[Video]

[timesbureaucrat]

[Narvin is suspicious and paranoid and generally thinks that people are out to get him even under the best of circumstances. So hearing from the news report that the person who set off the skeleton spawner is possibly an import--someone he knows--is stoking the paranoia, and building fears that the native population might turn ugly against them all.]

How lovely learning that one of us may be responsible for attempting to slaughter everyone. I'm sure that endears us to the natives.

[Narvin leans forward, steeples his fingers.]

Of course, a psychic scan could quickly clear all this up. Targeted for only relevant information, of course. If you're innocent, you'd have nothing to worry about.

Comments

[most_feared]

No psychic scans. You're not authorized and I doubt the town would ever authorize it even if you were.

[Kay is a paranoid bastard but Narvin really works at it.]

[timesbureaucrat]

I'm simply offering a suggestion as a concerned citizen. I'm not saying we should scan people without their permission [although there's a part of him that would very much like to do exactly that if it found the culprit quickly] but if people volunteered, well, it might narrow down the suspects.

[most_feared]

They have Vulcans here, Narvin. Don't worry about it.

[Private]

Though if you hear something, without entering someone's head, we would very much like to know.

[timesbureaucrat]

Things being as they are, I find it difficult not to worry. But I'll leave it to security.

[Private]

And I'll keep an eye and an ear out for any information that might be useful and pass it on if I should come across anything.

Private

[givessweetness]

... I thought you were trying to hide the fact that you were CIA. [Because. This is CIA stuff, Narvin. Don't lie.]

Private

[timesbureaucrat]

[Old habits die hard.

At least he's not recommending the mind probe.]

I'm speaking purely as a civilian offering a potential resource for clearing up this mess.

Private

[givessweetness]

It's not… that I'm implying you're overstepping your bounds, but generally people don't go to that kind of extreme so quickly without… [A shrug.] at least being pretty odd.

Private

[timesbureaucrat]

[He draws himself up.]

Are you saying I'm odd?

[domesheriff]

[Linda's tone is sour] I don't think this place wants to endear us to the natives.

What do you mean by a "psychic scan," anyway?

[she's not sure she really wants the answer to this question, but if he's seriously proposing it, she has a feeling she should try to find out]

[timesbureaucrat]

I mean precisely what it sounds like.

Someone--me, presumably--telepathically scanning individuals to see if they are guilty of the crime.

On Gallifrey we had a special device for just such a purpose. [That Romana outlawed.] But needs must. This, more direct method would likely be better received by others here in any case, and is more appropriate for a general sweep. [As touch telepathy doesn't involve pain and risk of brain damage like the mind probe does.]

[domesheriff]

[she stares at him, working her mouth a bit before she can find any words to react to that]

And that's not illegal here!?

[belatedly, she regrets blurting that out, but it really was her kneejerk reaction]

[timesbureaucrat]

Why would it be? If it were consensual and for the purpose of finding a security threat?

[Narvin genuinely doesn't see the problem.]

[Video]

[ratkicker]

But that psychic scan will be only used once, right?

[Video]

[timesbureaucrat]

Of course. This would be a targeted investigation procedure, not a fishing expedition.

[Video]

[ratkicker]

How does a scan exactly work? Do you go around interrogating everyone, so is it something that you spread all across town?

[She's not too comfortable with either option.]

[Video]

[timesbureaucrat]

It would need to be one-on-one. It's not an interrogation, however. Speaking is not necessary.

It's really quite simple. I would take your hand and search your thoughts regarding skeleton spawners. It's completely painless. You wouldn't feel a thing.

[schrodingerscatalyst]

...What?! No.

[timesbureaucrat]

Whyever not? It doesn't hurt, or leave any lasting damage. And it would provide useful security information.

[una_persson]

Well, thank you, Narvin.

[Dry. So dry. Atacama desert dry.]

[timesbureaucrat]

[He narrows his eyes.]

You're very welcome. [Matching her tone.]

Now, that out of the way, have you any better idea for catching the culprit quickly?

[una_persson]

Would that I did. But I'm grateful to you for the reminder of the value of due process.

[ewestmarch]

You first, huh? Thanks for volunteering.

[timesbureaucrat]

I can hardly scan myself.

[ewestmarch]

Show me how, then. I'll do it.

[timesbureaucrat]

Are you a telepath?