Chapter 232 : Asking Jones

The day after Silhouette's interview, things in Zalcien were... Busy, to say the least. The topic of the Patchees' fate had been brought up before, but always in passing and, truth be told, most had forgotten about the poor creatures after the initial shock involving the death of their maker. Silhouette's announcement brought the topic back to the foreground, and there was not a single soul in the city who hadn't at least heard about the interview that would take place next week. The Patcher was the city's most infamous Villain, and everyone, from the richest district to the slums, knew the man's legacy.

Of course, one of the core reasons behind the city's activity was the discourse. With such a great topic, great arguments were sure to follow. Was Silhouette's goal feasible? Could the Patchees really get better? And even if he had the right idea, should the responsibility really fall to him? He was merely a civilian, after all. More than that, he was a CEO, and those weren't necessarily the most trustworthy people around.

As such, predictably, the city was abuzz about the topic. It had become more common to hear shouting from bars and even apartments of people with very strong views on the situation... Exchanging opinions, to stay polite about it.

Thankfully, James himself didn't have to worry about any of it. His home was in a quiet neighborhood, and his neighbors seemed more concerned about paying rent than following the latest big political discussion. His kids agreed with him, so no argument at home either, and his employees all followed him loyally. Well, his usual employees. When he arrived at work, he noticed some of the latest hires seemed a little unsettled by the situation. The newcomers didn't have their seniors' almost blind devotion or brainwashed minds. Still, it was within acceptable margins. And James knew he couldn't expect everyone who worked for him to always agree with his choices. The trick was making sure their work and pay were good enough that they were fine still working for him without getting ideas. Polisson and Mischief could monitor and take care of those who developed more nefarious thoughts.

But really, divergence was good. Divergence would beat any cult allegation that would undoubtedly come his way when news about the infused spread. Not that James would ever publicly announce what they were, but people would notice sooner or later that a large group of people with nigh identical behavior and gear stayed at all times on site without ever taking vacations. People may think the brainwashing was born out of regular social skills rather than powers, but they would start suspecting it sooner or later. Making sure everyone else could freely disagree and critique Silhouette would make the infused look more like a group of particularly loyal and devoted followers than a purposeful attempt at turning his entire workforce into obedient servants.

Even James himself would perpetrate this story of divergence. Silhouette would be very open about his confidence in the plan's success, seeing it as a guarantee rather than mere hope, while James the civilian would be supportive, following his own experience with awakened animals, but also more careful about it. Silhouette wouldn't hesitate to get close to his charges, while James would still be a little scared of the Patchees. Just another step in making sure no one would think both were the same person.

It wouldn't be exactly wrong either. Ever since he discovered powers and magic were a thing in this world, James had taken care to always speak in at least half-truths, to always be prepared in case someone was listening and checking his integrity in secret, and to also be ready should he ever be hit by some kind of truth ray or any similarly bizarre gadget. Silhouette, paranoid as he was, was still a more confident version of James. And James could use his regular persona to express his doubts and desires for a quiet life with his family and friends.

Still, it wasn't as James but as Silhouette that he needed to talk with one of his friends, slithering his way to one of the administrative building's offices.

"Mr. Jones? I'm sorry to bother you, but I'd like to have a word, if you don't mind."

Jeremy turned in his seat to look away from his computer and instead focused on his boss as he entered his room, dark tendrils reaching to cover the walls and... Pretty much every surface. The young man would probably feel more threatened by the act if he didn't trust his boss so well, even if his voice had been casual about it. Dark powers or not, Jeremy could still feel overwhelmed seeing someone casually close off a room from the rest of the world in seconds. Still, he could figure out why this was happening. Silhouette liked his privacy, and Jeremy had a feeling this had something to do with Maria.

"Yes, sir? What can I do for you?"

"Well, I assume you saw my interview yesterday."

"Yes, sir. I believe most of the city has by now, or at least heard about it."

"Good. Good. As I'm sure you're aware, I mentioned asking for volunteers among our charges to give another interview next week, to convince the people of Zalcien of the benefits of this operation, and to let victims of the Patcher back into society. You and your sister would make for a wonderful example. A family torn apart, a man taking in his changed sister and supporting her on her road to recovery. She was already one of the most aware of those we collected, mostly held back by her... Ennui. Your reunion has already done wonders for her."

"Her depression, yes. Well, you'll have to ask her as well. I don't plan to make decisions on her behalf, she's already gone through that often enough."

"A perfectly valid response, Mr. Jones. I already planned to ask Maria for her opinion as well, but I figured it would be best to ask you first, to see if you were willing to go live on television and share your experience. I feel your sister will refuse unless you're there for her."

"Yes, I understand. If she's willing to do this, then yes, I'm willing to be there to support her and answer questions she can't. Under the condition-"

"That you may dictate the terms of the interview when it comes to you two? Of course. If she's uncomfortable with something and you want that line of questioning over, it will be so. I assure you. You will have total control. You found the journalist too insistent or perhaps even cruel? You're free to leave. Should your feelings get the best of you and have you assaulting a man, I will personally pay your lawyer fees to handle the matter."

"I... Thank you, sir. May... May I make one more request?"

"Go ahead, I'm always willing to listen, even if I can't guarantee I'll grant it."

"Maria. I... I think she needs to see people again. To meet people again. Before the interview. Not your workers who are already used to odd things, but genuine, average people. People who've never seen someone like her before. People who don't have weapons or training."

"Hm. You wish to introduce her to unprepared civilians to prepare her for a potentially hostile or merely fearful journalist?"

"Not fully unprepared. Just... Not the mercenaries you employ or people used to living alongside ghosts. I... I made a few friends, working here. I know it's been a short time, but..."

"Ah, Ms. Thespian and Mr. Valdest. Those are the ones, aren't they? Yes, I can see your point. They should be, by all accounts, merely normal civilians, if a bit eccentric by median standards. The sort who never had a reason to encounter anything more dangerous than a stray cat. People who could theoretically feel in danger in the presence of a, pardon the term, 'Patchee', while also having the empathy to see someone who is hurting and needs love and care. Yes, they should make for good practice. If you feel ready to present them, that is. Should they have a poor reaction, it would negatively impact your sister's morale."

Jeremy blinked in surprise. He... Hadn't expected Silhouette to know his friends. The rest made sense. Of course the worrywart would make a plan to know the best people to introduce to a recovering Patchee while also accounting for what a poor reaction would create, it was evident his paranoia would lead him there - this was a legitimate fear after all. But... For him to know the precise pair Jeremy was thinking of?

"Yes, sir. I trust them to behave, and to at least keep the negative effects to a minimum should they be less open than I thought. It would surprise me, since they're willing to work for you and... Well, no offense, sir, but I feel a decent portion of the city would find you more unsettling than some of the beings I saw in my latest visit down below."

"None taken. I know what I look like, the feelings I evoke. Playing into that appearance and its effects is a purposeful choice and powerful tool at times, even if I make sure to provide a safe and comfortable environment whenever possible."

"Of course, sir. But, if I may? How did you know about Maggie and James? I've only been here for a short time, and I didn't think you'd bother to learn about who befriended whom."

"Mr. Jones. I am a man who considers that, every second, someone out there is planning to go after me and my own. Knowing the affinities of my employees is an obvious security measure to track odd behavior and openings. Disguises, mind control, and hostages are all valid concerns in this industry. I don't need to know what you talk about, just who you tend to gravitate to. Though in this specific case, you may also blame Mr. Valdest for my knowledge."

"How so, sir?"

"He is one of the employees I share space with the most daily. I trust him with special responsibilities. All of the paperwork you fill out and condense will, sooner or later, pass by him on its way to me. It only makes sense for such a close assistant and errand boy to speak to his employer, if only to fill the silence. As such, I know about Mr. Valdest's woes and joys. I wouldn't be this open, personally, but I know my reputation for excessive worry."

"So... James gossips with you, sir."

"In a very approximate sense of the term, yes. Though I feel you talk more with James than I do. I merely enjoy providing him a safe ear to talk to and fulfilling services I know will help him. That being said, I do hope you enjoyed that welcoming cake, Mr. Jones. I'm the one who paid for it."

Silhouette chuckled as the darkness he had brought retreated into him, quickly returning the room to its original state. Still, he wasn't leaving quite yet.

"Mr. Jones? I leave it to you to gather your friends at the end of the workday, to prepare for your tour. You can reassure them that this will count as paid overtime. No need to come find me in my office when you're ready. You're free to go there directly. You saw the side entrance, you know where to go. Though if you're afraid of getting lost or have forgotten the path, then feel free to borrow one of your guards to guide the way."

The "side entrance" was a secret passage built into one of the basements to reach the Sewer Network that would then lead to the Sunken City. It wasn't the only one of its kind built on the grounds, but it was the one meant for semi-public use. The rest all passed through Mischief territory and heavily trapped areas. Mundane employees would feel special, going to the spooky urban legend that was the Sunken City, without experiencing any of the real danger and darker aspects. Oh, they'd still be in a legally grey area, but in a chunk already cleared and guarded.

"Thank you, sir. Yes, I'll likely borrow one of the guards, if you don't mind. I hope their pay will reflect their aid as well?"

"Of course, of course. Now I'll leave you to it. We both have work to do."

"Of course, sir. Have a good day."

"Good day, Jeremy."