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[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.
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?
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?
[Voice]
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.
[Voice]
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.
[Voice]
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.
[Voice]
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.
[Voice]
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.]
[Voice]
[ 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. ]
[Voice]
... 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.]
[Voice]
[ 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. ]
[Voice]
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.]