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

[mamadonna]

[ 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... ]

Comments

[iron_infidel]

[He heads over to her and gives a bow of his head in greeting. A small laugh echoes withing his throat at the comment.]

I did not. It seemed that I was not as informed about your location as I had previously thought.

[mamadonna]

[ She takes up her speak and steps away from the computer terminal to a door not five feet away, a hand indicating the placard on it. ]

This is my respiteblock, room 1-01. Generally, should I utilize the online functions this Tower is equipped with, it will be from this terminal here.

Shall we eat, then?

[iron_infidel]

[He gives a nod of understanding and gestures to the exit.]

I think we shall.

[mamadonna]

Well, let's be off then.

[ She takes him by the hand and leads him down the hall. ]

[iron_infidel]

[He follows close behind her, mimicking that of a small quack beast.]

Any good food other then oatmeal this time?

[mamadonna]

Oh, the oatmeal needed only be the initial offering. The cafeteria is open once more and with a far expanded menu.

No more of the nutrition bars, gladly.

[iron_infidel]

Expanded? I am hoping there will be a decent menu of choices and some meat. Or perhaps a good glass of warm water with some herbs in it. That might be nice.

[mamadonna]

Would you genuinely satisfy yourself with a simple glass of water if they fail to stock anything with meat?

Oh, it's a moot point either way, as I'm certain they do.

[iron_infidel]

Water will suffice, it is the life that keeps our hearts beating.

[He let out a soft laugh.]

I do apologize that was quite cliche.

[mamadonna]

Not to mention dreadfully inaccurate! We can no more live solely by water than we can grubloaf. There are greater needs our bodies present which must be met.

[iron_infidel]

[He lets out a small laugh.]

This is true. Irregardless I wished to discuss some things with you. How many trolls are here?

[mamadonna]

[ She pauses, then frowns. ]

Well, I haven't encountered them in their entirety, and others I have not seen in weeks, so their current status is unknown to me.

But we are perhaps beyond a dozen? I can't give a more accurate count, I'm afraid. The majority of them are rather young.

[iron_infidel]

I guessed that the most of us would be young. It seems to be that case and yet it is odd, they act as if they have never seen an adult troll before.

[He pauses.]

I do not recall young living among-st adults on our planet, but we still lived along side them. They act as if they have never seen an older troll. It is strange.

[mamadonna]

It is a phenomena I have similarly encountered, but sadly I can offer no illumination to justify the impulse.

For some, my higher caste inspires an unfortunate discomfort, but this is understandable, and an impression I have put a considerable effort into dispelling.

[iron_infidel]

It would be a good outcome to strive for. However it is understandable why they do fear such a blood color. Or those that would have a higher blood caste.

Which brings me to my nest question. Is there others like us here? Who exactly? If you know.

[mamadonna]

Beyond the three of us? Some of the children have been receptive, and they are largely the only individuals I have approached on the topic.

But I don't believe one should have specific reasons to fear one of my caste. Honestly, I would be surprised if they have met more than a single example of it, if any, prior to their arrival here.