[video] Prototype Launch Record

[emet_sulk]

Type: Video
Sender ID: emet-sulk
To: Public
Subject: Prototype Launch Record
Warnings: None

[ The video opens with a vision of an old, wooden ship with furled sails settled at the dock outside the Adamantine Forge. For those in the know, it's the one which has been fitted with the prototype magitech engine which has been in development for the past month. To those seeing it for the first time, there are external additions which make it clear that it's not your typical sailing ship: pipes along the outside, metal fittings which don't usually belong. There are propellers beneath the water as well, invisible to those watching the video.

Emet-Selch is the one holding the camera and so he isn't in the shot itself. However, his voice can be heard after the camera pans across the entire ship. ]

This will be the maiden launch of our prototype vessel. The high tide has come in and we will be starting the engine soon.

[ Workers are standing ready with rope and jigging to pull the ship into the open sea in case the engine isn't enough to get it out of the dock. But they shouldn't be needed. That would rather defeat the purpose. ]

Today is the start of the tenth moon, mid-- [ sigh ] --is it spring or fall here? Bah, these leviathans are always moving about...

[ There are calls between those on the ship and those on the dock. With a muted THRUM, the engine starts and water churns. People hack away at the braces which have been keeping the ship from floating away during its time in the dock. Once the braces splinter, the ship surges forward into the open sea to startled shouts from the crew on board.

The video bounces a little as Emet-Selch matches pace with the ship. One might think he'd stop at the end of the dock but no, he lifts himself into the air with a bit of magic and keeps pace with the ship from a short distance. ]

The ship has successfully launched and seems to be functioning without issue.

[ And with that, the video ends. But a few hours later, there is an image posted of the same ship back in the Forge's dock with an update: ]

Engine overheated and stalled after several hours but the design is sound. Note to self: incorporate Cid's idea into the final engine.

[ Oh, seems he didn't mean to post this publicly. Oops. ]

Comments

[ramuhs]

[He nods a bit at that.]

And what about new innovations or development, ideas that are based on known facts or methods but changed to a new way? Or has it been so long that it reaches a point where it cycles back around?

[He also wonders, because he's of the belief that the human mind and individual has unlimited capabilities, it's just a matter of being able to utilize what they have and push forward with it. However, there might also be a practical limit, a rise and fall of civilizations as he himself is able to witness through the remnants of the Fallen.]

[emet_sulk]

[ He ponders silently. Of the fourteen fragments of their star, there is much that is similar - if not outright identical. Emet-Selch has seen enough history play out to also feel as though he is witnessing an unending cycle of peace and conflict. ]

There was only ever one aspect of our star we failed to understand, [ he says eventually. ] But I don't think it has any relevance to what we're speaking of.

[ He seems to be gazing over the festivities but he's not really seeing them. ]

In regards to technology, science, magic... Well, there are only so many ways to forge a sword. Only so many ways to build a supercomputer. Only so many ways to build efficient transport. The resources of each shard are identical, even if calamities buried or upturned those of the Source haphazardly.

[ He wrinkles his nose. ] I suppose I should acknowledge mankind's increasingly perverse ways to slaughter other living creatures, including themselves. That was not something my people ever considered or developed. I wish I could forget everything I know of that topic.

[ramuhs]

[...Ah. Perhaps it's the dreamer in him, something that's far more "youthful" compared to Emet-Selch's age that would try to think otherwise. So he'll try to spin it a little more positive, even if that might prove futile or not so meaningful for the man.]

And so you witness such cycles repeat and over and over again. I'll be honest, I do not envy you, but I do find it amazing that you haven't given up, either.

wow I mixed up locations earlier lmao

[emet_sulk]

[ He shrugs. His pensive gaze returns to the schematics. ]

I did not have much of a choice, [ he says in a low voice. ] How could I possibly give up my life after--

[ He shuts himself up. Drags over a stool with his foot and sits down, exhaling sharply. ]

Well, it doesn't matter any more. Suffice to say, I hope your kind continue to surprise me or I may just drown myself tomorrow.

i wondered LOL it's okay!! also we can probably wrap this soon 🤔

[ramuhs]

[Cid watches him for a moment before looking at the schematics.

Throughout this conversation, a thought had come to him—as Emet-Selch similar to what Ultima's kind was in his world? A powerful being that could be likened to a god but does not carry himself as such. Could their world fared better had Ultima not have such an ego and instead was more like this man before him?

Perhaps.

But it's also pointless to consider such questions now, and knowing that they've reached the limit of this line of talk, Cid just wears a rueful smile before nodding.]

I hope so as well.

[He then points out something on the schematics.]

In the meantime, mind if I make a suggestion?

o7

[emet_sulk]

[ Someday the man may get more of Emet-Selch's lengthy past out of him. For now, he gestures for Cid to go ahead with a sigh. ]

Aye. A second pair of eyes never goes amiss.

[ramuhs]

[Cid will hang around for a little while, just offering some thoughts and suggestions that come to mind. He's well aware that in terms of technical knowledge he's far behind that what Emet-Selch knows, but sometimes it's that very same lack of knowledge that can allow someone to see things that could be overlooked or missed.

Really, Cid himself doesn't care too much whether Emet-Selch takes any of his ideas. He just the conversation, the swapping of opinions and ideas, and even learning from the man. He also hopes that their conversations might help lift the mood a bit.

And once it's all said and done, Cid will finally bid Emet-Selch farewell.]

Good luck with everything. If anything comes to mind I'll be sure to share it. Though who knows—perhaps I'll try to build something to rival yours.

[emet_sulk]

[ As the conversation winds down, Emet-Selch does seem to visibly relax. The topic is diverting enough and requires focus, which draws his mind away from more depressing things.

He nods affably as Cid makes his farewells. ]

My thanks again. I look forward to seeing if you can surpass me.

[ The smile he wears is faint but genuine. ]

[ramuhs]

[Faint, but noticeable, and he just smiles a little more broadly in return.]

Best stay on your toes then.

[And then a small laugh before he waves.]

Ta-ra, then!

[And away he goes, glancing around one last time to marvel at it all. Those words were not empty ones in the least—going through all this has certainly inspired Cid, so who knows what the future may hold...]