Riddle 023: When in Drone

[questionauthority]

[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.

Comments

[deaths-heritor.livejournal.com]

I most certainly did not. I sent you to cut the grass beyond the poison ivy.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

I was essentially lobotomized. And you send me into poison ivy. You had me clean for you. And cook for you.

[deaths-heritor.livejournal.com]

Another five months and you might have done half of the portion you've neglected since you've gotten here.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

Hmmph.

[He turns to face her, his glare fading, but only slightly. He's slowly starting to remember the dairy. How Susan had protected him to the end.]

[deaths-heritor.livejournal.com]

I'd say that your face would stick like that, but I believe that's your default expression, anyway.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[For once, Edward doesn't have a snappy retort.]

You put your life on the line for me at the Dairy. And you died.

[deaths-heritor.livejournal.com]

It's really very annoying that you couldn't have waited another five minutes to get inside.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[He ignores her.]

You could have gone for help at any time. You could easily have left me to die.

Why? Why didn't you?

[deaths-heritor.livejournal.com]

We've had this conversation already. It was more important then to see what was inside; the entrance may have closed again at any time. In hindsight, of course, it was completely pointless, but that can't be helped.

[Susan carefully avoids addressing his second statement, naturally.]

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[He notices you skirting that issue. You're talking to the king of dodging bullets here.]

Susan.

[deaths-heritor.livejournal.com]

. . . Edward.

[Can you shame Susan? Stare really hard, scowl heavily, and wait for a blue moon and it may happen.]

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[He stares, scowls, and stands his ground. But only for a moment. Eddie sighs, slowly averting his gaze from her.]

...forget it.

[deaths-heritor.livejournal.com]

Dinner's at six as usual. Try not to wallow too much in ennui.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[He nods curtly, offering her a reluctant...]

Thanks.

[Before she's able to leave, though, he realizes something---]

...you were able to stop the Major right in his tracks. Without even lifting a finger. How?

[deaths-heritor.livejournal.com]

Charm.

Charm and charisma.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

Really.

[deaths-heritor.livejournal.com]

'Stunning wit' may as well be mentioned while I'm at it.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

I don't buy it.

Something changed in the way you spoke to him. I felt it too, when you addressed me.

[deaths-heritor.livejournal.com]

. . . I can't say I know what you mean.

Have you ever wondered, though, what might happen if the dead refused to move on and leave this world behind?

[Susan will leave him with that thought.]