text post to the watch

[sciencewizard]

I have information to share regarding the creatures that have been roaming the streets. One of them quite rudely – and quite foolishly – attempted to assault me as I was completing nighttime errands, but I subdued it. Since transporting it to a secure location, I have been running tests on it. I have, as of now, discovered a few points of note.

Firstly, the creature I captured is not magical. I suspect that this is true of all of these creatures, but I will need more specimens to support or reject this hypothesis.

Secondly, I cannot identify the metal comprising some of the specimen's body. I believe that the metal is not of earthly origins. The moisture the metal exudes tests similarly, but it is rather akin to the sweat of an organic being. I highly doubt that it is a dangerous substance.

Thirdly, an inspection of the specimen's cybernetic parts yields nothing out of the ordinary for cybernetics, though the technology in and of itself is fascinating. As the specimen remains alive, I am hesitant to dissect its organic sections or probe its brain. If it dies, I will complete a full-body internal examination.

Finally, observation of the areas where the flesh and metal join reveals that this specimen has been in possession of its cybernetic components for roughly a month. Whoever or whatever made this creature and its brethren what they are has seemingly been planning out these events. That leaves one to wonder: what is its objective? Judging from others' exchanges with the "Dr. Dynamo" figure, one might conclude that it is seeking to "cleanse" those it regards as "unclean" – those with superhuman abilities, I believe. The question remains, however: why? What does it stand to gain?

If you have information of your own, I will be eager to listen.

Comments

[chapterfiveversenine]

Do you have reason to believe that the false Dynamo's religious zealotry serves a higher purpose?

[sciencewizard]

The alien qualities of the cybernetic metal and its moisture have lead me to believe that this may not be merely religious zealotry on the part of a human. Extraterrestrial involvement should be considered, if it has not already been considered.

[chapterfiveversenine]

Removal of superhuman forces would facilitate standard supervillain goals to "take over the world".

[sciencewizard]

Indeed, though I do not think the possible motive of "taking over the world" would stem from a hunger for power or a desire to enslave humanity. Unless the false Dynamo's words were as false as he, the being behind this – which, as I said, I expect is not human – considers humans without superhuman abilities to be sacred. Perhaps it wishes to achieve world domination in order to protect them from the "unclean".

[chapterfiveversenine]

Then you believe that despite the inhumanity of the false Dynamo, they may still be genuine in their zealotry.

Technological failures and harvested captives may provide alternate sources for new technology outside of standard manufacturing processes; however, your hypothesis has been noted and will be weighted equally with others.

We agree that a form of religious cleansing is most likely to be the primary motive behind deployment of cybernetic mutant animals.

[sciencewizard]

Correct.

Are you suggesting that the metal and its unusual properties may have been created through a sort of "mad science" experimentation on organic captives?

[chapterfiveversenine]

It is a significant possibility. Cybernetic and synthetic captives may also have been involved.

[sciencewizard]

It is quite an interesting possibility, as well. How did you come to the conclusion that this was likely? Have you discovered any relevant information?

[chapterfiveversenine]

Earth has the highest number of genetic mutants with abilities beyond that of species wild-types, the highest number of alien immigrants, and the highest concentration of thaumatic energy documented by this platform. The effects of these properties gain complexity in combination.

This planet is unpredictable. Multiple superhumans in a single location increase the likelihood of unseen outcomes.

[sciencewizard]

Hmm. This is true. I will be fascinated to see which of the possible explanations is the truth, or if the truth is a previously unconsidered explanation.

Has progress been made regarding a location?

[chapterfiveversenine]

As of ten seconds ago, yes. We will be able to determine location within a week.

[cyborged]

Is there any way to trace it back to a place of origin? Where they were put together or sent from?

[sciencewizard]

Not from the tests I am able to run. Perhaps if one were to kill one of the creatures and place it in a public space, one could see if its brethren transported it anywhere upon finding it. This would likely be dangerous, so it would be best attempted by a team of individuals trained in the art of stealth.

...Or one could use a subtle tracking device, provided one has access to such technology.

[rememberyousoon]

If you need more of these things I can give some to you after I take them down, but their circuits might be a bit fried.

[sciencewizard]

I suppose I do not "need" them, in the purest sense of the word, but deceased specimens would provide me with the opportunity to perform dissections, which could, in turn, lead to further discoveries.

Your assistance would therefore be appreciated, though I should warn you against placing yourself in excessive danger for the purpose of gathering these specimens. I can collect them myself, if need be.

[rememberyousoon]

Someone has to take them down, so if they can be useful I may as well deliver them to you.

[sciencewizard]

Excellent. Your economical attitude will serve you well in your endeavors.

I require two specimens, preferably of different builds. It is best if they are terminated with minimal damage to their bodies (including their brains), but I will work with what I have. I will meet you at a specific location to collect them.

[rememberyousoon]

Alright then, I'll keep the shocking to a minimum.

Did you have a location already in mind? I was planning to be downtown tonight, but I don't think it makes much difference where I am.

[sciencewizard]

Yes, but I can change the location so that we will meet closer to the downtown if you do not have access to a vehicle. I am currently outside of the city.

[rememberyousoon]

No, I can meet you, but I can't carry these things too far. How far outside of the city are you?

private

[sciencewizard]

I am in the mountains to the north-west of the city – approximately thirty miles from downtown Los Angeles.

The location I am considering is in Glendale. I would expect you to have to drive for twenty minutes or less, given the likely lack of traffic. Does that work well for you?

private

[rememberyousoon]

Sure. Hopefully I can take a couple down on my way. How soon will you be there?

private

[sciencewizard]

It will likely take me thirty minutes to arrive. If you intend to kill the creatures on the way there, then the time that one of us waits for the other should not be long.

In addition: It is best if you are in possession of another, more reliable way of contacting me, so I am including my cellphone number. I will see you there.

[As promised, Miriel sends her phone number and the coordinates for the location. Nilin will find, upon arriving, that the location is the empty parking lot of the Home Depot. It is the perfect place to hand off cyborg monster corpses.]

[superball]

No need for more specimens of these dreadful things! I can assure you, none of them are magical in any way, shape or form.

[sciencewizard]

Then you have already tested multiple specimens for magical qualities and had conclusive negative results?

[superball]

I don't *need* to, for I carry in my blood the amazing ability to detect arcane energies! If these were magical, I could most definitely tell.

[sciencewizard]

Many wizards possess that ability – including myself, to an extent. I thought it was obvious what I meant by "testing," but I should have clarified. I am not using equipment to run scientific tests on these specimens for the purpose of uncovering magical qualities.

[superball]

Ah, but here's the trick - no wizard alive can track magic like I do. It's a natural talent, one passed down my family for generations! You could call me... a specialist.

[sciencewizard]

I see...If these creatures are not magical, though, then how will that ability assist us in uncovering further information on these events and their mastermind?

[superball]

Ouch! You wound me. I thought you might appreciate the confirmation that magic has nothing to do with this, at least!

... Although it's true that this power hasn't been of much use to me when facing those horrendous monsters.