Very possibly. Unless we were altered by the journey and not by researchers here, there should be a control, a trial run, something predating us.
[ The second question warrants a period of renewed consideration. ]
Difficult to say, ultimately. The new arrivals have been held for inconsistent amounts of time. Their hair's different lengths, and prior injuries of varying degrees of severity are healed over. That indicates that the drop-offs may not match the timeline of arrivals in this world in the first place. Additionally, whoever held us has a vested interest in our survival and dispersion. By healing our wounds and giving us implants, they gave us the means to integrate with this world.
Their team has doctors, surgeons, combatants, weapons engineers, and IT specialists beyond the local's belief. They have money, resources, and loyal bodies.
[ When they first arrived, the "enemy" agents were willing to kill and die to protect their cargo. ]
The last drop-off was systemic in its execution and went off without a hitch. Points to a connection with the host, who we know is an established individual, and hasn't been made despite years of pursuit from our own generous patrons.
[ Morningstar. ]
Overall, they strike me as more inclined to Cosmos than Chaos. But I've been wrong before, and I'm biased, besides. What's your take?
Then another item on our ever-growing list of things to keep an eye and an ear out for, if there were individuals who predated us. You said the first quake was a year ago, and a year between occurrences with nothing happening in-between except recently? There must’ve been something else; there must be some trace that we can pick up on and follow.
[There must be some loose thread that they can tug on — just a little — to unravel a tapestry that feels too tightly-wound. Markus shares the same frustration as anyone else who believes they just keep running into dead ends, keep banging their heads against a brick wall. Something’s got to give. Eventually. It has to.]
I think you’re right. Never mind the inconsistencies in hair length and time given to heal for injuries, it would be remiss to ignore everything else that you’ve just mentioned — their wealth of resources, readiness, and connections among them. Indicative of organization and planning that's been brewing for a while. Something like that doesn't just crop up overnight.
Not to derail where this is going, but last drop-off and the connection with the ball’s host… Has there been any new information regarding who they might be? Word is that leaving an impression will net you their due attentions, if earned properly.
[ As unsettling (disturbing, harrowing) as their slog through the quagmire of this world continues to be, Markus engenders a boldness in him.
They're on the right track. That's not nothing. ]
It's all related, anyway. I did my due diligence with the rogue squadron and a rather observant new arrival.
[ Morningstar, he means Morningstar — and the impeccable Agent Carter. ]
Been at it for years with the same entry-fee of an attention-worthy endeavor. Always upscale, exclusive, professional. Big on branding and aesthetic consistency across the event, though the theme seems to vary each year. Never play into our associates' hands, however, according to our woman on the inside.
[ MS agents attend the event every time, but have yet to generate a lead, according to Gaby. ]
Stamped the new arrivals after ushering them in at a back entrance. Means no person was left unaccounted for, despite the lack of "earned" invitations. Or, perhaps, the arrivals themselves were the grab for attention.
[ An offering for the host? That's the story so far, in its meager entirety. ]
[Well. The connection between the host, the new arrivals, and their captors could either be a middling one — born of cursory curiosity on one side — or something a little more tangible. Given what they know, which is admittedly not much so far, it’s hard to say which. But the faceless host of the ball is something of an obscured mystery, and any connection looks like that tempting thread to pull at. To see what gives and unravels.
Markus constantly finds himself at odds with two halves of his personality. Cautious steps versus bold action. The slow consideration from the shadows, or taking a risk, stepping into the spotlight for a millisecond, for the sake of groping for answers.
He has so much to be careful for, and certainly not just for himself — that was never a part of the equation, consequences relating to the self a very faraway thing for a man with martyrdom issues. But the revolution back home, the protection of those near and dear to him, absolutely take priority. A priority that entangles itself against his tendency to not remain stagnant, to turn complacency on its head, which is its own sort of moral prerogative.
Always a battle, churning in his chest.
And so—]
Then it sounds to me like we might have a couple of potential leads. Trying to form a connection with this mysterious proprietor, for the sake of illuminating their relationship with our elusive captors. They must have information that we don’t, maybe something that will reveal other pathways we could follow. With our current dearth of intel, anything we can garner is a precious resource at this point.
[The implication? Potentially worth the sudden weight of attention, a light shining on whomever manages it.]
Secondly, that possible control group. Individuals who might share similar circumstances, or abilities, with us. And if they’ve been “operating”, there must be traces of their existence before our own arrival.
[If they exist. They’re ever swimming in hypotheticals, aren’t they?]
[ Markus takes everything and rearranges it, placing it neatly within the context of wider investigations and outlining how it informs their approach. His clarity sketches a path forward, however difficult and ambiguous the steps toward it may be. ]
All of that, exactly, yes. That's what we need to watch for and keep in mind — alongside the potential good intentions of our initial transporters.
[ It changes how they operate, though their crimes may remain the same. He hesitates, then. ]
And one more thing: Consider the origin of our abilities and how they manifest, which might add or subtract weight from the theory of prior groups and calculated experimentation. Since arriving, all we've had is a blood sample and an anecdote from the amateur surgeons among us. A GP would have done more tests for a routine check-up.
[ There are other medical tests to run and tells to spot — only he hasn't done them, obviously, or suggested them, nor has anyone else. You'd need a massive sample size committed to a slew of tests, and Fitz can't say what he (or anyone else) would do with that sort of data, given how SHIELD, HYDRA, and himself have weaponised it in the past. Moreover, any mass sampling is a security risk in the same way as their mass grouping at the Morningstar safehouse or a base of their own: If they or their data rests all in one place, they can be exposed by one strategic move from the opposition. ]
Even if there was nothing to be found, that'd tell us something, too.
[ Well, Fitz thinks it would tell them they weren't intentionally altered so much as exposed to an activant (perhaps one made of the same stuff in their chests, when they crossed between universes). ]
But is that something anyone should look into?
[ Perhaps he means Is that something I should look into? being who he is, knowing what he does about the inhuman. Hard to say, but it's worth contemplating more generally. Someone's bound to poke around their DNA sooner or later. ]
[Something to consider, given that the thought has flit through Markus’ mind on more than one occasion — though granted, having more to do with the state of his own bafflingly human body than anything else.]
There’s never any harm in gathering more data, though convincing everyone to participate might be easier said than done.
[It would be a show of trust, and not every here has that in spades, do they?]
If nothing else, I’d like learn more about the baseline state of this body I’ve been given; if there are any undue surprises that I should account for. Clarke took a sample of my blood, confirming that I’m a universal donor and have no known allergies. That’s about the extent of what limited information I have.
[Well, not to derail them or anything.]
If someone is willing and qualified, however, why not look into it?
[ Well, that's fascinating. The nature of the androids' human bodies remains of interest, even if urgent concerns often put it on the backburner.
He doesn't doubt that Markus knows the following already, but — ]
I can see why this is of interest to you, especially. Connor's sample was the same. That's how we eliminated the other causes for white blood cells after the outbreak.
[ we, he and Bobbi. interesting that Clarke tested the boys through MS, however. He'd seen her at Connor's birthday, of course, but he notes the apparent closeness (as he notes all details about his fellow displaced, at once curious and calculated; you never know when that information will be of use). ]
I'll think on it.
[ He says, when he already told Bobbi he shouldn't be passing samples alone — that the call's coming from inside the house, so to speak. Doesn't know what he'd do, if he spotted something that could put him (or his route home) at an advantage, or if he noticed a potential risk — no, no, he does, and that's why it worries him.
Someone needs to work the samples alongside him and check that he doesn't tamper with the results, going to and from Morningstar. Another MS consignee, with enough knowledge to grasp the data, so if Fitz does alter them, they'll know. A position to be filled in future, perhaps. ]
[Perpetually of interest to both of the androids, at any rate — and while it’s a mystery that he’d like to unravel sooner than later, if there’s anything odd about these bodies beyond looking somehow exactly like their old ones, Markus knows to not place this subset of mysteries to the top of the list.
Might they can solve them simultaneously by comparing and contrasting. Taking these samples from the whole of group, and seeing just where they lie in the stratum.]
I don’t exactly possess the qualifications to be much help, but you know if there’s anything you need, I’m just a message away.
[But best to leave the science to those suited for it. Markus can pour over the results with the best of them, but his trust in the actual process belongs to others.]
And you’re welcome. I’m always wanting to hear you work through theories, as they might apply to all of us.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ The second question warrants a period of renewed consideration. ]
Difficult to say, ultimately. The new arrivals have been held for inconsistent amounts of time. Their hair's different lengths, and prior injuries of varying degrees of severity are healed over. That indicates that the drop-offs may not match the timeline of arrivals in this world in the first place. Additionally, whoever held us has a vested interest in our survival and dispersion. By healing our wounds and giving us implants, they gave us the means to integrate with this world.
Their team has doctors, surgeons, combatants, weapons engineers, and IT specialists beyond the local's belief. They have money, resources, and loyal bodies.
[ When they first arrived, the "enemy" agents were willing to kill and die to protect their cargo. ]
The last drop-off was systemic in its execution and went off without a hitch. Points to a connection with the host, who we know is an established individual, and hasn't been made despite years of pursuit from our own generous patrons.
[ Morningstar. ]
Overall, they strike me as more inclined to Cosmos than Chaos.
But I've been wrong before, and I'm biased, besides.
What's your take?
no subject
[There must be some loose thread that they can tug on — just a little — to unravel a tapestry that feels too tightly-wound. Markus shares the same frustration as anyone else who believes they just keep running into dead ends, keep banging their heads against a brick wall. Something’s got to give. Eventually. It has to.]
I think you’re right. Never mind the inconsistencies in hair length and time given to heal for injuries, it would be remiss to ignore everything else that you’ve just mentioned — their wealth of resources, readiness, and connections among them. Indicative of organization and planning that's been brewing for a while. Something like that doesn't just crop up overnight.
Not to derail where this is going, but last drop-off and the connection with the ball’s host… Has there been any new information regarding who they might be? Word is that leaving an impression will net you their due attentions, if earned properly.
no subject
They're on the right track. That's not nothing. ]
It's all related, anyway.
I did my due diligence with the rogue squadron and a rather observant new arrival.
[ Morningstar, he means Morningstar — and the impeccable Agent Carter. ]
Been at it for years with the same entry-fee of an attention-worthy endeavor. Always upscale, exclusive, professional. Big on branding and aesthetic consistency across the event, though the theme seems to vary each year.
Never play into our associates' hands, however, according to our woman on the inside.
[ MS agents attend the event every time, but have yet to generate a lead, according to Gaby. ]
Stamped the new arrivals after ushering them in at a back entrance. Means no person was left unaccounted for, despite the lack of "earned" invitations. Or, perhaps, the arrivals themselves were the grab for attention.
[ An offering for the host? That's the story so far, in its meager entirety. ]
no subject
Markus constantly finds himself at odds with two halves of his personality. Cautious steps versus bold action. The slow consideration from the shadows, or taking a risk, stepping into the spotlight for a millisecond, for the sake of groping for answers.
He has so much to be careful for, and certainly not just for himself — that was never a part of the equation, consequences relating to the self a very faraway thing for a man with martyrdom issues. But the revolution back home, the protection of those near and dear to him, absolutely take priority. A priority that entangles itself against his tendency to not remain stagnant, to turn complacency on its head, which is its own sort of moral prerogative.
Always a battle, churning in his chest.
And so—]
Then it sounds to me like we might have a couple of potential leads. Trying to form a connection with this mysterious proprietor, for the sake of illuminating their relationship with our elusive captors. They must have information that we don’t, maybe something that will reveal other pathways we could follow. With our current dearth of intel, anything we can garner is a precious resource at this point.
[The implication? Potentially worth the sudden weight of attention, a light shining on whomever manages it.]
Secondly, that possible control group. Individuals who might share similar circumstances, or abilities, with us. And if they’ve been “operating”, there must be traces of their existence before our own arrival.
[If they exist. They’re ever swimming in hypotheticals, aren’t they?]
no subject
All of that, exactly, yes. That's what we need to watch for and keep in mind — alongside the potential good intentions of our initial transporters.
[ It changes how they operate, though their crimes may remain the same. He hesitates, then. ]
And one more thing: Consider the origin of our abilities and how they manifest, which might add or subtract weight from the theory of prior groups and calculated experimentation.
Since arriving, all we've had is a blood sample and an anecdote from the amateur surgeons among us.
A GP would have done more tests for a routine check-up.
[ There are other medical tests to run and tells to spot — only he hasn't done them, obviously, or suggested them, nor has anyone else. You'd need a massive sample size committed to a slew of tests, and Fitz can't say what he (or anyone else) would do with that sort of data, given how SHIELD, HYDRA, and himself have weaponised it in the past. Moreover, any mass sampling is a security risk in the same way as their mass grouping at the Morningstar safehouse or a base of their own: If they or their data rests all in one place, they can be exposed by one strategic move from the opposition. ]
Even if there was nothing to be found, that'd tell us something, too.
[ Well, Fitz thinks it would tell them they weren't intentionally altered so much as exposed to an activant (perhaps one made of the same stuff in their chests, when they crossed between universes). ]
But is that something anyone should look into?
[ Perhaps he means Is that something I should look into? being who he is, knowing what he does about the inhuman. Hard to say, but it's worth contemplating more generally. Someone's bound to poke around their DNA sooner or later. ]
no subject
There’s never any harm in gathering more data, though convincing everyone to participate might be easier said than done.
[It would be a show of trust, and not every here has that in spades, do they?]
If nothing else, I’d like learn more about the baseline state of this body I’ve been given; if there are any undue surprises that I should account for. Clarke took a sample of my blood, confirming that I’m a universal donor and have no known allergies. That’s about the extent of what limited information I have.
[Well, not to derail them or anything.]
If someone is willing and qualified, however, why not look into it?
[Are YOU willing and qualified, Fitz.]
no subject
He doesn't doubt that Markus knows the following already, but — ]
I can see why this is of interest to you, especially.
Connor's sample was the same. That's how we eliminated the other causes for white blood cells after the outbreak.
[ we, he and Bobbi. interesting that Clarke tested the boys through MS, however. He'd seen her at Connor's birthday, of course, but he notes the apparent closeness (as he notes all details about his fellow displaced, at once curious and calculated; you never know when that information will be of use). ]
I'll think on it.
[ He says, when he already told Bobbi he shouldn't be passing samples alone — that the call's coming from inside the house, so to speak. Doesn't know what he'd do, if he spotted something that could put him (or his route home) at an advantage, or if he noticed a potential risk — no, no, he does, and that's why it worries him.
Someone needs to work the samples alongside him and check that he doesn't tamper with the results, going to and from Morningstar. Another MS consignee, with enough knowledge to grasp the data, so if Fitz does alter them, they'll know. A position to be filled in future, perhaps. ]
Thanks for working through all this with me.
no subject
Might they can solve them simultaneously by comparing and contrasting. Taking these samples from the whole of group, and seeing just where they lie in the stratum.]
I don’t exactly possess the qualifications to be much help, but you know if there’s anything you need, I’m just a message away.
[But best to leave the science to those suited for it. Markus can pour over the results with the best of them, but his trust in the actual process belongs to others.]
And you’re welcome. I’m always wanting to hear you work through theories, as they might apply to all of us.