maskormenace | 014 ♍ VIDEO

[ 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I don't think it would be anything particularly new for them to be intimidated by you! Though that may be a matter of degree. And then, for the same reason, I would like to think no one would be stupid enough to launch an attack on Starrware!

But I don't know how much we can really affect how others react to us, we can only control the way we are presented. I don't know if I really understand what the dichotomy is meant to be between Karen Starr and Power Girl, what portions of yourself are reserved for one or the other.

But I do know that it must be a privilege, for me to be able to see the full picture.

[ No one can ever tell what the bad guys will do! ]

Thank you, Kanaya. That's sweet. [ She smiles fondly. ] I don't consider myself a completely different person as either, but Karen's smart and savvy and Power Girl is a no-nonsense, brash woman.

Instead of being smart and no-nonsense, savvy yet brash all in the same moment. They're aren't wholly separate people, just different facets of the same gem.

I've got something of an "unpleasant" reputation back home.

What, as a dubiously polite way to avoid calling you "bitchy"? There's nothing wrong with being bitchy, some people really need to be thoroughly bitched at.

[ She gets that reputation all too often herself, but not with anyone she actually cares about. Which is probably why she got that reputation in the first place. ]

I've been called a "bitch" and plenty of other nasty things.

[ And it will probably never cease. ]

The fact is a lot of people, men especially, can't handle the idea of a confident, stubborn woman. I've no doubt if I was a man they would be patting my back.

Personally, it's a reputation I don't mind. I'd rather be seen as intimidating than weak. [ Said with all the bitterness of a recovering doormat. ] The people who really matter know better.

My thoughts exactly. I don't like to waste my time with morons who underestimate me.

Only the bad guys. Makes taking them down easier for me.

Having a reputation for being "nice" would only make your enemies underestimate you, make you more open to the sorts of attack you hope the secret identity will protect you from.

But, also, to draw so many lines in the sand only makes it a bigger deal when you cross them. No one expects me to be nice to a bad guy who doesn't deserve it.

I don't do "nice" with the bad guys, but a good number of them like to assume I'm weak because I'm not Superman.

The looks on their faces when they realize they're messing with the wrong person, ha.

Oh, anyone who takes you for weak deserves everything he gets!

I appreciate the support.

What can I say? I don't think it should ever just progress in the single direction.

Well, for that I'll definitely see about coming to that meeting then. Do you have an idea of when you want to hold it?

Sometime in early August, all depending on how quickly I can arrange a venue. I'll put out a call when I have an exact date.

If you find a place but the cost is more than you anticipated, let me know, too.

I know, and I will. You'll be the first I notify once I have something.

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