Transcription of Session 09: Pendant, Assistant Investigator
Date: April 29th
Time: 7:23 p.m.
Interviewer: Doctor Blue Sky, PhD
Pendant was once again late for our scheduled meeting. With the progress made yesterday, I believed it wasn’t too alarming that she would be consumed by her work once again.
Blue Sky (BS): Pendant, I’m glad to see you finally arrive. I assume your work has kept you distracted today?
Pendant had brought a few papers, but when she sat down, her attention was focused on me.
Pendant (P): A bit, Doctor. Is there something specific you wanted to discuss today?
BS: No, Pendant. These sessions are just supposed to be free form. If you have something you want to talk about, that’s fine.
P: How is Lantern? I’ve already talked to Miss Vines and Cage, but I am curious about your opinion.
BS: I didn’t have a chance to talk to him. He wasn’t exactly in a good condition when he left, and I don’t think it’s appropriate to share how our sessions were before then.
P: Then he was acting that badly before?
BS: No. Suffice to say, being in Canterlot now, I expect that he is receiving the care that he needs. I should have more information about his condition for Miss Vines soon.
My comments did not seem to break Pendant’s chain of thought.
P: Cage said that he seemed entirely unlike himself. Even after whatever problems he had from discovering that journal, he wasn’t like that. How could someone change so quickly? Overnight, or even over a day.
BS: I don’t know, Pendant. It worries me, certainly, but I’m sure he’ll be better soon.
P: Because of his care or because he’s gone from here?
BS: I beg your pard—
P: One of the ponies with Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, her mood changed entirely, almost overnight. Something there affected her. It had affected all of them in different ways.
Pendant finally seemed to be unable to control herself, grabbing her papers and starting to scribble on them.
BS: Pendant, we talked before about bringing your work. We’re not able to perform these sessions when y—
P: These sessions are trivial, Doctor. With your recommendation or not, even Miss Vines’ orders, I wouldn’t abandon this.
Pendant’s attention was wholly on her papers, but I could catch a hint of anger in her normally calmer tone.
BS: If you happen to not be well or not be feeling well, Pendant, you shouldn’t stay here.
P: I’m needed here. I’ve uncovered more about what is happening than Miss Vines or any of the other investigators. I’m the one that can piece it all together.
BS: Pendant, that kind of viewpoint is hazardous.
Pendant threw her papers to the side, eyes meeting mine in a malicious glare.
P: Why?! Because of how dangerous it is? Because of how powerful what did this is? That’s all the more reason I have to be here!
BS: Pendant, please, control yourself. I’m not trying to level accusations at you, I’m trying to help.
P: If you wanted to help, you would leave me to my work! You wouldn’t drag me to these unproductive, worthless sessions to talk about feelings that are irrelevant to solving this case! The results are what matter, Doctor, nothing else. That’s always what matters!
Pendant had risen out of her seat, taking a hostile stance. I did not make a move to defend myself in any way, at first.
BS: Is this how you always feel, on every case you take: that the answer is more important than the lives that obtain it?
P: Yes! That’s why we put ourselves on the line for it! We don’t sit in some clean, safe room combing over documents or pictures, we’re where it happened! I’m trying to get where it happened! She’s already there!
Pendant began to take hoofsteps towards me, at which point I did move from my seat.
BS: Pendant, please. I-I understand your conviction, but there is no need for anger or violence over this. Think of what Miss Vines will do in reaction, yes?
P: I-I don’t.
Pendant placed a hoof on her forehead, grimacing in pain as she stepped backwards.
BS: Pendant, do you need any medication? I can—
P: No! No, Doctor.
Pendant made her way back to her seat and gathered up the papers that had scattered.
P: I’ll prepare my things to leave. I’m sure that’s what Miss Vines will want.
Pendant quickly left my tent and I considered if I should have been stronger in my convictions over the past few days. The mare clearly needs some time away from her position, to do something besides this aimless studying she’s talked about. I hope in Canterlot she can find that relaxation.