site 31: MMG

“What’s the status of the bugs with the first generation?”

There was no inflection in Takasu’s voice as he answered Hatoyama’s question. “As I’ve said in my previous reports, the electronic capabilities of the first generation continue to increase as a result of the experiments. Their affinity with the spirit world is growing stronger than anticipated. The increase in bug factors is an effect of that.”

“My question is how you’re dealing with the problem.”

For once, Hatoyama’s question was met with silence. But Takasu’s expression didn’t change, and Hatoyama seemed a bit impatient.

He continued. “Is it possible, for example, to adjust the output of ‘Odd Eye,’ and expand our control radius to deal with the bugs? That thing was Nikola Tesla’s greatest invention, after all. And its capabilities have grown far, far beyond the 1932 Wardenclyffe Tower, yes?”

“You’re correct, but the precise adjustments required would be difficult. Too low, and we can’t get data for our experiments. Too high, and the affinity will only grow stronger. Its current setting is the greatest we can use to allow it to interfere with the guinea pigs.”

“But that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to ignore the bug factors,” Dr. Matoba interrupted, bitterly. “What happens if we continue the experiment?”

“There’s a possibility that the guinea pigs which we had some degree of control over will grow more and more feral.”

The seated men responded to Takasu’s statement with disappointment and disillusionment.

“Just sitting back and watching won’t improve the situation.” Hatoyama’s shoulders slumped as he spoke.

“If we act now, we can be a little forceful and still not have any issues. That’s the purpose of the ‘occult,’ after all.”

Matoba agreed. “We’ve used all available forms of media to create that fad, all in preparation for this. This country is in the midst of the biggest occult boom in twenty years. All you have to do is turn on the TV, and morning and night the news will be showing features on ghost photographs.”

“Controlling the populace is normally a difficult proposition, but in the sole sense of distancing them from the spirit world, we’ve succeeded thanks to the power of the occult,” Hatoyama said. He, Matoba, and the other seated men all looked satisfied.

“Takasu, come up with a method to deal with the 256 people in the first generation. This is your responsibility.”

Takasu’s eyes narrowed at Hatoyama’s orders, but he slowly nodded. “Understood. Leave it to me.”