driftfleet | (no subject)

Who: Allen Walker and You!
Broadcast: Video
Action: Blue Fish!
When: Today

[If you've been in the fleet for awhile, you've probably seen this kind of broadcast. Allen appears to be in the Blue Fish lab, standing behind a table. Behind him Timcanpy sits on a shelf wearing a small Santa hat. Allen has a smile on, but for the observant it might seem a bit more staged than normal.]

Hello everyone! For those who don't know me, I'm Allen Walker, I'm one of the medics aboard the SS Blue Fish. I just have a few announcements for today!

Just a few announcements today! We'll be holding our bimonthly blood drive next Tuesday. The blood donated is kept for medical emergencies that require blood transfusions. In other words, we use scientific methods to help someone whose lost a lot of blood. If you donate, we'll gladly pay you!

If you're interested and are over the age of 16, please fill out the form attached to this video. [And what do you know, it's there] If you're interested in volunteering, please let me know. Vampires and similar beings interested in volunteering need to be able to have restraint around blood and will not be allowed to sample the blood. The blood drive will be held on the SS Blue Fish, as usual.

And as always, there will be cookies to anyone who volunteers or donates!

[Alright, that's done, moving on now. From the way he talks, it sounds almost recited. But oh let's face it, he probably rehearses these feeds a dozen times anyway.]

Secondly, you've probably noticed by now how cold the planet is. If you aren't familiar with such climates, I recommend watching Korra's broadcast, as she has much more experience than me! Thank you Korra!

Thirdly, I want to say that during this time of year, many worlds have special holidays: Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice, Winter Veil, Hearth's Warming Eve, New Years and, probably others I don't know about. Not everyone celebrates, and that's fine if you don't. But ... there's nothing wrong with celebrating them even if we're far from home, or even celebrating a holiday not from you world. If anything, it might help people feel a bit better about being here. No matter where you are or what you celebrate- it stands true that a holiday spent with the people you cherish can be truly magical.

[There's a beat as he smiles at the camera, then he continues on in the same chipper manner:]

That said, please be careful of any holiday decorations that may actually be magical, because in some worlds' traditions that's a good way to wind up kissing your crewmates. And no, a land shark is not a good idea for a gift. They're wild animals.

That's all for now! I hope you have a good day, stay warm, and a nice holiday season.

[He gives a wave to the camera before the feed cuts out.]

[OOC: As usual, the blood drive will be handwaved! Thanks all!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Of course! Ah, but although I know you said it were not necessary if one is not human, but I am curious - how would one determine blood type, and what is it's significance?

Oh! Well blood type is essentially... [He thinks how to say it]

Well, blood is made up of billions of little cells. And on each cell is something called antibodies. They're sort of like...a type of identification code or lock, for the cell. The shape of the antibody determines the blood type.

It's significant because if you put blood into a body that doesn't have a compatible antibody, the body will assume it's an intruder and try to destroy it - like it would an illness. Except since it's attacking the blood you need, it can be very bad. You could get very sick or even die from it.

Though that problem just seems to be in humans and a few other races. The elven blood I've seen doesn't seem to have that kind of antibodies, for some reason.

Edited 2016-12-20 07:32 (UTC)

Ah, I see! That is very interesting - and I wish some of our healers were here, as they would love to learn such things. And I suppose it might be because we have ... ah... better ... control? Over our physical bodies. I am hardly a healer to know, however.

Ah, it's possible, I'm sure! Unfortunately I don't have nearly enough data on elven physiology to make any guesses. There's just not as much written about it as humans, it seems.

I suppose we never really thought about it... there was little need for healers in Aman, and once we arrived in Middle-earth... well. We were too busy fighting, to write much down. Perhaps in later years...

Also, I was curious, why would a holiday decoration make you kiss your crewmate?

Mm. Not to mention, it's not like I'm very fluent in Elven writing anyway.

[Kinda don't have that language on his world ok]

Ha, well- it's part of a little stupid tradition. There's this plant called mistletoe, and people hang it from the ceiling. And the tradition says that if you walk or stand under mistletoe as the same time as someone else, you're supposed to kiss. People usually use it as an excuse to kiss someone they like.

Well some places take that tradition a little further and enchant the mistletoe so you're compelled to kiss whoever's nearby.

Well if you ever wish to learn... [ There are plenty of elves now who can teach him~ ]

......That seems a little... extreme. [ Maglor blinks ] Is there some sort of... good luck associated with it, perhaps?

Ah, thank you for the offer, but I'm already busy with my duties as well as learning medicine and astronomy. Perhaps another time.

[If he filled up his schedule anymore, he'd never get a chance to see his friends or boyfriend]

No, definitely no good luck. Honestly, half the time it was just awkward.

Whenever you wish it, if you have time. [ Maglor assures him and winces ]

Aye, I can imagine so. I would guess it must be amusing for our viewers - and I will take the warning into account!