AUDIO ► Transmitted to every communicator

[shrewd_doc]

Ahem. Hello, my lovely citizens. Such a wonderful day, isn’t it? [ A dry laugh. She seems to be either forgetting the frogs, or even meaning them. ] Hope those pesky little frogs haven’t caused you too much trouble, has it? If so, please listen to the wonderful Naomi Hunter and make your way to the hospital. It’s always appreciated when my

Comments

[scientize]

[VIDEO]

Well, [the sarcastic reply comes with a semi-irritated roll of her eyes. It's been a long day on her feet at the hospital, after all, and it isn't even anywhere near being complete. Naomi doesn't necessarily want to spend her last ten minute break of the night in a mind game with the supposed head woman in charge, but what can she say? She's a scientist, curiosity has always driven her to oddest of actions.]

I guess I should be flattered that a woman like you thinks I'm wonderful.

[shrewd_doc]

Of course I think you're wonderful, my sweet doctor. We are alike, you and I. Plus, how can I not like someone who follows my needs so flawlessly? Without even being nudged.

[scientize]

Alike? I don't want to even ask how you've managed to think up something as ridiculous as that.

And I'm only doing my job. I wouldn't be a very capable doctor if I couldn't perform the tasks assigned to me.

[shrewd_doc]

Of course. Tasks assigned by me. Though, as a little warning, little one. You better keep doing what I say, else something quite evil might welcome itself back in your life.

[shrewd_doc]

It is in the process, of course. Those pesky frogs did quite the damage while they were creeping in.

[softenedbyme]

Video

Why should we trust anyone you consider wonderful?

[scientize]

[Oh dear, there's a blue woman on Naomi's screen. A glitch of the device or in Raven's genetic material?]

I assure you, she's just baiting. I'm not one of hers. Just a doctor doing her job.

[softenedbyme]

[A marker incident, obviously.]

Doing what she wants you to.

[scientize]

[Damn permanent markets are just too permanent.]

I suppose you'll just have to learn to trust us if you want a way out of this mess. Were you bitten?

[chose_death]

[Audio]

[So here is this infamous head doctor Javert has heard so much about from his wife and other citizens around Aliunde. This isn't something he can let go without a little bit of probing. He begins with a seemingly random question, abrupt and brusque in delivery.]

Why do you waste your effort?

[shrewd_doc]

Waste my effort in what? Informing my citizens? Why, because I brought you here. Of course I care about your well-being.

[chose_death]

Care! So that is your excuse to threaten force with the use of your mobile man-shaped machines, your care? If your aim is to inspire riot and doubt, you are doing a fine job of it!

The good doctor's earlier announcement was plenty sufficient to call forward the sick. Your information was an appendix at best.

[shrewd_doc]

No. Some of the side-effects, like what you're experiencing, will refuse receiving the cure. And you will not get better without it, of course. So yes. If needed, my androids will escort you to the hospital.

Oh of course, you're so worried about your little woman, aren't you. Worried something might happen if I call out that she is on my side? I would make a promise, but that is a little too much for me. Who knows, maybe watching someone slowly shrivel up is a hobby. [ A soft chuckle. ]

[teddyalt_man]

Have you killed them? The people who damaged the barrier?

[shrewd_doc]

Oh, little Teddy. That's for me to know, and everyone else to wonder. They won't do it again.

[teddyalt_man]

That makes you a dictator, lady. You know that, right? Dictators normally aren't very popular if they don't treat their people right. Or just, make people disappear on a whim.

[shrewd_doc]

And I care what you call me? In my big scheme of things, you're almost a mistake, though, the stories you tell are quite comical. Maybe I'll bring your friends from your world to meet everyone here. A true dictator has all the power. And you know, I certainly do.