oo5 ⊗ video ⊗ fifth move ⟹ backdated to oct 5th.

[oxfordian]

[ charles is visibly distressed when he appears on the screen, this time. he's in what seems to be some underground facility, and there are other faces behind him—notably collette, emma, galadriel, raven, and others. his eyes remain closed for a second and you can hear him take a deep breath. then: ]

We have... borrowed a gentleman by the name of Richard Lawson...—from the United Earth. He is a cabinet member of the President's. Yes, the President of the United Earth. [ charles clears his throat, steels himself. ]

We've learnt a great many things about the United Earth from his head, and we feel it best to share that information with all of you, here on the Network.

[ charles states the next words with a heavy voice. ]

The President of the United Earth is not human. "He" is—artificial. Artificial Intelligence, or what you would call an A.I.. The United Earth... has never seen his face, as far as we have deduced.

We will try to answer questions about what we have learnt to the very best of our ability, but do be patient. Ah—[ he closes his eyes again, considering. then he nods as though he's made the right decision and he knows it. ]

That is all.

( note: wow i knew i forgot something like a winner. THIS TAKES PLACE DURING/AFTER these linked shenanigans: [ x ] [ x ] [ x ] [ x ] )

Comments

[inafadingcrown]

I know also the dangers of that path. I will not walk down it.

[thornwishes]

You are not sending him to the Warp or whatever gods he worships. Breaking his mind makes him unusable to us and to them, there is no danger in using your abilities to get what is needed.

[inafadingcrown]

I will not discuss it further. What's done is done.

[thornwishes]

How far is too far for you? How is it a dangerous path? [Because it's not power that drives him to do such things, it's a need to protect.]

[inafadingcrown]

This is neither the time nor the place. If you wish to discuss ethics, we may meet at a later date to do so.

[thornwishes]

[What are ethics? :|

Anyway time for a change in tactics here.] Did you discover if the drugs were given by force or taken willingly?

[inafadingcrown]

They were taken willingly, to my understanding, though it is doubtful the full implications were made clear.

[thornwishes]

[Grumble, mumble, all of this is done in his head of course.] They never are when such things are done, though if taken willingly then other methods in the future will need to be used.

[inafadingcrown]

You have experience with such things? [Why isn't she surprised?]

[thornwishes]

[Because his world is full of suck.] To some extent, yes. Not every foe I face uses their own talents to control others. Nor do my fellow Inquisitors use the same methods as myself.

[In other words he's nice compared to them.]