Brave New World Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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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."
no subject
[Fuyuhiko spends about eight-five percent of his waking hours pissed about something or other. He's used to anger. It's horror, though, that settles leaden and cold in the pit of his stomach, like he's swallowed a frozen stone.
He's a criminal, but this is sick.
It's easier to cling to the outrage.]
If you were gonna ask us to clean up your damned mess anyway, couldn't you have released that information before people left the city to investigate? The hell are we supposed to do, run back for your little dossiers? We're practically already in the mountains! Savior fuckin'...!
[He growls with feeling, but then shakes himself, eyes hard.]
Forget it. There a trick to 'pacifying' the poor bastards? You know 'em better than we do.
no subject
...That sounds like mockery, but I assure you that we did not expect troops of civilians to go trekking out without care for their own safety. It is very noble of you.
[though also quite stupid.]
I don't know if there's a 'trick'. I don't believe there is besides a tranquilizer gun the size of a Donphan, which we have neglected to develop. But I do not think they are utterly unreasonable yet.
no subject
[His clan needs the trade routes safe and open as much as anyone else does.]
So, we can still talk to them. They really gonna trust a bunch of strangers in the wilderness over you guys? I think that says a whole hell of a lot more about your practices than your so-called 'concern for humanity' does.
no subject
They are not likely to go peacefully with Dr. Verdine. Most of them do not know me, but Sakina may expect that I will be here as well. To be frank, my official mission is to recover them and aid Dr. Verdine in returning them home, so no, they will not be keen on cooperating with me.
What they fail to realize is that the longer they go without their medication, the more they'll deteriorate.
no subject
I see. And 'home' is some kind of holding cell in Gigas, where people don't tell them what their own medicine fucking does?
no subject
no subject
I see. [This repetition, at least, sounds more like he does, instead of just a lead-in to his usual rushed leaping to conclusions. Still:] But you don't even know where you're taking 'em once we catch them?
no subject
I am flattered that you all think I am important enough to do things like convince Gigas of its immorality and so on and so forth. But they have not shown me where they keep their secrets locked away, no. I certainly do not think I ever shall, given what I have just revealed.
no subject
no subject
no subject
[Fuyuhiko folds his arms across his chest.]
You didn't come here without the medicine they need, right? Why not protest the situation by holing up somewhere in the forest with 'em until you can state your plans more confidently?
no subject
no subject
[He trails off for a moment, then catches himself and clears his throat.]
Keh. Not that I care. As long as everything goes back to normal in the end, those assholes aren't any skin off my nose. I just hate that vague, pretentious bullshit about doing the right thing for mankind when, in reality, nobody knows what the fuck the consequences are.
no subject
We strive for the advancement and progress of humanity above all else - whatever path we choose to follow, we follow it earnestly and in the belief that it will propel us towards greater heights. In this case, we misjudged the works of Gigas and their scientists, for which we must apologize. However, I will not apologize that we hold the beliefs we do.
no subject
[He shrugs emphatically, turning his face away.]
But as soon as this is over with, it won't be my problem anymore, so it's none of my business.
no subject
That's as good an attitude to take as any. Your assistance is greatly appreciated in the meantime.
I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND but I had to [text]
[This entire thing had basically snapped him out of his funk, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to be worried for the people he knew that were outside of the city.]
Stay safe, alright?
I don't want to lose any more
[A pause where he stops writing and sending things, but...like it or not, Maya and Kuzu were quickly becoming family to him. And he didn't want them hurt or worse...not like before.]
Just don't do anything stupid.
[text] ICHIGOOOOO
Kuzuryuu blinks at the text for a minute, comes up with half a dozen asshole replies ("I didn't know you knew letters.") and one or two uncomfortably genuine ones, but finally settles for the middle ground.]
Don't get sentimental on me, idiot. I can take care of myself.
[But maybe it's the cold up in the mountains, or maybe whatever's making all the Pokemon so uneasy is affecting him, too, because he adds:]
Keep your eyes open.