video;

[scrubscrub]

Who: Koala and you.
Broadcast: Fleetwide.
Action: N/A unless you want to do ship stuff idk.
When: Today!! Or something.

[Hello everyone it's your fave weird smiling 11-year-old.]

I... just wanted to say — I did it, Mr. Greed! I finally got Top 10 in pinball, sir, just like you requested! [It's true, thanks to Han she's completely overtaken the scoreboards; hallelujah.] I, um, got all top 10 spots, too! Just in case you wanted me to have all ten... I'm sorry, my memory's a little fuzzy... I'm very sorry! But I did it. I'm glad I can finally move on to my next chore on my to-do list... I keep hearing these distant pinball machine noises in my head, b-but then I realize I'm just tired.

I didn't know games would be so hard! It was very frustrating... I almost frowned through it...

[She chucks very faintly, smiling wide.]

It's too bad that we're no longer near a planet. I-I think my crew would be very happy to have more games on board, like pinball. Or maybe better smelling clothing detergent. I like the kind that smells like flowers. I'll remember for the next place we stop by!

[AH, RIGHT. ANYWAY.]

Actually, I was... going to come on here for a request. If that's okay.

Ah. Well.

....

We need a new blender on the Huntress.

...

A-and if anyone has any spare table cloths, we could trade for those as well. There are large holes in the table currently.

...

And if anyone has something to help remove scorch marks...

[This ship is a f$%*ing mess.]

Comments

[goodjob]

[Uh.]

Okay, what'd she burn? Believe me when I say I know a lot about cleaning, kid.

[scrubscrub]

I think she burned some kind of sauce. I'm really not very sure...

[imagine tho sauce like LIQUID FUCKING LAVA]

I got it off the furniture, but it's still a little damaged.

Ah — but you know a lot about cleaning, too??

[goodjob]

Yeah, I was a motel maid for a while. Got a PHD in getting vomit out of particle board.

Why would sauce- whatever. [Remember you're talking to A Child.] Try soaking it in water with vinegar. You know how to do that, kid?

[scrubscrub]

[Ew, lady. Lucky enough, Koala is used to gross. She doesn't bat an eye.]

Oh, yes! I've used vinegar before.

But I had gotten into a little trouble for it. The nobles didn't like the smell of vinegar when I cleaned; it very much upset them.

[goodjob]

[Uhh.] Listen, nobody in this fleet's a noble. Trust me. Do what you gotta do.

[scrubscrub]

I thought so, too, but there are some! I—I heard they weren't bad people, though! I know one... and she seems very kind-hearted. [She smiles more genuinely.] This place has been... not what I expected, when I woke up...

[goodjob]

[And now she smiles, and it's not a big one, but it certainly softens her tired and bored expression.]

No, no, I mean, here? They're not nobles. At least, uh, not the kind you gotta listen to. Don't worry about it, kid. [It's her best Comforting A Child voice.]

[scrubscrub]

I suppose so...

I suppose... um... the Atroma, they're the one to worry about, aren't they?

[goodjob]

Worry about what? About what they think?

[scrubscrub]

Yes...! They're — um... my new owners, in a way, aren't they...?

Our... our captors.

[goodjob]

[Fiona isn't really sure it's her place to give this kid a speech on life philosophy. She hesitates before ultimately giving into temptation.]

All the more reason not to give a shit what they think, right? They're kidnappers.

[scrubscrub]

I suppose... But... Shouldn't we try to appease them?

What if -- what if they punish us?

[goodjob]

Then they'll just think they can get away with more. You give somebody an inch, they'll walk all over you. Take it from me, okay?

[scrubscrub]

... I don't know...

Th-That wasn't how it worked before.

[goodjob]

[After a point, it's just not any of Fiona's business to tell this kid how to live her life. It seems like she's got people looking out for her. That's the most that anyone can ask for.]

Yeah, well. It's different now. It's up to you, kid. I dunno, maybe you like worrying about what other people want. [It's a soft sell; she's never known a kid to enjoy that.]

[scrubscrub]

I... I don't think I do.

[Worrying mostly makes her stomach hurt, but.]

I just don't want to be punished. We're slaves here, too, aren't we?

[goodjob]

No. [That comes out quick.] Believe me, I haven't done shit for anybody but myself since I got here. Nobody's punished me.

[scrubscrub]

I see...

[She trails off, thoughtful. And a bit concerned.]

But we're being used for... for profit.

I haven't seen any handlers, though...

[goodjob]

Kid, lemme tell you a secret. People are always using people for profit. Everybody does it if they can. Doesn't mean you gotta go along with it, or make it easy for 'em.

[scrubscrub]

Oh... Then what should I try to do?