"I have been authorized by my superiors to make this offer," Probe
states in a calm, clear voice. "We will offer our scientific knowledge
and you use your magical knowhow, and perhaps together we can find a cure
for the Phage."
"Now, you DO have the means of a cure," Probe jabs a finger at a Crystallic.
"Think, folks. We saw a cracked up large version of that sucker in the
lair of Minestus....and a bunch of barrels with the markings of the Race
warning about biohazardous material. We found Minestus had brought a bunch
of the same type of barrels and him trying to grab one of your guys Crystallic
thingies. Those things, you told me, can change anything into anything.
So.....I'm thinking that Minestus used his glass bauble to cook a bastardized
version of the viral weapon in his cave, part science...part magic based....and
all mean. And since it's a combo, neither one method nor the other can
defeat it."
"So, use the Crystallic and your science to defeat the Phage?" Fred
the manfox asks.
Probe nods yes.
"And in exchange?" the manfox ask, dreading what will come next.
"Mining rights of course." the AI says simply. "AND a promise that you'll
not destroy ANY Crystallic before a cure is found....no matter what the
circumstances short of all out destruction of Terra."
"We'll even send down a underwater construction unit who'll build a
strong, and very sturdy and PERMANENT glass/steel dome over the failing
magical one." the AI smiles. "We can do that, for the right price.
"And my superiors won't do it any other way," the AI adds in a flat
voice. "They'll blow the dome, and any chance of you....destroying the
threat those Crystallics represent....and any chance of you analogs getting
back home."
The adventurers look at each other and sigh.
"Deal," Fred sighs. "You've got my word of honor that it will be so
as you wish."
Probe waites....and one by one each adventurer swears, promises, or
affirms to whatever they hold sacred....that it shall be so.
*******************************************
<Yes, they went for it,> Probe reported to a happy Captain in charge
of the Alliance armada overhead. <Given the truth of the matter, I never
had any doubt.>
<Good show, Probe.>the Captain nearly shouted in joy. <You really
pulled it off this time. I'll order down the construction robots ASAP!>
<Please hurry sir,> Probe cationed. <The magic boys made it really
clear to me that time was a enemy here!>
<Roger that, and out!> the Captain says, cutting transmission.
Well, I did my duty but....., Probe thinks to himself, Why
do I feel like dogcrap about doing it?
-
 Ever
heard of Catch 22? And so......
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