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

[dendarii]

Mmm. As do I. If they intend to deal with us honestly - if we intend to deal with each other honestly - it should be a true choice, not a de facto requirement due to health or other need. Given we cannot simply leave if we disagree.

[curada]

It surprises me that none have tried, speaking honestly. Or perhaps such attempts have been made? I would, in any case, not make people vainly wait for a chance to return home. I have my doubts whether such research is supported? And that we are prisoners here? But it is as you say - choice, consent, that is important.

[dendarii]

I am working on the tech required to leave. Or at least researching ways to control it. Going home with memories intact is extremely important to me.

[curada]

Then I wish you every success, and I hope you would offer that help to those who requested it.

[dendarii]

Of course. If we hit a breakthrough, we will offer it to the community at large. It's only right.

[curada]

Of course. I would appreciate being kept abrest of your research, if you are fine with that?

[dendarii]

Fair enough. I'll keep you updated.

[curada]

You have my thanks.

Video, threadjacking with permission

[dun_moch]

Pardon the interruption, Admiral, but you have hit upon a topic most dear to my heart. I would like to offer what support I can muster to your research... but also a word of caution. Such things have indeed been tried before, and with rather dramatic consequences for failure.

[Callaghan.]

video until noted otherwise

[dendarii]

[ Miles blinks, startled by the interruption but not annoyed by it. He's all about discussing this topic with any and everyone. ]

Oh? What happened? It must have been before my arrival, as I hadn't heard of any such thing.

[dun_moch]

You may recall an incident earlier this year in which a number of us became shifted in our personal timelines. The incident stemmed from an imPort experiment intended to alter time and space. The scientist responsible acted with the best of intentions of course, but the disruption was still... significant.

I am sure that you and your colleagues would never act with such recklessness, however. Perhaps your own experiments will meet with greater success.

[dendarii]

[ Oh. That. He'd always wondered why he'd suddenly become eight years old for a week, and now he knows. Dooku's point is well made. ]

I see ... Yes, I see the consequences very clearly then. Given I could very easily have killed myself during that incident - and sparked some unintended consequences regardless - I assure you we will be cautious.

[dun_moch]

I am grateful you passed through that storm unscathed. It was indeed a dangerous time for many of us. But sometimes great risks must be run for the sake of progress.

I only hope that the authorities feel that your precautions are sufficient. If they consider your research to be dangerous, they could easily move to shut it down.

[dendarii]

[ Miles taps at his chin, considering that. ]

And what precautions do they favor? Do you know?

[dun_moch]

[The Count spreads his hands, looking apologetic.]

I am afraid they do not share such information with me. You have no doubt noticed that communication is not one of their great skills. Perhaps one of the Ambassadors would be able to find out?

[dendarii]

Well. Perhaps I'll ask that question after I've won the election, then.

[dun_moch]

[Dooku's eyes widen with a pleasant surprise.]

Is that so? Are you contesting the seat of the Nonah Ambassador, then?

[dendarii]

I am. That's the intention, anyway.

[dun_moch]

Then I wish you the best of luck in your campaign. I believe you will be a very strong candidate indeed.

Might I ask what your platform will consist of? I've no doubt it will include enhanced access to the Porter.

[dendarii]

Indeed. Enhanced access, support for non-registered ImPorts, generally making ourselves more independent. In a well-behaved way, of course.

[dun_moch]

Of course.

[A little dryly.]

You have a fine platform, one I would readily endorse. However, I also recall that Lord Gregor ran on a similar platform earlier this year... only to drop out of the race for De Chima. A regrettable decision, in my opinion. I would hope that you are more committed to this election than your associate proved to be.