Prologue
Using a secure encrypted messaging system, there were three participants across the globe with randomly generated usernames, U32z90, U45b12 and U68n00. Every session would be available only temporary and there was no known way of tracing it to any of their identities, or even keep a record of their conversations.
U32z90: “Is this really the best that we can do?”
U45b12: “Heisenberg uncertainty principle is a bitch.”
U68n00: “Fuuuuuuuuuck.”
Just above the replies sat the following text:
“Don’t worry. *inhales deeply* All these words will eventually make sense to you.”
– Mirana Augusta, Patient Zero of Earth 2.2
“I didn’t care. I saw what our machines were doing to Duskrise and I just wouldn’t try to think in a different direction. Now I realize where I and others could have gone if we pursued studying physics instead of that stupid magic. What a waste of time!”
– Biros Dimagi, Ultimate of Duskrise
“It’s like one of those masquerade balls I love so much. Everyone puts on a different mask and goes on dancing and having fun. Our masquerade partners are kids with their grown up masks hiding the immaturity. And if their way of having fun means massacres happening every day, then the ball must come to an end.”
– Patricia Mirage, Victus Morti of Duskrise
“These notes represent me and start with mi, and the true meaning of Requiem they shall be.”
– Anton Nerath, Death Bringer of Earth 2.2
“How do you know sex with another man is horrible if you haven’t tried it?”
– Mordagon Vonneghaut Junior, Nightstrider of Auroria
“I CAN’T HEAR YOU!”
– The NOISE of Duskrise
“How could I possibly imagine three different histories happening at the same time? GET AWAY FROM ME!”
– Kareen Andersen, Chaos of Earth 2.2
“I know how to end the pain and start immense pleasure. Remember? Now think of the pain you’re currently in. What do you think will come next to you, after what you’ve done?”
– Irene Strange, Lauriel of Auroria
“Would you get a grip of yourselves? We have the privilege to meet aliens. No. To meet people, other human beings just like us, from another world. If you keep behaving like that, you are all going to reinforce the idea that our world, our marvelous Auroria, was truly inhabited by nothing else than a group of peasants waiting to be ruled over!”
– Aurelia Powerglade, Tinker of Auroria
“Even the seas have changed. All of our water creatures face extinction. Only some species of jellyfish manage to thrive in this new environment. Those goddamn brainless creatures.”
– Garry Ulbert, Too Stronk of Earth 2.2
“With their technology, the possibilities are endless.”
– Claire Benton, Madness of Duskrise
“Listen to me carefully now. This is the fourth time I ever needed to repeat myself, and I’m doing it only because some people are going insane in the new world circumstances. I can get you anything. Anything you’d ever need.”
– Mordrang Thrall, Silence Gatherer of Auroria
U32z90: “Well, better this than nothing for sure.”
U32z90: “Should we contact our associates and tell them?”
U45b12: “Based on the reactions of you two, I think we can explain this at a later date.”
U68n00: “Agreed. Everyone has their hands full anyway, there’s much work to do.”
U32z90: “Alright, talk to you later.”
User U32z90 logged off
User U45b12 logged off.
User U68n00 logged off.
Tomo Umer 