by westsands410 » June 14th, 2006, 6:06 pm
The plot to THS definitely benefits from Merlin's inclusion. NICE, in THS, is a branch of scientific experimentation directed by Satan/fallen angels (whichever you like) speaking through Alcasan's head, and the scientists at the core of the plot think that Merlin's fabled magical powers, if learned by them and put to their own use, could help NICE with their ultimate goal of transforming humanity. The point is that today's scientific community risks involvement in 'dark arts' (for the want of a better term) - such as the proliferation of parapsychologists (ghost hunters with some scientific background), and the association of police forces with psychic mediums (which has definitely occurred in the UK, if nowhere else).