dramadramaduck | [video]

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[video]

A video from a new source comes to life: the view is framed by ledgers within a tastefully appointed study; the subject, a seated young androgynous person turned in mid-conversation toward a mild man.

" - the payments are accounted for? I'd like to know now while I'm doing the finances."

The man gave a bow, obviously a subordinate. "Yes. The first shipment has been set out for testing, last I heard. We have received Her Majesty's first payment in full."

"Excellent. You may go." With a casual wave of their hand, they turned back to their open ledger as the man left.

For a minute or two more, they attended to the ledger, checking columns and occasionally making a mark on the pages. Soon, however, they noticed they were being watched, nudging aside books to grasp the camera. The view shifts, clearly being set on the desk before them, as they fiddle with the device, blue eyes flicking as they read. Soon enough they notice the camera and, with a gasp, turn the video off.

When the video returns, the person is front and center, not a stray hair out of place, their makeup refreshed. With a sweet smile and hands demurely folded, they make their introduction.

"Greetings, community. I hope to become well acquainted, and you may call me Kuja." A deep nod, like a noble addressing their peers, "A most intriguing discovery, for while on the outside this appears to be a common pocket notebook, within is a technology of the like not to be seen on this planet! I hope you may be my gracious hosts as I make my discoveries through this most magnificent book, and that this be a fortuitous start of a long career!"

With that flowery speech, the video ends.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Kuja tilts their head, eyes widened in curious surprise. An earl, is it?]

Really? Then my offhand comment turned out to be truth. Although we are peers in name only, Lord Ashenbert, might you enlighten me further on this community?

With pleasure, though our knowledge is rather limited and it is a bit hard to believe for most.

Your world is just one of many, as most of us don't come from the same one. Using the device chosen for you, we're all able to connect to one another. It's a wonderful opportunity to gain knowledge and meet others such as yourself.

There are, however,some negative affects. It can show your life without your consent with little way of predicting when. [Used to all of this, Edgar rattles it off casually and calmly.]

During the months, there are also something called "viruses". The affects can literally be anything, though not everyone is hit with them all. It seems to choose randomly.

[Kuja listens attentively, clearly fascinated. Of course they're not going to tell the real reason they're not surprised.]

Whole other worlds... Amazing! Like in a story where fairies spirit someone away! Except the supernatural has encroached outward instead of taking mortals within. This device really is miles ahead of anything around here. Why, we deliver mail by moogle carrier or pigeon if it really needs to be speedy. But those methods depend on distance, and traveling takes time. This, however, takes less than a blink! I wonder what sort of magic and technology created it.

[Once they're done babbling as only a true engineer could be, their face sobers at the second part of the message.]

Viruses? Clearly not just the stagnating kind, but would you care to explain in more detail? Perhaps some examples of the symptoms, if you would please.

Ah, it's the same for me, I'm afraid. I've seen what our times will be in the future but compared to many, I'm still stuck a bit in the past, though I'm not familiar with a moogle carrier to give a good comparison.

[He sits back, getting comfortable now that he's a bit more assured this will be longer than a simple greeting. His clothes and surroundings are rich, quiet befitting of his title.]

It's a bit hard to describe a symptom of a virus because they could literally do anything. They can play with your memory, change your appearance, even interfere with your will. It's the biggest flaw.

That only makes sense: life develops so differently even on a single planet, so it stands to reason different planets would have even more changes. I'm surprised we're similar at all. Of course, whatever powers this community might be selecting for those similarities... Ah, moogles are a diminutive folk who can fly at amazing speeds for long distances. Of course, they charge quite exorbitantly for priority mail, so it's usually more efficient to send a pigeon for a direct message. Otherwise the Mognet post is used, but they've been down recently.

[After that lecture, Kuja takes a breath to listen, with growing concern, to Lord Ashenbert's information. Interfering with will is the most nightmarish of the bunch.]

Dire tidings indeed. Are those the most common symptoms? How are they spread?

[Guessing his attention would be on the viruses rather than mail, he would choose now to focus on that.]

Spreading wouldn't be the right term for it. Normally, when a virus occurs, it happens all at once. If you're not hit right away, you most likely won't be.

For example, my first experience here had be going to a university far ahead of my time. Everyone seemed to think it was normal until it was over.

[That.... doesn't sound like any virus Kuja's ever heard of]

These aren't the usual microbes, are they? It sounds more like a curse than an illness. Is that what you meant by will? Just making you do things like that?

That does seem like a good comparison. If I were to guess, it's named a virus because most use computers to access this place. [This much is based on the brief time he did spend in the future.]

Ah, if your time is anything like mine, such things don't exist, do they?

[Well technically Terra had computers but Gaia sure doesn't.]

I'm not familiar with the term. I've only heard virus in terms of sickness. I assume viruses for "computers" are similar.

In a way. They make the computers act in unusual ways, so, in that way, it's a bit more fitting.

I'd like to know more about your world, if you have the time to chat.

So it would seem. I'll have to be wary of those.

Oh, I hardly know where to start! On our continent there are three major kingdoms to speak of: Alexandria, where I am; Lindblum, to the far southwest; and Burmecia, to the north of Lindblum. Airships and most engines run off on Mist, but recently engineers are developing steam-powered engines. Magic isn't facing as much development, although the various schools are robust as ever.

Magic? [Now, that's an interesting word.] Though we do have a few things in my world that aren't easily explained, we don't have magic in the traditional sense.

Are you capable of using it?

[A world without magic? perish the thought! Kuja grins in anticipation: they let out a bolt of lightning to arc and crackle between their palms. The magic subsides and they show their hands none the worse for the wear.]

One of my many accomplishments, yes.

[Edgar leans forward, studying the video.]

Very impressive. Is it difficult?

[Kuja tosses their head with a little laugh.]

Not for me. Magic, like all disciplines, has its geniuses and its masters. Whether you have a talent for it, I couldn't say.

Sadly, not having come from a world of magic, I wouldn't think I would be very good.

It seems it has earned you a high position.

Oh, that shouldn't matter. There are quicker ways to learn magic if one doesn't feel like formal schooling. Only idiots can't learn at least a little magic.

[titter] Oh no, like many nobles, I got my position through connections. My business sense doesn't hurt either. My magic is just what I said: an accomplishment.

Then it would be nice to give it a try, sometime.

Then you are of nobility?

I could give you some instruction, if you like. Best to start with white magic since you're a novice. Imagine: any bruise or scrape, gone in a word!

When my adoption is declared, I will be the official heir to the King estate, yes.

I would be very interested in trying. You have my thanks.

The King? [He can't decide it that's family name or the title.]

I've heard of "world hops", and if I can arrange something, I can send you a Rod. It should convey knowledge of a few basic spells, and once you memorize them, they'll be yours forever, without the staff.

The King family, yes, but I hope to have both meanings soon.

I do have one available. [Someone who has one, rather.] So I'd very much like to arrange a meeting.

Becoming a king is quiet the ambition.

Wonderful! I'd love to see a little more of your world firsthand. To think such travel would be possible..! Ooh, I can hardly wait.

[Kuja calms down, smile broadening.]

Well, my lord, I am a very ambitious person.

Then we can arrrange for a trade. After showing me around your world, I'll gladly host you for a day. There's little magic in my own but I'm sure I can entertain you with some other sights.

Sounds lovely! Fortunately my schedule isn't overfull at the moment, so I could steal away for a visit. This city of Treno is rule by extremes, but I could give you the more pleasant tour. I may not be officially a peer yet, but I have friends and wealth enough to entertain in style.

[video]

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[tries to handwave fuckup]

I noticed nothing :)

I remembered the moogle flute too late orz

^_^ Easy thing to happen

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