Seventh Blood [Video]

[speakveryclearly]

[This video recording takes place in a VR room with low power; the lights are patchy and gravity is only moon strength, making kneeling on the floor an easy position. Kanaya's words languish philosophically like students trying to pay attention in class.]

I've been part of the Initiative for a year now, if that's what the month being October again means. Bombs were falling on Exsilium for the first time back then, much like they did in May. I wonder how many of you remember that. Everyone was so surprised, back then, that the United Earth would attack us so directly.

That fact isn't very relevant to what I have to say, but it seems there is an unspoken tradition of celebrating these milestones and getting introspective about how often you ask yourself, "Is this day my last." [She seems to regard that with cynicism, reinforced by her pressing forward into business.] So to combat that existential doubt and make this post more than a waste of electricity, I'm here to announce my complete lack of anything better to do than go on missions.

[Remembering something else and turning sad, consolational, she goes on a tangent.] Madoka, if you're watching this, I'm so sorry about everything that's happened, and if there's anything I can do for you now, please just let me know.

[That taken care of, detachment gets easier.] Anyway, I've seen a fair share of posts about having a desired end for a mission but being apprehensive about going alone. I'm in pretty much the opposite position, having the cumulative experience of three missions and no objective. One solo, two paired, all successful.

In light of our current technological status having a partner is especially prudent if safety is of any concern at all. In case my age is giving viewers any doubts, let me assure you I have the strength and speed to offer adequate protection from most earthly threats.

Finally... it seems that I'm one of about five Transports aware of and interested in the virtual reality system prior to our lunar plight. [It's a little funny to her.] I heard about it before it went moonstream, you might say. So if you need help constructing assets for your digital home or office or what have you, that's something I can assist with as well.

[Just then, the power fails, turning out the lights, though the view of the room isn't entirely black considering its occupant's glowing skin. Kanaya looks up at the dark ceiling, frowns a little, then sighs and reaches out to the communicator (already beginning to drift for lack of gravity) and cuts the feed.]

Comments

[crocodilesmiles]

Man, people are so lucky they weren't around for when the VR had a whole bunch of us sleep-sharing memories!

( She remembers Spode with a bit of a sad prick around her chest area. )

[speakveryclearly]

It did what???

[SHE'S BEING OUT-OLDBIED... desperately racking her brain for what Collette could be talking about. Was there some version change note from August 3312 about an initial glitch??? #October Arrival Problems]

[crocodilesmiles]

( Doing her civic duty to make Kanaya not feel so old!!! )

I know, right? It was totally crazy! People flew, there were stuffed bear wars, all sorts of crazy things! People were more wary about touching the VR once it was fixed 'cause of the bad memories.

[speakveryclearly]

Wow, this explains everything!! The fading into the background and subsequent return to center stage with no trepidations by the time most of the veterans disappeared...

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[quackery]

What kinds of things do you want to go on missions for?

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[speakveryclearly]

I don't have anything particular in mind. Combat characterized most of my previous missions, but that's not really productively applicable at the present juncture.

It would be nice to have a mission without theft... maybe one of those business-shifting ones.

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[quackery]

Business shifting? What do you mean?

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[speakveryclearly]

Shifting businesses can mean a few different things, all economic in nature. Some arms dealers, or pharmaceutical companies, or other corporations, they benefited the United Earth in the past with profits while others were better for the Initiative. So such missions shift the balance in our favor.

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[terrot]

I suppose a veteran like yourself would be better suited to introducing the rest of us to the proper conduct of these missions. They are being asked as a requirement for this station's maintenance, yes?

[Video]

[speakveryclearly]

[Making no move to change the setting for now but...]

Yes, that seems to be the main modification that's occurred so far. Before they were usually more like the other mandatory missions - [her voice falters a second as she thinks again - does she recognize the name Physis? The voice has a familiarity she can identify fairly quickly in her loneliness but couldn't until relatively recently, after all - and realizes how quite a few of the last few months are egregiously mission-free] - to change the tide of an event, whether it be an election or a battle. It's only the station that's changed the nature of missions to "supply runs".

[Video]

[terrot]

[ hey at least it isn't text, there's less troubles with broadcasting a video she can't see. ]

I wouldn't say it's only the station, the station is but a small part in a shift to the situation. But I suppose even these missions would have a place for me, if the help is needed.

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[originalgaangster]

[ Oh hey, it's Kanaya ]

VR? What's VR?

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[speakveryclearly]

The virtual reality system. [Gently raising her eyebrows as she takes a closer look; though she never kept tabs on Sokka diligently enough to be sure whether it was a mission or departure outright that kept him away for the past several weeks, there are much worse faces that could be displayed on the monitor.] I guess that's not something you would know about before coming here, would you?

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[originalgaangster]

No. Never heard of it.

[ Chin-rub ahoy. ]

What's "virtual reality?"

[ Air quotes included free of charge. ]

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[speakveryclearly]

The "virtual" part is intended to imply something digital - like these tablets. Typed words can be called virtual speech and so on. While the reality component.....

It'd be easier to show you. Which wing are you in? I can tell you what room to go.

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[charming_jerk]

If ya need a pack mule on some missions, lemme know. I'll take any excuse to get outta this dump.

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[speakveryclearly]

By all means I'd be glad to have you along. Do you know what supplies are in higher demand lately?

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[charming_jerk]

I think medical stuff, if it ain't already covered. And we're always gonna need food.

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[speakveryclearly]

There's another medical operation being coordinated with some experts, food would probably be easier to execute independently.

How do you feel about farms?

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[biwinning]

Did you really have to bring that up again?

[Sollux says, and sounds a little out of breath.]

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[speakveryclearly]

It was just a chronological point of reference. I wasn't trying to make a big deal out of it and I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't.

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[biwinning]

Ugh.

Whatever.

[video]

[muskets]

If you would still like company on a mission, I would love to accompany you.

[ Sorry, Mami is still laughing a little to herself over moonstream. ]

[video]

[speakveryclearly]

I absolutely would! There are plenty of days left in the Earth month, trust me. Have you gone on any yourself yet?

[video]

[muskets]

I haven't. I've considered it, but I haven't followed through just yet.