Mr. Seek Log

[genpcs]

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. ]

Comments

[genpcs]

[ 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.

[in_a_barrel]

[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?"

[genpcs]

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.

[in_a_barrel]

"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?"

[genpcs]

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.

[in_a_barrel]

"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."

[genpcs]

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.

[in_a_barrel]

[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.]

[aurabble]

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?!

[genpcs]

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. ]

[in_a_barrel]

[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."

[aurabble]

[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.

[genpcs]

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.

[in_a_barrel]

[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.]

[aurabble]

[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?

[genpcs]

[ 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. ]

[in_a_barrel]

[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.]

[aurabble]

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?

[genpcs]

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.

[in_a_barrel]

[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?"

[aurabble]

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?

[genpcs]

[ 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.

[in_a_barrel]

"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.]

[aurabble]

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.

[genpcs]

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.