questionauthority | Riddle 023: When in Drone

[A: Action - Mayfield High School

Well, class, have you been enjoying your sessions with your droned Ethics teacher, Mr. Nigma? Because it looks as though he's in the middle of yet another of his cheerful drone-y lectures.]

You see, kids? Life sure is grand here in Mayfield. Even if you're down or discouraged about schoolwork, or girls, or bullies---at the end of the day, you just have to remember the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have others do unto...

[But he trails off. Blinks. His eyes no longer appear glazed over. He takes in his surroundings, as though waking up from a long, unpleasant dream. The cheery grin on his face fades into a sour scowl. It looks like Edward Nigma is back to normal.]

...what on earth was I just saying?

[B: Later on that day, Edward makes his way back home, sending out a public phone call, filtered from drones.]

Well. Apologies for taking the idea of "getting droned" lightly. It certainly isn't pleasant. Two full weeks---gone, just like that. Two weeks that could be better spent trying to determine a means of escape. But I don't intend to dally any longer with idle distraction. And I, Edward Nigma, don't intend to let this town continue to have its way. Not anymore. We need to take initiative. We need to strike back. Now.

Regrettably, with all the chaos and my little... "sabbatical," I was unable to hold a second meeting as I had originally planned. I trust you were all able to keep yourselves busy in my absence?

[C: Filtered to Poison Ivy]

Pamela? Are you there?

[D: Action - 726 Anderson Lane

Edward's back in his typical colors, pacing around the study in an almost manic state of mind. Do you approach?]

[E: Action - Olney's Tavern

In an incredibly morose turn of events, Edward has found his way over to Olney's Tavern late that night. With all the crap that's happened to him in the past couple of weeks---rejection at the hands of Ema Skye, his droning at the hands of the town, and the fact that this little April Fools' prank has cost him dearly---he could use a drink. Against his better nature, he heads to the counter and raps on it impatiently, flagging down the bartender.]

Malt whiskey. Leave the bottle.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I can tell. The drone barely had a personality, and was exceptionally vapid.

[ She sighs. Nothing she can do now. The dronings are out of her control entirely ]

I'm quite fine, I investigated the new town Deadman's Gulch. Found nothing of value, and a little difficulty being ran out by Barbie and her father. The circumstances were oddly similar to those in the diner, meaning they have some sort of deal with the town or something along those lines. I'm not sure. Can't figure it out right now, too little information.

I see. Tell me a little more about Deadman's Gulch. I've heard bits and pieces from my students---you were actually there?

Didn't learn a thing except that Barbie was staying there. She's also not exactly the kindest girl. In fact, she tried to kill us all with that old man. Most of us were able to flee the town though.

The situation in town was highly similar to what's inside the diner. I'm presuming that they may just be responsible for driving out everyone in Dead Man's Gulch but that doesn't quite solve the dead skeletal horse.

[ Silly Edward ]

Of course I was there Edward. It was a lot safer than hanging around a town where there's a giant robot rampaging.

I've been here for just over a month and if this is what it's truly like every month, I think this may be the collection of the strongest souls on the entire continuum.

[Well. That makes sense.]

I wouldn't say something like this happens every month. But you're quite correct---this place is filled to the brim with strong souls. We have to be strong, considering how much they throw at us.

[He muses to himself.]

Perhaps this Deadman's Gulch is another clue? I'll need to speak to the Legion...

I heard reports on notes being found in Deadman's Gulch, their validity remains to be seen. I'll keep you posted on such a circumstance. Most people here are made of stronger souls, I'm just glad that I'm one of them. At the very least, we get a true test of character.

[ The last part does catch her interest ]

Legion? What do you mean by that?

I appreciate it, Solaris.

[He freezes, momentarily. Damn it, Edward, you're thinking out loud again, aren't you?]

...I suppose it wouldn't hurt to fill you in---you've proven yourself an invaluable enough ally already. Still. Can I trust you to keep this confidential?

This is why it's filtered, isn't it, Edward?

[ You can hear the Cheshire grinning from the other side of the phone ]

Very well.

I'm heading up a bit of a resistance group. Our intent is to upset the established order that Mayfield has imposed upon us by carrying out crimes against drones---be they drone civilians or drones under Lucy Smith's chain of command.

Hm, all right. I want to join your resistance group, if that's all right. Though, normally I do oppose harming those that aren't necessary, I'll see if I can assign harming a drone as one of our students homework. That shouldn't be too hard. They'll follow it out if it's for observation. How far should these attacks go?

[ She doesn't really sound against this on a moral level for some odd reason, though the question throws you off. ]

That's more than all right. You've proven yourself more than capable.

Sounds like a plan. These crimes will only be carried out against the drone populace---we'll undoubtedly be going into talks of a more detailed plan of attack in due time.

My sincerest gratitude, Mr. Nigma. May I ask where and when this meeting will take place?

I'll see if I can manipulate someone in attacking a drone for me. I'll record the result. If worse comes to worse, I can attack my neighbors own drone. Though I'd prefer not to do it in an open setting.

Actually, regarding setting, do you do this inside or outside?

Sunday evening, at the high school. 9 PM.

Interesting idea. Generally speaking, I'd prefer if we keep our activity hush-hush, for the time being.

All right, I got it.

Thank you, Mr. Nigma. I'll be hanging up now.

[ click ]

Riddle 023: When in Drone

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