ix. [text]

non_veritas — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:40:15 GMT

By processing the available crime statistics for the city, I have discovered an interesting anomaly.

In every respect but one, the Undercity appears to have a crime problem: both in comparison to other developed cities of its size, and in comparison to Disturbia proper. Theft, murder, assault, and racketeering are all well-represented there. While it appears to be relatively safe to walk down the street, there are districts in which I would not want to be alone at night.

However, its arson rate is improbably low, nothing like what we would expect from an urban area with a population of that size, especially one with such a high level of other kinds of crime. Most incidences of arson on record have been recent, and caused by those among our number.

Can anyone think of an explanation for this? It seems that we should be looking for one.

[Voice || Screened to Mello, Seven of Nine, Disturbed Mello, Disturbed Uryuu || Unhackable]

[L's tone is terse and flat, with a note of tension.]

These killings are becoming tedious.
Ishida, do you believe that Mello is dead? I am speaking of the one at Frequency 24655.

[Voice || Screened to The Informant || Unhackable]

[L speaks with more irritation and eloquence in his voice than he had when addressing the Mellos, Uryuu, and Seven. This is a lecture, and while he is able to sound polite, he is angry; Mello's supposed death has been the last straw.]

I am beginning to think that someone owes us an explanation, and I have been certain for a long time that you will be able to make contact with whoever that is. It is ridiculous to bring us here, cut us off from all but the most mundane resources, then turn loose on our population a childish killer who cannot be stopped because you keep the rest of us powerless.

I am not speaking of B, by the way. You, or the people you work for, must take steps to give us some ability to rein in Belphegor. Otherwise, you have tied our hands and lined us up to be slaughtered, then to be brought back to repeat the exercise.

It makes no sense for this to be the ultimate aim of our existence here; therefore, it would be best if you made some visible attempt to clean up the mess you have created.

iii.

non_veritas — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:39:24 GMT

What do we know about elephants? Some results of my inquiries:

Mammals, of the order proboscidea, family elephantidae. The largest land animals, with a gestation period of 22 months (longest of any land animal). Typically live for 50 to 70 years; the oldest recorded elephant lived for 82 years. Former (obsolete) order was pachydermata, meaning "thick-skinned."

Genetic evidence suggests that the elephant family shares distant ancestry with the sirenians (sea cows) and the hyraxes. Members of the hyrax family grew to large sizes, and it seems likely that the common ancestor of all three modern families was some kind of amphibious hyracoid. One theory suggests that these animals spent most of their time under water, using their trunks like snorkels for breathing. Modern elephants have retained this ability and are known to swim in that manner for up to 6 hours and 50 km (30 miles).

Trunk is a fusion of the nose and upper lip, elongated and specialized to become the elephant's most important and versatile appendage. Strong and sensitive. Used to tear up food and place it in the elephant's mouth; also used for drinking water.

Tusks are its second upper incisors. Tusks grow continuously; adult male's tusks will grow about 18 cm (7 in) a year. Used to dig for water, salt, and roots; to consume trees; to move trees and branches when clearing a path; also used for marking trees to establish territory; used occasionally as weapons. Has a dominant/master tusk: right or left, generally shorter and more rounded at the tip from wear.

Teeth cycle and are replaced through elephant's life. Old elephants die of starvation when they can no longer chew their food. [? is this significant?]

Skin is thick exc. ears, mouth. Wallow in mud as a form of sunscreen, and to regulate internal temperature.

Senses: Poor eyesight; excellent hearing and smell.

The elephant has appeared in cultures across the world. A symbol of wisdom in Asian cultures: famed for their memory and intelligence, where they are thought to be on par with cetaceans and hominids.

Aristotle: the elephant is "the beast which passeth all others in wit and mind."

The word "elephant" has its origins in the Greek ἐλέφας, meaning "ivory" or "elephant."

No natural predators.

What else might be relevant?

- Social lives of elephants (communication, groups)
- Interaction with humans (domestication, warfare)
- State of elephants in the world (hunting, captivity)
- Effects on environment
- Elephant rage (intoxication, musth)
- Are there any elephants in captivity in the city?

Non veritas

ix. [text]

iii.