be queer strike fear

The transcript can be found here.

Please give a warm welcome to the returning Wynn Ahn (@chaosintended) as well as Ash Ross-Jordan (@phantomfilmgeek)! They are playing Starling and B-65 respectively, and now I can not only tell but show our dear listeners that this, this is why I wanted to write these characters in the first place. You two are the ones making those narrative foils shine. Additionally, I am set to edit Ash's own project, which I will be happy to advertise here in the not so distant future!

Coming up: reluctant worldbuilding, a case for plastic buttons and the character who single-handedly brings the swear count into the double digits.

Take care!

i am not being metaphorical, i work in a garden center, stop buying plants 'to bring in the bees and butterflies' and then immediately poisoning every caterpillar that dares to consume a single leaf

Item Number: 8888

Item: The █████

Item History: Item 8888 does not exist. The info-negative cognitoplex of item 8888 is often referred to colloquially as the █████. Current Office protocol states that this is acceptable in moderation - however, staff should be regularly reminded that the █████ does not exist. Until such time as better terminology can be created for non-existing objects (and indeed the underlying semiotics necessary for that terminology), the use of the word “item” has been deemed acceptable.

It is currently theorized that the █████’s impact on the noosphere is the result of the human inability to perceive a true lack of existence, referred to as a “cognitive dissonance protection response.” The █████ does not emit or reflect light, and does not appear on any form of sonar, radar, or any other form of electronic equipment. Photos or video of the location item █████ resides in are subject to the viewer’s cognitive dissonance protection response - that is, the photo will appear to display the █████ to any sentient entity viewing it, despite not in actuality showing an existing object.

Touching the █████ is not recommended for any personnel not already trained in Surrealistics, no experience with non-spaces or non-Euclidean systems, or with a C-hazard rating lower than 2. Personnel should be reminded that anything they “feel” when attempting to touch the █████ is a the result of a cognitive dissonance protection response, because the █████ does not exist.

Personnel affiliated with the Yellow Circle are understood to see something “else” at the █████. With state director permission, they may view or touch the █████, but under no circumstances should they enter it or share their perceptions with other non-Circle staff, as descriptions of the █████ may contradict the official Office position that the █████ does not exist.

The aforementioned cognitive dissonance protection response is currently undergoing study. It is currently unknown why all (100%) of humans or near-humans surveyed about the █████ (except those aligned with Circle belief systems) will describe the same shape and details about the item. Given that it is impossible to know details about an object that does not exist, speculation as to the █████’s origin is considered irresponsible.