tushanshu | 001 ✦ Video

[ It had taken Ender a few days before he even checked the network, and a few more days before he decided to place himself upon it. When the video starts, it's the face of just another child -- but one that's exhausted. From his serious demeanor and lack of a smile, he seems much older than he is in all actuality. ]

Earth -- I'm not talking about the sector -- does the name hold any significance to you? I've been wondering how many people here come from a place called Earth and just how many Earths haven't had to face the Bugger Wars. From what I've seen of the guests, many appear human overall and some even with the same technological advancements and understanding that are prominent in my world. If we're trapped in this place between life, dreaming and death, then I suppose it wouldn't be impossible to dream of the existence of alternate Earths.

[ Ender forces a smile, but that's just what it is. Forced. He's really in no mood to showcase good cheer. ]

If it isn't asking too much, even if you don't come from some variation of Earth, I'd like to know about your world. Subsequently, I can tell you anything you wish to know about mine. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has noticed that we're being kept in the dark by the natives here. What they know and what they're planning doesn't concern me as much as our lack of understanding about the universes that surround us. I feel the better we understand one another, the more trust we can put in each other and the better equipped we become as a whole to any crisis that may arise. Sometimes, in a war, the most crippling blow can be dealt not by the enemy but by lies and mistrust.

That's all. Thank you for your time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

A common issue, unfortunately. [Teasing]

I am. I have gills, just here. [Touches behind her ear] But I can survive above water for some time. And yes, I'd say it is especially since the canals have become so polluted. I still spend time in both the pool in my suite and the ocean.

[ There's a regretful smile that comes on his face. ]

It's sad to hear what's becoming of the world around us -- the canals must have been beautiful prior to the illness. But at least you have an untainted water source, and with any luck, Tu Vishan's health and this city will be restored.

They were lovely. Not as lovely as the ocean but they were a decent enough substitute. [To be fair, nothing can replace the open ocean. Clear, clean water full of life....there's nothing better than it] People are working on it. I personally sent samples to some of the science types who live here with us. Hopefully they'll have an answer to the problem soon.

Ah, but this topic seems a bit depressing don't you think? Would you like to hear more about Atlantis instead? [Because personally she'd rather talk about Atlantis, even with all its problems, than the turtle's health. At least she had some semblance of control in Atlantis while she doesn't here]

Yes, I agree.

[ And depressing is probably a topic he should stray from, given that he's been pretty depressed since he arrived. So he happily grasps onto her offer for a more lighthearted topic. ]

I would love to hear more about Atlantis. Were there buildings made entirely of gold or were those just legends?

[She's had her fair share of depression in the past as well so talking about something lighter is probably good for her too]

Unfortunately, that's just legend. There is quite a bit of gold in Atlanis but it's mostly scavenged from shipwrecks and the like. We use it as currency. Our buildings are made of stone, like any other buildings. I have to admit, it's amusing to hear that's part of the legend. People who tell stories about Atlantis must think it's magnificent.

Yes, they definitely paint a very magnificent picture. Buildings of gold and lost treasures -- beautiful people and merfolk. But then again, it wouldn't be a legend otherwise.

Do sailors and the like often search for your home or is it impossible for an average human to locate? [ Or maybe its existence was just common knowledge. Ender didn't consider that. ]

Sadly, most of that is just legend. There are what I suppose you would consider merpeople in some of the Atlantean continent but it's not common. The buildings are made of stone, as I said, though there is quite a bit of treasure around. [They use it as currency, especially Arthur and Garth when they're on the surface] Scavenging from shipwrecks is a bit of a hobby and there are always things to be found on those.

Oh yes, they do. [None of them have really succeeded but they try] Though since Arthur joined a team of surface heroes, I suppose Atlantis has been more in the public eye. We've have surface dwellers down before. My husband's friends. But in general it's very uncommon to see surface dwellers in Atlantis. Most don't know where it is. Some don't even believe it exists.

[ Ender laughs a little. ]

So even in your world where it's a very real thing, it's still very much a legend to some. It makes me wonder if there might really be an Atlantis lurking somewhere in my own world.

Is your husband here with you? Or anyone from your world for that matter?

[Mera smiles at the laugh. Good! At least he doesn't seem as down as he did when they started talking]

Yes, even after meeting my husband some people still refuse to believe that Atlantis is anything but a story. I suppose some people need to see to believe. And there easily could be. The Atlanteans I know are very secretive. There could be one in every world and no one would ever know.

Yes, he is. He's lurking around here somewhere. We seem to be the only ones from our version of Atlantis.

[ He tilts his head a little. ]

Are they secretive by choice? Preferring to isolate themselves from 'surface dwellers' or has something happened between the Atlanteans and the ones who live on land? Bad blood, perhaps dating back way before you were even born?

[ Ender nods after her confirmation that her husband is here too. ]

Maybe I'll be fortunate enough to meet him as well.

Secretive by choice, mostly. Atlanteans in my experience tend to look down on surface dwellers. Other Atlanteans too, unfortunately. They're a suspicious people and they don't take kindly to people who are different. [Like her, though the people of Atlantis always liked her. Or Arthur. Or Garth] Surface dwellers do have a habit of dumping their garbage into the ocean so I suppose a certain amount of dislike is justified.

Maybe. He's very friendly when he wants to be.

That's the selfish nature of most of my kind. They don't think of how their actions will affect other living species. I personally wouldn't blame the Atlanteans, but I'm also glad to hear there are ones like you and your husband who will look beyond the misdeeds of the surface dwellers.

[ Ender laughs a little after her words. ]

I hope a majority of the time he 'wants to be friendly' is around you at least?

Yes, so I've learned. But I've also learned that not all surface dwellers are bad. That would be like saying all Atlanteans are hateful, suspicious and militaristic. And we're not. I suppose every group has members that just don't want to cooperate with others.

[She smiles]

Yes, don't worry. He's always very kind to me.

I'm glad to hear it.

Thank you for sharing so much about your world with me. You've said so much, and I haven't even told you my name yet.

[ He laughs; sheepish ]

I'm Ender.

Of course. Atlantis can be a fascinating place. [When its citizens aren't acting like dicks and leaving babies to die up on a coral reef]

It's quite alright. I'm Mera. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ender.

[ ....WELL YES. Apart from those minor issues, it sounds lovely! ]

Nice to meet you as well, Mera. I look forward to getting to know you throughout our time here.

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