Interview with Earl
To celebrate the imminent release of The Rise of the Altereds, book 2 of The Unadjusteds Trilogy, we went behind to talk to the big bad nemesis...Earl Landy.
What is your full name? Do you have a nickname (if so, who calls you this)?
My name is Earl Landry. No, I don’t have a nickname.
Where and when were you born?
I was born in Oregon.
Do you have any siblings? If you do, what are/were they like?
I’d rather not answer that…actually, screw it, it’s been so long. I had a brother. A twin. He drowned when we were eighteen. Wasn’t strong enough to survive the currents.
Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place (home and location) and the person/people you live with.
(laughs) I can’t tell you that. I’m an altered. I can’t have Silver or President Montoya showing up here before I’m ready for them. Nope. No way are you getting that information out of me.
What is your occupation?
I’m a genetic scientist. I worked directly for President Bear. Well, until he died. Now I work for myself.
To which social class do you belong?
Is that even a thing anymore? I’m an altered. That is the only class worth being part of.
Do you have any annoying habits, quirks, strange mannerisms, or other defining characteristics?
Annoying habits? I guess, trusting someone else to get the work done. Never happens. I always have to do it myself. Except when it comes to Carmen. She can handle herself. She knows what I need.
Do you have any physical traits that stand out (such as scars, birthmarks, tattoos, etc.)? If you have scars, how did you get them? If you have tattoos, why did you get them and what meaning do they have to you?
I got rid of all of those. I’m the picture of perfection now, can’t you tell? Although I’m not entirely sure I’m used to the tail yet.
How would you describe your childhood?
Irritating
How much schooling have you had?
I have two PhDs
Did you enjoy school? If not, why did you struggle?
It was too easy.
Did you have any role models? If so, describe them and why they were your role models.
I think it would be more accurate to say I am a role model for others. I’m the top in my field. Everyone aspires to be that. And I am.
How did you get along with the other members of your family?
(coughs) Eli has proven challenging. That boy is not cut form the same cloth.
When and where were you the happiest?
Right now. Everything is perfect.
When did you have your first kiss, and who with?
Are you asking these questions to antagonise me on purpose? Everyone knows how I feel about Margret Melody, and I’m not going to talk about it anymore.
Describe any influences in your past that led you to do the things you do today.
I suppose both Margaret and Rufus put me on the path that I am now. We were a great team once. But now it’s just me. Which is how I like it. And besides, my knowledge has surpassed theirs. Look at what I did with the hell cats. Invisible hellcats. No one else can do that.
What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
There have been many. When I was promoted to the presidential genetics lab. When President Bear asked me to be his genetics liaison. But that’s all in the past. Now, I am here, doing exactly what I want to do, with no one to answer to.
What do you consider your greatest achievement so far, why?
You’re fishing again. I can’t tell you that. Not without spoilers. I mean, everyone knows how much I love my hellhounds and hellcats. Such ingenious animals. Such ferocity. But there is so much more to come, so much I am proud of. I am developing a whole new world. Some might call me a god. No, not a god. The God.
What is the most evil thing you have ever done so far?
Evil? That’s an interesting choice of word. Do we really have good and evil? Do such forces exist? I think not. Everything can be explained in science. Everything I have done is to make the world a better place, to speed up its evolution. That’s progress.
Do you have a criminal record?
Of course not.
If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?
Rufus. He should never have been on the presidential genetics team. He created a cure. A CURE!!!! Why do altereds need a cure? It’s ridiculous! Just because we are more powerful than the unadjusteds. That doesn’t mean we are to fear. But we are the rightful rulers. I am the rightful ruler. He needs to step aside and stop interfering.
Are you optimistic or pessimistic?
The future can always be altered. I can always be altered. (laughs) excuse my pun.
What is your greatest fear? Which other person knows about this fear of yours? Who do you not want to know about this fear of yours, why?
I have nothing to be afraid of. Not Rufus. Not Silver. Nope, no one.
What are your religious views?
Religious? There is no religion.
What are your political views?
The so-called President Montoya may think she is the leader of the new world, but she has a rude awakening coming. I am the one who holds the cards. Soon they will have to bow to me.
Are you able to kill? Under what circumstances do you find killing to be acceptable or unacceptable?
Of course. Collateral damage. Sometimes my experiments don’t go quite according to plan. But the loss is acceptable. We wouldn’t progress without learning.
Who or what would you die for, or otherwise go to extremes for?
There is no one left worth dying for, not that I could anymore, I’m too powerful. Almost immortal. I’m working on age reversal. Then I will consider my experiments a success. I mean, what’s the point in having all this power, all this strength, if I can’t live forever?
Do you have a spouse or significant other?
Margaret…well, I’m working on it.
What is/are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?
My work is my hobby.
What is your favorite color?
Orange
What is your favorite food?
Steak
What is your most treasured possession?
Margaret
What do you believe is good entertainment (music, movies, dance, art, etc.)?
Music. Usually classical. But I like to dance to the sounds of the unadjusteds screaming too.
Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? If so, why? How do you get the money for it? Do you want to quit?
I have my own drugs. My genetic ones. They create all the high I need.
How do you spend a typical Saturday night?
Talking to the thing in my lab.
What makes you laugh?
Success
What shocks or offends you?
Failure. But that is so rare these days.
What makes you happy?
These are trivial questions, intended for teenagers who haven’t learned who they are yet.
What makes you angry?
Trivial questions.
How do you deal with stress?
By working in my lab.
How do you deal with pain (physical and emotional)?
By working in my lab.
Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without a plan.
What are your pet peeves?
Trivial questions.
Which living person do you most despise? Why?
It’s a toss up between Rufus and Silver. He has taken everything from me. And he is now teaching her how to carry on! Does she really think she can be smarter than me? That she can reverse everything I've done? Ha! Ridiculous.
Where would you like to live? Why?
I’m quite happy here, in the mountain, with the snow.
Describe the routine of a normal day for you. How do you feel when this routine is disrupted?
That’s classified. And irritated.
What is your greatest strength?
Besides my physical strength? My success, my intellect.
What is your greatest weakness?
I have none. Well, maybe Margaret.
Which talent would you most like to have? Why?
I have everything I need. And more.
Do you like yourself?
What an odd question.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I make changes all the time. That is the benefit of genetic modification.
What three words best describe your personality?
Ambitious. Focussed. Determined.
If you could choose, how would you want to die?
Die? I’m not going to die.
If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, name three things you would do in the time you had left.
If you must persist with this line of questioning, I’d kill Rufus, Kill Silver. Kill all their friends.
What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?
(sighs) Well, I intend to be around to appreciate the adoration. It will be for how I changed the world, how I made it a better place, how I exterminated disease and weakness, how I gave everyone the gift of immortality. There will be statues and schools names after me.
What do you have in your pockets or purse?
A remote control for the hellcats.
What is in your refrigerator?
Ice cream. Cookie Dough.
What do you most wear on your feet (dress ashoes, boots, gym shoes, socks with holes in them, slippers, etc.)?
Snow boots. It’s cold here.
What smells do you associate with your childhood, and why (the cookies your grandmother used to bake, the oatmeal you ate every day, the perfume your mother used to wear, etc.)?
The salt of the ocean. Rain. The smell of an A-grade – it smells like mint.
What is your full name? Do you have a nickname (if so, who calls you this)?
My name is Earl Landry. No, I don’t have a nickname.
Where and when were you born?
I was born in Oregon.
Do you have any siblings? If you do, what are/were they like?
I’d rather not answer that…actually, screw it, it’s been so long. I had a brother. A twin. He drowned when we were eighteen. Wasn’t strong enough to survive the currents.
Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place (home and location) and the person/people you live with.
(laughs) I can’t tell you that. I’m an altered. I can’t have Silver or President Montoya showing up here before I’m ready for them. Nope. No way are you getting that information out of me.
What is your occupation?
I’m a genetic scientist. I worked directly for President Bear. Well, until he died. Now I work for myself.
To which social class do you belong?
Is that even a thing anymore? I’m an altered. That is the only class worth being part of.
Do you have any annoying habits, quirks, strange mannerisms, or other defining characteristics?
Annoying habits? I guess, trusting someone else to get the work done. Never happens. I always have to do it myself. Except when it comes to Carmen. She can handle herself. She knows what I need.
Do you have any physical traits that stand out (such as scars, birthmarks, tattoos, etc.)? If you have scars, how did you get them? If you have tattoos, why did you get them and what meaning do they have to you?
I got rid of all of those. I’m the picture of perfection now, can’t you tell? Although I’m not entirely sure I’m used to the tail yet.
How would you describe your childhood?
Irritating
How much schooling have you had?
I have two PhDs
Did you enjoy school? If not, why did you struggle?
It was too easy.
Did you have any role models? If so, describe them and why they were your role models.
I think it would be more accurate to say I am a role model for others. I’m the top in my field. Everyone aspires to be that. And I am.
How did you get along with the other members of your family?
(coughs) Eli has proven challenging. That boy is not cut form the same cloth.
When and where were you the happiest?
Right now. Everything is perfect.
When did you have your first kiss, and who with?
Are you asking these questions to antagonise me on purpose? Everyone knows how I feel about Margret Melody, and I’m not going to talk about it anymore.
Describe any influences in your past that led you to do the things you do today.
I suppose both Margaret and Rufus put me on the path that I am now. We were a great team once. But now it’s just me. Which is how I like it. And besides, my knowledge has surpassed theirs. Look at what I did with the hell cats. Invisible hellcats. No one else can do that.
What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
There have been many. When I was promoted to the presidential genetics lab. When President Bear asked me to be his genetics liaison. But that’s all in the past. Now, I am here, doing exactly what I want to do, with no one to answer to.
What do you consider your greatest achievement so far, why?
You’re fishing again. I can’t tell you that. Not without spoilers. I mean, everyone knows how much I love my hellhounds and hellcats. Such ingenious animals. Such ferocity. But there is so much more to come, so much I am proud of. I am developing a whole new world. Some might call me a god. No, not a god. The God.
What is the most evil thing you have ever done so far?
Evil? That’s an interesting choice of word. Do we really have good and evil? Do such forces exist? I think not. Everything can be explained in science. Everything I have done is to make the world a better place, to speed up its evolution. That’s progress.
Do you have a criminal record?
Of course not.
If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?
Rufus. He should never have been on the presidential genetics team. He created a cure. A CURE!!!! Why do altereds need a cure? It’s ridiculous! Just because we are more powerful than the unadjusteds. That doesn’t mean we are to fear. But we are the rightful rulers. I am the rightful ruler. He needs to step aside and stop interfering.
Are you optimistic or pessimistic?
The future can always be altered. I can always be altered. (laughs) excuse my pun.
What is your greatest fear? Which other person knows about this fear of yours? Who do you not want to know about this fear of yours, why?
I have nothing to be afraid of. Not Rufus. Not Silver. Nope, no one.
What are your religious views?
Religious? There is no religion.
What are your political views?
The so-called President Montoya may think she is the leader of the new world, but she has a rude awakening coming. I am the one who holds the cards. Soon they will have to bow to me.
Are you able to kill? Under what circumstances do you find killing to be acceptable or unacceptable?
Of course. Collateral damage. Sometimes my experiments don’t go quite according to plan. But the loss is acceptable. We wouldn’t progress without learning.
Who or what would you die for, or otherwise go to extremes for?
There is no one left worth dying for, not that I could anymore, I’m too powerful. Almost immortal. I’m working on age reversal. Then I will consider my experiments a success. I mean, what’s the point in having all this power, all this strength, if I can’t live forever?
Do you have a spouse or significant other?
Margaret…well, I’m working on it.
What is/are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?
My work is my hobby.
What is your favorite color?
Orange
What is your favorite food?
Steak
What is your most treasured possession?
Margaret
What do you believe is good entertainment (music, movies, dance, art, etc.)?
Music. Usually classical. But I like to dance to the sounds of the unadjusteds screaming too.
Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? If so, why? How do you get the money for it? Do you want to quit?
I have my own drugs. My genetic ones. They create all the high I need.
How do you spend a typical Saturday night?
Talking to the thing in my lab.
What makes you laugh?
Success
What shocks or offends you?
Failure. But that is so rare these days.
What makes you happy?
These are trivial questions, intended for teenagers who haven’t learned who they are yet.
What makes you angry?
Trivial questions.
How do you deal with stress?
By working in my lab.
How do you deal with pain (physical and emotional)?
By working in my lab.
Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without a plan.
What are your pet peeves?
Trivial questions.
Which living person do you most despise? Why?
It’s a toss up between Rufus and Silver. He has taken everything from me. And he is now teaching her how to carry on! Does she really think she can be smarter than me? That she can reverse everything I've done? Ha! Ridiculous.
Where would you like to live? Why?
I’m quite happy here, in the mountain, with the snow.
Describe the routine of a normal day for you. How do you feel when this routine is disrupted?
That’s classified. And irritated.
What is your greatest strength?
Besides my physical strength? My success, my intellect.
What is your greatest weakness?
I have none. Well, maybe Margaret.
Which talent would you most like to have? Why?
I have everything I need. And more.
Do you like yourself?
What an odd question.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I make changes all the time. That is the benefit of genetic modification.
What three words best describe your personality?
Ambitious. Focussed. Determined.
If you could choose, how would you want to die?
Die? I’m not going to die.
If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, name three things you would do in the time you had left.
If you must persist with this line of questioning, I’d kill Rufus, Kill Silver. Kill all their friends.
What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?
(sighs) Well, I intend to be around to appreciate the adoration. It will be for how I changed the world, how I made it a better place, how I exterminated disease and weakness, how I gave everyone the gift of immortality. There will be statues and schools names after me.
What do you have in your pockets or purse?
A remote control for the hellcats.
What is in your refrigerator?
Ice cream. Cookie Dough.
What do you most wear on your feet (dress ashoes, boots, gym shoes, socks with holes in them, slippers, etc.)?
Snow boots. It’s cold here.
What smells do you associate with your childhood, and why (the cookies your grandmother used to bake, the oatmeal you ate every day, the perfume your mother used to wear, etc.)?
The salt of the ocean. Rain. The smell of an A-grade – it smells like mint.
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