explosivecombat | 027. [Text/Audio - Locked Rocket Frequency]

[TEXT]

[Well, the network is getting a somewhat saner post from Kimblee this time around; he seems to have settled quite a bit since the bout of whatever-that-was involving the rain and the Anoriths and the...crazy, let's not lie to ourselves.

So there's text again tonight, and not a whole lot of prelude or explanation with it.]

In the interest of equivalent exchange...what would be the largest sacrifice you would be willing to make, in order to receive whatever it is that you desire most? For the sake of argument, you would receive exactly what it is you want, without any hideous Monkey's-Paw, literal-genie side effects. Adhering to the spirit of the law as well as the letter. I don't care what it is in particular, and you don’t have to specify. Just whatever it is you want most. What would you be willing to sacrifice for it?

Ah, and assume that offering your own life isn't an option, because that renders the question an entirely moot point; however, I’m not saying lives in general are off-limits - if you'd kill a room full of strangers, then you would, and you won't offend my delicate sensibilities any by saying so. On the other hand, if you don't consider anything to be worth it, then I'll question your powers of imagination but so be it.

Answer anonymously, if you're more comfortable doing it that way; after all, I'm not looking to measure how depraved my acquaintances are - your name is of less concern to me than your answer.

[AUDIO - ROCKET FREQUENCY]

[Oh, look, apparently it's time for another one of these. This'll hit shortly after the text post, anyway.]

Well, it seems as though we've been rejoined by at least one of our fairly prolific former members in recent times, and our ranks are showing signs of increasing in numbers again – hopefully this time it'll stay that way, hm?

At any rate, it's good to see that the most recent round of assignments seems to have gone well, with the exceptions of a few small…setbacks. That was very cute, by the way, all three of you in Goldenrod – I trust you're all still in one piece? I'd like to hear from at least one of you, if you don't mind; it seems we have much to discuss.

Ah, but it's not all bad, if any of it truly is at all; I'd like to hear from all of you, if you don't mind. For those who aren't familiar with me, my name is Solf J Kimblee – I've been promoted several times within this organization, and I like to get to know our members personally.

[Technically true. He never said they were concurrent promotions.]

And for those who are familiar, I'd like to hear about what you've been doing with yourselves. Consider it a matter of curiosity - it's a good night for that.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Hey, you're going to get what you deserve, as far as Kimblee is concerned, and you screwed up. It could have been worse; he could have named you all specifically.]

Well, it's fortunate that one of your teammates did, otherwise I might have cause to worry about you.

[...this condescending little shit tho.]

I trust you've been attempting to rectify the situation.

[Dist almost lashes out, but he holds his tongue because in the end, Kimblee still has a higher rank than him. God is he so bitter about that too. Over a year in this organization, making amazing things in the labs, and not an ounce of recognition.

Through gritted teeth,]

I have done all I can to repair the damage on the machine for the time being. Who handles the long-term repair is up to the executives now.

And if you had to give me an estimate, what would you say the chances of restoring full function to it would be?

[There's a long pause on Dist's end because he doesn't want to admit the next bit.]

Quite low, honestly. We were forced to make such a hasty exit, we didn't have enough time to properly remove it. As such, the program itself was also damaged.

[...ouch.]

Better something than nothing at all, I suppose; unfortunately, I can't do much myself in that regard, given that this level of technology is still foreign to me.

[And probably always will be, given that he has the mechanical skill of a rock, but...]

I'm assuming you've been generally holding up otherwise?

[Yeah, things aren't looking good for him atm.]

As I said, it's up to the executives now. They can either leave it to us to fix or send it to another base for natives to work on. I doubt either choice is going to help my situation, so I'd rather not think about it at all at this point.

Ah...yes, I suppose. I took an extended break from the base starting late June and only just returned after the mission. The only silver lining that came from all of this was Kato's return.

[He's guessing Kimblee already knows, considering what he said in his post.]

I can't say I blame you any; I'm not intending to stay here much longer, myself. Business elsewhere and all.

[Like, you know, getting the badge in Blackthorn so his godforsaken brats will listen to him again.]

Although I will say that the good doctor's return was both unexpected and highly fortunate; I imagine he'll be of good use to the science department, once he's fully reintegrated.

[That must be unfortunate to deal with.]

Exactly. The department has been severely understaffed since the mass disappearances in March, and I have no doubt that Kato can get as much done as ten natives. We should be able to resume making progress now.

Speaking of progress, have you made any with the executives? No doubt they still have favorable opinions of you.

[That last bit is laced with bitterness for obvious reasons.]

Not nearly as much as I would have hoped; they haven't been particularly thrilled with me, either, you know. I've been a little more vocal with them since my return; perhaps it was a mistake, perhaps it wasn't, but I can't say I was pleased with the state of things upon my return and I saw no reason to not make that perfectly clear.

Things seem to have blown over in that regard, but the results were far from truly favorable.

[...hm.]

I may have a proposal for you to consider, however; it needs to be discussed with an associate of mine first, of course, but it's something Kato was on board with before he left - and I see no reason why we couldn't use someone of your talent, should what we want to do be carried through.

I'll likely be in contact with you about it soon enough, should you not mind.

[If this was a video conversation, Kimblee would've seen Dist's eyebrows rise in surprise.]

Is that so? It was an assumption on my part, since you had risen through the ranks so quickly. I must say, I'm rather disappointed that our executives don't take kindly to criticism. That's extremely counterproductive.

[And what's this now? A proposal? Dist is kind of surprised that Kimblee's offering such a thing considering how badly he messed up with that mission. Well, if Kato was on board...]

Not at all. I don't see why I shouldn't hear you out. Regarding what, if you are able to give me even that much for the time being?

[It's a combination of "any port in a storm" and "well, you've screwed up...less than just about everyone else, and let's all be honest with ourselves, our options are not spectacular," really, but this sort of conversation is definitely helping with his opinion regarding how useful Dist may end up being.]

Mm...not over the device, unfortunately. It's the sort of thing best described in person; surely you understand.

[Kimblee's unwillingness to talk now only makes Dist more curious. This must be something really interesting.]

Oh, I do understand. I look forward to hearing from you about this, then.

027. [Text/Audio - Locked Rocket Frequency]

[same settings forever]

[sounds good!]

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