alphi catchall

[booksleeves]

Comments

[arcsplainist]

[ For a moment he glances off, confliction showing in his demeanor, but it isn't long before Alphinaud gives another shake of his head, firmly this time. ]

Thank you, Miss Susato... You are too kind, as always, and I will be certain to remember that.

[booksleeves]

Yes. I will stop interrogating you on your private troubles now, but you need only say the word, and I shall resume pressing you at once.

[She watches him, smiling a little at the joke but slightly concerned, and then quickly changes the subject.]

What was the other matter you wanted to talk about?

[arcsplainist]

[ If nothing else, that does get a hint of a smile from him in return; he gets it. Her concern is touching, truly. ]

—Yes, that. I wished to discuss what we had spoken of in the previous week. The Magisterium, if you recall. Have you found out more since?

[booksleeves]

[She frowns.]

I tried asking the locals but didn't get far. Ah, but did you happen to see the note that Mr. Escardos, Monika, Sheba and Reze received?

[arcsplainist]

I had not. Do you recall what it was?

[booksleeves]

[Getting out her notebook and reading:

PROJECT – SHADOWS & GOLD
TEST #24
The Magis

Purpose: Does eradicating “gold” result in the destruction of Subject A.

Results: Overall favorable. Detonation and elimination of desired target was mostly successful. Test provided to yield results within the parameters expected with the standard deviation of 5%. Error margins likely the result of the quantities of DNA supplied.

Short term effects provided to be successful. Long term effects unknown. Bigger sample required for more testing. Long term effects of testing required.

Conclusion: More testing required—new subjects needed. New location needed. ]

[arcsplainist]

[ He reads this and....... oh. Ohhhh. ]

... This must confirm it—their experiments to eradicate the angels for good.

[booksleeves]

Is that what you think it means? I wasn't sure if it was talking about eradicating daemons, but if they're able to destroy angels, then. . . !

[arcsplainist]

Yes—I can say with almost complete certainty that this is what it relates to.

You see, I had managed to gain more information myself, and along with my discoveries I found out what the Magisterium is: an organization of religious intellectuals who believed there was a way to rid of them, permanently. The citizens of Camebit do not take too kindly of them.

[booksleeves]

[Her expression is sort of a glint in her eye. Screw Camebit, let's fight God.]

Then maybe this is hinting at a way to fight back.

[arcsplainist]

[ Fight God!! ]

I can but hope. The manner Monika introduced them in back in Ahnkeen, I had thought they might be dangerous... but knowing more, I... I wonder if we could, perhaps, find an ally in them.

[booksleeves]

Yes. Did you speak at all to the group that came back Friday? Mr. Turner, Mr. Kaburagi, A-Qing?

Mr. Turner gave me a little insight into their travels and I would be glad to share that as well.

[arcsplainist]

I spoke with Nero, who told me of his encounter with an angel. Did you have any thoughts regarding what he’s said?

[booksleeves]

[She nods.]

I believe, after speaking with Suriel, that they were speaking of the conflict of the Temporals and Celestials, though they called them by different names. These worlds we're coming to are worlds that have been dragged into this conflict.

[arcsplainist]

That was the conclusion we had come to, as well. Camebit is a city that fares and thrives considerably better than the worlds we've previously encountered, but they have also paid a price for the protection of angels. What ever it is the miasma down below had once been, however... I can only assume they did not.

[booksleeves]

Mm. So more disasters, but . . . I wonder if we will ever learn a way to fight back.

[arcsplainist]

... I do not know, but that is my hope in pursuing information regarding the Magisterium. Perhaps the way lies with them.