005 ♍ video

[glowsferatu]

[ kanaya's in the garage again, but the door's open, sunlight pouring through it. she's in a green tank and black leggings, a bandanna tying back her hair, various paint splotches on her arms hinting at what she's busying herself with today. on her workbench is a brush and easel, all of the colors monochrome and drab.

unlike her previous addresses, she's already put out her cigarette rather than in the middle of it. that should cut down on unwanted lectures. though the content of her message may bring them in an entirely different form. ]

You see, this is something I will never quite understand. Here we are, sitting at the brink of war, and all anyone can talk about is voting rights. Very typically American of you. [ not that some of the people loudest about it are even american. but america, democracy, she tends to conflate the two. ] The question shouldn't be why unsettled imPorts can't vote, but why can the registered? I am a registered imPort, but I'm not an American citizen, I'm not even a citizen of Earth! Merely a resident.

Think about this, we are temporary immigrants to this world. When more permanent refugees come to live here on escaping their native lands, they have long, complicated processes to undergo before they are allowed the benefits of citizenry. Should any of us be given better treatment of those? Should I be allowed to make decisions that may affect this nation's future when these are not allowed it, when I may not even be here to experience the full consequences of those decisions? I don't think I should, neither do I think any of you should. Wherever you have come from, we are all of us aliens to this world. That isn't something we should be forgetting. You should get used to the fact that you don't belong, like some of us have always known.

I'd much rather our attention be directed to the blockade threatening Alaska. The rest of this is little more than a distraction.

But if distraction is what you're after, as the world must continue should it not abruptly end, we are all aware of the season upon us. Ghastly ghouls are all about these days. So, should we not have all died by the time Halloween is upon us, perhaps you might join us monsters at the Devil's Nest in Maurtia Falls to celebrate.

[ she gets up to move the camera, and it shifts as she holds it, spinning around to face the wall. stretched out across it is a massive sheet of paper, painted simply in grey brick, only half dingy. she's still detailing. on the floor are a few paint cans and rollers. ]

I'm working on the decor now.

Drinks are 10% off, should you arrive in costume, and there will be a drinking contest with a $100 prize, for those who pay the $10 entry fee. But just imagine how much you may potentially get from that $10, even if you shouldn't win!

[ she turns the camera back around, in a sort of awkward selfie angle. ] Our hours will be 3pm to 6am, so come early and stay all night, as you please. We hope to see you there on the 31st.

Good luck in the meantime.

Comments

[exsithstential]

Ah, I believe an apology is in order. I was speaking from within the frame of view of those that are protesting the issue.

My point was that their belief is that the issue is one of subjugation. I'm not suggesting that I believe it is one myself. And while we cannot change the situation people are viewing with such vehemence, we should work to change their perspective.

[glowsferatu]

Then imagine my answer to be what I would say to them. I don't necessarily think you are now throwing a tantrum, but tantrums have been thrown and I have little patience to give them.

I've offered the exact perspective I think they need to adopt. That's what I intended with my opening address. Kind lives and democracy have spoiled them, and they need to open their eyes to the reality of what they now face.

[exsithstential]

Indeed. But my own feelings on the subject aside, I understand that you are upset that way people are reacting. You believe there is a lot of commotion over something you don't see value in.

And you also stated that the energy being wasted on it could be directed to more productive uses.

If you could have a say in import affairs what would you want us to do in this moment and going foward?

[glowsferatu]

If I had a say in more productive directions for us to expend energy, beyond the obvious attention to spare for Alaska, is to reinforce our infrastructure. If we are worried about housing being compromised for unsettled imPorts, we should ensure that an alternative is available.

[exsithstential]

That's a fair point. I've actually considered that. Housing, medical and financial support for new arrivals. Regardless of registration status.

Perhaps that's a project imports as a whole could come together on to develop. I know there are a few programs out there already, but I feel like we could do so much more.

[glowsferatu]

We do have the imPort Fund already, to supply optional need. But expanding the scope of it will be needed. Setting up a permanent housing position of our own, ensuring that it is managed on enough levels that exports will not present any difficulty for it.

Like an apartment building, communally owned.

[exsithstential]

Not a bad idea. Although a financially challenging concept, the end result would be a lasting sentiment of import security and self reliance for those that abstain from registration.

[He strokes his chin, considering.]

I'll... look into this. I have an idea where we might get the needed support.

[glowsferatu]

Do you? Where is that?

[exsithstential]

Let me look into it. I'll get back to you if it's within the realm of possibilities.

[glowsferatu]

Alright, I'll keep my ears open, then. I suppose I should wish you the best of luck.

[exsithstential]

I appreciate it. Though I think it's more accurate to say you wish us luck.