002 [ Video ]

[doctoral_bird]

[ It may be an unfamiliar face to many! Malkus is actually appearing on the feed without his signature mask. Even a plague man like him needs fresh air now and then. His sickly facade wasn't far from the norm! That's just... his face. ]

Greetings fellow residents. It has been some time, but with the lull in disturbances I feel now's a better time than any to- ah-... discuss...

[ He scratched his claws against the wood of the bench outside, trying to remember what the hell he was going to say. As the pause grew, he could feel his social anxiety build.

Don't give them dead air, Malkus! The people hated pauses! ]

I am sorry, sleeping outside has left me- e-eh-... melancholic. I'd forgotten what I wanted to bring up. Ah! Yes!

[ He moved the feed to the mask sitting beside himself, placed daintily on a heap of papers and glassware. ]

As it often becomes a point of conversation, I would like to ask my fellow residents if anyone has actually had an epidemic ravage their land. I've come to realize I may be alone in this topic.

Comments

[sciencelizard]

Well, uh, it's been fine. I'm just, uh, t-trying to make sense of a lot of the stuff Marian left behind in the lab. I'm, uh, not much of a physicist.

[And her usual right-hand man isn't here anymore, either.]

It's just been slow going.

[doctoral_bird]

Marian...

[ Malkus’ expression changed to a crestfallen one. He missed her. Which was weird, because she had been nothing but sour to him. And they barely spoke. Still, he could tell that she had a great concern for her home. As miserable as it was. Just like his. ]

I hope she is well. I- ah....

[ His frown grew as he lowered his gaze away from the camera. ]

Hrm... But progress is progress. However slow.

[sciencelizard]

Me too.

[It'll... be okay. Eventually, she's sure. Or at least she hopes.]

But, uhm, hey! It's fine. The more I get through, uh, the closer we are to getting out! Once I can get through Marian's notes, I'm sure I can fix the Door.

[doctoral_bird]

Well then! I shall put my belief in you as well, Doctor! Even if it is a daunting task, which it undoubtedly must be, the Door is a topic which all can agree on. It's not as dark and polarizing as the Null versus the Gods.

Unless.

Er, unless the parasites don't want you to alter the door. But but but- nevermind that! I believe you'll have the full backing of your fellow residents!

[sciencelizard]

I'll, uh, f-figure out something, at least! I'm on it!

[She gives him a little salute, trying to look official.]

I'll get you home to save the world as soon as I can.