[video]

[medalsome]

[For once, Joaquin is not dressed in his soldier uniform when the video starts up. Instead, he's more casually dressed down in a hoodie representing the local community college and some jeans. His hair is wet like he's fresh from the shower. There's a little pink to his cheeks though whether that's from the heat from the water or maybe just the tiniest edge of embarrassment is hard to say...]

So, you'll never guess what I found while on my jog today, or maybe you've already seen it yourself.

[He holds up an unmistakeable calendar and coffee table book, a grin spread wide over his face. Okay, so he's definitely NOT embarrassed.]

For those of you still lacking in ideas for Christmas gifts, I'd like to suggest these lovely items right here. Think about it! ImPort exposure! Beautiful men! And proceeds go so lovingly to charity. 'Tis the season, as they say. And hey, no one is going to judge if you want one for yourself. After all, a calendar is quite useful; a great investment that will last you all year long.

As a bonus, anyone who buys one can come corner me and I'll autograph it for free! [He waggles his eyebrows teasingly.] You know you want it!

Comments

[medalsome]

Teleport?

Thank you. He probably won't listen but... I don't know. I'd like for him to stay out of harm's way. He's got quick reflexes, but he's got a tender heart. He shouldn't be anywhere near a battle.

[mathemagier]

Ah yes, I believe I've mentioned it before, but perhaps didn't explain much about it. I can move instantly from one place to another, negating distances.

[medalsome]

So... literally like a porter, but you can do it yourself? That... amazing.

[mathemagier]

Yes, but it does have limitations, so it's often still more convenient to simply walk or use the actual porters. Still, in emergencies, it's quite useful.

[medalsome]

I bet. I'm glad you have a good means of protecting yourself. Not everyone is so lucky.

[mathemagier]

Yes, if the restrictions weren't so heavy, I'd be more use.

[medalsome]

It doesn't harm you to use it, does it?

[mathemagier]

No, it's simply very tiring.

[medalsome]

Okay. Good. It would be a pretty useless defense if it did.

[medalsome]

Well, not useless, just inconvenient.

[mathemagier]

Quite.

[driftsintobuffetline]

You can DEFY spacetime and you're lamenting the restrictions?? Dude. Chill. <3

[mathemagier]

Defy or manipulate? I wonder. But it certainly isn't the same scale as Qubit's capabilities.

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[driftsintobuffetline]

Yeah, but without his watch, Qubit is kind of a sitting duck? Whereas you're able to do it provided you have the energy to spend.

Defy, manipulate...same thing, really. Whether one goes against the rules or bends the rules to work in their favor, if they get what they want and there are no repercussions...does it matter? Rules, smules. More like guidelines anyway. What changes if you defy vs if you manipulate?

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[mathemagier]

Our understanding of this world's physical laws.

In our world, this simply isn't possible. It shouldn't be here, either. Does this capability mean it is possible, or that I make it possible? Likely the latter, but that's difficult to determine as a certainty without contacting whomever passes for this world's brightest civilian mathematician.

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[driftsintobuffetline]

I guess you need to start looking for penpals, huh, Herm? Round up those math brains.

...It's okay that I call you Herm, right? I mean, we're not too old for that or anything and we're best friends and all, and I know the nickname isn't anything new, but anyway, so...it's cool, isn't it?

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[mathemagier]

Yes, it's alright, Newton. I only mind when it's around others, seeing as they may get the impression it's acceptable, and I'd personally find it very disrespectful from most anyone else.

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[driftsintobuffetline]

Okay. Good. I mean, I'm sorry if they get that impression, but hey, I'm glad to have something exclusive to call you. Herm.

Dr. Gottlieb in the streets, Herm in the sheets?

It's been just over two weeks. Is it awkward to be this bad already? XD

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[mathemagier]

I'm certain I don't know. The rules seem to differ when we're already so familiar.

I do know you've always been a terrible influence, and never hesitate to demonstrate as much.

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[driftsintobuffetline]

What?! I am a terrific influence! Name one terrible thing I have influenced you to do! Name ONE.

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[mathemagier]

Oktoberfest was certainly ill-conceived, and I recall yelling at a very unfortunate hotel representative that you were eager to see.

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[driftsintobuffetline]

Oktoberfest was a blast and it began because you had to get your rude ass stuck in Germany. So I think, overall, it was me making amazing lemonade from the lemons you gave me.

I'll concede that the hotel thing was not necessarily OUR shining moment, but you were going to yell anyway. I just didn't stop you.

Still a shining beacon of terrific--not terrible--influence.

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[mathemagier]

I also recall having more patience before I was stuck in a lab with you for five years.

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[driftsintobuffetline]

That wasn't my influence. That was your old age.