001 - [Video]

[kungfood]

[The image displayed is of nothing human. It is, in fact, nothing more than a panda in a pair of darned pants standing straight up as if he knows no other way to stand. He’s obviously in the new “home” he’s been given, and if it’s possible for him to seem even more out of place, he somehow manages it. It’s similar but it’s not, and he’s never seen anything like the kedan before.

He’s entirely out of his element, and if it was ever doubted that a panda could display that much with expression, he’s living, standing, awkward proof that a panda can do just that.]

Uh. [Brief, something that was almost a word but never quite made it. He has no idea about these devices except for what he’s been told, and he still finds it difficult to believe. Others can see him, he can see them, and they can speak that way. How is that possible?] So. Hi. This showing a picture, right? A…a moving one, I guess. I don’t really understand, but that’s what those guys told me, so it probably does, right?

[He’s blathering. This is hardly anything new with him, and he realizes it, and that also shows. He runs a paw over his face, ears popping right back into place when it passes over them.]

Yeah, so, the introduction thing, I guess. I’m, uh, [awkward] Po [still awkward] and I’m from a place called the Valley of Peace, and [little less awkward] I never really thought that when you ascended, it was to another city. Thought of it more like another plane. But that’s okay, because you can’t ascend anything when you’re asleep, but you can apparently get trapped, and that’s pretty, uh. That really sucks. Like. It sucks a lot.

[He’s still obviously out of his element, but he stands up a little straight and stops fidgeting.]

Is there anything that whoever else here can tell me that doesn’t suck?

[Things that suck less are also wanted, and it’s after a close-up of a bear paw that the image disconnects.]

Comments

[fearlessherosheart]

It is quite likely that we are on another plane. Certainly another world than either the one you or I were born on.

[On the plus side, Tazendra was born on another planet, so she has no preconceptions that furry black-and-white tsalmoth-y creatures shouldn't be talking to her.]

[kungfood]

This definitely isn't like where I was born.

[So few animals, so many...animals he doesn't recognize.]

Have you been here for very long?

[fearlessherosheart]

Several months now, though I am beginning to suspect the days are shorter here than they were in the Empire.

[kungfood]

[The Empire. He doesn't know what is (of course), but he could ask about it later. Days that are longer than his sound interesting, at any rate.]

Several months. So they're really serious about stuck here? About not being able to go back?

[fearlessherosheart]

Well, I am told people have disappeared and perhaps they have returned.

[kungfood]

[Well now, that right there sounds like it could be some of the Emperor's business.]

I'm sorry if I'm asking dumb questions. I'm really, just—there aren't any humans where I'm from, so it's really, really weird to me, you know? It's a whole new world with animals I've never seen and everyone's all weirded out and...but you're not weirded out, are you?

[fearlessherosheart]

I would not pretend to have met every sort of intelligent creature that might arrive here. And I will not hold not being human against you, for there are many who have arrived here. Humans are not even the the only people capable of speech and some manner of society on my own world.

[kungfood]

[Oh hey! Someone who knows animals (he guesses) that can talk? The day's better again! He's not so sure about all this intelligent stuff, but he'll take it if she's not all weird about him merely talking.]

Really? There's animals where you're from that can talk, too? That's great! I can't, I just can't imagine a world without being able to talk. How else are you supposed to get your point across, right?

[fearlessherosheart]

There are a few types. And a few more that have some measure of psychic ability.

[kungfood]

[Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Psychic what now?]

Psychic? Really? [He puts his paws up to his head like he's trying to block his thoughts from rushing out. What if she's psychic?] That's cool. That's really cool. I didn't know that was for real!

[fearlessherosheart]

It most certainly is, at least for some. Where you are from, do not some animals have strengths that others lack?

[Fortunately for everyone, Tazendra both has very little interest in mind-probes and is without a power source (and never learned magic that works with her own strength).]

[kungfood]

Where I'm from, everyone is an animal. As for strength, there's this thing called kung fu. It's a system of defense, and if you use it like you're supposed to, it's to keep the peace and make sure nothing bad happens.

You have to learn it and be really diligent about it, and there's styles that appeal to different strengths, yeah, but anyone can learn it. They just have to want it.

[fearlessherosheart]

I am familiar with the martial arts. I studied the sword myself. And different Houses often use different techniques which suit their temperaments, though it is useful to learn from a friend of another House none the less.

[kungfood]

[More people with training? Even if they're humans, this day keeps getting better and better.

No offense to humans, but they still look pretty weird to him. And they came from monkeys, what's that all about?]

That sounds like kung fu! Different masters have different techniques, and the more you can learn, the better you are for it. There's swords, too. I don't have much experience with them, but I'd love to learn!

[fearlessherosheart]

[Tazendra has a tiny bit of feline DNA in her, thanks to genetic engineering, but it's not like it's physically noticeable, besides that she has slightly more elf-y ears.]

It has been suggested that I instruct those who are willing to learn, as we have been warned of trouble.

[kungfood]

Trouble.

[Po knows trouble. Po stops trouble when it starts, squashes it out even if it takes far longer than it should. Even if it means traveling through harsh conditions to get there, it's what he does. It's part of who he is. If there's trouble, he's going to do his best to make sure it's resolved in the best way possible.]

Are there a lot of folks here who aren't trained in something to help them defend themselves? Is that a worry, that things could happen and they're unable to protect themselves in any way?

[fearlessherosheart]

I have not asked.

But if they are unable to protect themselves, I will protect them.

[kungfood]

[Oh no, there's that great big smile. That's a good way for anyone to think, to be willing to protect those who can't do it themselves.]

You sound awesome. I hope nothing bad happens, but it's good to know there are people here who can help end anything too bad.

[fearlessherosheart]

Certainly there are plans in place.

[kungfood]

[Plans? A plot? Something that they can figure out beforehand? Awesome!

Not that Po has the best mind for strategy, but he's good at improvisation. If he doesn't have a weapon, anything will suffice. Musical instruments, woks, bamboo stilts...]

You mean there's already been some sort of agreement about how to react in case something goes wrong? There's people who have already gotten together on how to handle it?

[fearlessherosheart]

There has been discussion. In truth, I have not followed it, excepting Doctor Banner's request for magical aid. When there is action to be taken, I will be there, and i will leave the planning to those who have the skill.

[kungfood]

[Discussion. Sometimes, they're hard to follow. Po's not the best at the "figuring things out" part, but he can always try.]

I understand what you mean. I can follow through with what needs to be done, but sometimes figuring that out on my own is...murky water.

[fearlessherosheart]

I nearly agree. I certainly have the ability, but little desire to when there are those who delight in plans.

[kungfood]

[Po's plans usually involve step one...and the later steps come after step one, but he forgets to get past that until he realizes, oops, what now?]

So you're good with strategy, too? That's really impressive. I bet you're admired where you're from!

[fearlessherosheart]

More tactics than strategy. I leave strategy to the Dragonlords.

[but she isn't going to deny the praise]