genessia | Mr. Seek Log

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Mr. Seek Log

WHO: Kannono, NPC Mr. Seek.
WHEN: January 19th, after sunset.
WHERE: Nova K-12.
WHAT: Catching Mr. Seek, a talk.
WARNINGS: Will update if necessary.

[ The man had kept moving, not staying in one place for long. He was supposed to have his way out of Nova City soon- he just needed to survive here one more day until the one he waited for came. Now, he stood in a classroom in the closed elementary school. Not a soul was left in the abandoned building, though occasionally someone walking by one the street would see a weathered alien cross by in one of the windows. It was too dark to tell, and his pacing had him out of the way before they looked back, making most think it was their imagination.

What a mess he had made.. Though he knew it was necessary, that it had to be done in the name of progression, he couldn't help but feel regret at the chaos caused by some of the people. Those who were once good, noble people had shown that their best qualities were mirrored by ones the same strength in their worst, but without the balance they only deepened.

He couldn't help but think of what price this world would have to pay for his deeds in the long run, even if in his depths he knew that it could lead to great things as long as he made it out tomorrow, as planned, so he could continue to learn more, to advance. His stomach growled with the fury of not having eaten in a day or two, the news broadcast making it too risky to go out in daylight.

He said something in a language not known to anyone of the pendant holders, grumbling in his own tongue for a moment, then plopping down in one of the student desks and putting his head down. It would be a long night. ]

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[Kanonno had searching Nova City for most of the day, searching clues for the where-abouts of Mr. Seek. But night had fallen, and now she was sure she wasn't going to get close, let alone finding him today.

Then something caught the corner of her eye as she passed the abandoned school. What was that? Was someone, or something, actually there? Kanonno decides it's worth checking out anyway. Basing this search on her logic that if she can spy on bandits from inside a barrel in their hideout, then it would make sense for anyone to hide in just about anything.

Making sure her broadsword was still secured enough on her back, Kanonno made her way around to the nearest entrance she can find and quickly, yet quietly made her way down the dark halls to the side of the building she saw the silhouette.

Now getting her broadsword ready, Kanonno peeks through the cracks in doors into the classrooms, straining her eyes and ears, trying to spot anything that wouldn't belong in an abandoned school. She checks one room at a time, going down the hall, moving slowly and quietly as to not alert whoever, or whatever may be here.

Did she hear something? Was it close? Was it far? Empty halls have a knack for echoes and carrying sounds. Kanonno stops at the door to one of the classrooms to listen for it again...]

[ Footsteps in the hallway might've gone unheard during the day, when there was much noise everywhere, but even in Nova City the silence that the shadows bring is ever-present, and the mousiest of footsteps still could be heard tap-tap-tapping on the floor. Particularly by a man whose alien heritage gave him an improved sense of sound.

He moved behind the teacher's desk quickly, pulling out a laser gun in wait. She was in the hall already, escape from that route was not an option, and through the window would risk too much noise and injury. Hide and hope she passed would be the optimal solution, and that is what Mr. Seek did. ]

[When she didn't hear anything else coming from inside the school, Kanonno continued on her way, peeking into the rooms until she saw a familiar building through the window to the outside. This is the room where she thought she saw something.

She pushed the door upon slowly and walked in, staying close to the door way at first. Kanonno was getting anxious now, walking into a literal unknown. She defensively keeps her broadsword in front of her for now while she carefully scans the room, then slowly moves further in to search for any clues.]

[ He stays where he is, though she might hear a low hum from the laser gun. While he won't attack her if she leaves, he will defend himself. ]

[Kanonno's slow scan of the room stops when she is near the teacher's desk. She hears something, but can't quite put a finger on it. She slowly turns toward the sound...

At this moment, she may have only a second to choose to attack or defend. But one thing to try first.]

"Mister Seek...?"

[ For a brief moment, Mr. Seek wonders if he's being pranked. What kind of person would think he would just come out if they called his name? He doesn't know if she's been walking into every room and doing that or if he's actually been outed though, so he simply shifts so he's ready to aim and fire the second she goes around the desk if that ends up being the case. ]

[The optimistic kind. Kanonno always comes ready for a fight, but she won't forsake a chance to end things peacefully if she believes that chance exists.

She can still hear that hum. It was mysterious and she hadn't heard anything like it when she looked into any of the previous rooms. This room was the most mysterious as a result. Or maybe it's present in all the rooms and she just didn't notice it now?

There was no answer to her question, though. It was just a bit too optimistic to hope he was actually here, but it didn't kill her to try. Kanonno can't help but wonder who Mr. Seek really is now. Is he ready to fight? Is he open to diplomacy? She can't let herself lose focus now, not again. Tightening her grip on her sword, she recomposes herself to be ready for anything and investigate that hum. It might be a clue to Seek's where-abouts.

She contemplates if she should try speaking again as she steps past the teacher's desk and glances behind it toward the darkness...]

[ BOOM. She appears to have gotten too close, so he just stands up and throws the desk before running, aiming the gun at her on his way out the door. She's going to have to catch him if she wants this bounty! ]

[Kanonno gasps! She heard the desk moving toward her and raised her broadsword to block. She staggered, but did not fall. She's a tough little cookie having past experience fighting monsters and humans alike.

Kanonno swings her sword with all her might, striking every desk around her, sending them flying to intercept Seek's escape before giving chase to try to take him down with a tackle if she can get close enough.]

[ That tough cookie better hope she can dodge lasers and gain about 200 lbs if she plans to tackle an 8 foot alien. The desk maneuver may have stalled him, but with how the teacher's desk practically exploded when he threw it, it's clear that it may take a little more than a tackle from a petite girl to take him down. In fact, he doesn't seem to actually fall over when she does, and instead goes to shove her off and try to aim the gun at her again, provided she got past the initial shots. ]

Leave me be, girl.

[Nope. Kanonno was fueled by adrenaline now and she was going to latch on to him and hang on as tight as she can, even after being introduced to a strange, magic-shooting weapon. She was lucky to only have her left shoulder grazed by a shot. It burns very badly and she is not sure if she's bleeding. This cookie wasn't going to crumble that easily as she fights through the pain to hang on.]

"Surrender quietly, then!"

[Kanonno wanted to avoid using her artes. But if he was going to shoot at her with that strange weapon, she may have no choice but to use her own magic. She only needed a a second or two to finish a novice level spell.]

"Stone Blast!"

[Without warning, several hefty, fist-sized stones quickly shoot up from beneath them in a very short-lived geyser. If Seek managed to move in time, the magic arte would create more debris to block his escape. If he didn't, hopefully a stone doesn't hit him where it matters.]

[ If he surrenders, he's pretty sure that will be the opposite of her leaving him be. Mr. Seek gets hit by some of the rocks, but it appears not to do much beyond an eventual bruise. He's thick-skinned, what can he say? However, he takes out a bottle of something and presses it to his lips, and sure enough- there are suddenly two of him, both of which believe they are in the right. It takes a moment for him to recover from the separation, but it seems as though once he does, they're both charging Kannono to tackle her down. He might not be much of a fighter, but if he has to get her to stop in order to get out of this room, he will try. Or rather, they will. ]

[The separation forces Kanonno off of him, compelling her to move back a couple of steps. She quickly checked herself for any injuries, and finally became aware of her bleeding shoulder from the shot earlier. But she can't worry about it now. As she watched the separation, she notices the effect fits the description in the papers. She already figured, but that erases any remaining doubt.]

"You are Mister Seek. So many people have been hurt by your actions. We can still end this peacefully and fix the damage caused!"

[And he's coming right at her. She doesn't want to have to resort to using higher magic or arcane artes, but it looks like she won't have much choice. But maybe it may just be the power she needs to subdue him and take him back alive. She stood her ground and waited.

When one got close enough, she uses one of her arcane artes, Shishi Tenkoudan. She lunged at him with her knee, unleashing a force powerful enough to flip creatures bigger than even him. Kanonno quickly follows up with three full spins with her sword outward to hit the second Seek even if he tries to flank her.]

[ The Shishi Tenkoudan hits one of them, knocking him unconscious, but the other one is heading for the window. If one of them is escaped, all he needs to do is take the cure to recombine himself- the one he knows how to make already. ]

[It is unlikely Kanonno will be able to close enough to him for another strike arte, so she will have to try a magic arte instead. But first, she quickly puts herself between the door and the Seeks to make sure she won't be caught off guard. Like Stone Blast earlier, she only needed a moment.]

"Aqua Spike!"

[A large magical blob of water rockets outward from Kanonno at Seek. Most of the damage it will cause is from the sheer force of the impact alone.]

[ Fortunately, as a scientist, even if he's big and strong he doesn't have much defense in terms of fighting. It takes him out, breaking the window he was trying to escape, and he's knocked down and dizzy, but not unconscious. With both Seeks apprehended, what will Kannono do next? ]

[Hopefully, Seek won't be resisting much now. She will start with contacting Guardian Weiss Schnee and local authorities. While she waits for their arrival, she will be confiscating any weapons or objects of interests, including any vials of strange liquids or any notes relating to the concoction he contaminated the waters with that she may find.

She will stay to make sure Seek doesn't try to escape again until he is properly secured by the authorities.

To whomever is providing the reward money for Mr. Seek's capture, Kanonno would request that most of the money, if not all of the money, to be donated to charities, to any remaining repairs and fund projects to bolster security.]

[ he doesn't, and he does look injuries. Perhaps kanonno should try talking to him while she waits for one of the deputies? He doesn't seem to want to talk unprompted, but a little coercing might get him going unless she wants to wait for a deputy to arrive and question. ]

[Kanonno isn't sure what to say to Seek. She's already tried to talk him down twice, and it didn't work. But she'll do it again for the sake of peace.]

"I don't know your motives, or what happened to push you to this, but a lot of people have been hurt by your actions, Mister Seek. What if children were hurt? Could you really live with yourself knowing what you did caused so much pain and confusion?"

[If it can be helped, she'll see Seek gets mercy.]

[ Mr. Seek stays quiet for a few moments, contemplative but he knows the cannot escape. Perhaps he can reason with her. ]

Knowing what could be accomplished if this were to come to fruition, I could. I do not act of curiosity or hubris.

[Kannono takes a seat near him, but stays ready to act if she needs to.]

"To endanger lives to prove a point or a theory is hubris. It is arrogance to act as you have believing you are doing nothing wrong. What exactly were you trying to accomplish?"

To assume you know the truth before you've received answers is more hubris than anything I have done. I am aware of the danger and that not everyone agrees with me, but I am also aware that the needs of the many outweigh those of the few. You fear what happened because you do not understand it, but it's a necessary first step in creating a formula that can remove those negative traits from criminals too far gone. If we can figure out how to remove them and be rid of them, leaving that decision in the hands of the city guardians, would we not have a duty to protect this world from the evils that plague it? You speak of hubris as if it would not be hubris to leave things as they are, thinking it's acceptable.

"It doesn't change the fact that you forced this on everyone without their knowledge. Couldn't you plead your case harder and won the rights to experiment to see if the pros really do outweigh the cons?"

Aster Tech does not allow its scientists to take any research done with their equipment outside of their labs. Had I done that, I would never have made it out the door. They said no to a safe, controlled experiment because they did not want the potential PR problems if it failed- but I knew it would not. This is a matter of the greater good, I do not regret my actions.

Edited 2017-02-19 02:37 (UTC)

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions, I suppose. I'm sorry you felt forced to take this path, Mister Seek. You should've looked for allies outside of Aster Tech."

Hell. [ He lets out a chuckle. ] Such a pity you enslave yourself to morals based upon fear. You do not listen to me for your own assumptions, child. Aster Tech does not allow any research done on its premise to leave. Speaking to anyone of research outside of them would've resulted in the same predicament for me, except the headline might've said "Dangerous research stolen from Aster Tech, return this man for a bounty." [ The man tries to stand, though he doesn't seem to be fleeing anymore. ] It doesn't matter if I'm arrested or not, I've done my part.

[Kanonno remains defensive when he begins to stand.]

"Perhaps I do, but I do believe in serving the public trust. You still need to answer for what you did, but I will bring your side of the story to the city Guardians."

[She's a complete nobody to the other captives, but hopefully there's someone who will listen.]

Look out!

[Jaune arrived as soon as he could. When he saw what looked like a human...but not quite? and a twelve year old, he was caught off guard, but as soon as the one he assumed was Mr. Seek began to move he announced his presence by rushing forward to try and tackle him back down.

He might have tried too forcefully to restrain him, but with his height, he wasn't worried. As much as Jaune wanted this man to pay for what he did--he was the source of their recent conflict and the reason he didn't feel whole--he didn't.

It would be the wrong thing to do.

That didn't stop his voice from cracking when he asked him.]

Why are you doing this?!

The public trust is a falsity to begin with but I-

[ And he turns just in time for Jaune to tackle him to the ground. Thanks Jaune, you're really helping the situation here. He groans and glares at Jaune, then looks back over his shoulder at the girl. ]

I already surrendered, do the Guardians of your public trust so readily attack those who have rendered themselves defenseless?

[ He's talking to Kannono. He likes her better than Jaune, that's for sure. ]

[Kanonno sighs when she realized Seek was in no immediate danger.]

"I had hoped not..."

[Was this one of the deputies? She's aware of the names, but not so much the faces. Kanonno approaches Jaune and puts a hand on his shoulder.]

"Hey... He already surrendered and I have his weapon. He won't run or fight."

[His stare never leaves Mr. Seek. You don't need a weapon to hurt someone. But his eyes seem to round in alarm when he realizes his mistake.]

Sorry...

[Only after waiting a few moments does he finally stand up, glancing at Kanonno to address her before looking at Mr. Seek again.]

Thank you. Now that you've stopped him we can finally get some answers.

[Back to Mr. Seek.]

You never answered my question.

I suppose I didn't.

[ He looks like he's avoiding it for a moment. ] I have already told her and have been told that because I was told no by Aster Tech, I should have gone public, which would've had me arrested for theft anyway and nothing would have happened. I have done my part; someone will take my research further, of that I've no doubt.

[Kanonno took a moment to think about the situation before addressing Jaune.]

"Deputy Arc? He said he was looking for a way to remove bad traits from the good as a way to fix criminals. That's why he contaminated the water supply. He wouldn't even have cared if children were hurt."

[A pause. While she does think the research could be used for good, she isn't sure if it will be used for good. She won't give Jaune her thoughts. Kanonno will keep the small collection of Seek's things open for the Deputy to take when he's done.]

[he scowls, livid at Kanonno's statement, but he doesn't act on his anger. he's a good person. he absorbs the information both of them offered and narrows his eyes.]

You sound pretty confident that someone else would be just as willing to get innocent people hurt as you. Is that someone anyone in particular that you know?

This isn't the first time Aster Tech's screwed up. Do you know maybe why that is?

[ He's fairly certain he's being misrepresented here, the young girl only focusing on what she thought to be important in his opinion. There was a greater cause here in his opinion. ]

How many innocent were hurt? [ He growls, wondering there is an actual number or if all this bluster is over a theoretical. ]

Aster Technologies does not seek out that which is not scientific and makes a point to view the whole world from a point of only science and their public relations team's suggestions to keep the public on their side. It means no weapons, nothing aggressive that might rub the public the wrong way, but it also means nothing beyond the data. The soul behind all that is ignored- it's why the cyborgs take issue, they're viewed as science projects by the higher ups. Aster's suits can't turn a profit and live with themselves if they allow anything other than strict facts into their thoughts. Emotions aren't a factor, what's right isn't a factor, what could be isn't a factor if it isn't supported through their narrow-minded worldview. That's why I accepted that man's offer for something more in the first place, to change the world into something better than just data-driven heartlessness. I want a kinder world, one where we can save people from themselves as well as their victims. If you want to judge me for that then I am ready to be judged.

[ He really obscured the answer to that someone in particular question, but he's not likely to give details without incentive. He is intelligent, after all. ]

[That's quite a lot to take in. This was a supposed to be a simple search & capture mission, but it's unraveling to be more. A conspiracy, probably? Kanonno doesn't understand the technological wonder of Nova City and Aster Technologies even less, so she'll simply hang back and listen to the exchange.]

Look, can you just-- Stay on topic.

[He sounds exasperated, but he goes quiet, paying attention to every word uttered by Mr. Seek.

There's a fleeting look of sympathy, maybe even understanding. Without his other half, hiding how he truly feels for some ulterior motive is even more of a challenge.]

We want the same thing. You don't have to make us an enemy but you're choosing to go about it the wrong way and we can't allow that. Who's the other man?

Your reluctance to answer makes my point all the more valid. The worst in people does not mean they are always monsters, it just means we all have faults. It's only those who are already monsters who reveal their truest colors.

[ He believes it to be on topic, that's for certain. There's something to be learned here and if he's going to prison then it's something he wants at least someone to understand, whether it's Kanonno or the halfwit of a deputy. He even looks at Kannono as he speaks, clearly finding her more pleasant to deal with. ]

Someone who's been here far longer than either of you. He brought me flowers from Fayren that I made the chemical with. He said it's been used before and there have been those who have perfected it.

Edited 2017-03-31 14:42 (UTC)

[Kanonno remained quiet, pondering carefully at all that Seek was saying. Eyes closed, piecing together what she sees to be a puzzle, depicting a path to a new mystery in Fayren.

She open her eyes to notice Seek was looking at her. She did her best to give him a genuine polite smile, but she was feeling uneasy.

Now, Kanonno tries to get Jaune's attention.]

"Mister Deputy? I'm sorry if I didn't catch your name. But everything Mister Seek is saying... I don't want to make assumptions or conclusions, but what if there is something that is bigger than Seek?"

Most people are capable of terrible things. But there are only a few monsters.

[Personally, it's a bit too philosophical for Jaune, but he thinks he's beginning to understand where Mr. Seek is coming from.]

If you continue to cooperate, actually, no. Either way, I'm going to talk to Weiss about doing a more in depth investigation of Aster Tech. Maybe we can do something so everyone's treated better.

[Wary of Mr. Seek, he doesn't look at Kanonno. But he does acknowledge her, while wondering who let her go after a dangerous scientific activist. He doesn't doubt her abilities, but he doesn't like seeing others in danger.]

It's okay. I'm Jaune, and you're probably right. If this reaches as far as Fayren--

[Wait. Flowers from Fayren?]

How did he manage to get those flowers? Can he access the other cities?

[ Something bigger than him? Hm.. It's possible. He didn't know, he had been focused on his own goals. Getting what he needed to do what he thought was right, sacrificing his life for it.

Though an investigation of Aster Tech. That, he could work with. That company stifled its employees in his opinion, the true definition of a cold and unfeeling corporation who only cared for profits despite its claims of caring for the future. Though others may beg to differ, he had a rather harsh opinion of them. ]

I wish to be given a cell with sunlight access through the window. I know I am not to escape these charges, but if I am to cooperate, I ask for that.

[ Never seeing the sun again, one of the few natural things left in Nova City, would be one of his only regrets. ]

Guarantee that and I will tell you what I know of this individual.

"Um, Mister Jaune? I think we should agree. I did promise him he will be treated well..."

[They sounded reasonable for such important info, after all.]

Yeah, I agree. We need to treat everyone humanely. [He frowns for a second and waves his hand dismissively.] You know what I mean.

[He turns away from Kanonno to address Mr. Seek.] I'm sure we can make it secure, so you have a deal. We'll give you a good view. You have my word as an Arc and Guardian Deputy.

Edited 2017-04-21 01:42 (UTC)

He said long ago, those flowers were a key ingredient in making chemicals that were able to separate out the good parts from the bad.

[ He holds out his hand, moving toward the window slowly but not making any moves to escape, just to gesture as if reaching out to the world. ]

Anything living could be customized to perfection, but there were those who pushed too far. He believed that there is nothing wrong with wanting a world of peace, it is greed and the desire to become more than gods that were wrong. He did not share what happened to his people, but said that there is still good that can come of it. That the spirits here did not understand and they would do anything to keep us from succeeding- those same spirits you all make such noise about having kidnapped you, and while some speak of as monsters, others seem to think they have answers that they never seem to share. I am a scientist, I do not wait for answers, I Seek them. [ There's a quiet smirk on his lips as he turns around. Yeah, Mr. Seek went there. ] I cannot tell you where in Fayren these flowers are said to grow as he did not share such valuable information with one who cannot cross, but I would wager that is where he stays. He smelled strongly of their oils, even before he brought samples to me.

Edited 2017-04-21 02:47 (UTC)

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Mr. Seek Log

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