[Locked Against Malnosso]

[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.

But I shall give you an explanation of sorts! To put it quite simply, I've moved in! There's been a bit of trouble with the organization, I'm afraid. I'm afraid with the war effort going so poorly, the renegades have been becoming more daring and the security forces continue to do whatever they please. I'm afraid you have all felt the brunt of that in the recent battles you've been called into. I'm reluctant to say that it will happen again and I won't be involved at all. I won't be able to speak on your behalf.

As for myself, I've become a bit unpopular. So before someone attempts to take my place, I've decided I might lie low a bit. And as everyone knows, there's nowhere in this world quite as peaceful and secure as Luceti! I did use some deception getting in using the latest experiment, but I'm afraid it was the only way I could ever safely arrive in the village without risk to my life. An old man like myself wouldn't have lasted long against you all. Oh! I do hope none of you mess about with those nasty beasts about. They weren't after any of you, they were just looking for me.

You may also have noticed I brought an assistant with me. I have some contacts in the organization who will gladly supply those various conveniences you enjoy so much. She'll be assisting in these transfers, so please, don't be shocked if you hear her lovely young voice answering you. Molly's a bit shy, but she means well. Aha, I'm afraid she's even a little taken to all of you. She's not very happy with how I do things at all.

Nevertheless, take heart! I don't plan to be here forever. I will return to head the company again in due time. It may start to look a bit grim, like your early days, but it's always darkest before the dawn. Or is it the other way around?

[Filtered to John]

Oh, Great One, I do hope you'll forgive me for that bit of fun with the festival. But you do deserve it! I only wish you would have come out to enjoy it!

But I'm afraid I must ask something of you. I've scrambled the journal system's signal to prevent real time monitoring by the Organization, but I suspect it won't be long before they catch on. I thought, perhaps, you might be able to come up with something a bit more permanent?

Comments

[cruxofapotter.livejournal.com]

I reckon this place is about to get a lot less peaceful and secure.

[malnosso]

Quite right, my boy.

[cruxofapotter.livejournal.com]

Just how troubled are these people who might come after you?

[malnosso]

A great deal of trouble. But we, quite fortunately, have a barrier over our heads!

[cruxofapotter.livejournal.com]

I don't suppose the only way of controlling that barrier is from the inside.

[malnosso]

It's a bit more complicated than that, but to say more would be to say too much.

[cruxofapotter.livejournal.com]

They steal people away from here all the time. I don't think the barrier's going to be much of a help there.

[malnosso]

It is one matter to temporarily send a few droids through the barrier. It is quite another to launch a full invasion or investigation.

[cruxofapotter.livejournal.com]

But if they were to manage it, you're basically using the lot of us as a shield.

[malnosso]

Goodness, I would never plan to use any of you for a shield! I expect none of you would even want to, so it would be a rather poor strategy for me to rely on. Oh no, I've made other more suitable arrangements.

[cruxofapotter.livejournal.com]

Hiding here means you've already put us between them and you. It's the kind of thing one of them would do.

[malnosso]

I think, my boy, I know them quite a deal better. I have, after all, played cards with quite a few of them.

[cruxofapotter.livejournal.com]

Are you really that different from them?

[malnosso]

I'd like to think so.

[cruxofapotter.livejournal.com]

I don't think you're the only one.