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bravenewworld2015-01-29 11:56 pm
bravenewmods) wrote in bravenewworld2015-01-29 11:56 pm
The Enhanced
"Good evening, Union."
The Warp Band flickers on tonight to display a subdued scene. Whether or not he intended it, Rory is seated in his temporary lodgings such that his face is only partially illuminated by the dim lamp at his side. His tone is a mixture of weariness and resignation.
"This is Rory Donnachaidh, Lead Director of Field Research with Team Evolution once again. I am here tonight to... brag about a colleague of mine. Amongst other things. ...Several days ago, I believe I agreed to speak of these things if it became relevant.
"At this time, I deem it relevant."
He takes a sip of something from a glass and smiles. He has not, of course, been deaf to the idle speculation and the open accusations of dishonesty.
"Dr. Crystal Verdine, you should all know, is one of the leading intellects of our land. She's very humble about it; she would prefer that you not recognize her talents at all. Amongst a multitude of other topics, she is the foremost expert in the world on what you call 'the Enlightened' and what others refer to as 'Earthkin' or 'Magi' or any other number of terms. The point, of course, is that some amongst us are... differently advantaged and some amongst us are not."
He puts down the glass and leans back again in his chair.
"Gigas, I will say, has no natural Enlightened for one reason or another. Its scientists have long sought to rectify that. Many years past, they stumbled across a process by which to induce Enlightened abilities within a normal individual. The science of it is quite incomprehensible to me, but it was a miracle breakthrough in many ways. Though the technology was initially unstable, in the last several years, Dr. Verdine has risen to the task, partaking in exhaustive studies to perfect the technique. In time, it came to be known as 'Enhancement'." A pause at this point. "Team Evolution was extremely interested, of course - our goal, after all, is to propel humanity to the peaks of its potential, and we soon adapted Enhancement for our own uses. All respect due, we have benefited greatly from the work of Dr. Verdine and her collaborators.
"...Of course, no leap forward is made without a few steps back. Amongst the early Enhanced, there soon arose... issues of a grave and alarming nature. I have alluded previously to a particular trait of Gigas in that its people feel they have... certain rights. Wars and land aside... that includes the right to progress despite the costs."
At this point, where he treads upon shakiest ground, Rory assumes his most benign smile.
"Suffice it to say, early tests were not conducted on a strictly voluntary basis. In many of these subjects, the lack of finesse resulted in tragedy. Unfortunately, the process was too much, and their minds were severely damaged. In the end... Gigas created a group of incredibly powerful individuals with incredibly unstable personalities. We did not... necessarily approve when we learned of this. Our interest is in promoting the welfare of humanity - all humanity, regardless of arbitrary distinctions."
There is a quiet intensity in the way he says this.
"However, we lent our aid in keeping these Enhanced under control; their instability was a threat on a global scale. Medication and treatment was effective to some extent. As you may already have guessed, our previous companion, Ms. Sakina, was one of these early Enhanced. ...I believe some of you observed the means by which Dr. Verdine kept her stable."
At this point, he turns to look out the window with a sigh.
"The conclusion of this tale is likely obvious. Around fourteen days ago, Sakina's particular issue reared its head - she suffers from rampant bloodlust. You may exercise your imagination as to what happened, but she was unable to be restrained, and in the process, the building that housed many of Gigas's most unstable and dangerous Enhanced was destroyed. We agreed to provide aid - we have no interest in seeing indiscriminate devastation. We thought it likely they would travel south... Away from Gigas and towards Union. And so we are here."
A wan smile.
"I feel now it is in your best interests to know that it is quite likely you have 10 extremely dangerous individuals in the proximity of your city." ...A slight pause. "Allow me to stress that point again. Do not be misled by any sympathy you may feel at this story. While we would greatly prefer it if they could be convinced to return peacefully... they are self-destructive and highly volatile."
Rory reaches down into the darkness and emerges with a handful of what appears to be manila envelopes.
"...None of this, of course, concerns you at all, but we would beg your assistance if you care to give it. We wish them to be pacified - Dr. Verdine, in particular, is very attached to Ms. Sakina on a personal level. We do have dossiers concerning these 10 individuals and their idiosyncracies; it may be worthwhile to study these documents. Though we could handle this ourselves, I fear Dr. Verdine and I would not inspire much trust. If you cannot calm them... there is only one recourse."
He leaves this notion hanging, though the blank is clear. They could not be allowed to continue this way.
"I am not authorized to speak of this, so if you need me, I suggest you search between the jaws of Dr. Verdine's Drapion." A slight smile. "But as long as she digests me feet-first, I can probably manage to answer questions in the meantime."
The Warp Band flickers on tonight to display a subdued scene. Whether or not he intended it, Rory is seated in his temporary lodgings such that his face is only partially illuminated by the dim lamp at his side. His tone is a mixture of weariness and resignation.
"This is Rory Donnachaidh, Lead Director of Field Research with Team Evolution once again. I am here tonight to... brag about a colleague of mine. Amongst other things. ...Several days ago, I believe I agreed to speak of these things if it became relevant.
"At this time, I deem it relevant."
He takes a sip of something from a glass and smiles. He has not, of course, been deaf to the idle speculation and the open accusations of dishonesty.
"Dr. Crystal Verdine, you should all know, is one of the leading intellects of our land. She's very humble about it; she would prefer that you not recognize her talents at all. Amongst a multitude of other topics, she is the foremost expert in the world on what you call 'the Enlightened' and what others refer to as 'Earthkin' or 'Magi' or any other number of terms. The point, of course, is that some amongst us are... differently advantaged and some amongst us are not."
He puts down the glass and leans back again in his chair.
"Gigas, I will say, has no natural Enlightened for one reason or another. Its scientists have long sought to rectify that. Many years past, they stumbled across a process by which to induce Enlightened abilities within a normal individual. The science of it is quite incomprehensible to me, but it was a miracle breakthrough in many ways. Though the technology was initially unstable, in the last several years, Dr. Verdine has risen to the task, partaking in exhaustive studies to perfect the technique. In time, it came to be known as 'Enhancement'." A pause at this point. "Team Evolution was extremely interested, of course - our goal, after all, is to propel humanity to the peaks of its potential, and we soon adapted Enhancement for our own uses. All respect due, we have benefited greatly from the work of Dr. Verdine and her collaborators.
"...Of course, no leap forward is made without a few steps back. Amongst the early Enhanced, there soon arose... issues of a grave and alarming nature. I have alluded previously to a particular trait of Gigas in that its people feel they have... certain rights. Wars and land aside... that includes the right to progress despite the costs."
At this point, where he treads upon shakiest ground, Rory assumes his most benign smile.
"Suffice it to say, early tests were not conducted on a strictly voluntary basis. In many of these subjects, the lack of finesse resulted in tragedy. Unfortunately, the process was too much, and their minds were severely damaged. In the end... Gigas created a group of incredibly powerful individuals with incredibly unstable personalities. We did not... necessarily approve when we learned of this. Our interest is in promoting the welfare of humanity - all humanity, regardless of arbitrary distinctions."
There is a quiet intensity in the way he says this.
"However, we lent our aid in keeping these Enhanced under control; their instability was a threat on a global scale. Medication and treatment was effective to some extent. As you may already have guessed, our previous companion, Ms. Sakina, was one of these early Enhanced. ...I believe some of you observed the means by which Dr. Verdine kept her stable."
At this point, he turns to look out the window with a sigh.
"The conclusion of this tale is likely obvious. Around fourteen days ago, Sakina's particular issue reared its head - she suffers from rampant bloodlust. You may exercise your imagination as to what happened, but she was unable to be restrained, and in the process, the building that housed many of Gigas's most unstable and dangerous Enhanced was destroyed. We agreed to provide aid - we have no interest in seeing indiscriminate devastation. We thought it likely they would travel south... Away from Gigas and towards Union. And so we are here."
A wan smile.
"I feel now it is in your best interests to know that it is quite likely you have 10 extremely dangerous individuals in the proximity of your city." ...A slight pause. "Allow me to stress that point again. Do not be misled by any sympathy you may feel at this story. While we would greatly prefer it if they could be convinced to return peacefully... they are self-destructive and highly volatile."
Rory reaches down into the darkness and emerges with a handful of what appears to be manila envelopes.
"...None of this, of course, concerns you at all, but we would beg your assistance if you care to give it. We wish them to be pacified - Dr. Verdine, in particular, is very attached to Ms. Sakina on a personal level. We do have dossiers concerning these 10 individuals and their idiosyncracies; it may be worthwhile to study these documents. Though we could handle this ourselves, I fear Dr. Verdine and I would not inspire much trust. If you cannot calm them... there is only one recourse."
He leaves this notion hanging, though the blank is clear. They could not be allowed to continue this way.
"I am not authorized to speak of this, so if you need me, I suggest you search between the jaws of Dr. Verdine's Drapion." A slight smile. "But as long as she digests me feet-first, I can probably manage to answer questions in the meantime."
Private
[ She scoffs. It's obvious she doesn't have a very high opinion of something, be it Crystal, Rory, or the whole situation. Maybe all three. It's hard to say. ]
They need help. Not drawing an easy lot in life, that's an understatement. They've had any choice for a life striped from them. They have no life, only a world of pain.
The scientists in those labs are playing God. Tell them to stop the project. We don't need Enlightened in Gigas. There's a reason we don't have them naturally. Nothing good will come of it.
Private
...I see.
Your sentiment is very rare for your people, you understand. I am sure you know that better than I.
We do not have as much sway as you believe us to have, though I am tempted to agree with you after this catastrophe. ...Dr. Verdine would never hear of it.
Private
I know. Most people don't know the full truth, either. Maybe living here in Union has made me soft. But I'd rather be the way that I am now than how I was before.
From what I've heard of her, I'm not surprised. She has a reputation among the soldiers, you know. There are some of us who are afraid of her, for obvious reasons.
Private
[He sounds quite at ease with this.]
I'm not surprised. Everyone here is quite upset that we waited three or four days... but not even the common people of Gigas know the truth about Sakina and the others exist, do they? I expect I've broken about sixteen rules.
Private
Upset? Upset would be a few people yelling at you. I wouldn't be surprised if they're ready to riot in the streets over this.
There are stories of the Enhanced, but they're viewed more like weapons than people. They're less than human to them.
Private
[Rory waves a hand dismissively.]
They are very tender-hearted here. We sought to impress them with our strength when we first arrived, but they are devoted to this story about a Savior and her convictions for the world. I would admire them if I did not fear a certain inevitable outcome...
There is the sense... that Gigas and Union cannot coexist in the same world.
[A wry smile.]
Gigas is not a very personable place, is it? That such an advanced people can have such ideas...
Private
[ Did they actually agree on something? On a few things. ]
They are. I hope that they can keep that innocence, even just a little longer. I think I far prefer the kind-hearted Union to the cold, calculated grip of Gigas.
[ Good job at least somewhat calming her down. At least enough for her to be surprised by his statement. ]
You're not from Gigas?
Private
Certainly not. I am Calderan, though not by birth. I sought refuge at the city when I was a child.
Private
[ Like an innocence ouroboros?
Honestly, where he was from didn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but it made a few things make sense. ]
So, what do you propose we do about your problem? The one that was so graciously made into ours.
Private
However, the Team can use this incident as leverage to petition Gigas against some of the greater travesties against human life they are committing. We will do what we can to secure them a less intolerable situation. If I am not mistaken, I believe that is already in the process.
Private
Aid in what way? We need more information. Are you expecting civilians to try to medicate them, or should we trust that you'll do so "as humanely as possible?"
You have us over a barrel, Rory. We're damned if we do help and damned if we don't at this rate. You know the people of Union are against killing and inhumane acts against people or Pokemon. The existence of Enhanced themselves goes against every fiber of their being. You expect them to surrender these people to you, when most of Union probably thinks you're trying to throw the wool over their eyes again?
no subject
As for that... Unfortunately, I cannot control what Union thinks of us. Needless to say, we simply cannot allow them to be kept here. It would result in extraordinary tragedy for your city. The best intentions of Union will not change the reality of the situation, I fear.
no subject
[ She hates to say this, but ]
I'll do what I can to help you with that as well. With negotiating terms. I think talking to a citizen with personal experience dealing with them on a day-to-day basis, even if it was on the battlefield, might give you guys a bit more credibility. They'll probably want to know what your plans are, what you plan to do with them once you leave Union.
no subject
Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. I do not know if our petitions will be successful, but I will endeavor to make them so.
If I may ask, how exactly did you leave Gigas? I did not believe they allowed their soldiers to go so easily.
no subject
no subject
I believe I shall forget I ever spoke to you as soon as I leave this city, then. It is a terrible thing to grow old.
no subject
no subject
[there were but they all dropped.]
I will endeavor to make this relocation project a reality, in the meantime... It is very trying to be the antagonist from every perspective, but I have never expected this to be an easy job.
no subject
You aren't exactly doing yourselves any favors, truth be told. But you're a hard person to stay mad at. [ Kind of like a puppy in that regard. ]
no subject
Alas, it was inevitable.
I frankly prefer they be angry with me than to have them do anything overly foolish in regards to Gigas. Could you imagine if they sent a delegation to protest the usage of Servitors?
no subject
I wouldn't put it past them.
no subject
[He's so magnanimous.]
In any case, we need to proceed with the organization of this documentation. I shall bid you good night.