poly_chromatic | 0.14 gigawatts ⇒ video (memory theater) ⇒

[Ah.

Maybe he should just get into the habit of managing to stay away from these things somehow. Just. Ouch.]

Doc...?

[Oh so warily.]

[There's a delay, because when his device informs him of Merlin's response is when he first sees what's been posted. When he does turn on his video, he looks rather solemn.]

I see the City's taken it upon itself to share on my behalf.

[He is quick to add,]

I was all right.

[Yeah, he thought you didn't notice.]

Right. Good.

I was wearing a special vest, not unlike a type of armor. It... protected me from the gunshots.

[This time around, at least. He's still visibly bothered by the scene on the Network, only approaching the topic from a somewhat detached, factual standpoint. Of course, that's probably no great surprise.]

Good. That's good.

[He. Doesn't know what to say. He's sort of wondering who the "Libyans" are but so u n s u r e if that would be alright to ask.]

Yes, I tend to think so myself.

[Dark humor? Well, he's trying, since he's finding it remarkably difficult to have a conversation about his own attempted murder. Not that he'd mind answering questions if he were asked - the Libyans themselves might be a less uncomfortable topic, actually - but he's not volunteering much.]

It's a strange thing to find yourself discussing, a memory played out for the City to see. Like a sort of involuntary exhibitionism.

That seems to be one of the City's things.

Very much so. Not that I'm certain of the methods it employs in extracting our memories, but I suppose it must be related to the ways in which they implant or alter memory. Unquestionably more advanced than anything I've seen.

[Defaulting back to objective science mode is a solid strategy.]

It's almost unsettling, isn't it? I wonder if they're playing with things that are actually beyond their control, or if they actually know what they're doing.

With any technology so advanced, I can't help but be dubious as to whether they can manage to retain full control over it. Even a working knowledge of how something functions doesn't mean that it lacks the potential to get away from you. Somehow I doubt these "deities" are immune to that specific failing.

Or any magic so advanced.

[And powerful, and dangerous.]

The clock in our heads...

Indeed.

Any connection to the physical clock beneath the City aside, there is unquestionably something far more complex at play in that respect. The way the ticking subsides in company... while clearly an attempt at psychological manipulation to encourage interaction, the questions of how, of why, of the clock's relation to these phenomena -- those yet persist.

Could it be some sort of energy?

I suppose, were it specifically targeted and calibrated to a very specific frequency to interfere with some neural operations--

Of course, it's all speculation and anything leaves us with a vast multitude of possibilities, since whatever methods they are employing seem to be well beyond the knowledge base of those they keep here. There must be some instrument that could be developed, to detect any such interference...

[Yes now he is thinking about inventing some crazy thing so kudos, Merlin.]

[You're welcome.]

You think there could be? Maybe it's worth a try.

I think we know far too little about the nature of the City to rule out any possibility at this point, and the only way we'll expand our knowledge is to investigate every avenue.

[Which he is seemingly excited about.]

Yeah. Right.

[Abed has a giant bowl of popcorn and is staring at the screen.]

[When Doc notices this respoonse, he's... well. Slightly offended. Shockingly.]

Entertained?

[If Abed wasn't broken, he would've noticed. Then again, if he wasn't broken, he would've been more sensitive. As it is...]

To be perfectly honest, I found the Libyans a little hard to believe.

[... what the hell is this kid talking about what is wrong with him]

Hard to believe?

[Seriously, what.]

Somehow I doubt they would be particularly fazed by your lack of confidence.

You're right. It doesn't really matter anyway.

I'm glad you're all right.

As am I, though I suppose I may be a bit biased on the matter.

[Still not sure what to make of him, but-] Thank you.

So what's it like, watching a video of your life? Did you notice any cameras around at the time?

[what]

Disconcerting, to put it mildly.

And no, aside from the camera my friend was holding, there weren't any others, nor any other individuals present. I'm not certain as to how they manage to extrapolate our memories, of course, but I can only assume that whatever methods they use must be related to those they employ in altering, implanting or blocking other memories. Not something which I have personally experienced, yet, but there are no shortage of individuals in the City who can describe such phenomena.

Cool.

Perhaps the development of such an ability is, in a way, though I can't say it brings me much in the way of pleasure to see technology developed and used with such a purpose in mind.

Like Blade Runner!

Ah - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sleep?

I haven't had an opportunity to see the film. I was rather... deeply involved in a project.

[You know the one.]

You should see it. It's awesome.

[It's not every day that you see one of your science biffles get gunned down.

Not a nice thing to see, actually.]

What is this?

[Aw, Chekov.]

It was a... rather unfortunate turn of events, the night of the time vehicle's first successful test.

[And because he's quick to reassure (mostly) everyone on this,]

I was forewarned, however, and was able to protect myself adequately.

More than unfortunate. Then you lived through this?

Indeed I did.

Bulletproof vest.

Very clever of you. Thank you for not being killed.

Well. It is a decision I have not grown to regret.

[There's more truth to that statement than one might think.]

I would be alarmed if you regretted it, Doctor.

...How is your work progressing, with Amory's absence?

It has been progressing, although... somewhat slowly. And certainly, it's been far quieter in the lab.

[Maybe just a bit lonely.]

My work hours are very flexible, Doctor, if you would like me to make your laboratory less quiet.

I certainly would never object to some company - you are always welcome to come by, any time you like.

Thank you! I would like to be helpful to someone.

Well, if you're positively set on being helpful, I'm certain there's some project we can take on.

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