014 ♍ VIDEO

[glowsferatu]

[ Kanaya is sitting at her desk, with Ashiah laying down on it in front of her. The little grub keeps glancing around in various directions, while her mother's gaze and smile is fixed on the camera. ]

I've been thinking recently about the cross-section of the imPort community who aren't human, perhaps most particularly since the ambassador elections last month. There are a sizable amount of us, not a large group, but significant. I've spoken with many of you on individual terms, and while the resources Governor Kang and SELF have provided to those of us with more unique needs have been invaluable, I feel there is still something missing in our collective socialization. We live the imPort experience in a way that many others won't fully appreciate, and I think we could benefit from sharing those experiences with each other.

[ At this point, Ashiah tries to wander off camera, but Kanaya suppresses a giggle as she puts a hand on top of her and scoots her back into place. ]

I'm unsure exactly what form that would take, but putting us all in a room to share our stories would be at least a start. If anyone is interested, please let me know, and I'll see about renting some space. Of course, if you have any special dietary needs, in terms of snacks, I would like to hear those as well.

This is generally something I'd prefer to save until we're in person, but... [ She's interrupted as Ashiah turns around and nuzzles into her chest, then tries to climb up her shoulder. Kanaya stops and laughs to herself, then plucks her off and cradles her, despite all her fidgeting. ] Anyway, for those of you who I haven't had the pleasure with yet, my name is Kanaya Maryam, and this is my daughter, Ashiah. I'm an Alternian troll, specifically an awakened jadeblood, which basically means I'm a vampire. She's a Daughter Grub from the same planet. [ She raises a finger, shaking her head. ] And before you ask, no, she isn't a troll, and she won't grow up to be one, either. Once she finally pupates, she'll become a Mother Grub. They acted as gestational surrogates for trolls, while the jadeblooded caste were their caretakers and midwives. It's all a bit complicated, this is just a general summary.

So, hopefully we'll be able to put something together moving forward, and I'll be able to hear all of your stories, as well. I'll be looking forward to hearing from each of you.

(no subject)

[backinakidflash]

[ Bart's chilling on a swing in the park, although the swing itself isn't visible. The chains are pressed against his t-shirt, though, and the horizon is slightly swaying in the background. He's gone for a walk to think about whether he wants to make a Big Deal about this, because standing up on a soapbox and proclaiming a family member to be awesome is. Yeah, daunting. In the end, he decided that it's worth the embarrassment and whatever ribbing he might take for his sentimentality. ]

We interrupt your scheduled broadcast of humongous monsters, troll babies, and accidents to bring you this public service announcement.

As none of you know, today is National Aunts and Uncles Day. I know. You can't contain your excitement. It's OK to freak out.

[ Hang on. Is it okay to bring up something about family on the Network, or is it bragging that your family is here? He doesn't mind bragging about his family being awesome - on the whole, it is. But bragging about them being here, he doesn't want to do that. It's like rubbing salt in the wound, or something.

After a few seconds, he decides that it's probably more awkward to change the subject than to power through. He hopes people will understand. ]

Huh - actually, I'm kinda sorry I brought it up, because I know everyone's gotta be homesick, but my favorite uncle's here. It was only a three man race, sure, but he smoked the competition and this is the first year since I've known about this made-up holiday that I've been able to do anything about it. You all got Fathers Day and Mothers Day at some point. The universe owes me this one.

[ Getting so far off the track now. He better rein it back in before one of the more separation of name and codename types - like the one he's making the whole post about - has his head for naming specific relatives that aren't here. ]

So, uh. If you see Max Crandall today, be awesome to him even if he's being boring and cranky? I think I'm too old to make him a card, but I can try to give him a good day.

Oh yeah. I dunno if they'll never see this, but I'm giving a shout-out to my other aunts and uncles. Official and not. Even the one I've never met. I bet you're awesome; I know your daughter is.

[ He shrugs as if the statement is lighter than he means it to be. ]

You never know when people will turn up here, amirite?

All this needs is a BBQ, and it'll be my third favorite holiday. Hey, Uncle Max, you want to go get barbecue with me?