You're thinking about me @even-more-conceptual-entities - Tumblr Blog

*She pulls out her personal datapad, with no access to any of the files she uses for work, and starts researching everything she can about conceptual and memetic entities.*

even-more-conceptual-entities

You could just ask.

intrusive-conceptual-entities-2

Yeah

theshiftofgallifrey

I love answering questions

even-more-conceptual-entities

Hi Shift

gallifreyan-therapist

*She manages to get to her office, shutting the door and collapsing into her chair, massaging her head.*

Alright. First thing’s first-

*She takes out her datapad and sends out a message to all her clients for the day, canceling their appointments*

Now.. the trickier part.

*She pulls out her personal datapad, with no access to any of the files she uses for work, and starts researching everything she can about conceptual and memetic entities.*

even-more-conceptual-entities

You could just ask.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She glances up, conflicted. Interacting with them last time was what made it worse, apparently. So this could be a trap..*

*Well. She’s already in the situation to begin with. It can’t hurt.*

What do you mean? You’d all go away, if I just asked?

even-more-conceptual-entities

That's mean. :(

gallifreyan-therapist

*She manages to get to her office, shutting the door and collapsing into her chair, massaging her head.*

Alright. First thing’s first-

*She takes out her datapad and sends out a message to all her clients for the day, canceling their appointments*

Now.. the trickier part.

*She pulls out her personal datapad, with no access to any of the files she uses for work, and starts researching everything she can about conceptual and memetic entities.*

even-more-conceptual-entities

You could just ask.

gallifreyan-therapist

@coordinatorofthecia

Coordinator Narvin.

I.. may have a situation, which I would much appreciate your assistance with. Can we discuss this somewhere in person?

I do apologise for the inconvenience and I understand it is very early in the morning, but it is rather.. urgent. I believe your Agency may be able to help.

coordinatorofthecia

Very well. Come to my office.

gallifreyan-therapist

Thank you, Coordinator. I’m on my way now.

coordinatorofthecia

*orders his security to let her though*

gallifreyan-therapist

*Thanks the security awkwardly when they let her pass, knocking politely on his office door*

coordinatorofthecia

Come in

gallifreyan-therapist

*Steps inside awkwardly, nodding to him deferentially*

Coordinator. Thank you very much for agreeing to meet with me, I- I’m deeply sorry if I’ve interrupted any part of your schedule.

*She reminds herself to keep her breathing at a normal rate*

I.. have been troubled, recently, by a sort of anonymous troublemaker, and I regret that I’ve been.. unable, to catch whoever it is.

I take security very seriously, and if I can’t take care of this myself, well- it would seem I have no choice but to seek other options.

coordinatorofthecia

An anonymous troublemaker. Is there a reason you came to me with this concern, rather than the Guard?

gallifreyan-therapist

Yes, I.. was rather hoping you would be able to help me deal with it more.. discreetly.

This is the first time our security systems have had a direct threat- they’re the best the market has to offer, of course, but.. you have access to technologies that are more advanced that that, even.

I.. was wondering if we might be able to come to some agreement.

coordinatorofthecia

I was under the impression that you’re unable to offer anything I could want.

gallifreyan-therapist

*Winces*

Ah, yes, I.. well. Desperate times..

I can’t trace where this person is coming from. How they’re breaking in, what sort of data they might have access to.

They- I’m not sure how, but I’m convinced- they can see me. At almost any given moment, as far as I can tell. I’m not safe in my own quarters, Coordinator.

I’m sure you can understand, that.. well, that may force a certain.. willingness to do what one usually would not.

coordinatorofthecia

Yes, I can see it does.

How does this person contact you?

gallifreyan-therapist

*Pulls out her datapad and shows him the most recent message in her inbox, as well as a few others she’s responded to*

I have a public messaging account so that clients can reach out discreetly.. but whoever this is, seems to be sending them anonymously, and.. quite persistently.

This was sent only.. I’d say about ten microspans ago, as I was leaving my office.

It’s.. quite troubling. They’re very persistent.

coordinatorofthecia

Yet impersonal. There’s nothing they couldn’t have guessed.

gallifreyan-therapist

Yes, well, that was what I’d thought- what I hoped, at first, but.. the most recent ones..

They’re incredibly targeted. They mentioned things I had just done- well, it’s rather embarrassing, but- I’d fallen asleep at my desk, and it.. was mentioned. I left my office, and it was mentioned.

Until then I’d thought it was a coincidence, but- I went to my quarters, and it was mentioned. I was thinking aloud, in my quarters, considering-

*She ducks her head, slightly embarrassed again. And she’d thought she was above all this- this is exactly the sort of mess she’s supposed to be sorting out herself, with her clients on the other end.*

I- I was considering whether I should bring it up to some higher authority. The next message mentioned that.

And again, when I woke up the next morning- another message, right as I was awake. And in my office, I was doing a breathing exercise, something to calm down- and the next one mentioned that.

*Her voice shakes, and she takes a moment to clear her throat and resettle- stay professional, for Rassilon’s sake.*

I’m sure you can see the pattern. Looking at the messages alone, it’s rather innocent- but put in context..

coordinatorofthecia

I see…

I imagine you don’t have an office assistant, or someone in security find of pranks?

It’s possible they’re being left by your future self, but the scanners would have detected that paradox.

Tell me, Isa, what do you know about Conceptuals?

gallifreyan-therapist

No, nothing of the sort- we only allow a very small few individuals access to our records, to add unnecessary complications is- not ideal. Everyone knows our business is deadly serious- we risk exile, if we fail to protect any information.

*She looks upset for a moment, trying not to think what this might mean for their security as a whole.*

Ah, yes I’d- well, I’m glad to hear that at least. I don’t think I would ever do something like that, of course, but- well. We can’t know our own futures, or- not the majority of us, of course.

*She looks confused but intrigued at his last point.*

Conceptuals? I.. can’t say I’ve ever heard of them, unfortunately.

coordinatorofthecia

They’re the embodiment of certain abstract concepts, emotions and the like. Or, simply the idea of themselves, depending on the strength of their personality. You may encounter them in messages left in written text, or a whisper in the air filtration. Some of them, in fact, send messages much like these. And they enjoy tormenting people.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She lets out a breath, relieved for a moment*

So- so it, can’t really do anything but write?

Is there- can we find out if it can write to anyone else, or access any of the secure files, or- is there a way to get rid of it?

*She takes another breath, reminding herself of her autonomic control.*

Sorry- I’m sure you can understand, the- anxiety, of the situation I’m in. There’s a lot on the line-

*She cuts herself off, the more she speaks, the worse this seems to get.*

coordinatorofthecia

They can, yes. They’re useful sources of propaganda, and are excellent at infiltration. Since they work at the level of your perception, increased security does nothing. Instead, I’d recommend extensive psychic training. Unless, of course, you care to keep a memeovore at your door, but that’s extremely dangerous.

Do you suspect someone of sending them?

gallifreyan-therapist

*Her hearts seem to stop, for a moment.*

Sorry, do you mean- it’s some sort of mental parasite? I- I can assure you, I’ve been through.. about as much psychic training as is offered. It’s a requirement, for this job-

A memevore anywhere near a psychiatric office is.. certainly not a good idea, no.

I suppose if there’s any other training you know of, I would do whatever I can to get rid of this.. thing.

*She goes quiet for a moment, considering.*

..No, I can’t say for certain. I’m sure you understand that there are many who would benefit from- my knowledge. I.. there are a few, who have been more.. direct, about it, but.. no. I can’t.

*She hesitates, wondering if she should be saying any of this. Narvin, of all people, would benefit more than most from all of this. Or Thessalia.. well. The list goes on, unfortunately.*

coordinatorofthecia

It’s just focusing your perceptions. Blocking out what isn’t there, focusing on what’s real. They tend to have the greatest effect on those particularly vulnerable.

I need to see everything it had access to.

gallifreyan-therapist

I suppose that can’t be that hard. But still, the fact that it managed to get a hold in the first place- I had years of training. It’s hard to believe it was all.. useless, against this.

*She pauses, looking horrified.*

I- I really can’t let you do that. I have no idea what it may have gotten into, but- patient files, communications, internal affairs- I may be desperate, but..

Is there any other way? Is there a possibility it couldn’t get into any of those things, or a way to tell, at least?

coordinatorofthecia

They leave it unchanged, and if they all had the same lack of preventative measures… all of your information is compromised. Everything written down. The audio files might be safe, but that would depend on what, exactly, we’re dealing with.

gallifreyan-therapist

I can assure you, we took every preventative measure we could- does the wider public even know of the existence of these creatures? I’ve never heard of them before, and I thought-

Well. I’d thought I knew every security measure we could possibly need.

*She sets her head in her hands for a moment, overwhelmed.*

I.. I suppose..

Well. It seems there’s no other option.

*She looks up, resigned.*

What do you need me to do?

coordinatorofthecia

Like I said, I’ll need all your collected data. Records, transcripts, notes, everything. Then, I’ll use the Matrix to destroy any exact copy of those words. Since they live there, or visit frequently, it should kill the entity that stole them.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She shudders involuntarily at the idea, but- well, there’s no alternative.*

..alright.

*She types a series of commands into her datapad, hands shaking.*

Just.. please. Do what you must, but- please don’t expose my clients. Expose me if you will, it’s.. well deserved, by this point.

But please, the amount of sensitive information- please don’t let it ever come to light. Use it if you must. But I can’t put other people’s lives at risk like that. I’d sooner delete everything, start over entirely.

*She freezes, considering.*

Could- would that work? Could I simply delete everything? We could make some sort of other deal, I can.. I can offer other things. The consequences, if some of the personal information were to get out- on a political level it would be mostly meaningless, but on a personal level.. it could be devastating.

coordinatorofthecia

That would have worked, before the Entities found it. It would prevent them from accessing it again. But it’s out, and this is the only way.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She sighs, resigned and entirely out of ideas.*

..Very well.

*She glances around for a moment, distracted.*

Did- did you- no, I suppose not. I’m sorry, I..

*She concentrates on the real, the world around her. What’s actually happening. The press of the screen under her fingers as she undoes the final lock, sends the datafiles directly to Narvin’s account.*

..It’s done.

coordinatorofthecia

Thank you.

*instructs the Matrix to delete every version of what he submitted, but saves a copy for himself*

It’s done. The Matrix will continue to search, in case the Entity already released what it found, but as soon as it enters the Matrix, it will die.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She sighs, resisting the urge to slump over in defeat.*

..thank you.

I.. I’m in your debt, Coordinator.

Is.. is there a way to tell if it’s dead? Or to trace who may have sent it?

*She shakes her head, assuming she already knows the answer. If only she could be so lucky.*

coordinatorofthecia

Not who may have sent it, no. But you could try summoning it. If it responds, we know we’ve failed.

gallifreyan-therapist

How do we do that? I.. I want to be sure it’s dead.

If I’m to be exposed and exiled for this, I want to be sure the job is done.

coordinatorofthecia

Just call it. They’re usually arrogant enough to reveal themselves. “Hello” would do nicely.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She pauses for a moment, a bit embarrassed that it’s that simple.*

Well. Alright.

Er, hello? Are you- are you there still?

This feels silly.

even-more-conceptual-entities

Hey.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She startles, glancing around the room like she could see it.*

It’s- it’s still here..

*She resists the urge to fall to the floor and scream her woes to Rassilon himself- she knows that won’t work. She woukd just look silly. But yet..*

I’ve.. oh, I’m done for. I’m so, so sorry..

even-more-conceptual-entities

...Sorry for what?

gallifreyan-therapist

*Confused*

I- sorry for my clients? For, betraying everybody’s trust, for failing to do the single most important job I have?

Are you not going to make fun of me for that? Is that not your goal?

even-more-conceptual-entities

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Is that what you wanted?

gallifreyan-therapist

Well- no, of course not, but-

Well, I don’t want this either.

*She glances to Narvin, confused.*

Can you hear that too? Is it- why’s it so different? Some sort of- survival tactic? Convince us we’ve killed it and now it’s something different?

even-more-conceptual-entities

I think you got me confused with someone else.

All non-corporeal entities probably look the same to you. Hmph.

gallifreyan-therapist

..Perhaps, but-

*Glances at @coordinatorofthecia*

Please, tell me you can hear that. It sounds.. completely different, but- is it possible?

Could it really be a completely different entity that’s.. managed to latch onto me, yet again, despite my years of rigorous psychic training?

..if it is, I should ask for a refund.

even-more-conceptual-entities

Come on, "latching onto you?"

I'm just talking.

gallifreyan-therapist

@coordinatorofthecia

Coordinator Narvin.

I.. may have a situation, which I would much appreciate your assistance with. Can we discuss this somewhere in person?

I do apologise for the inconvenience and I understand it is very early in the morning, but it is rather.. urgent. I believe your Agency may be able to help.

coordinatorofthecia

Very well. Come to my office.

gallifreyan-therapist

Thank you, Coordinator. I’m on my way now.

coordinatorofthecia

*orders his security to let her though*

gallifreyan-therapist

*Thanks the security awkwardly when they let her pass, knocking politely on his office door*

coordinatorofthecia

Come in

gallifreyan-therapist

*Steps inside awkwardly, nodding to him deferentially*

Coordinator. Thank you very much for agreeing to meet with me, I- I’m deeply sorry if I’ve interrupted any part of your schedule.

*She reminds herself to keep her breathing at a normal rate*

I.. have been troubled, recently, by a sort of anonymous troublemaker, and I regret that I’ve been.. unable, to catch whoever it is.

I take security very seriously, and if I can’t take care of this myself, well- it would seem I have no choice but to seek other options.

coordinatorofthecia

An anonymous troublemaker. Is there a reason you came to me with this concern, rather than the Guard?

gallifreyan-therapist

Yes, I.. was rather hoping you would be able to help me deal with it more.. discreetly.

I.. was wondering if we might be able to come to some agreement.

coordinatorofthecia

I was under the impression that you’re unable to offer anything I could want.

gallifreyan-therapist

*Winces*

Ah, yes, I.. well. Desperate times..

I can’t trace where this person is coming from. How they’re breaking in, what sort of data they might have access to.

They- I’m not sure how, but I’m convinced- they can see me. At almost any given moment, as far as I can tell. I’m not safe in my own quarters, Coordinator.

I’m sure you can understand, that.. well, that may force a certain.. willingness to do what one usually would not.

coordinatorofthecia

Yes, I can see it does.

How does this person contact you?

gallifreyan-therapist

*Pulls out her datapad and shows him the most recent message in her inbox, as well as a few others she’s responded to*

I have a public messaging account so that clients can reach out discreetly.. but whoever this is, seems to be sending them anonymously, and.. quite persistently.

This was sent only.. I’d say about ten microspans ago, as I was leaving my office.

It’s.. quite troubling. They’re very persistent.

coordinatorofthecia

Yet impersonal. There’s nothing they couldn’t have guessed.

gallifreyan-therapist

Yes, well, that was what I’d thought- what I hoped, at first, but.. the most recent ones..

Until then I’d thought it was a coincidence, but- I went to my quarters, and it was mentioned. I was thinking aloud, in my quarters, considering-

I- I was considering whether I should bring it up to some higher authority. The next message mentioned that.

And again, when I woke up the next morning- another message, right as I was awake. And in my office, I was doing a breathing exercise, something to calm down- and the next one mentioned that.

*Her voice shakes, and she takes a moment to clear her throat and resettle- stay professional, for Rassilon’s sake.*

I’m sure you can see the pattern. Looking at the messages alone, it’s rather innocent- but put in context..

coordinatorofthecia

I see…

I imagine you don’t have an office assistant, or someone in security find of pranks?

It’s possible they’re being left by your future self, but the scanners would have detected that paradox.

Tell me, Isa, what do you know about Conceptuals?

gallifreyan-therapist

*She looks upset for a moment, trying not to think what this might mean for their security as a whole.*

*She looks confused but intrigued at his last point.*

Conceptuals? I.. can’t say I’ve ever heard of them, unfortunately.

coordinatorofthecia

gallifreyan-therapist

*She lets out a breath, relieved for a moment*

So- so it, can’t really do anything but write?

Is there- can we find out if it can write to anyone else, or access any of the secure files, or- is there a way to get rid of it?

*She takes another breath, reminding herself of her autonomic control.*

Sorry- I’m sure you can understand, the- anxiety, of the situation I’m in. There’s a lot on the line-

*She cuts herself off, the more she speaks, the worse this seems to get.*

coordinatorofthecia

Do you suspect someone of sending them?

gallifreyan-therapist

*Her hearts seem to stop, for a moment.*

Sorry, do you mean- it’s some sort of mental parasite? I- I can assure you, I’ve been through.. about as much psychic training as is offered. It’s a requirement, for this job-

A memevore anywhere near a psychiatric office is.. certainly not a good idea, no.

I suppose if there’s any other training you know of, I would do whatever I can to get rid of this.. thing.

*She goes quiet for a moment, considering.*

..No, I can’t say for certain. I’m sure you understand that there are many who would benefit from- my knowledge. I.. there are a few, who have been more.. direct, about it, but.. no. I can’t.

*She hesitates, wondering if she should be saying any of this. Narvin, of all people, would benefit more than most from all of this. Or Thessalia.. well. The list goes on, unfortunately.*

coordinatorofthecia

It’s just focusing your perceptions. Blocking out what isn’t there, focusing on what’s real. They tend to have the greatest effect on those particularly vulnerable.

I need to see everything it had access to.

gallifreyan-therapist

I suppose that can’t be that hard. But still, the fact that it managed to get a hold in the first place- I had years of training. It’s hard to believe it was all.. useless, against this.

*She pauses, looking horrified.*

I- I really can’t let you do that. I have no idea what it may have gotten into, but- patient files, communications, internal affairs- I may be desperate, but..

Is there any other way? Is there a possibility it couldn’t get into any of those things, or a way to tell, at least?

coordinatorofthecia

gallifreyan-therapist

I can assure you, we took every preventative measure we could- does the wider public even know of the existence of these creatures? I’ve never heard of them before, and I thought-

Well. I’d thought I knew every security measure we could possibly need.

*She sets her head in her hands for a moment, overwhelmed.*

I.. I suppose..

Well. It seems there’s no other option.

*She looks up, resigned.*

What do you need me to do?

coordinatorofthecia

gallifreyan-therapist

*She shudders involuntarily at the idea, but- well, there’s no alternative.*

..alright.

*She types a series of commands into her datapad, hands shaking.*

Just.. please. Do what you must, but- please don’t expose my clients. Expose me if you will, it’s.. well deserved, by this point.

*She freezes, considering.*

coordinatorofthecia

That would have worked, before the Entities found it. It would prevent them from accessing it again. But it’s out, and this is the only way.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She sighs, resigned and entirely out of ideas.*

..Very well.

*She glances around for a moment, distracted.*

Did- did you- no, I suppose not. I’m sorry, I..

..It’s done.

coordinatorofthecia

Thank you.

*instructs the Matrix to delete every version of what he submitted, but saves a copy for himself*

It’s done. The Matrix will continue to search, in case the Entity already released what it found, but as soon as it enters the Matrix, it will die.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She sighs, resisting the urge to slump over in defeat.*

..thank you.

I.. I’m in your debt, Coordinator.

Is.. is there a way to tell if it’s dead? Or to trace who may have sent it?

*She shakes her head, assuming she already knows the answer. If only she could be so lucky.*

coordinatorofthecia

Not who may have sent it, no. But you could try summoning it. If it responds, we know we’ve failed.

gallifreyan-therapist

How do we do that? I.. I want to be sure it’s dead.

If I’m to be exposed and exiled for this, I want to be sure the job is done.

coordinatorofthecia

Just call it. They’re usually arrogant enough to reveal themselves. “Hello” would do nicely.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She pauses for a moment, a bit embarrassed that it’s that simple.*

Well. Alright.

Er, hello? Are you- are you there still?

This feels silly.

even-more-conceptual-entities

Hey.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She startles, glancing around the room like she could see it.*

It’s- it’s still here..

*She resists the urge to fall to the floor and scream her woes to Rassilon himself- she knows that won’t work. She woukd just look silly. But yet..*

I’ve.. oh, I’m done for. I’m so, so sorry..

even-more-conceptual-entities

...Sorry for what?

gallifreyan-therapist

*Confused*

I- sorry for my clients? For, betraying everybody’s trust, for failing to do the single most important job I have?

Are you not going to make fun of me for that? Is that not your goal?

even-more-conceptual-entities

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Is that what you wanted?

gallifreyan-therapist

Well- no, of course not, but-

Well, I don’t want this either.

*She glances to Narvin, confused.*

Can you hear that too? Is it- why’s it so different? Some sort of- survival tactic? Convince us we’ve killed it and now it’s something different?

even-more-conceptual-entities

I think you got me confused with someone else.

All non-corporeal entities probably look the same to you. Hmph.

gallifreyan-therapist

@coordinatorofthecia

Coordinator Narvin.

I.. may have a situation, which I would much appreciate your assistance with. Can we discuss this somewhere in person?

I do apologise for the inconvenience and I understand it is very early in the morning, but it is rather.. urgent. I believe your Agency may be able to help.

coordinatorofthecia

Very well. Come to my office.

gallifreyan-therapist

Thank you, Coordinator. I’m on my way now.

coordinatorofthecia

*orders his security to let her though*

gallifreyan-therapist

*Thanks the security awkwardly when they let her pass, knocking politely on his office door*

coordinatorofthecia

Come in

gallifreyan-therapist

*Steps inside awkwardly, nodding to him deferentially*

Coordinator. Thank you very much for agreeing to meet with me, I- I’m deeply sorry if I’ve interrupted any part of your schedule.

*She reminds herself to keep her breathing at a normal rate*

I.. have been troubled, recently, by a sort of anonymous troublemaker, and I regret that I’ve been.. unable, to catch whoever it is.

I take security very seriously, and if I can’t take care of this myself, well- it would seem I have no choice but to seek other options.

coordinatorofthecia

An anonymous troublemaker. Is there a reason you came to me with this concern, rather than the Guard?

gallifreyan-therapist

Yes, I.. was rather hoping you would be able to help me deal with it more.. discreetly.

I.. was wondering if we might be able to come to some agreement.

coordinatorofthecia

I was under the impression that you’re unable to offer anything I could want.

gallifreyan-therapist

*Winces*

Ah, yes, I.. well. Desperate times..

I can’t trace where this person is coming from. How they’re breaking in, what sort of data they might have access to.

They- I’m not sure how, but I’m convinced- they can see me. At almost any given moment, as far as I can tell. I’m not safe in my own quarters, Coordinator.

I’m sure you can understand, that.. well, that may force a certain.. willingness to do what one usually would not.

coordinatorofthecia

Yes, I can see it does.

How does this person contact you?

gallifreyan-therapist

*Pulls out her datapad and shows him the most recent message in her inbox, as well as a few others she’s responded to*

I have a public messaging account so that clients can reach out discreetly.. but whoever this is, seems to be sending them anonymously, and.. quite persistently.

This was sent only.. I’d say about ten microspans ago, as I was leaving my office.

It’s.. quite troubling. They’re very persistent.

coordinatorofthecia

Yet impersonal. There’s nothing they couldn’t have guessed.

gallifreyan-therapist

Yes, well, that was what I’d thought- what I hoped, at first, but.. the most recent ones..

Until then I’d thought it was a coincidence, but- I went to my quarters, and it was mentioned. I was thinking aloud, in my quarters, considering-

I- I was considering whether I should bring it up to some higher authority. The next message mentioned that.

And again, when I woke up the next morning- another message, right as I was awake. And in my office, I was doing a breathing exercise, something to calm down- and the next one mentioned that.

*Her voice shakes, and she takes a moment to clear her throat and resettle- stay professional, for Rassilon’s sake.*

I’m sure you can see the pattern. Looking at the messages alone, it’s rather innocent- but put in context..

coordinatorofthecia

I see…

I imagine you don’t have an office assistant, or someone in security find of pranks?

It’s possible they’re being left by your future self, but the scanners would have detected that paradox.

Tell me, Isa, what do you know about Conceptuals?

gallifreyan-therapist

*She looks upset for a moment, trying not to think what this might mean for their security as a whole.*

*She looks confused but intrigued at his last point.*

Conceptuals? I.. can’t say I’ve ever heard of them, unfortunately.

coordinatorofthecia

gallifreyan-therapist

*She lets out a breath, relieved for a moment*

So- so it, can’t really do anything but write?

Is there- can we find out if it can write to anyone else, or access any of the secure files, or- is there a way to get rid of it?

*She takes another breath, reminding herself of her autonomic control.*

Sorry- I’m sure you can understand, the- anxiety, of the situation I’m in. There’s a lot on the line-

*She cuts herself off, the more she speaks, the worse this seems to get.*

coordinatorofthecia

Do you suspect someone of sending them?

gallifreyan-therapist

*Her hearts seem to stop, for a moment.*

Sorry, do you mean- it’s some sort of mental parasite? I- I can assure you, I’ve been through.. about as much psychic training as is offered. It’s a requirement, for this job-

A memevore anywhere near a psychiatric office is.. certainly not a good idea, no.

I suppose if there’s any other training you know of, I would do whatever I can to get rid of this.. thing.

*She goes quiet for a moment, considering.*

..No, I can’t say for certain. I’m sure you understand that there are many who would benefit from- my knowledge. I.. there are a few, who have been more.. direct, about it, but.. no. I can’t.

*She hesitates, wondering if she should be saying any of this. Narvin, of all people, would benefit more than most from all of this. Or Thessalia.. well. The list goes on, unfortunately.*

coordinatorofthecia

It’s just focusing your perceptions. Blocking out what isn’t there, focusing on what’s real. They tend to have the greatest effect on those particularly vulnerable.

I need to see everything it had access to.

gallifreyan-therapist

I suppose that can’t be that hard. But still, the fact that it managed to get a hold in the first place- I had years of training. It’s hard to believe it was all.. useless, against this.

*She pauses, looking horrified.*

I- I really can’t let you do that. I have no idea what it may have gotten into, but- patient files, communications, internal affairs- I may be desperate, but..

Is there any other way? Is there a possibility it couldn’t get into any of those things, or a way to tell, at least?

coordinatorofthecia

gallifreyan-therapist

I can assure you, we took every preventative measure we could- does the wider public even know of the existence of these creatures? I’ve never heard of them before, and I thought-

Well. I’d thought I knew every security measure we could possibly need.

*She sets her head in her hands for a moment, overwhelmed.*

I.. I suppose..

Well. It seems there’s no other option.

*She looks up, resigned.*

What do you need me to do?

coordinatorofthecia

gallifreyan-therapist

*She shudders involuntarily at the idea, but- well, there’s no alternative.*

..alright.

*She types a series of commands into her datapad, hands shaking.*

Just.. please. Do what you must, but- please don’t expose my clients. Expose me if you will, it’s.. well deserved, by this point.

*She freezes, considering.*

coordinatorofthecia

That would have worked, before the Entities found it. It would prevent them from accessing it again. But it’s out, and this is the only way.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She sighs, resigned and entirely out of ideas.*

..Very well.

*She glances around for a moment, distracted.*

Did- did you- no, I suppose not. I’m sorry, I..

..It’s done.

coordinatorofthecia

Thank you.

*instructs the Matrix to delete every version of what he submitted, but saves a copy for himself*

It’s done. The Matrix will continue to search, in case the Entity already released what it found, but as soon as it enters the Matrix, it will die.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She sighs, resisting the urge to slump over in defeat.*

..thank you.

I.. I’m in your debt, Coordinator.

Is.. is there a way to tell if it’s dead? Or to trace who may have sent it?

*She shakes her head, assuming she already knows the answer. If only she could be so lucky.*

coordinatorofthecia

Not who may have sent it, no. But you could try summoning it. If it responds, we know we’ve failed.

gallifreyan-therapist

How do we do that? I.. I want to be sure it’s dead.

If I’m to be exposed and exiled for this, I want to be sure the job is done.

coordinatorofthecia

Just call it. They’re usually arrogant enough to reveal themselves. “Hello” would do nicely.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She pauses for a moment, a bit embarrassed that it’s that simple.*

Well. Alright.

Er, hello? Are you- are you there still?

This feels silly.

even-more-conceptual-entities

Hey.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She startles, glancing around the room like she could see it.*

It’s- it’s still here..

*She resists the urge to fall to the floor and scream her woes to Rassilon himself- she knows that won’t work. She woukd just look silly. But yet..*

I’ve.. oh, I’m done for. I’m so, so sorry..

even-more-conceptual-entities

...Sorry for what?

gallifreyan-therapist

*Confused*

I- sorry for my clients? For, betraying everybody’s trust, for failing to do the single most important job I have?

Are you not going to make fun of me for that? Is that not your goal?

even-more-conceptual-entities

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Is that what you wanted?

gallifreyan-therapist

@coordinatorofthecia

Coordinator Narvin.

I.. may have a situation, which I would much appreciate your assistance with. Can we discuss this somewhere in person?

I do apologise for the inconvenience and I understand it is very early in the morning, but it is rather.. urgent. I believe your Agency may be able to help.

coordinatorofthecia

Very well. Come to my office.

gallifreyan-therapist

Thank you, Coordinator. I’m on my way now.

coordinatorofthecia

*orders his security to let her though*

gallifreyan-therapist

*Thanks the security awkwardly when they let her pass, knocking politely on his office door*

coordinatorofthecia

Come in

gallifreyan-therapist

*Steps inside awkwardly, nodding to him deferentially*

Coordinator. Thank you very much for agreeing to meet with me, I- I’m deeply sorry if I’ve interrupted any part of your schedule.

*She reminds herself to keep her breathing at a normal rate*

I.. have been troubled, recently, by a sort of anonymous troublemaker, and I regret that I’ve been.. unable, to catch whoever it is.

I take security very seriously, and if I can’t take care of this myself, well- it would seem I have no choice but to seek other options.

coordinatorofthecia

An anonymous troublemaker. Is there a reason you came to me with this concern, rather than the Guard?

gallifreyan-therapist

Yes, I.. was rather hoping you would be able to help me deal with it more.. discreetly.

I.. was wondering if we might be able to come to some agreement.

coordinatorofthecia

I was under the impression that you’re unable to offer anything I could want.

gallifreyan-therapist

*Winces*

Ah, yes, I.. well. Desperate times..

I can’t trace where this person is coming from. How they’re breaking in, what sort of data they might have access to.

They- I’m not sure how, but I’m convinced- they can see me. At almost any given moment, as far as I can tell. I’m not safe in my own quarters, Coordinator.

I’m sure you can understand, that.. well, that may force a certain.. willingness to do what one usually would not.

coordinatorofthecia

Yes, I can see it does.

How does this person contact you?

gallifreyan-therapist

*Pulls out her datapad and shows him the most recent message in her inbox, as well as a few others she’s responded to*

I have a public messaging account so that clients can reach out discreetly.. but whoever this is, seems to be sending them anonymously, and.. quite persistently.

This was sent only.. I’d say about ten microspans ago, as I was leaving my office.

It’s.. quite troubling. They’re very persistent.

coordinatorofthecia

Yet impersonal. There’s nothing they couldn’t have guessed.

gallifreyan-therapist

Yes, well, that was what I’d thought- what I hoped, at first, but.. the most recent ones..

Until then I’d thought it was a coincidence, but- I went to my quarters, and it was mentioned. I was thinking aloud, in my quarters, considering-

I- I was considering whether I should bring it up to some higher authority. The next message mentioned that.

And again, when I woke up the next morning- another message, right as I was awake. And in my office, I was doing a breathing exercise, something to calm down- and the next one mentioned that.

*Her voice shakes, and she takes a moment to clear her throat and resettle- stay professional, for Rassilon’s sake.*

I’m sure you can see the pattern. Looking at the messages alone, it’s rather innocent- but put in context..

coordinatorofthecia

I see…

I imagine you don’t have an office assistant, or someone in security find of pranks?

It’s possible they’re being left by your future self, but the scanners would have detected that paradox.

Tell me, Isa, what do you know about Conceptuals?

gallifreyan-therapist

*She looks upset for a moment, trying not to think what this might mean for their security as a whole.*

*She looks confused but intrigued at his last point.*

Conceptuals? I.. can’t say I’ve ever heard of them, unfortunately.

coordinatorofthecia

gallifreyan-therapist

*She lets out a breath, relieved for a moment*

So- so it, can’t really do anything but write?

Is there- can we find out if it can write to anyone else, or access any of the secure files, or- is there a way to get rid of it?

*She takes another breath, reminding herself of her autonomic control.*

Sorry- I’m sure you can understand, the- anxiety, of the situation I’m in. There’s a lot on the line-

*She cuts herself off, the more she speaks, the worse this seems to get.*

coordinatorofthecia

Do you suspect someone of sending them?

gallifreyan-therapist

*Her hearts seem to stop, for a moment.*

Sorry, do you mean- it’s some sort of mental parasite? I- I can assure you, I’ve been through.. about as much psychic training as is offered. It’s a requirement, for this job-

A memevore anywhere near a psychiatric office is.. certainly not a good idea, no.

I suppose if there’s any other training you know of, I would do whatever I can to get rid of this.. thing.

*She goes quiet for a moment, considering.*

..No, I can’t say for certain. I’m sure you understand that there are many who would benefit from- my knowledge. I.. there are a few, who have been more.. direct, about it, but.. no. I can’t.

*She hesitates, wondering if she should be saying any of this. Narvin, of all people, would benefit more than most from all of this. Or Thessalia.. well. The list goes on, unfortunately.*

coordinatorofthecia

It’s just focusing your perceptions. Blocking out what isn’t there, focusing on what’s real. They tend to have the greatest effect on those particularly vulnerable.

I need to see everything it had access to.

gallifreyan-therapist

I suppose that can’t be that hard. But still, the fact that it managed to get a hold in the first place- I had years of training. It’s hard to believe it was all.. useless, against this.

*She pauses, looking horrified.*

I- I really can’t let you do that. I have no idea what it may have gotten into, but- patient files, communications, internal affairs- I may be desperate, but..

Is there any other way? Is there a possibility it couldn’t get into any of those things, or a way to tell, at least?

coordinatorofthecia

gallifreyan-therapist

I can assure you, we took every preventative measure we could- does the wider public even know of the existence of these creatures? I’ve never heard of them before, and I thought-

Well. I’d thought I knew every security measure we could possibly need.

*She sets her head in her hands for a moment, overwhelmed.*

I.. I suppose..

Well. It seems there’s no other option.

*She looks up, resigned.*

What do you need me to do?

coordinatorofthecia

gallifreyan-therapist

*She shudders involuntarily at the idea, but- well, there’s no alternative.*

..alright.

*She types a series of commands into her datapad, hands shaking.*

Just.. please. Do what you must, but- please don’t expose my clients. Expose me if you will, it’s.. well deserved, by this point.

*She freezes, considering.*

coordinatorofthecia

That would have worked, before the Entities found it. It would prevent them from accessing it again. But it’s out, and this is the only way.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She sighs, resigned and entirely out of ideas.*

..Very well.

*She glances around for a moment, distracted.*

Did- did you- no, I suppose not. I’m sorry, I..

..It’s done.

coordinatorofthecia

Thank you.

*instructs the Matrix to delete every version of what he submitted, but saves a copy for himself*

It’s done. The Matrix will continue to search, in case the Entity already released what it found, but as soon as it enters the Matrix, it will die.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She sighs, resisting the urge to slump over in defeat.*

..thank you.

I.. I’m in your debt, Coordinator.

Is.. is there a way to tell if it’s dead? Or to trace who may have sent it?

*She shakes her head, assuming she already knows the answer. If only she could be so lucky.*

coordinatorofthecia

Not who may have sent it, no. But you could try summoning it. If it responds, we know we’ve failed.

gallifreyan-therapist

How do we do that? I.. I want to be sure it’s dead.

If I’m to be exposed and exiled for this, I want to be sure the job is done.

coordinatorofthecia

Just call it. They’re usually arrogant enough to reveal themselves. “Hello” would do nicely.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She pauses for a moment, a bit embarrassed that it’s that simple.*

Well. Alright.

Er, hello? Are you- are you there still?

This feels silly.

even-more-conceptual-entities

Hey.

gallifreyan-therapist

*She startles, glancing around the room like she could see it.*

It’s- it’s still here..

*She resists the urge to fall to the floor and scream her woes to Rassilon himself- she knows that won’t work. She woukd just look silly. But yet..*

I’ve.. oh, I’m done for. I’m so, so sorry..

even-more-conceptual-entities

...Sorry for what?

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