maskormenace | 001 ✿ Video

001 ✿ Video

Hello, fellow imPorts.

[ A smile lights up her face -- friendly, warm, inviting. And her tone is much the same. ]

My name is Raina. As you can probably guess, I'm new to this world. But that doesn't make me any less fascinated by it. To be drawn here by forces beyond our control, given powers beyond some of our comprehension, and to have an opportunity beyond our wildest dreams to be heroes? I can't be the only one who is excited by the prospect, can I? This world is incredible. Beautiful, even.

[ Her lips purse in thought and she lowers her gaze toward her fingernails -- freshly manicured. It was one of the very first things she did since she got here, apart from buying the lovely flower dress she has on. ]

But there are things that the files and the debriefing can't explain; things that only those with experience in this world can share. And that is what I hope you'll do with me. Share.

[ Raina makes eye contact with the camera again, her smile -- still beautiful in nature -- houses something else. Something almost predatory. ]

What is it that makes you special? We were chosen for one reason or another. Perhaps you aren't aware of the reasons or perhaps you aren't comfortable sharing them over the network. I understand. We all have our secrets. But I hope at least some of you will help me understand your worlds and your lives and you, yourself. Now that we're all given a special power -- what was it that you have done with yours or what is it you will do?

I greatly look forward to meeting all of you and appreciate your time.

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[ This is a serious topic, but even so, an amused grin steals over Kitty's face. That was so charmingly twisty. So, with a bit of laughter: ]

Yeah, maybe.

[ Then, a little bit more seriously: ]

I guess - I'm just always nervous about calling people special. People can be special in the sense of being worth knowing, definitely, or being interesting. Yeah. But sometimes special ends up meaning having special rights and privileges. And that oughtn't be true for anyone.

No. You're right. And it isn't fair, especially not in this world where we are on equal ground.

[ She tilts her head, observing Kitty curiously. ]

Is this a sore subject for you? Or a simple pet peeve?

[ Oh. A bit self-consciously: ]

No, neither. Just something I feel really strongly about. Things can go really wrong when special people take over.

You must have a lot of strong beliefs. For a girl so young, so impressionable, it's refreshing to see you're anything but. Never hide your opinions, Kitty. That is an incredible trait to have because so many allow themselves to be swept away in what others think about them.

Oh. Erm -

[ Kitty can't help herself. She lets out a self-conscious sort of laugh, uncomfortable but certainly not displeased. She likes hearing all of that - quite a lot. But it seems awfully kind, and so sincere. So she tries to turn it into a silly little joke: ]

Thanks. For saying that. Though you ought to be careful - you can't blame me if you end up just wanting me to just be quiet already down the line. I've got a lot of opinions.

[ How adorable. Raina laughs softly. ]

I would never dream of wanting to silence you. It's a welcome relief, really. Most everyone else I've spoken to so far have wanted my opinions on things before offering their own.

So what are your opinions on this world? What have your experiences been like so far?

[ Kitty offers a little nod of acknowledgment and settles in to give said opinions. Well done, Raina: she has been buttered up into holding nothing back. ]

This world is...not a bad world, to be certain, but one that might be turned to a bad path quite easily. The society I come from originally is completely corrupted. The structure of it has been built so that there's no hope of change and so that oppression of the weak by the strong is just what happens. Here, things are much better. There are some genuinely decent people in charge, and ordinary citizens can speak up freely when they're dissatisfied with the way things are going, and they can protest if they want. And vote. The power structures here are not so entrenched that they can't be shifted by people dedicated to the cause.

But all of that said...I'm sure you've heard already of the threat of war with the Russians. The government is deeply devoted to hating the Soviets, and unless change is really made then they'll hurl themselves into a fight with them. Viciously. Horribly. And that could well ruin this place.

Still - the people here are good people. They're kind-hearted and generous. Really giving. And they stick up for one another. There are some places where the evil of society really filters down to ruin everyone involved, every person. This isn't one of them.

[ That was the ultimate goal! But when Kitty begins, it becomes clear to Raina why Kitty had such a strong opinion against 'special people being given power.' Her world is one where the predetermined strong prey on the weak. And in some eyes, the strong equals the ones with special privileges. But things are better here. They seem to be, in Kitty's opinion. And that would be enough to lead her away from being so against this world. Cautious, yes. Kitty's whole speech showcases her caution when it comes to trusting the government, but she isn't entirely disapproving. The number of good people she has met clearly outweighs the number of bad. ]

You mention that things are different, and yet there seems to be an underlying concern that this world could very well go the same as your own. Power always has the ability to corrupt, and if tensions between Russia and this country go as you think are possible, then we could be in trouble.

You did mention they are open to people's opinions and the public has a say when it comes to expressing dissatisfaction. Have you ever spoken up against them? You, a girl who has valuable insight into what we don't want this world to become, surely could raise awareness of such to the government? It takes a long time for seeds of doubt and awareness to harvest, and if they're not planted early enough, they run the risk of being choked out by the weeds of war.

[ Her expression tightens just a little bit into a frown. Her answer is cautious, even cagy. ]

There are better people to speak up, I think. Better than me.

[ Her brows pinch together in concern. ]

But what if no one else does?

[ She tucks her hair behind her ear. ]

Then...I will. I suppose.

[ She smiles -- proud of you, Kitty. ]

Well with any luck it won't ever come to that. Our job here is to protect this world, after all. I would hate to have to protect it from destroying itself due to in-fighting and greed and desires for power.

[ A quiet noise of consideration. ]

Do you think that's our job? Protecting this world.

I don't think we would have been pulled here and given powers, if it wasn't. It seems far too dangerous to have people like us roaming around without any set purpose.

[ A nod and a little smile. But Raina's not the only one who's hideously curious: however polite she is when she's asking, Kitty doesn't let something out of her teeth. So she presses: ]

It does, yeah. Is it something you're planning on doing? You've got powers now - are you going to use them for that purpose?

[ Raina looks at Kitty with something like exasperated amusement after her question. She holds the communicator back just so she can hold out her hand, palm up. A small light starts to form and a pink carnation grows out of the center of it, landing flat in her hand once it grows to completion. ]

This is my power. I don't think I'm going to be very useful protecting anything with it.

[ Oh - Kitty watches that with a little surprise, and then looks up to meet Raina's eyes with a warm and sympathetic smile. Yeah, that's...completely useless. Still, her voice is quite firm as she asserts: ]

What a lovely power that is. And, honestly, all the better for you.

[ A self-assured nod. ]

After all, useful means can be used to hurt, and it's all the better if you don't end up even being vaguely pressured to hurt someone, I should say. Something that can only be used to make people happy is something that is a real gift, more than...super-strength or fiery breath or any of it.

[ Raina smiles in appreciation after Kitty's compliments. Though she can tell Kitty doesn't see the benefit in this either. Which really was the plan. Unless you know the chemistry, you never truly realize how deadly flowers can be. ]

That is a good way of looking at things. As you've shown already, your insight shines through.

[ Raina twirls the stem of the flower between her fingertips. ]

But even if this is a small power, maybe there's something very large I can do with it.

[ She laughs faintly. ]

Perhaps I could send a nice bouquet to Russia with a letter asking them to cease this pointless fight?

[ Kitty answers that suggestion with a broad, genuine grin. ]

I like that idea. Really a lot. Or maybe you could cover the front lawn of the White House with flowers that spell out, Stop it, you stupid berks.

[ Raina laughs wholeheartedly. ]

I could. I may get arrested for public defacement, though. But I can't say it would be a crime I would feel terrible about committing.

I should say that being arrested for civil disobedience like that? Is a badge of pride more than anything else.

I'm glad you would think so! I may just become the most influential imPort yet.

[ There's an easy going shrug. ]

They thought my power was useless, but little did they know...

[ Raina winks at Kitty conspiratorially. ]

[ A laugh. ]

Well, I quite look forward to the way you'll shape the world.

Thank you, Kitty. I'm sure you'll be one of the first to see it.

[ Raina is all smiles. ]

It was wonderful to meet you. And I hope we can get to know each other better over the course of our time here.

[ And a broad, warm smile back at her - ]

I hope so, too, Raina. I'll talk with you later.

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