe.

Len: What. You act like I aint smoked pot before?

Jason: Is that why you wanted to be in Farley’s boat?

Len: I could do it anywhere. We’re just hanging out.

Len: Have you tried it yet? May as well if you’re gonna be drunk for the first time.

>Maybe you’ll like it more if you’re even higher.
Uhhmm... wait. That’s totally not what I think that meant.

>>1069618

Man, slang is weird. Yeah, ok, why not.

This isn't cut with anything, is it? It's just pot?

>>1069618
Drunk is enough for me dont want to mess with fire

Naaah I got something better-
Lick your thumb, then write with it on the boat roof ‘weed boat!’

nah man, for one this is the first time you're drunk, doing weed would just make it the first time you're crossfaded and that's a different and more potent thing. and you also need to figure out how to get down from up there and being crossfaded would make that even harder than it already is. pass on it, just lay on top and take the world in




definitely label this thing the weed boat though

I mean pot is cool and all but how're you supposed to enjoy a buzz if you got a buzz? DOuble buzz is like buzz bazz... bazzd. Hehheh.

Being crossfaded is a blast but you're not doing great with just drinking yet. Maybe compromise with some more booze? If you can find a way down to get it.

Jason Emerson 2023/08/04(Fri)14:40 No. 1069735 ID: 11f77a
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As we’re talking I trace ‘weed boat!’ on the roof. There’s some dirt and grime because it definitely needs a wash (and it’s been under a tree for months). I wonder how long it’ll be there—probably til next rainfall.

>Yeah, ok, why not.
>don’t want to mess with fire
>being crossfaded is a blast but you’re not doing great with just drinking yet.
>doing weed would just make it the first time you’re crossfaded and that’s a different and more potent thing.
I slowly come down from the roof before I’m further in my buzz. I misjudge how far the floor was but I don’t stumble.

Jason: Uhm... I mmean. Isn’t it bad to mix weed and alcohol?

Len: Only if you really binge on it. It’s fine, dude. Just a bit of moderation.

Jason: Ssstill, I oughta pass.

Len: Alright fine, fine, suit yourself.

Len: You’ll be smoking it eventually, I’m sure of it. You’ll grow to like it.
--
There’s not a whole lot else we talk about. Usually work stories. Funny coworkers. My brother actually works on outside maintenance, garden stuff and mowing around the hospital. I was stuck inside hauling trash and dirty soiled linens this week.

Len: H-Hey. Heh. On my way back from the store I noticed a dead cat across the road--we should go check that out.

Jason: Across the road?

Len: Well... driveway I guess. We don’t live on a highway. You know to look both ways, right?

Jason: *urp* Yeah. I guess.

Len: Le’mee take a few more puffs then.

Jason Emerson 2023/08/04(Fri)14:41 No. 1069736 ID: 11f77a
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...

Jason: Well. It’s a dead cat. I guess.

Len: Not much to it, not like its organs are everywhere.

Jason: Yeah.

Len: Yeah.

Len: Well I didn’t know what to expect. Let’s go play your video games. Got any co-op?

Jason: Dude, I told you what games I have.

Jason Emerson 2023/08/04(Fri)14:42 No. 1069737 ID: 11f77a
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Len: I don’t fuckin’ remember. Come on.

He leaves. There are a couple of cars that zoom past but he’s already reaching the other side. It’s like he’s oblivious to traffic.

Jason: Shit. Hold on a second, Leonard! Just wait!

Not-a-highway my ass. This road feels very wide. I mean, we live on it, I guess I never noticed how wide it was on foot. There are a couple cars approaching but they’re all far away--

Jason Emerson 2023/08/04(Fri)14:42 No. 1069738 ID: 11f77a
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I think I can keep going without having to worry about them catching up to me...

F

Go limp

>>1069742
The alcohol takes care of that hopefully

Jump so you end up on TOP of the hood, not crushed under the wheels of the horrifically unsafe truck!

Oh! I think I actually know what to do in this situation, i was actually taught this on tv long ago.

I heard once if a car is about to hit you, and you have no time to dodge, you have to jump towards the top of the hood of the car, because it'll be a lot worse if you get hit and dragged under the car. It's better to have the car swoop you upwards on the hood. Keep your leg closest to the car up, dont put weight on it. When you get on the hood of the car, protect your head with your arms so that if you possinly hit the windshield, you'll minimize damage to the head.

Keep in mind you'll still get hurt from the car and will still have to go to the hospital, but doing this will at least raise your chances of survival and hopefully wont break more bones than it would if any.

JUMP!

Jason Emerson 2023/08/07(Mon)13:26 No. 1069919 ID: 11f77a
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SHIT!

What the fuck do I do?!

Jump! Just jump! I think I remember a video—

I jump! I just fucking jump up and backwards! I’m waiting for my legs to go bye-bye. But I’ll live. God, I hope. I’ll smash the hood at least and go over.
--
No. The car zooms on by no problem. I don’t think I heard any brakes. You’d think they’d slam the brakes. What the fuck, dude?

Jason Emerson 2023/08/07(Mon)13:27 No. 1069920 ID: 11f77a
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Everything’s fine..?

I don’t know how I managed to jump far away but... I’m not even hurt--except for a few scrapes. No other cars are coming either. It takes a moment to register what happened. My brother calls to me by the mailbox.

Len: Uh, you coming?

Jason: What?!

Len: Dude, are you lost on the road?

Jason: You didn’t just fucking see that?

Len: What.

Jason: I almost fucking died! You seriously didn’t fucking see that car almost hitting me?

Len: Huh? Uh--You weren’t anywhere near that car, dude. You were still in the other lane, you drunk. You stopped on the yellow line.

Len: You had a full three seconds before it would’ve passed you anyway. You could’ve kept walking fine.

Jason: I was right in front of it, dickwad! I could’ve died!

Len: Sure buddy, okay.

Jason: Screw you. I’m going back in the house...

You sure you can make it to the house on your own while drunk?

>>1069920
First see if you can read the number plate
Yeah this does not feel good ypur brother dismissing you nearly dying that "uh" sounds like bullshitting

Consider your both drunk, and he's probably high right now. both your senses are out of wack, so whether he's wrong or right, cut him some slack.

Still, tell him this is getting stupid and you want out.

Woah woah wait remember you're drunk. Drunk means thoughts are different. It must've been the vodka that made you think the car was that close to you. That's... how vodka works, right? Yeah, yeah that's gotta be how it works.

Stupid vodka dream car making you look stupid in front of your brother.

Doesn't matter what the truth is, the lack of concern sucks. Just go back to the house.

Jason Emerson 2023/08/11(Fri)20:28 No. 1070134 ID: 11f77a
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>First see if you can read the number plate
I didn’t think of that. By the time I dust myself off it’s already too far down the thruway. It’s gone.

>Both your senses are out of wack
>It must’ve been the vodka that made you think the car was that close.
I guess... but I don’t know what to believe right now. I’m alive so that’s what’s important. Still, my brother is quite dismissive. He’s getting sloppier in his steps so I think we ought to go in the house.
--
We’re back in the living room on the couch. I’m still a bit pissed from the near-miss on that car. Least when I’m drunk I can still play games adequately. Len sucks at co-op.

Jason: Man, I could’ve died.

Len: It wasn’t that bad, man. You’re wanting attention at this point.

Jason: Man, fuck you. I know what I saw.

Len: Sure sure.

Len: You hungry yet? What are we gonna eat?

Jason: I don’t know. Boil some hotdogs I guess.

Len: You should make dinner for once. It’s always been either me or dad.

Jason: Whatever.

Jason Emerson 2023/08/11(Fri)20:30 No. 1070135 ID: 11f77a
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Len: Hey... Jase.

Jason: Hmm?

Len: You ever think... like...

Len: Like...

Len: Like the world ends when you die?

Jason: Whoa. What? Huh?

Len: Like, if you died, would I cease to exist without you witnessing me?

Jason: Dude, lol. What the fuck.

Tell him that's like asking if your life is just a dream. but also let him know that reoccurring dreams do happen.
tell him you think when you die, it'll be just like it was before you were born: just, going on into infinity of calm nothingness with no senses until something happens again.

Nah man, solipsism is a bankrupt philosophy.

...what?

Obviously not or the world would have already ended. Unless it did and this is some sort of simulation. But that's even less sensible.

"I think therefore I am"

>>1070144

It's not even proper philosophy! It's just crappy intellectual masturbation. It's completely unfalsifiable, anti-empirical, encourages sociopathic behavior, paradoxical with regards to communication (if you believe it, why discuss it with others?), has no utility, does not help with everyday experience, and encourages delusional thinking!

As far as simulation hypothesis, that also has a ton of similar problems! Even the narrower ancestral simulation hypothesis version has issues with falsifiability and determinacy, infinite regression issues, lack of utility, and on and on!

>>1070156

Yeah, that.

Also you'd know if you were just imagining your brother.

>>1070135

Close your eyes and ask him if he's still there. It's not like he's going to literally disappear if you aren't looking at him.

(We already tried that on the boat, technically, when we weren't looking at him)

"If a tree falls and no-one's there to hear it, does it make a sound?"

>>1070175

THAT'S just a stupid definition and language issue, not a big philosophical conundrum! Does it produce sound waves through the air and ground vs does it produce the detected subjective experience of auditory feedback!

The universe STILL EXISTS when we aren't there to believe in it, but that doesn't mean that being present to experience the universe is of no utility or worth or value!

I feel like an excellent counter-argument, depending on where he goes with this is:
“And what makes you so important that the world is going to end with you versus all the other people who already lived and died?”

>>1070188

Simple answer to that is they didn't.

>>1070191

No, that actually isn't the simple answer. It's the more complex answer. This is how ideas like the simulation hypothesis and solipsism fail Occam's Razor. What's more likely: that there's a vast conspiracy with pseudo-real people being generated by some powerful group to make it so that only one or a few people aren't NPC's, or that one guy is full of shit and thinks the world in front of him isn't real, despite all evidence to the contrary?

Want to find out?

>>1070194

Just because Boltzmann brains are more likely doesn't mean that's the case. But it doesn't matter what's more likely. It's the same either way. You're here, and you can't be anywhere else, or anyone else.

Jason Emerson 2023/08/13(Sun)17:41 No. 1070204 ID: 11f77a
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Jason: I mean we’re not main characters, are we? Otherwise the world would’ve ended already. You’d think that’d happen already with the millions dying every day.

Jason: Not counting aliens.

Jason: Plus I’d know if I was imagining you.

Len: Yeah but, maybe there’s a universe for each person… or something. How uh... How would you even know your purpose isn’t to just... just to exist for someone else?

Jason: I mean--you know--I think therefore I am. I know I exist because I can’t doubt I don’t.

Len: Maybe it’s how us NPCs are hardwired or given a past that we think we know.

Jason: Assuming I’m a ‘protagonist’ then--isn’t it a bit selfish?

Len: Only if you think you can do whatever you want. Doesn’t mean, uhm, there are no consequences, or plot armor. Your story could end short. Thus, everyone blinks out of existence when you can no longer observe.

Jason: Riiight. And if I close my eyes and can’t see or hear you you’ll disappear for good?

Len: You still have object permanence, bro. You know I’m somewhere. Besides, I meant whether it all goes away when you’re dead.

Jason: You’re high. Shut up.

Marlene Collins 2023/08/13(Sun)17:42 No. 1070205 ID: 11f77a
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Hmm?

I hadn’t realized how fast time has gone. It’s just after 8:00 in the morning. I’ve been reading more than the intro but only skimming around. It’s a little confusing when I skip several chapters ahead without much context--so that’s why I’ve been analyzing the beginning pretty closely.

The next chapter takes place a few years later when Jason is 18.

I’m sure Emmylou will be working all day at Brooks. According to the past few days my journey has been starting with Brooks → Band → and maybe/maybe not Silenus.

I’ll certainly be reading this script throughout the day. Maybe by the time I’m done I can stop by Silenus just to see Dolly and get my $100. There’s also writing a song with what I remember from the dream--but I have a full three weeks to perfect that.

Hah! I knew solpsism was a bankrupt philosophy!

Marlene Collins 2023/08/16(Wed)17:17 No. 1070315 ID: 11f77a
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Well then...

I guess there’s no prompt for me. It’s a slow morning after all. I may as well freshen up and analyze the script on the way to Brooks.

For the moment, I was immersed in the story. And for the first time, I’ve forgotten about Carter and our dreams together. The way Osman Neiro writes the scene is pretty careful. I don’t recognize the name or style either. I wonder if he wrote screenplays for anything else.

But who knows, maybe Silenus would just find it quite boring. As soon as I took pause into the real world there’s just no drive to do much.

Hrmm.
--
I 've decided to take the bus this time. I don't want to be walking out with the chance of rain.

I’m slightly worried though. As soon as the script is out of my hands, what the fuck am I going to distract myself with now?

Anyway... where did I leave off? Enough about my own uninteresting life...

Jason Emerson 2023/08/16(Wed)17:20 No. 1070316 ID: 11f77a
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Let’s see...

He lifts his backpack and flips it over a shoulder. The other hand grabs a duffelbag.

It’s been several years since their time at the vacation home. Jason is at the end of high school. Len has finished a year of college.

They're back in their regular home, in the beginning of August.

Len: Hey Jase, can you grab that bag over there for me? It has stuff for the tent.

This could be the next boyhood!

Get that bag, but double check the stuff

poor Marlene xD

Do one more inventory, just to make sure! You brought a compass, right?

So what are some of your cool, 'always be prepared for anything' stuff you bring with you when you have access to a decent sized bag?

How about we pitch the tent, literally. Toss the bag and yell catch!

Jason Emerson 2023/08/21(Mon)16:37 No. 1070503 ID: 11f77a
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I grab the only other bag in the room; it’s the last one, looks like.

Jase: So is that everything? Compass? Toiletries?

Len: Yeah, yeah. I got it, I got it. Cam and I aren’t going to Bumfuck, Nowhere. It’s just a road trip to... anywhere. We got friends and AirBnB. We might stop at a park but, ya know.

Jase: Do you have your sleeping bag?

Len: Yeah. It should be in the trunk now. Cam is the one who probably has all the cool stuff--emergency stuff. He hikes a lot--we're taking his Jeep.

We pack it up. Len is taking an impromptu road trip with a friend from his high school years. He’s known him since, like, middle school probably.

Mom stands at the door. She’s taking pictures with her camera.

Len: Hey, I think that’s everything. Thanks man. See ya in a month, maybe.

Jase: Yeah--good luck man. Don’t get raped by any hillbillies.

Mom: You got everythiiiing?!

Len: yeah. We’re cool, mom!

Jason Emerson 2023/08/21(Mon)16:37 No. 1070504 ID: 11f77a
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I go back up to my room. I must’ve ran upstairs too fast because now my head hurts. I’ve been helping Len up, down, across and around the house. I’m about to sit into my desk.

Ah shit. Of all the—

Is that his goddamn wallet?

Jason Emerson 2023/08/21(Mon)16:38 No. 1070505 ID: 11f77a
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It is his goddamn wallet. What the fuck, maaaan.

I look out the window and the Jeep isn’t there. Fuuuuuck. How do you forget a stupid wallet?

Call him.

Snoop in his wallet. Maybe we'll discover something shocking.

hmm, do you think the weather's changed? something seems different. still, call him about the wallet.

Well I don't know why you're asking me to answer that, but it's a pretty simple process.

step 1: leave the wallet on the desk
step 2: forget you did that
step 3: take the jeep and go

>>1070510
Snoop then don't call! Unless you're looking to get someone ran over. This actually calls for you to follow after him in your own car/a taxi.

Jason Emerson 2023/08/23(Wed)12:45 No. 1070609 ID: 11f77a
File 169281993040.png - (281.23KB , 550x500 , 027.png )

>Do you think the weather’s changed?
It looks the same, I think. Sunny. Some giant, white clouds overhead. Perfect weather to start a road trip.

>Snoop in his wallet. Maybe we’ll discover something shocking.
I make a quick search and open it up. There’s... nothing. Nothing but his driver’s license and some membership cards. Probably expired. Maybe a credit card. Not even cash. Did he get a new wallet? His license looks pretty current.

I make no delay to call him. I don’t think he was driving so he better pick up.

...

He’s not picking up. It’s just... it immediately went to an automated message.

Oh shit. Is he...? Is he abandoning us? Tell me he’s not starting a new life. I mean, more power to him, I guess. It may also be a lot to assume from a discarded wallet and possibly dead number.

Jase: MOM!!

Jason Emerson 2023/08/23(Wed)12:46 No. 1070610 ID: 11f77a
File 169282000255.png - (275.31KB , 550x500 , 028.png )

I jog down the stairs. She’s sitting in the kitchen.

Jase: Mom!

Mom: Hrmm? Something up, honey?

Jase: It’s Len.

Mom: What?

Jase: Can you get a hold of him? Len forgot his stupid wallet. It has his driver’s license.

Mom: hu—who?

Jase: Leonard. He just left for his trip with Cam but forgot his wallet. He must’ve just left. I tried calling him but it went to voicemail. Can you try?

Mom: You... sure it’s Leonard’s?

Jase: Yes.

Mom: Are you feeling alright, son? I know it’s been hard since he left us.

Jase: Uh—what are you talking about? Look, that’s his license!

Mom: Hon, you know what... happened. I understand we... would like to forget these things. But there’s nothing you could’ve done.

Jase: What are you talking about?

Jason Emerson 2023/08/23(Wed)12:47 No. 1070611 ID: 11f77a
File 169282007751.png - (196.37KB , 550x500 , 029.png )

Mom: You...

She shows great concern; I notice tired bags under her eyes as she’s confused yet--there was something else. Her voice is delicate.

Mom: Oh, son. Len... passed away, honey. You know that.

Mom: If you need to talk... you should always know I’m here for you.

>>1070611

Do you have some kind of a memory problem?? Wait you're kidding—that truck really *did* hit you! Lem was bullshitting you this whole time! Have you been forgetting everything since the accident? You need to write yourself a note about this! You probably already did. Why is your mom not shoving your notes to yourself in your face? How long has this been going on?!

You're in disbelief, and youve entered the first step of grief: denial

Immediately leave, and get into you vehicle, and drive out to where your brother is going.
You gotta catch up to him. Run to the car if you have to.

Did Len -just- die? I thought the wallet contained an up-to-date license. Check it again just in case we're insane.

>>1070627
Yeah, and ask your mom the date. Ask her how it happened. You're not dreaming right now are you?

Tell her, "I need to go to the ER. I think I might have a brain injury."

Look at the licenses again?

Jason Emerson 2023/08/27(Sun)12:50 No. 1071009 ID: 11f77a
File 169316585885.png - (294.99KB , 550x500 , 030.png )

>Did Len –just- die?
>Do you have some kind of a memory problem??
I... wait.

I... I remember now. He did die. For a while now. I can recall that day. The news broke to me after school.

He overdosed or... something. He took some pills before class. He may have been drinking heavily. Partying the night before. Maybe it was anxiety. He was stressed the fuck out in college. I don’t recall every detail, it’s been a while. There may have been a test that morning so he took something to stay awake and alert. But he blacked out in the middle of class and fell out of his desk.

I was returning home after high school; I finished an evening of cross-country. Mom picked me up. Dad immediately drove over three states to see him.

There was a funeral. We had family over in my aunt’s backyard.

I kept his wallet. I don’t know why but I kept a lot of things from his room. Mostly decorations, mementos. Memories. His old portable TV he played Xbox on during our camper trips. Books. Stuff now in my closet.

That was seven months ago.

But I just saw him a minute ago.

I remember months of his presence, though. Not even dream-like, but as real as memories can be.

I’m looking at his license again--making sure it’s all true, making sure it’s current.

Jase: Mom...

Jason Emerson 2023/08/27(Sun)12:51 No. 1071010 ID: 11f77a
File 169316588801.png - (222.44KB , 550x500 , 031.png )

>Have you been forgetting everything since the accident?
That was one of the things I’ve never told mom when I was younger; the time I was almost hit by that truck. Was it a truck? Car? Jeep? I know I dodged it. And I haven’t had moments where I’ve been forgetting things--especially as important as my brother’s death.

Jase: I think I need to visit the ER. I might have a brain injury.

Mom: Did you hit your head against something? Turn a bit. Let me check for a bump.

Jase: What day is it? Isn’t it August?

Mom: Saturday the 16th.

Jase: Yeah, sounds about right...

I don’t know how to explain what I’m going through. Maybe I did hit my head.

Do you know the symptoms of a stroke or brain aneurysm? Because I don't. But I know major memory loss while awake and alert means I probably need to see a neurologist. And some brain stuff is seconds count.

That ear piercing is new between when you saw your brother leave on the road trip, to now. Maybe if you continue having these memories, you can try to feel your ear and see if the piercing is there or not. if it's not, you're living a memory. If it's there, you are in the present. use that as an anchor.

When did you get your ear pierced by the way?

Symptoms of a stroke? Of course you know those! Sagging face muscles, inability to speak or form words, eyes dilating improperly, an absolutely abominable headache. You probably read up on a bunch of brain disorders trying to find an explanation for... this. None of them really fit.

So you didn't get some sort of horrible head injury in a car accident you don't quite remember right. Were things slipping even then, between one truth and the other? Even when you were a couple of dumb kids?

One way or another, your brother's both alive and dead at the same time. His wallet's the only link you have between these states of being, or mind. Keep it safe. You don't want to lose this. Do you remember what drugs it was that he overdosed on? If you could find out what those pills were, or where he got them, they might be something... stranger than drugs.

>>1071010

Didn't you guys talk about something, way back as kids that one day you hung out on the boat? About what would happen after you die?

Maybe this is it, except with Len gone, things are trying to "fill in the gaps." You're the leftovers of his world.

Wave it off as having been half awake and still dreaming. It could just be that and it's not like mom worrying helps anything. If it's not just dreaming... Well the only way to figure out is by it happening again.

This doesn't seem like grief, nor does it seem like the result of an accident. He was very quickly reminded, almost as if he was snapped out of a haze. Jase might be dissociating with what Len could have been doing if he were alive.

Jason Emerson 2023/08/30(Wed)16:18 No. 1071309 ID: 11f77a
File 169343752254.png - (229.88KB , 550x500 , 032.png )

>When did you get your left ear pierced?
>That ear piercing is new between when you saw your brother leave, to now
Oh, right. The ear ring. Len and I got them a couple summers back; I think it was the same year when I got drunk. We were at a Claire’s store and I was convinced to get one with my brother. It was on impulse, more or less. Didn’t even hurt--I was surprised. Mom was fine with it, no biggie.

Or did I? I must’ve. I’m both certain and confused now that it’s brought to my attention.

>Do you remember what drugs? [...] they might be something... stranger
Hell if I know. I always played it safe--so I’m not well-versed in pot smoking, drug symptoms or their names. I guess it was something like Adderall to help stay awake for the test.

Jase: Can we still visit a hospital? I don’t know if this is going to be a stroke or aneurysm. I just have a bad feeling about this.

Jase: It just happened as I walked in my room. Maybe I ran up the stairs too fast. I know I get migraines once a year; but this is different.

Mom: Alright, hon. If you think so--I’ll quickly get my purse with my things. Meet me in the car.

She turns away. I don’t feel a headache, it’s a lot of information at once. But I have to be certain of this memory loss.

>Jase might have been dissociating with what Len could have been doing if he were alive.
>Were things slipping even then, between one truth and the other?
No! Or... I don’t think so. Nothing significant. Nothing to make me question my reality. But now I’m conflicted with what’s true.

Jason Emerson 2023/08/30(Wed)16:19 No. 1071310 ID: 11f77a
File 169343755865.png - (187.22KB , 550x500 , 033.png )

I sit in the car. I have memories of him as if he were a phantom.

>Didn’t you guys talk about something, way back as kids that one day you hung out on the boat?
We were pretty tipsy; more than that, even. Shootin’ the shit and making up dumb questions. I can’t recall word-for-word what was said--but the idea that we’re all left behind is ridiculous!

Could it have been a dream? Have I missed him that much to imagine him beside me when I was alone? I feel groggy. I hope this doesn’t evolve into early schizophrenia.

>>1071310

You mean early onset dementia?

>>1071325
No, he's worried that he's going to start seeing and hearing things regularly. He's also worried about memory loss but that's an additional issue.

But the symptoms don't really line up either way. Unless these two illnesses are comorbid in some strange ways, I'm guessing it's something else.

What's out the window?

>>1071389
Thats actually a good point. Something does seem reflected on the window.

>>1071310
Did your piercing disappear? Feel your ear for it and look out the window.

Jason Emerson 2023/09/03(Sun)14:09 No. 1071534 ID: 11f77a
File 169377538619.png - (241.02KB , 550x500 , 034.png )

>You mean early onset dementia?
I don’t know, to be honest. I’m too young to have this shit happening to me. I worry about my future and descent into madness. And I’m only 17...

>What’s out the window? // Something does seem reflected [...]
>Did your piercing disappear? Feel your ear and look out the window.
Huh? I never had a... piercing...

???: --cause Cam wanted to reach a friend before it gets dark. I’m like, dude, it’s four states away. We’re three minutes from my house, let’s loop around.

Wait...

Jason Emerson 2023/09/03(Sun)14:11 No. 1071535 ID: 11f77a
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Len: So anyway--yeah, thanks for finding that for me.

Jase: O-Oh, no problem.

I hand over his... tablet.

Jase: It was under the... uh... must’ve fallen between furniture.

Len: Yeah, really would’ve sucked without it. Anyway, can’t chat for long so I’ll see ya in a month or so.

Why does it feel like I'm seeing a ghost? I’m both neutral yet... joyful to see him again.

Uhhhh.
Tell him you had a horrible dream that he died from a drug overdose, and to please give you a call if he ever feels overly stressed out so he doesn't have to do such things as much. You're his brother after all.

Man, I don't know what's up, but I feel like I'm becoming unanchored in time. Hey man, if I was like, precognitive, or did mental time travel, or had the gift of prophecy, or whatever, if I couldn't prove it... You wouldn't blow me off, would you? Even if I couldn't get you lotto numbers or Kentucky Derby results and shit, you wouldn't Cassandra me--You'd still pay attention, right? Keep what I say in mind? Like, even if fate is in stone or some shit, which I don't fucking know one way or another, you'd at least TRY to avoid a bad end?

I'd suggest pinching yourself but you already know you'll feel it. You can read and tell time too, no question. It'd be easy if this was a dream, but...

Probe him for what he's doing. Something about if he's gonna have fun, and how you've been thinking about your own future.

His... tablet? What about his wallet?

Jason Emerson 2023/09/05(Tue)19:37 No. 1071767 ID: 11f77a
File 169396785728.png - (234.96KB , 550x500 , 036.png )

>His... tablet? What about his wallet?
What about it? He has it... I would assume. Hold on...

I stop him before he walks too far.

Jase: Hey, uh, there’s no roundabout way to say this but--

Jase: Just try to avoid any bad ends, okay?

Len: Eh--what? Huh. Did mom tell you to say that?

He’s confused, shrugging my comment with a chuckle as it was pretty out of the blue. But what I experienced doesn’t add up. And if I am somewhat unanchored in time--maybe it’s more of a premonition of what’s to come, or what might have been. There’s no way to prove it today, but this is a mighty big hunch.

Jase: I know this trip is a good vacation from school and all.

Jase: If something feels wrong out there--or if you’re feeling uneasy about going through things... just give me a call or something, okay?

Len: Uh--heh heh--sure I guess.

Jase: I mean it.

I aint in the chuckling mood; he sees that clearly now.

Len: Alright alright. Don’t worry about me, bro’sive. I’ll see ya later--I'll be fine.

He jogs back to his car and I hear the door shut. They drive off and I’m left standing wondering what just happened. I recall his death from another life. I saw grief on the faces of my family during those months without him. And now everyone is fine... as if I was the only one who carries that pain--

Chapter 3: Wake In The Day To Find That It Was Vanity Marlene Collins 2023/09/05(Tue)19:38 No. 1071768 ID: 11f77a
File 169396792963.png - (173.30KB , 550x500 , 037.png )

Oh hey. Looks like my stop is here. Good thing I found a spot to pause the story. Brook’s Clove is just down a few blocks.

Sure enough I’ll say hello to Emmylou once inside. I wonder how she’s been doing.

Yea! Hang out with your friends, catch up with them, that's super important!

Out of curiosity, is there anyone that you haven't told about your experiences that you should? So far, people haven't reacted negatively when you described your vision thingies in culturally relevant terms, but that's, uh, not really 'pushing' it. Or maybe there's someone you think you might get away with pushing that envelope with?

Emmy seemed really enthusiastic about your writing. Maybe tell her how Nick and Robin saw you daydreaming some scribbles for inspiration, and about lost their shit when they thought it was actually supposed to be song lyrics. Then ask her what she thinks of your actual song lyrics, that you wrote from the orange dream?

Definitely share with her that you might have found a winning script. She had to put up with those honking awful other scripts too, yesterday.

Marlene Collins 2023/09/08(Fri)12:53 No. 1071979 ID: 11f77a
File 169420282988.png - (163.11KB , 550x500 , 038.png )

>Is there anyone that you haven’t told about your experiences that you should?
Maybe I ought to list those who may already know, first. I have told my friends only surface-level details, however. Half-truths even. But nothing so straight-forward about communicating via dreams. I remember bringing up Carter to Emmylou but I played it off as someone ‘I met in passing’.

I mentioned bad dreams to Nico. He probably laughed it off due to my... delivery of it.

I don’t think I talked about my dreams to the band, but there have been weird things they noticed--like dozing off or how I’ve been writing lyrics down.

It seems I haven’t said anything about it to my boyfriend, Sebastian. And realizing now--he’s most in the dark about this. Although, he knows about the sleepwalking but that’s happened all my life.

I may need to talk to someone about this eventually. The problem is being certain they won’t think I’m a lunatic.

Emm and I make our pleasantries and she’s able to step away from the counter for a few minutes. I’m drinking a coffee to start my morning; I can feel my bones warming up. I’ll figure out a way to bring up the scripts eventually.

Marlene: So I’m guessing no one’s been asking for me around here.

Emmylou: Why, you owe the mob some money?

Marlene: No. It’s the Carter guy. Remember?

Emmylou: Oh! Right, right. Nah. Nothing yesterday. I was out by 5, too.

Marlene: Say, how was your date with that... guy yesterday?

Marlene Collins 2023/09/08(Fri)12:54 No. 1071980 ID: 11f77a
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Emmylou: Oh, Frederick?

She brightens up, kind of the opposite reaction I was expecting given her normal streak of dates.

Emmylou: Yeah, our lunch was nice! Fogerty’s seems like a nice couples restaurant. You and Seb should try it out. It’s not fancy but it’s a swell luncheon spot.

Emmylou: I’m also really sorry about how he acted yesterday. I should’ve told you about his sense of humor. It can be a bit out-of-left-field but I guess it gives off a certain charm as well. Certainly not like other guys I’ve been with.

Marlene: You seem pretty chipper about him, sounds like.

Emmylou: You think? I agreed to another date tonight without giving it much thought--so something must be working.

Or she could be being mind controlled by the Martian robot zombies from dimension X!

Carter never did say you were going to meet together. It's a long drive, that he's not confident enough to make. It would have been nice if he had come anyway, but oh well. Nothing unexpected here.

Ask Emmy how Fred really did ask her out, a few weeks ago at the hardware store?

Must be going well if you're already going out again. What's the plan this time, Dinner again, or maybe checking out that new movie playing tonight?

Well, if she was to give it much thought, does she have anything else to add?

And it is pretty hard to even drop hints about the dream stuff. But she's in a pretty useful position. If Carter ever does show up, and you tell her before then that you haven't actually communicated before, that'd be pretty good evidence. Not that she couldn't call you a liar, but...

Marlene Collins 2023/09/12(Tue)18:59 No. 1072264 ID: 11f77a
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>It would have been nice if [Carter] had come anyway
I’m sure one of these days we’ll finally meet in person. It’ll just take some time for him to trust me. He seemed a bit shy to give away his phone number, or email. At the same time I’m a little hesitant about it in the real world. We are still strangers, in a way, but somewhat acquainted through unnatural means.

I resume the conversation.

Marlene: Well that’s good, I guess. What’s the theme this time? Dinner and a movie?

Emmylou: Obviously dinner. We’re hanging out at the park first, actually. Gardens. City sights. Then find some place to eat.

Marlene: How’d you even meet this guy?

Emmylou: Right here.

Marlene: I mean like... how did he charm his way to get you to say yes?

Emmylou: I‘unno! Like, you get regulars here. You recognize them eventually and start to make their favorite blend before they order at the counter. He visits the hardware store close to here for his roofing job. I guess he knew me enough to strike up a conversation. Aaaaand... one thing to another, ya know?

Emmylou: He was mainly talking about his job. Usual stuff: accident stories, how hot it can be in the sweltering heat with black fur, and such. Maybe I was the only one willing to listen to him complain about all that--not like my annoying stories here could top it.

Emmylou: But we talked about our exes and I suppose that just led to sharing some horror stories we could connect with. Soon enough we’ve been opening up like pals until he popped the question.

Emmylou: I don’t wanna ramble on for too long. There’s still a lot we don’t know about each other. Maybe I ought to restrain my excitement to be going out with someone new.

Emmylou: Your backpack seems a bit lighter~ Did you end up with any finalists for the golden script?

Something with promise. You're still going through it but it's been a lot more enthralling than you expected. Just like with Frederick and her, maybe it's something about commiserating with some of the experiences you've been going through since the protagonist is having a weird time of his own.

Surprisingly yeah, it's fantastic. Would need a lot of work in both the filming and the editing room to make it shine visually but it's enthralling so far.

Your rambling's beautiful, Emmy. It's great that you could share that about yourself and you two; sounds really promising. It's just a relief to know the guy more than that awful first impression. It'd break your heart if he left Emmy with another horror story to tell.

Anyway speaking of horror stories here's a guy being time displaced by his haunted dead brother!

Marlene Collins 2023/09/13(Wed)21:05 No. 1072344 ID: 11f77a
File 169466433678.png - (157.35KB , 550x500 , 041.png )

Marlene: Oh don’t you worry about rambling on about him, Emmy. Sounds promising, really! Least it’s a better first impression than what I’ve had.

Emmylou: His humor is something to attune to.

Marlene: Oh, it’s probably not even him. I just was caught on a strange day, I suppose.

Marlene: Anyway--I think I have something showing promise. I’m still reviewing it but it’s a lot more enthralling than expected! I guess I feel sympathetic to the protagonist, due to the weird experiences I’ve been having.

Emmylou: What’s it called?

Marlene: ‘Jason in the Kaleidoscope’. The logline says it’s about a boy experiencing parallel lives. Time displacement it seems. It could shine with some good editing and filming. Beautifully written by some Osman Neiro. I don’t recall a screenwriter like that.

Emmylou: How long does a script like that go anyway?

Marlene: Well, typically a page equals a minute. Standard Hollywood is 110 to 130 pages nowadays--

Marlene: Hold up a minute...

I start rifling through, counting pretty quickly. I start to notice some things--while a majority of the script is in typeletter, there are sketches of notes in pencil and pen. Sometimes words are scribbled out. Still comprehensible. Seems more and more like a rough draft than anything. But by the time I reach the end of the script it seems to cut off at...

Marlene: 73 pages?

Emmylou: Short film?

Marlene: Wait, no. It can’t be...

Some quick murmuring of the last few pages

Marlene: There isn’t even an ending! It just stops abruptly!

Maybe you should contact the author and see if he has a more up to date draft. The story showed promise.

Well it's not like you'd get paid for ghostwriting the ending... unless you can leverage that into a job, gotta find the writer.

>No ending
I think this would make a great first season.

So what if there is no ending yet? What you can do is submit the draft for editing, and then search the forums for discussions about what viewers think the ending to the series is going to be.

By the time the producers realize they've tied their name to a one-trick pony, they'll all get showered in cash and it will be too late to take revenge without looking like spiteful maniacs.

Marlene Collins 2023/09/16(Sat)13:26 No. 1072464 ID: 11f77a
File 169489598137.png - (146.22KB , 550x500 , 042.png )

I’m double-checking for a number.

Marlene: I have to see if I can contact this author! I need something more up-to-date! Maybe Silenus has the address this came in...

Emmylou: Can you submit an unfinished script?

Marlene: Well yeeeeah but unless you’re Tarantino or Scorsese everything else is straight into the trash or... or maybe someone can buy the rights or...

Emmylou: Can’t you just finish it, then?

Marlene: Well, I suppose if Silenus bought the script they’d have free reign over rewrites. But who knows if they’ll just, uh, add ‘unwanted flair’. Someone else will end up working on it, I’m sure.

Emmylou: You don’t sound thrilled to hand it off.

Marlene: Oh... uhm... maybe I just...

She’s right. I feel very strongly for this story. Given what the three black sheep have been working on--I’d hate for a story to be ripped apart to please all audiences possible. Ya know those types of executives. Then again it sounds like the Industry ought to take a few risks to get back on top.

Marlene: It just seems promising and I don’t want it to fall into the wrong hands.

Marlene Collins 2023/09/16(Sat)13:27 No. 1072465 ID: 11f77a
File 169489603012.png - (151.70KB , 550x500 , 043.png )

Emmylou: Why don’t you write the rest, then? Perhaps make it into a television show. One hour pilot. You can get your friends to vouch, right?

Marlene: Right but... I don’t know if I’m ready to stick around Silenus again.

I take a deep sigh.

Marlene: I was offered a job to return to the studio the other day, let’s just say that conversation ended a bit awkwardly. That’s why I feel like I’m in such a pickle right now. I want to work there yet... I don’t.

Emmylou: Oooh.

Marlene: If I can get in touch with the author, maybe there’ll be a more complete story without the need of much editing!

It looks like the author’s name is all I’ve got. I suppose this draft was submitted on accident and the real one has all the necessary information. Would I really consider going back to work for Silenus just for this?

It's uh... it's natural to have feelings for Nico; he's confident and helpful, a wonderful man and dead sexy. You can't help feelings that women just have sometimes, but it's not safe to work for Silenus, until you talk with Seb about the feelings you're having for Nico. Not... love, but allure and fascination. An understanding that you two click, that you never... consciously agreed to.

See if you can find out who Osman Neiro is just by the name. It's probably a pseudonym, but he might have published other stuff under it.

Seems pretty clear going back to Silenus is a bad idea. Let's try and get ahold of the script's author first.

Given the circumstances, but the need for some additional info, you could compromise with putting a call in to the studio -- you exchanged numbers with Dolly and you're doing her a solid as it is, so odds are she may be your best bet for contact deets!

>>1072691
Sounds smart. Anything to sidestep various creeps.

Marlene Collins 2023/09/24(Sun)18:20 No. 1073134 ID: 11f77a
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>It’s natural to have feelings for Nico
Uuugh, maybe I can ask Dolly if he’s in today. That way I can wait for a perfect moment to miss him.

Marlene: I’ll text Dolly about it, and I can just meet her outside the studio! There are other scripts good enough for that $100 for now. She can answer me with ways to contact the author.

Emmylou: Is withholding a script bad?

Marlene: Not really. But if I try to pass it off as my own--sure. Obviously.

Marlene: Scripts are thrown out all the time in droves. Maybe Osman made copies and submitted to Bacchus and all the other studios. Perhaps they’ll all reject it; perhaps Bacchus will snag it first.

I consult the laptop to figure out whether Osman Neiro is a pseudonym of some kind. Some names show up but sometimes it’s not even the right name--such as Nero Osmand. It’s just a... peculiar name. Nothing else has been published in particular. No books or movies show up (aside from facebook accounts of normal people, I guess?) none of them say ‘screenwriter’.

Marlene: Why is it hard to just find who you’re looking for on the internet?

Marlene: I suppose my best option is to get in touch with Dolly then.

Emmylou: Yeah! Get that script to the big screen! I’m glad to witness the beginning of an Oscar-winning film.

Marlene: Heh, if only.

There’s only a few minutes left on Emm’s watch before she’s back to her job. I suppose I have the choice whether to call Dolly and head to Silenus or go on my normal routine to visit the Mnemonic Gaps first.

>>1073134

Could notify Dolly that one of the scripts looks to be missing a few pages and drop the name of it and the author. Maybe it's as simple as someone having accidentally left the rest of it in a filing cabinet or something.

Since we ARE still working on the matter, it'd at least give us another day or two if we want to go visit the band as well.

Call Dolly first. Don't want to miss out on the chance to miss out on the chance to see Nico. If he's there you can see the band anyway.

Of course! It's his real name written backwards: Orien Namso! Wait no that's stupid.

osmanneiro... anoisemorn... inonomares... orinsoname... ismoanreno...