video / action

[scrubscrub]

Who: Koala and you!
Broadcast: From the Marsiva
Action: SS Huntress later on.
When: January 9th.

A.) VIDEO BROADCAST

Ah -- I was asleep! I don't remember being tired; maybe I slept badly the night before.

[The higher pitch of a child's voice — one that looks about eight or nine by the size of her, though she's a bit older than that — pops up on the broadcast; Koala herself is clearly a bit confused, a little troubled by her sudden lack of recollection over the last few hours. Last she remembers, she had... been on the deck of... Yes, she had been sailing with the Sun Pirates as usual, and Hatchan was teasing her by having her guess where something was in one of his many hands.

.... What is this, though?

She stares at the room around her, polished and not at all a pirate ship.

Her heart skips a beat. Her cheeks hurt a little, the corners of her mouth twisting.]

... Hello?

Did — Did we dock?

[Did they leave her behind? Did Fisher Tiger grow tired of her? Perhaps he had realized he did not like her cry, the way she wailed what felt like so long ago. Maybe he resented it more than she realized. She's thankful for her life if that's the case, glad that she was not cut down for being a nuisance, but... but now... how will she get to her mother now?]

Where... is the crew...?

[The silence is very scary, but not the scariest she's faced. She plants her bare feet on the floor, curling her hands in her yellow dress. It's the only one she owns, and she's not sure she likes it even now, but they gave it to her and she expects to honor that. Her slave clothes were a bit torn anyway. She regrets not waking with shoes, but it's a nice floor. It's very clean, very much the place of richer families.

Is... Could she be... back in...

She shakes faintly at the thought, mortified for a moment until she sees the strange device. For some reason, she thinks maybe she knows how to use it? But where would such a thought exist from? She's used to far different ways to talk...

If this is — in fact a new... owner. Then she needs to be prepared to do whatever she must. Hopefully she's allowed to speak. She gives a creepily wide smile, eyes round and full of faked anticipation and contentedness. When she speaks, it's high and eager, ready to work. And that smile does not waver for even a moment.]

Hello! I'm sorry — Where will I be stationed?

I'll get to it right away!

[Telling them you're good at your job is not smart. They may think you're gloating about your skills. That could earn unwanted attention. Best to stick with simply explaining your compliance and moving along to do the next task. Don't panic! Everything will be okay! Yes! You will survive! Just keep smiling.]

B.) ACTION — SS HUNTRESS

[Later on when the shuffle is processed, Koala boards her ship good and proper — she's nervous, so nervous, but she has to remind herself that it will all be alright as long as she does whatever it is that's needed of her. She can clean, she can make things look proper! How nice is this ship, anyway? She'll get right to it! Because of this, one can find her scrubbing the chairs and counter tops down, or carefully mopping the halls. Be careful not to slip! That would be tragic. It's not like we have any caution: wet floor signs. Also, we promise she's not from Children of the Corn, but sometimes when you turn around where you're at? She's right there, beaming up at you with that wide-set smile. She's got prune-y hands wringing a cleaned rag and a little dust on her yellow dress.]

I've polished the kitchen counters! Does anything need to be cleaned?

Comments

B

[beardstrokes]

[ He had entered the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea when he pauses to take in the state of it. ]

Did you . . . clean all of this?

[scrubscrub]

[Koala stops and turns, large eyes alight with some faint relief. He doesn't sound angry! And that is half the struggle. She carefully begins to wash the cabinets she'd missed, wanting to look as busied as possible with the task at hand. Looking like you're continually working earns you more bad than good, it's a fact.]

Y-yes! I did. I've been keeping myself very active! Sir!

[She's not sure what he'd prefer to be labeled, but 'sir' is usually pretty safe.]

[beardstrokes]

[ Sir, was it? A part of him twinges in unhappiness. It seems like she's used to this labour. He considers the most diplomatic answer before he replies. ]

You've done an excellent job. But perhaps it's time for a break.

[scrubscrub]

[/RECORD SKIPPING NOISE]

... A break?

[is this a test]

I'm still very energized. I can do much more!

[Just so you know! I'm totally not tired! Not even a yawn in sight.]

[beardstrokes]

I'm sure you can, but I prefer company when I have tea. Why don't you take a seat?

[scrubscrub]

[Her smile only barely wavers; the slightest twitch.

But she quickly takes a seat, all knobby-knees and fresh-faced. It's nice that the Sun Pirates gave her a haircut and a new dress; perhaps it's making a good first impression on the people in this ship.]

Ah... Are you sure?

[Think, Koala. Think ahead!]

I could make it for you — sir.

[beardstrokes]

I'm sure you could, but I prefer making my own tea.

[ In fact, he starts heading towards the kettle and fetches two cups. ]

Do you enjoy cleaning?

[scrubscrub]

I do!

[It's a quick lie, but she's learned well on knowing what to say.]

If you're worried I'll mess it up, I'm more than willing to learn how to make it to your liking.

[beardstrokes]

[ It's a lie he catches onto, but one he will not point out. ]

Oh, I'm not worried. After all, I do not enjoy cleaning.

[scrubscrub]

[much appreciated, bro]

That's okay! Most people don't. That's why you have me here!

[So it's all good. Congrats!]

[beardstrokes]

Actually, we do have cleaning droids. So you're not required to work.

[ The kettle whistles and he pours the water in the cups. ] So, perhaps you should consider that.

[scrubscrub]

[............................

Her fingers twitch on the table, just faintly.]

Droids? What are those?

[beardstrokes]

[ He places her cup on the table, before taking a seat himself. He is the picture of calm. ]

Machines that are meant to do the cleaning. Cleaning is not meant to be your position here.

[scrubscrub]

But I'm... I'm maintenance...

[She bows her head humbly, clasping her hands together.]

Oh — please let me have the position! I'll do good work! I won't cry or ask for anything! I can do a very good job, if you'll give me the chance. You can depend on me, sir, I swear; if you'd like, you won't even notice I'm here! I can do more than just clean.

[just don't replace her with robots, she has what it takes, scouts honor]

[beardstrokes]

[ He rubs his beard, in deep thought. ]

All right. There is one position I would like you to fill.

[scrubscrub]

What would that be, sir?

[She looks hopeful at the sound — perhaps there's something good to befall her after all, here aboard this strange ship...!]

[beardstrokes]

The position of a young girl. Do you think you could try it?

[scrubscrub]

[............ what.]

I don't...

[She's about to argue that that's not really a job occupation.

Because it's not. She looks around the room like he's pulling a cruel joke.]

What does that mean? Cooking? Or — errands? Or guard duty?

[beardstrokes]

Well, it will mean less cleaning. You would have to decide what to do for fun . . . perhaps even express your feelings from time to time. No easy task, really.

[ He takes a sip of his tea, totally congenial. ]

But it would be the hardest role you have ever undertaken.

[scrubscrub]

[What.... What.

Whaaaaat????]

For fun?

[She's not sure how to process any of this. Even the Sun Pirates didn't exactly mention these things in simple terms. They're foreign, weird. She gets it, but she also doesn't.

She coughs a little laugh.]

Do you mean... planning brunches and celebrations for the crew? It does sound difficult. I've never planned anything fun for anyone before.

B-but — I could learn.

[She is sort of malfunctioning like a droid, isn't she.

All human here though. Awkward, unsure human.]

[beardstrokes]

That would be an interesting start. Planning fun activities and having fun yourself should be your priorities. It is not easy to let go . . . but here, there is a certain amount of freedom.

[ He looks her over from the brim of his cup. ] Why not seize the chance you were never given?

[scrubscrub]

[Oh, her heart is racing!

Is this a horrible trick? Is she failing a test?]

I... I don't know what you mean, sir.

I have the chance to live. That's all I need.

[Is it truly like Fisher Tiger? Can she be at ease? What if it's a cruel game?

Oh, the uncertainty is killing her.

But he seems so genuine!

She should be nothing but cautious, however...!]

[beardstrokes]

You have the chance of being alive. Not as living as yourself.

[ Was he pressing too hard? But he rather deal with this now before the routine settles in with her. ]

Why not try it?

1/2

[scrubscrub]

[She sits and stares and tries — really tries — to understand and appreciate the words.

But.]

I... I...

[scrubscrub]

[And then she's suddenly out of her chair with her rag in hand, scrubbing the floor on her knees with a patient, calm demeanor.]

I think I should get back to cleaning!

[scrub, scrub, scrub]