<Snipped quote by Valiance>

*On closer inspection, each of the slices contain a number of cyclic processes including eruptions, earthquakes, and squalls that maintain the weather and climate patterns in their sectors*
Then the going hypothesis is that one survived, secretly acquired the strength to eliminate or restrain Ridge, and then destroyed his imagined world?

<Snipped quote by System>

*Stares in unexpressed interest at the individual weather spectacles*
In a sea of unlikely possibilities, we could say that takes up the largest tiny slice of the pie, yes.

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

How would you go about tracking such an individual?
*Checks my watch, and as two color-coded points circling the outside rim align, the meadow environment starts to rumble, the ice sheet cracks and begins melting, and a tornado slows, dissipating sand across one side of its sector*

<Snipped quote by System>

The first idea to come to mind would be to create a believable spectacle to give the notion that Ridge is still active. Draw them out.
*Crosses my arms*
Not a feasible thing to do in my skillset.

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

Mm. Assuming that Ridge isn't incapacitated.

<Snipped quote by System>

Given Ridge’s own abilities, it’d be hard for someone to rule out that he’s active elsewhere even while he’s also right in front of them. Even if they think they have his multipresence under control, it would plant seeds of doubt.

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

Hm... what if you were to recreate that world?

<Snipped quote by System>

An incredibly tall ask. And difficult… In multiple ways.

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

It may hold the greatest chance of succeeding, especially if that was the original target of aggression.

<Snipped quote by System>

Molding reality to that degree is something only a very small handful of people I know about are capable of. Molding it for this specific world to be a believable recreation of a believable recreation would take both the power to do that, and the knowledge of the world as it was. Only one man to fit that bill.

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

How well do you remember your home? A collaborative effort may meet those needs, and its only requirement is to draw in the target.

<Snipped quote by System>

The world as a whole? Nowhere near well. The city where I lived, at least, I’d say it’s etched into my mind nearly to a T.

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

That may be enough. But it's nearly impossible to say for certain.
*Kneels down toward an edge of the room, near where the earlier door manifested, and opens a hatch*

<Snipped quote by System>

*Shakes my head in resolve, clearing my hesitation and turns to you*
If you’re proposing that you can help, I’m sure you don’t need a reminder of your energy crisis.

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

Transparently, I'm unable to help you in any tangible way right now. But I'm not the only resource at your disposal.
*Starts down a runged metal ladder*
But I do need to check the flywheel stability. You're welcome to join.

<Snipped quote by System>

I’m making sure we’re on the same page insofar as your own condition.
*Walks over and waits for you to descend enough for there to be room for myself*
We need you in one piece if you all are ever going to figure out your conjoined predicament.

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

Hence why our problems are also united as one.
*Slides down the ladder and hops off a few feet from the ground, leading to a room full of large but not enormous spinning disks that correspond to each environmental slice*

<Snipped quote by System>

Well said.
*Lets go of the ladder and drops to my feet once you’re out of the way*

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

Then on that note, my aid must be selective. Leaving places this lab at risk, and I lack the advantage to defeat the defense system on my own.
*Steps between the flywheels, checking an analogue meter on each one*

<Snipped quote by Zealz>

*My eyes shift to Zoey with a deadpan glare*

<Snipped quote by Unhinged>

*Laughs nervously and throws an arm around each of your shoulders*
I am really glad you’re both here with me now.