Conversation · Gary, the Cryptofascist

"Always a pleasure to see an officer of the law!"

"I mean…" He turns toward Kim. "Officers."

"Do you know anything about the man hanged behind the Whirling-in-Rags?"

"I told you everything -- I just took the cuirass that's all. I promise. I don't know anything else."

'Tis true sire. This man simply did not know what he was getting caught up in.

"I told you everything I know, sir. I'm truly sorry for the mug, but I have nothing to do with that." He shifts uncomfortably in his clothes.

He's not feeling too comfortable in his own skin. Odd, I'd say.

Uncomfortable shifting around doesn't make him the killer, though. It's something else.

"Oh, so that's what the RCM in Martinaise is about? Great." He nods in sincere approval. "Great to hear someone's finally taking care of that."

"So you do know something about it?"

"No, no," he shakes his head emphatically. Then corrects his tie. "Nothing. He was some kind of mercenary, but everyone here knows that... I'm just glad to hear you're looking into it, that's all."

He's not feeling very comfy in his clothes, is he? Strange...

He didn't kill him or anything, but there's something going on here.

"All right."

"Maybe I can help you with something else? I keep my nose out of affairs like that. I'm a decent man."

"So you do know something about it?"

"Gary, do you know how to turn back time?"

"You said you'd tell me about Seolites, when Kim isn't here. He isn't here."

"Man, I don't wanna talk about that... I was wrong to bring it up at all. Shouldn't have said those things about your partner..."

"Most of the Seolites may be shifty, but the ones in Revachol have always been loyal to Revachol -- and the Suzerain too. I..." He trails off.

"It's for the best, dear. Lay that story to rest."

The man simply nods, his long blond hair falling on his shoulders.

"Yes, officer. I'm very glad we're getting a chance to speak about it candidly, man to man."

"I'm listening."

"Well, the Seolites -- they're a very smart people. Smart and secretive. Most think they have isolated themselves on their landmass because they disdain to mingle with the rest of us..."

"I'm not saying that you think that too. You seem like an incisive man, officer. You must be, being a detective."

"Thank you, sir. It's not often that the RCM receives the recognition that it deserves."

"It's a shame, too. What would we all do without law enforcement. But, as I was saying..."

"Even as Seol remains closed off from the world, Seolite agents have been slowly advancing through the echelons of power on the other isolae."

"They come as apparently well-meaning immigrants. Sometimes students -- they learn our violin and cello. But more often tech workers in cybernetics and similar advanced industries."

Seol is known for being technologically advanced, although it is not entirely known how far they have progressed.

"It seems dangerous that immigrants would go into fields that affect information technology."

"Precisely. Seol is famous, or shall I say, infamous, for its spy tech. Don't you find it... convenient?"

Seol is indeed famous for its advanced microtechnology, and for exporting it to foreign governments. Kijion Eendracht, the owner of Eendracht Airworks, is Seolite...

It makes sense that a technologically advanced nation that produces a lot of microtechnology would have foreign governments as customers. That in itself doesn't prove anything.

"I think I see where you're going with this..."

"Yes. They sell us fancy technology and then send in their experts, who pretend not to be experts..."

"They play their violin and cello -- oh, we like your music! -- or work in unrelated fields, like, say, law enforcement, where they have access to a lot of sensitive data..."

"...and use their superior technology to blackmail, mislead, and manipulate, turning high-ranking people in government and corporations into Seolite agents."

Could it be that someone is listening in on this conversation? Are there bugs in the reeds -- not only insects, but tiny Seolite bugs -- or maybe even some of the bugs are bugged themselves...

"I don't buy this theory."

He pouts. "Most people don't... until it's too late. You have been warned. Do with this warning what you will."

He's disappointed in you and sees no point of arguing further.

"Gary, I feel like you bring out the racist in me."

"Officer, believe me, it's the Seolites who are the racists. They consider themselves superior to the rest of us -- and, thus, entitled to pull the strings of power around the world."

"So, keep an eye on that partner of yours..." He lets the silence linger, then concludes: "Our talk here is concluded. It's not safe to discuss this anymore."

"We must put an end to this. What can I do?"

He leans in so close you can feel his lukewarm breath against your jaw. "Just do your part as an officer of the RCM."

"And keep an eye on that partner of yours." He lets the silence linger, then concludes: "Good talk."

"I don't know how I feel about the Seolites knowing everything about me..."

"Terrifying, right?" He scowls. "But we've gotta keep doing the good work, officer. One day, when we're stronger..."

"In the meantime, keep an eye on that partner of yours..." He lets the silence linger, then concludes: "Good talk."

"You're blowing this out of proportion. The Seolites have better things to do."

"Better things than take over the whole world on the sly? Sure you tell yourself that." He looks around, shadily. "Our talk here is concluded. It's not safe to discuss this anymore."

He's disappointed in you and sees no point of arguing further.

"This is a lot of new information. I'll have to think about it, consult with my partner..."

"Please, be careful!" He waves his hands energetically. "Don't let on that you know about the Seolite Conspiracy. Who knows what he might do to you..."

"I'm not sure I like what you're implying, but go on."

"Well, you see... They sell us fancy technology and then send in their experts, who pretend not to be experts..."

"It's only logical. Seol is known for its advanced technology and exports whatever is most profitable."