2nd Gig | Video

[milliondollarpipes]

[At first, the camera is just pointing into a bush. There's a bit of shuffling, a flash of sleeve and a wide-eyed Skiddo pressing up against Harvey's legs. Then he points the camera around the tree they're hiding behind.

This thing is oozing along down the grass, waving tentacles and tongue in the air.]

Please tell me other people are seeing this thing.

If we ever find out who's responsible for this, I say we feed 'em to them. What the hell...how's it even moving on land like that?

Comments

[eclipse_of_time]

I've been learning - I'm a Breeder - but...they're not like anything I'm familiar with. And I'm familiar with some very strange animals!

Yes, I suppose you do. I've had...encounters of my own, with such sorts.

[milliondollarpipes]

I knew about some kinds before I got here, but apparently there's maybe...a couple hundred more than I ever heard about. Not countin' these.

[eclipse_of_time]

Many animals in my world are similar to Pokemon, in that they have special abilities of their own that vary by species. But that's where the similarities end, I'm afraid.

[milliondollarpipes]

We've just got normal animals. Some of 'em might be poison, but there's no fire-spitting or anything.

And they don't evolve like that either.

[eclipse_of_time]

Most creatures in my world have some form of natural magical energy, which they can utilize in certain ways. We interact with many of them in every day life, as livestock and pets.

But no, they don't evolve and change like Pokemon do. Unless they're mutated by some dark magic, but that's hardly natural.

[milliondollarpipes]

What kinda things do they do? We've got some magic at home, but it ain't too common - most folks don't even think it's real.

[eclipse_of_time]

Oh goodness, all manner of things! Manipulation of fire, water, air, earth...light and dark. Some commune with and control plant life. Some can muddle the mind or poison the flesh.

Magic is currently quite common in my world, though it hasn't always been. The magical industrial revolution has ruled most civilizations for the last thirty years.

[milliondollarpipes]

The magical industrial revolution.

[Does he really want to know?]

[eclipse_of_time]

Magical energy is a force that permeates my world. It exists...well...everywhere! In living things, in nature, in minerals, in the air...

Thirty years ago, mankind learned how to harness that energy using engines powered by crystals that can store and regulate it. It sparked a very sudden advancement in areas of industry and weaponry.

Well, in most of the world. In my country, we devote ourselves to the advancement of art, architecture, music, and philosophy.

[milliondollarpipes]

[Harvey snorts.]

How do ya keep that up? [Look you know what, no government ever does that]

[eclipse_of_time]

We're a pacifist island nation that keeps mostly isolated from the rest of the world.

Oh, we've opened trade routes in the last two years, but we've kept the same way of life for a thousand years. I'm not very worried much will change.

[milliondollarpipes]

I hope that's true. [Sorry, super pessimism man is here.] There always folks willin' to take advantage of pacifists.

[eclipse_of_time]

As Numara's founder and sole ruler for over a millennium, I can assure you that it is.

I may be a pacifist, but I am no fool.

[milliondollarpipes]

Really?

[Well damn. Talk about burying the lede.]

Do your people usually live that long?

[eclipse_of_time]

My kind, yes. There aren't many of us at all, it's a very complicated story that I must confess I don't know all of. But we are known as Immortals, and in the world I came here from, we are ageless and invulnerable and possess great magical energy, moreso than any mortal.

[Ming tends to try and be humble and not mention her royal status, but if anyone so much as hints that Numara isn't the peaceful paradise she believes, all bets are off.]

The people of Numara are normal mortals. The islands were barren, inhospitable, the people living upon them barely surviving. I gave them proper soil, lush vegetation, knowledge of the workings of nature and how to harness them and create. And we've doing such ever since.

[milliondollarpipes]

Huh.

[You know, he's very inclined to buck against the idea of immortal magic people swooping in to rule mankind forever. But he likes her well enough, and he's been on his own now for a couple months; he's not too eager to burn the conversation to the ground.]

Are you just gonna do that forever?

[eclipse_of_time]

I don't have any other plans in mind. It's what I've always done.

Oh, I suppose I'll take holidays now and again, to spend time with my husband, but I really can't imagine doing anything else. And Numara needs me.

[milliondollarpipes]

[well that doesn't sound horrifying]

You think they'll always need you?

[eclipse_of_time]

They have for a thousand years.

[Ming pauses, thoughtful. It must sound so strange, to those not from her world and familiar with its workings.]

I knew the life I was choosing for myself, when I tied my own energy to the land of Numara and stepped up to protect it. My people are true pacifists, Mr. Finevoice. They wield no weapons and rally no army. My power and immortality keep them safe, and keep the islands vibrant and flourishing. They are like my children, in a way, and I could no more leave my throne than a mother could abandon her children.

[milliondollarpipes]

I guess we must all seem pretty young to you.

[Don't you dare call him a child.]

[eclipse_of_time]

Yes and no. I may be quite old, and wise in my areas of knowledge but...

There's much of the world I've never seen or experienced. I've only ever left Numara before once, for a brief and necessary time. I'm sure, in many ways, you have far more experience than I.