#btsxtteots

In my last TTEOTS theory post, I veered off of my main point (that both organizations are he bad guys) to note how weird it is that both PHASe and KAIROS use a class system. What I realized is that there is a key difference in how those class systems work.

PHASe classes center around what you do. They dictate your function, your role in the group, before anything else. Wraiths kill, Architects lead, Oracles gather data, Psions fight, etc. Skillset is obviously important, but ultimately your PHASe class determines what you do.

But KAIROS classes center around what you’re like. They don’t determine function so much as contribute to it. Umbras are stealthy and like to manipulate situations, but they don’t have one specific thing they all have to do. Warlocks have no stated role, only stated abilities. The class description says that Crusaders can have any function so long as they have a strong moral code.

Which is part of why KAIROS has the Quicksilver class—a position for jacks-of-all-trades, for those who can do just about anything.

But PHASe didn’t have that until they recruited Zero, and found that he didn’t fit neatly into any class.

Which is why they formed the Infinite class.

Zero can see into computer systems.

Three has increased focus.

Four can track targets.

Five releases druglike pheromones.

Six gets night vision

Seven has faster reflexes.

Eight can alter his voice to hypnotize.

Nine....

Nine?

We don’t know his augments.

Unless we look closer.

Just look at where the augs are.

Augments on the eyes affect, well, vision.

Augs on the face affect mental ability or perception.

Augs on the throat manipulate others.

And Nine’s?

They’re on the throat.

Think—Why is the Siren, a diplomatic role, on the Infiltration Unit? And the Shifter, a disguise role, in Emissary?

Well, Eight was almost a Specter, which shows a stealth advantage. And Five’s augs are less controlling than Eight’s, which is good for negotiation.

But even then, it’s only good for some negotiations. For legit diplomacy, you don’t wanna drug or hypnotize people, just have an agreeable conversation.

And as a leader, you need to be able to reliably dissolve disputes, right? How could augs help with that?

For the final piece to the puzzle, look at these lines from the game itself, specifically when you leave Nine in the lounge:

Eight and Five being chill af buddies + a poorly drawn Nine who just wants his glasses.

A To The Edge Of The Sky “Theory” Post

1. You have no privacy.

This isn’t just the map thing that was mentioned in game, where any operative can track any other operative’s location (at least in HQ) on their map. No, there’s more. In Part Three of the Masquerade story, Zero refers to the communication system the members have as both “comms” and “augs,” implying that this isn’t some Bluetooth earpiece they’re all wearing. It’s built into the augments that give them their powers. That means you have a constant link to all other operatives. CONSTANT. If you’re on a mission, asleep, on a date (if they even let you do that), anyone in PHASe can contact you. Unless you want to rip the circuitry out of your head. 

Which you don’t.

Speaking of augments...

2. If experience has taught us anything, it’s that these guys have few problems with using their augs/talents against other operatives--and you are other operatives.

In game, 2 times out of 3 when you talk to Eight, he’ll attempt to use his hypnosis augs on his voice while talking to Seven. AND WE DON’T KNOW WHY. Neither time does he play it off like a joke--in one option he seems remorseful, but the other option has him frustrated that he couldn’t go further.

Six doesn’t seem to see the problem with hacking into Seven’s room while she’s away. Sure, he has the excuse that you’re new and that room didn’t belong to anyone, but it sure took a long time to bring up an excuse of any kind. There are some nice people at PHASe, but a lot of questionable people as well. 

3. The program is sketchy as hell.

The Wraith training program--you know, Wraiths, who are supposed to be super efficient--has a very low survival rate, and if you look at the quiz options, they say that up front.

Sure, the maze-like hallways are “only to throw off intruders,” not to confuse and wear down operatives, or beat the sense of time out of them. Even though that’s what it does, as we’ve heard from several operatives.

The whole privacy thing.

The implications from Three that despite their focus on skill, having extraneous links to PHASe gives you an unfair advantage.

Need I say more?

4. Most of y’all scored Infinite on that test, and that’s gonna be even worse.

Remember: The Infinite class combines elements of, well, every other class, along with all-around stamina, intelligence, and skill requirements that exceed any other class. Your training is gonna be hell.

If Zero’s dialogue with you while hacking inside KAIROS tells us anything (as well as the birthday story), it’s that Zero has had his memories altered, or at least buried under years of training. He. Is. Not. Ok. And the Zero Initiative is to blame.

Heck, they don’t even consistently call it the Zero Initiative. That sounds sketchy to me.

Not to mention, a prerequisite listed for that class is the ability to follow orders perfectly. Why? WHY just for Infinites??? Does this not worry anyone?!?!

And if you really wanna be sinister about it... this class aptitude test is sorta implied to be a thing that exists in the TTEOTS world, or at least similar to what would exist. And the test is biased towards Infinite--choosing no set number gets you Infinite, and the option that gives you the Infinite set number is the “depends on the situation” answer. Let’s be honest, anyone would give that answer. That’s just reasonable.

This test may very well be an Infinite recruiting scheme, trying to get more people into this new and dangerous class.

But eh. Probably not. That’s just me rambling.