[ There has to be a solution. For Pom to starve and to keep starving because of his souls... At times, Mel tries to consider what previous Augmented must have had to do, and she comes up empty. Did any of them have more than one soul? Did Patho-Gen even care enough to find a solution if such a thing occurred? (Or are those carnivora locked away like Peacock is, or used like the Golems and Terra?)
Kelesis won't be enough. ]
It's possible on the expedition you'll be able to find more wildlife out there.
[ Whether it should be eaten or not is a completely different story. ]
There must be some way. I don't speak out of some vain hope; I simply refuse to believe this sort of problem hasn't been considered before now.
[ But then...there are a lot of carnivora types... Herself included, too, though her diet hasn't changed much. ]
[But if that noncommittal answer says anything, it's that he, too, doesn't know if they should be eaten - if they could sustain him, or if it'd be a losing battle, one he's not willing to fight because it goes against his principles, against what he considers good.]
You think Patho-Gen has dealt with a problem like this before?
[ Though that makes her aware of something else, though it's been months since she considered it... ]
I heard a voice down in the underground, likely when I got the wolf soul. Two people speaking about cattle and culling. Likely Patho-Gen is aware of the danger of having too many of us around.
[He heard voices about faulty implants and there being 'so many,' Mel got something about 'cattle and culling.' Neither of those makes Pom optimistic regarding his dilemma.]
You think they would ever use some of us to cull others? They clearly aren't above using Augmented for food.
If they believe it will be of use to them, yes. If we are too rowdy or uncontrolled. But so far, as near as I can tell, the Augmenters going haywire is the more likely cause.
We are under one hundred in number. We aren't putting a dent into their food population. But it wouldn't shock me if we weren't here β all of us, not only Carnivora souls β to keep the Karterian population in check.
[His phone doesn't pick up the hn he lets out on his end. At least Mel is always honest with him, even when the topic is grim. Maybe he should do the same, spot beating around the proverbial bush.]
You think there's anything they could do about me? If I asked?
[ She hates that the answer is likely 'yes'. Patho-Gen will help the Augmented if it means getting something in return, like trust. That's how things were with Viktor... But that was so many months ago and Patho-Gen has been none-too-pleased with them lately. ]
They could, but likely for a price. And they may not be able to help you right this moment with that wall of meat around.
[And he hates that idea, but does he hate it more than the thought of him hurting his friends? Of becoming a monster?]
I don't trust them, but I can't live like this. I can't put people at risk. Can't put all people have been working toward at risk, either. All the goodwill in the world ain't going to matter if even one of us ruins it. Damned if I do, damned if I don't.
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I've been thinking what to do about it. What I might have to do, you know?
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Kelesis won't be enough. ]
It's possible on the expedition you'll be able to find more wildlife out there.
[ Whether it should be eaten or not is a completely different story. ]
There must be some way. I don't speak out of some vain hope; I simply refuse to believe this sort of problem hasn't been considered before now.
[ But then...there are a lot of carnivora types... Herself included, too, though her diet hasn't changed much. ]
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[But if that noncommittal answer says anything, it's that he, too, doesn't know if they should be eaten - if they could sustain him, or if it'd be a losing battle, one he's not willing to fight because it goes against his principles, against what he considers good.]
You think Patho-Gen has dealt with a problem like this before?
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[ Though that makes her aware of something else, though it's been months since she considered it... ]
I heard a voice down in the underground, likely when I got the wolf soul. Two people speaking about cattle and culling. Likely Patho-Gen is aware of the danger of having too many of us around.
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You think they would ever use some of us to cull others? They clearly aren't above using Augmented for food.
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We are under one hundred in number. We aren't putting a dent into their food population. But it wouldn't shock me if we weren't here β all of us, not only Carnivora souls β to keep the Karterian population in check.
[ The Spectrals, too. ]
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You think there's anything they could do about me? If I asked?
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They could, but likely for a price. And they may not be able to help you right this moment with that wall of meat around.
They might also see it as a way of leashing you.
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[And he hates that idea, but does he hate it more than the thought of him hurting his friends? Of becoming a monster?]
I don't trust them, but I can't live like this. I can't put people at risk. Can't put all people have been working toward at risk, either. All the goodwill in the world ain't going to matter if even one of us ruins it. Damned if I do, damned if I don't.