That Insidious Beast: Counterprogramming
DETAINEE
That is not the real you, Sergeant REDACTED.
SGT N
(chuckling) Don't try to play mind games. I know what I am.
DETAINEE
You aren't real, Sergeant REDACTED. Not in the sense that I am real. It is why we unfortunately inflicted such grievous losses on you and your nation. It is why I do not currently fear for my life.
SGT N
You should fear for your life. The REDACTED is on the way.
DETAINEE
Yes, well, I am sure she will want to gloat over me.
SGT N
She?
DETAINEE
REDACTED is a female. Or did you not know that? I often forget how little your masters tell you. So many lies.
SGT N
(inaudible)
DOC
Yes.
SGT N
Let's try again. Are you what is commonly known as an Unfolder?
DETAINEE
Yes.
SGT N
Why are you here?
DETAINEE
Because the forces of your nation successfully intercepted our smuggling operation and brought overwhelming martial force to bear against myself and my compatriots.
SGT N
Were your compatriots human or were they Unfolders?
DETAINEE
There were two others like me in the group. The rest were human.
SGT N
What happened to the other Unfolders?
DETAINEE
I am not certain, but I believe one was decapitated by shrapnel and the other was crushed under the feet of one of your mechanical suits.
SGT N
You don't seem particularly upset by that.
DETAINEE
It is not the outcome I would have sought. I feel...
SGT N
What? You feel what?
