Frank and Rebecca put together an experimentation checklist, though the method by which they hope to test each of these aspects remains unclear.
quote:
What is the minimum effective dose for Frank's poison to kill the fungus?
What is the best route of administration (spray, water, inject, other)?
Is there any communication between the various pieces?
If I connect psychically to the pieces are they still active? Is there any cross chatter?
Can we use Roger's neural net device to map out where the rest of the fungal colony lives?
The last point actually does have an immediate and measurable answer. Roger is able to synthesize the specified equipment without difficulty, but warns that their efficacy is limited to their immediate environment. This aspect cannot be improved without access to better technology and significantly more engineering time.
Meanwhile, in the lobby, Briggs frowns thoughtfully at Billy's last statement.
"I am certain we have something approximating a historian among those staffed to Invictus's archives," he says. "It would be trivial to consult them once communications are restored."
The guards seem none too eager to comply with any aspect of Billy's request.
"Only the Architects can adjust the schedule," one says after a moment. "Only the Architects can grant you leave to speak with the other witnesses, as well."
After a brief internal discussion, the larger two guards force the smallest to step away from the fire and go out into the night to relay Billy's request to the Architects. He obeys, though begrudgingly, and exits the Guest House a few moments later.