exsilium | 01 ✦ video

[The feed starts off a little shaky, almost telling of a technologically incompetent user on the other side, but he seems to have it. After a moment, a long haired man shows up on the screen, inspecting his device to make sure it's really on, and yes, it is.]

So, I got a question. Someone mind explaining to me what these 'missions' are? 'Fraid I'm really not that studying type so going through this backlog is something that's not happening. Figured it'd be easier to ask all of you, since it seems I'm here for the long run. May as well get settled in best I can, and that seemed like something that's necessary to know.

And while I'm asking, anything else I should know? Secret handshakes, passwords, people to avoid, places with good desserts, how do make a dollar or two to survive, you know the basics.

[He smirks for a bit, about ready to turn off the device, then wait... right... manners.]

Please and thank you.

[So that may have been sarcastic but he figured he didn't want those moral types to be on his case for not saying 'please' or something.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You can blame the Initiative for not getting their act together! Honestly, for a group of pros, they are horrible at managing these things.

You'd think they'd at least make sure these missions were somewhat safe. Sounds like they don't care about us at all, using us as their decoys and weapons when they don't feel like fighting themselves. At least that's what I'm getting out of all this.

Supposedly it's because they don't have enough resources to fight on their own, or at least that's my guess. [A slight hum.] But I don't like getting too involved into politics, even if my voice has the power to turn it all around.

[Two fingers press against her throat.]

Your voice? Don't tell me you have some crazy voice powers, or something!

[Really, he thought he'd seen it all, but he can't deny there might be something like that out there.]

[Okay, that gets Sheryl to laugh out loud with a dismissive handwave.]

Nothing too drastic, geez! Although... my singing voice has been known to enchant a crowd, according to my critics.

Most singers in my world work for bars and entertainment. Haven't met one that had the ability to change the world. You must have a lot of power in your world, then.

[That's the only conclusion he can come up with. Just standing up and singing would do absolutely nothing, at least where he's from. Sure it's nice to relax to after a long day or a difficult mission, but nothing that would change the world at all.]

I'll have you know that I'm no ordinary singer! [She lifts a finger upward for a slight point.] It's a long story, but let's just say that my music was able to help out during a war.

[Or rather, it's a weapon against the Vajra to protect Frontier, but whether she'll mention or not remains to be seen.]

You into politics, then? You must have one hell of a voice and a message to sway and encourage people during a war.

[That's what Yuri's getting out of this conversation. But still, he's impressed. And maybe a little bit curious as to what her singing's like, but he's not going to ask.]

To tell you the truth, I'm not completely versed in it. I only care if people inside the space fleets are safe... although, Frontier's government did ask me to help out. With an offer this important, how can I refuse?

[She rests both hands on the table, loosely clasped together with a thoughtful expression over her face.]

Have you ever heard of music being used as a morale boost for the citizens and soldiers? It's part of what I do.

[It seems so weird, people talking about helping with the government. He wants to say something, but he knows not to butt in with his opinions. Instead, he's grateful that other worlds aren't like his.]

I've heard of trumpets, but never singing. Then again, I don't know too much about how the knights work. They were all so uptight. [Grin.]

Only trumpets? How lame. No wonder they're so uptight if they had to deal with that all the time!

[She laughs amiably with a teasing tone.]

Variety is always a good thing.

No kidding, right? But they take their job seriously. It's definitely not a thing for me.

[He sighs, speaking from experience here. Taking orders is something he just can't do at all.]

Though maybe if a pretty lady like you came to encourage the troops, they'd learn to loosen up.

[Yuri? A flirt? Why never... Just said very casually and matter of factly. And maybe with a bit of a flirting tone, but he really means nothing by it.]

They must be really dedicated at their job.

[Psh. Sheryl may or may not flirt back, because why not, complete with a playful smile.]

Oh? I might have to take it into consideration, but only if you can see what I'm capable of.

[Oh, Yuri likes this girl. Then again, he's usually able to read when someone would flirt right back, so it was a rather expected response. Still the response he wanted though.]

Well, if that's the case, then I guess I'll have to see for myself. I'd imagine you're good at serenading people all the time.

[He gives her a playful smirk.]

Serenading is putting it lightly, really. I'm able to attract a crowd made up of millions of people during my concerts. Not a small feat for someone like myself!

[If someone has exceptional skills, why not flaunt them? Her tone is boastful, but she takes joy in expressing what she can do, hence her smile lengthening.]

[Yuri completely understands the concept of flaunting skills, given that he's always boasting how strong he is. Then again, he has the ability to back his words up pretty much always. He imagines she must have that ability as well.]

You ever put on a concert here before? Maybe it'll give everyone the morale boost they need.

Not yet. I have to make my name known first and start looking for a proper venue. The stage has to be big enough for instruments and plenty of room for dancing.

[She gestures with a slow flourish of her hand, as if she's imagining the ideal size of her stage — meaning really big.]

You gonna put on some impromptu concerts then? If you're as good as you say you are, I imagine you can draw in a crowd a capella.

[So that may be a challenge coming from Yuri, but he's always been one to put people to the test.]

Of course I am. I wasn't called the Galactic Fairy by the public for nothing!

[Sheryl is not above putting her voice to the test because, hey, she likes it when people listen to her music. It's her passion, after all.]

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