text; un: thunderbird

[tanker]

[ With no introduction... ]

back home, one of the main things I used to do was train people to control their abilities - i've spent quite a number of years teaching myself control through various techniques, as it's pretty essential for me to keep things in check.

in a bid to feel useful to the community, interest check:

anyone want training sessions? whether you have abilities you're struggling with, or are just looking to get some more control over yourself, I can help.

[Or at least, try to. ]

Comments

[thestarling]

That's a lot of variation, even if the population is small. Makes you wonder how it develops like that, if it's all intrinsic.

[There's a brief pause, then:] Sorry, I get kind of caught up trying to figure out how things work sometimes.

[tanker]

it is, indeed. that's also why the government has very strict anti-mutant laws. we have some rights, but the human population is so terrified of those of us that can do harm that any situation involving a mutant will turn against them.

i don't mind, it's preferable to straight-out fear.

[thestarling]

That does make sense in a terrible kind of way. People do like to react badly to things that scare them.

[And then, because this isn't actually an interview and Peter feels like he should offer something in return.]

We've got something similar at home. Not on the scale of anything like what you're talking about, but it's there. Managed to stay under the general public radar so far, though.

[tanker]

so you have mutants, but nobody knows about them?


some of us can't hide what they are, though

[thestarling]

No mutants. Magic. And it's affected people some but it's hard to say if it's full speciation or not.

[tanker]

magic. how does it manifest?

[thestarling]

No fancy glowing or anything if that's what you mean. It's just sort of there and you can be taught how to use it. Or have it be part of you if you're part of the possible-speciation. But I haven't done too much looking in on it yet.

[tanker]

so technically, anyone could become a magician

it would make things easier for us back home, if everyone could be a mutant. less fighting, maybe.

[thestarling]

Basically, yeah. If you can find someone to teach you.

Or they'd find something else to fight about. Who has the better abilities or whatever.

[Peter has no illusions as to humankind's better nature. It's a cop thing. Mostly.]

[tanker]

[ See, this is where John didn't want to go, but he basically feels the same, especially considering recent developments. ]

seems like there's always something to fight about, no matter how peaceful we try to be.

do you teach magic?

[thestarling]

Teach? I've barely started learning, I doubt I'd be much help.

[tanker]

fair enough

it's the kind of thing that takes years of practice, I imagine?

[thestarling]

At least ten, or so I'm told.

[tanker]

What kind of magic are we talking about? Is it a range of things, like mutant powers, or does everybody do the same things?

[thestarling]

Hard to say. But I think in general, magic is magic. What changes is what you do with it, how you use it.

[tanker]

oh I just wonder
if it's like in practical magic with incantations and whole rituals, or if it's more instantaneous fireballs kind of thing, or both

i don't know much about magic, to be fair. although i did read the lord of the rings throughout my first tour

[thestarling]

Sort of a combination of both. I can show you some time, if you want.

I will easily admit that I am not cool enough to be Gandalf.

[tanker]

now, now, don't sell yourself short
you might rock the pointy hat look still

[thestarling]

I feel the beard is an important aspect, though. I don't grow those well.

[tanker]

i feel you there
still think you can probably grow into it, though

[thestarling]

If I get to the point where I am an old man with a long white beard, I will absolutely tell everyone I'm a wizard and set off fireworks wherever I want. There have to be some benefits to reaching it.

[tanker]

I don't think, even as an old man, i'd have the capacity to grow a full, long beard. one of the downsides of my genetic background. or maybe it's a blessing, since my - [ ...What is Clarice to him? ] - one of my friends keeps on calling me a hipster, but I'll never reach the full potential if I can't grow a beard.

[thestarling]

I don't either, but I'm told it's good to have goals.

Do you have a particular fondness for vinyl?

[tanker]

Hmmm, not really, if only because i've not had the opportunity to get my hands on any in a long time. But i've got a first generation iPod.
Her reasoning is more due to my fondness for meditation and yoga, and coffee

[thestarling]

Fair enough, but I think you have to enjoy them ironically to be a proper hipster.