maskormenace | [VIDEO]

[The video feed presents an older british gentleman at his desk, surrounded by stacks of history books. He looks up into the camera and smiles warmly.]

Good evening, my name is Walter Strickler. I'm a new arrival here, and I thought it best that I introduce myself. More than that, actually, I was hoping to ask a question.

I am in the midst of familiarizing myself with the history of this world, and how it differs from my own... Most of the discrepancies have been fairly minute, others less so, but it lead me to wondering about other worlds. Your worlds, and the histories theirin; if you care to share them. I suppose I'm just curious, is it common for most of us... "imports" to be from worlds that are similar, or ones that are vastly different? Is there anything here that has struck you as odd?

[There's a small pause, an aside glance, as he arranges the wording of his next question carefully.]

And, are 'powers' common where you're from? Whether it be mutations, magic, or anything of the sort. Are these things familiar to you?

Please do forgive me if I take a moment to understand anything you have to share. I must admit, I am still attempting to process all of this... But I would not want to have anyone feeling put-out for my misgivings. Thank you. I look forward to getting to know you all better.

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[ Ah. She can tell there's something there with that. Maybe she should try to cheer him up? ]

Well ... you never know. Maybe they'll surprise you!

[ Both in showing up and wanting to be here with him! ]

[He smiles again, this time because he can tell she's trying.]

Maybe they will. I haven't been here long, someone familiar may show up.

[ Oh good! A smile! ]

Right! In the meantime, you can gain a lot of stories to tell them when they get here.

[ What with this being a new world and all. Experience all the things so you can tell your friends about them when you see them again. It's what Kairi would do, in hers absence. ]

Your optimism is an inspiration. What's your name, dear?

[ Oh, she seems a little embarrassed by that. ]

Really? You think so? [ But she's flattered regardless. ] My name's Kairi.

[He nods.] Delighted to meet you, Kairi.

Most teenagers that I've worked with do not share your same level of positivity.

[ That's what happens when your heart is made of pure light, it seems. ]

Worked with ...? Are you a teacher?

[ A wild guess, since that's what comes to mind first when she hears an adult say they've worked with teens. ]

I am. Or rather, I was, before I arrived here. I taught World History.

So that's why you're so interested in the history of this world. And in others, too.

[ But he's a teacher, and she's attended school herself (even if it's taken a backseat in her life), so she's got that distinct He's a Teacher feeling kids get, so — ]

Should I call you Mr. Strickler?

[ Considering that's the polite kid thing to do with an adult who is a teacher ... She hopes she's remembering his name right. ]

[He laughs, a little surprised.]

You can if you'd like to! I certainly won't object. And who knows? You may not be the only one to call me that while I'm here. I'll just need to apply to become a teacher again.

[ She smiles at that. ]

If you do, maybe I'll be able to have you as my teacher.

[ Since she apparently needs to attend school here. Who knew she'd have to attend school even when world hopping?? ]

[He nods.]

Yes, maybe so. I'll make it known once my job changes.