ArchivedLogs:Vignette - Last Rites

Vignette - Last Rites
Dramatis Personae Malthus
In Absentia	2013-12-29 A video recorded a day after Jackson and Malthus met, given to Malthus' lawyer, instructed to be released publically only on the occasion of Malthus' death.
Location
"My name is Captain Malthus Rogers; if you are seeing this recording, it is because I am now dead." Malthus Rogers stares at the camera with an expression of striking serenity. He is dressed as he always is -- a black coat, black shirt, with stubble still clinging to his head and face. His hands are folded in his lap; his legs are crossed. "I wish to take this opportunity to clarify several matters concerning my death. Whatever the evidence supports -- accident, suicide, a trivial murder -- let me be perfectly clear: I was assasinated. Mutant powers have been used to obscure this fact." There is a pause. Malthus reaches for a glass of water, sipping delicately, his eyes closed. When he sets the glass down, his eyes open -- and he continues: "Jackson Holland recently attacked a high security containment facility for dangerous mutants. His aim was to free a particular mutant -- codename 'Vector' -- who possesses the ability to modify and spontaneously generate pathogens. Holland then attempted to use this mutant's power to engineer a virus selectively capable of wiping out the human race while leaving mutants alive. The recent plague was the tragic result." Another sip of water. Now, Malthus folds his hands in his lap, staring steadfast at the camera: "Holland seized the opportunity to engineer himself as the hero of this crisis, all the while knowing fully well that he manufactured it. In addition, my death -- my murder -- at the hands of his mutant terrorist cell -- was an attempt to end my investigation to expose him. 'Vector' is still at large -- in Holland's hands. It is only a matter of time before Holland attempts this again." "Mutants are not..." A pause, here; a flicker of something across Malthus' expression -- a shimmer of something other than tranquility. "...our enemy. But Mr. Holland is a terrorist. If he is allowed to continue unabated, the recent disaster in New York City -- now extending throughout the world -- will be but a preview. It is only a matter of time before he finds a way to 'weaponize' Vector against all humans -- and wipes our species out." "To those who knew me, I apologize for the inconvenience and suffering my death has brought. And to Mr. Holland, I say only this..." Malthus' expression flickers -- the ghost of a smile appears. "You had your chance."