SOUPER - TIMELINE #33542

(Timeline Tuesday #110)

Soupers are a unique species of fungi from a nearby timeline, collected years ago by humanoid timeline travelers who entered their reality on a mission of science and exploration. While the movement of species between timelines is strictly regulated by government agencies, this particular transfer was relatively simple once the advantages of cultivating Soupers were understood.

Soupers are not a sentient or intelligent species, exhibiting that same basic mental capacity as other fungi of our reality. They slowly grow over time, feeding off water and moisture. They do not require sunlight, although exposure to sunlight does make Soupers taste better. 

This fungal species appears as a red liquid, approximately the consistency of a very thick tomato soup. Within their semi-liquid body, small pale letters grow, eventually filling them up with an entire alphabet. In this way, Soupers closely resemble the alphabet soup of this timeline.

Soupers are treated like natural soup, as well, served as a lukewarm dish that's quite expense thanks to its difficult harvest. However, this price tag is usually worth it. Once consumed, the fungal spores of a Souper will release into the eater’s bloodstream, flowing through their veins until eventually reaching the brain. It’s here these spores will settle, activating a variety of neural pathways for approximately one week. During this time, the Souper’s host will find themselves able to speak and understand nearly all languages they are exposed to. It takes approximately five to ten minutes of listening to conversations in this foreign language for the Souper’s ability to take hold.

It's this usefulness that has provided Soupers a home on our timeline. They are eaten for fun at many high end restaurants, but also serve a utilitarian purpose in most airports and tourist hubs.