[Locked Against Malnosso]
Well, first of all, I expect you're all a bit cross with me given the past two weeks. No doubt there's more than just a few of you who wished you had got a piece of me while you had the chance, aha! I shan't apologize for it. I suspect it won't make much of a difference and I'm afraid it was quite necessary
( Read more... )
This... explains things, in a perverse, horrible sort of way. It gives some insight. And... that was her name, that one person? Molly? "She's not very happy with how I do things at all"... A possible ally, then, in an ocean of madness?
Still, Robert resents this entire thing, and hates how callously everybody was manipulated. So he won't be silent.]
Sir Catherine... you say that... modifying us was "necessary" for your protection. If you had that ability to just... alter our minds at random [- and something like a quiet mixture of despair, anguish and rage flickers in those words -] without our consent, then surely you could simply have made it so that we perceived you as non-threatening, without any other modifications necessary...
Granted, modifying us without consent is still the most reprehensible act, but surely you did not need to do what you did. There could have been another way.
[He ( ... )
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But worry not, I've not come to cause trouble. Though I'm afraid with me here, you'll probably have quite a bit more of it regardless.
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[Robert's expression hardens, though it's still barely detectable as anger.]
And I don't suppose you would be willing to assist us with this apparent trouble. Considering you apparently do not want non-combatants fighting, this would be a remarkably helpful time for you to actually back up your claims.
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I will do what I can, but I'm afraid I do have priorities. Returning to power is of more important right now.
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A permanent Shift. Completely resetting their memories and thoughts, erasing them as people entirely. It's Robert's worst fear, fear of destruction of his knowledge, given life.
He swallows the bile in his throat.]
... A prototype. A trial run. A beta stage test. Or perhaps an alpha stage.
... This means that there will be more of these, then. And presumably their next attempts will not be so easy to thwart. This was... a learning opportunity.
... Sir Catherine. We would be far more useful to you [- as much as Robert despises being seen as chattel -] in our right minds. There needs to be some manner of ensuring these Shifts are not put into place.
[Gods. He wouldn't even be able to kill himself to escape this if it came to it.]
... If these are the kind of people leading your organization, sir, then frankly I cannot see returning to power being a particularly simple matter for yourself.
[However much he hates Bil's callous attitude towards them, there was less risk with him, comparitively.]
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But I concur. You are all fare more useful in your right minds. Such an alteration does not in any way further the true goal of the Malnosso Organization! It's a sham that such measures would be taken.
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It is like dealing with bacteria. By relying too heavily on an antibiotic, one breeds resistance. Damaging all parts but a few encourages the remaining parts to multiply. Natural selection in action, so to speak... and the same thoroughly applies for a program, especially one as detailed and complex as I assume the Shifts are.
[Robert wonders what the true goal of the Malnosso Organization really is.]
What is a true shame to me is how grossly-misused your Shifting technology is. Used constructively it would be an incredible technology. But not only does your organization withhold its usage from us, but it also deems to use it against us in the most despicable manner possible.
That is a deplorable state.
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If only it were that simple. It's come to my attention that someone did teach a particular Shift to some of the residents. The results have proved to be quite disastrous.
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Underestimating those who built that Shift seems a very poor move. Despite how inferior you claim that Shift to be, the fact remains that it was obviously enough to cause trouble, both for us and for yourself.
[And this is news to Robert or probably is anyway. He makes a small, thoughtful sound.]
... I see. Perhaps a more rational mindset is necessary to properly utilize the technology involved.
However much I... resent your organization's encroachment, I am not one to pass up a research opportunity. [And yes, Bil, Robert is probably one of the people who could understand the Shifts.] Though I severely doubt one will ever be offered.
It is a shame, because one would think that, as scientists, we ought to be able to collaborate.
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Indeed, perhaps some day. But I'm afraid for now, our roles have been set. Only time can tell if they will change or perhaps one day even reverse.
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I suppose so.
...
[And something makes him ask this:]
Will... Ms. Molly be around, then? Or shall she be... wherever you are?
[If Molly is indeed listening to this, she might recognize that almost querulous tone that Robert used with her.
He remembers that conversation very well, still. And though he can't tell her emotions at all - well, one good social derp deserves another.]
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[ Her voice is quiet.
Hello. ]
I w-w-w-w-will be h-h-h-here. Th-Th-Th-Though not ... ab-b-b-bove ground.
[ Though her sympathies lie with the Lucetians, she knows they are looking for a scape goat, and is far too terrified for her safety to even consider going topside. ]
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... Ah... S-Salutations, Ms. Molly.
...
I... l-look forward to perhaps seeing you again in future. Or speaking to you at... a better time.
[His voice is genuine. Softer. It isn't the same cold tone that he was using with Bil.
He doesn't quite trust her... but he holds her in a better light than her colleagues.]
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[ She doesn't hate him. In fact, she's the one surprised he wants to speak to her. She'd become quite convinced most people she spoke to would hate her after the experiment was revealed. Though her tone remains carefully controlled, neutral. ]
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I will do so soon then. ... I'm s-sure that you and Sir Catherine are... busy at the moment...
[Robert may hate what the Malnosso do, but he is beginning to realize that one can do something and not be completely defined by that something.]
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