crystal;

[heirring]

FORM: Crystal
SENDER: Richard Dickerson & Wysteria de Foncé
RECIPIENT: You All
NOTES: The highly scientific results from studying a not-so-recent amputation, and a call for volunteers (don't worry, it's not volunteering to get your limbs chopped off). Wysteria is in blue. Richard is in green.

Hello everyone. This is Madame de Foncé speaking, accompanied by Mister Dickerson. There is a whole report written up on the matter which we wish to discuss today. Anyone curious will find it filed among the Project Felandaris records. However, we agreed [sure that's the word for 'Wysteria bullied Richard into it'] that discussing the broad points in a more public venue might do some good.

Go ahead, Mister Dickerson.

Dissection of Madame de Foncé’s arm revealed extensions of the anchor growing outward along the vascular system, confirming the existing supposition that as much of the affected limb should be taken as possible to ensure an anchor is truly separated from its host.

[ There is an odd beat where it seems likely Mister Dickerson is hoping for Wysteria to chirp back in before he continues: ]

It further appears that lyrium has an affinity for -- [ more quietly ] Rifter flesh, for lack of a more delicate distinction. When exposed to Madame de Foncé’s arm it made a fleeting attempt to regrow the parts of her that were missing. [ So the rest of the Wysteria? Another pause. He doesn’t deign to specify. ]

We believe it may hold promise as a healing agent for Rifters if applied topically.

[Which brings them to the true aim of this whole endeavor, the enthusiasm for which has Wysteria's clipping in so briskly after him that there's almost no pause at all between 'if applied topically,' and—]

And so Mister Dickerson and I would like to make a request for volunteers from among the Rifter population. We would like to make a more thorough study of the effects of lyrium on us. I have prepared a sort of sign up form and have posted it on the door of Project Felandaris' office. If you would please add your name to it, Mister Dickerson, and myself, and indeed the general record would be most grateful.

That's all. Thank you. Ask whatever questions you wish to.

[Slightly muffled then, as if the crystal has been lowered away from the general nexus of conversation, Wysteria continues on in the same breath, 'You see, Mister Dickerson? That wasn't painful in the slightest. I hardly see why you were so hesitant—']

Comments

[detestable]

Suppose it's a bust? Then what, you just cut us up and stuck us full of lyrium for confirmation it's no good?

You gotta sweeten the offer, is what I'm saying.

[heirring]

I don't see why. Even failure to produce results would resolve some questions regarding the natural states of Rifters.

And it's hardly as if I'm asking anyone to do things I myself am unwilling to undertake.

[detestable]

Where I'm standing, you ask to shot someone full of, oh, what was it? Raw lyrium? Full of fun side effects?

You pay 'em. Or whoever's bankrolling this little lab experiment pays 'em.

[heirring]

This is meant to be a collaborative exploration between the various Rifters here. Which, as I have already expressed, does indeed include myself.

If you're frightened, you may say so.

[detestable]

Nice try.

Call me when you're offering something better in exchange than, what was it? Blistering, nausea, and loss of memory?

[heirring]

I've no interest in dealing with incurious mercenaries, Mister Gecko.

But best of luck with your anchor. There are some Rifters who have suffered no complications from them before evaporating without a trace.

[detestable]

[ what the fuCK ]

Hey, you're the one asking us for favors. This is free advice, for when you pitch this again.

[heirring]

You're newly arrived and so I will forgive you for being unaware but I never ask twice for anything, Mister Gecko.

[detestable]

Oh yeah? Guess it's healthy, being able to live with failure.

[heirring]

I'm afraid I wouldn't know.

Good day, Mister Gecko. I wish you only the best of luck.

[detestable]

Get a backer with deep pockets, Dr. Moreau.

[degenere]

A correction: Madame de Foncé.

And of course she might have such a thing, but if the pursuit of knowledge and true understanding does not provide sufficient motivation for participation, than coin is not deserved. What a low thing to propose!

[detestable]

What's the pursuit of knowledge going to do for the poor saps who end up with memory loss? Or whatever counts as "worse" in these parts?

[degenere]

Which 'poor saps' are these?

[detestable]

Wel, theoretical poor saps. It doesn't look like you've got anyone eager to make themselves a guinea pig.

[degenere]

Ah! These pigs, they are not mine, I am merely a supporter of the mademoiselle. Even were I not among that number, I would say that the lasting legacy should be incentive enough. It is, after all, far better than any coin. It carries one a great distance--into historical record!

[detestable]

In a knock-off Camelot? Not the draw you're thinking of, skippy.

[degenere]

You think this because you are a Rifter, and very likely to disappear back into the Fade quickly?

[detestable]

Your lips to God's ears.

[ but, in the interest of a complete answer— ]

But even say I have the bad luck to stick around, how famous can you really get in a place that's sending all it's mail by carrier pigeon?