hugtopia | Like thunder screaming out for a flash of lightning

[Cor's not great at this whole party thing, especially as this time it's not just a family gathering but intended for the friends they'd made here as well. The video starts with Cor sitting in a cushy white and grey striped armchair, a stone fireplace beside him glowing warmly. It's a classy set up and far above the townhouses they've been in.]

It's New Years, celebrations are in order. His Majesty, Ignis, and I have obtained a larger space and we'd like to offer our home for the festivities. Feel free to stop in, have some snacks, and await midnight with us.

[Locked from Regis]
[He looks a little paranoid at first, double, then triple checking that he's done this right.]

It's also his Majesty's birthday. He's always eager to sweep it under the New Years celebrations but he has no reason to shy away from any such celebrations here. Don't let him.

[Action - Party Start~]
[The new house is really very nice. It's nothing compared to the Citadel but it is very nice. Clean and homey with the accents of warm wood that, if Cor didn't know better, he'd have thought was reclaimed.

There's a fire in the hearth, hor d'ouerve trays laid out on the kitchen counters. The replicator is of course available to anyone who wants something specific, though you might be surprised to find she responds to voice commands and is distressingly cheerful to talk to. The house is open for examination! Go on, explore folks, mingle away.]

[Action - Midnight]
[As chill as the night is Cor makes a point of slipping through the crowd throughout the evening. There's a number of Lucis Caelums and other magic users as well. So when the time comes near he does his best to usher everyone into the backyard, or at least onto the back porch.

He's certainly not the one to lead the countdown, no someone more energetic can do that, but at the final count a series of spells get fired into the night sky. They may not be traditional fireworks but a few Flares, Thundaras, and spells he has no names for will work well enough, don't you think?]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He believed I should come to this party. I'm unsure why. I doubt anyone would particularly agree to my presence here.

[Not offended, simply logical.]

[Regis nods. So Will basically volunteered himself. Somehow, he's not surprised.]

Sometimes, just the willingness to appear at something like this goes a long way to getting people to change their view on you. Besides, we are starting a new year tonight. What better night could there be to start other things as well?

I suppose the last party was fruitful. [He near-sighed, as if giving in to the inevitable and consoling himself.] I tried to avoid them as I could in Niflheim.

[Would Regis believe he wasn't much of a party animal?

Because he wasn't. It meant time away from research watching a bunch of rich nobles waste time on platitudes. He was a patient man, but that continuous rubbish even tried him.]

Still, you have me at a disadvantage. For every Niff there appears to be 9 Lucians. Working together appears to be unavoidable.

I cannot blame you for that. They are dreadfully dull for the most part and that comes from the person who has to talk to everyone.

[Thankfully, many of those 'conversations' are limited to polite greetings and handshakes, but there are some...]

Speaking of that, you have reminded of a question I wished to ask you. When we first arrived here, I remember you mentioning you didn't think our selection could have been accidental. Do you still believe that? Have you come up with any thoughts as to why so many Lucians were brought when only you are here to stand for Niflheim?

[Back then, Regis had not been willing to so quickly jump to doubting those who had brought them there. Now, though, he is a lot more willing to entertain the notion.]

Information about their motives is sparse. However, based on what we have seen, the experiments mentioned in the archives are continuing. As a scientist myself, I think it is a fair guess to say that we are either the samples or the test subjects they require to finish them.

...That should worry us greatly, if true.

Why we were individually picked, though...

[He let out a deep breath as he thought.]

For myself, the reason should be obvious. I know much about experiments such as the ones they wish to finish. However, obvious as that should be, they have not allowed me access.

It is obvious that the people here are quite notable. How many are of the same family line regardless of time, for instance? That cannot be coincidence... Not so many times in a row. The odds would be astronomically low.

[A thought suddenly occurred to him.]

I suppose they could want to many of the same line to study from, however. Genes would be similar yet different. If they have forgotten biology, it would be a good starting point for learning how to manipulate strands of data to create what they wish by comparing the differences between each family member and their genes.

Edited 2020-01-14 06:25 (UTC)

[The look on Regis' face makes it clear that he doesn't like the train of thought that Verstael is on. Even more than that, he cannot find a reason why that train of thought might be wrong, especially not with so much proof being placed in front of them. Of course, the part of his mind that has to consider all possibilities reminds him they could just be misunderstanding something, but at the same time, the secrecy the natives are working with leads to misunderstanding very easily.

The initial results they are getting from looking into the names of the missing gods only supports this, though he dearly hopes they may find more information before they are done.]

I am sure if this has not crossed your mind, it has crossed the minds of your fellows, but can you imagine how much it would help the Empire if they could isolate what it is about the Lucis Caelum bloodline that allows us to use the Crystal's power so freely? It is true the goal of the scientists here may be more general, but were they able to find a way to use the Crystal's magic as we do, it would allow them to lighten the strain their healing gods are currently under, and the Lucis Caelum line is only one with great power that has representatives here.

That begs the question: have they requested that you use your powers?

I, too, thought my purpose obvious when I was first brought here. Many of the problems they face are issues I have unrivaled experience with. But rather than ask my assistance they lock me out.

[A frustrating thing, to be forced to sit by and watch them bungle things up when he knew he could figure it out.]

[Regis shakes his head no, but there is an obvious difference to take into account when comparing if they have asked Verstael about his skills or Regis about his powers.]

I've not exactly been shy about using my power when it is needed.

[The shield he held for so long during the attack is proof of that.]

There is only so much data to be gained from observation, but we also don't know what kind of data gathering tools they may have and are keeping secret. They may not have had need to contact me directly yet.

[Regis seemed more set on the idea that he was there for that purpose.

Which led to the question...]

And what are your thoughts on Experiment Number 920194?

Experiment Number 920194?

[Forgive him, Verstael. He doesn't remember things in the form of their numbers. He remembers them by who and what they are.]

They were attempting to reverse the process but lacked their original cells. However, it would seem they were continuing in their attempts and were 'splicing' subjects. On top of that, given that we have witnessed Experiment 73 continuing, there is no reason to assume that they have given up on Experiment Number 920194.

[Perhaps, in this case, it would be a good thing for them that they had Verstael around. He remembered this stuff, strings of numbers and all, and it made sense to him what they were doing.

Perhaps the fact that it made sense to him was why he was worried. It would be better to explain further his point of view, though.]

It took me many years but I did discover a method to clone meat. But, just like them, I could not create something from nothing. I needed samples to start with.

They did not have any samples left, so they brought us here, and they're continuously encouraging and rewarding behavior that would lead to mating. Though they seem understand courtship and breeding about as much as a child forcibly bashing their dolls together.

[Unlike this guy, who was the definition of romance. But they literally pushed people into each other or tied them together like kids playing with toys.]

Like thunder screaming out for a flash of lightning

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