animus_network | 002 ♍ In Which Our Correspondent Discovers The Function Through Which To Visually Broadcast

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002 ♍ In Which Our Correspondent Discovers The Function Through Which To Visually Broadcast

[ The video clicks on to show Dolorosa fussing with the computer. Well, most of her. Only the bottom of her head is visible, as whoever used this terminal last is far shorter than she is. After a few moments of this, the camera shakes and refocuses to show her face, and after double-checking it against the display on the monitor, she smiles and places her hands in her lap.

She looks tired, and the bags under her eyes have deepened from getting very little sleep this past month. ]

Well, I'm pleased to see they have heard and followed my suggestion to improve the cafeteria menu! The recent state of affairs has been simply atrocious, we can't have growing children expected to receive their necessary sustenance from such negligent offerings.

More than this, it allows little excuse for one to not eat healthfully, so I must encourage you all to observe your proper nutritional schedule each day. Should you require assistance, or perhaps more direct motivation, [ ie. her pulling you by the ear to the cafeteria ] my services remain available.

I'm glad to see local operations improving following the dreadful events of the past weeks.

[ Of course, she...doesn't know about the puffer fish soup... ]

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[ It just comes with the territory, man. She doesn't turn off the video, as it was too much trouble to turn to begin with, and just turns down to her keyboard to type a response. ]

Well, It Is Only Proper That Some Individual Assert Herself To See That These Matters Are Attended To.
Those Nutrition Bars Were Awful, It Is Necessary That Something More Appropriate Be Provided.

[Well if it's more convenient to the lady, Kuja can also switch to video and speak.]

I agree. While they were sufficient as far as sustenance went, I'd prefer something more palatable.

I have to wonder if our species has the same nutritional needs, if you don't mind my wondering.

[ Oh, good, he won't have to see her hunt and peck at the keys. ]

Even their nutritional quality was meager, at best! I believe them to be designed more as a supplement than a full meal replacement, and certainly not for the exclusive use of all meals!

Though I could not fully compare our diets with the information I have at present. My experience with humans does not extend beyond my time in this Tower, though I might imagine it cannot be too dissimilar, as we have all sustained from the same menu thus far.

[It's okay, it's been a long while since Kuja had to deal with such an interface himself, even if it's coming back to him now.]

"Meager" is a good word for them: enough to survive, but not for satisfaction. At the very least, now we have the option of trying our own hands at cooking if we are dissatisfied.

Ah, I forgot you don't consider yourselves human, although it seems the definition is narrower here and with others than I am accustomed to. Strange, really, that the Tower has mostly pulled the same subspecies of human...

[Kuja's quiet for a moment, lost in thought.]

Well, anyway, we all seem to have similar needs and functions, which is really the vital part.

We do not "consider" ourselves human? Frankly, it's a term I had never been introduced to prior to my arrival here. Just what definition do you operate by, that the one I may be familiar with is so "narrow"?

That's what another person told me; I could be mistaken.

The strict definition has to do with [how to put this delicately...] biological compatibility. However, many use it as a generic term for bipeds who don't identify with a specific nation based on subspecies.

It's really up to you, I suppose. It makes no difference to me.

((ooc: FF9 is really ambiguous about the difference but this is my speculative headcanon.))

Well, bipedal as we might be, the majority, if not totality, of our kind would identify as citizens of Alternia, with whatever alignments of state may come implied in that. Though others may associate themselves as former, as they have borne witness to the planet's destruction.

[ She folds her hands in her lap and gives a vague look. A subtle endorsement of the views she is about to express. ] While others, despite our citizenship, may not fully observe the political state thereof, nor recognize the sovereignty of Her Imperious Condescension, yet remained planetary inhabitants all the same, prior to our arrival in this locale.

[Ah, politics. Its seems to have been lost what with the wholesale removal of everyone's environment. Kuja can glean much from her words as he listens attentively.]

There is quite a difference between species and nationality: it really depends which one prioritizes.

Her Imperious Condescension... that lovely woman with the trident long as her cascading hair and sharp as her smile?

[Despite the poetry and resonating tones, it's a neutral description. That woman was lovely, for Kuja's tastes, but that meant little to him on its own. Even the most beautiful could tarnish their looks with an ugly soul.]

Begging your pardon, but the implied connection between the two was raised by yourself. I was merely explaining within the boundaries of the definition you had raised.

But it seems you have the misfortune of being familiar with her.

There are a few such situations on my planet, Gaia, that is all. I apologize for bringing my assumptions too far.

[She seems like an interesting women: he'd hate to put her off when they're just getting into a meaty conversation. Honestly, as someone not native to Gaia, the ways people organized themselves into groups interested him beyond a practical interest.]

I met her briefly, but not well. I believe her title suits her admirably.

It is of no matter, merely an argument of semantics, nothing to give cause for offense.

[ Discussing the Condesce, however, was a far less kind topic. ] I have personally encountered her twice, and neither has especially inspired me to regard her with the fealty I have thus far lacked. It would do best to avoid her, if you care for my recommendation.

[Kuja smiles and nods, accepting her gracious reply. His look sobers, however, on return to the subject of that queen or empress.]

Fealty is such a strange thing... It can compel one to accept a cruel reign or reject a benign rule. Having seen her myself, I quite agree with your assessment of her. That said, I don't see why I should worry myself, since her rule has no claim on me, even if her kingdom were still around.

[Kuja clicks around on the keys, filtering the post to the Dolorosa exclusively.]

Or is Her Condescension as imperial as her title?

In that she seeks to extend her rule to whatever reaches she may bear witness to? Yes. She is not a small threat, politically or physically, and if you are among her enemies, she will not be satisfied with your being anything less than utterly conquered beneath her heel.

A dismal sort of leader, who has no sense of restraint. As it happens, I do have some experience with such monarchs. I'm not sure if the same solution would work, but I believe I can avoid the worst of her wrath.

I hope for your success, then. I have gone the greater part of my stay here without encountering her more than once, so perhaps you shall be capable of maneuvering beyond her notice.

Pardon my negligence in introductions, I am The Dolorosa.

Thank you very much. Right now I plan to play deference, but I have no intention of playing into her spoiled little games.

No need for worry, for I am equally remiss: I am Lord Kuja. A pleasure to meet you.

Likewise, Lord Kuja. Though I must express some curiosity for your proposed submission. Is it a deception, abiding until the opportunity arises make some contradictory maneuver?

[ She's never been much for that sort of scheme, she's far too outspoken for it. ]

[While Kuja is as devious as they come.]

More or less. I find that what a ruler dearly loves is sincere validation of their rule. Or at least a good imitation.

Perhaps, but to what end would this gratification be attempted?

[Kuja smiles, arms spread wide.]

Why, so many things! Can't you think of how valuable trust and preference can be while planning someone's downfall?

Edited 2012-07-15 04:20 (UTC)

Far more difficult when you seek to convince the residents of her domain to release themselves from the yoke of her rule.

That is a far more difficult plan to pull off. Personally, I find deconstruction from the top down to be much more efficient.

[He speaks from experience, after all. If a ruler is shown to be faulty, then those under them are more likely to rebel. If one presents a new ruler that's unlike the previous one, then one can sway an entire nation to one's cause.

Kuja has the experience, after all <3]

Perhaps. We were unsuccessful to begin with, though it may be more viable here, given that she has far fewer loyalists in residence. Her powerbase is largely negligible.

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002 ♍ In Which Our Correspondent Discovers The Function Through Which To Visually Broadcast

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