If I were an imitation, a perfect imitation, how would you know? How would *I* know?

[reach-for-self.livejournal.com]

[So MarKus's parents aren't the only newcomers on the Chalice!  In fact, there's a man with his own, somewhat antiquated-looking AP Frame as well, and he's looking mighty pleased with himself.]

It's... been a long time, Chalice.

For those of you who were present some months back, we met in space to deal with a Percolatii infestation on a colony.  For everyone else... my name is Gregory Winthrop, a former field commander for TECZ.  It's an honor to meet you all... and please accept my apologies for your troubles the organization has caused for you all.

Had our last meeting not gone as horribly as it did, perhaps none of this would have happened.

Comments

[saikyocivrobo]

You are alive? Why didn't I hear about it sooner?

[reach-for-self.livejournal.com]

I was... preoccupied with a number of problems.

The largest of which being that I may not actually be Gregory Winthrop.

[saikyocivrobo]

I'm pretty sure you'd know if you're just a bug alien impersonating him.

[reach-for-self.livejournal.com]

Honestly... that may not be the case. A perfect imitation is one that wouldn't even know they were a fake.

... And more importantly, there's a chunk of a few hours between my seeming death and when I regained consciousness. Anything could have happened in that space of time.

[saikyocivrobo]

Are you sure you haven't just spent that time unconscious?

Well, we'll know for sure if you turn into an alien monster at some point. Hopefully that'll never happen.

[reach-for-self.livejournal.com]

If that does happen... well I suppose that'll settle things, won't it?

Until then, all I can do is live my life as Gregory Winthrop, since I may very well be the man himself, and not an imitation.

[saikyocivrobo]

Until I get any good reason to believe otherwise, that's the interpretation I'm choosing. Occam's Razor.

I don't suppose TECZ would listen to you at this point if you told them to stop pestering that MarKus guy, would they?

[reach-for-self.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, no.

TECZ has lost sight of its goals, prioritizing MarKus over Percolatii. And they're all too keen on disregarding that the science isn't in on who I am either. To them, I'm a Percolatis and thus just another imitation to kill.

A shame, really... I hear my men were willing to stand down and respect my wishes when we last met.

[saikyocivrobo]

Sounds like the new boss is either stupid or cartoonishly evil. Hopefully the rest of the organization will regain their senses when they realize that.

In the meantime, the best we can do is avoid fighting them lethally when they attack again.

[reach-for-self.livejournal.com]

Hopefully... but at the same time I doubt they'll be extending me the same favor.

It's not a situation with an easy solution I've found myself in.

[saikyocivrobo]

Don't worry, situations with hard solutions are our everyday bread here on White Chalice. One more won't make things much worse.

[reach-for-self.livejournal.com]

And I appreciate that! Not too many places in the world a possible-Percolatis can seek refuge right now.

[saikyocivrobo]

If it turns out you still control yourself after turning into a bug, you better speak quickly though. Before everyone starts gunning for you.

[reach-for-self.livejournal.com]

Well, hopefully it won't ever come to that!

[saikyocivrobo]

Hopefully. In the meantime, make sure to tell someone if you can think of some methods of testing which one are you for certain.

[emorangerblack.livejournal.com]

Percolatii infestation. Seems like such a long time ago, and yet I remember it well.

There were few survivors. Less than White Chalice hoped for, anyway.

[reach-for-self.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately... and I was listed among the casualties even.

Honestly, Gregory Winthrop may very well still be.

[Hey, what's with that third-person talk he's using?]

[emorangerblack.livejournal.com]

Yes. That did not escape my attention.

[Seemingly laidback as usual, but there's something in Devon's stance that signifies alertness.]

[reach-for-self.livejournal.com]

All I can say is, for the time being, worrying about whether or not I'm a Percolatis shouldn't interfere with who I am. If I ever find my answers, so be it.

[emorangerblack.livejournal.com]

Yes. Human, or imitation, you are your own person first. But if you ever find the answer and are not happy with it...

Just tell me.

[reach-for-self.livejournal.com]

I'll... keep that in mind.

[getter-class.livejournal.com]

Ah yes. If I recall, that enormous cluster fuck of a mission ended up much better for me than it did for you.

[reach-for-self.livejournal.com]

You almost sound like you're patting yourself on the back there.

[an-alpha-wolf.livejournal.com]

Greetings, Commander Gregory Winthrop. I am Star Captain Resnick, of Clan Wolf. Your timely assistance was appreciated.

Can you tell me more about the Percolatii and TECZ? I never encountered the former, as we were ambushed by the latter.

[reach-for-self.livejournal.com]

Indeed I can, Star Captain Resnick. The Percolatii as were mentioned to you are an insectoid alien race from deep space, creatures who arrived on Earth by a meteor approximately one year after Second Impact. The most notable features they possess are the ability to grow to mech-like size and also the power to shapeshift, perfectly mimicking the appearance and behaviour of human beings, after which they often kill the original.

Needless to say, they're a danger in the world today, and they have a habit of working to advance their own agendas.

[an-alpha-wolf.livejournal.com]

Presumably these things do not happen at the same time.

And how can one tell if one is dealing with a percolatii impersonator?

[reach-for-self.livejournal.com]

There are... ways. They tend to have hair-triggers, but not necessarily... and there's been talk of very thorough, invasive surgery to test.

Unfortunately, none of those were within my reach, and I doubt they ever will be.

[an-alpha-wolf.livejournal.com]

You fear you may be a percolatii and not know it?

[reach-for-self.livejournal.com]

What better way to be an imitation than to not even know if you are one?

[an-alpha-wolf.livejournal.com]

Has it had any effect on your behavior yet?