My sudden change in perspective was only mildly disconcerting. As at least this time it was simply opening my eyes, not a jarring change of location while my eyes were open. I glanced around the room, confirming it was indeed the same room I'd initially met the Investor in. As I did so something far more concerning than being taken again came to my attention. My upper body, all that I could see in my seated position, were made up of deeply black mists. Crossing my eyes I could see even my nose was as well. I almost started freaking out before memories floated to the surface. Memories from here, both in this room, and back in the operating room. Images and sounds of the Investor asking questions. Of odd tests of my reactions, physical attributes, and overall state of being. There wasn't enough time to go through all of them in detail just a general idea, but one I watched through before looking up at the Investor full of doubt and inquisition. "Hello," I said now glaring "I didn't catch your name, and I'm curious how you know mine, I'd never offered it"

"Oh, come now elly, It's not that difficult" They said grinning from ear to ear, clearly very amused "I did tell you that entertainment was a major part of this for those claiming godhood over this world. Obviously we're able to watch you on it's surface" They paused to watch my reaction, but as I simply glared back they eventually sighed "You're no fun... you can call me..." they said as their visage gained color and detail, shifting into something more of an oil painting than a charcoal sketch "Caroline" they, well she apparently, said as raven locks framed her face and a pair of deep blue piercing eyes crystallized while continuing to stare at me.

"And, you can call me Elliot, as you clearly know I've stated my name to be" I said letting my anger get the best of me. A wash of what almost appeared to be sadness, but clearly contained not so hidden veins of anger flashed momentarily over Caroline's new more detailed expression. I'm sure mine mirrored hers, but with fear instead.

"Frustration is understandable Elliot. I did watch your conversations after all, and know what you're going through, but I'd strongly advise not biting the only hand that's feeding you." Another wash swept across, this time somehow a mixture of icy glare and concerned apprehension. It screamed the mom look "I love you but I will kill you if you make me". Which gave me pause. I had no actual proof of anything we survivors had discussed. Neither the earthlings or the Vauthians had any first hand info. Guesses, educated ones true, but still guesses. Second hand descriptions and promises from an unavailable party. Traditions passed down from a time of war, upheaval, and great suffering. All of which was biased. I guess there was no reason to not at least be civil while we spoke. Reigning in my emotions and my expressions I tried again.

"Hello Caroline, I'm Elliot, Pleased to make your acquaintance" extending my hand I shook the one she met it with. Seeing the hands of misty darkness and oil paint grasp I wondered if there was a joke to be made here. The feeling of our handshake distracted me though, It felt like two completely normal hands shaking. Pushing that out of mind I refocused on 'Caroline', I hadn't missed she'd said I could call her that not that it was her name, but I had more important things to deal with "Please offer me what help you can".

She leaned back, giving me the smallest of once overs, then spoke "Much of what I can offer has already been given." Raising a hand she indicated the very body I was now inhabiting. "Of course that's hopefully not all I've already given. Tell me, can you remember anything you didn't do yourself?" I nodded not wanting to interrupt "Good, that'll be very useful going forward. I had hoped but wasn't certain, Some abilities like this allow memory transfer while connected, and some don't. You can peruse those at a later time. We tested out that body extensively." Straining I managed to push down my inner Michael Scott, and refrained from spouting childish phrases. "I'm sure there are more pressing questions you have first"

My mouth opened ready for the deluge of things that had been pooling in my head to flow forth. Nothing came out. Either my brain was not sure which to send first or my mouth was too mixed up with all the questions to even make a noise. Closing my mouth again I took a moment to think with what question to begin the tapestry that would depict the situation best. As I did so a question that had occurred to me but had always felt the least important came to the forefront. "How are you and I communicating? For that matter how are the Vauthians communicating with us? Are you messing with our heads? Am I even speaking the same language still?"

"My you are a paranoid one" She smiled wistfully "Not that I blame you. You and I are speaking the same language you've always spoken. In fact so were the Vauthians, but for different reasons. I simply learned it, although simply isn't exactly the right word, but compared to the process you'd normally go through to learn a new language it was much easier for me. While they, hmm... it's a process which is significantly too complex to go into detail, lets just say it's a perk of their 'system' which isn't so much messing with them as making life easier for the both of you"

"I'd... actually thrown that out randomly as it just occurred to me but now you've piqued my interest" I frowned, my curiosity firing off at such a simple thing when there was a literal, or at least self proclaimed, god sitting in front of me actually annoyed me. "But, like you said too complex and there are more important things to worry about. You say you're the only one feeding me as if you're on my side. Sure you gave me my ability, but didn't all the others get either a system or ability too? how are you any different?"

"How am I any different?... Ooof" She shook her head with a look as if she'd bit something sour. "Well I know for a fact every single other earthling received the 'basic bitch system'. Sure each god may have their own special flair in their design. Some might seem more powerful or capable but whichever collar they prefer they are all collars have no doubt. You'll see that soon enough for yourself. What you'll see as well is that my gift is just that. It's no bait, no fancy collar, no shackle to bind you. I was also the only god to even offer the option. You don't need to listen to me or ever return here gain, but it would be your loss to do so"

The validity of any of this would be hard to confirm, but all the conversations from the others seemed to indicate it was true as far as I could verify. Most had mentioned their 'systems' or more often calling them 'interfaces' which allowed them to directly effect themselves and their progression. Some even showed off their abilities like Avery did. None mentioned a single node in their head, well two now, that had no instruction or defined function. I didn't suddenly trust her yet but there was no point in not asking what I could for now.

Which reminded me. "So, like clones? I can see that being very useful, but the gist of my memories aren't indicating much strength or capabilities. How in the world am I going to do anything with this? How can I compete with the others" To be honest I had already thought of lots of things, but with how weak this body felt I definitely wasn't going to be running down monsters with a hoard of shadow clones leaving a path of destruction in their wake. It felt more difficult to lift these arms than my flesh and bone ones. I doubted I'd be suddenly overpowered any time soon or ever. Especially not compared to someone like Avery who could already block a knife strike with her mind without even flinching.

"No..." Caroline sighed "I can tell you've already got solutions you're brewing. I don't need to answer that. You knew the option you picked was going to be a more difficult start, You were planning for the long run, don't quit before you even start. Besides the Accords don't allow further gifts once you've all been returned to the arena. Technically you being here is already a violation, but one you're not actually here, and two the accords only allowed the others to watch me when you were here at first. Speaking of..." she said pulling two books from nowhere and placed them in front of me, "read these. That's one thing you can do with this" She winked.

I pulled the books toward me. I may like having no limits but having no baseline either was quite bothersome. Second guessing myself wasn't helping though, especially when I couldn't change it. Looking at the first book I saw English Enochian Translation as it's title. "Really!?" I blurted out looking up to find Caroline cracking up silently behind her hand.

"No not really, but you understood what it meant right?" Rolling my eyes I turned back to the books, pulling the second out to see it's title. I couldn't actually read it at all. I guess it was 'Enochian' or whatever the name for the actual 'language of the gods' was. Turning back to the translation guide I opened it and began to read. "No, not you, you go back, do what you can there." Caroline huffed as she waved her hand again.

This time I expected the change as I opened my eyes back in my room. Shaking my head I closed my eyes again. More annoyed at myself for completely forgetting to utilize my gifts as best I can, than I was at Caroline rudely shoving me out. But, come on who wouldn't be interested and distracted to learn the language of the gods. As I expected the second node was opaque again. I was reminded though as next to it was the figurative glowing red button of my skill node. Exerting pressure into it I felt the same draining feeling and then, well nothing else, but looking at my nodes I now saw a third. This one dimly lit from an internal light. Pressing against it as I had the other I now saw my own head from behind. Looking down I saw the expected misty blackness of my new body. stepping up and around I looked at my face instead. With my eyes closed and having freshly bathed and changed there strangely didn't seem to be any indication I'd been through anything harrowing. Let alone a war that left earth desolate, burning, and empty of those who used to call it home. Shifting my focus back to my internal self I saw that there were still three nodes. At least it seemed another shadow didn't dispel the first. Opening my eyes I lurched back and threw my arms up "FUCK!" I cried even as I realized I was literally jumping at my own shadow.