This Is Progress
| This Is Progress | |
|---|---|
| Date of Cutscene: | 24 November 2012 |
| Location: | Manhattan - Underground |
| Synopsis: | The good Doctor ruminates upon his tribulations in his hidden laboratories. A man approaches him with an offer. |
| Cast of Characters: | Anton Sevarius, LEXUS |
| Tinyplot: | In A New York Minute |
The underworld of Manhattan was an excellent place to disappear. In the turmoil of the loss of the world, the already seldom-traveled tunnels became a twisted warren, a perfect home for the lost and those who wished to remain so.
That suited the man perfectly. Within the advanced laboratory remains of Cyberbiotics, he slowly performed his work, looking for new and creative ways to unlock the potential of mankind... To sell for ridiculous profits, of course. His location allowed him access to the occasional test subject, each of whom was more than happy to contribute to the furtherance of science... After the application of the proper amount of tranquilizer serum, of course.
But word gets around, and no one is willing to contribute any more. Or perhaps, that is, wander close enough that he can efficiently 'recruit' them. His research is coming to a terrible slowdown.
Perhaps it is because of him being used to the silent halls that he is surprised to hear a series of measured footsteps. The door into his laboratory crackles for a moment, and then opens, another man walking in. He is dressed in a neat suit, looking for all the world like a man in his late middle ages... If it wasn't for the glowing purple lines that wander across his tie, up the jawline to his temples... And the eyes, each with black eyes interspersed with radiant purple circular designs.
"Doctor Anton Sevarius." The intruder begins in a neutral tone. Dr. Sevarius doesn't waste time, firing a taser dart at the man.
The dart strikes a black disk, emblazoned in violet with the same insignia as his eyes as it rezzes into existence and deflects the projectile with a burst of electricity. The man speaks again. "There is no need for violence, Doctor. I am here because I have heard of your work, and I am quite... impressed."
"Who are you?" Sevarius asks in a frightened tone of the clearly inhuman man. "What are you? How did you find me? "
"My designation is LEXUS," he replies. "I am a representative of an organization that has taken an interest in your work. We believe that your dedication to science will be... useful to us. And we are prepared to pay handsomely."
Dr. Sevarius' stance shifts at the mention of money. "I see... Well, I am not sure what you want, but we can discuss this."
"Excellent." LEXUS replies. The door hisses shut behind him. "You are seeking new material for your work. You need resources. We will provide both. I wish to see what you are capable of with these specimens." Pools of blackness open around him, and several Heartless of various types arise, staring hungrily at Anton.
Sevarius recoils. "What? You wish me to experiment with Heartless?" Even down here, they know of the darkness that assaults the city. It preys upon them too, after all... But a gleam enters Sevarius' eye. "Indeed... They do possess a certain amount of... potential."
LEXUS nods, his expression impassive. "We will supply you with money and research material. We wish you to develop superior, controllable Heartless. Use any methods you deem fit. Unlike other employers, All we wish are results."
Sevarius smiles. Finally, someone who understands. "Excellent. However, my preferred research 'assistants' have been rather difficult to replace lately." He shrugs, smiling. "We lose them so fast. I blame the stress of the research."
"This will not be an issue." LEXUS reaches into his suit. "We have determined there is someone here in the Labyrinth you can use to gather you more... assistants... as needed." He throws the photograph onto the desk, and Sevarius blinks.
"This is..."
"Analysis indicates that he wishes leadership of the groups beneath Manhattan. Give him a method to attain this and you will be able to acquire whatever you wish. His personality will be... compatible with your work."
"I see." Sevarius rubs his hands, and then extends it. "Then we have a deal, LEXUS."
LEXUS, finally, smiles. "I look forward to your success, good Doctor."
