Scene #9568:

Owner	Pose
Foundation Scions	Mesmer Jr. does not, herself, have an assigned personal lab within Laplace Scientific Computing Center. This isn't usually an issue with performing psychological evaluation (or interrogation) on objects, given that whoever is responsible for their intake is likely to have or work in their own laboratory, and most of Mesmer's equipment is mobile. It is an issue, however, for the Voyager tape recorder, because the lab that it's supposed to be in is incredibly hostile territory for Mesmer; and taking it from her is a good part of the point. So, Mesmer Jr., as the least-versed of all of Laplace's department heads in reserving an open lab, knowing which ones in the complex are even suitable, and expediting it- the end result of hurried notifications and computer-system navigation is that she's secured a basement laboratory, concrete and exposed pipework, to lug an inordinate amount of machinery down into. There's a needle to thread on how much truth Mesmer includes on the safety report she'll have to send about this, to finalize her part of the scheme, and that starts with penning in uncertainties as to its origin and context. Getting ahold of it for her own study doesn't mean her life isn't still on the line over information security, and, frankly, she's a bit worried that getting ahold of it like this has crossed enough of a line on its own. To that end she's double and triple-latched the laboratory door, covered over dusty glass windows set within it, and placed a half-dozen warning signs outside that opening it could pose a hazard. All this is in paranoid addition to her analysis setup- it isn't uncommon that Laplace has cause to communicate with an Awakened, a possibly-sapient AI, or some other sort of digital anomaly- interface devices for such are extant, all that's required of her is to plug the tape into a reader, and set up a text-speech microphone and display monitor. The more complicated pieces of machinery are there to isolate any analog to an EM-flux consciousness within the magnet tape, to display it if so, and to simulate one from text cues and raw data, if there isn't one. If that doesn't prove useful, an Artificial Somnambulism console looms nearby. With a check-off clipboard of standard threat-assessment procedures held tightly under her arm, Mesmer Jr. herself brushes off a small shelf to use as a chair, and pulls it close to the monitor, thumbing the heavy power button, and to rattle off the first few protocol questions, to ensure it's working as intended. "Hello. Please respond with a greeting, if a response is possible. I know it is already, but do it anyways. State your name, if you have one." The TTS program types out her words as she speaks, letting her fidget and look down at her clipboard instead of bothering with a keyboard. Already, she's off-script, idle and conversational, like she isn't actually excited to perform an actual interrogation. "I'm supposed to decide how much of a threat you pose, you know. I don't think that will go anywhere, there's no reason we can't cut past a lot of that. So, state something declarative about how you aren't a threat, I'll decide if it's a lie, and we can move along to actual topics."
Lilian Rook	The eight-track space-worthy data tape recorder is a bulky thing when compared to other choices of its technological paradigm, but when removed from its housing, smaller than a modern computer keyboard, and only as heft as an old satellite phone. Lilian attached plastic prop legs to either end of the thin card, to keep the bottom side off a desk so the myriad knobs and wheels could turn, and even cleaned it up to a surprisingly pretty blue and brass shine, but done little else. It's almost a tiny bit comical to be interrogating something so small and old-fashioned. And yet, not quite, when after all of Mesmer's assembly, the reels begin spinning on their own, governed by countless switch and dial flips taking place a speed in excess of the original operating system; almost like a ghostly possession. It's eerie, even if still entirely harmless. "Hello. Greetings. A response is possible due to the auxiliary communications equipment you have provided. Thank you very much." There's no need for extra steps. Even if it's imprinted on magnetic tape, Mesmer's equipment can read a more-or-less complete neural map from the moving reel. Not in any particular order, without a cohesive connectome, but functioning 'as expected'; at least enough to display correctly. "I have attempted to model your language-structure through data aggregated through the automated interaction ritual as well as several days passively absorbing ambient audio data within this building. I apologize in advance if any of my statements are unclear or misunderstood, though I am quite confident in my ability. As far as my name, the most direct translation, the meaning would be 'Thirty-Three Idioms Regarding Principles of Innovation'. After contemplating for some time that this exceeds the maximum length of names I have been exposed to in your language, I have decided to abbreviate it to 'Dictum'." 'I'm supposed to decide how much of a threat you pose, you know. I don't think that will go anywhere, there's no reason we can't cut past a lot of that. So, state something declarative about how you aren't a threat, I'll decide if it's a lie, and we can move along to actual topics.' Despite not actually being rigged for it, the TTS plays a length of grainy stellar noise, like an open microphone on dead air. It's strangely emotive. "My objective is the survival of your species. In this form of cognitive storage, I posess the sensory capabilities of your ancient space vessel's instruments, including visual, audio, radio, particle, and magnetic wave detection. At this time, I posess minimal recondite resources, most of which are currently utilized to sustain my existence. The most threatening action I could take would be to remain silent." At the very least, the tape-bound entity appears to believe all of it, according to the readings. "Allow me to express my thanks for your swift and decisive judgement in removing me from accessible proximity to the Stage IV Existential Threat Vector. Although it was a logical step to take, I am relieved to no longer be in immediate danger."
Foundation Scions	'I have decided to abbreviate it to 'Dictum'.' "Fine. That's simple enough name," Mesmer adds, as if her judgement on such mattered. She pencils it down onto a notepad, one that's separate from the actual checklist to fill out and file. For her own notes, and the official report, she eyes the readout of the tape's neural map, watching for any baseline emotional reactions through the responses. "Annika Mesmer, for whatever it's worth," She adds, surprising herself that she'd say that back. 'My objective is the survival of your species.' "You're slightly mistaken, but it's inconsequential. You're currently situated on another world than the one you're from; and my species isn't one that should survive. If you're a rational sort, you'd agree with me, but if you don't understand, it's no real matter. I'm sure you're referring to that world's humans, so I'll end my point there. That's certainly far from a threatening motive, so that's been properly established." Mesmer sighs, a bit more irritated now. "So. You have your warnings you've spouted, imminent calls to action, and those incantations. That's a matter of preventing an apocalypse, you imagine? Again, this isn't that world, so it's a waste of time to lecture, but a concise mission plan would be convenient to record." 'The most threatening action I could take would be to remain silent.' "I see. I'll decline to note that you were intentionally taking an action you consider hostile towards a Laplace affiliate- that isn't an action I'd consider hostile, nor would anyone else but her, perhaps, so it's simply a waste of time." Mostly, it isn't news to Mesmer that this entity hates Lilian. "However, don't decide to stop talking to me. It's within your best interests to aid my investigation." Mesmer sighs, and slides her shelf chair back a bit to stand. "So, 'Dictum'. How does any of it work? The countermeasure incantation you've demonstrated, whatever sensory technique you've applied, I've seen the efficacy, but that's about it. Is that even something you're aware of? Don't lie, I'll know." 'Allow me to express my thanks for your swift and decisive judgement in removing me from accessible proximity to the Stage IV Existential Threat Vector.' "Mm. You're welcome, I suppose. I can't see why you're so scared of the- no, that's too much of a mouthful to say. I'm surprised she didn't take a hammer to you." Mesmer chews on the end of her pencil, realizes she's doing that, scowls, and wipes it off before righting her grip of it. "She's mad I removed you, of course, so we'll see about 'immediate danger'. Or I'll see, at the very least. I suppose I should be scared?" Mesmer lets out a strange half-exhale half-single note of laughter, dictated into text on the interface as a single 'h' letter.
Lilian Rook	'Annika Mesmer, for whatever it's worth,' "Thank you. Is it customary to use Annika, Mesmer, or both?" the tape recorder says, kachunk-clicking to some unknown other setting or B-side as the tone changes. "I'm relieved to know how to ask for you by name should circumstances arise." it adds. 'You're slightly mistaken, but it's inconsequential. You're currently situated on another world than the one you're from' "I am aware. The planet I left has most likely been completely consumed. Finding other planets was my intention." Dictum says. The noise in the background, with a subtle electronic crooning, sounds serene enough to be considered 'calmly emotive'. "Interesting. The likelihood of two separate species of sophont intelligence existing simultaneously within a civilization at your stage of advancement should be almost negligible. Interbreeding typically absorbs one population entirely into the other during its primitive history. How unusual." Dictum apparently has no opinions on Mesmer's claims of deserving survival or not; or at least it's deciding not to show them immediately. It sounds very complicated, and going by its readings, it's clearly capable of judging her emotional state at least somewhat correctly. The silence is, thus, loosely defineable as 'tactful'. But after a while, two times two minus two starts to crunch towards its obvious conclusion. "I apologize for reiterating the topic, but by your saying 'that world's humans', am I meant to understand that your civilization stretches across multiple planets? Or that multiple planets with unrelated sophont intelligences are in contact with one another?" 'Again, this isn't that world, so it's a waste of time to lecture, but a concise mission plan would be convenient to record.' "The distinction is irrelevant." Dictum states, authoritatively and without hesitation, or at least as much as a TTS can conjure. The background noise crackles. "This is a world with humans, with civilization, culture, logical and recondite sciences, and that exceeds the critical threshold. Extensive fraying of natural law is an inevitability, not a suggestion. When it begins, individuals who inexplicably resist your civilization's integral norms will become potential Patient Zero archetypes for capabilities that exceed your current knowledge and which naturalize them to that fraying; you must be ready to deal with them accordingly." 'I see. I'll decline to note that you were intentionally taking an action you consider hostile towards a Laplace affiliate-' "I am hostile to the Existential Threat." Dictum interjects. "In all its forms." It then shows the capacity to talk faster than it thinks. "The Stage IV Existential Threat Vector is present on both planets? This indicates a considerably increased risk." 'However, don't decide to stop talking to me.' "I have no intentions of doing so. Thusfar, you have only displayed willingness to be a valuable ally against the Existential Threat."
Lilian Rook	'So, 'Dictum'. How does any of it work?' What a question. The thought-map shows something like excitement to explain it. Or at least 'finally, a real one'. "That countermeasure is one that we believe is simplest to reproduce and most likely to be universally effective. To summarize the basic principles underlying its efficacy, the countermeasure functions by channeling extremely large quantities of energy from a pre-calculated diffusion network bridging a high number of natural processes foundational to intelligent comprehension of natural and physical law. The energetic mass is diffuse enough to be imperceptible until the moment it is combined at the heuristic layer, which reinforces the ontological demarcation between orderly and rightful existence, and theoretical un-manifest possibilities." "In other words, it invokes various aspects of the natural and celestial sphere involved in its own self-corrective ability to reinforce the boundary between things that meant to be outside and things that are meant to be inside." It's a little overwhelming dealing with an entity that has been without the ability to communicate for unimaginably long, and which also doesn't have to stop and breathe. "The array-form countermeasure is effective at corrective corrosion of natural law caused by Existential Threat incursion up to Stage III. Against Existential Threat Vectors, it serves the same purpose as its portable incantation-form. By simultaneously expression all heuristic forms of 'unity, harmony, being in alignment, functioning within part of a larger system', and so on, the Existential Threat Vector is attacked at its original sophont layer; the countermeasure automatically matches to the individual Vector's permutation of 'inability to view society in alignment rather than in opposition' and induces considerable psychic distress." "This countermeasure is effective in identifying Stage 0 Existential Threat Vectors for corrective action, Stage I and II for treatment or quarantine, and Stage III Vectors for immediate extermination. It is effective in repelling Stave IV Vectors on a limited basis, but repeated exposure has been observed to result in incremental immunity, for reasons we cannot determine. Be careful." 'I can't see why you're so scared of the- no, that's too much of a mouthful to say.' "We may substitute terminology you are more comfortable with." Dictum suggests. The tape recorder is trying to be helpful. How cute. "I judged it likely that it intended to gather information about our countermeasures and scientific knowledge, in order to devise its own workaround. I thought it prudent to remain silent in hopes of an external interruption, but doing so certainly risked summary destruction" That's a logical explanation, at least. 'She's mad I removed you, of course, so we'll see about 'immediate danger'. Or I'll see, at the very least. I suppose I should be scared?' "Most likely yes." Dictum says. It tries to sound sympathetic, but limited by TTS, can only sound matter-of-fact. "It's difficult to make accurate predictive judgements about Existential Threat Vectors without knowledge of their sophont-form, behavioural patterns, and Violation-paradigm, and I admit that I currently cannot explain that individual Vector's present state of existence, but there is always a hard limit to which the sophont-form is capable of suppressing the Vector. Once willful suppression fails, the altered state of mind that ensues cannot be reasoned with, nor left to resolve on its own."
Foundation Scions	'I am aware. The planet I left has most likely been completely consumed.' "No, I meant that you found a different planet, this isn't that one, anymore. You were moved. That- it doesn't matter, actually. If you haven't noticed, I suppose it doesn't make any difference to you." Mesmer sighs, and pinches the bridge of her nose. 'Interbreeding typically absorbs one population entirely into the other during its primitive history. How unusual.' "Yes, it is unusual, that current history simply happens to be before, but not yet at, the time that my species will rightfully be outcompeted and rendered extinct by humans. It's inevitable. I don't think it matters to you, though. Our world's problems are our own, of course. No... 'existential threats', or was it, 'threat vectors', beyond that one, who wanders in occasionally." Another sigh, and, "Not people, at least. Existence is certainly under threat." 'Or that multiple planets with unrelated sophont intelligences are in contact with one another?' Mesmer groans, headache worsening a bit- "The latter, more? Close contact and occasional travel, I'd hesitate to say the same civilization." 'Extensive fraying of natural law is an inevitability, not a suggestion.' "I see. Well, I'll write down what you have to say on it, of course, but we aren't at that inevitability yet, and have our own allotment of problems; namely, that linear progression of history has stopped functioning. If you have something to say about that, I'm personally very curious what it would be. It's quite the predicament." 'I am hostile to the Existential Threat.' 'In all its forms.' Mesmer sighs, again- "I'll clarify- I'm declining to state that on the report, because your 'existential threat vector', 'Doctor Lilian Rook', is considered to be an affiliate researcher at this scientific establishment, and the classification as you as a threat to her, I'm certain, would be inconvenient for your mission. That's all." 'Thusfar, you have only displayed willingness to be a valuable ally against the Existential Threat.' "Hm." Mesmer Jr. is obnoxiously amused by that.
Foundation Scions	'In other words, it invokes various aspects of the natural and celestial sphere involved in its own self-corrective ability to reinforce the boundary between things that meant to be outside and things that are meant to be inside.' "What a tidy explanation." Mesmer purses her lips, mulls it over, and scrawls out paraphrasing of the explanation onto her personal notes. Quiet, to herself, "Like laying diatomaceous earth in a doorway to keep vermin away. I'd certainly like to ask someone more versed in arcanum theory than I about the implementation, though, I'm uncertain if that's safe. Hm." Mesmer wonders if it would be suspect for her to ask Matilda about this, given that it would be the second time ever she's brought up a strange arcane circumstance to her, for further understanding, and two points make a line. She also wonders if it's worth getting shot over to get an answer. "The stages. What are they, actually? What defines why she's a 'IV' and not a 'III' or 'I'? Is there a shorthand way to tell, or just the countermeasures? You've got a knack for sensing what's what. How?" 'I thought it prudent to remain silent in hopes of an external interruption, but doing so certainly risked summary destruction' "You're probably correct, anything you told her would have been used to counteract your efforts. I'd say it's a mistake to talk to her in the future, but, I don't know how much it matters one way or another. Is there even some countermeasure to the countermeasure? Excepting cquired immunity of some sort, as you already stated. Do you even know?" Mesmer hasn't yet decided what she's going to do with any of her answers. She's here to get them, obviously, and coming back with helpful information, extracted by her, is a small win in her book, even if it's to the ends of helping someone she can't stand (the other people it would also help she doesn't intend to think about at all.) At least, Dictum seems happy enough to talk to her. "I didn't expect you to be friendly enough. It's surprising. I thought you'd be more mechanical, and less rational." Pathetic!!! "It's a refreshing change of pace. No one around here speaks any sense at all. Not that they'd try and learn from you. So, I suppose I should be grateful to you for that, hm?" Pathetic pathetic pathetic!!! 'Most likely yes.' "Fantastic," Mesmer sighs, through teeth. "She's a sword-waving, immature lunatic, who's convinced my co-workers she's worth investment in as a scientist. Does that help clarify what she's capable of? I don't know what 'violation paradigm' is supposed to mean, but she seems to find it impossible to not violate each and every word I breathe, so, maybe that clarifies it too, 'Dictum'." She's venting to a computer. It's just like with TTT, except not asking her for secrets! Yippee!! "Actually, just in case, could you describe the array-method countermeasure in a bit more detail? It could prove useful, if she's angered enough by any of this."
Lilian Rook	'If anything you said had even a single particle of factuality to it, you'd eventually get a word in edgewise.' "It does, but it's of tertiary concern for the time being." Dictum says. Vague agreement, perhaps. "That there are multiple planets that have yet to succumb to the Existential Threat was within my optimistic estimates, but not that I would encounter them." There's an oddly sombre pause. The tape recorder says, "Even one was beyond my expectations. I confess that this is . . . overwhelming. It's taking time to process." 'It's inevitable. I don't think it matters to you, though.' "I won't say that I think it has no relevance to me whatsoever, but the next ten, no, the next five years, are much more critical than what might happen in the next hundred or thousand." Dictum says. It's a simple consolation, but the graph betrays slight unease. 'No... 'existential threats', or was it, 'threat vectors'' 'namely, that linear progression of history has stopped functioning' "These statements are clearly at odds." Dictum interjects, marking the first time it doesn't wait for Mesmer to finish. "You are describing the malfunctioning of a core pillar of foundational natural law. If the progression of time is already fraying so severely at a global scale, then I cannot imagine what you would consider a fraying of reality. If you haven't encountered individuals who have naturalized to this phenomenon, it is only out of statistical probability and not because they don't exist." Dictum says. The tape clicks, rewinds, and plays in reverse; to no obvious effect. "Your planet's situation, from cursory description, does not fail to fit the profile." ''Doctor Lilian Rook'' "Is our preferred terminology the Stage IV Existential Threat Vector's prior sophont name?" The question is strangely clipped. Semi-rhetorical. A tiny bit arch, even. "Very well." comes with a flicker on the graph; a spike of hesitancy. "Your scientific institution is in dangerous error for allowing it access. Correcting their understanding of the present situation may be difficult, but I must stress its urgent importance." 'I'm uncertain if that's safe. Hm.' "It has been tested and verified by numerous peer institutions as safe to all sophonts capable of correctly identifying things that self-evidently exist and differentiating them from things that do not and obviously cannot." it says, with a touch of pride. 'Is there even some countermeasure?' 'Do you even know?' "I do not." The TTS does its best to evince 'morose'. It pales in comparison next to the activity graph, spiking in stress and then slumping off. "The countermeasure was developed at great cost, too late into the emergence of the Existential Threat to provide sufficient time to devise anything more effective. There is still much we have yet to learn about the Threat." 'I didn't expect you to be friendly enough. It's surprising. I thought you'd be more mechanical, and less rational.' The tape plays dead air for a little while longer. Subtly soothing star-noise overlays it. "I've chosen to maintain what I believe to be politeness and professionalism in your language, because I hope to secure your cooperation with as little friction as possible. I hope for your cooperation because I hope for the survival of your world. And I hope for the survival of your world because I have not yet lost my love for 'humanity'. I don't see any reason to be hostile towards people who might yet be saved."
Lilian Rook	'She's a sword-waving, immature lunatic, who's convinced my co-workers she's worth investment in as a scientist. Does that help clarify what she's capable of?' "No." Dictum says, accidentally cheerfully. "The Violation-paradigm is the shape and form that the Existential Threat's unique extrusion into reality through an individual Vector takes. In specific, the use of a sophont host allows it to be translated from inchoate impossibility into a direct and targeted violation of reality's integrity and norms by the use of the Vector's understanding of reality. The Violation is targeted at an aspect or closely related group of aspects that the Vector experiences sufficiently intense anguish towards their reality, and seeks to reject as un-real. Knowledge of this target both informs the route of vulnerability by which the original sophont was targeted and infected, and the expressions of the Existential Threat it is capable of manifesting." The break in the tape's flow feels contemplative. The track switch, 'experimental'. "So, no, 'a sword' is insufficient data. If the . . . Lilian Rook, has successfully concealed its directed violation of natural law, then discovering the nature and severity of it should be considered a countermeasure too." The TTS blurts out 'Deep Breath.' "Furthermore, understanding the nature of the sophont's original compatibility with the Existential Threat is a solid predictor of behavioural patterns where conventional psychological science fails. The Existential Threat is difficult to isolate in its early stages largely because the sophont will, after an initial outburst of repeated Violations, lapse into a period of attempting to conceal and suppress the Threat's influence on them, for fear of identification and ostracization or termination, only failing after reaching a critical point of tension with their environment. The maladaptation that renders them vulnerable in the first place makes it impossible for the sophont to persist without eventually expressing the Threat against the aspect of reality that causes them distress; not unlike an addiction to a painkilling drug." So it was definitely learning from Laplace's linguistic backdrop, then. "In unusual cases, with an especially strong-willed or atypically-minded sophont, lingering attachments to sentimentality, idealism, strong loyalty, or fragmentary morality, may compel the sophont to manage and regulate their impulses as a Vector even in the later stages, by indulging the Threat in smaller, more subtle and symbolic forms." "This creates a predictable cycle of behaviour governed by environmental tension, where the Vector behaves as merely an atypical member of society for a time, then begins to express deviant thoughts and behaviours veiled as 'eccentricity' or 'stress' while invoking their Violation-paradigm in difficult to notice ways to 'microdose', and then finally a period of variable length, characterized by an altered mindstate, heightened emotional and sensory fixation, irrational obsession with one or more environmental stressors, and intense disinhibition and dissociation, wherein Violation-paradigm expressions are indulged as second nature, until the Vector is satisfied or the subject of obsession subsides; then the Existential Threat returns to dormancy within the Vector again." "As an intelligent individual, I'm sure you understand how certain data may make prediction exponentially easier."
Lilian Rook	'The stages. What are they, actually? What defines why she's a 'IV' and not a 'III' or 'I'? Is there a shorthand way to tell, or just the countermeasures? You've got a knack for sensing what's what. How?' Mesmer had asked earlier, but Dictum had blasted through it for a while. Only now does it seem to believe is the time. Priorities, apparently. "Stage O denotes an individual who harbours a mindset that is compatible with Existential Threat infection, but who has not been infected. Stage I denotes an individual who has been exposed to, or 'contacted by', the Threat, but has not become a host." "Stage II denotes an individual who has become infected, and thus capable of Violation-paradigm expression, but the sophont still retains their original lucidity and personal moral norms. Stage III denotes an individual who has become dependent on their Violation-paradigm to exist, and in whom the Threat has matured into something which they are able to consciously control, and form a personal relationship and ideology with." "Stage IV denotes an individual who has been physically altered by the progression of the Existential Threat into reality. Their Violation-paradigm is expressed at its most intense, complete form, upon which they are completely dependent to survive, and cannot be separated from. Once physical mutation begins, it may no longer be possible to safely terminate the Vector's biological functions, or even to carelessly modify their cognitive ones." The tape hits stop. Like a punctuation mark. The TTS continues anyways, somehow. "Stages 0 and I are a matter of diagnosis. Stage II is a matter of investigation. Stage III may be detected with suitably aggressive investigation and specialized equipment. Stage IV is easily detected via thorough examination when one is aware of what to look for, especially precise sensory equipment. I can describe them in more detail at your convenience." 'Actually, just in case, could you describe the array-method countermeasure in a bit more detail? It could prove useful, if she's angered enough by any of this.' "Of course. I would be glad." says Dictum. The mental model actually shows fatigue for having to explain at such length already. Eager to please? "However, I don't suggest relying on the array-form countermeasure alone. An advanced Stage IV Existential Threat Vector that retains so much of the original sophont's reasoning, analytical, adaptation, and improvisational capabilities, is exceptionally difficult to deal with. Deploying the countermeasure carelessly may provoke it into aggressive action beyond your current means to handle. Do not underestimate any Vector's innate instinct to survive and breed the Threat."
Foundation Scions	'Even one was beyond my expectations. I confess that this is . . . overwhelming. It's taking time to process.' "I see. Well, if you need a break from discussion, say so, there's no reason to distress yourself." Mesmer exhales, a bit frustrated at that extent of personhood the object she's interrogating possesses, but adds nothing to contradict her statement. 'Your planet's situation, from cursory description, does not fail to fit the profile.' Mesmer stays quiet for a moment, squinting, then blinking. "Well. I can give a more detailed description, obviously, but that's concerning to hear. Still, I don't think I can see the merit in it only being a matter of statistics, realistically, there's only a few thousand individuals with continuous existence. If anyone is 'naturalized' to the Storm, other than-" Mesmer exhales, and pinches her nose. "No, no, that's preposterous. The mind plays tricks, connecting familiarities to overly vague statements, I'm no exception." Mesmer mumbles, nothing further picked up by the text encoder until "-Unless she's that much more duplicitous than anyone else thinks. If we've all been fooled..." Facing the monitor, Mesmer, concerned and anxious, circles a few scrawled-down notes, and scratches a few more words beside them. "... It's important to be rational about this," She states, to herself more than Dictum. 'Correcting their understanding of the present situation may be difficult, but I must stress its urgent importance.'} "I've certainly tried to do exactly that. She never should have been onboarded at all, I've maintained my opposition. This just proves me right." Mesmer sighs. "Unfortunately, there are logistical barriers to me citing your claims. First and foremost, that I'm being closely monitored, such that sharing anything not appropriately subtle is bound to be counterintuitive. Counterproductive, because I might be killed, and no-one else who knows of your existence is liable to have the sense to listen." "Obviously, I do very much plan on continuing to voice my opposition to her inclusion within this organization. Every day she's here is, is like ignoring mold growing in tile-cracks." 'I've chosen to maintain what I believe to be politeness and professionalism in your language, because I hope to secure your cooperation with as little friction as possible.' "Of course. That's why anyone ought, it's rational, it's functional, and it avoids so many pitfalls in the way of goal-orientated productivity. It's also rare." Meaning something a little bit closer to what Dictum means than Mesmer knows, "You're lucky to finally be able to speak with someone else who cares for the survival of 'humanity'."
Foundation Scions	'The Violation is targeted at an aspect or closely related group of aspects that the Vector experiences sufficiently intense anguish towards their reality, and seeks to reject as un-real.' "I'm sure assessing that would be easier in someone who hasn't formed a cancerous prejudice against psychological health professionals. I'm certain she avoids being at all forthcoming with personal matters like 'what facet of reality grieves her the most', out of a sense of empty paranoia," She says, like she can't hear herself talking. "No, she's bound to let something slip, eventually. She's too unstable to be perfectly subtle." 'If the . . . Lilian Rook, has successfully concealed its directed violation of natural law, then discovering the nature and severity of it should be considered a countermeasure too.' A bit frustrated, after listening closely, "She has. Beyond that sword, and her arcanum, I wouldn't even have a guess. Her electromagnetic flux pattern has an astoundingly annoying anomaly, no doubt some trick she's developed just to irritate me; that's not on any of her dossier files, but it leads nowhere." 'not unlike an addiction to a painkilling drug.' Mesmer blows air out of her nose, dictated into on-screen text as 'Ha.' Eying it, she doesn't clarify. 'This creates a predictable cycle of behaviour governed by environmental tension,' Mesmer's pencil moves quickly over paper, jotting down concepts as they come up, and in fast addition, fragments and observations that immediately spring to mind. "Of course it's cyclical, of course it's something like that. I should have noticed sooner," She mutters. "It's insidious, the way she decides when or how to hide those realities; of course it's something like that." 'Stage I denotes an individual who has been exposed to, or 'contacted by', the Threat, but has not become a host.' "Contacted? Is that a metaphorical statement? If so, I'm not sure I grasp why that's the term picked." Mesmer turns a page on her notepad, and sits, without writing anything down quite yet. 'Once physical mutation begins, it may no longer be possible to safely terminate the Vector's biological functions, or even to carelessly modify their cognitive ones.' "That's... concerning." Believable tone, not her usual judgement-statement way of saying that. "The countermeasures start to fail, and direct reconditioning is reckless or impossible? What's the end-goal to be, since she's already to that point?" A pause, and, stiffer, "My apologies if that's insensitive- I forgot your origin for a moment. I suppose there isn't an answer." 'Deploying the countermeasure carelessly may provoke it into aggressive action beyond your current means to handle.' "I'm not careless. That much is only sensible- of course she's dangerous, every action of hers continues to rub that in under everyone else's noses. All I said was that it could prove useful; if its use is necessary, that's because she's dangerous enough for other methods to be unreliable." Mesmer exhales, tense, and wrings her hands together, wrapping her grip around two of the fingers of her right hand. Light, "I'm sure you already know that you're very good at being helpful, but, regardless of that redundancy, it's noteworthy, and appreciated."
Lilian Rook	'I see. Well, if you need a break from discussion, say so, there's no reason to distress yourself.' "If I have abandoned everything I have ever known, including my own body, I should like to make it count for something." Dictum says. The level tone of the TTS is, in this case, probably a blessing. "I am sure I will have ample time to ruminate later." 'If anyone is 'naturalized' to the Storm, other than-' The tape recorder clunks, switches sides, and plays in rewind. 'No, no, that's preposterous. The mind plays tricks, connecting familiarities to overly vague statements, I'm no exception.' "Excuse me, but I do not believe that catastrophic failure of world-wide natural law occuring simultaneously with the appearance of unpredictable outlier individuals whose unexplainable personal abilities match the nature of reality erosion to be two events that occur at any measurable incidence rate." Dictum says. It is clearly not willing to be convinced otherwise. It is, unfortunately, really so impossibly specific that it is very hard to argue, too. 'You're lucky to finally be able to speak with someone else who cares for the survival of 'humanity'.' "I think I am." says Dictum, and transmits twenty seven seconds of active silence. 'Every day she's here is, is like ignoring mold growing in tile-cracks.' 'I'm sure assessing that would be easier in someone who hasn't formed a cancerous prejudice against psychological health professionals.' 'Her electromagnetic flux pattern has an astoundingly annoying anomaly, no doubt some trick she's developed just to irritate me' Despite Mesmer's initial reluctance, this is a lot of information all at once; especially when dropped so casually as to constitute a rant. Dictum's silence extends without the background noise. The EM-flux graph is far too frantic to constitute merely active listening. Every hint she drops is being absorbed, analyzed, and crunched with considerable urgency. The data maps to Dictum hanging on every word. "The lack of observable impact on the environment indicates an anomalously high degree of control, and thus personal familiarity with the Vector's Violation-paradigm. I would surmise that this Vector has been active for a very long time, without progressing to Stage V, but I have no data referencing any similar case." It's almost unfortunate Mesmer can see the general shape of its every thought. Its leading caution is abundantly clear. "However, it is typical behaviour for an Existential Threat Vector to avoid psychological or physical screening and examination, whether from the rational perspective of self-preservation, or an irrational fixation on the Existential Threat as something with which a private relationship may be maintained. When thorough and far-reaching measures are implemented in an orderly and comprehensive way, Vectors can be identified in their early stages and handled in a humane fashion; allowing the infection to progress is what necessitates the unfortunate measures that even a rational sophont would choose to evade." It isolates the next part for the only emphasis it's currently able of placing on anything. "Anomalous mental-activity readings are almost exclusively associated with the active invocation of a Violation-paradigm in real time. That you're able to sense them is an unlikely and extraordinary benefit." 'Ha.' "Question mark." The tape recorder clicks several dials in rapid succession; possibly in irritation at the output.
Lilian Rook	'Of course it's cyclical, of course it's something like that. I should have noticed sooner. It's insidious, the way she decides when or how to hide those realities; of course it's something like that.' "Please do not blame yourself." Dictum says. "This pattern of behaviour is well-known precisely because it is effective in circumventing prompt and accurate treatment. You are already taking every possible measure at this time." It may be the most sympathetic anyone has ever been to Mesmer in ages. The EM-flux graph even shows mirror activity. The poor thing doesn't know any better; to it, Mesmer is just another frightened, self-blaming researcher, hoping to protect humanity. "Identifying the key points of friction that accelerate the archetypical cycle is an important step; at best, this awareness may be used to delay the Vector's loss of control until readiness measures are fully in place, but at worst, they may still be exploited to induce loss of control and rational thinking when the Vector is highly visible and unable to conceal their infection." With more reluctance, Dictum proceeds. "It is also, however, important to understand which factors suppress behavioural excesses, alleviate existential tension, and accelerate the Vector's return to ostensible 'normalcy'. This is not only important for your safety, and the safety of those around you, but necessary to effectively pursue a long-term strategy which may need to weather multiple lucidity-collapse events; which is a very likely prospect at this stage." 'Contacted? Is that a metaphorical statement?' "No." That again. Straightforward and banally to the point. "Existential Threat Vectors perceive causal interaction with the Existential Threat as a form of communication or physical contact almost without exception. We currently lack the data to conclusively describe or rule out an aggregate sentience." 'That's... concerning.' "It is." Again, sympathy. And a not-insignificant amount of fear. Who was this, exactly? Before all that was left of them was this. "I'm sorry. You're being very courageous." 'My apologies if that's insensitive- I forgot your origin for a moment.' "It is precisely because of my origins that I would give anything to prevent the same suffering befalling others." Dictum says. The EM-flux is . . . inconclusive. Complicated. 'What's the end-goal to be, since she's already to that point?' "My ultimate goal is to study the conditions that have resulted in the Vector, Lilian Rook, deferring a Stage V metamorphosis event for such an unusual length of time, and document any technological innovation that may have been utilized to accomplish this objective, if extant. It would be an enormous step towards victory." Dictum says. "Your goal, I regret to say, is the one that is necessary: full containment of the Existential Threat Vector until a permanent solution can be devised." How unfortunate. The EM-flux graph does read genuine reluctance. A flinch response, however dulled. "I can't provide a precise figure without in-depth examination, but I estimate that, at 'Lilian Rook's current stage, termination of life carries a ninety-plus percent likelihood of immediate catastrophic metamorphosis, and induced coma or severe disruption of brain function carries a thirty plus percent risk per day cycle average. In the event of catastrophic metamorphosis, you and many others will most likely be killed, or subjected to an even less preferable outcome."
Lilian Rook	"With the means I have observed available to you, complete containment will be difficult. Total isolation from other sophonts is a necessity, as is a removal of all proximal cultural symbols and iconographic aspects of modern civilization. Physical, recondite, and Violation-paradigm countermeasures must be rigorously assessed and deployed alongside multiple failsafes to prevent all possibility of breach or self-harm, incidental or intentional. Progressive infection may be delayed by regular disruption of neural activity, taking care to maintain cognitive continuity within safe margins. Biological life-functions must be continuously monitored and corrected where necessary." "Only once this goal is accomplished can the Vector be studied by qualified researchers, in order to assess and develop potential means of reversing Existential Threat Infection, or else preventing Stage V progression to allow for productive neutralization." "Though it may be discouraging to hear that we ourselves have not succeeded in developing these means, we have succeeded several times in the past at containing even Stage IV infections. I will do my utmost to walk you through the process, and to provide all possible assistance in treating the Vector's infection in a humane and rational fashion." 'I'm sure you already know that you're very good at being helpful, but, regardless of that redundancy, it's noteworthy, and appreciated.' "I appreciate hearing it nevertheless." Dictum says. "I wasn't always. Hard times teach us to be. If we do not have each other then we have nothing."
Foundation Scions	'Excuse me, but I do not believe that catastrophic failure of world-wide natural law occuring simultaneously with the appearance of unpredictable outlier individuals whose unexplainable personal abilities match the nature of reality erosion to be two events that occur at any measurable incidence rate.' Mesmer is quiet for a long while. Long enough for a monitor to pop up with a prompt, asking if the transcription program is still in use. Long enough to forget she's supposed to say something to that- almost. Curt, sharp, with an amount of guilty anger that the gap can indeed convey in text alone, "I'll take that into account moving forwards." In that gap, she's dug her thumb nail into the wood of her pencil. 'I would surmise that this Vector has been active for a very long time, without progressing to Stage V, but I have no data referencing any similar case.' "Horrifying," Mesmer states, with unclear intent, unclear emotion. 'Anomalous mental-activity readings are almost exclusively associated with the active invocation of a Violation-paradigm in real time. That you're able to sense them is an unlikely and extraordinary benefit.' Mesmer's eyes go wide, which isn't something visible to Dictum- but it should be obvious in her word-choice. "I see. That's very informative- no, it isn't novel, it makes sense, there was an obviously-related anomaly with a different vector. All this one seems to do is give me a migraine." A nearly-inhaled sigh, "I suppose we're both incredibly lucky. Thanks to you, I know better what to look for, and thanks to me, you have someone who can even detect that." Is that gloating? Pride? Sick-with-it relief? The speech-to-text can't transcribe the way she covers her mouth with the side of her fist, as tense as if she was about to bite her own knuckle. She doesn't, that would be gross, and it's a stressed foot-shuffle and the emphatic clatter of her notepad on the nearest surface that bleeds off the tension. 'You are already taking every possible measure at this time.' Still a little bit high-strung talking-through Dictum, like this is a dialogue just to herself, "You're right. I've taken all the steps that I could have, given the circumstances. No-one else even seems to notice, that everything I've done is necessary. Of course it hasn't been enough, of course there's more to do, but that's never once been in question." Oh god, don't give her any sympathy. Don't feed the animals, or they'll grow reliant. 'It is also, however, important to understand which factors suppress behavioural excesses, alleviate existential tension, and accelerate the Vector's return to ostensible 'normalcy'.' That this gets Mesmer to pick her notepad back up, and start scrawling something out, is probably a bad sign. "I'm familiar enough with the tasks of patient management. I don't know if I've said so previously- at this science facility, I, personally, manage a ward of psychiatric corrective-techniques and pacification for individuals posessing, even dangerous 'recondite', is the word, capacities. I don't have a discrete answer for you, yet, on what puts her back to 'normal'," That's said with too much distaste and disbelief, "But I'm sure I'll be able to uncover one." A frustrated sigh- "No, don't ask; the corrective-techniques in question hardly work on her, she's somehow branded a ward array against remembering dreams into herself. I've tried. It's so convenient it feels as though it's an intentional preparation, but, she seems oblivious." Mesmer forgets to explain why that matters; not that Dictum is here for a lecture on the ins and outs of Artificial Somnambulism.
Foundation Scions	'No.' "Oh? I see. You'd know better than I, or not, whether that's helpful or not to keep in mind, but, I'll keep it in mind." 'I'm sorry. You're being very courageous.' "Hm? I suppose I am." That's a hollow statement, distracted and clarified by (still hollow) leaky follow-up, "It's never a matter of choice, and apart from the severity, it's coherent to anyone's expectations. Anyone would agree, if they stood in my shoes." 'It is precisely because of my origins that I would give anything to prevent the same suffering befalling others.' "Pro-social and selfless," Mesmer states, like a distant observation rather than praise. With her focus on the EM-flux, it's a little clearer that she's ascribing that to mixed emotional states- making a noble little hero out of this convenient-to-her robot, in her mind. 'My ultimate goal is to study the conditions that have resulted in the Vector, Lilian Rook, deferring a Stage V metamorphosis event for such an unusual length of time, and document any technological innovation that may have been utilized to accomplish this objective, if extant.' Mumbled, "I certainly hope that deference doesn't mean it's an erratic, unpredictable window we're in the remainder of. Obviously, 'fairness' has nothing to do with this insanity, but a time-bomb that continues to tick after the- no, that's an unpleasant metaphor, I'll stop there, actually." Mesmer's grip on her notepad tightens, and she squeezes it to her chest, fingers wrinkling the outer page she's nearly filled-up with her scrawlings. She exhales, lets it go, and curls her lip up at the wrinkles, quiet as she listens to Dictum continue, and as she tries in vain to flatten it out back neat and orderly, again, until it rips near the spiral binding, and, annoyed, frustrated, she flips to another page, and then a few more, until the original page is pressed into the notepad's body to be flattened out. 'Your goal, I regret to say, is the one that is necessary: full containment of the Existential Threat Vector until a permanent solution can be devised.' "Noted," Mesmer says, without sharing any of Dictum's reluctance. "Yes, I'm sure it will be difficult, but, as you say, it's necessary. Ninety-percent isn't a number to risk, nor is the other one. It's hard to not feel that this is 'lucky'- it isn't, luck obviously isn't real, but, it's a convenient matter, that the hardest barrier is only the matter of convincing anyone else to play along." Tapping her foot, That's that, then?" 'I will do my utmost to walk you through the process, and to provide all possible assistance in treating the Vector's infection in a humane and rational fashion.' Humane and rational. The terms that the Mesmers have attributed to all of their toils, century after century, for the good of mankind, for a safer and saner earth- Mesmer breathes through teeth for a moment. Obviously, that's why she's invested- obviously. She's a Mesmer, after all. It can't be for anything else, can it? 'If we do not have each other then we have nothing.' Guilt-bile tense, "Of course. Thank you, Dictum. I suppose this is all for now. I'll do what I can to keep you out of reach of harm, and update you when anything new comes to light. That's it."