No. 00X - The Fourth Wall

[reminded]

[There sure is a lot of excitement this morning. After getting a vague grip on the situation by talking to some of the wingless newcomers, Layton decides to take a stroll around the village, trunk in hand, and observe. Something very unusual is happening, and there's no point in missing it by staying indoors.

Occasionally, he takes a seat on a bench or at a table and scribbles notes into his journal. Or puzzles into his puzzle index. Because no matter how much hubbub there is, you can never stop the puzzles.]

Comments

[descrier]

[ Not recognizing him by face, Marita takes her own seat at the table not that far from him. The hustle and bustle reminds her of what she has been told how the 'abductions' were performed, but this time to an even more full effect. Wingless and winged, she's not sure what the connection holds.

Not far from her, she notices the observer with wings — scribbling important notes down. ]

Have you figured out any sort of connection?

[reminded]

[Layton looks up from his writing, notes this woman's wings, and tips his hat in greeting.]

A connection between what, madam?

[descrier]

Between us and them. [ Her gaze follows to the wingless. ] Or any reason as to why they have shown up.

[reminded]

[He follows her line of sight.]

Ah. All of the newcomers I've spoken to seem clueless. No wings... and no journals, either. I find that quite interesting.

[descrier]

I agree.

Do you think it has something to do with some sort of integration? Such as combining the two to see how they interact communicatively...

[reminded]

No, I don't surmise this is an experiment of a social nature. The newcomers all appear to be of sound mind and therefore poor cases of scientific variability. Rather, I think the focus of the experiment has to do with their lack of wings, and the lack of journals speaks for the expected results of that experiment.

[descrier]

It wouldn't be that far of a theory that they are being brought here to taunt us, would it? [ Perhaps if Mulder had said it, it would have come out as a joke, but the way Marita speaks it is in full seriousness. She knows what it is like to feel like a trapped animal, begging for her life to get out and being taunted by those who are much freer than she. ] From what I can surmise, the Malnosso would have enough vexation to make such a statement.

[reminded]

[He brings a hand to his chin. He does have his feelings about the whole ordeal, but...]

I can only hope the Malnosso aren't so petty. Which begs the question: are you truly so offended, madam? [It isn't a challenge--just an expression of curiosity.]

[descrier]

Offended? [ She pauses, then slowly shakes her head. Her demeanor does not change. ] I'm just curious as to why they are bringing in these wingless.

Although seemingly petty... sometimes those with power enjoy making their statements in such a way. Similar to statements from a Cold War.

[reminded]

[Hmm. He has had his own run-ins with strangely antagonist people in the past.] I suppose you may be right. There could be any number of motives involved here, and I cannot fully discount any.

[Oh, but he's been speculating with this woman and they hardly know each other.] I forget myself. My name is Hershel Layton. How do you do?

[descrier]

Mr. Layton, it's a pleasure to meet you in person. [ Marita extends her hand. Although her expression remains neutral, she seems genuinely interested in her company. ] Marita Covarrubias. We conversed earlier over the network. The guide you sent me was very helpful.

[reminded]

[Well, he wasn't expecting that. He brightens upon hearing the name and gives her hand a firm but composed shake.]

Ms. Covarrubias! What a pleasant surprise. It's good to finally put a face to the name. I see that you're just as inquisitive in person as you are on paper.

[descrier]

As are you. [ She returns to him an utmost professional handshake. ] I've spent the past few days thoroughly reading into what you sent me, but all of this seems to be something entirely different.

I really can't seem to grasp the meaning behind it either, but... this is one of those "shifts" isn't it?

[reminded]

Perhaps. I thought it might be a test of whatever technology is contained within our wings. A new method of incorporation, for instance. I'm sure you've noticed that we are still able to understand them, and they us, despite their lack of wings.

[descrier]

That's what confuses me... but if it's testing a new implant to bring more people in without wings, then it makes sense. The only thing that doesn't make sense to me is the timing. If the incoming of New Feathers are only every other month, then... why would the Malnosso deviate from their own schedule? Scientists such these usually never deviate from their controlled schedules without reason.

[reminded]

Because they don't consider these arrivals to be New Feathers. That they haven't been supplied with journals makes that much clear. As for why they have been deposited here -- I cannot say. Is it purely with the intent to make a mockery of us? Perhaps we'll find out, or perhaps we won't.

[descrier]

Would there be any other reason to bring them in otherwise? If not from the enclosures or as a part of new additions, bearing no signs of experimentation, nor do they have any prior memory except from their own world... I do not think it would be that far of a conclusion that it is only a reminder of our place here.