Divide and study

Interview conducted between PHLX-operative 1 and ALTN-003-994, referred to as “Nemesis” in the transcript for the sake of simplicity and reference. File available only for PHALANX use, ID must be shown. 

SUBJECT: the relationship between ALTN-003-994 and previous renditions of PHALANX. 

PRECAUTIONS: ALTN-OO3-994 is brought to a private cell. Operative 1 is held outside of reach, 3 meters back. The room is soundproofed and Transcriber is behind a 1-way-mirror, with a locked door only guards can unlock. Door should only be unlocked if PHLX-1 is without harm by the end of the interview. Upon attack, guards inside are to attempt to subdue ALTN-003-994. The floor is plastic, as to negate the strength that it can garner from nature.  

PHLX1: Interview begins. Nemesis, you are aware of the organisation that currently holds you? 

NEMESIS: More than aware. Probably more aware than you. I had friends that were the reasons behind the entire jig.  

PHLX1: Had? 

NEMESIS: Hm. This “Organisation” is a lot older than they’d lead you to believe, though until now you’ve only ever been an... amateur organisation. [ sarcastic tone]: I’m simply so proud that my little murder organisation has progressed into a kidnap association! I wonder if they’ll go for suffering next! 

PHLX1: So, you weren’t a fan of these previous... incarnations? 

NEMESIS: Not a fan is certainly the term for it. Hardly enthusiastic for the one fucking thing that herd s me and my mates to the shadows. I used to be totally bejewelled, you know? Chains and gemstone hanging from every crevice. There was special jewellery for every form of mine. I was only “scary” when bloody rumours got tossed around.  

PHLX1: May I bring up the friends you keep mentioning?  

NEMESIS: You may not. 

PHLX1: Can you talk about your time before Phalanx and its predecessors? 

NEMESIS: Indeed, I can! 

PHLX1: May you talk about it? 

NEMESIS: No! No, I may not! 

PHLX1: Why are you being so protective? 

NEMESIS: Why do you think? 

PHLX1: We aren’t sure, that is the purpose of these questions. You claimed, upon being taken in, that you would cooperate. 

NEMESIS: Ha! Check your source, I never said nothin’ 

PHLX1: The saying is “didn’t say anything”. 

NEMESIS: That! Sure! Whatever it was Gala said, is their own business. I never promised you anything. 

PHLX1: Hm. Of course. Though I am sure we can still get you to speak. 

[PHLX1 presents a journal. It is roughly 5cm×10cm. It has papers falling out at odd angles and blood splashed on the front cover, on top of a symbol that consists of 3 triangles and 2 semicircles in a fashion identical to the PHALANX logo. Underneath, is written “comprehensive guide of the Forest and the forces that dwell” and in smaller writing underneath “the journal of the hunters”] 

 NEMESIS [stiffly]: What is that. 

PHLX1: Nothing to worry about, I’m sure. Just something a little Mrs. Mary Gallagher brought to me about 9? 10? Years back now. She found it in the forest, she said, and went searching for any owners. When she looked in the phonebook, she noticed my last name corresponded with the last journal entry. I’ve read it. I know he died searching for you. 

NEMESIS: You’d have to refresh my memory. There have been a bunch of foolish hunters in those woods. A disproportionate amount that are six feet under. I’m not ashamed of that, and if you really want to know how your dad spent his last days, you need only ask. 

PHLX1: I only have one question. Why? 

NEMESIS: Excuse me? 

PHLX1: Why did you tear this man from his family? 

NEMESIS: You’re a scientist. I’m sure you already know. 

PHLX1: I want to hear it from the horse’s mouth. Be sure I know what I’m doing here. 

NEMESIS: Alright then. I have friends, who go through a 3-step process to make sure our civilisation is secure. It works, 9 times outta 10. But let me tell you, it gives you a lot more peace of mind when you get rid of them yourself. Especially when they’re hanging around those who are more... gullible. The ones that are Less powerful, most of the time. I admit, I have earned a reputation for myself after an... adventure I had with an old friend. But even before, when it was me, corkscrew, thunder... In fact, even before then. My very first memory is of being in a net, being fought over. I have no clue what I did before that, but what am I to do about that. That’s all there is. I have a reputation to uphold, and a conscience to keep clean. 

PHLX1: I think you may have misjudged the situation here. Out of the kindness of my own heart, let me spell it out for you. You have been taken prisoner to a foundation that has been trying to catch you for years. The workers for this foundation have suffered loss after loss all because of you. The current co-founder has been on the wrong side of people like you, and my own father was on the wrong side of your knife. You do understand, don’t you? There is no way we will let you out unscathed. Your friend cannot keep you safe with pretty words, not for long. The world will hear who you really are and will rejoice of the downfall and justice delivered to what they will only know as “ALTN-003-994".  

NEMESIS: Bold to assume you can hold us longer than for how long we want to be here. Get us to tell you things that we don’t want to tell you.  

PHLX1: Well. All of you have seemed perfectly pliable so far. 

NEMESIS: What? 

PHLX1: Oh, that’s right. You have no way to contact each other. Let me break it down, in terms you may understand.  

Galactica is currently in another interrogation room giving away all information about who you lot are, how you came about and such.  

Thirteen is currently sat dwelling in a cell. She has not so much as looked up since she arrived.  

Rita is giving us tips and tricks as to the containment and handling of all of you. 

Whizzer is currently taking care of all those that do not understand what is happening. That was their insistence. 

Wickerman is currently not responding to any input, in some form of dissociative state that Rita has deemed normal. Every so often, they burn, but it is not enough for the glass to melt or break. 

Smiler has agreed to physical tests and experiments to be ran on them. All because we promised we’d be gentle. 

Oblivion... Oblivion is currently being interrogated as to the uprising of the Ministry of Joy, legally and scientifically. 

You are all complacent, even the so dubbed “Forces of the forest”. The tree one and the one with the gun. 

NEMESIS: The tree- Hex? Bloody hell, they’re still around? Would’ve thought that you’d have thrown them out already. They’re bloody unsufferable.  

PHLX1: No more than you. 

NEMESIS, cartoonishly flattered: Oh really? Thank you! I do try. 

PHLX1: End interview. 

CONCLUSION: 

ALTN-OO3-994 is generally uncooperative. For future interviews, the interviewer should be more impartial, but PHLX1 should not be forbidden for future interactions. Due to the majority of this discussion being off topic, there is little to be gained. ALTN-003-994 is to be handled separately from ALTN-001, due to their clear disdain for them. ALTN-003-994 has murdered previous PHALANX operatives. PHLX1 is to decide a punishment for their actions. They should not be told about the newcomers, who we have been found in London. 

16/03/2018                                                                                                              written up by DR. Horizon Talbot, head of the Nemesis Case