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[curada]

On my arrival, I asked myself two questions likely shared by others;

How are our worlds connected?

And whence came the power to steal us outside of time?

You have probably waited patiently for an answer to these questions; or took it upon yourself in desparation to find answers. Do you consider that it is very, very probable the porter has linked hundreds of worlds though they exist leagues and years apart?

Let me conclude. I expect all of our worlds are linked together by some means. Shall there not exist people who believe the same as me?

And I would also like to hear about your systems of magic, if you can graciously spare the time.

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[barbarus]

[ He still doesn't overly like using this device to write. Modern technology has its uses, but Damen can't help resentng it a little, just for the fact of being different from what he knows. His answers are brusque as a result. ]

There is no magic in my world.

It may be that the Porter links our worlds. That's easier to believe than that we are brought by random chance. But I must ask - what difference does it make? The result is the same either way.

[curada]

It makes a tremendous difference. Which is this; we should be capable of stepping through the Porter and returning home. Should we uncover how this link is formed then we can augment it to reverse the flow of traffic. A great difference in result to lingering here, I'm sure.

[barbarus]

We know that we can return. They have said so all along.

Others have been here for years, but have not found the way to control the Porter. It cannot be so easy as it sounds.

[curada]

You might think so; but I suppose those people were distracted by acclimatizing to their new lives. God knows the necessary level of study requires us to tie our souls to such work. Difficult tasks become easier with teamwork, do they not?

[barbarus]

And so you believe you can do a better job than they?

[ That's perhaps just a touch arrogant. Damen's not been the one trapped here for years, though. ]

If you can, I would not complain. Do you have any idea of where to start?

[curada]

[Of course he has an idea. Because he can do better.]

I would inspect the Porter, if that act would be permitted. Though I hardly suppose it would. Indeed, she hardly deigns herself to speak to anyone. But should not a powerful, natural force be brought to bear for the benefit of humanity? I certainly believe it possible that it could be...

[barbarus]

What kind of benefit?

[ In a way, the arrival of imports in itself could be a benefit. Particularly given the powers they are given. Damen can see that, but he is fairly sure that's not what Victor means. ]

Have you worked with such machines before?

[curada]

When I was a research assistant, I invented machines that conveyed great magical power over vast distances. It brought us unsurpassed medical care beyond the limits of what is capable here. I could turn my mind to physical relocation easily enough.

[That's a yes. And he honestly believes he has an ego that experience.]

[barbarus]

You conveyed power over distances. But not people?

[ Look, he's just saying that he doesn't want to step inside some machine and have his body pulled apart, or some other similar disaster. These are powerful forces. You had better know what you're doing, Victor. ]

How do you know it would be safe? Or that you could find the worlds we are from? I do not want to end up somewhere else entirely.

[curada]

[Of course he knows what he's doing, Damianos. He's Victor S Court. He can do no wrong.]

Those questions have already preyed upon my mind. Of course I would perform necessary safeguards and carry out preliminary experimentation... to minimize risk. But at this stage the discussion is purely hypothetical. So you have nothing to worry about.

[barbarus]

Do you think the government here would agree?

They control the Porter, including its access. I think they will ask you these questions, if they let you look at it at all. I would.

[ That doesn't mean Damen is opposed to the experiment, though. If Victor could send him home he'd jump at the chance - so long as it wouldn't mean putting himself, or Laurent, in danger in the process. ]

[curada]

Thank you. And I think they have not afforded access to anyone. When I reflect on the damage caused thus far, I think I understand their reasoning. I believe they are concerned with safety and security. Though I don't wholeheartedly agree with their decision to deny access.

Still, it is not the end of things. People are free to try alternative means.

[barbarus]

Alternative means?

Does that mean you will not seek their permission?
My friend you are going to make trouble for yourself, long before your work completes.

[curada]

No; it means I will find an answer without involving that lifeless thing. It cannot even deign itself to talk to the people it brought here and holds responsibility for. So I will simply create alternate means of going home.

[barbarus]

[ Well, that's...a rather different proposition. ]

And so you plan to make a porter of your own?

That would be incredible.

But I must ask - from what you say, do you believe the rumours that there is a god in that machine?

[curada]

No. I hardly believe in such things, but I will say there is power. And might I dare correct you on a matter? My intention is not to create a porter in the image of ours. I intend to invent something unlike it; although I am still contemplating what.

[barbarus]

If you do not believe the rumours, then how do you suppose the porter should speak to us?

I do wish you success - I want to make that clear. I have no wish to stay in this world forever.

[curada]

Thank you for your good wishes.

And there is but one way I would expect the Porter to speak to us: as equal beings. We are entitled to consent whether we offer respect to each other. I see no difference here.

[barbarus]

But what do you think it is if it is not a god?

[curada]

Selfish and irresponsible. Does that answer your question?

[barbarus]

Implying that gods cannot be? No, it doesn't.

[curada]

Oh. Then I consider it a lifeform; hardly a god. I have no affection for such old terms.

[ Does that answer your question? :| ]

[barbarus]

Old terms?

So then you do not believe in gods at all. Is that the way of things where you are from?

[curada]

Yes. Of course, there are those who believe; but they adhere the creative forces of nature. Which are not quite as sentient as a lifeform, I'm afraid.

[barbarus]

No. I do not believe they are, either - but I do not know enough to say there are no gods.

But gods or not, I hope that you achieve your aim. It would be better for all of us if you did.