2 ☄ Video

[curada]

[The video opens on a guy with a mass of long hair that's being tied behind with both hands. The feed captures his medical coat, and the dim blue hue of monitors to his back. Their light reflects off the metal shelf by his right, whilst his desk sits in darkness, save for a lamp pointed down at the papers on its surface.

Machines hum in the background; together with the ticking of a clock and nearby footfall. He takes a hasty glance and, unsure of how to begin things, shuts his eyes. Does he introduce himself? Does he jump straight to his question? His fingers pull the tie taut then tap his sides. Last month's events were a strange twist of fate - a collapse of logic - that did not allow them peace. Alas! They had raised a question he could not solve alone.

It takes a moment of thought before he talks. His voice is calm but his speech? Noticably slow.]

On examining the situation with the rise of native superheroes, as you call them, I find myself puzzled. We beheld those who were ordinary become capable of the extraordinary. I request you answer one question that's on my mind:

What is the place of imPorts in this world now?

Comments

Video

[dun_moch]

Our position has shifted profoundly, Doctor. Before we were unique on this Earth. Now, we have 'cousins' of a sort... or perhaps, rivals. We should make efforts to assist and guide these new 'metahumans' as they adapt to their powers. I would be very surprised if we were the only power to take an interest in them...

[The Count trails off for a moment to examine the background behind Victor's post.]

You have already acquired a laboratory to work in? Most impressive, I must say.

[curada]

Quite. I am not as docile as people assume; I am not so willing to waste my time, either.

[The implication being he entirely went out there and did something about it.

He also has something of a temper, depending on his company. Restlessness drives him in his soul.]

Yet I ask you to explain to me; how would you guide these empowered individuals, exactly?

[dun_moch]

Initiative has its rewards, as you've clearly demonstrated.

[Dooku approves.]

Beyond the obvious need to help them control their powers and refrain from the temptation to abuse them, I would teach them that they remain people despite the great change they have undergone. There are many who would fear them as 'freaks', or perhaps exploit them as 'weapons.' This cannot be accepted. I will act to protect the rights of those with powers, imPort or otherwise.

[curada]

If you will, as you say, act to protect this community, will you create a stable foundation of support for those members who lack the strength to affirm independence? Those whose powers are as good as any others but are limited by wealth. The vulnerable and ill also.

[He thinks for a moment. He has stood firm, with the exception of doing so for the child who now suffers as a result of his carelessness. Such guilt.]

I have never sympathized with those who would selfishly act in their own interests against the vulnerable. But I forget that I am moralizing to a person that didn't ask for it. Forgive me.

[dun_moch]

You are forgiven, Doctor.

[He didn't actually do anything to forgive, but whatever. Dooku rarely passes up a chance to let people humble themselves before him.]

I will do all within my power to create and expand the foundation you speak of. I am proud to say that many within our community are already engaged in this great work. The Xavier Institute offers education and training to those who must master their powers. The Maria-Francis Foundation spreads charitable works across the planet to brighten the name of imPorts, while the SELF charity stands for the interests of those who are not human. Private businesses such as the Dendarii do their part as well, as do our elected Ambassadors.

But there is more to be done, always more. And with the emergence of these new powers among the natives, the task at hand has grown even larger.

[curada]

[Well, the Count is right that their task is a large one. He taps his fingers on his chair. More to be done, always more indeed. He certainly isn't going to settle for working with what he has. He needs better.]

I gratefully receive your information, Count. And while I know that while you are devoted to such a cause, others are not. Have you encountered such people before?

[dun_moch]

[The Count sighs with seeming regret.]

There are some outspoken imPorts who see us as a problem for the natives. Rather than expand our rights and our power to improve this world, they would undermine our benefits in the name of... equality. They see imPorts as having too many advantages.

[He wrinkles his nose.]

[curada]

[Victor wrinkles his nose, too - and sighs in disappointment.]

Advantages that can be delivered to the rest of society. Alas! Why do these men insist that others must be unhealthy and unhappy? Heavens know I can offer no explanation for such foolishness.

[But he is in reality not that concerned. They are fools; but his work shall stand on its own merit.]

[dun_moch]

[Dooku shrugs, seemingly at a loss to explain such inexplicable behaviour.]

For some, there are values beyond health and happiness. Pride, for example, or independence. I can comprehend their reasoning. It is possible our power and advancements could render the natives dependent on us if left unchecked.

[And that would be terrible. Just terrible. Not desirable, sensible and the natural order of things. Not at all.]

[curada]

That is nonsense. Technology is a tool, I believe, and dependency on such is a flaw of character. And what use is a technology they cannot control?

[He insults their reasoning; not Dooku's argument on the subject, which is eloquent and sensible. But sometimes he's liked having Victoria dependent on him. Just a little.

The thought makes him irritable and he looks upon Dooku, awaiting a reply.]

[dun_moch]

[Dooku smiles thinly.]

Those who control a technology may easily come to control those who rely upon it. Many people in a society may benefit from the use of electricity, but if only a few of them know how to generate it... that knowledge could swiftly be leveraged into power. Especially if it is hoarded instead of shared.

Consider this: how many other people in your world could possibly replicate your research? It takes an uncommon mind to create such advances, after all.

[curada]

[Victor had done the opposite; he had shared his knowledge to increase his leverage. Not early in his life perhaps, but he had learned how to polish his reputation. Of course, it had been along academic lines and not social ones. Not that he hadn't reaped the benefits of either. People tended to look respectfully on men who built hospitals, after all.]

Quite so. My parents were possessed by the virtues of kindness and sacrifice; I feel their example is responsible for my lot, and all I've done. My mind is not so unique as you believe.

[Nor quite so brilliant. He's a wretch, honestly. Also he's lying massively about one of his parents. You have fun with that.]

[dun_moch]

[Thank you, Victor, for those little mental tidbits- and for confirming that your work can be replicated and that you can be declared expendable if need be.]

Then we must convince any doubters that your research will be shared freely with the world, and not restricted to the benefit of a few. It may be difficult, but the rewards will be great.

[curada]

[Victor doesn't think much of himself. Dooku keeps mentioning his research; and his thoughts are shaken to the point of agitation. Now there is a hint of why he believes he's not exceptional; a head full of guilt and shame and sin.]

Future events will give us the opportunity. At that time I should eagerly away the opportunity to prove my intentions. [Apathetically.] The prospect rather excites me, in all honesty.

[dun_moch]

That opportunity will come soon, if your progress to date is any indication. [The Count doesn't like that apathy he's sensing at all. He likes his mad scientists wildly enthusiastic and raring to go, thank you very much. He will have to get Victor to open up about this pain shivering within him at some point. For now, ventures a more general probe:] Of course, progress is never achieved without setbacks. There may be great obstacles in our path. Are you prepared to confront whatever problems may arise?

[curada]

[This line of questioning diverts Victor in a better way. He pulls himself straight, mentally - where has he been hiding this steel? Collapsing onto the path fate has set him upon; it doesn't enter his mind. So long as she survived, he will too.]

Yes. I see myself having no problems. In fact, I would find a relief in encountering them; for they could be handled and put to bed. And if this world is as progressive as you believe, I have nothing to despair.

[dun_moch]

[Then he thrives on challenge. That is encouraging- Dooku will find ample means to help him gain that relief.]

This world has disappointed me before. But we will see. I am pleased to see you have a strong resolve. Apathy is often the enemy of true progress.

[Apathy is one issue Dooku does not expect to encounter with this man.]

[curada]

[Victor wrinkles his nose. Apathy is a close relation to despair; but it's not the force guiding his actions when he considers how to progress his work here.]

Indeed. I need not describe the danger of such feelings.

[Why has this man found this world disappointing, though? He'll have to think about it.]

So much more can be done by not dwelling on it. Do you not agree?

[dun_moch]

Certainly, certainly. I am pleased that we are in accord.

It occurs to me that our newly empowered counterparts may offer an opportunity to show the natives what you can do. I am sure there are many medical... concerns which have accompanied their sudden transformation. Perhaps some of them could benefit from a free examination.

[curada]

Perhaps so. In truth, I have already engaged myself, heart and soul, in the matter. How can I not offer my assistance? You must pardon me if my silence in such matters is regarded as negligence.

[He really, really dislikes negligence, can't you tell? He might also be selfish enough to be taking advantage of the chaos, even subconsciously.]

[dun_moch]

[Dooku chuckles softly.]

I would be deeply surprised if you could ever be accused of negligence, Doctor. If anything, perhaps I should apologize for assuming you were not already involved with such keen opportunity for medicine.

[No one out-courtesies Count Dooku.]

[curada]

[Victor freezes his mind, at first, out of a real fear of being reprimanded. But moments later he grips his thoughts and continues with his calm charade when the Count utters his apology.]

Other men assume thus; I do not feel that there is anything for you to apologize for, but I accept your feelings all the same.

[He can at least give Dooku's courtest a run for its money.]

I am happy to remark that you are one of the few here civilized enough to possess such manners, at any rate.

[dun_moch]

Manners appear to be deplorably uncommon in any universe, I am afraid.

At any rate, I hope that my thoughts on the matter of our new counterparts have proven illuminating for you. It promises to be a most interesting development as events proceed.

[curada]

Quite so, Count. Quite so. The events you foresee do kindle in me a sort of passion.

Though I presently see no further cause for questions; so if I might be excused?

[How heavy his memories make him act polite in excusing himself. Oh well, never mind.]

[dun_moch]

By all means. Until we speak again, Doctor.

[Dooku gives a little bow before cutting the connection, courteous as always.]