(no subject)

[lapwing]

[On the network is what appears to be a young boy, about 12 or 13 years old. For a moment, he stares quite soulfully at the video output impossibly deep, black eyes, and then pokes at the screen with one fingernail.]

Not even a proper imp in there, how's that for you...?

[He pulls back and mimes clearing his throat. A voice far, far more booming than is fit for the child's face resounds across the feed.]

Right, broadcast. AHEM. This is just a friendly, non-suspicious question, inquiring on when the next coup or violent overthrow of this government is going to be. Not that I'm actually advocating it, I just know you humans really can't resist.

I'm pretty handy with a popcorn machine if anyone can provide good seats.

Comments

video

[dendarii]

You again. Already up to no good?

Video

[lapwing]

Oh Thumbelina's back around.

I'm up to nothing at all. That would be the point.

[dendarii]

That you're terribly bored? I did get that impression. Seems dangerous.

after Bartimaeus' message

[jacksonian]

[ Mark calls Miles up. ]

Miles. Something's going on. That guy on the network, the one you were talking to - he told me to pass along a message. It's -

[ And he repeats it. It's actually fairly accurate, in spite of his earlier protests that he wouldn't be able to get it; unfortunately, the message, in Ancient Greek, is the vitally important, "I am a stout cucumber." ]

[dendarii]

[ The guy on the network? That ... doesn't narrow it down much. And neither does the message. ]

I - er - are you sure?

[ Miles' Greek is much better, but... Surely he understood that wrong. ]

[voice]

[devoutish]

That's been planned for Thursday at three in the afternoon, but I hear they're expecting rain in Heropa. Might be postponed. Violent overthrows don't mix well with soggy overcoats.

[Video]

[lapwing]

Good point, good point. Will play havoc with the popcorn as well. Not that I can eat any, but there's certain standards to be upheld.

[Video]

[devoutish]

Don't tell me you're another one who feeds off human souls and whatnot.

video

[monge]

[Something something food was brought up.]

I dunno what any of that means, but I'll eat some popcorn, z-zura...

[lapwing]

[Bartimaeus sits up, interested. What kind of spirit is THIS thing?]

You know that's bad for you, right?

[monge]

Eh...

Popcorn is bad for you, zura...?

video;

[wizzardly]

[Rincewind has picked out a few things here. That "humans" from someone clearly not counting themselves a member is one, but another person expecting technology to be tied into magic stops him right in his afternoon scrolling.]

I'm honestly a little pleased they've taken the imps out of iconographs and things here. Less snide comments and complaints about running out of colors. At least audibly.

[lapwing]

[ The djinni stares at the scruffy man on the other side of the line. You know what sounds immediately suspicious? Using imps at all. Even being able to see and hear them aside.¹ ]

Use a lot of them where you're from?

[wizzardly]

Oh, not me. I traveled with someone who used one, is all. Bit expensive, that sort of magic.

[the "Wizzard" stitched into Rincewind's very broad, very pointy hat may also raise an alarm bell or two.]

But here now - where is it you're from? You're the first other imPort I've heard even mention anything like that.

[inmyothertights]

[SQUINT.]

Oh.

Is that-

[lapwing]

Is that what? Did I leave the horns on? I wasn't planning on keeping those.

[inmyothertights]

They'd go cute with the curls.

video

[sincendiary]

[ If this "kid" didn't quite have her at outing himself as nonhuman, the offhand rebellion talk is hook enough. Another god, or at least someone from around her neck of the woods? ]

What, and entirely spoil any little surprise they've got tucked away? Please.

[lapwing]

Oh sure, there's showmanship in a surprise, but just think of all the things that can ruin it. Bad lighting, terrible weather, cheap seating, me not attending. Sounds like a teensy bit of venue plotting is needed here.

Video

[ret2go]

I... don't really think that's the sort of question a kid your age should be asking.

Unless they do that here?

[lapwing]

I've already looked into it. There's absolutely no age requirements on popcorn machines.

text; ID reads 'Sumeragi'

[resoundingpledge]

An imp . . . ?

Are there normally spirits in machines where you're from?

Which is far more respectable than the Gin E ID that Bartimaeus' displays

[lapwing]

Not IN machines, but occasionally work in the place of them. It's one of the worst duties, getting tied up and forced to act as a long range spying device or carpet floatation operator.

Not that that's ever happened to ME, being far more important for menial things like groceries.

video

[jacksonian]

[ Hey, look, it's Miles. Well. It's...sort of Miles. It's fatter, softer, meaner Miles, his expression fixed into a suspicious squint instead of Miles' energetic, friendly look. He's curious, though. ]

So how'd you piss Miles off?

[lapwing]

[ The kid stares. ]

Better question: How did that runt get popular enough that his impersonators can get tubby? Tell me he's got talents. Sings well? Juggles? Always popular with the posh.