But all they’ve been shown doing is messing with her memories? How is messed up memories resulting in a her suddenly being unable to resist commands?
Unless things are being done off frame again and the readers are just expected to know these things.
As much as I love this web comic, the plot holes are getting bigger by the page.
bear with me I don’t like to explain stuff on the face of readers as I want for stuff to be slowly building up (might be a mistake on my part sadly). The important part here is that memories get confused with fears, triggering an emotional response…. that’s what it’s explained in this episode, unless something wasn’t as clear as I thought, the procedure is named “conditioning” which is also another clue. But don’t worry it’s going to be a little more explained later on and it will become more clear I promise.
I don’t think it’s a plot hole. I mean, it’s an experimental technology to begin with and its explicitly stated goal is total control. Considering that its first use (that we saw) was reconstituting Aden’s brain from a hamburger-like state, it stands to reason that it does more than just implant false memories. Frankly, a lot of things are probably much easier to do than technologically implant a detailed false memory with all the sensory details involved. (Admittedly, false memories aren’t *that* hard to do through more traditional brainwashing techniques; see also, gaslighting. Which the Consortium also does a lot.)… Read more »
My read on CWally is that there’s no length he wouldn’t go to on principle if he thought (a) it would achieve his goals and (b) he could get away with it. It’s just that neither of these things seems to be the case right now. Probably wouldn’t even cross his mind. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have feelings or respect for anyone else or that he’d hurt someone without reason. Which, if you ask me, is much more interesting than someone who would just screw over anyone anytime. Who knows? Maybe even he doesn’t know what lines he’d… Read more »
Interesting, I wonder if this kind of conditioning might have gradual bad effects on a xeno as they get older?
I’ve guessed that time and experiences might have a gradual effect on the conditioning. Like giving a xeno to a sadistic owner might eventually override the programing and trigger a flight or fight reaction. But that order Berit gave seemed to have left an impression on Laura on its own.
well, it shouldn’t change much with the experience, as it’s a subconscious programming using the device. I imagine it as a very emotional reaction of sorts. in this moment of the story the procedure is just beginning and it’s much more prone to failure, the creature’s mind is still free on their own, but with time and while the neuroplasty device the conditioning procedure should become more standard and less traumatic as it won’t hurt the xeno’s mind
Kiaun
Author
Derideal
16-Under the Rain
the “Under the Rain” episode! this will be a very important episode! so stay tunned!
Derideal updates Monday and Wednesday!
remember to leave comments, specially if you’re liking this story so far!