there's a countdown for all.

[purgatio]

[Scorched network post, Max's broadcast mind--specifically:]

"Look--I have an expiration date. We all do."

We.

"What do you mean, we all do?" you ask.

"All of us experiments have built-in expiration dates. When someone's time is close, it shows up on the back of their neck."

So you're going to die. No matter how hard you fight, they're going to murder you. They've sabotaged you from the inside, killed you before you could even start living, and now… You wonder how soon. Recombinants don't typically last long.

Even then, you hardly feel any concern for yourself. Rather, you make a mental note to check the necks of your Flock once you get back to them.

God, you hate this place.

Comments

video -> action.

[purgatio]

[ The video flicks on without warning, a child's wide gaze staring straight. He's taken in all that he's seen, feels anger, defensiveness on behalf of this girl, but it's been too much lately, much too much.

Because Albedo focuses on-- ]

...Expirati--

[ The video clicks off. And Albedo follows the feel of Max's energy until he locates her. And stands and stares. ]

...Take off your shirt.

and separately--

[purgatio]

[ a continuance for this. ]