Conversation · Sunday Friend

It looks, to your eye, like some kind of long, metallic fish, suspended beneath a number of ceiling fans...

Not just any fish, it moves like some ancient bottom-feeder gliding over the ocean floor in search of prey...

Don't let the paintjob fool you, it's a goddamn killing machine, and there's nothing you can do to stop it!

It's about four-and-a-half kilometres from your position, you estimate.

"It's amazing. An inspiring symbol."

"Isn't it? A triumph of both technical ingenuity and international cooperation. I, for one, feel much safer knowing it's up there, watching all of us."

"It looks like a killing machine."

"Well, of course it is a heavily armed and armoured warship with a full complement. But I assure you its purpose in Revachol is to keep the peace, not disturb it."

"Huh. Can't believe I never noticed it before."

"That is part of the idea, of course. The Coalition doesn't want the people of Revachol to feel that they are under a military occupation. That is why the Archer is always careful to maintain a constant, discreet distance."

"It looks like a fish."

"Fascinating. I always thought it was more like a dragonfly. But isn't it interesting how humanity always finds inspiration in nature?"

You look around, but you don't see anything unusual. Then again, your eyes aren't the sharpest...

"I don't think I've ever noticed it before."

"Interesting. In a sense, that's the very idea. The Coalition doesn't want the people of Revachol to feel that they are under a military occupation. That is why the Archer is always careful to maintain a constant, discreet distance."

"Oh, right. The Archer. I thought you said... something else."

"Ah, well, I'm glad to hear that at least. It would really be quite unusual for you to have never noticed it before..."

You follow the man's gaze out toward the west. There, amidst the low-hanging stars, you can just make out signs of motion...

It's a set of position lights moving in unison, like a restless constellation...

No, it's more like a creature from the abyssopelagic zone, a great dark bioluminescent fish...

Don't let the shiny lights fool you, it's a goddamn killing machine, and there's nothing you can do to stop it!

You can't see anything. But then, it's dark, and your eyes aren't the sharpest...

"So how does one go about contacting a Coalition warship?" (Proceed.)

"Hmmm, this is quite the problem, very tricky. Of course, the Archer has orders to fire on any unidentified aerostatics that might approach it, so it might be safer to get in touch from the ground..."

"But in that case, you would require a radio transmitter capable of broadcasting on Coalition frequencies. And that kind of technology naturally isn't typically available for non-Coalition use. Yes, it is a bit of a conundrum."

"I suppose there might be some way to circuit-bend your way onto those frequencies, but you'd have to be one of those techno-tinkerers to do it."

"So what am I supposed to do?"

"That, my friend, is your responsabilité. I cannot take it from you, nor can you delegate it to someone else..."

"Hmmm, sounds like something that programmer we met in the church might be able to help with..."

"Let me just say that I have complete confidence in the RCM. I'm sure you'll figure something out."

This sounds like something that programmer you met in the church might help with...

"Hmmm, perhaps your young friends in the tent might be of assistance?"

Perhaps your new friends in the tent might be able to help you?

"Oh, good: 'Techno-tinkerers.' Just what this side task was missing..."

You will figure it out. Something tells you the person you're looking for is already on this coast...

"Do you know any of these tinkerers?"

"Unfortunately not, no, I don't have the pleasure. I am merely a representative of the Coalition Government, not very well-versed in technology. But you..."

"Is that... legal?"

"Unauthorised circuit-bending is a very serious matter with grave security implications, but as of the moment there is no specific law forbidding it, in Revachol at least..."

"Hold on, it's watching us, too?"

"And listening! It has the most objective vantage point in the entire city. Not to mention a vast array of radio, photographic, and meteorological monitoring instruments."

"I find it a great comfort to know there are benevolent powers watching over all, in strict accordance with the Wayfarer Act and the Bristelmüne Conventions."

The Bristelmüne Conventions are a series of international agreements governing the treatment of military personnel and civilians in theatres of war as well as occupied territories. In practice, they are more talked about than observed.

"But this is an urgent matter. I need to get in touch with the Committee."

"Yes, you've made your persistence quite clear. Under normal circumstances I would have to insist you go through the regular channels."

No, no. You can't let them give you the runaround.

"How am I supposed to contact the Committee then?"

The man frowns. "Well, under ordinary circumstances, the Committee contacts you."

In other words, the Committee only knows what it wants to know.

(Attempt to stick your hand through his astral form.)

"Mais que faites-vous, officer?" Your hand bumps up against the man's solid if somewhat fleshy chest.

"Yes, I was wondering the same thing. What are you doing?"

"You said you weren't really here. I had to make sure you weren't an astral projection."

"No, no, don't be silly. We're simply speaking in an informal capacity. Officially I am still in La Delta, preparing for an upcoming conference on fuel oil derivatives..."

"Nothing, just lost my balance a moment."

"Perhaps your blood sugar is a bit low? As I was saying, officially speaking I am still in La Delta, preparing for an upcoming conference on fuel oil derivatives..."

"So... where are you, then?"

"Why, officially I am still in La Delta, preparing for an upcoming conference on fuel oil derivatives. I'm only in Martinaise in an unofficial capacity..."

"What are you talking about? I'm looking at you right now!"

"Of course, we are speaking informally, but officially I am still in La Delta, preparing for an upcoming conference on fuel oil derivatives..."