[video to any and all network-accessible devices]

[postictal]

[An empty black screen, and silence. For ten seconds, this is all there is.

Then, an eerie tone. It staggers on and off, interspersed by the fuzz of static.

A 5x5 grid flashes once over the screen, then glitches out with another burst of static. Garbled words begin to flash soon after:]



LEMHK
OMDTR
OIIPX
FWNNA
LFEEX


[The tone persists, merciless, shrilling onward in a continuous, unearthly chorus.]

00110100 00110010 00110001 00110101 00110011



 

[Finally, more bright white text flares in the center of the screen.]

didyou
seeme

[Beat.]

isaw
you



[At the last moment, the words flicker into a symbol, white slashed over black.]

Ⓧ

[The tone lingers for a few seconds more, and then the feed severs with an angry snap.]

[[ooc: Tim will be unable to respond until the next morning, but characters are welcome to try their hand at the Masked Man's little puzzle.]]

 

Comments

Accidental reply-all because how do technology

[andhiswife]

Who is this??

[etherthief]

No idea. Do not engage. Text me privately. -Iman

private to Iman

[andhiswife]

You got it, too? Did it go out to everyone?

continuing in private

[etherthief]

Probably. It's some kind of code. I'm working on it but it's not my forte, gonna see if I can get a hold of Rush.

[andhiswife]

Whatever it is, it's creepy. Should I delete it?

[etherthief]

Yes. I'll let you know if I figure anything out. If they reply don't respond, tell me.

[andhiswife]

All right.

1/2

[johnny_truant]

what the shit

2/2

[johnny_truant]

are you okay?

[etherthief]

who the fuck is this

[wildmage_daine]

What's all this? Are you okay?

[wildmage_daine]

Tim? Has someone found you?

[wildmage_daine]

I'm coming.

[rae_of_sun]

Fuck off with your glitchy stalker bullshit. Some of us have work in the morning.

[rae_of_sun]

P.S. My boyfriend will murder you if you try anything.

1/2

[eliotwaugh]

Is this another cryptic party invite?

2/2

[eliotwaugh]

because if there's a nerd speakeasy I might be persuaded to attend.

[antitimelord]

I don't get it. Not a very good riddle, then. 2/10, did not enjoy.

[i_jones]

well mind the park at night, all sorts wandering about

[singthesong]

Started okay, but you got a little cliche towards the end.

[deadeyedchild]

shit

[lottawork]

Columnar transposition is contemptibly simple and the result is pure shite. An utter waste of time.