03 - video

[fourscience]

[Nananea isn't smiling for once, and when she talks she isn't making her usual grand gestures with her arms. She’s just sitting, idly fidgeting with her hands, a vaguely concerned expression on her face. A substantially more subdued Nananea.]

I have been thinking lately. About leaving this place- about what truly happens when we go. When the Initiative is done with us. What happens to the people who simply vanish. The popular theory is that we will return home.

[She looks away briefly, taking a second to gather her thoughts.]

But. I have been wondering. If we do return home, do we get to start our lives again just as we left them? Has our home universe been in stasis the whole time we were away? The more likely answer is that life continued without us. That time passed. But how much? I am concerned... that perhaps while we are away, time has passed unusually. Perhaps it has been years back home, and the people we love are dead and gone and our homes will be unrecognizable.

[Another pause, and then she smiles. Not the brilliant grin that’s so typical of her, but at least it’s a less dreary expression.]

In that case, I do not think I will wish to return home. But! I am being quite the pessimist, aren't I? I could be wrong. It is very likely that I am. I wish to hear other theories, if any of you have them. Or maybe I should not dwell on this so much.

[It seems like she’s done after that, but a thought occurs to her, and she perks up noticeably, sitting up a little straighter, smiling just a tiny bit more.]

Ah- one more thing. I have noticed that other people have moved into my housing unit recently. We have not yet met- but welcome. I hope we will see one another soon, face to face.

Comments

[Video]

[speakveryclearly]

Considering the Initiative's stance of generosity and in favor of preserving our lives, I've actually been wondering if in cases where there's nothing to go back to we could negotiate for our continued stay.

permavideo

[fourscience]

It is not unlikely that they would continue to be hospitable. But if they no longer need us, there would not be much benefit to keeping us here.

[speakveryclearly]

Do you think we could find a non-military position in Exsilium's community after the end of our military service?

[fourscience]

Perhaps. Some of us do have useful skills- but the humans may not want us lingering here after they are done with us.

[speakveryclearly]

[Ughhhhhh humans yeah she slumps at that.]

Earth isn't really built for anyone else, you're right.

[fourscience]

Unfortunately, yes. It would be unkind to intrude if they wanted us gone. Correct?

[speakveryclearly]

Maybe. Not that it would exactly be kind to turn out those of us with nowhere left to go, either...

I think the temporary internment suited a certain kind of recruit - one with a previously favorable home, ideally on Earth. What exactly is to be done with many of us don't fit that profile remains to be explained.