On the new rerun volumes, a newspaper article and having been played off-character.

[shakespearealien]

I frankly do not see why that essay on my race is upsetting you to the point of tears. That, as an Evronian, I am destined to never know happiness should not come as any news to you. You should also know that I am far from being the exception, regardless of everything that has occurred in my life, of the poetic appeal of such a delusion and of the fact that I may actually have a chance if, and only if, I tried.

As for the section of that essay whose content is entirely and completely new, id est, the history of our planet. I think it is the final and definitive confirmation that nothing about the Empire was ever as noble and glorious as that boisterous double of mine insists that it was.

Speaking of which, I share your disappointment at that newspaper article. By confusing our two stories, what the author did was equating the hero to that... Galaxy Guardian, therefore also implicitly superimposing myself with my double. I despise that notion, and I am certain that he feels the same way.

Unrelatedly. I would have known what dango was, or who Mitsunari Ishida, Hideyoshi Toyotomi and Ieyasu Tokugawa were. My interest in Earth's culture is not limited to the Western world, I'll have you know. Yours, on the other hand... Ah, but it is quite alright - you will do better next time.

- Branch Chief Gorthan

Comments

[nomon_be_spared]

« You may find that hoping for a mundane to change its behavior is a fool's errand. »

[inquisitive_nature]

'Destined'? Now why would you be destined to never know happiness?

[shakespearealien]

Oh, I learned that long ago, believe me. In vain I tried to get her to put more effort into a university course on Shakespeare which she was attending. However, as she did not like the professor who taught it, she did not even bother to re-read her notes. She passed the exam - with the lowest pass grade, however.

That said. I have been told... of your origins.

[*dramatic music*]

[shakespearealien]

Our species is characterized by something which is commonly and rather trivializingly referred to as a "hive mind". Our every thought deals with the social aspects of life and it is not possible for us to nurture our individuality and have personal pursuits.

... Theoretically. There are exceptions, and I seem to be one of them, unfortunately.

[nomon_be_spared]

[dem eyes gettin' narrowed like whoa]
« If you are aware of my origins, then you should also be aware they do not dictate what I am now. »

[inquisitive_nature]

I have heard of communal minds before, but I am not familiar with the sensations of having one. However, it has always been my understanding that there is a great happiness in fulfilling one's duty and purpose.

[shakespearealien]

There probably is. But we Evronians are also forbidden from feeling strong and powerful emotions. The concept that may be alien to you, but consider that such strong feelings are seen, in our rigid society, as the first symptoms of rebellion.

[shakespearealien]

And in that respect, we are similar, if not the same. How interesting...

Where I am from, mutants - even those who were born mutants - do not seem to display anything resembling, even closely, the existential pain and anguish that you experienced.

Then again, I suppose that your intelligence is your curse and damnation. And I can say the same about mine.

[inquisitive_nature]

Yet you are an individual. The mandate may affect what you display, but regulating personal feelings seems impossible. Not even Tiamat is capable of such a feat.

[shakespearealien]

[Well, that is a little flattering.]

Ah, but having feelings at all is what is supposed to be impossible for our race... But, no matter. Tiamat...? A deity, perhaps?

[nomon_be_spared]

« ...It is strange, to be so unique even in a world where change and evolution is the norm. »

[shakespearealien]

And yet you have grown to accept yourself, have you not?

[inquisitive_nature]

And yet you are capable of disappointment.

Tiamat is indeed a deity: the Dragon Queen.

[shakespearealien]

Which is why I said that feeling emotions is only supposed to be impossible for us. The illness I suffer from makes it very possible for me indeed. And granted, I suffer from the social stigma that is attached to it.

I see. And what are her attributions?

[nomon_be_spared]

« This is true. I have chosen to forge my own purpose. »

[shakespearealien]

Very well. But what that purpose is - have you discovered it yet?

[inquisitive_nature]

She is the ruler of Chromatic Dragons and their kin, as well as having dominion over Law, the Elements, and some elements of magic.

[nomon_be_spared]

« I have chosen to aid my fellow clones. »

[shakespearealien]

Are they in as much pain as you were?

[her_mouse_jesty]

I refuse to believe that... that you'd be destined to never know happiness! And you shouldn't believe it either!

[shakespearealien]

Is that so... What is happiness, Minnie?

[her_mouse_jesty]

It's...

[... okay, give her a moment, how do you describe something inherently known.]

... It's a... special warmth in your heart. It makes you smile, and maybe you don't even understand why it does, but it's a great and powerful force.

[shakespearealien]

[Had... that moment of inebriation been a glimpse of... happiness?

Perhaps. Perhaps not. Either way, the way it fits Minnie's description strikes Gorthan as really odd.]

And why do you feel it's something I should want for myself?

[her_mouse_jesty]

Because it's a wonderful feeling, and you deserve to have it! And I find it silly you even have to ask what it is, because I know you've felt it.

[shakespearealien]

When have I felt it, Minnie?

[A headtilt and a smile.]