capeandcowl | 5th Test // Video // Backdated to morning of the 25th, after the Masquerade dream

[The upbeat Salarian scientist looks a lot less upbeat on the video today, head bowed as he stands behind a lab counter. Actually, he looks downright embarrassed.]

Hello. Need to report... mishap with research. May have affected ImPorts. Possibly natives as well. Trying to determine scope of impact.

Was conducting stress testing on Evoker device. Partly responsible for previous event involving “Shadows.” [Air quotes!] Trying to determine the cause, prevent recurrence. May have inadvertently created new event.

[Mordin reaches off camera to pick up the culprit and show it to the Network. He’s holding a silvery gun-shaped device: Minako Arisato’s Evoker.]

Power surge during testing, resulted in massive Evoker energy discharge. Appears to have spread beyond lab, could have reached into the City. Evoker affects target’s subconscious. Summons images and powers from user’s own psyche. Can involve repressed fears, personality aspects. Effect described as... uncomfortable.

[Mordin sets down the Evoker.]

Difficult to say what might have happened. Anything from worst fears manifesting to disturbing dreams. Need to know if anyone experienced anything odd on night of the 24th. Could be related to accident. Will attempt to counter any harmful effects.

Abandoning research for now. Clearly risky, counterproductive, haven’t gained any useful data. Returning Evoker to owner, with apologies. Won’t risk further incidents.

Will be available if anyone needs assistance.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[She can't help laughing a little.]

I don't think that's it. His previous owner died, but I know for sure he wasn't mistreated. And anyway, I can't think of Koro-chan as "troubled" at all.

He's always seemed very wise to me.

[Blinkblink.]

Suppose unusual intelligence would be necessary for canine participating in combat team. Can you provide examples of Kokoro displaying particular wisdom?

When you ask that directly, it's difficult to put into words. I guess that I'd say... it always seemed like he understood what was going on, and what we were fighting for, and that he wanted to help us.

Sounds like good dog.

[Mordin may have a soft spot for puppies.]

Unfortunately, well-adjusted nature detracts from psychological stress theory of Evoker operation. Have to start from scratch. Academic question now, but enjoy considering it.

[A fond smile.] He's the best.

[She moves quickly to the more immediate, more scientific subject of her Evoker and the nature of how it functions with her power before she can get too caught up in missing Moromaru or any other friends she probably won't see again.]

--It is interesting to talk about, either way! Who knows, maybe eventually we'll be able to figure some of it out.

[Mordin nods, then glances down, reading some bit of information somewhere.]

Other respondent has raised interesting point. Evoker may be more supernatural than tech, could benefit from investigation by magic user.

[He gives a short shake of his head.]

Can't recommend, personally. Evoker proven to be... temperamental. Magic inherently unpredictable. Could be enhanced risk of further accidents.

[Minako hesitates, looking reluctant.]

I think it would be better not to mess around with it any more. What happened in February was bad, but it was a freak accident... I don't think something like that could easily happen again. And up until now, that's the only time that it's ever done anything strange.

As long as I'm careful to keep better track of it, I don't think it'll cause any more problems. But if someone tried experimenting on it with magic, then you're right, there's no telling what might happen.

[Mordin nods again, agreeing.]

Settled, then. Evoker stays with you.

Let me know if there are any odd occurrences, though.

I will! And I'll make sure that I always keep it with me or put away safely, so that there won't be any more accidents.

5th Test // Video // Backdated to morning of the 25th, after the Masquerade dream

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]