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.

Comments

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[glowsferatu]

If you ask nicely.

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[helpline]

Would said teleporter mind joining me on a journey of lakes? Pretty please?

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[glowsferatu]

Very well! Get me a list of lakes and a time you want to go, I'll do my best to work with it.

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[helpline]

I might get kidnapped to go on a road trip soon but I'll text you the details when I get them.

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[glowsferatu]

Alright! At least you know you'll be kidnapped beforehand, that's convenient.

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[helpline]

Well you've got to plan things like kidnapping when you've got kids. It's only logical!

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[glowsferatu]

If your kidnappers are considerate, perhaps. I only hope to be so lucky, should I ever be kidnapped in the future.

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[helpline]

Well the easy answer to that is find nice kidnappers.

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[glowsferatu]

That goes beyond the typical prerogative of a kidnapper, doesn't it?

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[helpline]

Again, depends on your kidnappers! I've accidentally been a kidnapper a few times and I'd say that I'm nice.

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[glowsferatu]

Given that kidnapping isn't generally a very nice activity, there could be some room to dispute that claim.

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[helpline]

I'll need to repopularize 'fun kidnapping' then.

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[glowsferatu]

If you really think it's due for a rebranding!

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[helpline]

I think it's past due for a rebranding.

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[glowsferatu]

You could always start by calling yourself Dr. Kidnapper!

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[helpline]

I'll use that as an alias the next time somebody does something pesky like asking for "my full name". Oddly enough, they have a lot of trouble believing John Disco.

[ wow gee I wonder why..... ]

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[glowsferatu]

Isn't Disco a sort of dance? Johnny Disco does sound pretty fake.

But then, I suppose imPorts have fake-sounding names all the time.

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[helpline]

And a sort of music! Hold on, I'm sure I can find some to play for you.

[ SORRY KANAYA you're about to discover the joy of Donna Summer and Chic. ]

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[glowsferatu]

[ No apologies, everyone knows Le Freak is so Chic. ]

It would have to be, wouldn't it? One can't very well dance without music.

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[helpline]

One can but you'd look stupid.

[ and here, the Doctor plays this world's version of Stayin' Alive He's obviously enjoying the hell out of this. ]

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[glowsferatu]

[ She lets it play, with an expression of serious contemplation, as if she's carefully studying it. It's quickly undermined as her shoulders start grooving to the beat, though. ]

I think I've heard this somewhere, but I couldn't tell you where. Somewhere I wasn't really listening to the music playing, I'm sure.

I can certainly see how someone could dance to this.

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[helpline]

Disco and funk, the best things from the 1970s! I don't know why my past self who was stuck on Earth during that time didn't appreciate this as much as he should.

[ because yeah, the Doctor's just bopping his head along to the Bee Gees. ]

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[glowsferatu]

I could say we have some excuse, with how much Earth culture there is to catch up on for a new arrival. But if you were there when it was contemporary, well. There's certainly more to regret.

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[helpline]

I was a bit of a snob when I was younger—I think that's a good enough excuse.

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[glowsferatu]

That's one of the problems with getting older, looking back on your younger self with shame. But, hopefully, recognizing the fault in ours pasts means we've gotten better in our present.