[ It's muted but there's a blip of contentment and they begin to walk. They don't seem to mind leading, though if she keeps her pace matching their own they seem more pleased by that. Based on another flicker of ^^ ]
That's quite alright. We all need to start somewhere. I'm accustomed to doing a lot of talking so, if you would prefer to listen we can do just that.
[ It's a notable patience from them. ] Let's see... Ah, my genre preference in books happens to be fantasy. There is just something riveting about tales of adventures.
[ A light nod, their mechanical arm reaching to pull their jacket a little open to slide their data pad away with their other hand. ]
Adventures for the most part, having the opportunity to witness more of the world and what it has to offer. Fending off foes, visiting mysterious places... things along those lines are what more fantasy books tend to cover.
[ Their head tilts a little, emitting a thoughtful hum. ] Yes, there's quite a variety of worlds out in the galaxy so what may seem normal to you and I- monsters, in this case, would be quite new to other people.
[nodding, as she listens to that. it's a little funny, if only because it's... her life? that is her life.]
... I never thought I'd say this, but adventures are much more fun to experience, rather than read about. [absently, she adjusts the collar around her neck. and then, wryly:] I'm not allowed to ask where you came from, am I.
Yes, I quite imagine they are. [ A sigh. ] Unfortunately, I'm far too busy to just go trekking out on a sudden grand adventure. [ Their head tilts a bit, a possible glance her way before they look ahead as the mess hall comes into view. ] Contract restricts us from going into too much detail, I'm afraid. Were it not for that, I would not mind. It's a rather beautiful place.
Though, would it be alright if I inquired about yours? Whatever it is you would feel comfortable sharing. If not, any place would do really.
You all do seem to be constantly moving. The company keeps you busy, I see.
[but she keeps walking with them. mess hall arrival...
she thinks about the question, and then nods.]
New Delsta. I described it to Rodya the other day as... the sensation of staying up all night. It's the way your body feels after you haven't slept because you have something important to finish, but... all the time.
[a beat.] I wouldn't call it beautiful, but it is... ethereal.
It certainly does, but that's alright. We all very much enjoy our jobs. Plenty to do.
[ Of course, that connection is still very much there, and what can be felt from them is best described as... blank. Even though they speak with their continued pleasantries. ]
That's quite the description. You can almost picture it. [ It's a bit difficult to pick up, but there is a hint of awe. With a red glow in front of their visor, before it's gone and they turn their attention towards the galley. Which they will have no problem going into the kitchen what with Metis's permission. Lucky! ] I'd almost want to be able to see it for myself.
[ A pause. ] Are you hungry? I was going to pick up something quick for myself but if you've yet to eat, I can prepare simple something for us.
[hm. x to doubt that first part, but she doesn't say anything.
in any case, she cautiously looks into the kitchen... she's never been inside, and she hasn't really bothered asking for permission because she doesn't cook, but. she's a thief, she likes knowing what's in her surroundings.]
I haven't eaten yet. [she says, glancing at them.] Don't inconvenience yourself for me, though.
[...]
You might see it someday. New Delsta. You all seem to have traveled a good deal, and obviously Solistia isn't outside of this ship's reach.
[ Nooooo... they do love their job! They love working! :(
Her cautious look will show much of all the kitchen. If the thief wishes to peek and sneak about, feel free. Play this as a little investigation if you wish! Metis of course is here, but they perk at the mention of her not eating and seems to be going straight for some ingredients. ]
It is not an inconvenience. Eating with company is much preferable as well. Hmm, I may not be a talented cook compared to most but I can at least make something satisfactory. [ They pluck some bread, lettuce, a few assortments of meat, tomatoes, and condiments.. from the looks of things, everything looks quite fresh. ]
That's true. It may be extremely far from our current location, but it is not without reach. Though we hardly have a choice in where we go. Work takes us wherever we are needed.
she is very interested in all the cabinets and things, like. she's been in a kitchen before obviously but never one this high tech. unless metis tells her to knock it off, she's going to open every single openable thing she can in here in full view without being sneaky.
also, there's a little pang of - well, increased sadness, she's always sad. there's a general sorrow to her, like something that just sits in her chest and lives there. it isn't overbearing or anything, but like a chronic sort of pain, it's just there. something she's gotten used to as a baseline and barely acknowledges anymore, until it flares up.
anyway, there's a pang when they mention being very far from home. she misses her friends.]
... Do you have people who miss you, while you're working?
So far, Metis seems perfectly okay with allowing her to do what she wants. They are focused on preparing lunch for them both but it's almost as if they expected such curiosity. Opening various cabinets, she'll find compartments that store the spices and condiments, dinnerware, just pretty forward basic things you find in about any kitchen though of high quality. Wares used for cooking like pots, pans, so forth... there are of course drawers lined up as well.
There is a notable pause from Metis at the feeling of that pang. The air feeling a bit somber, a dull sensation of sympathy until they continue, bringing their hands to start stacking these sandwiches together before bringing up a knife to start cutting them in small biteable squares. ]
... I'm certain I do. And it's been a bit strange to be away from them, but I'm needed here and I have a reason for working.
she also goes through the drawers... are there knives in there? asking for a friend. anything fun? like i don't know, a junk drawer full of advertisements or tiny rubber bouncy balls or something. why would those be in a kitchen i don't know.
she glances over at them... absently, she wonders if all of the senior crew's emotions are distant like this, or if she's just getting lucky with finding the emotionally struggling people.]
There are in fact knives in the drawers, yes! There are also basic cutlery but they are all biodegradable plastic. Fancy...? There's also a drawer of random loopy straws. Why. Who put those there.
With these prepped sandwiches all cut, they now work on removing the crust from them. Tadaaaa. They'll shuffle to find a fancy kettle afterward, filling it water and making way to look for the teabags. Tea, tea.... a pause. ]
My reason? Ah, that would be for the sake of research. Knowledge. [ They fiddle with the tea for a moment. ] There's a lot one can learn traversing in space.
[are the knives also biodegradable plastic or are they Real Knives. if they're real she wants to take one, and she'll be a little sneakier about that. she also wants a loopy straw. delightful.
in any case, she watches them make sandwiches for a second. knowledge, huh. fair enough.]
... How did you come to be here? [she's genuinely curious.] I don't remember signing the contract. I wouldn't have - but even if I did, I don't remember how I was approached.
[ The knives are very real and sharp! She can try to take one, sure. But I will just say it now, if she attempts to leave the galley with any of the knives it will suddenly magnetize to the wall and refuse to let go. Knives do not have permission to leave. π The loopy straw however is free for the taking. ]
Someone approached me in my own world, and offered me a position to come work for the company as they guided me through the process. It seemed like a good opportunity so I agreed. [ Their head tilts, setting out two cups and pouring out the tea. ] I had assumed the same for all of you but clearly something went wrong in the process if none of you remember...
[ A red (;;οΌοΌ) blips in front of their helm. Their tone expresses their concern over it, a hand coming to tap at the bottom of their helmet. ] If we're lucky, management will send a response before our first destination so we can sort everything out.
[MY KNIFE. she already has a knife, so it's fine, but she will be so pouty when she realizes the knife cannot go home with her.
she will take the loopy straw though. her one conquest.]
I'll tell you what I told the other - I would never have agreed to leave everything behind to be here. Not for any compensation. Not for any price. [she settles against the counter.]
... And if they don't respond? We'll just be expected to work?
[ Technically the biodegradable plastic knife is free to take too. It is cheap and plastic and will not offer anything but hey...
I'm so happy for her and her loopy straw. ]
And I do believe you. [ There's a soft clink from the kettle as they set it down, setting out a tray to shift both the mini sandwiches and cups of tea on. ] Which causes reason for concern.
[ Their helm lifts, looking her way before softly sighing. ] ...Well, you'll be with us until the end of the duration, yes. But we won't force you to work. By not working, you won't get any reward which I'm sure is to be expected. However, it isn't as if we'll punish anyone who refuses.
[ i'm shaking what does this even mean, was shenhe going to use hotsauce as a utensil
Metis laughs a little at that comment while they lift the tray with their left hand. ]
I certainly have no intention of doing that. [ Come come, they will lead way back to the mess hall to find a table to enjoy lunch. ] It's alright, so long as no trouble comes up until the tour ends we can possibly sway upper management over. A mistake was made somewhere after all.
[I MEANT AS A WEAPON she was gonna use hotsauce as a weapon!!!
she follows! she's actually getting hungry, so this works out for her. also, like i said, she absolutely pouts when she can't take the real knife with her, despite having a whole-ass dagger strapped to her thigh where god and everybody can see it.]
... Even if it's found that this was all a mistake, they'll still make us run the entire tour? [she is Unimpressed.] This sounds less like a job and more like free-range prisoners, you're aware.
[ I DON'T KNOW WHY THAT THOUGHT DIDN'T OCCUR TO ME BUT IT ALL MAKES SENSE NOW.
Her pouty... Sorry girl, but at least you come out of this galley with everything else! As they reach a table, they take a moment to set everything out before they wince and there's a dull pain sensation felt. Though, they continue on like nothing happened. ]
We still have work lined up for us, and unfortunately, we cannot skip out on our deliveries. Which we [ as in the Senior Crew ] can manage the work if need be, but a select few individuals have agreed to aiding us despite the mix-up. [ So... ] ...I'm aware it doesn't sound good, and I will continue to apologize for it but, despite our higher rank, there isn't a whole lot we can do ourselves.
anyway it's fine she'll get over it. the... pain sensation? gets her to look a little surprised, though. she sits at the table, watching them move.]
I'm not blaming you. [genuinely! she doesn't think it's worth it to yell at the cashiers, so to speak. she knows they don't set the prices.] Just pointing it out.
[ Their movement seems normal, but their right mechanical arm is notably stiff. Though even that starts to move as normal as possible. Nothing out of place. ]
..I understand. [ Which is said lightly, taking her words as truth. ] Just troubling not having the power to simply fix everything now.
[ A pause. ]
Oh, yes, I'm alright. Might just be nearing that time for a routine check-up.
There's a blip of recognition before they shake their head. ]
Almost, but not precisely. It is not something medicine can treat. More of a... technical routine check-up. [ They hold their hand out, palm up, the mechanical arm sleek and compact as they curl and uncurl fingers for show. ] In the same way bones may not agree with the weather, these upgrades can get a bit uneasy during travel.
[ Their hands come together over the table's surface, sitting straighter with the air of "Everything's fine." ] Nothing some adjusting won't fix.
no subject
That's quite alright. We all need to start somewhere. I'm accustomed to doing a lot of talking so, if you would prefer to listen we can do just that.
[ It's a notable patience from them. ] Let's see... Ah, my genre preference in books happens to be fantasy. There is just something riveting about tales of adventures.
no subject
she listens, but. the flow is natural enough that she feels like it's not a struggle to reply.]
Fantasy? [curiously...] I suppose I'm curious to know what counts as fantasy. Just adventures?
... Kazuki seemed surprised to know that monsters exist, where I've come from.
no subject
Adventures for the most part, having the opportunity to witness more of the world and what it has to offer. Fending off foes, visiting mysterious places... things along those lines are what more fantasy books tend to cover.
[ Their head tilts a little, emitting a thoughtful hum. ] Yes, there's quite a variety of worlds out in the galaxy so what may seem normal to you and I- monsters, in this case, would be quite new to other people.
no subject
... I never thought I'd say this, but adventures are much more fun to experience, rather than read about. [absently, she adjusts the collar around her neck. and then, wryly:] I'm not allowed to ask where you came from, am I.
no subject
Yes, I quite imagine they are. [ A sigh. ] Unfortunately, I'm far too busy to just go trekking out on a sudden grand adventure. [ Their head tilts a bit, a possible glance her way before they look ahead as the mess hall comes into view. ] Contract restricts us from going into too much detail, I'm afraid. Were it not for that, I would not mind. It's a rather beautiful place.
Though, would it be alright if I inquired about yours? Whatever it is you would feel comfortable sharing. If not, any place would do really.
no subject
[but she keeps walking with them. mess hall arrival...
she thinks about the question, and then nods.]
New Delsta. I described it to Rodya the other day as... the sensation of staying up all night. It's the way your body feels after you haven't slept because you have something important to finish, but... all the time.
[a beat.] I wouldn't call it beautiful, but it is... ethereal.
no subject
[ Of course, that connection is still very much there, and what can be felt from them is best described as... blank. Even though they speak with their continued pleasantries. ]
That's quite the description. You can almost picture it. [ It's a bit difficult to pick up, but there is a hint of awe. With a red glow in front of their visor, before it's gone and they turn their attention towards the galley. Which they will have no problem going into the kitchen what with Metis's permission. Lucky! ] I'd almost want to be able to see it for myself.
[ A pause. ] Are you hungry? I was going to pick up something quick for myself but if you've yet to eat, I can prepare simple something for us.
no subject
in any case, she cautiously looks into the kitchen... she's never been inside, and she hasn't really bothered asking for permission because she doesn't cook, but. she's a thief, she likes knowing what's in her surroundings.]
I haven't eaten yet. [she says, glancing at them.] Don't inconvenience yourself for me, though.
[...]
You might see it someday. New Delsta. You all seem to have traveled a good deal, and obviously Solistia isn't outside of this ship's reach.
no subject
Her cautious look will show much of all the kitchen. If the thief wishes to peek and sneak about, feel free. Play this as a little investigation if you wish! Metis of course is here, but they perk at the mention of her not eating and seems to be going straight for some ingredients. ]
It is not an inconvenience. Eating with company is much preferable as well. Hmm, I may not be a talented cook compared to most but I can at least make something satisfactory. [ They pluck some bread, lettuce, a few assortments of meat, tomatoes, and condiments.. from the looks of things, everything looks quite fresh. ]
That's true. It may be extremely far from our current location, but it is not without reach. Though we hardly have a choice in where we go. Work takes us wherever we are needed.
no subject
she is very interested in all the cabinets and things, like. she's been in a kitchen before obviously but never one this high tech. unless metis tells her to knock it off, she's going to open every single openable thing she can in here in full view without being sneaky.
also, there's a little pang of - well, increased sadness, she's always sad. there's a general sorrow to her, like something that just sits in her chest and lives there. it isn't overbearing or anything, but like a chronic sort of pain, it's just there. something she's gotten used to as a baseline and barely acknowledges anymore, until it flares up.
anyway, there's a pang when they mention being very far from home. she misses her friends.]
... Do you have people who miss you, while you're working?
no subject
So far, Metis seems perfectly okay with allowing her to do what she wants. They are focused on preparing lunch for them both but it's almost as if they expected such curiosity. Opening various cabinets, she'll find compartments that store the spices and condiments, dinnerware, just pretty forward basic things you find in about any kitchen though of high quality. Wares used for cooking like pots, pans, so forth... there are of course drawers lined up as well.
There is a notable pause from Metis at the feeling of that pang. The air feeling a bit somber, a dull sensation of sympathy until they continue, bringing their hands to start stacking these sandwiches together before bringing up a knife to start cutting them in small biteable squares. ]
... I'm certain I do. And it's been a bit strange to be away from them, but I'm needed here and I have a reason for working.
no subject
she also goes through the drawers... are there knives in there? asking for a friend. anything fun? like i don't know, a junk drawer full of advertisements or tiny rubber bouncy balls or something. why would those be in a kitchen i don't know.
she glances over at them... absently, she wonders if all of the senior crew's emotions are distant like this, or if she's just getting lucky with finding the emotionally struggling people.]
Can you tell me what that reason is?
no subject
There are in fact knives in the drawers, yes! There are also basic cutlery but they are all biodegradable plastic. Fancy...? There's also a drawer of random loopy straws. Why. Who put those there.
With these prepped sandwiches all cut, they now work on removing the crust from them. Tadaaaa. They'll shuffle to find a fancy kettle afterward, filling it water and making way to look for the teabags. Tea, tea.... a pause. ]
My reason? Ah, that would be for the sake of research. Knowledge. [ They fiddle with the tea for a moment. ] There's a lot one can learn traversing in space.
no subject
in any case, she watches them make sandwiches for a second. knowledge, huh. fair enough.]
... How did you come to be here? [she's genuinely curious.] I don't remember signing the contract. I wouldn't have - but even if I did, I don't remember how I was approached.
no subject
Someone approached me in my own world, and offered me a position to come work for the company as they guided me through the process. It seemed like a good opportunity so I agreed. [ Their head tilts, setting out two cups and pouring out the tea. ] I had assumed the same for all of you but clearly something went wrong in the process if none of you remember...
[ A red (;;οΌοΌ) blips in front of their helm. Their tone expresses their concern over it, a hand coming to tap at the bottom of their helmet. ] If we're lucky, management will send a response before our first destination so we can sort everything out.
no subject
she will take the loopy straw though. her one conquest.]
I'll tell you what I told the other - I would never have agreed to leave everything behind to be here. Not for any compensation. Not for any price. [she settles against the counter.]
... And if they don't respond? We'll just be expected to work?
no subject
I'm so happy for her and her loopy straw. ]
And I do believe you. [ There's a soft clink from the kettle as they set it down, setting out a tray to shift both the mini sandwiches and cups of tea on. ] Which causes reason for concern.
[ Their helm lifts, looking her way before softly sighing. ] ...Well, you'll be with us until the end of the duration, yes. But we won't force you to work. By not working, you won't get any reward which I'm sure is to be expected. However, it isn't as if we'll punish anyone who refuses.
no subject
wryly:]
So you won't take us to intergalactic court? [there's amusement, here.]
no subject
Metis laughs a little at that comment while they lift the tray with their left hand. ]
I certainly have no intention of doing that. [ Come come, they will lead way back to the mess hall to find a table to enjoy lunch. ] It's alright, so long as no trouble comes up until the tour ends we can possibly sway upper management over. A mistake was made somewhere after all.
no subject
she follows! she's actually getting hungry, so this works out for her. also, like i said, she absolutely pouts when she can't take the real knife with her, despite having a whole-ass dagger strapped to her thigh where god and everybody can see it.]
... Even if it's found that this was all a mistake, they'll still make us run the entire tour? [she is Unimpressed.] This sounds less like a job and more like free-range prisoners, you're aware.
no subject
Her pouty... Sorry girl, but at least you come out of this galley with everything else! As they reach a table, they take a moment to set everything out before they wince and there's a dull pain sensation felt. Though, they continue on like nothing happened. ]
We still have work lined up for us, and unfortunately, we cannot skip out on our deliveries. Which we [ as in the Senior Crew ] can manage the work if need be, but a select few individuals have agreed to aiding us despite the mix-up. [ So... ] ...I'm aware it doesn't sound good, and I will continue to apologize for it but, despite our higher rank, there isn't a whole lot we can do ourselves.
[ This is a babysitting job. ]
no subject
anyway it's fine she'll get over it. the... pain sensation? gets her to look a little surprised, though. she sits at the table, watching them move.]
I'm not blaming you. [genuinely! she doesn't think it's worth it to yell at the cashiers, so to speak. she knows they don't set the prices.] Just pointing it out.
[and then:] Are you alright?
[why you pain]
no subject
..I understand. [ Which is said lightly, taking her words as truth. ] Just troubling not having the power to simply fix everything now.
[ A pause. ]
Oh, yes, I'm alright. Might just be nearing that time for a routine check-up.
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anyway. she is very confused by this.]
Routine... check-up? Like with an apothecary?
no subject
There's a blip of recognition before they shake their head. ]
Almost, but not precisely. It is not something medicine can treat. More of a... technical routine check-up. [ They hold their hand out, palm up, the mechanical arm sleek and compact as they curl and uncurl fingers for show. ] In the same way bones may not agree with the weather, these upgrades can get a bit uneasy during travel.
[ Their hands come together over the table's surface, sitting straighter with the air of "Everything's fine." ] Nothing some adjusting won't fix.
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