DISCLAIMER: I don't own any races or places, nor do I own Bowser, the Magikoopas, Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, or anyone/thing that has appeared in a Mario game. I own all of the characters and places made up for this fic, as long as the fic itself, don't use without my permission (which I'll probably give gladly)
Well, here's chapter 2. Hope you like it. Again, pleaaaaaaaaaaaase R&R!
V. John has changed to Jean V, by the way, after I realised that Toad names were supposed to be that way round. Sorry 'bout that!
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Kamek appeared in the same hall that Mason had been waiting in, just outside Bowser's door. He reflected briefly that he was probably the only Magikoopa to be able to get such a complicated spell so perfectly right, but his thoughts soon passed to what Bowser could want. It was hard enough supervising all this new non-magical rubbish, without having to go and see Bowser every time there was some minute problem. Why was so much of his job education now? And why all the seemingly pointless admin? The Magikoopas hadn't used to be like this, had they? Oh well, he thought, opening the door.
"My Lord."
"Ah, Kamek, you're here."
"Indeed."
"Have you heard anything about this Koopa-damaging substance?"
Oh, that was what it was. Of course, why hadn't he thought of it? He had only heard a sliver of information, a brief rumour, and hadn't thought much of it at the time.
"Yes, M'Lord, but only rumours. Nothing solid."
"Yes, well we've captured one of the scientists working on it. From what was found in his lab, it seems that this 'Orichalcum' could be extremely lethal to Koopas, and if used as a weapon against us, could be devastating."
"Ah." Worry began to creep into Kamek's mind. Perhaps it was not just another of Bowser's constant quips after all.
"The scientist who was working on it, Jean V, is being interrogated as we speak. He says that they were actually trying to find an antidote, and not make a weapon from it, because it could be used to harm the Exiled, since so many Toads are racist." 'Exiled' was Bowser's favourite, and totally innaccurate, word for the Koopas who had deserted and tried to settle and live peaceful lives.
"And do you believe him?"
"I'm not sure. He may think he's telling the truth, even if he isn't." Bowser paused "What do you think?"
"Well, I think that it really depends on the amount of racism that exists against the- um- Exiled, within and outside the Palace. If there is racism outside the Palace, then the Palace would probably want to show that they are taking a stance against it, if there is Racism within the Palace, they would probably want to encourage attacks on the Exiled, and this would be a perfect excuse for them to do so, without appearing too obviously racist." Kamek mentally added sociology to the ever-growing list of non-magical studies which he had to engage in. And how many times had he just used the word 'racist'? He sighed inwardly.
"Yes- yes, you're probably right Kamek." Kamek remained silent, so Bowser continued. "I will notify our spies to keep a look out for any further information. Meanwhile, I want some of your Magikoopas working on finding some way to counteract the Orichalcum"
"Of course, Lord. May I make a suggestion?"
"Go ahead."
"That we should sent some Troopers to vandalise one of the towns in which the Exiled live, and make it look like it was the work of a group of Toads. The Palace may decide to respond with a pro-Koopa- Exiled, that is- gesture, and not creating the weapon you described would be a perfect way in which to do so. Of course, the information that we were provided with may be incorrect for one of a few reasons, but..." he let it hang.
Bowser considered. "Yes. Yes, that does seem like a good idea. We will do that as soon as possible. Now, unless there is anything else for you to say-" he paused, but Kamek was silent "-you may leave."
"My Lord." Kamek finished, and left the room. When the door close behind him, he quickly teleported back to his quarters, glad to be able to reflect on the situation alone, and get on with some work.
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He had a friendly smile. People had always told him that. Apparently it held up even in the worse of moods, because when a passing Toad ran up to him and said "Aren't you Kooper? Didn't you travel around with Mario?" he just nodded back and smiled his fake smile, and the Toad seemed not to notice, seemed completely satisfied.
Kooper. What a stupid name, Kooper. He had to pronounce it 'Koop-ugh' whenever he said it, so that it didn't sound so much like 'Koopa'. What had possessed his parents to- Oh well, it didn't matter. What mattered at the moment was Orichalcum. And Mario.
And here was Mario's house, sitting alone on its expensive spot by the serene Toad Town, the garden flourishing with bright vegetation, and smoke puffing gently out of the chimney. Kooper walked up and rapped on the door, the knocking noises amplified in his mind my his anger. He had spent some time on the way here deliberating whether or not to sucker punch Mario, and had eventually decided to do whatever felt right at the time. As it turned out, when Mario opened the door, he narrowly chose not to.
There he stood, dressed in that sunset red outfit, his jolly smile resting just below his oversized nose.
"Kooper!" he cried, his voice oozing with pleasant surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"I came here to talk to you, you fat fuck." Kooper replied, his sickly smile fading with the words. "You know, work a few things out, see if my life is still worth living, that kinda shit."
"Wha-what do you mean?" Mario was clearly astounded, having never heard Kooper swear, and being apparently unaware of what Kooper was talking about. Kooper pushed past him and walked into the house, and Mario followed. He sat down on the comfortable, cozy-looking sofa (No surprises there, he thought), and waited a few moments.
"Orichalcum." He said, finally.
"Ori-? Oh!" Mario was apparently catching on. At last.
"Yes, Orichalcum. You know, the Koopa-killing stuff. Recently discovered by a Toad. But of course you know all that. In fact, you know enough about it to decide to authorise, no, to suggest that it should be made into a weapon, to be used against Bowser."
"Yes, but, why do you care?"
"Well, because if this orichalcum was made so public, so widely used, a few of the 'old-fashioned' Toads, as they've so quaintly been labelled, might decide to commit mass genocide against the all refugee Koopas. Well, I say 'might', but it's really a matter of when, not if." He smiled again, and now there was no chance of mistaking it for anything resembling happiness, or humour.
"But that's not going to-"
"Oh, you really thank that? You really think there's no crazy Toads out there? Or even Bowser, wanting to take us out once and for all?"
"Well, I never thought-"
"Oh, don't expect me to believe that. There you are, looking all warm, jolly, like a young of Santa Claus, and with your 'I-don't-know-what's-going-on-but-I'll-do-what's-best' face, but I know you better than that. I've travelled with you, don't forget that. I've fought along side you, and I know. I know that under the fat idiot exterior you really are aware, you really are clever."
"Kooper, it's not going to happen, we'll be careful, it'll only be used against Bowser."
"Mario, just stop trying, okay? If you let that weapon be made, I swear that in under two months my friends are going to be so much shell and bone. I know you're not too blind to see that, so please just stop this Orichalcum SHIT!" With these words Kooper sprang up, and rushed out of the house without waiting for a reply.
He'd finally said it. Now, perhaps, he could finally clear his head, and perhaps think rationally about the problem. With this task in mind, he began to head back to his town, and started to slow down his breathing.
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"Oh! That reminds me," said Marten "They're testing out some vaccine thing tomorrow in the Order's section, and they want some volunteers. They're paying 50 coins."
Four had passed since the interrogation (and subsequent passing) of Jean V, and a number of Magikoopas had been assigned to trying to find some protection against the Orichalcum, with a ridiculously large reward from Bowser for success (one for the scientists working on it, and one for funding for the entire Magikoopa section. As can be imagined, this caused grumbling from almost everybody).
"Oh yes?" Mason replied. Marten and he were sharing a rare half hour in which neither of them had anything urgent to do. They had decided that it wasn't really enough time to go to the rec. area, so instead they were gossiping (for want of a male equivilent). Mason was an endless source of rumour-starting gossip, due of course to his job, which made him a popular face amongst most Koopas in the castle. The conversation had, naturally, turned to Orichalcum.
"Well, it's not really a vaccine. I mean, you're not going to produce any antibodies or anything," Mason had completely lost him, but nodded anyway "but that's what they're calling it. You just sign up- there' s a sheet to sign up on stuck on the wall- then you go and get this stuff injected into you. It's completely harmless, of course, it's been ued before. And anyway, 50% of the people who sign up will actually get water. Nobody will know whether they got water or this other stuff. It's a normal thing to do, because that way it doesn't act like a placebo, and the people who get water act as a control." Mason listened and nodded rapidly, indicating for him to get to the point. "Anyway, you come back in a week, and they put 'Orichalc-2', which is what they're calling this stuff that emulates Orichalcum but isn't nearly as harmful, and you tell them whether it hurts or not. It won't hurt much, of course. Then they pay you."
Apparently he had finished, so Mason replied "And they pa you 50 coins?"
"Yup."
"And there's no risk or anything?"
"'Course not, if there was a risk they'd be testing it on prisinors..." his voice trailed off, and there was a short pause as they both tried not to think about that dark side of their jobs. Their whole lives, in fact.
"Okay, I'll take a look at that. Where's the sheet?"
"Magikoopa area, next to the entrance to Lab Block A. They want about 160 people, and it's only been there for a couple of hours, so you won't need to hurry."
"Thanks." said Mason.
Lab Block A, he thought to himself with a mental sigh, how much the Magikoopas had changed.
"Actually, I've got to go now." said Marten.
"Okay, I'll see you then."
"See you!" Marten said. His hood was a little further back over his head than was usual, as he had a strange objection to having his eyes in shadow unecessarily. He wsa going back on the job, however, so he pulled it forward to its normal position as he turned and walked off. Mason watched him go for a moment, his mind in that odd blankness that arises when you hop off of one train of thought but don't immediately get onto another one. Then he, too, turned and walked back to the central corridor, knowing that somebody would undoubtedly come and give him something to do. He knew, from years of experience.
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There's Chapter 2 over with. A liiiittle different from Chapter 1 (I think). Thank you for the review (note no 's'), which finally propelled me to finish this chapter. It was very encouraging! :)
More would also be appreciated (hint, hint, it'll only take a few moments!)
I'll also note that I have abosolutely no idea where the plot is going, so bear with me.
Oh, and yes I know that Orichalcum is actually a metal that the Atlantians were said to have, which is the impossible alloy between three or four other metals (one of which is mercury). Sorry about not giving it an original name, and sorry if anybody who knows alot about the subject found it wierd that a liquid was named after the metal.
In closing... um, thanks!
"Sometimes it is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers" - Anon (actually, I just don't know who said this... or what it means! It is, however, an excellent thing to write on an exam paper when you don't know the answer.)
Well, here's chapter 2. Hope you like it. Again, pleaaaaaaaaaaaase R&R!
V. John has changed to Jean V, by the way, after I realised that Toad names were supposed to be that way round. Sorry 'bout that!
***********************************************************************
Kamek appeared in the same hall that Mason had been waiting in, just outside Bowser's door. He reflected briefly that he was probably the only Magikoopa to be able to get such a complicated spell so perfectly right, but his thoughts soon passed to what Bowser could want. It was hard enough supervising all this new non-magical rubbish, without having to go and see Bowser every time there was some minute problem. Why was so much of his job education now? And why all the seemingly pointless admin? The Magikoopas hadn't used to be like this, had they? Oh well, he thought, opening the door.
"My Lord."
"Ah, Kamek, you're here."
"Indeed."
"Have you heard anything about this Koopa-damaging substance?"
Oh, that was what it was. Of course, why hadn't he thought of it? He had only heard a sliver of information, a brief rumour, and hadn't thought much of it at the time.
"Yes, M'Lord, but only rumours. Nothing solid."
"Yes, well we've captured one of the scientists working on it. From what was found in his lab, it seems that this 'Orichalcum' could be extremely lethal to Koopas, and if used as a weapon against us, could be devastating."
"Ah." Worry began to creep into Kamek's mind. Perhaps it was not just another of Bowser's constant quips after all.
"The scientist who was working on it, Jean V, is being interrogated as we speak. He says that they were actually trying to find an antidote, and not make a weapon from it, because it could be used to harm the Exiled, since so many Toads are racist." 'Exiled' was Bowser's favourite, and totally innaccurate, word for the Koopas who had deserted and tried to settle and live peaceful lives.
"And do you believe him?"
"I'm not sure. He may think he's telling the truth, even if he isn't." Bowser paused "What do you think?"
"Well, I think that it really depends on the amount of racism that exists against the- um- Exiled, within and outside the Palace. If there is racism outside the Palace, then the Palace would probably want to show that they are taking a stance against it, if there is Racism within the Palace, they would probably want to encourage attacks on the Exiled, and this would be a perfect excuse for them to do so, without appearing too obviously racist." Kamek mentally added sociology to the ever-growing list of non-magical studies which he had to engage in. And how many times had he just used the word 'racist'? He sighed inwardly.
"Yes- yes, you're probably right Kamek." Kamek remained silent, so Bowser continued. "I will notify our spies to keep a look out for any further information. Meanwhile, I want some of your Magikoopas working on finding some way to counteract the Orichalcum"
"Of course, Lord. May I make a suggestion?"
"Go ahead."
"That we should sent some Troopers to vandalise one of the towns in which the Exiled live, and make it look like it was the work of a group of Toads. The Palace may decide to respond with a pro-Koopa- Exiled, that is- gesture, and not creating the weapon you described would be a perfect way in which to do so. Of course, the information that we were provided with may be incorrect for one of a few reasons, but..." he let it hang.
Bowser considered. "Yes. Yes, that does seem like a good idea. We will do that as soon as possible. Now, unless there is anything else for you to say-" he paused, but Kamek was silent "-you may leave."
"My Lord." Kamek finished, and left the room. When the door close behind him, he quickly teleported back to his quarters, glad to be able to reflect on the situation alone, and get on with some work.
***********************************************************************
He had a friendly smile. People had always told him that. Apparently it held up even in the worse of moods, because when a passing Toad ran up to him and said "Aren't you Kooper? Didn't you travel around with Mario?" he just nodded back and smiled his fake smile, and the Toad seemed not to notice, seemed completely satisfied.
Kooper. What a stupid name, Kooper. He had to pronounce it 'Koop-ugh' whenever he said it, so that it didn't sound so much like 'Koopa'. What had possessed his parents to- Oh well, it didn't matter. What mattered at the moment was Orichalcum. And Mario.
And here was Mario's house, sitting alone on its expensive spot by the serene Toad Town, the garden flourishing with bright vegetation, and smoke puffing gently out of the chimney. Kooper walked up and rapped on the door, the knocking noises amplified in his mind my his anger. He had spent some time on the way here deliberating whether or not to sucker punch Mario, and had eventually decided to do whatever felt right at the time. As it turned out, when Mario opened the door, he narrowly chose not to.
There he stood, dressed in that sunset red outfit, his jolly smile resting just below his oversized nose.
"Kooper!" he cried, his voice oozing with pleasant surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"I came here to talk to you, you fat fuck." Kooper replied, his sickly smile fading with the words. "You know, work a few things out, see if my life is still worth living, that kinda shit."
"Wha-what do you mean?" Mario was clearly astounded, having never heard Kooper swear, and being apparently unaware of what Kooper was talking about. Kooper pushed past him and walked into the house, and Mario followed. He sat down on the comfortable, cozy-looking sofa (No surprises there, he thought), and waited a few moments.
"Orichalcum." He said, finally.
"Ori-? Oh!" Mario was apparently catching on. At last.
"Yes, Orichalcum. You know, the Koopa-killing stuff. Recently discovered by a Toad. But of course you know all that. In fact, you know enough about it to decide to authorise, no, to suggest that it should be made into a weapon, to be used against Bowser."
"Yes, but, why do you care?"
"Well, because if this orichalcum was made so public, so widely used, a few of the 'old-fashioned' Toads, as they've so quaintly been labelled, might decide to commit mass genocide against the all refugee Koopas. Well, I say 'might', but it's really a matter of when, not if." He smiled again, and now there was no chance of mistaking it for anything resembling happiness, or humour.
"But that's not going to-"
"Oh, you really thank that? You really think there's no crazy Toads out there? Or even Bowser, wanting to take us out once and for all?"
"Well, I never thought-"
"Oh, don't expect me to believe that. There you are, looking all warm, jolly, like a young of Santa Claus, and with your 'I-don't-know-what's-going-on-but-I'll-do-what's-best' face, but I know you better than that. I've travelled with you, don't forget that. I've fought along side you, and I know. I know that under the fat idiot exterior you really are aware, you really are clever."
"Kooper, it's not going to happen, we'll be careful, it'll only be used against Bowser."
"Mario, just stop trying, okay? If you let that weapon be made, I swear that in under two months my friends are going to be so much shell and bone. I know you're not too blind to see that, so please just stop this Orichalcum SHIT!" With these words Kooper sprang up, and rushed out of the house without waiting for a reply.
He'd finally said it. Now, perhaps, he could finally clear his head, and perhaps think rationally about the problem. With this task in mind, he began to head back to his town, and started to slow down his breathing.
***********************************************************************
"Oh! That reminds me," said Marten "They're testing out some vaccine thing tomorrow in the Order's section, and they want some volunteers. They're paying 50 coins."
Four had passed since the interrogation (and subsequent passing) of Jean V, and a number of Magikoopas had been assigned to trying to find some protection against the Orichalcum, with a ridiculously large reward from Bowser for success (one for the scientists working on it, and one for funding for the entire Magikoopa section. As can be imagined, this caused grumbling from almost everybody).
"Oh yes?" Mason replied. Marten and he were sharing a rare half hour in which neither of them had anything urgent to do. They had decided that it wasn't really enough time to go to the rec. area, so instead they were gossiping (for want of a male equivilent). Mason was an endless source of rumour-starting gossip, due of course to his job, which made him a popular face amongst most Koopas in the castle. The conversation had, naturally, turned to Orichalcum.
"Well, it's not really a vaccine. I mean, you're not going to produce any antibodies or anything," Mason had completely lost him, but nodded anyway "but that's what they're calling it. You just sign up- there' s a sheet to sign up on stuck on the wall- then you go and get this stuff injected into you. It's completely harmless, of course, it's been ued before. And anyway, 50% of the people who sign up will actually get water. Nobody will know whether they got water or this other stuff. It's a normal thing to do, because that way it doesn't act like a placebo, and the people who get water act as a control." Mason listened and nodded rapidly, indicating for him to get to the point. "Anyway, you come back in a week, and they put 'Orichalc-2', which is what they're calling this stuff that emulates Orichalcum but isn't nearly as harmful, and you tell them whether it hurts or not. It won't hurt much, of course. Then they pay you."
Apparently he had finished, so Mason replied "And they pa you 50 coins?"
"Yup."
"And there's no risk or anything?"
"'Course not, if there was a risk they'd be testing it on prisinors..." his voice trailed off, and there was a short pause as they both tried not to think about that dark side of their jobs. Their whole lives, in fact.
"Okay, I'll take a look at that. Where's the sheet?"
"Magikoopa area, next to the entrance to Lab Block A. They want about 160 people, and it's only been there for a couple of hours, so you won't need to hurry."
"Thanks." said Mason.
Lab Block A, he thought to himself with a mental sigh, how much the Magikoopas had changed.
"Actually, I've got to go now." said Marten.
"Okay, I'll see you then."
"See you!" Marten said. His hood was a little further back over his head than was usual, as he had a strange objection to having his eyes in shadow unecessarily. He wsa going back on the job, however, so he pulled it forward to its normal position as he turned and walked off. Mason watched him go for a moment, his mind in that odd blankness that arises when you hop off of one train of thought but don't immediately get onto another one. Then he, too, turned and walked back to the central corridor, knowing that somebody would undoubtedly come and give him something to do. He knew, from years of experience.
***********************************************************************
There's Chapter 2 over with. A liiiittle different from Chapter 1 (I think). Thank you for the review (note no 's'), which finally propelled me to finish this chapter. It was very encouraging! :)
More would also be appreciated (hint, hint, it'll only take a few moments!)
I'll also note that I have abosolutely no idea where the plot is going, so bear with me.
Oh, and yes I know that Orichalcum is actually a metal that the Atlantians were said to have, which is the impossible alloy between three or four other metals (one of which is mercury). Sorry about not giving it an original name, and sorry if anybody who knows alot about the subject found it wierd that a liquid was named after the metal.
In closing... um, thanks!
"Sometimes it is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers" - Anon (actually, I just don't know who said this... or what it means! It is, however, an excellent thing to write on an exam paper when you don't know the answer.)