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

[snoobs]

Only if they can't die like imPorts now.

[ Said simply; as long as imPorts can resurrect, then the government will likely do whatever is within their power to keep them happy. Relatively happy. ]

[curada]

The resurrection process is tied to our nanite-infested frames. I dare not say they would survive.

None of them seemed capable of revival, at any rate.

[You will forgive him if he's considering testing the process, right? Just considering. He's not going to murder people and eat them or something.]

[snoobs]

[ A shrug. ]

Unless the government decides to give them. Do you think they will?

[curada]

[That's a good question. He shrugs too.]

I can offer no opinion that they would do so publicly. I conjecture that they will never do so, as everyone would be extraordinary and that includes those have-nots who are more deserving of attention and equality.

[snoobs]

In a way they would have a super army of sorts for their Cold War.

[ But she doesn't really understand any of their logic regarding it. It doesn't seem to matter to her anyway. ]

That brain of yours is always thinking, isn't it?

[curada]

[Then it doesn't matter to him, either; so he'll get right to answering her question.]

Yes, Hemali. But how can it not? This world is fascinating.

[snoobs]

True.

[ But she shakes her head as well. ]

It seems as if you only ever think about work.

[curada]

That is because it elicits deeper and far more meaningful emotions. I hope, do not believe, that you think I have no other interests? The idea of a good cup of tea is beguiling to me.

[Look! He has other hobbies! He can drink tea during work, okay? He is totally fine.]

[snoobs]

[ A quiet laugh. ]

You certainly were interested in other things the last time, I suppose.

[ Fine, fine. ]

Have you learned anything interesting yet?

[curada]

[A murmur of discontent passes through his lips.]

No. As the circumstances of recent events have changed my environment, I have found that what was a concern to me has changed accordingly. Such human sympathies as I have uncovered here have, naturally, altered my course. It is enough to make me long to throw myself upon these papers in despair.

[snoobs]

And what would make you happy then?

[curada]

[A tingling sense of being gone makes his mind shudder. Avoiding that urges him forward into something he might not ordinarily say.]

Tea, if you remember, is a passion of mine. I would attempt to enjoy it. Together with the pleasure of your company.

[snoobs]

[ There's a slight pause, a grin slowly spreading across her face. ]

You want to see me again.

[ It's a statement, not a question. ]

[curada]

I will not attempt to lie to you; it would have an effect upon my boredom. You may easily imagine for the better.

[He's not at the point he'd abandon his work to see her, but it's getting there.]

[snoobs]

[ Isn't that cute. ]

Then come over.

[curada]

Now? I need not say that I am occupied.

[ He is working, Hemali :| ]

[snoobs]

[ In a bored voice now: ]

You can pause your work, I'm sure. I don't leave doors open easily.

[ Hemali pauses then, leaning her chin into her hand. ]

Should I make an exception?

[curada]

By degrees I say you would; dare I to show you what I am hypothesizing. Would that make you happy?

[That, most of all, makes him smile.]

[snoobs]

[ Another pause as she considers. ]

... fine. If you show me what it is you're doing.

[curada]

There are a few documents that are sensitive, but those shall be dealt with.

[By which he means she gets to see everything? Mmmmaybe.]

I can be over shortly, if you wish it?

[snoobs]

The door will be open then.

[ She's kind of curious about what he's been up to with his work, but she's ready to tune him out too if he starts rambling about it. ]