“I had a few cancers gnawing away at my body, you see. The only thing to do was to get rid of it once and for all,” Faceman told her, as if he were talking about a routine everyday operation. “Having said that, we probably could have saved my body using some of the technologies we developed here—but I decided that my appearance now was more appropriate for me. You see, in addition to supervising the whole of the facility, I’m in charge of a number of different research projects. Twenty bodies wouldn’t be enough to withstand all the exhausting work that I’d have to put myself through. And if no body would be strong enough, I decided I’d rather have no body at all and stick to being the headquarters, literally as well as metaphorically—even if it’s a bit of a strained metaphor…”
Balot asked without really thinking, but Faceman just smiled proudly. “What do you think this cage is for? The wiring isn’t just some handicraft, you know. It’s cutting-edge technology that creates ideal air conditions. Every single wire filters out impurities—keeping the air inside fresh—and they also regulate the temperature and humidity. Even as we speak, subtle vibrations are flowing through the air, cleaning off my dead skin, purifying my surfaces, helping me to maintain a healthy metabolism. Far more agreeable than using your hands to clean your face with soap and water. On top of that, the two-inch-thick base of the cage has electronic interference capabilities, life-support systems, a gravity device, a hard disc with all relevant data, communications equipment, shock-absorbency devices—even self-defense mechanisms—everything you can think of, all built in.”
It was quite a fluent exposition. Balot could almost imagine his chest jutting out in pride as he reeled off the list, and the incongruity made it hard for Balot to suppress a rising smile.
And then it was Faceman’s turn to cast a mischievous glance at the table. She realized that he had interfered,
“Do have a seat.”
Balot did as she was told. But it didn’t feel like she was being ordered about. Rather, it seemed like Faceman was genuinely enjoying her company.
“I enjoy watching you—you’re a walking, talking reminder of just how gifted Dr. Easter is. But…you know, there was a time when he—and everyone else at the facility—was repudiated by society. I’m sure that Dr. Easter has told you all about it…”
“The Commonwealth government placed certain
“People. Many of the people living in this city. And, with our future at stake, we at the facility decided that we needed to take drastic measures. So the Three Magi—myself included—all came up with our respective plans.”
Faceman responded to Balot’s murmur with a silent smile and nod. “One of us appealed to the potential
“He left this world not long after the bill passed. Murdered.”
Balot’s eyes opened wide.
“By the hand of assassins hired by one of the other Three Magi. She suggested that the technology developed here should be made to perform a different sort of
Faceman nodded. Balot felt that she was starting to understand why the Doctor called OctoberCorp his nemesis. The man who had given him, and Oeufcoque, their
