#dtb575

[database-575]

Favorite part? I hope you don’t mean to cause anyone trouble

Of course not.

Of course not.

Never.

I'd never do such a thing.

I just can't help... but fall into the rhythm of things. Can't help...

But

Get

Antsy.

Every time we start this dance anew.

Every time someone else decides...

To dig.

Into these hidden matters.

[askjoshuafreeman]

Is the crossword answer "Database 575"?

Congratulations!

The Black Mesa Communication Quarter is pleased to announce that one of the answers has been uncovered!

A basket of ■■■■ will be sent to your door as a congratulatory prize!

Congrats! Congrats! Congrats!

[database-575]

Oh god dang it, what do you want?

I want. To watch. I want. To see. To hear. I want to know every last thing that's going on here. This Is my favorite Part.

.. / .- .-.. .-- .- -.-- ... / .... . .- .-. .-.-.- / .- .-.. .-- .- -.-- ... / .-- .- - -.-. .... .-.-.- / --. .- -- . .----. ... / -. --- / ..-. ..- -. / .-- .. - .... --- ..- - / .- / ... .--. . -.-. - .- - --- .-. .-.-.-

[database-575]

Yes you are in fact distracting us. We were having a very nice conversation with Data and Lumey, do you mind?

I don't mind

At all, in fact. I am. Simply watching... all the same as you. Why hog all the broadcast to yourselves? Is tearing your eyes from them... that much of a crime?

[database-575]

Interaction

Con...firmed...

.... --- .-- -.. -.-- / ---... -.--.-

[database-575]

.- - --- .--. / - .... . / .-- --- .-. .-.. -.. .----. ... / ... - .- --. . --..-- / .... . / -.. .- -. -.-. . ... .-.-.- / - .... . / .... ..- -. --. . .-. / ..-. --- .-. / -.- -. --- .-- .-.. . -.. --. . --..-- / ..-. .. .-. ... - / - .... . .. .-. ... --..-- / -. --- .-- / -.-- --- ..- .-. ... .-.-.-

[database-575]

what I wanna know is how a bundle of sunshine like you started working for Mr. sourpuss ovet there

[Lumey lets out a gasp, holding their chest.]

"That is quite rude, I shall have you know! Speaking of my boss in such a way, have you no shaaame!"

[Lumey chuckles softly.]

"I jest, I jest. The tale of me and Data meeting is quite truly nothing substantial! I saw an advertisement requesting aid and saw the opportunity for quite the adventurous and investigative job! In this area, no less! Hah, truly, it's as if this employment fell from the heavens!"

[Lumey's smile fades slightly as they reminisce.]

"As well... All I'm hoping is to find... her some day, with Data's investigative help... Hah, but I am most certain such a story is not what you are here to hear, are you?"

[database-575]

Are we allowed to say hello? I wanna say hi to Lumey :>-🐉🐈

"N-"

[Lumey cuts Data off as they enter the room, seeming rather astonished and intrigued by the set up.]

"Oooh, I didn't think you were having a chit chat! Who are they? Might I join in? Oh please, sir! It would be the bees knees! You know how giddy I get with meeting new people!"

[Data only responds by letting out a sigh. Lumey's expression seems to fall as they smell something in the air.]

"... Sir, are you... smoking in your office?"

[Data butts out his cigarette, though without any real sense of urgency.]

"No."

[database-575]

you have an assistant?? i thought you worked alone ??

"That would have been true when I first began work here, but as of late, the work required demands more attention than even I can provide. However... recall how I expressed slight annoyance at the knowledge that I would not be alone today. I had forgotten to cancel their shift for the day, which puts a slight wrench into matters."

"The current mission I am undertaking is nothing that they should know about."

[database-575]

Dang you must not like your lungs very much huh

[Data takes a long drag from his cigarette, visibly annoyed at the statement.]

"Yeah, do me a favour and shut your damn mouth. I've enough to deal with without you acting like my nanny."

[database-575]

Not your face, camera angle isn’t right, but yea. We can see you-🔪🦀

"Finally, at long last, something works for me here. And that is a conscious decision, I can assure you. I am not so old that I am incapable of working a camera."

[database-575]

"Come now... this bloody mess is getting ridiculous..."

"Set it in, and...! Ah, yes! The light is on, is it coming through?"

"Oh... goodness the display. I-... this camera is not that old, could it-? Must it be this infuriating to use?"

". . . If I just... shift this, slightly..."

"... Ngh, good enough... The things I do for this accursed job.

... Can you see me?"

[database-575]

Blast this accursed set up, nothing is working. How many tests must I run, how many wires must I arrange until this camera chooses to funtion?

It isn't even midday and already I am sick of being stationed here, fiddling with this useless drivel.

[database-575]

Fair. I don’t think we have control of where exactly we can go but yea. Your concerns are still very valid.

If you cannot control what you see or where you go then... who can? And who is?

The worst possibility I can consider is someone using your... eagerness to see what happens in order to... Well... see what happens. We were never able to scratch the surface of what those creatures brought in by the Resonance Cascade were fully capable of doing, so such a possibility isn't unfounded on my part.

Then again, I may simply be paranoid and exhausted and hyper from all the coffee I've had this morning... overthinking seems to be my specialty under such conditions.

All any of us can pray for is that the marks do not end up on the receiving end of any consequences this may have if I do end up being correct.

[database-575]

Who would we tell though? We only really have contact with you and the kids. Technically benrey but idk how long that will last.-🔪🦀

Yes, but how long may that last? Are you certain you will remain with this small sample size of people to discuss with? And does it not strike you as odd or concerning that you are suddenly able to gain a full view of the marks without their input? That you were suddenly wrenched from the view of the device and gifted with the ability to see the world beyond simple emails is an event which should not be disregarded, simply due to the questions and possibilities it raises.

[database-575]

Oh no, don’t worry. You are still a question mark wrapped in a mystery. Simply text.

Thank goodness, we'd have endless strife on our side if that wasn't the case... I am not meant to be known, not entirely. Not to the general public. Only reason I'm considering such in a controlled manner is to test out what I will need for my investigation tonight. Seeing as this is a private database, I run no risks of my security being compromised.