becomeanwarrior | [Private to Lulu]

That is correct. The real "me" is in a place that cannot be reached from here. This is the only "safe" method of communication, but as a result of the limitation, any ability to thoroughly communicate my situation is heavily limited to avoid "misunderstandings".

The method I am using, in it's established limits, is completely safe. So long as I do not go beyond how much I interface myself, I can operate to ideal standards, given the circumstances.

However, this method was not exactly recommended for use with something that already has a consciousness, and especially with pushing beyond the safe boundary... I fear it may end up fracturing Ren's consciousness, and in turn, may damage the boy he is interfacing with.

So, in short, interfacing with something static - an AI hologram, or a synthetic body - is perfectly safe, interfacing with something with a consciousness, like, say, a human - is much more fraught, especially if you're pushing yourself the way Ren apparently has, and dangerous for both him and Akira.

Right, so. Say we wanted to... cut the connection, or force Ren out of the boy he's interfacing with. What's the best way to accomplish that?

It's highly probable that this boy, Akira, has a crystal on his person. He may not even be aware that he's carrying it.

You would need to destroy it, but I... also need it, to pinpoint where Ren may be hiding on my end. So I would prefer it to not be destroyed before I can trace it.

Thankfully, as he has not transformed, and is considered a compatible ideal, it will not be fragile, but it will make getting an opportunity to trace it to be difficult.

Right, you mentioned before these crystals can... transform people. What are the risks to someone else pulling it off his person?

Additionally, what happens if we can't pull it off him stealthily, how will Ren likely retaliate?

If the person is not compatible, and does not exercise proper precaution, they will likely transform-- quicker, since there is an active link in play.

Does this boy, Akira, have any abilities of note? My answer depends upon this.

...None that I know of. However, it's possible that, like his uncle, he may be a Psychic Duelist. The boy harbors a great disdain for the supernatural, according to his uncle, so if he did have any special abilities of note, they may be repressed and untapped.

If he has any untapped abilities, consider them "tapped". Ren would use any method at his disposal to push what he is interfacing with to it's highest abilities.

Duly noted, and... perhaps explains his ability to interface with the AI system using Akira as a medium...

Sure hope Yamada doesn't have any preexisting heart conditions, he's not gonna like this...

Edited 2022-03-18 04:54 (UTC)

Hnm.

And remind me, again, why nothing is to be done, currently, about him?

Considering my mission, it would be best if I could approach him and trace the crystal sooner than later...

Well, to put it simply, the way you have described this Ren is 'desperate'. In my line of work, the best thing to do in these circumstances is to move slowly - a sudden change in circumstances might cause Ren to do something drastic - which, as you have already said, will make things worse for both Ren and Akira.

Ideally, we let him continue to operate until we've discovered his motive - as you can't tell us, that leaves it on us observing him in his natural environment to figure out.

...All that said I'm aware that all parties wish to act as soon as possible, so: What would you need from us in order to trace this crystal?

Edited 2022-03-18 05:08 (UTC)

I need him restrained, and I need the crystal to be undamaged.

As long as the link exists in some capacity, I will be able to trace him. I am fully equipped to do so.

However, I wish to see no harm come to the boy, Akira, whom he has decided to interface with.

Keep in mind, if we successfully locate him on our end, it will free Akira.

And there is... no chance of Ren destroying the crystal in an attempt to thwart you? I just want to cover my bases here, Miss Lulu. I think we're all on the same page about getting the boy out of this as safely as possible.

Hnmn.

He likely would hesitate to destroy it, given the very random quality of depositing the crystals on this world in the first place.

It's probable that his activities through Akira have been his only way of actually controlling their appearance, so destroying the crystal would be a major set-back for him.

A more likely scenario is that it would be a race to find him before he moves from his current location, so as to not repeat the encounter.

Edited 2022-03-18 05:23 (UTC)

In terms of vanishing, with Akira in tow, it sounds like?

Because this would definitely not be... ideal, for us either.

So, what would you suggest to restrain him?

Hnmm, Akira might not vanish so much as...

Well, if Ren is busy having to run, he isn't exactly capable of controlling Akira, now would he? But if he catches onto things before I can trace him, he may control Akira to run away to avoid capture.

He needs to be taken by surprise, ideally.

So... take him by surprise, restrain him before he has a chance to escape with Akira. Have you there on hand preferably to give him minimal time to relocate.

And, just to quench my anxiety, one last question, Miss Lulu. These crystals are known for... transforming those they aren't compatible with. Is... there some way someone who is compatible could tap into it? Or is it entirely an unintended side effect.

It is, ultimately, an unintended side-effect.

But it is possible. The problem is, that, well...

... This is somewhat embarrassing to say, but we, as in our end, don't have enough information about this phenomenon that involves those who are compatible, yet from outside of our world.

It cannot be understated just how rare of a person this Akira is.

So there is a non-insignificant chance the transformation can occur regardless.

That was... not what I was hoping to hear, but so it goes in my line of work.

You've been a big help, Miss Lulu.

I will have certainly hope I have been.

... This is also a mild request, but please be on the lookout. It seems as though multiple people here attempt to use the crystals to their advantage, not knowing of their side-effects or the rarity of those who could take advantage of them.

While I think it would be worse if they're stopped outright, as it would just increase their "appeal", it would be nice if, perhaps, the collection of them would be attempted before others can do so.

Also, have you ever heard of anything called "The Yellow Sign" or "The Silver Key"?

The... Yellow Sign and Silver Key...?

I know there's a card called the Silver Key but it's been out of print for a minute. I don't know how that's relevant. The Yellow Sign... I can't think of anything offhand but it reminds of Lovecraft literature. The King in Yellow, specifically.

Do you suspect these terms are related, Miss Lulu?

They are, apparently.

They were mentioned by one of the persons who are interested in the crystals, during a recent exchange of information.

...Great.

Thank you for bringing these to my attention, at least. This is helpful information to add to an... ever-growing file.

As to your request, OOPARTS will be looking into further leads about these people and the various exploitation of users using crystals, as that is part of our duties. If you see anyone who fits that profile, don't hesitate to forward them to me specifically.

Very well.

The source of those names was from a business called "Auld Lang Syne".

You may want to look there.

Duly noted, and once more, thank you for your help.

We'll be in touch, obviously, when we feel certain we can move on Akira to extract the crystal.

[Private to Lulu]

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