Familiar Guests

[bravenewmods]

[Odd environmental effects aside, Union has obviously dealt with much worse in the past. There's probably not much to be concerned about. Around mid-afternoon, the Warp Band network flickers on to display the faces of some guests who will surely put Union's mind at ease. They may be vaguely familiar to those who have been in Union for a while: one, a fiery-haired man in a well-pressed suit, and the other a young scientist in a lab coat bearing an expression liable to curdle milk.]

Good afternoon, Union.

[Crystal tries to appear generally congenial, although it looks just a bit forced. It seems someone didn’t realize the feed started a few seconds before it did.]

It’s been a long time. I’m glad to see this city is just as charming as I remember it.

For those of you who don’t know us, I am Rory Donnachaidh, and the two of us represent Team Evolution. We were conducting experiments in this area around a year ago and stumbled across your fair city.

[Yes, thank you for not introducing her, Rory. She gives her colleague a cool smile before engaging the feed again.]

And I am Doctor Crystal Verdine. We are here to make sure there haven’t been any further repercussions after the accident so many months ago. The likelihood of that happening is very slim, of course, but it’s better safe than sorry.

Yes - just ensuring that our… activities did not result in further harm to the area around Union. We’ve received permission from your Council, of course.

Unfortunately, that means that we will be inconveniencing you for a little while.

We’ll be staying a few days. Of course, we understand your sentiments about our technology, so we’ll do our best to refrain from using it openly while we visit.

[Rory tries to look sympathetic, though it seems he’s smiling faintly.]

Rory and I enjoyed our brief stay the last time, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to find one of us. Unfortunately, we don’t have any plans for more flashy displays this time. [Said a bit pointedly to her colleague. Someone was a show off the last time they were there.] To that end, if you notice anything odd in or around the city, please let us know. Thank you so much for your hospitality.

[And the feed flickers off. Rory and Crystal can now be found around Union or addressed directly through the band.]

Comments

[Video]

[celebrity_commentator]

You guys again? You really expect us to buy you're just here to check up on us?

[Video]

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

[ Crystal raises her eyebrows slightly, intrigued. ]

What other reasons would we have to be here?

[Video]

[celebrity_commentator]

Well the first time you came around here, you performed some weird dangerous science experiment without any idea of the problems it would cause.

The second time you just acted smug and vaguely threatening while experimenting on one of your own people in the background.

I have no idea why you did any of those things, so how would I know your reasons now?

[Video]

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

The first experiment, we were unaware that there was a human civilization within the vicinity. We apologized for that and did all that we could to make it right.

[ So they saw that. ]

This "second time" you talk about is interesting, and if you're referring to what I believe you are, then I can explain that as well. The woman that we were with has a very rare condition and needs to be medicated at times in order to keep it from progressing. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of this illness is that she is not always aware that we are trying to help her. Sakina has been under my care for a number of years, and her situation is very sad. I think of her like a younger sister, so believe me when I say it pains me to put her through any sort of pain, real or perceived.

[Video]

[celebrity_commentator]

That's all very nice, but is there a special reason why I should believe you?

[Video]

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

[ She's tired. It's been a long trip, and she doesn't feel like playing games with children. ]

I don't need you to believe me. I don't get any kind of special vindication knowing one person has faith in what I have to say. I know the truth, and can sleep well knowing it. That is enough for me. I have nothing to hide.

[Video]

[celebrity_commentator]

Well, that's fine then.

Just out of friendly concern, though...where's your "little sister" right now?

[Video]

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

[ She frowns a bit, the first display of what might actually be real concern crossing her face. ]

Her condition has taken a bit of a turn for the worst as of late.

[Video]

[celebrity_commentator]

[Rise's own distrusting grimace softens a bit.]

Well, if you are telling the truth, or something like it, I hope she gets better. It looked like she was in a lot of pain when I saw her before.

[Video]

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

[ Her own venom softens a bit. She doesn't like being accused. ]

She was, and is. Her condition is very... unique, and we don't entirely understand it. All we can do is to make sure that her pain is managed.