「deux」♫ video (action for roommates @ 127/north wing)

[galactically]

[Now here is someone who's been absent throughout the mutiny mess, if the confused look on her face that appears briefly is of any indication. Gently combing through her wavy hair with a free hand, manicured fingers wiggling in and out, Sheryl lets out a soft sigh as she purses her lips to frown deeply.]

Well, well, well... if what I'm getting from hearsay is all true, then I'm so relieved to miss the disaster completely!

[She parts her mouth like she's about to say more. Angry rants at the people involved, massive scolding for dragging the rest of the Transports into their troubles and causing destruction, nicely-worded yet sharp insults at their direction. Instead, she slowly pushes the momentary look of anger aside, gaining her composure while she rubs her cheek and sits up straight, blue eyes locked on to anyone viewing this feed. Sheryl appears calm now, but she's nowhere near her boisterous self, not after learning what happened to Jesse (or what he did).

Still, she manages to sound happy enough. Only a little.]

Anyway, there's something I've been very curious about and I'm hoping to hear excellent answers from you. Now be good people and lend me your ears, all right? It'll only be for a moment.

[A faint smile morphs on her lips, but it lasts for a split second before she frowns, looking thoughtful. Cue the long pause.]

Have you ever wondered if you feel any differently after growing up in this war for so long? I'm not talking about emotions alone, but if you've changed completely after dealing with the Initiative, the UE, that irritating AI, these missions... everything. I've been here for almost a year now, and there were so many experiences I'd never thought I could possess. I wonder, does this mean I should feel older because of it? There's something to be said about war causing people to grow up so fast, after all...

[Like joining forces with a resistance to fight another country, using her own songs to drive the enemy soldiers literally down to their knees. The way she speaks contains genuine ruefulness to her tone, but it's not too long before she smiles once more.]

As of today, I'm officially eighteen, and yet I still feel like I'm seventeen.

Comments

[pomerenian]

Because it's a virtual game, the effects don't typically manifest in the real world. There are some exceptions to this, when players lift the damage rules. It's not allowed in official battles, however.

[galactically]

This all sounds complicated, Ren. I don't think even my world possesses that kind of technology, and I can't imagine what the exceptions would be.

[pomerenian]

There are instances called Drive-Bys, where a player will force an opponent into a Rhyme game against their will. It is usually in those kinds of games the the damage rules have been lifted and any damage you take from attacks will transfer to your body in the real world. Rhyme is very popular where I'm from, but Aoba isn't too interested in it presently, so I don't know how to properly explain it since I don't play often.

[galactically]

Ah...

[Well shit. She crinkles her nose a little.]

well, it certainly doesn't sound like fun, if you can actually feel the attacks in real life. That's awful! I can see why that man wouldn't be interested. In fact, this game... it truly doesn't sound appealing the more you describe it.

[pomerenian]

Drive-Bys aren't very common, so it's not much to worry over. Most people play the game by the official rules, I believe. I don't see the appeal in the game myself, but if Aoba played it then I would play with him. Rhyme isn't likely to be played here since it requires the use of All Mates, and we aren't common here.

[galactically]

[She simply nods at the rest of the explanation, quietly at that because wow, so much to learn.]

Oh, so there is more than one of your kind back there. Do they have their own animal forms, too, like yours?

[pomerenian]

Yes, All Mates are very popular network support systems where I'm from. A lot are designed to look like pets, but there are practical All Mate series' as well, that are better designed for helping clean and organize and other tasks around the house.

[galactically]

I see. Does this mean their forms are as adorable as yours, Ren?

[She simply can't resist some teasing; this IS Sheryl.]

They seem very versatile if they can clean around the house, just like trained dogs. Imagine if a cat or a parrot can use a broom and mop!

[pomerenian]

[It's impossible to tell he's bothered in his puppy form, but like this Ren looks flustered and like he doesn't know how to accept the compliment. Even if it is just for the All Mate he took over.]

Ah... The animal type All Mates are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, so they are usually cute or pretty. Ones designed for labor usually look more robotic, since they aren't intended to be pets as well as All Mates.

[galactically]

[Don't mind if Sheryl's amused at his flustering because, well... that's how she is. She giggles.]

My, I can imagine them being popular where you come from, with their looks and function being their perks.

[pomerenian]

[It just makes him a lot more awkward when she giggles. It's easier being a dog, man.]

Yes, most people own one due to their convenience. Every All Mate is programmable down to their personality, though over time they adapt to their owners and display their own unique habits and personality traits. They are the most popular technology on the market, I believe.