IC Inbox: cerealia

[shacklebreaker]

"You've reached Simon Blackquill. Leave a message if you are so inclined -- but be brief."

[ AUDIO | VIDEO | TEXT ]

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[shacklebreaker]

Hello, Box Top. I've seen the Cerealia Times, and I must say, it is a vast improvement on that high school claptrap you used to publish.

[Not that it's much of a compliment, but he'll let her take it as one if it makes her feel better.

There's a pause next, as if he's considering his response. Or maybe he's just trying to wig her out a little, who knows. Then he continues:]

Go on. Though whether I choose to answer depends on the nature of the questions, and whither the answers are destined to find themselves in print.

[cardboard_journalism]

Hey! I'm immensely proud of both works... and may I say, your sample size of the Themis Herald was very limited, at best. Of course, now I have a highly motivated team of very talented individuals helping me, so some increase in quality is natural. Sss, sss, sss!

[all right, that was enough tooting her own horn; Blackquill probably wouldn't let her get away with any more]

Well, to be perfectly honest, I'm investigating a possible lead... on a possible story... regarding a possible person you may be connected with!

Possibly. Sss, sss, sss.

[shacklebreaker]

[He just gives a dismissive 'hmph'. As expected, he's none too impressed with her stroking her own ego.]

That's a great deal more possibilities than I care to hear, so kindly cease in beating around the bush. What is the story you're reporting, and to whom are you alluding?

[cardboard_journalism]

Right. First things first, as they say...

I was wondering, could you describe, in your own words, what you think about Miss Aura Blackquill? What sort of person is she?

--Oh, don't worry, I don't intend to print your response. Please be candid.

[shacklebreaker]

My candid response? The entire colony should tremble at what she could do, if ever she gained control of the entire robot population.

[cardboard_journalism]

I'm well aware of her technical knowledge... that's been pretty documented. Sss.

Would you also say she's the type who would use her control of robots... or other technology... to perhaps attempt to fulfill any grudges she might have?

[shacklebreaker]

Such a curiously specific question...

What manner of story are you pursuing that would ask that of me?

[cardboard_journalism]

I guess you could say I'm less pursuing a story and more pursuing the truth.

[shacklebreaker]

Well, I have nothing to say in regards to her conduct toward others. That's her own business.

If you've a braincell or two rolling around inside that box of yours, you'll stay out of her affairs as well.

[cardboard_journalism]

Hey, I'm not asking out of curiosity!

And this concerns you too!

[shacklebreaker]

And why would it concern me who she holds grudges with? You could say we've been living entirely separate lives for rather a long time...

[He chuckles at his own understatement. He was curious about her line of questioning at first, but now he's just being deliberately obtuse.]

[cardboard_journalism]

Because I know you and someone else have a... special relationship.

[chew on that, Prosecutor Samurai!]

[shacklebreaker]

Hmph. Enough with your mysterious someones, and your possibilities. If you have something to say, spit it out.

[cardboard_journalism]

[but that's all she's got!]

...what if I told you someone we're both close with has had their life threatened by person or persons unknown?

[shacklebreaker]

I wouldn't say I was close to him, but I suppose I spent some quality time with that nutty professor in the clink...

...And I suppose his life must be quite under threat, for he exists no more thanks to the Flamines. [He gives a dark laugh. If she doesn't stop him, he can keep this up all day.]

[cardboard_journalism]

What?! No! Someone... here!

[if he was teasing her, she totally wasn't picking up on it]

[shacklebreaker]

Oh, I see. Someone you and I are close to...

[He does actually have to think about this. He has no idea who Myriam could be close to here that he is, too.]

Is it the "Local Jerk", perhaps? You write so much about him, I can only conclude you're terribly fond of the fellow.

[cardboard_journalism]

--No! Try again!

[shacklebreaker]

There's a relief. I'd shudder to think what would happen to anyone who dared threaten our most valiant Local Jerk.

In that case, I'm all out of guesses. Care to enlighten me?

[cardboard_journalism]

I can't right now! Someone might be listening in!

[shacklebreaker]

Then our conversation ends here, for I've no interest in guessing games. Good day, Box Top.

[cardboard_journalism]

--Wait, no! You don't understand!

[was he really hanging up??]

[shacklebreaker]

What I understand is that if you think someone is being threatened, it should be reported through the proper channels. Sniffing around after crumbs of gossip will do you no good.

[And there he goes, hanging up.]

[cardboard_journalism]

Kahk kahk kaahk! That's what I'm trying to tell you! It's...

[cardboard_journalism]

[beep - beep]

[...]

[oh, he'd hung up... she blew it]

...