Video

[dreadinquisitor]

[He wanted time to familiarize himself with this place. He needed to know if anyone else from the Inquisition had been brought across as well, and then to find them if they had. But first, he'd looked through the information they'd given him - the neat print on the strange white paper - and now, suddenly, Maxwell had a much more immediate, personal worry.

The video opens on his face; his expression a mixture of incredulity and concern.]

Hello. [It feels awkward, addressing nothing, but he pushes on.] My name is Maxwell and I have a question, and there doesn't seem to be anyone else to ask.

[The camera turns and fixes on a portion of the pages he'd been given. He points to a section, chases a sentence with his fingertip as he reads it aloud.] 'Bears will always find him.' [Then the feed swings back to him.]

Why would anyone want this? How many bears do you even have in this place, to hope to make this useful? And do they just-- roam about?[He glances away, as if one might have suddenly sneaked up on him, then back.] Are these abilities negotiable in any way?

Comments

[dreadinquisitor]

Oh? So did you feel obligated too, then?

[viced]

Depends on what you mean by that?

I was registered and coordinating with the NSA back home, so when they offered registration, it just seemed natural.

[ A shrug. ] I don't have anything to hide with my powers, anyway.

[dreadinquisitor]

Just that. That it was normal to you then, so it was also so now.

[There's a decent pause.]

The only thing of comparison I have in my world are the Circles, which mages are often forced into when their powers are revealed. Forced, often - again - regardless of their thoughts on the matter, or their family's, which they may never see again. There their lives are typically very regulated, and they are tracked at all times by their blood.

So I have... questions, about the process here.

[viced]

Ah.

That sounds...unpleasant. What do they do in these circles? Are they...tortured, or... what's it like?

I can try to answer any questions you have. It's kind of my job.

[dreadinquisitor]

Ostensibly, it was meant as a safe place for them to learn how to control their power and to learn how to resist the temptation of demons. In practicality... how much of a safe place it was varied.

The abuses committed against mages in some Circles led to the rebellion, which led to the mage-templar war, which-- [He breaks off with a breath.] It's a long story.

I suppose my most basic questions are: what happens if you register, and what happens if you don't?

[viced]

Well shit. Nothing like that.

You don't register, you don't get free lodging and health care. You can't run around using your powers to save people, unless you want to be a vigilante outside of the law.

Otherwise...the government leaves you alone.

Honestly, the free healthcare makes it worth it. That shit's expensive.

[dreadinquisitor]

Well that's a relief. [And he does appear to relax slightly, face softening by a degree, settling back some in his chair.] ...I'm sensing our definitions of healthcare are going to vary, but before I ask about that-- say one does register, how complicit are they excepted to be?

Is there room for disagreement?

[viced]

Shit, I argue against it all the time in Congress, and that's public record!

It's something that I understand. I know why it exists, and what it's meant to do. A complete lack of it is...difficult. It can allow for a lot of abuse, especially when powers can be nearly anything. Everything from turning invisible to stealing someone's face...

It's invasive, but it is accountability for a difficult problem.

[dreadinquisitor]

No, I understand the need. I don't disagree with it as an idea, I just want to make sure I understand all facets of something before I make decision regarding it. Or, at least, as much as possible.

[viced]

I don't blame you.

This is a hell of a thing to sign up for, especially if you don't quite get where they're going with it.

I'd rather someone ask the tough questions than either blindly follow or deny it.

[dreadinquisitor]

I appreciate your honesty. It's still a difficult decision, but at least I feel like I have a grounding to start to make one now.

Hopefully.

[viced]

Well, I wish you the best of luck in making one.

And, of course, if you need something, let me know. I'm always here to help.

[dreadinquisitor]

Thank you. I'll keep that mind, when I inevitably have more questions.