Ermanaric emerges from one of his recurrent periods of deep meditation. Time perhaps to conduct some research on the Asgard Telnor, captured recently by Replicator Carter; but first to check what has been happening in the Universe.

Ah, excellent news, the Olympians have risen to number 43 in the list of Alliances. At this rate they will soon be on the first page! Vulcan has regained his place at the top of the Alliance, reaching a ranking in the 200s. And, best of all, there are now three Replicators in the top six! That shows the inferior races how things should be. Soon there may be five Replicators in the top ten; all will then have to acknowledge our superiority.

The Research Facility is busy. The slimy Asgard Telnor is firmly secured to the wall. Meanwhile Replicator Carter watches as blocks and nanites slowly complete the restoration of Lord Memtok. He looks pale and in urgent need of some malt whisky. Yes, perhaps the 15 year old Glenfarclas would be appropriate here.

Ermanaric: Congratulations, Replicator Carter, a most interesting subject, an Asgard scientist, no less! But let me correct one misapprehension on your part. Replicators do not “torture”. We are not vile and corrupt Goa’uld who take physical pleasure in causing pain. We only ever conduct research and our motives are purely scientific. Any discomfort felt by the subject is regrettable but is all in name of greater knowledge.

Replicator Carter: Of course, merely a slip of the tongue on my part.

Ermanaric: Probably because your throat was dry after such a fierce battle. Here, have some of this Glenfarclas, and then gives some to Lord Memtok.

Ermanaric turns to examine the subject. Yuk! How thin, grey and boring these Asgard are! Fortunately for the creature the events of the morning have put Ermanaric in a good humour.

Ermanaric: So, Scientist Telnor, I offer you a possible way out, an escape from our Research Facility. What can you tell us about the new technology used in your advanced craft? Speak and we shall return you to your friends. Fail to speak and we shall have to see what can be discovered by other means.