Aither Talks - Broadcast Transcript

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  *The familiar jingle of the recently launched news program "Aither Talks" played, and the camera zoomed in on the polished desk where the host, Thomas Galloway, sat with a broad smile. He straightened his suit, flashing the smile of a man who knew he was speaking to millions tuning in to catch up on the world’s latest developments in this new age of Aither.*

  Thomas Galloway:

  "Good evening, and welcome to another episode of Aither Talks! I’m your host, Thomas Galloway, here to bring you the latest in world events, scientific breakthroughs, and, of course, everything Aither-related. Tonight, we have a full house—experts from the worlds of science, military, and, uh, let’s say ‘entertainment’ all here to help us break down the gritty details."

  *He paused, letting the graphics on the screen change behind him to a series of charts and stats highlighting the current throne conflicts across the United States. A map of North America displayed clusters of red dots, each one marking an active war declaration.*

  Thomas Galloway:

  "Now, folks, let’s get right down to the numbers. As of today, there are seventy-two active throne wars right here in the United States. That’s right—seventy-two. And this is just within our borders. Globally? Well, that’s a whole other level. The international scene has exploded with a whopping five hundred throne wars officially declared, covering every continent."

  *The camera zoomed in on a global map, with each war zone highlighted in flashing red, a stark reminder of the chaos reshaping the world. Thomas clicked his pen, switching to a graph showing alliances, rivalries, and combat power estimates for each throne.*

  Thomas Galloway:

  "But numbers only tell part of the story. To get the inside scoop on who’s up, who’s down, and who’s on the brink, let’s pass it over to our resident ‘sports’ anchor for all things throne wars, Jackson Kent!"

  *The screen split, transitioning to Jackson, who sat at his own desk with a headset and a huge grin, his voice carrying an infectious energy. Behind him, highlights from various battles played, each showing footage of cities and countryside landscapes transformed by Aither-powered clashes.*

  Jackson Kent:

  "Thanks, Thomas! And, folks, let me tell ya—what a time to be alive! We’ve got rivalries across the states heating up, alliances breaking down, and, honestly, some of the best drama since pre-Aither reality TV. So let’s dive in!"

  *Jackson’s screen lit up with a lineup of current throne wars, each accompanied by banners and crests of the ruling families or factions. He ran through the major conflicts, his tone rising with each one, making it sound like the lineup of a sporting event.*

  Jackson Kent:

  "Out west, we’ve got the Silicon Syndicate taking on the Cascadian Confederation—two high-tech heavyweights clashing in what’s shaping up to be the *ultimate showdown of innovation*. Down south? Don’t miss the Bayou Throne holding their own against the Gulf Dominion. And right here in Appalachia… now this one’s almost too good to be true."

  *He chuckled, shaking his head as he pulled up a graphic showing Charleston’s throne and Elmore’s valley, with Charleston’s crest—a stylized eagle and scepter—on one side and a simple mountain symbol on the other. As elmore has yet to even name his chiefdom*

  Jackson Kent

  "The mighty Charleston throne has just declared war on… drumroll, please… a tiny little valley hidden away in West Virginia! I mean, folks, this is going to be a one-sided slaughter. You’ve got Charleston, the capital throne of the state, with all the resources and power that come with it, versus some independent little place that’s barely on the map. I don’t know about you, but I’m placing my bets on Charleston. This one might be over before it even starts!"

  *He laughed, drawing out the last word as if reveling in the theatrics of it all.*

  *The camera cut back to Thomas, who gave Jackson a disapproving but amused look before turning back to the main camera.*

  Thomas Galloway:

  "Now, now, Jackson. Let’s keep a little decency here—it’s all in good fun, but lives are at stake. Speaking of stakes, though, we have some mind-blowing new developments in the scientific world tonight."

  *He gestured to the screen behind him, which shifted to a galaxy-themed background as they cut to a third screen, showing a scientist in a white coat seated in front of an array of high-tech monitors. The scientist looked a bit worn, as if he hadn’t slept much lately, but his eyes were bright with excitement.*

  Thomas Galloway:

  "Dr. Maxwell Wright, our head researcher on Aither and its cosmic implications with his impressively titanic 20 intelligence, is joining us with some… well, out-of-this-world updates. Dr. Wright, tell us what’s going on in the universe!"

  Dr. Maxwell Wright:

  "Thank you, Thomas. We’ve been working around the clock, and I can tell you that Aither is still as mysterious as ever. But we’ve recently confirmed something that could change everything we know about life in our solar system."

  *The screens behind Dr. Wright filled with images of Mars, Jupiter, the asteroid belt, and even the sun.*

  Dr. Maxwell Wright:

  "Using telescopes and rovers, we’ve found Evidence Of Life On Every Planet In Our Solar System. Mars, for instance, was thought to be barren, but one of our rovers was recently… well, attacked. The data it sent back showed signs of organisms capable of surviving in harsh, alien conditions."

  *The screen showed an image of Mars, zooming in on an area with the rover’s last-transmitted image of what appeared to be something clawing at the machine’s metal casing.*

  Dr. Maxwell Wright:

  "And that’s not all. With telescopes in orbit and others stationed here on Earth, we’ve identified life signs on every planet in the solar system—including the sun. Now, the forms of life are… different from anything we’ve ever imagined. Each planet seems to host unique ecosystems shaped by Aither, and even the asteroid belt has organisms clinging to the rocky debris."

  *The broadcast showed visuals of these findings, from the frozen tundras of Pluto to the swirling storms of Jupiter, each world teeming with life in a myriad of unimaginable forms.*

  Thomas Galloway:

  "The sun, Dr. Wright? Did you just say there’s life on the sun?"

  Dr. Maxwell Wright:

  "Yes, Thomas, as mind-bending as it sounds. There appear to be plasma-based life forms thriving in the intense ionizing radiation of the sun’s photosphere. We’re calling them solar entities for now. They must interact with Aither on a completely different level, absorbing and manipulating it to survive in the extreme environment. We’re only beginning to understand their capabilities, but this discovery alone could redefine biology as we know it."

  *Thomas looked momentarily stunned, his usual composure slipping as he absorbed the weight of the revelation.*

  Thomas Galloway:

  "Well, there you have it, folks. We’re not alone—not even in our own solar system. It’s a strange, wild world we’re living in, and it seems the universe has plenty more surprises in store for us."

  *The theme of Aither Talks played softly in the background as the show continued, transitioning back to the host, who sat with a mix of fascination and a touch of disbelief.*

  Thomas Galloway;

  “Thank you, Dr. Maxwell Wright, for those insights that are bound to shake up the scientific community—and maybe even the rest of us just a little bit.” *He chuckled, composing himself as he gestured to the next guest seated at a separate table.* “Now, folks, as if Aither hasn’t changed things enough already, it’s also reshaping the world’s wildlife. Joining us now is Dr. Whitaker, an ecologist who’s been studying the effects of Aither on ecosystems around the globe. Welcome to the show, Doctor.”

  *A woman with glasses and a broad, enthusiastic smile appeared on screen. Behind her, various images of altered wildlife flashed by—creatures sporting crystalline growths, others with metal-plated skin or unusual colorations that sparkled under the sun right alongside giant beasts manipulating the elements, or plainly deformed into monstrous forms.*

  Dr. Whitaker;

  “Thank you, it’s wonderful to be here! There’s so much to cover, I almost don’t know where to start! Our planet’s wildlife has been undergoing radical transformations due to the increased prevalence of Aither, and it’s happening at an astonishing rate. We’re seeing species evolve before our very eyes, incorporating metals, crystals, and other mineral compounds right into their biology.”

  *She leaned forward excitedly, clearly thrilled to be sharing her findings.*

  “We’ve discovered animals with what we can only describe as Elemental Abilities. There’s a species of tiger in the dense jungles of Southeast Asia that seems to be able to summon bursts of flame, a type of eagle in the Rocky Mountains that can generate small gusts of wind to speed up its dives, and even desert lizards capable of blending with their surroundings so perfectly they’re nearly invisible, far beyond what we thought possible.”

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  *The camera panned to a world map, which displayed human population density with overlays of wilderness areas marked in green, blue, and red to indicate regions of high and low human activity.*

  Dr. Whitaker;

  “One of the most intriguing discoveries we’ve made is how proximity to human settlements seems to affect the evolutionary speed and power of these creatures. Close to human communities, we see faster but weaker evolutions—small animals with quick adaptations, like armored skin or metallic claws, but nothing too powerful because, frankly, they get culled quickly by humans before they can develop further.”

  *The map shifted, showing more isolated, remote regions highlighted in red.*

  “But farther away from people, in these uninhabited or sparsely populated regions, evolution slows down, yet the individual creatures we find are much stronger. They have the time to adapt without interference, resulting in beasts that are, well… a little terrifying in their power.”

  *She cleared her throat, then added with a bright smile.*

  “But not all Aither-influenced animals are terrifying! Some are just downright cute.” *She lifted a small, fluffy Pomeranian into view, its tail wagging enthusiastically.* “This little one is my dog, and thanks to Aither, she’s developed a… let’s call it a static ability.” *She laughed, gently stroking the little dog, who seemed to respond by generating a soft crackle of static electricity, its fur standing up comically.*

  “She can actually get her fur to stand up using static electricity! It’s harmless, of course, but I thought it was just too adorable not to share.” *The ecologist grinned, clearly delighted by her pet’s newfound skill.*

  *The host, looking both amused and a bit bemused, nodded and made a few lighthearted comments.*

  Thomas Galloway;

  “Well, that’s definitely one way to make an impression, Doctor! And I’m sure our viewers at home are just as charmed as we are.” *He chuckled, his gaze shifting back to the main camera.* “Now, while Aither is reshaping ecosystems and introducing, shall we say, sparky new talents for our pets, it’s also changing human societies in big ways.”

  *He gestured to another guest waiting on the side, a confident man with a strong, almost theatrical presence. This man wore practical clothing accented with a few flashy accessories—a collection of strange, metallic plates and Kevlar sheats, hinting at something old-worldly yet oddly modern.*

  {ads about supposed aither infused viagra, aither boosters, fire apple whisky, asking for donations to a fund to teach disenfranchised communities how to use their abilities, political ads to end this and that bill along with danger notices about the danger of joining a throne.}

  *The screen transitioned once more to a new guest, a man with a confident presence and an aura that was both theatrical and commanding. He wore sturdy, practical clothing accented with leather straps and metallic charms, each glinting slightly under the studio lights. With a charismatic smile, he leaned into the camera.*

  The Guildmaster:

  “Good evening, everyone. I’m honored to be here and to introduce myself as the Guildmaster. Yes, it’s a title right out of high fantasy, but let’s be honest—our world is becoming more fantastical by the day. So why not embrace it?” *He chuckled, glancing down at his collection of

  charms as he continued.* “In the last few years, many communities outside of populated cities or throne-protected areas have been struggling, often endangered by the growing threat of Aither-empowered wildlife. These creatures, evolving faster than anything we’ve seen, are posing serious dangers to anyone who doesn’t have the protection of a throne.”

  *He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.*

  “That’s why I established a new organization—the Adventurer’s Guild! It’s exactly what it sounds like, something out of fantasy. But given the state of the world, it’s no longer just a fantasy; it’s a necessity.” *The screen behind him displayed an image of a Guild Hall, sturdy and well-crafted, with a rugged, welcoming feel.*

  “The Adventurer’s Guild is an Aither-recognized entity, which means we’re able to purchase plots of land that will officially become Guild Land. On these lands, we can build guild halls and operate independently from federal and, to a certain extent, local laws. Our aim? To work with communities that invite us in. We’ll establish guild halls and train people—those who want to learn—on how to defend themselves. We’re here to teach anyone willing to put in the effort how to fight, how to navigate this strange world, and how to survive.”

  The Guildmaster’s face grew serious as he spoke of the Guild’s mission.

  “We’re seeing a world where many people don’t know how to defend themselves. They’re unprepared for the kinds of dangers that come with Aither mutations, and that’s where we come in. By setting up guilds across the country, we aim to empower communities and provide not only training but also a place where people can trade monster parts, weapons, gear, and supplies. Think of us as a bridge—a pseudo-trading post between isolated communities.”

  *He leaned back, a hint of pride on his face.*

  “So, for any community that invites us in, we’ll provide training, protection, and a way to connect to the wider network of communities. And for those who want to take it further, the Guild offers a path to become adventurers themselves.”

  *The camera panned back to the host, who looked both impressed and slightly amused.*

  Thomas Galloway;

  “Well, that does sound like a game-changer! And I have to admit, I might even give it a try myself. I picked up the Dagger Master skill, but let’s just say, so far, it’s been about as useful as an umbrella in a tornado. Turns out, I’m a coward at heart!”

  *The host laughed, his self-deprecating humor drawing a few chuckles from the audience as well. After regaining his composure, he cleared his throat, his tone shifting back to one of professionalism.*

  Thomas Galloway;

  “Now, shifting gears a bit… As if all of this Aither upheaval weren’t enough, we’ve got a presidential election on the horizon. And folks, it’s shaping up to be one of the most divisive elections we’ve seen in recent history. Tonight, we have with us both of the primary candidates.”

  *The screen split, revealing two figures. On one side was a stern-looking man in a crisp military uniform, a highly decorated general with a sharp, no-nonsense demeanor. On the other, a woman with loose, colorful clothing, exuding a relaxed but passionate energy, her bright eyes alight with conviction.*

  Thomas Galloway;

  “Our first candidate tonight is none other than General Rhyfel who, let’s not forget, shot a man live on air a few years back for displaying an Aither skill. He’s a hardliner on public safety and Aither control.”

  *The general offered a curt nod, his expression unchanging.*

  Thomas Galloway;

  “And our second candidate is someone taking a very different approach. She’s been described as ‘hippie-dippy’ by some, but she’s here to talk about environmental conservation, reducing monster culling, and protecting what’s left of our natural world.”

  *The small woman smiled warmly, nodding with quiet resolve.*

  Thomas Galloway;

  “It’s clear these two have very different views on how to handle the Aither changes we’re seeing, and their policies will shape the future of this new world we find ourselves in. So stay tuned, folks, because tonight’s discussion might just help you decide who’ll be the next leader to take us forward in this Aither-driven era.”

  *The camera pulled back as the music played once more, setting the stage for what promised to be an intense and pivotal debate. For the viewers, it was yet another reminder of how deeply Aither was reshaping every aspect of life—from nature to politics to the very fabric of human communities.*

  { ads for Aither-O’s, pegasus flying lessons, tours of the lost caverns that have now been warped by Aither and are now bigger inside than above ground, a dating app where you have to reveal your level and stats with stats based matching, new pets with Crazy Totally Not Dangerous Powers ;), new show about an older influencer finding the coolest Aither skills holders and offering to fight them}

  *The screen zoomed in on the host, who straightened his papers, adopting a look of grave importance as he turned to the general seated beside him. The general, a stern figure with medals pinned to his chest, leaned forward, his expression hard as steel.*

  Thomas Galloway;

  “General, thank you for joining us tonight. It’s been several years since that highly publicized incident on live television, where you… took action against an individual who, as we now understand, was simply displaying an Aither ability. That moment sparked intense debate across the nation. Looking back, how do you defend that decision?”

  *The general nodded, his gaze unwavering.*

  General Rhyfel;

  “At that time, we were in the dark. The government had no information on what Aither was, how it worked, or its implications. We were seeing abilities emerge without warning, and frankly, we had no way of knowing whether they posed a direct threat to public safety. My priority was protecting the American people. It was a decision made in the heat of a chaotic situation, with no clear intelligence to guide us.”

  *He paused, a flicker of genuine regret crossing his face.*

  “I send my deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in those early days of confusion. But we can’t ignore the fact that, since then, Aither has introduced even more problems. Abilities are everywhere now, and with them, lawlessness has spread like wildfire. We’ve got bandits roaming freely, thrones operating with almost no oversight, and a complete lack of consistent enforcement.”

  *The host leaned in, eyebrows raised as he countered.*

  Thomas Galloway;

  “But General, isn’t it possible that the aggressive stance you took only fueled that chaos? Instead of bringing order, many would say it created more fear, more tension. Wouldn’t a more restrained approach have helped people adjust without sowing distrust of the government?”

  *The general didn’t hesitate, his response firm.*

  General Rhyfel;

  “You’re missing the bigger picture. Until we bring every rogue element under control, until we establish proper laws for these thrones and place military barracks around each major city, we’re inviting anarchy. We need structure, and we need it fast. Otherwise, we’re just going to see more crime, more disorder. This country will not be safe until these measures are in place.”

  *The host nodded, seeming to accept some of the general’s points, though he visibly flinched at the mention of military control over civilian life.*

  Thomas Galloway;

  “Well, General, I understand the need for safety and order, but many would argue that putting cities under military protection borders on authoritarianism. Still, it’s clear you’re passionate about securing the nation, and thank you for sharing your perspective.”

  *The camera panned to the other candidate, a woman dressed in loose, flowing attire, her demeanor relaxed yet spirited.*

  Thomas Galloway;

  “And now, let’s turn to our other candidate. Your views are, shall we say, radically different. How do you envision a future for the country with Aither as a part of daily life? Miss Dorthea”

  *The woman sat up straighter, smiling warmly as she spoke, her voice filled with conviction.*

  Miss Dorthea;

  “Thank you for this opportunity. I believe that the creatures, or as some call them, ‘monsters,’ are simply misunderstood. They’re animals, and yes, they’re adapting to the Aither, just like we are. But they aren’t inherently violent. They’re part of this world, as we are, and I believe we have a duty to live in harmony with nature.”

  *She gestured to the camera, her eyes bright with hope.*

  “We’ve been blessed by Mother Gaia herself. I know some of you might not believe that, but I truly think Aither is her way of showing us a new path—a path where we no longer have to harm nature or each other. Imagine a world where we protect every creature, where there’s no excess, no violence, no division. That’s the world I envision, and it’s entirely possible if we choose compassion over conflict.”

  *The host glanced sideways, barely concealing his incredulity.*

  Thomas Galloway;

  “Mother Gaia, you say? It almost sounds like something out of folklore. We’ve seen the power of Aither, but… well, aren’t you concerned that a non-violent approach leaves us vulnerable to creatures that have already shown aggression?”

  *The candidate’s smile faded, and she bristled visibly.*

  Miss Dorthea

  “Your skepticism is exactly the problem. This dismissive attitude, this… fascist mindset that sees violence as the answer to every challenge. And I’m sure you’re the type who eats meat, just like a monster, without a second thought for the creatures suffering for it. We need to defend nature, not destroy it.”

  *The host held back a laugh, clearly amused by the accusations, but the tension in the room was mounting. He maintained his professionalism but couldn’t resist a dry smile.*

  Thomas Galloway;

  “Well, I suppose I’ll leave that bit of dietary advice to our viewers. But, back to the point—what about human safety? What happens if your harmony approach fails?”

  *Before she could answer, the general cut in, his voice sharp.*

  General Rhyfel;

  “This woman is completely delusional. We’re talking about people’s lives, and she’s treating it like some kind of fairy tale. The reality is, without structure, without real enforcement, we’re doomed to chaos. It’s idiotic to think otherwise.”

  *The candidate’s expression hardened, her calm exterior breaking as she turned to him with fire in her eyes.*

  Miss Dorthea

  “You’re the fascist here, not me. You’d turn this country into a military state if you had your way! And for what? To keep killing animals, to keep stripping the earth of its resources? We don’t need more control, we need to respect this planet! But men like you wouldn’t understand—you only care about power.”

  *Their conversation rapidly devolved, both candidates leaning in, voices raised as they hurled accusations back and forth. Strange visual distortions around General Rhyfel and his chair started to lightly smolder as his anger and pride swelled*

  General Rhyfel;

  “You wouldn’t last a day in the world you’re dreaming of. It’s na?ve, reckless, and frankly dangerous. People need leadership, not fairy tales.”

  *with her own swelling rage small sprouts start to bud from her hair and small insects start to gather at her feet unbeknownst to her*

  Miss Dorthea;

  “And they need compassion, not dictatorship! You’re just another power-hungry tyrant who’d destroy anything you don’t understand.”

  *The host attempted to interject, glancing awkwardly between them, but their heated exchange continued, now more a clash of ideologies than a policy debate. The tension and disdain between them were palpable, each representing a starkly different vision of the country’s future. Only to have their skills intersect with charred flowers between them *

  *Finally, after having roots start to grow over his new shoes and his papers to catch fire, the host managed to speak up, forcing a polite smile despite the tension.*

  Thomas Galloway;

  “Well, that’s… all the time we have for tonight. Thank you both for sharing your, uh, perspectives.” *He gave a small, strained chuckle as he wrapped up.* “Clearly, there’s a lot to consider as we head toward election day.”

  *As the broadcast ended, viewers were left with a vivid display of two diametrically opposed visions, each fueled by the extraordinary power of Aither and the equally intense emotions it continued to ignite.*