005. Audio.

[scientificflair]

[Those just turning their Gears on to check the Network this morning will be greeted by strains of music over Descole's feed - something melancholy, being played on violin; the song is something he'd heard many times before over the course of his...stay in Misthallery, and he understands that it's likely in horrible taste for him to be playing it at all, but it's a rather pretty song regardless.

After a while, the melody pauses, though there are a few notes being played lightly in the background, long and drawn-out; the sound appears to have shifted some, as though the violin has been adjusted away from the Gear.]

In a setup to a puzzle that's been around for a while, you meet three men in a wood, at a fork in the road. A sign above them states that one man is God; he knows all, and always tells the truth.

One is the Devil; he likewise knows all, but always lies.

The third man is ambiguous; he knows nothing, but will answer as though he knows everything. His answers are completely useless, and could be either right or wrong.

The sign states that you are to ask the men one question each - three questions total - that can be answered with "yes" or "no," with the intention of determining which person is whom. Were this a proper puzzle, I'd be asking you what question you would ask to which man.

[His hand shifts a bit on the violin, idly trilling the notes a bit while he thinks.]

However, when faced with the possibility that one of the men before you always lies...how are you to know that the Devil didn't post the sign in the first place?

[And with that, the melody seems to pick up again; the feed keeps going for about another minute or so before cutting off.]

Comments

[shakespearealien]

You are one of the few friends I have here. Can't I be concerned about you?

[While he tries to maintain the playful tone he's employed until now, in the case of that question, it is suddenly gone, replaced by an odd, intense seriousness.]

Thank you. The music... what is it, if I may ask? It does not quite remind me of anything.

[scientificflair]

It's something I heard quite a while back. I don't know if it has a proper title.

[But judging from his tone, that isn't important right now; he's going to focus on that former part, if you don't mind, Gorthan.]

As for your concern - besides the part where I suspect telling you not to worry won't get us anywhere - it sounds as though you're taking more than my career into consideration.

[shakespearealien]

[A small, stifled laugh.]

Your world must be as mysterious as you are, then. How fascinating!

I suppose I simply grew used to having you more or less around. You may even say I miss you, in a way. And I would like to know what you are up to over there. It must be interesting, whatever it is.

[scientificflair]

[He laughs a bit at that, softly; the sound isn't cruel.]

I won't be gone forever, my friend; I'll be back soon enough. Just know that it's related to my work, and that I don't like flaunting things before they're finished. I'll show you eventually; you have my word on that.

[shakespearealien]

Then far be it from me to jinx something to which you are devoting so much of your precious time. I count that you will not disappoint, as always.

And now I wonder if you would understand what I am presently working on...

[scientificflair]

Do go on.

[shakespearealien]

Why should I, when you make secretiveness seem so fun?

[scientificflair]

[Oh, just...have a laugh, you.]

Suit yourself, then - I'm certainly not going to deny that it is.