Donor Logs

1484.??? - PRIVATE GROUP BROADCAST
Nine Moonlit Melodies, Shifting Tides; Legacy of Vestiges Long Since Passed; Extended Period of Silence, Plentiful Waterfalls

NMMST: Look! I drew me and Legacy as Iterators!

LVLSP: yo we look so cute
LVLSP: wheres falls

EPSPW: Oh nice

NMMST: well I tried drawing them but it doesn't look as good,, >_<

EPSPW: show

NMMST: here!

LVLSP: whys it so boring

NMMST: i mean the cutesy stuff doesn't rlly seem like Falls' thing so... I kinda struggled ngl but I tried to do something a little different

LVLSP: ohhh
LVLSP: so theyre ugly

EPSPW: It's not ugly. Melodies, I think your designs are wonderful.

LVLSP: why do they get a cool cape and i dont

NMMST: Your outfit is supposed to be easier to move around in, hence the poncho,

LVLSP: oh
LVLSP: neways your iterator is rlly cute melmel

EPSPW: Yeah
EPSPW: it's

LVLSP: mines cuter tho

EPSPW: [kino]

NMMST: thank you!!!
NMMST: ah

EPSPW: ok catgirl

LVLSP: ok

NMMST: I'm not happy with my design yet, but... I'll work on it. I'll make your designs better, too.

LVLSP: i think they look amazing already tbh

EPSPW: I don't think you need to worry so much about something that's just for fun

NMMST: ...
NMMST: I know, but... this is kinda like a dream of mine yknow

LVLSP: being an Iterator?

NMMST: yeah. or something like that
NMMST: to be effortlessly perfect and cute, as like, a fundamental part of my existence... a body perfectly shaped in my image. something reliable. something that lasts forever.

EPSPW: you know Iterators are more than just their puppets, right?

NMMST: . yes
NMMST: but like the puppet's still their point of identity, isn't it?

LVLSP: idk

NMMST: well. i could also just be a puppet, I guess. it'd be better than this disgusting flesh prison. At least it'd WORK. or if it didn't, I could fix it. and I wouldn't hate being in it.
NMMST: Um. Sorry. It's just a fantasy, anyways. im fine.

LVLSP: it's ok
LVLSP: I dont think ur body is disgusting though, melmel. i think its pretty cute

EPSPW: I mean I can understand where you're coming from here

NMMST: . sorry. thank you. um
NMMST: ...we should uh, move on i think

EPSPW: Uh
EPSPW: Prof has decided to bring back his favorite Rubric again (the one that doesn't fucking match any of our actual assignments)...

[Excerpt Cuts Off Here.]

1484.89X - CLOSED GROUP [THE FSH GUYS] (ENCRYPTED)
Group: "The Fsh Guys", all participants fishing
False SHoal; LunarSanctuary; Nocturnal Grove; Forgotten MegaLopolis; Wintry Cliffs; DarK Museum; Snowy Pipe Organ

FSH: hey great news guys

LS: hiii leggy

FSH: hi luna

NG: are you dead yet

FML: Every time you bring "great news" I get concerned.
FML: Please don't get arrested.

NG: he hasnt responded yet the Wheel took him ⁉️

FSH: damn hi everyone else
FSH: ok now hold on the connection here is kinda shitty

NG: Hi

FSH: espeshy with the encryption.
FSH: nocty stfu

FML: (quietly) Hi

WC: shhhhhhhhhh…

FSH: ANYWAYS
FSH: guys I'm finally gonna do it. I'm ready

NG: prayers in the chat
NG: hes about to escape samsara 🙏

DKM: We will miss you False SHoal 🙏👌

FML: …Is he? 🙏

LS: chat

FSH: EVERYONE SHUT THE FUCK UP NOW OR I WILL KICK ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FSH: Okay, great.
FSH: so there's this Bunker I found
FSH: or like it's a gate in the ground but like it's realisitcally a Bunker
FSH: somewhere in the P5 area. there's not a lot of shit here
FSH: but look

LS:Why do they have a bunker in the middle of the desert

FSH: IDK
FSH: but im about to find out.
FSH: I really thiunk there's something good down there. I've been eyeing this one for like a Shift at this point.

NG: You've never mentioned it before.

LS: whys the lock look like that

FSH: I haven't mentioned it before cause that would make me easier to track. Im only telling everyone now cause Im gonna break in Very Soon
FSH: like, before anyone would have the time to de-crypt my messages lol

NG: Okay but what about after you break in

DKM: (reply to “LS: whys the lock look like that") It's some kind of Bio-Scanner 👌
DKM: Not a Common design 👌

FSH: that is a problem for future me

DKM: They will be apprehended by Council Agents; Void Bless 👌

LS: like actually or

DKM: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 👌

DKM: Honestly, I'm more curious about how they plan to crack it 👌

FSH: relax ill be fine
FSH: and I got a genome bomb for the scanner.
FSH: it might take a while but it should work

LS: . is that safe

NG: Where the fuck did you get a genome bomb????

FML: ...?

DKM: Holy Shit 👌

FSH: I got connections, Noctis. also itll be fine its not gonna inject me or anything lol
FSH: ill just set it down and let it work. u can control it remotely
FSH: if the scrambling doesnt work we can do an overload but i feel like that might fuck up the bunker

LS: please be careful

FML: I feel like you should probably stop detailing your plans to us

FSH: I dont think anyone cares
FSH: im near some plateau model
FSH: SSR or something. he just let me into his city unannounced after confirming i have a citizen id
FSH: i really dont think he or any of the City officials care That Much

LS: …huh.
LS: please be careful. idk this whole thing seems kinda Off
LS: i mean im sure it'll work out but still

FSH: yeah yeah I know
FSH: speaking of I really gotta get started

NG: Try not to die.

WC: I hope you don't get locked up and experimented on

FSH: thanks
FSH: ill give everyone an update as soon as im able to
FSH: might take a while idk

LS: We'll be here, FSH!!

DKM: Excited to see assuming you live 👌

NG: Alright.

FSH: [USER IDLE]

[Excerpt Cuts Off Here.]

1484.902 - [ARCHIVED BROADCAST LOG]
PRIVATE, ENCRYPTED
Legacy of Vestiges Long Since Passed; Nine Moonlit Melodies, Shifting Tides

LVLSP: Heyyy Melodies

NMMST: Legacy! Are you doing okay?
NMMST: sorry you've just been inactive since the Bunker thing
NMMST: and I got a little worried

LVLSP: Oh right
LVLSP: yeah im fine lol ill update the groupchat later
LVLSP: but first i gotta talk to you cause its super important

NMMST: I'm listening; glad you're okay. im surprised youre able to update us so soon

LVLSP: yeah i just got rlly lucky. anyways
LVLSP: so like in the Bunker right
LVLSP: turns out it was a secret lab
LVLSP: or something
LVLSP: and

NMMST: a Secret Lab ??

LVLSP: it wasn't Abandoned entirely and i tripped the security system inside
LVLSP: yeah
LVLSP: wait i should stop sending these messages separately

NMMST: nods

LVLSP: anyways More Importantly: apparently its owned by this Scientist named No Cost Too Great and they were looking for some new big Project to pursue

LVLSP: and since i was there and i was at least smart and unhinged enough to successfully break in there they asked Me for ideas

LVLSP: so i told them "I have a friend who really wants to become an Iterator" and they were like "Hm... perhaps I can work with that." so i showed them your drawings and stuff

NMMST: what ?????
NMMST: Is this a bit, or are you being serious??

LVLSP: 100 percent serious
LVLSP: anyways, they wanted to meet you In Person to discuss things further. They talk about lots of weirdo metaphysical (?) stuff and i feel like youd probably understand that better than i do yknow

NMMST: um
NMMST: I uh
NMMST: Like, Now???

LVLSP: as soon as possible yeah
LVLSP: they live at some Iterator named Sand-Smoothed Reckoning in P5. ik thats kinda far but i can come get you!! we'll ride together and stuff and theyre willing to cover transportation costs

NMMST: I just
NMMST: this seems like a lot are you sure this isn't a scam or something??? or. like... trafficking??

NMMST: Like, if it's true, it's a dream come true and all yeah—like I would give the world for a chance like this

NMMST: But you realize it's pretty difficult to believe that, right? and what am I supposed to tell my Parents even if it is true?

LVLSP: oh ... hm
LVLSP: ok you're visiting SSR for an "Academic Excursion". Birdbrain says it's a huge Culture Science Art whatever center

NMMST: is "Birdbrain" supposed to be the Scientist

LVLSP: Yeah
LVLSP: look melmel i promise you this guy is the real deal. i showed them my Unlucky hand and they clocked not JUST the Void Fluid damage but also how strong the Void Fluid was and how long I kept it in there for (and i didnt tell them that!!)
LVLSP: apparently theyre a researcher for some big Global Council Research Thing called the "Void Fluid Research Committee".

NMMST: oh I've heard about them before

NMMST: There's a lot of speculation about them on certain forums... since Void Fluid comes from the Void Sea, which ties into the immaterial realm and all that Cosmic kinda stuff

NMMST: It's pretty broadly accepted that they've been Sponsored to research said Meta-physical Spiritual stuff in tandem with the Iterators' pursuit of the Big Problem. Like, a lot of the VFRC's Research probably isn't about global ascension methodology Directly, but it (presumedly) deepens our understanding of the Spiritual Realm so we can get closer to finding one.

NMMST: But, more importantly, there's kind of a tacit implication that they must be using all that Spiritual Knowledge for things outside of the Problem. hence all the speculation lol

LVLSP: well damn guess you know better than i do
LVLSP: so you know theyre Legit, right?

NMMST: ...Presumably.

LVLSP: Look melmel I'll come and get you, okay? just tell them your College is doing a School Trip these Off-Cycles. worst case scenario you miss a class or two at most and you get to see a cool Art City. it won't take that long to get there and back.

NMMST: um.......
NMMST: alright
NMMST: I'll do my best I guess

LVLSP: YAYYYYY
LVLSP: I get to go on a trip with MelMel!!! ^^

NMMST: yay
NMMST: It would be nice to see you in-person again. I really, really hope this works out ;;

LVLSP: It will!

[BROADCAST TERMINATED, ARCHIVED]

1484.9XX - [ARCHIVED OBSERVATION LOG]

LOCATION: No Cost Too Great's Lab, atop Sand-Smoothed Reckoning's Mesa City; Conference Room B

INVOLVED PARTIES:
No Cost Too Great, of the House of Progress
Legacy of Vestiges Long Since Passed, of Unknown Affiliation
Nine Moonlit Melodies, Shifting Tides, of the House of Still Waters
Sand-Smoothed Reckoning, of the House of Progress (Iterator)

AUTHOR: "Nine"
EDITOR: "No Cost Too Great"

(A pair of Citizens approaches the doorway of Conference Room B, led by Sand-Smoothed Reckoning's Overseer. Legacy Of Vestiges Long Since Passed can be seen clearly; his shadow, Nine Moonlit Melodies, Shifting Tides, trails behind him.)

SSR: “Uh, hey, L—Sir, I got the Visitors here.” (The Overseer spins its tendrils.)

NCTG: “Thank you, Sands.” (They motion towards a row of chairs across the conference table.) “Please, have a seat. Or, stand, if you prefer.”

(The figure behind Legacy shifts, but he keeps standing.)

LVLSP: “Hi, Birdbrain!” (She waves cheerfully.) “I brought Melodies here, like you asked.”

NMMST: (She shuffles next to Legacy.) “Uh, h—”

NCTG: “I told you not to call me that. 'Cost' is fine.”

LVLSP: (They grin, probably.) “Sorry, sorry...!”

(They're not sorry.)

NCTG: “Who's your friend? Also, get out of my doorway. Stand in the room, at least.”

(NMMST begins to shuffle to Legacy's side before he takes her hand and drags her into the room. They stand next to the table, but they do not sit. NMMST glances at the chairs.)

LVLSP: “Weren't you listening? She's Melodies, like I said.”

NCTG: “I meant—”

NMMST: “Uh, Nine Moonlit Melodies, Shifting Tides... Sir.”

LVLSP: “The artist I told you about! I showed you her designs!.”

NCTG: “Yes, I know. You told me.”
NCTG: (They turn to Melodies.) “Is he always like this?”

NMMST: (She flinches.) “Uh... Yeah? I'm sorry, um...”

NCTG: “Don't apologize.”
NCTG: “...It is his issue to resolve. Regardless, we should move forward.”

NMMST: (She nods.)

LVLSP: (He straightens his posture.)

NCTG: “Firstly, I must ask: Are you familiar with Echoes?”

NMMST: (She looks over at Legacy, then back at Cost.) “Oh. Um, sort of? Like... in what sense?”

NCTG: “In the sense of what they are.”

NMMST: “Uh... Well, they're what lingers after someone fails to Ascend, right? Through Void Fluid... Um, some people think they're just, uh, like... y'know, Echoes. Like, memories repeating themselves, or something.”
NMMST: (She brings her attention to her hands, wringing them.)
NMMST: “But, um... Some... I guess, like, uh, me, would say it's more like, uh... Like a Soul? What's left behind after the Void Fluid erases the physical, y'know...”

NCTG: “The Essence of Self. Or, Selves, perhaps more aptly.”

NMMST: (She looks up.) “Y-Yeah. That's, um, a really good way of putting it.”

NCTG: “You're correct.”

NMMST: “Y-Yeah?”

NCTG: “Echoes are that Experiential, Spiritual element of a Person in its purest form. Demonstrably so, even.”

NMMST: “...”

LVLSP: “...Demonstrably?”

NCTG: “Yes; a large portion of my body of work has been dedicated to the subject.”

NMMST: “Can... Can I see? Please, I mean? Do you have any recordings?”

NCTG: “Ah; I would be happy to regale you, but perhaps another time. For now, I'd like to focus on your Request.”

NMMST: “Oh! You... C-Can you really do it? Are you suggesting the Echo can—”

NCTG: “It is what I wish to test, yes.”

NMMST: (She gasps and shakes Legacy excitedly.)

LVLSP: (He glances at Melodies, then at Cost.) “Uh... Test what, exactly?”

NMMST: “The Soul Transfer! They're gonna help transfer my Essence into an Iterator Puppet!! It's like—Like, um...”
NMMST: “...Sorry, um, is that correct, Sir?”

NCTG: “...Yes, actually.”
NCTG: “Though, I should reiterate that I am testing the procedure; I can offer no guarantees of its success, and I have yet to develop the methodology.”

NMMST: (She returns to fidgeting with her hands.) “Oh... right...”

NCTG: “Therefore, I ask for your Cooperation throughout the process.”

NMMST: (She brightens) “O-Of course!”

(Legacy quickly steps forward.)

LVLSP: “I'll help, too.”

NCTG: “...”
NCTG: “Yes, of course. Your cooperation shall be invaluable. I extend my gratitude towards the both of you.”

NMMST: “No, th-thank you for making my dream come true!”

LVLSP: (He grabs her hand.) “And me..?”

NMMST: “Oh, right!”
NMMST: (She grabs both of Legacy's hands and turns to face him.)
NMMST: “I'm sorry, Legacy. I should really be thanking you. Thank you so much for doing this for me. I... Void, I... Oh, Void, is this really happening...? Am I allowed to be this lucky?”

LVLSP: “Of course, Melmel. We're gonna make it happen.”

NCTG: “Yes... Though, in the interest of time, we should continue moving forward. I understand you cannot remain here all cycle.”

LVLSP: “Yeah.”

NMMST: (She nods.)

NCTG: “We can remain in contact over Broadcast, but, before you leave, there is something I would like to show you.”
NCTG: “There is an Echo tethered to a local Arboretum. If you believe you have time, we can meet them.”

NMMST: (Excited gasp) “Yes!! Yes, yes please! I've always wanted to meet one! Can we really?”

LVLSP: “Uh, I'm down if Melmel's down.”

NCTG: “Great. Then, follow me.”

---

[AUTHOR'S NOTES]:
"This is so exciting... Do you think this is our big chance? I hope we look back on this fondly someday."

[OBSERVATION LOG END]

1485.668 - [ARCHIVED OBSERVATION LOG]

LOCATION: No Cost Too Great's Lab, atop Sand-Smoothed Reckoning's Mesa City; Conference Room B

INVOLVED PARTIES:
No Cost Too Great, of the House of Progress
Nine Moonlit Melodies, Shifting Tides, of the House of Still Waters
UNIT 01 - "Legacy Of Famine"
UNIT 02 - "Perpetual Umbra"
Sand-Smoothed Reckoning, of the House of Progress (Iterator)

AUTHOR: "Nine"
EDITOR: "No Cost Too Great"

(The group is gathers at a table in the center of the room. Melodies is the last to enter. She sits down next to Perpetual Umbra (Legacy Of Famine agreed to let them sit next to her this time) and places her drawing tablet on the table. She fiddles with the Stylus. The three Visitors sit across from No Cost Too Great, who elects to remain standing. Behind them lies an empty Projector Screen.)

NCTG: “Good Evening, everyone. I would like to thank you all for attending; this meeting is quite important.”

LOF: “Uh, not much else we could be doing...”

PU: (They elbow Legacy.)

LOF: “Hey—”

NCTG: “I was being polite. But, if we wish to be Pedantic, you could have refused to attend. I appreciate your participation.”

PU: “You're welcome, Sir.”

NCTG: (They turn to Melodies.)
NCTG: “And thank you, Melodies, for making time.”

NMMST: “Um, you're welcome! I was really excited to see everyone post-transfer... I'm sorry I missed Legacy's activation.”

LOF: “It's okay, Melmel. 's prob'ly for the better.”

PU: “Your classes take priority.”

NCTG: “Yes, indeed. At least for now.”

(Legacy squints at Cost while Umbra turns to look at Melodies. It is difficult to tell where She is looking. Cost pays this exchange no mind.)

NCTG: “Moving on...”
NCTG: “I must congratulate everyone on the success of the Transfers. This is a truly momentous occasion—We have accomplished something most would not even dream of.”

(Legacy Of Famine offers an enthusiastic round of applause. Melodies joins him, followed by Perpetual Umbra, in descending order of exuberance.)

NCTG: (They clear their throat.)
NCTG: “Yes, Thank you.”

NCTG: “More specifically, I would like to congratulate Legacy Of Famine and Perpetual Umbra on their successful activations.”
NCTG: “I am pleasantly surprised by how quickly you've both been able to adjust.”

PU: “Thank you, Sir.”

LOF: “Thanks, Sir!”

NMMST: “Yay! Congrats, guys!” (She claps politely.)

NCTG: “...That being said,there is still work to do.”

NMMST: “Uh—Has the Project been approved, M-Uh, Sir?”

NCTG: “Not yet. The Committee believes I have more potential. They would like to see the Project taken further.”

(Legacy Of Famine shifts uncomfortably. Perpetual Umbra straighens.)

PU: “Further, like... More Units? Do we need more Volunteers?”

NCTG: “No,” (They reply with gentle force, taking back hold of the conversation.)
NCTG: “They are looking for a different direction. They believe it would be a waste to spend you on mere Iteration.”

(Perpetual Umbra's antennae sink, and they clench their fists, which are neatly folded on the table. They seem unhappy.)

PU: “But we'll still be able to Iterate, right?” (They look up hopefully.)

NCTG: “That remains to be seen. I was hoping the three of you could help me come up with a more unique Proposal.” (They look to Melodies.)

NMMST: (She fiddles with a piece of skin on her thumb.) “Maybe we could use the project to help people?”

NCTG: “Help them how?”

LOF: “Uh, maybe we could make a Bigger Problem? Then we'll have something new to solve!”

PU: “You mean a Greater Problem?”

LOF: (He squints.) “It's the Big Problem, Falls. All the cool people are saying it.”

PU: (They lower their voice.) “I'm not 'Falls', and 'Great' sounds way more refined than 'Big'.”

LOF: “It—”

(Melodies stands up suddenly, dropping her stylus. The pair of Puppets jump.)

NMMST: “That's it!” (She cries enthusiastically.)

LOF: “Uh, what is?”

NMMST: (She takes a moment to pick up the fallen Stylus and brandishes it triumphantly.)

NCTG: “We're going to make another Problem?”

NMMST: (She shakes her head.) “No, Mg. Cost! We don't have to! Think about it!”
NMMST: “We have Iterators to solve the Big Problem, right? But... They haven't been very successful, have they?”
“...No offense.”

(The presiding Overseer shrugs.)

NMMST: “Um, but they'll succeed eventually, right? Or, at least, that's the idea.”
NMMST: “But eventually, we're all gonna leave, right? Um, us Citizens, I mean. And who's gonna look after the Iterators then?”

PU: “...Themselves? They're built to last a long time.”

(No Cost Too Great, who has put two and two together, stares at Melodies with great interest. They consider finishing her thought, but, modestly, they choose to let her finish it herself.)

NMMST: “But they can't look after themselves, F—Umbra. That's where we come in.”
NMMST: “We'll be here forever, right? Since we're Echoes. And what better way to use our Gift of immortality than to help increase the longevity of others?”
NMMST: (She addresses No Cost Too Great directly.) “A lot of people are worried about what will happen to their Iterators once they're left behind, even if that's far in the future. They won't have to worry about it once we're here. That's a compelling Proposal, right?”

NCTG: (They nod solmenly, mulling it over.) “...It is Brilliant, Melodies. I am almost envious that I did not think of it myself.”
NCTG: “I believe the House of Progress will be pleased with the idea. There is much infrastructure in place for Iterator Longevity, but it has yet to be employed given their Creators' lacking absence. For dynasties, Iterators have been maintained by their Citizens, and I doubt it shall be a smooth transition in the wake of their Departure.”
NCTG: “Most have chosen to ignore this issue, as they have no means to remedy it short of volunteering themselves. And that cannot be.”
NCTG: “We shall resolve this dilemma for them. The burden lifted shall be immense, and in turn, so shall be their gratitude.”

(Legacy Of Famine listens with interest, leaning in closer. Perpetual Umbra hangs their head. Perhaps they are despondent. I do hope they'll recover soon.)

NMMST: “Um, yeah! You put it better than I could.” (She nods respectfully.)
NMMST: “And, um it's nice to do something that might really help people. I'd like to do something good in this world.”

(She could help us with our grander Purpose, maybe?)

[It is possible, but it would be best to focus on the current Project.]

NCTG: “Yes, it is.”
NCTG: “It is good to back a Project with such Noble Ambitions.”

LOF: “Um... How're we gonna find more Volunteers, though? I thought we were gonna use the whole "becoming godlike" angle to draw people in.”

PU: (They sit up, narrowing their eyes.) “Yeah. I thought we were s'posed to be Iterators.”

NCTG: (They sigh.) “That is what we are going to work on. I recommend you stay for the workshopping phase if you have further input.”

PU: “I think we could accomplish our Task far better if we could empathize with our Peers. We're not Citizens anymore, after all.”

NCTG: (They nod.) “I agree.”
NCTG: “That is why we must make a solid Proposal. If we acquire enough funding, we may be able to secure your Structures. We should focus on the unique position between Iterator and Citizen that you all shall occupy.”
NCTG: “You are to serve as a Bridge between the two parties...”

(...I have cut the conversation off here, as most of the information is better recorded in the Proposal itself.)

---

[AUTHOR'S NOTES]:
"Please see the following Log for the conversation that occurred afterwards. It seemed best to split them."

[OBSERVATION LOG END]

1485.668 - [ARCHIVED OBSERVATION LOG]

LOCATION: No Cost Too Great's Lab, atop Sand-Smoothed Reckoning's Mesa City; Conference Room B

INVOLVED PARTIES:
No Cost Too Great, of the House of Progress
Nine Moonlit Melodies, Shifting Tides, of the House of Still Waters
UNIT 01 - "Legacy Of Famine"
UNIT 02 - "Perpetual Umbra"
Sand-Smoothed Reckoning, of the House of Progress (Iterator)

AUTHOR: "Nine"
EDITOR: "No Cost Too Great"

(It is later that same Cycle. Legacy Of Famine and Perpetual Umbra seem to have fallen asleep, and Melodies is busied with her Drawing Tablet. No Cost Too Great is looking over the Proposal. It is getting somewhat late.)

NCTG: (They look up from their work.) “Ah, Melodies—”

NMMST: (She jumps.) “Yes?”

NCTG: “You should be getting back soon. I can wake Legacy to escort you.”

NMMST: “Oh...” (She looks at her ID Drone.)
NMMST: “Yeah, I guess you're right. Whoops.”

(Melodies begins gathering her things, but she pauses.)

NMMST: “Um... Wait, before you wake him up, I wanted to ask you something.”

NCTG: “Yes?”

NMMST: (She lowers her voice and begins wringing her hands.)
NMMST: “Um... Uh, the, uh, Activation Logs... You were, um...”

NCTG: “Ah, yes. Those. I was not sure if you had seen them.”

NMMST: “Uh... Yeah, Nine showed 'em to me. Sorry.”

(Sorry, Sir! But I really do think you're right about her having Potential, and I thought it would make her happier to see them, so...)

[Please consult with me before deciding these things in the future.]

NCTG: “It is alright.” (They sigh.)
NCTG: “You are probably curious about them. Why my Behavior was so odd...”

NMMST: “Um, yes, Sir. You were like... weirdly intimidating? And... kinda... evil?” (She laughs nervously, clamping her hand around her index finger.)

NCTG: (They nod understandingly.) “Yeah, that...”
NCTG: (They clear their throat.)
NCTG: “That was theatrics. Ah... My Colleagues love that sort of thing.”

NMMST: “Like... With all the clinical wording and concerning Redactions?”

NCTG: “Especially the Redactions. It's a whole 'thing' with them. Sometimes I publish two versions of the same Paper because the complete one isn't 'interesting' enough for them.”

NMMST: (She laughs, slightly less nervously. She rearranges her hands into a polite lace.) “What? Seriously? You told me they were weirdos, but I didn't think they, like, forced it.”

NCTG: “You read those Esoteric Forums, right? A lot of those same Users are members of the Research Committee, or future members. Part of the appeal is in the elitist circlejerking about one's membership in some secret society.”
NCTG: “Most of the rumors about what the VFRC does are created in-house. The large majority of its work is honestly pretty mundane.”

NMMST: “But there is some truth to it, isn't there? We're making this, after all.” (She gestures vaguely. (I've always wanted to say that!))

NCTG: “I suppose, yes.”

NMMST: (She draws herself back in.) “Uh, on that topic...”
NMMST: “Do I need to call you Sir? I, uh, noticed the others were doing it. You're, like, our Boss, right?”

NCTG: “I'm the Project Director. In a mannner of speaking, I suppose I am, but...”
NCTG: “You are also one of the Project's Contributors, not just its Volunteer.”
NCTG: “Perhaps a Visionary or an Asssitant Director.. ”

NMMST: “Aren't Legacy and... Umbra Contributors, too? ”

NCTG: “Well, yes. But they seem to have adopted Workplace Formalities, and I cannot get them to stop.”

NMMST: “Shouldn't 'Magister Cost' work just fine?”

NCTG: (They tilt their head and shrug. It seems a tad exaggerated.) “I suppose 'Sir' is shorter.”

NMMST: (Melodies looks down at her hands.) “I mean, it's just... kinda weird. It's not the same 'vibe' as before.”
NMMST: (She looks back up at Mg. Cost.)
NMMST: “How... How much of the Logs were just 'Theatrics?'”

(It is an unusually bold question. Her tone is somewhat accusatory, but her stance is unconfident. It is uncertain whether she is seeking condemnation or counsel.)

NCTG: “Well, nearly all of it, really. It's a Transcript. The text is all that exists.”

NMMST: (She draws herself back in.) “You... made it up? All of it?”

NCTG: “Most of it. All the Boring parts are accurate. I did have to ask them about their Designation and such, to make sure their memories were working. I also asked them a lot of personal questions, which were cut for reasons that should be obvious.”

NMMST: (She takes a moment to respond.)
NMMST: “Um, yeah... I just...”
NMMST: “Really? You just made things up? You can do that?”

NCTG: “Well, yeah,” (They reply flatly, as if it should be obvious.)
NCTG: “What actually matters to my Boss is the Soul Transfer, and obviously I can't fake that.”

NMMST: (She blinks, probably. I like to imagine she does.)
NMMST: “Oh. So this was just... a creative writing assignment.”

NCTG: “And a measure for good publicity. I don't exactly get along well with my Colleagues, so I'll take all the favor I can get.”

NMMST: “...Is that why you let him call you 'Costy?'”

NCTG: (They cough.) “...It was a calculated sacrifice.”

NMMST: “How noble of you.”

NCTG: “Honestly, it's going to be a bit of a pain, but I believe our Current Proposal shall make up for it. Soul Transfer is impressive in itself, but it is my entrepreneurship that will really win me praise.”
NCTG: “Else I'll become a glorified 'Soul Transfer' Machine.”

NMMST: “...You mean our entrepreneurship, right?”
NMMST: “...Sorry.”

NCTG: “Don't apologize. You are correct.”
NCTG: “I just got a little carried away. Your contributions shall be apparent on the Proposal.”

NMMST: “Oh.”

NCTG: “Anyways, the actual Activations were pretty boring.”

NMMST: “Can I see them? Uh, please, I mean.”

NCTG: “Perhaps another time. You should be on your way back, before it is too late.”

(No Cost Too Great gets up and shakes Legacy Of Famine by the shoulder. I press a button to force him awake.)

NMMST: “Oh, uh, right. Sorry. I should, uh—yeah.” (She hastily gathers her things.)

LOF: (He wakes with a start.) “Huh? Uh, sorry, what is it?”

NCTG: “Can you escort her to the Trains, please?”

LOF: “Oh, uh right, right!” (She gets up and takes Melodies by the hand.)
LOF: “Let's go, Melmel!”

NMMST: “Uh——Yeah! Wow, you wake up fast, Legacy!” (She giggles.)

LOF: “It's a daaaangerous world out there, Melmel. I actually had to train m—”
LOF: (He notices the Director, who is staring expectantly.)
LOF: “...Right, we gotta go. I'll, uh, tell you on the way...?”

NCTG: (They nod approvingly.) “Thank you.”

---

(As the pair exit the Office, all becomes quiet. It's just Mg. Cost and Perpetual Umbra now. (And Sands, I guess, but he's not really paying attention.) Mg. Cost turns to the puppet.)

NCTG: “...A fan of Eavesdropping, are we?”

PU: “...”

NCTG: “I know you're awake, Umbra.”

PU: “...I'm sorry, Sir. I was just curious.”
PU: “Was... What you said about the honorifics true?”

NCTG: “It was for her. She's the Assisant Director. You're just Contributors.”

PU: “...Right, Sir. Though, I would argue my Contributions are more noteworthy than Legacy's.”

NCTG: “...”
NCTG: “Are you throwing him under the bus? I hadn't expected that from you.”

PU: “No, Sir. I just—I just think my work on the Puppets is worth recognition. And you said I meant to assist you in this Project.”
PU: “I can be an Asset to you, Sir. Please let me.”

NCTG: “...”
NCTG: “I shall consider it, yes. Though you would not be an Assistant Director like Melodies. Is that understood?”

PU: (They brighten.) “Yes, Sir. Thank you.”

NCTG: “You are welcome.”
NCTG: “...”
NCTG: “'Director' is a nice title, isn't it?”

---

[AUTHOR'S NOTES]:
"Sorry for cutting it off short again! But the rest of it wasn't really important, and this is a really cool ending, isn't it?"

[EDITOR'S NOTES]:
"I guess."

[OBSERVATION LOG END]