one ♘ video

[gitanes]

Who: Lila Zacharov
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: Marsiva
When: Friday, May 22

[It would be an understatement to say that Lila isn't happy to be here. No, actually, she's furious. She was in the middle of a job back home, and now - well, she couldn't begin to say whether people will notice her gone. Hell, time might have stopped back home for all she knows. But she can't afford to waste any time. She has to get back now.]

[When she turns on the video, she's wearing a low-slung black and white top that clearly reveals the gnarled, dark scar that slashes across her neck, her second smile. She's showing it off, proving that she's not someone to mess with. That she isn't afraid.]

I need to talk to Atroma. Now.

Comments

video;

[openhands]

And you think making a demand like that is going to be enough to make it happen?

[gitanes]

I think it's better than sitting around crying about how things aren't going how I want them to.

[openhands]

Stamping your foot and making demands like a child is hardly different from the alternative.

[gitanes]

So what you're saying is you can't help me.

spam;

[forgetyourusedtobe]

[After Lila's broadcast, Elena doesn't exactly try looking for her. (To be honest, Lila seems like the kind of girl who wouldn't hesitate to chew up anyone and spit them back out.) But the hospitality deck is only so big and there's only so many places either one of them can go. Elena offers the other girl a weak, thin smile.]

Any luck?

[gitanes]

[She's seen Elena around. In fact, she saw her accidental post earlier. Can't say she's exactly impressed, but maybe it was just beginner's bad luck. The look Lila fixes her with is neutral, impassive.]

Not yet. I'll get there.

[She will, damnit, or kill someone trying.]

[forgetyourusedtobe]

I've been trying to find a way out of this part of the ship, but it doesn't look like there is one. At least not an easy one I can fit into.

[She's not about to start punching holes into the ship's walls or try to find a way into a ventilation system, okay thanks. This isn't a cheesy spy or superhero movie.]

My name's Elena.

[gitanes]

. . . Lila.

[She guesses she can give up that much information.]

How long've you been here?

[detectivewonder]

Atroma's not really that responsive.

[gitanes]

Care to share why not?

[detectivewonder]

Because jerking us around is better for ratings?

[detectivewonder]

Just a theory.

[gitanes]

I would think arguments would be better for ratings.

[She has seen reality TV ever, Tim.]

[hellofist]

You can't go back. Some people disappear, but being here... isn't by choice. You're stuck, for now. I'm sorry.

[gitanes]

Did I ask about going back?

[hellofist]

[Well not out loud but still.]

That's what you... want to ask, right? To go back?

[gitanes]

I have a lot of questions. Not just that.

[poetontheinside]

Yeah, they never spoke to anyone before, but they're definitely gonna speak to you now that you asked so nice.

[Alright, okay, so that scar is kinda heavy-duty on a chick, but he can deal with that. He can do the tough guy thing.]

[gitanes]

[Lila does not like the tough guy thing. She narrows her eyes at him.]

And what have you tried?

[poetontheinside]

Oh, I tried asking real nice, lady. [Translation: he may have thrown a fit and then took apart more than one wall panel trying to get more information.]

[gitanes]

[Did you break something, buddy. She is pretty sure you broke something.]

Don't call me lady. Either give me useful information or stop talking.

video

[birdsbirdsbirds]

If you can get Atroma to answer, it'll be a distinct victory over the rest of us.

[he gives her a little wave over the video feed.]

Welcome to the Fleet, ma'am.

[gitanes]

[She can't help but smirk at that. She knows he's making fun of her, but still: it would be nice to have a victory over these chumps right off the bat.]

Maybe you haven't been asking the right way. [Or sharply enough.]

[birdsbirdsbirds]

Ah--you aren't the first one to demand an audience, if that's what you mean.

[and it's never worked. honestly, he doubts that "Atroma" is even real, sometimes.]

[gitanes]

Good. At least some of you have some guts.

[It's irritating that this isn't working, though. Maybe she'll just need to make more of a fuss.]