"No. She was a pod interface specialist."
"Ah, I see."
"No you don't."
"Don't worry, I'll figure it out. I always do."
"No you won't."
"Just full of optimism today aren't we?"
"No we're not."
***
"Miss Ruutarhara, how are we today?"
"We are fine; you seem flustered."
"Pardon?"
"Frustration. Voice fluctuations and pulse rate, erratic breathing. Lack of eye contact and..."
"Enough."
"Yes, enough."
"You told the guards you had something new."
"Yes, we require access to all information in regards to the Jovians."
"Oh. Nothing new, just a new theory."
"No, this is something new. We need corroborating evidence before we can finish our hypothesis."
"Perhaps you'd like to share?"
"Of course, professor."
"Well then, at your leisure."
"Certainly. Our current analysis of the information points to the Jovians not being what they appear to be."
"That certainly goes without saying, doesn't it?"
"No, it doesn't."
"Alright then, explain."
"That is what we were doing, was it not? I believe they do not develop their own technology but that they leach off of other cultures."
"That's hard to believe, Miss Ruutarhara. They're more advanced than anything..."
"...yes, and if you will allow me to continue I can properly phrase my theory."
"Of course, continue."
"If you had seen the technology the Sleepers possess first hand, and had the mind to see, you would be able to understand it."
"Assume for a moment I did not understand what you just meant. Explain."
"The technology the sleepers possess is nothing the Jovians don't have."
"A simple explanation."
"Yes. The Jovians had access to Sleeper, Talocan, Takmahl... all the technology they would need, long before we could."
"Debatable, but go on."
"Not debatable. They had access to technology we never did."
"Where is this going Miss Ruutarhara?"
"The Jovians are scavengers."
"I see."
"No, you don't. Scavengers. Their culture has 'fallen' a few times as well."
"How does that..."
"I am getting to it. They had their own technology to build upon, but also access to the advanced technology of other cultures."
"I..."
"...if you say 'I see' one more time I will rip your eyes out. Good. Now listen. They gave us capsule technology. They deal with us for other technology. They want us to share technology freely."
"That's..."
"Do shut up. I am trying to show you what I mean. They wish for us to develop that which they can't. You see, they do not think like we do. Or at least a majority do not."
"Interesting."
"Not really. They are stagnated; they have reached the limit of their existence, the limit of their capabilities."
"What is your theory, Miss Ruutarhara?"
"My theory is that there are potentially three distinct factions of the Jovians. The first, those who simply wish to nurture us and allow us to grow naturally. A second, who wish to use us to develop something they cannot. The third, those who would manipulate us into being their 'salvation', their escape from their imminent fate."
"But that is a theory, isn't it?"
"Of course; it is a theory grounded in reasonable inference. What we seek is a provable hypothesis."
"I... understand. You want to be able to prove something in regards to their intent."
"Smart boy, you learn quickly."
"What exactly do you need?"
"As I said, everything you and your organization has on the Jovians."
"That will take some time."
"We are patient."
***
Tell me, there is a large flaw in this reasoning. What is it? Where is it? If you can tell me that, perhaps I will show you more.
Until next time.
-Nikiruu
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