eighth scroll - backdated to before the ball [ video ; open with one lock ]

[girlworthfighting]

Greetings, all.

I trust by now everyone has heard of the resurrected...creatures that have been stalking around the outskirts of the city, and so for me to mention at one point I had among them a "double" of my own hopefully will come as not too much of a surprise.

I've heard by now that my particular double surfaced about two weeks past, and was dispatched. My apologies to anyone it may have threatened in the meantime. I sincerely hope none of you were too injured by it, if at all.

However... [She shifts uncomfortably, swallowing.] My body at the time of my death had a sword still in its possession. Well-cared for but probably visibly old to even a novice, with a plainly decorated scabbard. The sword did not turn up among my remains, and despite my best attempts to retrace the being's path I have yet to find it.

My hopeful conclusion is that it was dropped somewhere along the way and, unclaimed, someone out here found it. I am claiming it now. I will make no game about it: that sword is very important to me. If you have it, I will barter almost any favor or recompense for it's return. I would be most grateful if you contacted me immediately. Thank you.

[She hesitates.]

Oh -- and, in case any of you already among my acquaintances had somehow not yet heard, I suppose this accounts as my official notification of "I'm alive again".

My apologies for not doing this any sooner. There...didn't seem to be much to say.

[She's frowning uncomfortably to herself as she turns off the feed. After a minute of reflection she turns it back on again.]

[Private to Loki]

Well...if you were waiting for a chance to say "I told you so", I think I just gave you a big opening.

Comments

[Video]

[colonialcopy]

[At the mention of the sword and the bone creatures, Sharon's interest was caught. The look of this woman's hair matched the thing she'd evaded in the forest, as well.

The camera pans over the sword, so Mulan can see it, confirm it's identity.]

Is this the sword you're talking about?

[Video]

[girlworthfighting]

[Her recognition and relief is visible.]

It is. Oh, thank the Ancestors someone did find it after all! I was trying not to think...

[She forcibly stops to try and get a better hold on herself. Swallows.]

Thank you. You must be a more recent arrival, I don't think we've yet met. My name is Fa Mulan.

[Video]

[colonialcopy]

[Sharon smiles warmly, glad to have helped]

I'm Lieutenant Sharon Agathon, of the Battlestar Galactica. And yeah, that's right. I crashlanded here a few weeks ago. Right after those bone things turned up, I think.

It's nice to meet you.

[Video]

[girlworthfighting]

You as well, Lieutenant. Especially under these circumstances.

Is there anything I can do for you in exchange?

[Video]

[colonialcopy]

[Sharon pauses, considering.]

If you're willing, I could use a little help moving parts to town. My ship crashed here and I'd like to move it closer so I can repair it without dealing with the local wildlife.

Of course, it'll take more than just us, but I'd appreciate it.

[Video]

[girlworthfighting]

It's a small price to pay, really. I would be more than happy to help. Maybe I can even assist you in roping in a few more volunteers.

[Video]

[colonialcopy]

[Sharon's grin widens.]

That'd be fantastic, thank you! And, if you don't mind my asking, what's the significance of this particular sword?

[Video]

[girlworthfighting]

[She hesitates...she doesn't mind, exactly, it's only something she hasn't spoken of very often.]

It belonged to my father.

He was a soldier before me.

[Video]

[colonialcopy]

Ah, alright.

[She nods in understanding. Family and sentimentality, then.]

Well, where should I deliver it?

Video

[genoshas_general]

It is good to have you back.

Video

[girlworthfighting]

"Good to be back", I think, is the standard response in these situations.

Sorry I haven't been around much. At times I haven't felt like much socializing.

Video

[genoshas_general]

Better to have a kind of immortality, I think. That should be useful.

I understand.

Video

[girlworthfighting]

Useful, yes. But...trying, at times. I don't know about you but I don't exactly plan on taking too much advantage. At least not on purpose.

Video

[genoshas_general]

It's a safety net. I'd rather not, it isn't exactly pleasant. But it's better to have it.

Video

[girlworthfighting]

I worry it might invoke the habit of taking foolish chances. Unnecessary risks.

Video

[genoshas_general]

Or enable us to take necessary ones.

Video

[girlworthfighting]

There's a certain mindset one invokes when they go into a battle prepared to die. It's not always compatible with a day to day life.

[Video]

[attention_wenches]

Why, have I told you something?

[That would imply she's listened to something he's said at some point. Doesn't seem likely.]

[Video - Private]

[girlworthfighting]

[Why you gotta be like that, Loki. Considering she made the first gesture, she has to swallow back on her irritation at his response. It's...mostly successful.]

What you said before, about not wanting, or not seeing the need to tell anyone you were back again after you died.

Pardon me if I don't remember the exact wording. But I think we both get the general idea.

[attention_wenches]

[Because he his a little shit.]

Ah, yes, that. It is a bit socially awkward, yes?

[girlworthfighting]

I have been near death before. I assumed afterward, one would feel the same way. I was wrong.

[A beat, because this is the hardest part to say.]

I'm sorry.

[attention_wenches]

We've both managed to die. Might as well call it even.

[He'll just assume she means the apology for that specific lecture only.]

[girlworthfighting]

I wasn't apologizing for the fact that I died.

[attention_wenches]

I didn't really think you were.

[girlworthfighting]

[Here we go again.]

So are you deliberately trying to talk your way around having an actual conversation, or am I once again misreading you?