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: Questions (Paging Reshad)

[yhlee]

"Hello, other person!" the Cantata says over the grid. "You sound like you're also made of meat. Is it comfortable?"

Re: Questions (Paging Reshad, Cantata)

[stormglass]

Earpiece tucked into place, Xiulan hears the Cantata with a certain sense of wonder. She thinks suddenly of hearing Tommy speak of communicating with the starfish, but how much simpler this is!

And, importantly, sans migraines.

“Hello,” she replies. “I’m called Xiulan. And you prefer to go by Canata?”

It seems a good thing to be clear on, if the moth likes to called by the name of its...house? (formerly, apparently its prison). Although, whether she can pronounce an alternative....

“I’m a human, so yes, you could say I’m made of meat.” The question is fascinating and amusing at once, that sounding in her voice. “It’s comfortable when I’m not in pain, but, I also don’t have anything else to compare it to.

“What are you made of?”

[I know I got behind on this, so I’m fine with assuming they have a simple chat for now if you are. Good springboard for future conversations now that they’ve met! :)]

Re: Questions (Paging Reshad, Cantata)

[yhlee]

"I used to be called Bumblebee!" Cantata replies. "I think it is a different kind of meat. I like the name Cantata because moths like to songshare. I hope you are not in pain right now? I am made of shadows and eyes. It is very comfortable."

[Works for me!]

Re: Questions (Paging Reshad, Cantata)

[hoardingpearls]

It's good to watch this new agent. Reassuring, even. Xiulan dives into her work with no sign of hesitation.

Reshad gives it a few moments more, then excuses herself with a smile.