video;

[blackbirdsing]

[ When Sarah comes into view, she's sitting with her elbows on a table, fingers steepled, and she actually looks Very Serious™ while contemplating how best to phrase her question. The conversation has come up privately, and she needs to have a full understanding of one of the parts of Wonderland she's never bothered with - the Vendors. ]

Hey. I know everyone's kind of consumed with what the dormouse had to say or...didn't say. But I really want to see where everyone falls regarding opinions on the Vendors.

Since we can't pick the memory they want, that means somehow they can rifle through our minds to pick the thing they want to take. And it'd probably have to be something meaningful or impactful. If I ever, for whatever reason, had no option but to use the Vendors, I could lose something like the birth of my son. I'd have no choice or say in the matter.

[ Her reason for using the Vendors would have to be extraordinary. Something involving Kurt or Ray and dire circumstances. ]

Anyway, my actual question is...how do we know, if the Vendors can access our minds and memories, that they or someone or something else doesn't do that all the time, on a constant basis? If Wonderland does actually use our memories to fuel the things that happen here, does that mean our brains are constantly being...I don't know. Monitored???

I'd really like some opinions on this.

[ Sarah isn't paranoid at all usually, and she'd say this is more concerned than paranoid, but it feels like such a violation of privacy that she can't help asking the community at large. ]

Comments

[beautifullies]

True enough, I suppose. I'm still learning how all of the modern technology works. And videos can't be tampered with?

[blackbirdsing]

They could be, theoretically, but with a lot more effort than would probably be worth it? I guess the mirrors could try to manipulate it somehow but to even do it they'd have to get to this side first. Which is a pretty rare thing.

[ Nothing's going to be fool proof, she knows that, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth trying. ]

[beautifullies]

You mean to tell me the mirrors can't actually cross over?

[ Oh, well there's a damned relief. She had no idea. ]

[blackbirdsing]

Ony if the queen actually allows them to. I've been here a year, and it's only happened once. I guess they could sneak over if they wanted, but rumor has it the queen will punish them for it.

[beautifullies]

That's interesting, to say the least. I don't quite understand why all of the mirrors exist if they're not here raising havoc. Not that I wish they would, I'm quite happy with them on the other side.

[blackbirdsing]

I guess they spy on us? I have no idea what she could ever find out that's relevant, it's not like we can do anything about being here, so. Anyway, they watch us through the mirrors, so if you'd rather not, don't keep mirrors in your room.

[beautifullies]

Well, thank you for the advice, it certainly gives me something to think on. I hadn't realized. Though it makes sense now, why the hallways are lined with mirrors.

[blackbirdsing]

Yeah, it's a creepy freak show on the other side, I guess? We all have them. Mirror copies of us. I've never seen mine, but allegedly whatever you are as a person here, your mirror is the exact opposite. I don't even know what that would mean for me.

[beautifullies]

Honestly, I don't either. Someone who refuses to help others?

[ Someone who doesn't travel through time and cheat on their husband? ]

[blackbirdsing]

It seems like most of them are homicidal maniacs, so I'm just going to assume mine's a murderer too until I find out otherwise. It's best to just hole up if they ever manage to cross over somehow. And keep the mirrors in your room covered.

[beautifullies]

Noted. I can't imagine a version of myself, so I won't worry about it unless it comes up. Follow your lead, so to speak. Thank you, for the information I didn't know about, I appreciate it.

[blackbirdsing]

You're welcome, I'm glad I could help. If you ever need anything else, you can always let me know.

Oh, I'm Sarah, by the way. Sarah Weller.

[beautifullies]

'Weller?' Are you related to a man named Kurt, by chance?

[blackbirdsing]

You know my brother?

[ She's a little surprised but only because Kurt's not the sociable type. See: having to almost literally force him to his own wedding reception. ]

I mean yes, yeah. How'd you meet?

[beautifullies]

I met him the day I arrived. I thought I was stealing food from the kitchen but he assured me I wasn't. Then he cooked for me. A...cheesesteak, he said it was. I've never had something quite so American.

[blackbirdsing]

Definitely sounds like Kurt. It's his favorite food, and he'll make it for everyone. We're from the state it originated. it's very unique, I admit.

[ Sarah can't help but smile, glad her brother branched out a little. ]

[beautifullies]

In any case, I enjoyed it and wouldn't mind having it again. It's better than war rations, I promise you that.

[blackbirdsing]

War rations? I didn't realize you were a soldier.

[beautifullies]

Oh, I wasn't. I was a wartime nurse. I believe your history books called the war, the second world war? If you're from the same sort of version of Earth, that is.

[blackbirdsing]

I am, and that war was definitely a thing that happened. But, and I hope you don't mind me saying this - you're dressed like someone who stepped out of the Renaissance fair. Did people still dress like that in the 40s?

[beautifullies]

Ah. No.

[ Now she's going to have to find Kurt and tell him the truth before his sister can. ]

I accidentally traveled through time, back to the 1740s. When I first arrived and met your brother, I left out that part because I didn't know what I was dealing with. I'd appreciate being the one to tell him the truth, if possible.

[blackbirdsing]

You have a hell of a story. Maybe better than most people here. I haven't met anyone else who's been magically time kidnapped.

[ She gets it, too, about Kurt. ]

When you're in a brand new place where you don't know anyone, self-preservation is key. Although this is probably the only place you could ever go where no one would look at you crazy for telling a story like that.

[beautifullies]

There's at least one other person I've met who's as displaced in time as I am. Maybe more so.

[ Wirt certainly seemed as if his constant changing of time periods was more of a burden, in any case. ]

I appreciate your discretion, Sarah, truly. And I shouldn't keep you. I'm sorry I didn't have more answers to your inquiries, but it was a pleasure speaking with you.

[blackbirdsing]

No, not a problem at all. Anytime you'd like to talk, I'd be up for it. Maybe a conversation where I'm not starting it off being paranoid about Wonderland.

[beautifullies]

I'd like that. Perhaps over a strong drink. Until then, Sarah. Be well.