Chapter 3.2: Old and new friends, old and new enemies

[zuhrovet]

Sasha has distributed flutes of sparkling water and small glasses filled with a clear liquor. She finds a clear place to stand near the edge of the party--Jedao and Alaric are to her left, the cluster of people around the mothlings falls at about 3π/8--and signals the grid to adjust the light so that she is highlighted and the other partygoers are very slightly in shadow. She asks the grid for a ringing sound and waits for people to quiet. Her voice slightly amplified by the grid, she says, "Welcome, everyone. We have a unique combination of expertise, on the Cantata. I'm glad that you are here." (It's a formal situation, so she uses the plural 'you'.) "While we are gathered, let us toast to the success of the rebellion."

Sasha waits for an answering murmur, then raises her own glass and knocks it back. The liquor tastes like snow and homesickness; but these are her people now. A slight gesture of her left hand makes illumination linger on Jedao for a moment, before the room lights return to normal.

Sasha sees Remi trying to explain that shot glasses are not for mothlings, and grins in genuine amusement.

[We have some really fascinating conversations running in the previous move. I don't want to cut them off, but please put new threads here!

Also, an out-of-character public service announcement: Remi is a youthful, apparently non-sociopathic version of Kujen, plucked from an earlier timeline. He has not yet interacted with Jedao.]

Comments

Re: Of chicken-related backstories

[rugessnome]

Shess is just slightly flustered at their previous lack of clarity/the slight misunderstanding. "Oh, the chickens from my childhood--well, they're not actually fine, because chickens don't live that long, but they weren't decimated like that. The flock that died was when I tried to run the family farm, as an adult. Still, I didn't expect that many losses. But I did go through decontamination procedures before leaving the planet!" They glance at Remi, wondering if that had worried him.

They do remember to return to the more typical party topic of introductions. "Er. It's nice to meet you too, Seyli. I think I'm supposed to be joining you."

And then, to Remi again, because it's easier than small talk, "I used to know someone who was part of an animal nutritional research program. Mind, it was for conservation of a non-tamed species, and I really mean I knew them; I don't know any details of what they did. But I expect moth biochemistry, I suppose it is, would be interesting. Given the food husks and stuff."

Shess takes notice of the fact that they're talking a lot. It's probably connected with the being very slightly tipsy from the toast; so far as their limited drinking experience extends, they're a talkative drunk, though it isn't entirely out of character otherwise.

[...moth biochemistry miight need to be one of those handwavy things; I don't think Shess really expects further details.]

Re: Of chicken-related backstories

[kese_seyli]

"It will be nice to have new people aboard," Seyli says to Shess as Eddox joins them and once again takes up place on their arm. Seyli flushes ever so slightly, but are delighted Eddox is making themselves so comfortable. "It seems like most new people are more fascinated with the moths than I thought to be at first." Mostly, they'd needed to adapt to such a weird team dynamic and hadn't had leftover brain power to process the mothlings. "Oh, here, you and Eddox should get to know one another, Shess. You'll both be new."

Re: Of chicken-related backstories

[yhlee]

Remi nods at Shess's words. "Well, I'll see if Alaric has any thoughts on moth nutrition. I believe my attention is wanted elsewhere--it has been lovely speaking to all of you. Do keep notes on any new behavior the mothlings exhibit!" And with that he heads off after Reshad, leaving the mothlings in Dar and the others' care.

Eddox continues to introduce themself (paging Shess)

[mawgs]

Eddox watches Remi go with unearned suspicion. They had hoped to get a few words in edgewise before he disappeared into that other room, but they couldn’t just follow. Perhaps they can corner him later, possibly with this Alaric fellow as well.

They gently release themself from Seyli’s arm, tuck their slate away and fix Shess with a wide smile and bow. “An absolute pleasure to meet you. I’m Andan Eddox.” They try to school their features and body language to be pleasantly intimidating.

Re: Eddox continues to introduce themself (paging Shess)

[kese_seyli]

Seyli drifts over toward Dar, who is watching everyone leave, once Eddox releases their arm. They're close, but want to answer Dar's question.

[For the sake of clarity, I'm moving the mothling babysitting to a new thread so Dar's question gets answered and the threads are clear for when recapping happens. Basically, they're leaving the conversation. https://hexarchate-rpg.dreamwidth.org/39711.html?thread=1499423#cmt1499423]