loud and clear

[thespaceopera]

[it's been a while since you've heard this jazzy little jingle, hasn't it? but with the planet now far behind them, the music comes in crisp and clear. the voice of your mysterious host, Diamond, is as chipper as always.]

Good morning, passengers! [despite it distinctly not being morning.] We have certainly had an interesting couple of weeks here, haven't we? Remember, change is good. Predictability doesn't make for a very interesting program, now does it?

[she giggles sweetly, along with some mild canned laughter.]

We've had quite a few passengers leave us since our last little chat. An unusual number of them have had names that start with the letter K! If your name starts with a letter K... Perhaps it's a good time to consider a name change. I adore names that start with D, myself!

[some heartier canned laughter plays in the background.]

Congratulations to the new commanding officer, Captain Young, and a belated welcome to both Captain Maladicta and Captain... Ah... Zeta, I believe! It is wonderful to see new faces on the Marsiva again--we hope you have a stunning time here on our lovely little program.

Lastly, if you happen to pick up any strange readings over the next few days, don't worry. There's nothing to be alarmed about. Radiation bounces around these asteroids all the time; it really speaks for the marvels of Atroma's engineering that you can see anything at all!

Have a lovely week, passengers, and remember... The worlds are watching!

[the broadcast channel remains open, for anyone to respond...]


ooc post: → here

Comments

[dancingmd]

[And go for it she does. Sokka's not the only one with pent-up anger around here. Punchy is going to have a rough afternoon.

She demonstrates several punches and kicks, aggressive and quick, in true Klingon fashion. She repeats them a couple more times, both for herself and Sokka. Pausing, she pushes some hair out of her face and looks at Sokka.]

Now you try.

[alwayscomeback]

[He watches, the movements make him think of the Fire Nation, quick, violent movements. It's not what he's good at, after all, he is no bender, and even if he was, it would be working for the opposite element he was born into.

Still, he takes a moment, before trying to repeat her movements. He's a bit more fluid to make it correct, but he does, at least, give it a good shot.]

[dancingmd]

[Beverly watches his movements with a critical eye, but she's never harsh in correcting him. Instead she is patient, guiding his hands with her own or repeating a kick in slow motion so he can get the form down. It probably seems a little odd that she's so drawn to a martial art like this, but it really is therapeutic for her and she hopes it will be for Sokka too.]

Don't worry, you won't get it perfectly down the first time, or the second, or the hundredth. Let me know if you need a break.

[alwayscomeback]

[And he, in turn, is patient and treats her guidance with respect, mimicking her movements. ]

I'm good right now. And I know, these things take time. Lucky we got a lot of that, here.

[dancingmd]

[She huffs out a small laugh.]

That we do. Worf's going to be very surprised by how much I've improved when I get back.

[alwayscomeback]

I say you don't even tell him, just spring it on him in a training session.

[dancingmd]

[She claps her hands together excitedly. She actually really likes pranks. Well, you know, ones Atroma doesn't have anything to do with.]

Oh, yes, that would be fun! He won't know what hit him!

[Literally.]

[alwayscomeback]

I'm almost sad I won't be around to see it.

[dancingmd]

[Suddenly looking very serious again.]

I wish you could meet him.

[She doesn't want to think about the fact that going home means she won't see any of the people she's made connections with here again so she nods towards the punching bag.]

Let's try some more.

[alwayscomeback]

I'm sure he would absolutely terrify me.

[He gives a nod, going back to the movements, a little more practised the second time around. ]

[dancingmd]

[Silently, she watches him for a few minutes. He's gotten the form down more or less (well, Worf would probably say less), but he's still not moving quickly enough, not powerfully enough, not for a Klingon.]

... would it help if I told you to pretend Punchy here was Atroma instead?

[alwayscomeback]

[Sokka doesn't even reply. HIs eyes narrow, and he moves with surprising quickness and force, Punchy is going to get no mercy. Poor little thing. ]

[dancingmd]

[Ah, there we go. She knew he had it in him. Punchy starts swinging a little dangerously, so she steps up and grabs the punching bag, holding it steady for Sokka.

After a while, worried that he'll over-exert himself, she pulls the bag back out of his reach.]

Good job. But I think it is time for a break.

[alwayscomeback]

[His hatred of Atroma can always be counted on. He exhales, pulling back as she moves the bag away.]

I'm fine. I want to get this.

[To protect them. From everything.]

[dancingmd]

[She raises an eyebrow. That wasn't really a suggestion.]

Who's the doctor here, hmm? We need to stay hydrated. I promise, we'll get back to it in five minutes.

[alwayscomeback]

[He exhales, lowering the weapon reluctantly.]

Fine, fine.

[dancingmd]

[She takes the canteens off the bench where she set her things, hands him one, and takes a swig of water out of the other.]

You've tapped into your anger now, and that's good: utilize it. But you also have to be careful to not let it overwhelm you, or you'll lose control.

[alwayscomeback]

[He takes it, giving a swift swig. ]

Yeah, I know. It's just been...a long couple days.

[dancingmd]

[She nods sympathetically.]

It has been.

[Taking another drink of water, she sits on the bench and studies Sokka for a minute before speaking again.]

You know, this isn't the first time I've been pulled into another universe. It wasn't like this, or like what Allen and Katara experienced with the castle. It was a universe that looked exactly like my own, with everyone I knew and loved in it, except they kept disappearing one by one. The worst part was, I was the only one who seemed to notice. Everyone left acted as if the person who had just disappeared had never existed and that I was going crazy. It was horrible, not knowing what had happened to them and feeling helpless to stop it.

[alwayscomeback]

[He blinks, taking all that in, before moving to sit beside her, shoulders slumping heavily. ]

I'm sorry, that must have been really awful to deal with.

[dancingmd]

It's alright, it's been... a while now since that happened, and everything worked out in the end.

[Offering him a small, tight smile, she pats his hand.]

I got out. I just wanted you to know that I understand how scary this is, having people you love disappear on you. For whatever that's worth.

[alwayscomeback]

I'm glad for that, at least.

[His smile is fleeting. ]

It's not something anyone should have to deal with.

[dancingmd]

No, it's not.

[She puts one arm around him and gently squeezes him in a half-hug.]

But we're going to support you, okay? Being the captain doesn't mean you have to bear everything alone.

[alwayscomeback]

[Well, that sure sounds like a familiar pep talk. At least he sounds amused, maybe even a littlr touched. ]

Have you and my sister been conspiring?

[dancingmd]

No... though, if she told you something similar, maybe we should be. But I'm telling you this from experience, both from working with my captain at home and from the times I myself have been in command. It's frighteningly easy to become isolated in that position and I don't want to see that happen with you.