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

[heal_or_execute]

[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.

Comments

[heal_or_execute]

Didn't already have equipment?

[Sniff!]

Bluffing, then. Well played.

[aggressiveapathy]

It's the threat that counts.

[heal_or_execute]

Yes. Well. Understand you've agreed to share full details of experience in return for alcohol- agreed?

[aggressiveapathy]

Yeah. If you manage to stay long enough for me to tell it all.

[heal_or_execute]

Might be simpler to set up recording device and let you talk to yourself. Assume you'll be forthcoming after whiskey. Easier process, from multiple perspectives.

[aggressiveapathy]

[She's about to object- then just smiles instead.]

Sounds like you got it all figured out.

[heal_or_execute]

Of course. Usually do.

[So modest. Just as Mordin's starting to look pleased with himself though, he starts and frowns.]

Wait. No objections to plan. No absurd conditions. Doesn't make sense. What are you up to?

[aggressiveapathy]

Wow. Way to stab me in the heart. Does plotting really sound like me?

[heal_or_execute]

Yes.

[If the word 'duh' was in Mordin's vocabulary this would be a longer tag but it's not so here we are.]

[aggressiveapathy]

Yeah. You just have to live with it, I guess.

[heal_or_execute]

Not true. Know you're planning something now. Can compensate, adjust. Abandon recorder plan, take your testimony in person while you drink.

[Mordin frowns again, blinking.]

Unless- No, no. Could be your actual plan. Reverse psychology, get me in bar with you, intended to provide... entertainment. Figured you out, though. Won't do it!

[April you are now witnessing one of the Galaxy's greatest minds psyche himself out over a few shots of whiskey and a description of a weird dream.]

[aggressiveapathy]

[There are the moments that make her proud of herself.]

Technically. You don't say I had to come alone.

[heal_or_execute]

Ah. Thinking of involving accomplices, then. Another surprise. Thought you would prefer to work alone. Don't seem terribly social.

[aggressiveapathy]

Are you profiling me or something.

[heal_or_execute]

Yes.

[So casual.]

Draw up profiles for everyone. Medical, behavioural. Becomes a habit after long enough.

[aggressiveapathy]

That's racist.