2 ☄ Video

[curada]

[The video opens on a guy with a mass of long hair that's being tied behind with both hands. The feed captures his medical coat, and the dim blue hue of monitors to his back. Their light reflects off the metal shelf by his right, whilst his desk sits in darkness, save for a lamp pointed down at the papers on its surface.

Machines hum in the background; together with the ticking of a clock and nearby footfall. He takes a hasty glance and, unsure of how to begin things, shuts his eyes. Does he introduce himself? Does he jump straight to his question? His fingers pull the tie taut then tap his sides. Last month's events were a strange twist of fate - a collapse of logic - that did not allow them peace. Alas! They had raised a question he could not solve alone.

It takes a moment of thought before he talks. His voice is calm but his speech? Noticably slow.]

On examining the situation with the rise of native superheroes, as you call them, I find myself puzzled. We beheld those who were ordinary become capable of the extraordinary. I request you answer one question that's on my mind:

What is the place of imPorts in this world now?

Comments

[curada]

[Well, the Duchy isn't really democratic. So at least they have that in common?]

That we are. One curious kind of people the variety of which I've never seen equaled. Now, you speak of officers and teachers; what is it that you do here?

[thegriffinofdeath]

At the moment? I mostly do paperwork, it feels like.

[curada]

The essential work of life.

[Can you see the research papers on his desk? Can you? Another thing they have in common.]

But let me rephrase the question; what is it you do here, exactly?

[thegriffinofdeath]

Right now I'm managing the day to day operations of a research and development company called Tesladyne.

[She's doing it quietly and out of the way, unlike most imports with big companies, she feels.]

Why?

[curada]

[He gestures at his lab.]

Call it my curiosity. Teachers. Scientists. Every one of us and them share a title. But I am not so blind as to ignore the fact that none of them are imPorts, and that our experiences diverge as a result.

[That's meant as an observant statement; not a personal attack.]

But I swear - I find it amusing that our operations are similar, though I am rather more focused on actual research and development than management.

[thegriffinofdeath]

Don't underestimate them just because they aren't imports. The people here can be shockingly intelligent at times.

[There's a pause.]

My original position was research based. It still, technically, is. But with the departure of Robo and Duncan, most of the daily business fell to me.

[curada]

I see. What did you research, then?

[The first issue can be shelved until later.]

[thegriffinofdeath]

Initially the company was determined to create a stable interdimensional portal. I suppose you could say I was the...magic expert.

Of late, I've been giving the scientists more free reign in their goals.

[curada]

It is a good approach. Better to give a goal and to support them there than to interfere, one might say.

[Stop. Hold on. Back up.]

Yet, you speak of magic.

[And he sounds totally familiar with that: magic. His calmness is as present as ever.]

What magic can you do?

[thegriffinofdeath]

[There's a little delay.]

I've dabbled in most aspects of arcane power over the years. But my specialty here is elemental manipulation.

[Well, that and necromancy but hey...no sense broadcasting that.]

[curada]

[He flattens his brow slightly; a small expression that reveals his curiosity. But his tone is flat and without life. One can ponder something without being enamored of it.]

You speak of controlling flames and ice as weapons? Or something else entirely?

[thegriffinofdeath]

Typically, yes. Ice and electricity were my specialties, but I had access to all of the elements before.

Since I arrived here, I have had little success with fire or earth.

[curada]

[When his thoughts are a little recovered, he thinks how much it sounds like black magic.]

You might be suffering interference from the Porter, you know. I believe others are experiencing similar difficulties. Though I am fortunate myself to have the full benefit of my knowledge. Though I am slightly checked. Cut off from my magical research also. Such a bother.

[thegriffinofdeath]

That's what I assumed as well.

Luckily, whatever is interfering with my access to those elements doesn't seem to have prevented me from still knowing how to manipulate them. Otherwise my research would've been much more difficult.

[curada]

I imagine the prospect of being unable to perform your work is a miserable one. Still, it seems you are fortunate, then?