1st Bite [Video]

[dirge]

[The screen flicks on, but there seems to be something wrong with a it. A long crack runs down the right side, fragmenting the image. The color also seems off, though its hard to tell if you haven't seen the speaker's paintjob before.]

Oh, you do still work. Hm.

[A big seeker of a less boxy variety than most leans in and raps on the screen with a knuckle, sending the drone drifting backwards with a distressed beep.]


I'll have to go find a bigger rock.

Comments

[10_20_15_5_50]

Even on Earth, you probably wouldn't see a second one.

[It would be a weird digression, but Sam's long considered the topic of her skin adjacent to any other, and there are other issues to address.]

Seems like it, maybe, but lots of things seem like they should be easy and aren't. Humans are contrary creatures, with this... tendency to prioritize revenge, even over sustenance. That's not really a trait to facilitate farming.

[Sure, the last study she'd seen on the subject used that pop-bubble board game to arrange slight-and-revenge scenarios, but the principle held to high stakes.]

[dirge]

Really? [Uh oh, you've got his attention now. You've been marked as 'extremely rare', or at least your skin has. His optics gleam as he studies the organic closer.]

Revenge over sustenance...how peculiar. [He's sort of lost interest in the farming thing, at least for now.]

How much of your body is covered in those markings?

[10_20_15_5_50]

Probably.

[Strike one, strike two, sweet mother Mary, maudit, and marde.]

Coming up on two thirds. It's a work in progress.

[It seems she should have that established, before this exchange takes another left turn.]

Why d'you ask?

[dirge]

You're going to develop even more eventually? [Even more interesting!]

I like rare things, they are valuable because they are unique.

[10_20_15_5_50]

['Develop' isn't quite the right word, but Sam nods. It's near enough.]

What I've already got is from a few years.

[One eyebrow goes up at that, and the adept crosses her arms. She's elaborately etched, but you're some kind of sketch.]

Given the context of this conversation, and what you've been asking after, I'm kind of concerned.

[dirge]

There's no need for concern. I certainly wouldn't put you in a farm. [In a gilded cage maybe, but not on a farm.]

[10_20_15_5_50]

That's... a good start, [if it's true] but I'm still not sure there's no need for concern.

[She's all ink, but you are some kind of sketch.]

[dirge]

Don't be silly! I take very good care of my possessions!

1/2

[10_20_15_5_50]

[so what even]

2/2

[10_20_15_5_50]

[Nevermind. This is just bizarre enough 'incredulity' has become base camp; other emotions are on the back burner.]

Y--

...how is it you're thinking we are on to 'your possessions,' here?

[dirge]

Oh, not yet. In the future. I was just reassuring you.

[10_20_15_5_50]

[You know who's not really reassured? This chick.]

What, exactly, are you expecting the future will involve?

[dirge]

Hm, just that we'll be seeing more of each other.

[He stands up and picks up the drone, shaking it experimentally.]

Perhaps this was a bad idea. Oh well. [It seems the shaking has knocked something loose though and the feed cuts out.]