Rufus Catch-All

[misstrust]

Comments

[misstrust]

And it might. I could be dead by then.

But trying is still better than just shrugging it off as an impossible effort. Besides, what kind of partner would I be if I didn't find out any kind of information for you at all?

[ A lousy one. ]

[soulus]

. . . By that point, you would no longer be a partner.

[misstrust]

Quite right. And I need to learn information as much as you do.

So I'll do what I must to do my part.

[soulus]

Are you aware of the other powers that may be at play?

[misstrust]

Other powers? Beyond the Realm, you mean?

[soulus]

The Leaders have their Realm-given powers; however, at least two participants were influenced by an unknown source last week.

[misstrust]

...

[ She blinks, one eyebrow lifting. ] Influenced in what way?

[soulus]

In the case of one, insults would become compliments when spoken.

[misstrust]

Well, that's not too terrible.

[ Maybe for the person forced to do it. ]

[soulus]

The effect itself is minor. The bigger question is what caused it.

[misstrust]

You're certain it wasn't due to something like one of the rewards?

[soulus]

It started on Wednesday, before the rewards were delivered.

[misstrust]

... Hm.

[ Honestly, that's a valid point. ]

Do you know what the other effect was?

[soulus]

No. I wasn't witness to that one.

[misstrust]

I'll see what more I can find out on that front. If there's some manner of third party, it's not something we can or should ignore.

[ She moves the ice to check the bump-- then winces as her fingers just ghost over it and back to the bump the ice goes. ]

[soulus]

[He watches her without making unnecessary comments. All things considered, she got off lucky.]

There's one more thing.

[misstrust]

[ Yes, she could have gotten stabbed in the leg via bird projectile vomiting.

Dorothy glances his way, one eyebrow lifted expectantly. Yes, go on. She's listening. ]

[soulus]

[The shovel could've dug into her head and killed her instantly. Or she could've been knocked back into the swamp, unconscious, and drowned.]

Have you seen the Realm Contest Report?

[misstrust]

[ That would have been two horrible ways to die, yes. Poor Rufus would not have gotten paid. ]

The-- no.

[ That sounds different from the rankings? ]

[soulus]

One of the groups who emerged on the bridge retrieved a note detailing a meeting with someone, authored by a Leader. The names have been blotted out. Some of the Leaders believe it was written by Fox.

[misstrust]

And the note mentioned this contest?

... Also, they think Fox wrote it?

[ Dorothy hesitates, then taps her chin, eyes narrowed. ]

That's very interesting...

[soulus]

The participants who found the note made copies. Why don't you read it and verify with your Leader?

[misstrust]

Who do I need to speak with?

[soulus]

You can try the gravity expert.

[misstrust]

[ ... Ochako.

Lord, does Rufus ever use anyone's name? ]

I'll look into it.

[ A pause. ]

That chest we found-- were you happy about that?