2010-07-19 - Cutscene: Obscurity

"This is most distressing."

A group of silhouettes sit down in a virtual world. While every form is a different size or shape from the other, each are indistinct. They are the Management.

"This situation with NERV..." murmurs the silhouette labeled 'Mister Zinc.' "Is this what they've actually been storing in GeoFront? Did you see that girl, in the sky--"

"Dwelling over the past is unnecessary. All this means is that NERV's desperate and ill-conceived little gambit failed," 'Mister Natrium' snorts.

"But--"

"Mr. Natrium is correct." The silhouettes turn to regard the figure designated 'Mister Gold.' "We'll benefit from in the long run. How long do you think it'll take for confidence in the Federation to be shaken? For new conflicts to break out? With the proper motivation, of course..."

"It is still disconcerting."

"Perhaps it bears investigation? There might be opportunities to be reaped..."

"There are other things we should be more concerned with at the moment than NERV's scraps. Like this recent bit of news..." Video streams of Ilyse Amsel speaking on her spatial distortion drive. Mister Gold speaks evenly above the white noise, "Do you have anything to say about this, Mr. Silver?"

"Hmm. It's probably about time that the Tesla Drive was replaced with something more contemporary." Despite the modulation that alters his voice, there is something in 'Mister Silver's' tone that suggests a distinct youth. Mister Gold laughs, even though it is devoid of humor.

"Very good, Mister Silver, but that doesn't answer the glaring question," Mister Gold presses. "Last year, you reported that there was no evidence to support that Ilyse Amsel was a Whispered. So what is this?"

"New evidence, I'd imagine." Mister Silver's silhouette shifts amiably, propping his jaw upon his right hand in the midst of nothingness. "There was no reason to suspect that Ms. Amsel was receiving Whispers, and attempting to perform tests might have damaged our business relationship with the Crusaders. I suppose blame is mine for using diplomacy. My apologies."

"... Regardless, the situation will have to be rectified."

"Yes. We can't let anymore of them slip through our fingers."

"That Chidori girl, too... perhaps we've been too lenient with Mithril and their friends. Are the plans in place?"

"Yes," Mister Gold responds smoothly. "Mister Kalium has gotten in contact and made the necessary arrangements with our new helper inside Mithril. Given Katharon's connections to it, China ought to suffice as a staging ground. Are there any objections?"

Silence. Mister Gold leans backward. "Then, I believe that concludes our meeting, gentlemen. To our continued success."

One by one, the silhouettes fade away, and the virtual world around them slowly dissolves into nothing.