18th Devotion: Information Gathering

[favoritetraitor]

Another set of curses over and done with... strange that I escaped unaffected by them. I wonder if anyone can tell me what their experiences have been as far as the length of time that they've been able to avoid being cursed?


[Filtered from Luke Valentine, and Diva.]
Just out of idle curiosity.... could anyone give me any information on a 'Luke Valentine'?


[Filtered to ARTEMIS]
I hope that the recent string of curses hasn't delayed your getting started on your assigned projects. Understandable if it did though...
At the very least, I was able to examine a few of the unfortunate cursed members of our City. To those of you interested in what my results were, I'll forward the data I was able to collect. Although this is only the beginning...

I'd also meant to mention in our last meeting, there will be a signing bonus for anyone who is able to bring new members into the fold. Please consider who might be a benefit to our cause.

Comments

[child-radical.livejournal.com]

I've gone a few days to a week without being cursed. That is if you exclude the city wide curses everyone is subjected to.

[favoritetraitor.livejournal.com]

Only up to a week? Interesting.

Have you noticed any particular patterns to the curses you are subjected to? Types, or severity...?

I hope you don't mind my questions. I'm seeking to find some way to prevent the curses of this city.

[child-radical.livejournal.com]

No. Though I seem to be hit by ones involving memory if the candy hearts and photo ones were any indication. And I've usually been involved in mild ones, the harshest one was when I was killed a few weeks back.

[favoritetraitor.livejournal.com]

Killed? So you are... city dead?

[child-radical.livejournal.com]

No, I woke up with my pulse intact the day after the curse.

private

[browning-baby.livejournal.com]

What kind of info would you want?

private

[favoritetraitor.livejournal.com]

Anything you can tell me about him. Past interactions with him, assessment of his skills, abilities... anything. What kind of man is he?

private

[browning-baby.livejournal.com]

I have to ask why first.

private

[favoritetraitor.livejournal.com]

I'm concerned about the character of this man. I have someone I wish to protect...

[parallel-blond.livejournal.com]

I've been here a month, but I've only been hit two times. Seems odd, compared to everyone else.

[favoritetraitor.livejournal.com]

Yes, you do seem most fortunate in this regard. And who do I have the pleasure of addressing? My name is Solomon Goldsmith...

[parallel-blond.livejournal.com]

I'm Jake. Nice to meet you.

Is there a reason for this... questioning?

[favoritetraitor.livejournal.com]

Nice to meet you as well, Jake.

Yes, I'm looking into finding a way to prevent the curses from affecting people, so it's important for me to find out as many details as possible so I can see if there is a pattern that is prevalent. My organization is called ARTEMIS...

private;

[somekindofsin.livejournal.com]

As far as curses go, I find myself either experiencing every curse that comes through or missing each one. Oddly enough, I've been affected by every curse that involves... ah, gender reassignment or turning into animals. When I was here previously--I have no memory of the event, but I was able to locate my own notes from that time--the same sort of pattern held true.

Luke Valentine is a terrifying individual and a friend to Marishka. That can only be bad, really. Like attracts like, and Marishka is an insane, homicidal vampire.

Unfortunately, I was too busy creating and grading exams to do much in the way of research. I would be highly interested in what information you managed to glean from the event, however!

private;

[favoritetraitor.livejournal.com]

Is that so? Quite fascinating. It makes me feel certain that such events are not random. Perhaps there's a physical predisposition towards different types of curses... Would you mind compiling a list of curses that have struck you?

I'm rather surprised to hear this about Marishka. I've only spoken with her once, but I found her to be rather charming. Luke on the other hand, I am wary of... is there anything specific you can tell me?

I'll be sure to send over my notes tomorrow. Will that be acceptable?

private;

[somekindofsin.livejournal.com]

Oh, I doubt they are. I would be more than happy to compile such a list.

The charm is an act entirely. She wants to kill me in a slow, painful way, wait for me to revive, and then repeat the process indefinitely. We... ah, we have something of a history, but she truly is a threat. Her idea of fun involves draining people dry. I don't know as much about Luke, really. He presents himself neutrally, but there's something about him that sets me on edge.

Entirely acceptable, thank you!

private;

[favoritetraitor.livejournal.com]

I suppose I shouldn't be amused that one of my staff feels terrorized by such a sweet girl...

Yes, that does seem most problematic, your situation with Marishka. I shall be certain to be careful if I encounter her again. Thank you for the advice on both her and Luke...

[Private || Unhackable]

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

You were fortunate if you weren't affected. It was a rather tiring three days.

As for curses, I've seen curses last a day, three days, and a week. Generally a week seems to be the longest any one curse has lasted, and when it does last a week, it tends to change over the course of the week, as the last three days changed slightly.

[Private || Unhackable]

[favoritetraitor.livejournal.com]

Yes, that seems to be matching what others have been saying... At least there don't seem to be any that have a more permanent status, unless perhaps you would consider the 'city dead' to fall under that category.

Cain, do you know of Luke Valentine?

[Private || Unhackable]

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

There have been changes before, though those don't seem to be of the same sort as a curse. And I don't really count being dead as a curse. It's more of a situation.

I do know of him. Why?

[Private || Unhackable]

[favoritetraitor.livejournal.com]

'A situation?' You do have a dry wit.

As for Mr. Valentine, I have some concerns about him. I just like to be well informed. To know what I'm looking at...

[horrible-phd.livejournal.com]

I wasn't able to get any work done the past few days--I was too busy trying to shove the basic principles of science into the heads of unwilling teenagers--but I'm planning to make up for it today by taking some readings in Misery Square. If I'm lucky I'll be able to witness a newcomer's arrival.

[favoritetraitor.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm glad that you've regained your senses, Doctor. I look forward to seeing your first report. Hopefully you'll find exactly what you're looking for without any interruptions.

whoops, assume this was on an ARTEMIS filter; cue ominous "duh duh dum" music

[horrible-phd.livejournal.com]

I hope so. There's a large element of luck, though, so it may take a few days. Carl's going to help a bit too.

FILTERED to ARTEMIS; music queued

[favoritetraitor.livejournal.com]

Excellent. I have no doubt that by combining our resources, we'll have much better results.

Did you have need of any other assistants for your project, Doctor?