[VIDEO]

[janus_scholar]

[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.

Comments

[janus_scholar]

Yes, I suppose it is like one. But in truth, I'm surprised by the amount of things we aren't being asked of directly. We are unexpected arrivals in a country caught in a cold war, and the process itself has made us powerful in unexpected ways.

It's something of a miracle that things aren't much worse.

[They're not perfect, but they're not bad. Not even close to the standards he's already used to.]

[melodramagic]

[ She's been overly paranoid since her own arrival, so it's difficult to take his words to heart. ]

But those nanites... we never consented to that.

[janus_scholar]

[He nods, and does not immediately jump to an excuse or rationalization.]

No, we did not.

[He rests his chin in his hand, thinking in a brief moment of solemn silence.]

I can understand what their reasons may have been. It's supposed to keep us safe, protect us in the event of a near-fatal injury. But that does seem to suggest that such a thing is expected, doesn't it?

I suppose that everyone must weigh the pros and cons of this situation for themselves. I can't say I blame you for your choice. Perhaps I would have done the same, at your age.

[melodramagic]

The cons outweigh the pros in my head. I mean, I suppose I should get my tin hat but what if these nanites can control us? Make us do things we don't want to do?

[janus_scholar]

[Walter grimaces at that. It's not a good thought.]

I suppose... Though if that were the case, I would think that they would activate such control immediately. There would be no threat of imPort antagonism, no need for appeasement or accommodations...

I do think it's good that you're so wary. A critical eye is important. But I’d suggest that you not stray too far into the realm of paranoia.