voice.

[tagential]

[There's not much to hear in the background when Edwon starts recording. It's quiet, deliberately so, making him easy to hear. And when he speaks, it's with an imperial British accent.]

I've recently arrived, and I have a couple of questions. First: Are there really no stars?

Normally I'd be able to sense them - I'm Miraluka, so I don't have eyes - but here there's nothing. And I can feel the heat from a local sun, but as far as I can tell, it's not actually in the sky.

[He sounds really confused, though he's been doing enough digging to both know that the sun is in its rightful place, and to have some idea as to why he can't sense it. He just wants to know how people react to this.]

And so far I've only run into Humans. Are there really no other species here?

Comments

[helpdesk_hero]

My world is full of them, and one thing that the system relies on is knowing that you and your loved ones are safe when you're not out there risking yourself.

[tagential]

I can see the benefits of anonymity. I can also see why others see that anonymity as a cause for concern.

[Just going to keep talking as if he's not a spy who definitely hides his identity.]

[helpdesk_hero]

Fair enough. Though sometimes it's easier to be willing to risk yourself when you know you're not going to get attacked in a grocery store.

[tagential]

That's a very good point. But you do need a plan first, if you hope to change the situation.

[helpdesk_hero]

I've got a plan. To a degree.

[tagential]

That's a start. Feel like sharing?

[helpdesk_hero]

Well, my first step is working with young imPorts. Minors. And teaching them how to keep their lives private and separate.

[tagential]

I take it you have experience with that?

[helpdesk_hero]

My first 'action' in the heroic sense was when I was a minor.

[tagential]

How long ago was that?

[helpdesk_hero]

Four-ish years.

[tagential]

And you've kept your identity hidden for that long?

[helpdesk_hero]

Not even. I was found out by people that hated my race before my parents even knew.

[tagential]

That can be a useful experience to have been through as well, as a mentor. What happened?

[helpdesk_hero]

So many things. I was caught by people who hate my race. Still don't know how. Guess I was too smart to be believed.

[tagential]

I have to admit, I'm curious what your mutation is now.

[helpdesk_hero]

What it was, because things are complicated in my world, was a passive and low level telepathy that I couldn't control. It allowed my mind to copy the knowledge and skills of other individuals.

[tagential]

[You know what, Edwon understands why people wouldn't like that. He definitely wouldn't like that. He likes his secrets and his skills to be his own, but --]

Does the past tense mean you lost that ability?

[He's making a note to be cautious either way.]

[helpdesk_hero]

Yes. There were some awkward things in my home world. It's hard to explain.