driftfleet | (no subject)

Who: Colette Brunel
Broadcast: Video to the whole fleet
Action: Aboard the Marsiva
When: The day after the attack

Excuse me? Hello! Ah... [She was excited that she finally got her line working to the fleet, but now that she's actually addressing everyone she feels a bit nervous. But she wants to help, and that overrides any nerves that are buzzing around]

My name is Colette Brunel. I just arrived the other day, and I saw... [she pauses, worried] I saw the attack that happened. I'm sorry to ask for help at a time like this, but I'm not sure how to get off of the ship that I'm currently on. If I can leave, I'd like to come and help on the ships that were hurt.

I think-- [it feels strange to say, and doesn't quite feel real] that I understand how to fix some of those ships. I'm not sure how, but I can see some of the damage from here.

So, I hope I can help! And if there's anything that I can do in the meantime before I leave this ship, please let me know.

[mm, she nibbles a bit on her lower lip as if she's not sure if she should say more, but she'll end it there. She feels bad asking for help before she's actually helped anyone, but she has looked all over this ship and hasn't been able to find a way to leave]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Does your stone give you enhanced strength as well? Forgive me for saying so but you hardly look capable of lifting a grown man. I'm somewhat skeptical.

That's okay, it is a little weird... But you're right! Because of it, I'm stronger, and even some of by senses are better.

[haha, that embarrassment that has been creeping up is starting to show] Um.. I'm sorry I've been talking so much about myself.

It's alright. I've only asked. Though, perhaps that's unfair of me. It'd be a shame for our conversation to be so unequal.

[He shifts, leaning forward and I forget if this is video so maybe she sees that.] Have you any questions for me?

[Oh! She's always... curious. About the stories of other people. So she looks a bit surprised, and while she didn't have any questions originally, endless questions begin to pop to mind one after the other.]

Yes! If it's okay.

[She doesn't notice it, but she mirrors his movement and leans forward a bit as well, resting her chin in her hands] You said that your name is Mattias... do you have a last name?

[He laughs.] Is that your question?

[His laugh dies out to a fond smile. Fingers tap at his cheek.] I do. It's Larnaca. Ask me another. That one was too simple.

[hehe, this is nice, he's nice. She smiles and nods, glad that he has permission to ask more]

Where do you come from? I've heard... that everyone here is from really different worlds? [the idea is amazing to her. Her horizon was so expanded when they discovered Tethe'alla... the idea that there are uncounted worlds with even more people living on them is mind-blowing to her in the best way]

Where I come from? [He eyes soften but it's unclear if it's due to wistfulness or sorrow.] It's a lonely place. A neverending desert cursed by a persistent sun. [He inhales, bracing himself for the concept most people here seem to struggle with.] We've no night. No cold, no stars. Simply the sun and clouds.

I fear most people here would find it a dreary place.

[despite his harsh words, she can't quite tell... so she looks at him through the communicator inquisitively]

Do you miss it?

[He smiles thinly.]

How can I not? It's a cruel, desolate place. But it's mine.

[Her smile is warm in contrast]

I think I understand what you mean. [even when it was dying, and seemed beyond repair... She loves her home dearly]

Although, um... if there's no night, when do you sleep?

Oh! Yes. [He chuckles] I suppose that would be quite difficult to imagine.

[With one hand, he gestures vaguely.] There's two periods in the sun's arc where it sinks low. Never sets, mind you, it simply flirts with the horizon. It's not a perfect replacement, but the cities are usually built so the light is largely dimmed. We call it Day's Waning, or the Waning for short.

[she listens intensely, and you can practically see her imagining the settings, the dusk and dawn reflected in her mind's eye]

It sounds beautiful. In my world, the sky turns pink and purple during times like that... Is it the same in your world? [for so many hours, it must be beautiful]

[Again, his smile thins. His voice remains gentle.]

It sounds beautiful but—no. No, my world hasn't seen that in quite a long time. [He laughs, a thought occurring.] If we did, I doubt many of us would get much sleep.

Oh... I'm sorry. [she feels bad for making false assumptions, but now her curiosity heightens]

It used to be that way... but isn't anymore?

[He waves away the apology.]

It was taken with the night, centuries ago. No one's seen it since.

That makes it sound like... do you think it will come back someday?

Of course. The sun can't rule forever. Everything is restored eventually.

[He'll make sure of it.]