❧ **Quick-time event - End!**

[luministimods]

[a few hours after Hope returns with the vial, Doctor Resarci turns on his CAT and begins broadcasting to all active CATs and vidscreens. the expression on his face is the definition of relief.]

My dear residents, I bring you joyous news! The results of that riddle led to the discovery of a vial containing the precise solution we needed to neutralize the poison! I wish I could tell you the poison was an advanced or mutated form of botulism or salmonella, but I fear it is far more complicated than that.

[he holds up a picture like one might see through a microscope, and it looks like--]

A tiny robot; advanced nanotechnology, actually. You may not believe, but inside each of you are thousands of these devices, tailored to make you ill. But in the vial, we found other nanorobots and when put together, the new nanorobots neutralized the others! And even self-destructed once their job was through. We have already tested it on a few of our test subjects here, so the solution is safe. Just a single drop for you all and that should be the end of it!

[his expression turns stern] So, what are you all waiting for? Come down to the clinic right this second! [a pause as he relaxes, smiling benignly] Or in the very least, help each other come down here. Let us know if you cannot make it and we'll fetch you, yes?


❧ Plot Details: Someone has poisoned the waterhole - Solved!

Congratulations! You all have survived--that is, once the characters get down to the clinic. Feel free to assume that it has already happened, but you can also use this entry to discuss whether characters helped each other to the clinic or not.

There will not be another plot update until Saturday. Until then, have fun in the clinic--the pool is open for some recuperative swimming--or relaxing around town!

As for the perpetrators of this crime? Well, unfortunately, they didn't put in any clues to their identity... Residents will just have to make their own guesses--for the moment.

Enjoy the break!

Comments

[luministimods]

[looks up at him in surprise] Hm? Oh, yes, what did you need? You are still feeling unwell?

[collector]

Only a little. I was hoping for a brief word or two.

[luministimods]

Of course. [looks at him with doctorly concern] Now, what seems to be the problem?

[collector]

A little dizziness and a bit of a migraine. Illnesses always go right to my head. But, ah, I seem to recall that in our earlier discussion, you said you'd be looking into the poison through scientific methods? A chemical analysis, of course, and I can only assume that such an advanced facility would also use an electron microscope to study the samples.

[luministimods]

Oh, I can get you something for that. Do not worry!

[nods] Yes, of course. As you know, an antidote was found and shared with all those infected.

[collector]

An aspirin, Doctor? It's the cure to all ills.

Yes, or else I'm sure I'd still be resting. You also used X-ray diffraction, that would be standard for a facility such as yours. And also a magnetic analysis, I'd have thought? I certainly would have done.

[luministimods]

[raises an eyebrow at him] If your headache is no more serious than that, then yes, that would be one solution.

[a note of impatience slips into his tone] Is there something you wished to know about the analysis, sir, or is it my facilities you're more interested in?

[collector]

I just wanted to confirm what you would use. And, one more thing. You mentioned test subjects. I'm not aware of any of those who ate at the Chrysalis offering themselves up as test subjects, so that rather took me by surprise. [with a politely joking smile] I do hope you didn't poison any of the town's citizens on our behalf.

[luministimods]

[a flicker of anger can be seen across his face, just for an instant, before he smiles thinly] Nothing nearly so devious! It seems some of the staff at The Chrysalis were unfortunate enough to be poisoned as well, and they, unlike many of our residents, came to us for treatment right away. Several of them offered to be the first to test the antidote, that is all.

[collector]

Of course. That makes perfect sense. I don't know how I could fail to think of it. Another question just occurred to me, but I'll save it if you aren't feeling well. The stress of these last few days must be quite the burden on you. Perhaps you need a rest.

[luministimods]

[smiles] Oh, I assure you, sir, the Resarci clinic can put aside our own worries for the good of the town, especially in a crisis. What else is it that concerns you?

[collector]

Not a concern, actually, just a little inquiry. That historical display has me interested in the history of the town. Does the Resarci Medical Clinic typically fund the Founder's Day Festival, or is that honour generally passed around between the town's organizations?

[luministimods]

[proudly] Our clinic has been the main funding agency for the festival for, in fact, the past five years! After all, recreation is an important part of a person's overall health and well-being.

There were, of course, other organizations that aided in the funding, but I believe the very busy Miss Osculia, unfortunately, did not include them on the advertisements this year.

[collector]

That's funny. Most medical clinics I know are desperately seeking government and corpoate funding, not the other way around.

[a brief smile] Thank you for your time, Dr Resarci. I appreciate it.

[luministimods]

[his expression catches again, but he quickly replaces it with another of those tight smiles] Of course. Any time. You can get some advil from the nurse on your way out, if you'd like.

[collector]

Thank you. I will.