All the Wrong Places - Part 1 Where the hell am I? _____ To: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH From: Wesley Wyndam-Pryce I suspect you've got the wrong address. Please redirect your mail to whomever you were actually trying to contact. - Pryce _____ I'm not trying to contact anyone. I'm trying to find out where the bloody hell I am. It's a simple question, would just like a simple answer. _____ To: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH From: Wesley Wyndam-Pryce I'm certain that there *is* a simple answer; however, you're the one best suited to determine where you are. Have you been drinking? I suggest looking around until you find a door, then going outside and reading the number off of it. If still necessary, take a walk down the street until you see a street sign, and then you ought to have a relatively good idea. If you don't know which state or country you're in, then I suspect your troubles run much deeper than you might think. Please discontinue corresponding with this office. A number of people have complained about receiving your mail. - Pryce _____ To: LBXFGGMEPYOQKEDOTWF From: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH > I'm certain that there *is* a simple answer, however, you're the one best suited to determine where you are. Have you been drinking? I wish I had been, let me tell ya. But no, the last thing I remember doing is burning up while disconnecting a doomsday machine. Burning up as in dead. Lemme tell you, if this is what heaven is like I'm extremely disappointed. If it's the other place, it's not really living up to its reputation either. And I demand a recount. > I suggest looking around until you find a door, then going outside and reading the number off of it. If still necessary, take a walk down the street until you see a street sign, and then you ought to have a relatively good idea. Which would be a perfectly good suggestion if there were doors here. Or, you know, if I seemed to have legs or eyes. > If you don't know which state or country you're in, then I suspect your troubles run much deeper than you might think. I'm dead so don't know how much deeper than that it could run. > Please discontinue corresponding with this office. A number of people have complained about receiving your mail. Okay, let's try this question then -- if you can't tell me where I am, how about where you are? What office? _____ To: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH From: Wesley Wyndam-Pryce > > I'm certain that there *is* a simple answer, however, you're the one best suited to determine where you are. Have you been drinking? > I wish I had been, let me tell ya. But no, the last thing I remember doing is burning up while disconnecting a doomsday machine. Burning up as in dead. Lemme tell you, if this is what heaven is like I'm extremely disappointed. If it's the other place, it's not really living up to its reputation either. And I demand a recount. I assure you that if you're corresponding with me in this manner, you are not dead. > > I suggest looking around until you find a door, then going outside and reading the number off of it. If still necessary, take a walk down the street until you see a street sign, and then you ought to have a relatively good idea. > Which would be a perfectly good suggestion if there were doors here. Or, you know, if I seemed to have legs or eyes. You're clearly drunk, or high, or something similar. > > If you don't know which state or country you're in, then I suspect your troubles run much deeper than you might think. > I'm dead so don't know how much deeper than that it could run. Again, you wouldn't be able to talk to me if you were dead, I assure you. > > Please discontinue corresponding with this office. A number of people have complained about receiving your mail. > Okay, let's try this question then -- if you can't tell me where I am, how about where you are? What office? Wolfram and Hart. Please, get yourself some help. - Pryce _____ To: LBXFGGMEPYOQKEDOTWF From: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH The name's Doyle. Not... whatever it was that you just called me. > I assure you that if you're corresponding with me in this manner, you are not dead. No, I'm pretty sure I am. Saw the skin and muscles on my hands melting away when I yanked the plug. And I'm not going to even go into what it felt like. Just take my word for it, it wasn't survivable. > You're clearly drunk, or high, or something similar. Gotta tell you, really wish I was. But distressingly sober. Just dead. > Again, you wouldn't be able to talk to me if you were dead, I assure you. Considering where you are, you should know that dead isn't necessarily that much of an impediment. Hell, I used to work for a dead guy, when I was alive. Though he had legs and eyes and stuff. And fangs. But a coworker had a ghost roommate -- probably still does if it comes to that -- and he doesn't have anything. Hey, maybe that's what I am, a ghost. But that still doesn't answer where I am. Wonder if there's some way to get in touch with Dennis.... > > Okay, let's try this question then if you can't tell me where I am, how about where you are? What office? > Wolfram and Hart. Crap. Trust me to end up in the afterlife with my only contact some guy at the evil lawfirm. > Please, get yourself some help. Don't suppose you'd be willing to pass on a message with that intent to Angel Investigations? _____ To: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH From: Wesley Wyndam-Pryce > The name's Doyle. Not... whatever it was that you just called me. Doyle? Surely you're joking. It can't... No, it couldn't. > No, I'm pretty sure I am. Saw the skin and muscles on my hands melting away when I yanked the plug. And I'm not going to even go into what it felt like. You've clearly been well-briefed. You're very convincing. But rest assured, you won't convince me. > > You're clearly drunk, or high, or something similar. > Gotta tell you, really wish I was. But distressingly sober. And no doubt being paid a great deal. > > Again, you wouldn't be able to talk to me if you were dead, I assure you. > Considering where you are, you should know that dead isn't necessarily that much of an impediment. Hell, I used to work for a dead guy, when I was alive. Though he had legs and eyes and stuff. And fangs. But a coworker had a ghost roommate -- probably still does if it comes to that -- and he doesn't have anything. Hey, maybe that's what I am, a ghost. But that still doesn't answer where I am. Wonder if there's some way to get in touch with Dennis.... I'm... Again, you're very convincing. Congratulations on a job well done. I'm sure you're sitting in front of a monitor right now, feeling very smug. > > > Okay, let's try this question then if you can't tell me where I am, how about where you are? What office? > > Wolfram and Hart. > Crap. Trust me to end up in the afterlife with my only contact some guy at the evil lawfirm. FORMERLY-evil law firm. > > Please, get yourself some help. > Don't suppose you'd be willing to pass on a message with that intent to Angel Investigations? Angel Investigations no longer exists. - Pryce ______ To: LBXFGGMEPYOQKEDOTWF From: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH > > The name's Doyle. Not... whatever it was that you just called me. > Doyle? Surely you're joking. It can't... No, it couldn't. You're a regular doubting Thomas ain't ya? "You're not dead, you're not Doyle..." Geez. Alan Francis Doyle, deceased, at your service. I'd offer to shake your hand but I seemed to have misplaced mine. > You've clearly been well-briefed. You're very convincing. Yeah, I'm well-briefed. If living it (so to speak) is considered being briefed. And I'm convincing because I'm telling the goddamned truth. > But rest assured, you won't convince me. Not only do I get an evil lawyer, but a pathologically stubborn evil lawyer. > > Gotta tell you, really wish I was. But distressingly sober. > And no doubt being paid a great deal. Yeah. Being dead is the next big job. Jerk. > > Wonder if there's some way to get in touch with Dennis.... > I'm... You're...? > Again, you're very convincing. Congratulations on a job well done. Again, convincing because I'M TELLING THE BLOODY TRUTH! > I'm sure you're sitting in front of a monitor right now, feeling very smug. Sitting in front of something would involve having a body, which I don't seem to have at the moment. So really, NO. > > > Wolfram and Hart. > > Crap. Trust me to end up in the afterlife with my only contact some guy at the evil lawfirm. > FORMERLY-evil law firm. Yeah and I'm going to take an evil lawyer's word for it. > Angel Investigations no longer exists. What?! _____ To: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH From: Wesley Wyndam-Pryce > > Doyle? Surely you're joking. It can't... No, it couldn't. > You're a regular doubting Thomas ain't ya? "You're not dead, you're not Doyle..." Geez. Alan Francis Doyle, deceased, at your service. I'd offer to shake your hand but I seemed to have misplaced mine. All right, let's say, for sake of argument, that you're actually Doyle. And you're... inside the computer. Somehow. How would you have gotten there? How long have you been there? Since you died? > > You've clearly been well-briefed. You're very convincing. > Yeah, I'm well-briefed. If living it (so to speak) is considered being briefed. And I'm convincing because I'm telling the goddamned truth. I'm finding it a bit difficult to believe. > > But rest assured, you won't convince me. > Not only do I get an evil lawyer, but a pathologically stubborn evil lawyer. I'm not a lawyer. > > > Gotta tell you, really wish I was. But distressingly sober. > > And no doubt being paid a great deal. > Yeah. Being dead is the next big job. Jerk. Let's save the name-calling for once we've established exactly what is going on, shall we? > > > Wonder if there's some way to get in touch with Dennis.... > > I'm... > You're...? I was going to say, I'm starting to think that you might be telling the truth. But obviously I was having a hard time with that. Er, still am. > > Again, you're very convincing. Congratulations on a job well done. > Again, convincing because I'M TELLING THE BLOODY TRUTH! I'm making an effort to see if that might be a possibility. > > I'm sure you're sitting in front of a monitor right now, feeling very smug. > Sitting in front of something would involve having a body, which I don't seem to have at the moment. So really, NO. If what you're saying is true (and yes, I know, you're telling the truth) then I suspect you're inside the computer system here at Wolfram and Hart. Which is NO LONGER an evil law firm, I assure you. > > > > Wolfram and Hart. > > > Crap. Trust me to end up in the afterlife with my only contact some guy at the evil lawfirm. > > FORMERLY-evil law firm. > Yeah and I'm going to take an evil lawyer's word for it. Again, I'm not a lawyer. > > Angel Investigations no longer exists. > What?! Angel Investigations was absorbed into Wolfram and Hart a few months ago. Took it over, one might say, although it's a bit more complicated than that. Tell me something that will convince me that you're really who you say you are, and I'll try to help. - Wesley Wyndam-Pryce _____ To: LBXFGGMEPYOQKEDOTWF (Wesley Wyndam-Pryce) From: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH > > You're a regular doubting Thomas ain't ya? "You're not dead, you're not Doyle..." Geez. Alan Francis Doyle, deceased, at your service. I'd offer to shake your hand but I seemed to have misplaced mine. > All right, let's say, for sake of argument, that you're actually Doyle. And you're... inside the computer. Somehow. How would you have gotten there? How long have you been there? Since you died? I'm inside the computer? > > And I'm convincing because I'm telling the goddamned truth. > I'm finding it a bit difficult to believe. Yeah, that's coming across loud and clear. > > Not only do I get an evil lawyer, but a pathologically stubborn evil lawyer. > I'm not a lawyer. You work for an evil -- sorry *formerly* evil -- lawfirm. If you're not a lawyer...? > > Jerk. > Let's save the name-calling for once we've established exactly what is going on, shall we? Well you've been spending your time calling me crazy, drunk and a liar, so it's not like I started it. > I was going to say, I'm starting to think that you might be telling the truth. But obviously I was having a hard time with that. Er, still am. You know I'd be banging my head against something hard in frustration if I *had* a head. > > > Again, you're very convincing. Congratulations on a job well done. > > Again, convincing because I'M TELLING THE BLOODY TRUTH! > I'm making an effort to see if that might be a possibility. It's gotta be since it's THE TRUTH. > If what you're saying is true (and yes, I know, you're telling the truth) then I suspect you're inside the computer system here at Wolfram and Hart. Which is NO LONGER an evil law firm, I assure you. I'm *in* the computer system? How the hell did I end up in Wolfram and Hart's computer system? > > > FORMERLY-evil law firm. > > Yeah and I'm going to take an evil lawyer's word for it. > Again, I'm not a lawyer. Notice you're not protesting the evil bit there. > Angel Investigations was absorbed into Wolfram and Hart a few months ago. Took it over, one might say, although it's a bit more complicated than that. All right, when I told Angel to get more connected to the world, that isn't what I meant. > Tell me something that will convince me that you're really who you say you are, and I'll try to help. I have no idea what you'd know. But... if Angel Investigations took over Wolfram and Hart, that would mean Cordelia and Angel are still there? Tell Cordelia I asked if the rats are still low. > - Wesley Wyndam-Pryce Certainly sounds like an evil lawyer name.... _____ To: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH From: Wesley Wyndam-Pryce > > All right, let's say, for sake of argument, that you're actually Doyle. And you're... inside the computer. Somehow. How would you have gotten there? How long have you been there? Since you died? > I'm inside the computer? Well I suppose that's over-simplifying things. Since technically you've been able to send email to, as near as I can figure it, everyone in the firm, it would be more accurate to say that you're in the computer *system.* Which would explain your apparent lack of body parts. If this were true. Lord, I'm actually starting to act as if it is. > > > And I'm convincing because I'm telling the goddamned truth. > > I'm finding it a bit difficult to believe. > Yeah, that's coming across loud and clear. Is that really so surprising? Try to see it from my point of view. And yes, I'm trying to see it from yours. It must be very frustrating. > > > Not only do I get an evil lawyer, but a pathologically stubborn evil lawyer. > > I'm not a lawyer. > You work for an evil -- sorry *formerly* evil -- lawfirm. If you're not a lawyer...? I came into the firm when Angel and the rest of the group did. I'm in charge of a number of things, but suffice it to say, I have only a layman's knowledge of the law. I've never taken the Bar, and I prefer libraries to courtrooms. > > Let's save the name-calling for once we've established exactly what is going on, shall we? > Well you've been spending your time calling me crazy, drunk and a liar, so it's not like I started it. All right, that's fair. Although to be honest you didn't make a very good first impression. > > I was going to say, I'm starting to think that you might be telling the truth. But obviously I was having a hard time with that. Er, still am. > You know I'd be banging my head against something hard in frustration if I *had* a head. Don't worry, we'll straighten this out. > > > Again, convincing because I'M TELLING THE BLOODY TRUTH! > > I'm making an effort to see if that might be a possibility. > It's gotta be since it's THE TRUTH. Yes, yes, I understand. > > If what you're saying is true (and yes, I know, you're telling the truth) then I suspect you're inside the computer system here at Wolfram and Hart. Which is NO LONGER an evil law firm, I assure you. > I'm *in* the computer system? How the hell did I end up in Wolfram and Hart's computer system? I honestly couldn't say. I... Oh. A few days ago (and I'm not certain which day for sure, because I wasn't paying close enough attention to when, only to the results) we had one of the company's employees -- a shaman -- do a spell. However, since I signed off on the final version, I *am* certain that the wording was "return the Seer's consciousness." And now I'm obviously beginning to suspect that this was... misinterpreted. > > > Yeah and I'm going to take an evil lawyer's word for it. > > Again, I'm not a lawyer. > Notice you're not protesting the evil bit there. I'm... not evil. > > Angel Investigations was absorbed into Wolfram and Hart a few months ago. Took it over, one might say, although it's a bit more complicated than that. > All right, when I told Angel to get more connected to the world, that isn't what I meant. I don't believe it was his first choice, if it's of any reassurance. But the opportunity presented itself, and it seemed... a way to do some good. After the year we'd all had, some security seemed like a very fine idea. > > Tell me something that will convince me that you're really who you say you are, and I'll try to help. > I have no idea what you'd know. But... if Angel Investigations took over Wolfram and Hart, that would mean Cordelia and Angel are still there? Tell Cordelia I asked if the rats are still low. Angel and Cordelia are still here, yes. But perhaps it would be better for you to suggest something that Angel would know? Although to be perfectly blunt I'm not looking forward to approaching him with the matter. > Certainly sounds like an evil lawyer name.... I'm not sure if you genuinely think so or if you're just being stubborn. - Wesley W-P _____ To: Wesley Wyndam-Pryce From: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH > To: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH From: Wesley Wyndam-Pryce You can't just put "To: Doyle"? > > I'm inside the computer? > Well I suppose that's over-simplifying things. Since technically you've been able to send email to, as near as I can figure it, everyone in the firm, it would be more accurate to say that you're in the computer *system.* Which would explain your apparent lack of body parts. Great. In my afterlife I'm playing the part of HAL. > Lord, I'm actually starting to act as if it is. About time. > > > I'm finding it a bit difficult to believe. > > Yeah, that's coming across loud and clear. > Is that really so surprising? Try to see it from my point of view. Don't really have eyes to see anything... But yeah, I suppose I could see how this could be... unexpected. > And yes, I'm trying to see it from yours. It must be very frustrating. Frustrating doesn't even begin to cover it. > I came into the firm when Angel and the rest of the group did. I'm in charge of a number of things, but suffice it to say, I have only a layman's knowledge of the law. I've never taken the Bar, and I prefer libraries to courtrooms. You worked with Angel? > > Well you've been spending your time calling me crazy, drunk and a liar, so it's not like I started it. > All right, that's fair. Although to be honest you didn't make a very good first impression. We'll wait until you die and then wake up inside a computer system and see how chipper you are at first. > > You know I'd be banging my head against something hard in frustration if I *had* a head. > Don't worry, we'll straighten this out. Thank you. > > I'm *in* the computer system? How the hell did I end up in Wolfram and Hart's computer system? > I honestly couldn't say. I... Oh. A few days ago (and I'm not certain which day for sure, because I wasn't paying close enough attention to when, only to the results) we had one of the company's employees -- a shaman -- do a spell. However, since I signed off on the final version, I *am* certain that the wording was "return the Seer's consciousness." And now I'm obviously beginning to suspect that this was... misinterpreted. Could see where I could be called the Seer. But if you weren't trying for me, what were you trying for? > > Notice you're not protesting the evil bit there. > I'm... not evil. Not a lot of enthusiasm in that denial there. > > > Angel Investigations was absorbed into Wolfram and Hart a few months ago. Took it over, one might say, although it's a bit more complicated than that. > > All right, when I told Angel to get more connected to the world, that isn't what I meant. > I don't believe it was his first choice, if it's of any reassurance. But the opportunity presented itself, and it seemed... a way to do some good. After the year we'd all had, some security seemed like a very fine idea. Okay that brings up another question -- I now know where I am -- in a vague sort of way -- but when am I? > > I have no idea what you'd know. But... if Angel Investigations took over Wolfram and Hart, that would mean Cordelia and Angel are still there? Tell Cordelia I asked if the rats are still low. > Angel and Cordelia are still here, yes. But perhaps it would be better for you to suggest something that Angel would know? Although to be perfectly blunt I'm not looking forward to approaching him with the matter. Why? What's wrong with Cordelia? Angel -- ask him if any demon's blood has turned him human lately. > > Certainly sounds like an evil lawyer name.... > I'm not sure if you genuinely think so or if you're just being stubborn. Sounds high falooting and pretentious. Ergo -- evil lawyer. Doyle _____ To: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH From: Wesley Wyndam-Pryce > You can't just put "To: Doyle"? Well I've no idea where that will end up, do I? I'm just hitting "reply." > > Well I suppose that's over-simplifying things. Since technically you've been able to send email to, as near as I can figure it, everyone in the firm, it would be more accurate to say that you're in the computer *system.* Which would explain your apparent lack of body parts. > Great. In my afterlife I'm playing the part of HAL. Yes, very good. They say maintaining a sense of humor in difficult times is a powerful coping mechanism. > > Lord, I'm actually starting to act as if it is. > About time. From my point of view, it's still early days here. > > Is that really so surprising? Try to see it from my point of view. > Don't really have eyes to see anything... But yeah, I suppose I could see how this could be... unexpected. That's a good enough word, I suppose. Despite past events, one doesn't really expect the dead to return to life. Or, er, whatever this is you're doing. > > And yes, I'm trying to see it from yours. It must be very frustrating. > Frustrating doesn't even begin to cover it. I'm sure. It's hard to get my sympathy across via this medium, but I *am* sympathetic. > > I came into the firm when Angel and the rest of the group did. I'm in charge of a number of things, but suffice it to say, I have only a layman's knowledge of the law. I've never taken the Bar, and I prefer libraries to courtrooms. > You worked with Angel? Still do, yes. I tracked a demon to L.A. just after you died. I knew him in Sunnydale actually, although only briefly. > > > Well you've been spending your time calling me crazy, drunk and a liar, so it's not like I started it. > > All right, that's fair. Although to be honest you didn't make a very good first impression. > We'll wait until you die and then wake up inside a computer system and see how chipper you are at first. Again, fair enough. > > > You know I'd be banging my head against something hard in frustration if I *had* a head. > > Don't worry, we'll straighten this out. > Thank you. You're welcome. > > A few days ago (and I'm not certain which day for sure, because I wasn't paying close enough attention to when, only to the results) we had one of the company's employees -- a shaman -- do a spell. However, since I signed off on the final version, I *am* certain that the wording was "return the Seer's consciousness." And now I'm obviously beginning to suspect that this was... misinterpreted. > Could see where I could be called the Seer. But if you weren't trying for me, what were you trying for? Cordelia. > > > Notice you're not protesting the evil bit there. > > I'm... not evil. > Not a lot of enthusiasm in that denial there. I'm neither evil nor good. More somewhere in between. I do what needs to be done. > > I don't believe it was his first choice, if it's of any reassurance. But the opportunity presented itself, and it seemed... a way to do some good. After the year we'd all had, some security seemed like a very fine idea. > Okay that brings up another question-- I now know where I am -- in a vague sort of way -- but when am I? It's currently the beginning of September, 2003. > > > Tell Cordelia I asked if the rats are still low. > > Angel and Cordelia are still here, yes. But perhaps it would be better for you to suggest something that Angel would know? Although to be perfectly blunt I'm not looking forward to approaching him with the matter. > Why? What's wrong with Cordelia? She's in a form of suspended animation, not unlike a coma. That is, of course, why we were attempting to return her consciousness to her. > Angel -- ask him if any demon's blood has turned him human lately. I will. I promise. Just... give me a bit of time in which to figure out the best way to bring this up. I don't want to upset him. > > > Certainly sounds like an evil lawyer name.... > > I'm not sure if you genuinely think so or if you're just being stubborn. > Sounds high falooting and pretentious. Ergo -- evil lawyer. Well, I'm hardly about to change my name just so you'll think it sounds less like that of an evil lawyer. So you'll just have to get used to it. - Wesley W-P _____ To: Wesley Wyndam-Pryce From: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH > > You can't just put "To: Doyle"? > Well, I've no idea where that will end up, do I? I'm just hitting "reply." So I'm at... TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH? > > Great. In my afterlife I'm playing the part of HAL. > Yes, very good. They say maintaining a sense of humor in difficult times is a powerful coping mechanism. Seeing as that's about all I have left at the moment.... > > But yeah, I suppose I could see how this could be... unexpected. > That's a good enough word, I suppose. Despite past events, one doesn't really expect the dead to return to life. Or, er, whatever this is you're doing. If I figure that out, you'll be the second to know. > > Frustrating doesn't even begin to cover it. > I'm sure. It's hard to get my sympathy across via this medium, but I *am* sympathetic. At least you've stopped calling me a drunk and a liar. > > You worked with Angel? > Still do, yes. I tracked a demon to L.A. just after you died. I knew him in Sunnydale actually, although only briefly. So you've been with him for a while then. > > We'll wait until you die and then wake up inside a computer system and see how chipper you are at first. > Again, fair enough. I've never handled these kind of shocks well. Though I have to admit this makes waking up all green and spiney when I was 21 seem not all that bad. > > Could see where I could be called the Seer. But if you weren't trying for me, what were you trying for? > Cordelia. But... why would you call for the Seer to get Cordelia? > > > > Notice you're not protesting the evil bit there. > > > I'm... not evil. > > Not a lot of enthusiasm in that denial there. > I'm neither evil nor good. More somewhere in between. I do what needs to be done. Even without a body I can hear that those words are heavy with a story you haven't told. > > Okay that brings up another question-- I now know where I am -- in a vague sort of way -- but when am I? > It's currently the beginning of September, 2003. Jesus. I've been gone for a while, haven't I? > > Why? What's wrong with Cordelia? > She's in a form of suspended animation, not unlike a coma. That is, of course, why we were attempting to return her consciousness to her. What? What happened to her? Is she going to be all right? How's Angel taking this? > > Angel -- ask him if any demon's blood has turned him human lately. > I will. I promise. Just... give me a bit of time in which to figure out the best way to bring this up. I don't want to upset him. I s'pose, if he's using the computer system himself, I could just try and figure out how to talk to him directly... > > Sounds high falooting and pretentious. Ergo -- evil lawyer. > Well, I'm hardly about to change my name just so you'll think it sounds less like that of an evil lawyer. So you'll just have to get used to it. Could be worse, I guess. You could have a "the third" stuck on the end of it. Doyle _____ To: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH (Alan Francis Doyle) From: Wesley Wyndam-Pryce Doyle. > > > You can't just put "To: Doyle"? > > Well, I've no idea where that will end up, do I? I'm just hitting "reply." > So I'm at... TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH? So it would appear. There, now I've added your name as well. Luckily, the email program seems to be taking care of the rest. > > Yes, very good. They say maintaining a sense of humor in difficult times is a powerful coping mechanism. > Seeing as that's about all I have left at the moment.... We'll sort it out. Don't worry. > > > But yeah, I suppose I could see how this could be... unexpected. > > That's a good enough word, I suppose. Despite past events, one doesn't really expect the dead to return to life. Or, er, whatever this is you're doing. > If I figure that out, you'll be the second to know. Really? I'm honored. > > > Frustrating doesn't even begin to cover it. > > I'm sure. It's hard to get my sympathy across via this medium, but I *am* sympathetic. > At least you've stopped calling me a drunk and a liar. One would think you'd have more important things to worry about. And I never called you either of those things. I was merely expressing my complete and utter disbelief at the entire situation. > > Still do, yes. I tracked a demon to L.A. just after you died. I knew him in Sunnydale actually, although only briefly. > So you've been with him for a while then. More than three years at this point. Not counting... well. A good three years. > I've never handled these kind of shocks well. Though I have to admit this makes waking up all green and spiney when I was 21 seem not all that bad. I can imagine. Didn't you know before then? > > > Could see where I could be called the Seer. But if you weren't trying for me, what were you trying for? > > Cordelia. > But... why would you call for the Seer to get Cordelia? Because she has... had... the visions. You passed them to her just before you died. > > I'm neither evil nor good. More somewhere in between. I do what needs to be done. > Even without a body I can hear that those words are heavy with a story you haven't told. I don't intend to start now. No offense. It's just not something I'm going to discuss with a near-stranger. > > It's currently the beginning of September, 2003. > Jesus. I've been gone for a while, haven't I? Yes. > > > Why? What's wrong with Cordelia? > > She's in a form of suspended animation, not unlike a coma. That is, of course, why we were attempting to return her consciousness to her. > What? What happened to her? Is she going to be all right? It's an extremely long story that I couldn't begin to go about telling you here and now. In an attempt to keep it short: The Powers That Be were quite possibly instrumental in passing your visions to her. Carrying them damaged her health. She agreed to become part demon to save her life, later some time on a Higher Plane, and came back carrying a child  -- a Higher Being, Goddess or Demon (both somewhat accurate) -- that was born and then attempted to take over the world. Cordelia didn't come through the ordeal as well as one might have hoped, and she's been unconscious ever since. We don't know if we'll be able to get her back, but we won't stop trying. I realize this is a lot to take in. I'm sorry. > How's Angel taking this? He's upset of course. Determined to do everything he can to make things right. Of course. > > > Angel -- ask him if any demon's blood has turned him human lately. > > I will. I promise. Just... give me a bit of time in which to figure out the best way to bring this up. I don't want to upset him. > I s'pose, if he's using the computer system himself, I could just try and figure out how to talk to him directly... I'm going to go find him and talk to him as soon as I finish writing this. I'll tell him. > > Well, I'm hardly about to change my name just so you'll think it sounds less like that of an evil lawyer. So you'll just have to get used to it. > Could be worse, I guess. You could have a "the third" stuck on the end of it. That would be much, much worse. - Wesley W-P _____ To: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH (Alan Francis Doyle) From: KLREBBTSYHQUIJKOOSO Um... Doyle? You in there? - Angel _____ To: KLREBBTSYHQUIJKOOSO (Angel) From: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH > Um... Doyle? Hi. > You in there? Seem to be. Guess I'm a real ghost in the machine. So... what are you doing with an evil lawfirm? Doyle _____ To: Alan Francis Doyle From: Angel > > Um... Doyle? > Hi. Hi. > > You in there? > Seem to be. Guess I'm a real ghost in the machine. So... what are you doing with an evil lawfirm? Figures that's the first thing you'd ask. It's a long story. Seems like Wolfram and Hart has a lot more branches than just the L.A. one, but ours isn't evil. Um, now, anyway. There are a lot of resources here, and we're trying to use them to do some good. At least that's the theory. Wes told me what he thinks happened. Says he's going to find some way to get you out of there. You okay? - Angel _____ To: Wesley Wyndam-Pryce From: TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH > > So I'm at... TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH? > So it would appear. There, now I've added your name as well. Luckily, the computer program seems to be taking care of the rest. Now if I can only figure out what that means, I may be a step closer in figuring out exactly where I am. > > > Yes, very good. They say maintaining a sense of humor in difficult times is a powerful coping mechanism. > > Seeing as that's about all I have left at the moment.... > We'll sort it out. Don't worry. This is better than nothing at least. > > > That's a good enough word, I suppose. Despite past events, one doesn't really expect the dead to return to life. Or, er, whatever this is you're doing. > > If I figure that out, you'll be the second to know. > Really? I'm honored. Well not like I have a lot of people I'm talking to right now. Just you and Angel. > > At least you've stopped calling me a drunk and a liar. > One would think you'd have more important things to worry about. And I never called you either of those things. I was merely expressing my complete and utter disbelief at the entire situation. Okay, I'll give you that you didn't actually call me a drunk and a liar, just implied it quite loudly. > > > Still do, yes. I tracked a demon to L.A. just after you died. I knew him in Sunnydale actually, although only briefly. > > So you've been with him for a while then. > More than three years at this point. Not counting... well. A good three years. Tell me what's been happening in those three years? > > I've never handled these kind of shocks well. Though I have to admit this makes waking up all green and spiney when I was 21 seem not all that bad. > I can imagine. Didn't you know before then? I hadn't a clue. Never knew my father, and my mum never told me because I looked human. > > But... why would you call for the Seer to get Cordelia? > Because she has... had... the visions. You passed them to her just before you died. I did what? Crap. I didn't mean... I'd never... Christ, she must hate me. > > Even without a body I can hear that those words are heavy with a story you haven't told. > I don't intend to start now. No offense. It's just not something I'm going to discuss with a near-stranger. Course, I'm discussing all kinds of things that are private-like, but s'pose when you're dead you lose all privacy. > > > It's currently the beginning of September, 2003. > > Jesus. I've been gone for a while, haven't I? > Yes. I missed the big new millenium party. I take it the world's computers didn't fizzle out? Seems like not considering where I am at the moment. > It's an extremely long story that I couldn't begin to go about telling you here and now. In an attempt to keep it short: The Powers That Be were quite possibly instrumental in passing your visions to her. Carrying them damaged her health. She agreed to become part demon to save her life, later some time on a Higher Plane, and came back carrying a child  -- a Higher Being, Goddess or Demon (both somewhat accurate) -- that was born and then attempted to take over the world. Cordelia didn't come through the ordeal as well as one might have hoped, and she's been unconscious ever since. We don't know if we'll be able to get her back, but we won't stop trying. I realize this is a lot to take in. I'm sorry. Oh my poor Princess. I would have done anything to keep Cordelia safe. Hell, I did. I never meant... Damn. This sucks. When you're a ghost in a machine you can't storm off to blow off steam. And you can't cry. > > How's Angel taking this? > He's upset of course. Determined to do everything he can to make things right. Of course. Yeah, that sounds like him. Weight of the world always on those broad shoulders. > > I s'pose, if he's using the computer system himself, I could just try and figure out how to talk to him directly... > I'm going to go find him and talk to him as soon as I finish writing this. I'll tell him. He contacted me. Thank you. > > > Well, I'm hardly about to change my name just so you'll think it sounds less like that of an evil lawyer. So you'll just have to get used to it. > > Could be worse, I guess. You could have a "the third" stuck on the end of it. > That would be much, much worse. Yeah, then there'd be three of you. ;) (Look. May not have a body, but I have figured out how to smile, at least.) Doyle _____ To: Alan Francis Doyle From: Wesley Wyndam-Pryce > > > So I'm at... TTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOH? > > So it would appear. > Now if I can only figure out what that means, I may be a step closer in figuring out exactly where I am. Honestly, I'm not sure it matters. > > > Seeing as that's about all I have left at the moment.... > > We'll sort it out. Don't worry. > This is better than nothing at least. I'd suppose that would be true. > > Really? I'm honored. > Well not like I have a lot of people I'm talking to right now. Just you and Angel. Oh that's right, give me a straw to grasp at and then rip it from my hands without warning. > > One would think you'd have more important things to worry about. And I never called you either of those things. I was merely expressing my complete and utter disbelief at the entire situation. > Okay, I'll give you that you didn't actually call me a drunk and a liar, just implied it quite loudly. Under the circumstances, I think my behavior was well within the boundaries of reasonable. > > More than three years at this point. Not counting... well. A good three years. > Tell me what's been happening in those three years? Oh yes, that would be easy to condense into a small amount of space. In 2000, you died, I was hired in what was basically your place, and Angel's office and apartment were blown to smithereens, leaving us working out of Cordelia's apartment. In 2001, we acquired new office space. We learned that Darla, Angel's sire, had been brought back to life as a human. When Angel refused to turn her back into a vampire, Wolfram and Hart (yes, still evil at the time) brought Drusilla in to do the job instead. Angel was... rather drawn into his dark side. When we questioned his motives, he sacked us all. Shortly thereafter I was shot in the gut by a zombie policeman. Some time later we reunited with Angel, and then Cordelia got sucked into an interdimensional portal, which we travelled through to rescue her from a dimension called Pylea. When we returned, it was to learn that Buffy, Angel's... well, I assume you know the history there... had been killed. In 2002... well, a great many things happened, and we're back into territory that I don't care to explore. This year, Cordelia returned from her stint as a Higher Being, but without her memories. We didn't realize at the time that she was already pregnant -- possessed -- I'm not even certain what the most accurate word is. And then there was a whole thing with a Beast and Angelus and Faith and Jasmine and the end of the world. You know how it goes. > > > I've never handled these kind of shocks well. Though I have to admit this makes waking up all green and spiney when I was 21 seem not all that bad. > > I can imagine. Didn't you know before then? > I hadn't a clue. Never knew my father, and my mum never told me because I looked human. That must have been a terrible shock, yes. Worse than this one? > > > But... why would you call for the Seer to get Cordelia? > > Because she has... had... the visions. You passed them to her just before you died. > I did what? Crap. I didn't mean... I'd never... Christ, she must hate me. No, after the first... shock (and there's that word again) she seemed to remember you fondly. > > No offense. It's just not something I'm going to discuss with a near-stranger. > Course, I'm discussing all kinds of things that are private-like, but s'pose when you're dead you lose all privacy. No, it's not that. It's just complicated. > I missed the big new millenium party. I take it the world's computers didn't fizzle out? No, not at all. > Seems like not considering where I am at the moment. Exactly. > > It's an extremely long story that I couldn't begin to go about telling you here and now. In an attempt to keep it short: The Powers That Be were quite possibly instrumental in passing your visions to her. Carrying them damaged her health. She agreed to become part demon to save her life, later some time on a Higher Plane, and came back carrying a child  -- a Higher Being, Goddess or Demon (both somewhat accurate) -- that was born and then attempted to take over the world. Cordelia didn't come through the ordeal as well as one might have hoped, and she's been unconscious ever since. We don't know if we'll be able to get her back, but we won't stop trying. I realize this is a lot to take in. I'm sorry. > Oh my poor Princess. I would have done anything to keep Cordelia safe. Hell, I did. I never meant... Damn. This sucks. When you're a ghost in a machine you can't storm off to blow off steam. And you can't cry. Again, I'm sorry. I don't know what else to say. > > He's upset of course. Determined to do everything he can to make things right. Of course. > Yeah, that sounds like him. Weight of the world always on those broad shoulders. Yes. He feels responsible, for a number of reasons, and as usual there's not much point in trying to talk him out of it. > > I'm going to go find him and talk to him as soon as I finish writing this. I'll tell him. > He contacted me. Thank you. Good, I'm glad. You're welcome. > > > Could be worse, I guess. You could have a "the third" stuck on the end of it. > > That would be much, much worse. > Yeah, then there'd be three of you. ;) One is more than enough, trust me. > (Look. May not have a body, but I have figured out how to smile, at least.) I hope it helps. I'm doing some research now. There has to be a way to get you out of there. - Wesley W-P Next Part Main Page Send Feedback