video

[youvebeenserved]

[The screen shows a terribly serious-looking man. If you look closely you might realize that he looks an awful lot like an animated corpse (which, coincidentally, would be because he is one). If not? He might look like any other medieval fellow who hasn't really kept up on hygiene. Or who perhaps contracted some kind of horrible disease.

Either way, he doesn't seem bothered by his condition.

He's also doing a pretty good job keeping the camera steady and focused despite his lack of experience with such devices. HE MEANS BUSINESS OK.]

Good people!

I confess I have not yet spoken to many of you, which I presently hope to rectify. You may call me Justice, and I intend to see to it that each poor soul drawn to this world is soon returned to his rightful lands unharmed.

[Big promises maybe but hey that's a spirit of justice for you.]

But first I must ask -- how does the Initiative capture its... [is "victims" too strong a word?] recruits? It is not magic, and I know no other way

Comments

[youvebeenserved]

I... see.

[no he doesn't. not even a little.]

Do you know the location of this... transponder? I would like to destroy it. They must not be allowed to continue preying upon the innocent!

[trustycrowbar]

[Whoa. Points for honesty. The least he can do is level with the guy.]

If you did, you'd be destroying the only probable means we have of getting back to our own homeworlds.

[Plus the total collapse of the portal array might result in an entropic discharge that would create a fireball the size of a freakin' city block. He'd rather not be the indirect cause for a lab-based calamity again, thanks.]

[youvebeenserved]

[WELL there goes that plan.

But wait, something is kind of suspicious here!]

How is it that you know so much of this... device?

[trustycrowbar]

[Oh boy, here we go:]

I'm a Transport like you, but I work in the Hold's Labs. It occurred to me early that their technology was better used for everyone's benefit including our own. That's why I'm working with them.

[youvebeenserved]

And the others believe this story?

[Because Justice sounds pretty doubtful.]

[trustycrowbar]

Ngh. Not all of them do; you're in solid company. But I assure you the only thing I'm looking to gain from this, is the fact that I don't have to pick scrap for lab equipment.

Or at least... not as much.

[youvebeenserved]

A convenient excuse, undoubtedly.

Do you suffer for this choice? Have you ostracized yourself from the other captives?

[trustycrowbar]

Would it make a difference if I did?