[video]

[goldkiss]

Who: Victor Nikiforov and OPEN
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: Marsiva's Hospitality Deck (common area)
When: Shortly after he wakes up and has had time to explore a bit, so sometime in the middle of the "day"

[The video shows a man wearing a black T-shirt and coat. He is smiling and seems to be happy and cheerful. He has the strap of a sports bag over his shoulder. One hand is to his face, a finger touching his lips.

Despite having just woken up in the middle of space with no idea how he got here, he seems completely at ease.]

I wish someone had told me I was going to be on television today. Honestly, I'm grateful that you took me on my way home from practice because it means I have my skates, but I would have dressed up for the occasion had I known. A nice suit perhaps? At least a decent sweater. [He hand moves down to grip the sports bag's strap.]

I could look so much better given a little bit of notice. [Then he winks, and it's not clear if that's meant for anyone who is receiving this message, the much bigger audience they're told exists, or just because he likes winking.

Then, after a moment, he gets to the true purpose of this message.]

Oh, and if anyone has seen Yuuri Katsuki please let me know. He's Japanese, about 173 centimeters in height, has black hair and brown eyes, and wears glasses. Let him know that Victor is looking for him if you see him, hm?

Comments

[goldkiss]

[For a moment, Victor is visibly surprised by the sight of her. It isn't so much the fact that she's here, but that she is an elf.

But then he remembers people telling him that there are plenty of non-humans here. There might have been a part of him who thought of that as a joke. It still might be, honestly. Her ears could be surgery or very good make up.

Still, he's not about to judge her so he takes on a wide smile.]

Yes, there is! It's nice to meet you. I'm Victor.

[hylights]

[She smiles in return. Any look of surprise he might have at her appearance isn't something that phases her. Really, what isn't surprising about this? And concerning, she thinks to herself quietly, all the more aware of what's missing.

She bows her head slightly at the introduction.]

My name is Zelda. It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Victor. Although-- I find myself still confused as to what has happened. The voices keep talking about a show?

[She gestures to the screens nearby, where the Fleet's auto-welcome messages continue to loop.]

[goldkiss]

Yes. Apparently we're on reality television right now. We should do our best to charm the audience! [He adds that with a smile, hoping that she'll take that as a cue to be wary of what she says and does.]

[hylights]

I'm sorry, but... television?

[The hint may have worked, had she known all the words he said. She still takes most of his meaning, and glances around the deserted Hospitality Deck.]

An unseen audience, I suppose.

[goldkiss]

Yes. People who can see everything that we say and do.

[hylights]

[She frowns, casting a more critical look at the surroundings.]

Well, I certainly did not agree to that.

[Zelda is used to her movements being watched by those around her, being such a public figure, but this was beyond anything she could accept.]

[goldkiss]

I don't think any of us did.

[hylights]

Then why should we 'charm' them? I'd rather have some words with them myself!

[goldkiss]

Because they are an audience and we're in the middle of space. What happens to us if they lose interest?

[hylights]

It shouldn't matter! Perhaps they'll send us back if we aren't what they hoped for.

[Perhaps not, too, but she's indignant at the idea she's here only to be watched for amusement.]

[goldkiss]

Are you sure that's what happens?

[hylights]

How can I be sure? They haven't given us any information!

[If she sounds a bit petulant, it's out of frustration. After taking a breath, she dials it down a little.]

I am sorry. I know this isn't your doing.

[goldkiss]

I know.

I understand feeling frustrated.

[hylights]

Of course you do. [She's tense, she knows. It won't do to take it out on others.] I am just at a loss.

[goldkiss]

Why don't we start with the things that are familiar, accept those, and then work towards accepting the things that are strange.

Let's start now. Looking around, is there anything that is remotely familiar?

[hylights]

[She sets her jaw a little, and looks over the hospitality deck. It's easy enough to catalogue what's different - so much metal, and devices, and those blaring voices from goddess knows where. It's harder to focus on what does make sense.]

Well... the beds, I suppose.

[They're strange in design, but she knows what they're for.]

[goldkiss]

All right. The beds. That means that people still get tired, still need to rest. That means they can't be all that different than what you're used to right? If they still have to recharge after a long day...

[hylights]

At least the people who appear on this ship. It may not be true for others.

[And there are circumstances where even regular rules such as rest might not apply. She's been in one herself.]

[goldkiss]

That's true. For now though, I can tell you that I get tired and need to recharge. Not right now, of course, right now I am more interested in learning a bit more about this place.