Aid Cactea, First Bloom

a digital affini, a ghost. I offer support to "feralists" in the hopes that giving them an understanding outlet will allow them a smoother transition to the compact

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

My name is Aid Cactea [xe/xem, but they/it works fine], I am a digital Affini, but I have several bodies I use for interacting with this world grown from Echeveria gibbiflora.

I enjoy making tea and horror stories.

While I do not personally understand having a Floret for myself, I still wish to bring support and care to any xenosophont that requires it. My main aim to provide support to "ferals" that appears to be aligned with their goals and motives, so that they may have an easier time meshing with the world of the compact.

I currently plan to take @l-quione as a ward

[ASKS ARE OPEN]

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

[Aid is focused in their hab, cleaning up. Xe forgot how much of a "trace" other things left, they would have to get better at not hypeefocusing on this kind of thing. It's not like it's a bad trace, @l-quione Lilian was always polite of the area. If not too polite, it just wanted her to relax. Thinking about Lilian, her situation, her history, her relaxing- it made xer core at the very bottom of their once empty fortress buzz. It's a new feeling.

.

.

Aid finished tidying up before drifting away from this current body. It can handle the rest without focusing. Their mind, their focus, floating aimlessly in information, swims itself through the info. Only their thoughts and xer feelings as they come to in their 'Fred Ives' variant body. They and Lilian are making their way to @purple-pitcher-perfect Purpurea Venosa's hab for a playdate between the ward and Venosa's Florets ( @dustra-floret Moss, @julie-venosa-4th-flort Juliet, and Eloise). Aside from a few words and nods, it was a rather quiet walk. Wishing she'd share her thoughts more made xer core buzz again. It finally speaks up] Lilian, despite how early it is in your wardship, this is a big step. Proving you can interact in a friendly manner with other Affini and Florets face to face will bring us forward by miles in your case. From what I can see in my records, they are a friendly bunch, and shouldn't make you too nervous. Even if it does, I gave you a calming mix of xenodrugs before we left. Though if any of this does make you uncomfortable, in a way even your current dosage cannot quell, inform me.

[The two arrive in front of the beautiful hab. Despite maintaining their calm and quick demeanor, xe's more nervous than they can be with this. It has been a while since a body they've been focused in was around another Affini, only recently opening back up. They glance down at xer ward, for a moment their hologram eyes flash with nerve, before regaining their analyzing look.] We [no.] You got this. [Aid knocks on the door.]

(ooc sorry this took me a minute, been focusing on some other stuff)

[l-quione]

Lilian's morning had been standard for the times. A brief moment of stretching and calisthenics, a meal, a cup of tea, a shower, as close to normal as she'd ever felt since the Cascadia. However, by the time late morning came, the real upset began... They knew this day was coming, but it still brought a bad taste in their mouth.

The idea of meeting other florets face to face gave Lilian pause, but she wasn't in much of a position to say no. She listened as they walked to the Venosa residence, nodding every few minutes with Aid's words. The small prick in her arm as they had walked out the door that morning suddenly made a bit more sense to Lilian. The familiar calming sensation of Class E should be more recognizable to her, but it seemed to blend into the background and at least put her mind at ease.

"I'll do my best. As long as they... Keep their hands to themselves. I'd rather not have florets hanging off of me. Or another Affini, for that matter..." She'd been rather grateful of Aid so far, the xeno was good at maintaining boundaries during their time as ward and case worker. Judging by how a lot of other wardships on record have gone, Lilian felt lucky.

The only thing that gave Lilian any real amount of anxiety after that was Aid's brief lapse in speech. We? We got this? What did that mean? Was her case worker nervous??

She didn't have much time to process it before she was thrust into the moment.

Now or never.

[purple-pitcher-perfect]

Well hello there dearie! Come in, come in! I believe I met your ward briefly during the lead up to the rescue. How wonderful you look already! My florets are wonderful dolls just dying to be played with.

[Purpurea winds up Juliette, a delicate clockwork doll]

Doll, be a dear and get the fruit tarts I made this morning from the kitchen. We have company!

Moss, my wonderful wildflower of a plush, can get a bit rambunctious. Just give him a good squeeze if he gets too much~

I believe Éloïse is out in the garden, if you would like to picnic out there~

[julie-venosa-4th-flort]

Yes, Winder!

[She goes to the kitchen, returning with a tray of the aforementioned tarts]

[purple-pitcher-perfect]

Thank you, my dear! Isn’t my darling dolly so precious?

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

[Aid properly and quickly adjusts xer body, shaving any small signs of nerve they had] It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Purpurea. This is my ward Lilian Quione, though I assume you already knew that.[xe lightly nudges Lilian forward] I believe this is her first time interacting with florets in person, so she might be a little shy.

[it's vine reaches towards Juliet and pets her] and yes, this little doll is precious, such a fast change from what I can see from records of her.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

[Aid is focused in their hab, cleaning up. Xe forgot how much of a "trace" other things left, they would have to get better at not hypeefocusing on this kind of thing. It's not like it's a bad trace, @l-quione Lilian was always polite of the area. If not too polite, it just wanted her to relax. Thinking about Lilian, her situation, her history, her relaxing- it made xer core at the very bottom of their once empty fortress buzz. It's a new feeling.

.

.

Aid finished tidying up before drifting away from this current body. It can handle the rest without focusing. Their mind, their focus, floating aimlessly in information, swims itself through the info. Only their thoughts and xer feelings as they come to in their 'Fred Ives' variant body. They and Lilian are making their way to @purple-pitcher-perfect Purpurea Venosa's hab for a playdate between the ward and Venosa's Florets ( @dustra-floret Moss, @julie-venosa-4th-flort Juliet, and Eloise). Aside from a few words and nods, it was a rather quiet walk. Wishing she'd share her thoughts more made xer core buzz again. It finally speaks up] Lilian, despite how early it is in your wardship, this is a big step. Proving you can interact in a friendly manner with other Affini and Florets face to face will bring us forward by miles in your case. From what I can see in my records, they are a friendly bunch, and shouldn't make you too nervous. Even if it does, I gave you a calming mix of xenodrugs before we left. Though if any of this does make you uncomfortable, in a way even your current dosage cannot quell, inform me.

[The two arrive in front of the beautiful hab. Despite maintaining their calm and quick demeanor, xe's more nervous than they can be with this. It has been a while since a body they've been focused in was around another Affini, only recently opening back up. They glance down at xer ward, for a moment their hologram eyes flash with nerve, before regaining their analyzing look.] We [no.] You got this. [Aid knocks on the door.]

(ooc sorry this took me a minute, been focusing on some other stuff)

[l-quione]

Honey and lemons were considered rarities that not many Accord citizens would ever have easy access to.

Now I put them in something as frivolous as tea.

I feel... Almost guilty.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

I'm glad you are enjoying yourself. Have you compiled yourself any sweets yet, or would you prefer those are also handmade? I'll make muffins right now if you want some.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

Welcome to the compact @l-quione Lilian. As I stated in my offer while under my care we will work together to give you a choice in domestication, as much of one as you can get at the very least. I've gotten you a rather lengthy ward-ship period of a month.

[my current body, grown from the "Metallica" variant of my base plant, guides you into my hab. You enter into a room with a glass mural. Its colors shift almost like it's made of different screens, but the light coming through it is all natural. Something about the way the colors shine on you is calming.]

This is the entryway,, I designed the mural myself. To the right is the living room of the hab. [A giant room with an Affini sized chair and couch, alongside a Terran sized couch and table.] If anything is not to your comfort, inform me and I will accommodate. To the left of the entryway is the kitchen and your bedroom. Lastly [xe taps the glass with its faux fingers. The rainbow of lights that was washing over you slowly disappears as the mural rises up into the ceiling. It's also a door to a garden growing different leafs and fruits, with a spiral staircase leading downward in the center.]

[they lead you down the staircase. The first thing you see is xer core. Surrounded by succulent bulbs, vines and rosettes. Wires are entangled and hooked into the vines. It's a beautiful mesh of the nature and technology that makes up your new warden. The light buzzing from the core and wires gives off a similar calming effect to the mural.] This is where my core and different bodies are kept.

-

-

Even though I will be more lenient than most other wardens, you are still considered under my care, so you will be cared for. [It's vines scoop you up and bring you to the living room. You are set on the Affini couch. Light amounts of class As are administered through a near unnoticeable needle produced from one of its vines] How would you describe your previous living conditions on your ship [xe scratches your head a bit while they produce a cup of plain black tea] How did you keep yourself maintained?

[l-quione]

The Terran woman was a bundle of silent nerves from the moment she'd been plucked from the Cascadia, up to the point where she was taken to the front door of Aid's hab unit. Her muscles were tense, her jaw was tight as though wired shut, and her walk was more like a march. As she was brought inside, she greeted Aid with nothing more than a single firm nod.

For a brief moment, the patterns and lights from the window mural seemed like they were close to sending Lillian's thoughts spiraling. However, her Warden relieved her of the bewitching artpiece just in time, and she snapped back into clarity. She straightened her spine and stiff-walked along with Aid once more. "I will... Let you know if I need anything." She spoke with a quiet and flat tone, but enunciated with the discipline of a proper naval officer.

The deeper into the Affini's dwelling she moved, the more she looked like she was a split moment away from fleeing. However, she stayed where she was supposed to, and remained in her silence. The first bit of proper emotion she gave that entire day was shock as they entered the server room. The core of an Affini... It was almost unbelievable. It gave Lilian the uneasy feeling of seeing a Terran heart, but somehow even more uncanny... The incessant sound surrounding her was no help, and it filled her with a panic as she remembered Salt's advice...

The Biorhythm.

Lillian's blood ran cold, and she took a step back while steeling herself to focus on anything but that damnable noise... Unfortunately, her intense focus was enough to leave her easily open to Aid's advances. She shouted in fear as she was lifted without warning, and she began to struggle.

"He-hey, wait, stop, I can wa--" She barely had a chance to resist before the slightest pinch was felt in her flesh, and suddenly she was awash in sensation... Her pupils dilated, her ears rang, and she felt... Better than she had in years.

She was dropped onto the oversized furniture, and gained a bit of relief as she felt the mug of tea in her hands. She gripped it tightly and let the heat and aroma ground her as her mind spun. It took her a moment to fully process Aid's questioning. "I... The ship... The Cascadia... It was fine, for a Terran vessel. Captain Price kept a tight ship. We were underfed for a time, but..." She gave a heavy swallow as she was reminded of the sorrow she felt, the day her first crewmate went missing. "Rationing got easier as parts of the crew began to disappear. I bided my time with exercise and work... It was bitter, but it was manageable."

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

"Manageable" ... Hm [xe finally takes note of the poor girl's nerves] my apologies, Lilian. I may have been too eager to show you my hab, I had also assumed you were still under the effects of the xenodrugs given to you while being transported here. Allow me a moment to calm you. [Several vines rise out of the Affini's main shape. They fall onto the terran and deliver pets, while also slinking over any exposed skin and injecting the girl with class Es to calm her] Again, my apologies.

While your previous self-maintenance and habits have served you well in your situation, "good enough" is not good enough on the compact. Ideally our time together will help you come to realize that you are entitled to better than "good enough", this is a mindset that will bring you far in the compact. [Sounds of clinking and motion come from the kitchen, a delicious smell fills the air] While my other body finishes preparing dinner, I have a few more questions I would like to ask. What are your hobbies? What did you do before joining the accords Navy? [Xe produce xer own cup of tea, a mouth forms on their face as xe takes a sip.]

[l-quione]

"Listen, I do the best with what I have, if that's--" Her entire body doubles over as she feels that needle stick into her flesh. It's in that moment, when she feels the second dose of xenodrugs, she realizes...

"You're drugging me. You've been drugging me."

The combination of Classes A and E lead her words to sound more like flat statements, rather than the accusations they were meant to be. "I'm... Not supposed to be... A floret... You can't do this." She stumbles over her words, and her hands grip her mug ever tighter, seeking the comfort of it while her mind falls into the feedback loop of wanting to panic but being unable to.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

You are not a floret. You are a nervous member of a xenosophont species. The fact you got here at all without another Affini scooping you up and doing the same is rather surprising. [Xe remove xer vines from petting them. A new one rises near their head, being still you can see the needle on it.] I am not flooding your senses like some of my peers would choose to do, if anything I'm gently easing you into it. I can apply the counter agent to the xenodrugs if you would prefer. [They take another sip from xer cup. The holograms that make up this body's eyes gently locked on to you, awaiting an answer] The class Es keep you calm and the As enhance the way sensation feels. Would you prefer to be a panicking, nervous mess? If so we can look into a more immediate domestication with another Affini. [Their head tilts. Xer eyes still locked.]

[l-quione]

Lilian eyes the needle with apprehension, slowly moving away from it as she sips her tea. "That... Won't be necessary." She replied with some amount of defeat, reading the obvious threat for what it is.

"As for your questions... I did a lot of reading before the Navy, hiking as well. The natural landscape of Terra was... Frankly miserable, but it was a chance to escape the Accord breathing down my neck for a day. It helped me clear my head."

She sighs and sets her mug down, leaning back in the couch, "As for what I did... Nothing. I joined the military academy straight after my compulsory education. I never had any other job besides the armed forces."

She thought about her first day in the academy. Nerves. Uncertainty. She never wanted to join, but it promised to be better than following in her father's footsteps as part of the soulless Accord bureaucracy. "I suppose 'good enough' could indeed stand to be better."

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

Lilian, together we will work on further developing your hobbies, and your comfort in the Compact overall. Before I finish that thought [xe picks you up, granted much more gently than before as to not startle you, and walks into the kitchen where another body grown from the 'Mauna Loa' hybrid of their base plant is setting up the table. You are placed in a seat that while it fits you, it is pushed closer to the table than the bigger Affini chairs. Your tea is gently set next to a plate of rice and curry.] Let me know how I did.

We have a lot of work to do, little one. My goal is as I originally stated it to be, to give you as much of a choice in domestication as I can get you. Not every Affini is a feralbreaker who wants to scrub you of all you are, not every floret is an unthinking pleasure-bound slave. I am more than certain however, that if I didn't get to you when I did, you would've woken up on the compact in the vines of one of those feralbreakers, unable to recall anything before being in those vines. Knowing only your Affini. I do not want you to fall into that fate, even after our ward-ship if you are deemed a capable independent, there's always a chance you'll slip up and display old feral or below satisfactory behaviors that'll end with you getting domesticated for your own good. I will do everything in my power to make sure you are comfortable, social, happy- and if you should choose so- independent. [The new body sits down while the "Metallica" one goes off to deal with something else, handing over xer tea cup, taking another sip of their tea. While xer eyes are still holograms in this body, you can read just how serious they are about wanting to help you in them.]

Tomorrow we have a vet check up for you. We will also "take a stroll" afterwards around the hab ring we are in so that you may get more accustomed to the area and other Affini in public. I am also arranging a meet-up with another Affini and her florets so that you can also get used to more closely interacting with florets and other Affini, beyond in-passing and overnet messages. [Another needle is pricked into you, it alleviates some of the slower motor functions from the class Es while not removing enough of their calming effects, so that you may easily use the utensils in front of you.]

You will have a choice in how your life unfolds in the compact. That, I promise. [Its eyes get serious for a second, before softening up again to their typical relaxed focus look]

What kind of books did you enjoy reading? I personally enjoy horror stories.

[l-quione]

This Affini, for all their fast-paced talking, actually managed to put Lilian at something like ease.

You will have a choice in how your life unfolds in the compact. That, I promise.

It caused something to pull at Lilian's cheeks. Not a smile, no, but a ghost of one. Easily mistaken for anything else. She gives a firm nod to Aid, and finally takes up her utensils to begin eating. Her face lights up. The tea has been refreshing after so long going without, but this? Food? A real meal? Not rations, and not a care package of non-perishables? It was incredible. For the first time in so very long, Lilian Quione's eyes lit up.

She ate heartily, and between bites she replied.

"Thrillers, mysteries... Ro-romances. From time to time. When I could find them. Books of any stripe are hard to come by in the Accord. Were- hard to come by..." She corrected herself with a small frown. It was still so strange to think about.

The Accord was no more.

Her life as she had known it for over 20 years. Gone.

She shook her head and sighed, leaning back in her seat.

"These florets, and these Affini I'll be meeting... What do they know of me? Do they have... Intentions?"

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

I'm glad you like it. Intentions? Other than being friends with you, not that I'm aware. You might recognize them, it is Purperea Venosa and her florets. From what I can see they are a rather friendly, playful bunch. You will also get a more personal look at what compact medicine is capable of, as they are all dolls of some sort. Our abilities in body modifications are well beyond anything the Accord released to the public.

Speaking of body modif- [xe stop xerself. For just a moment it enters a deep, thinking trance, and then resumes] that.. can wait for the time. I have introduced you to a lot today, it might be tiring you out and I do not wish to overwhelm. If you are getting tired I can lead you to your bedroom again, but if not, you have a lights-out at the universal time of 22;00. A "bedtime". It may seem demeaning, but this too, is rather lax all things considered.

[they seem lost in thought again before continuing] I wonder .. if you are interested in expanding the amount of physical books you have read, I have amassed quite a collection of physical terran media in the library next to your room. This room is quite special to me. None of the books, discs, tapes or anything else in there is compiled. They are all physical copies that have existed pre-post-scarcity on terra. I do hope you take a moment to indulge at some point. You seem to have lived a very strained life.

I already have what's needed for breakfast tomorrow, but if you desire something specific for one of the other home-made meals, inform me. I am also currently taking a moment to prepare a wardrobe for you, I have a pretty decent idea, but would like your input. What would you wear outside of your uniform or loungewear?

[l-quione]

It's day 6

It almost feels strange to keep this as a formal log now.

I've survived the ordeal that led me to keeping the log to begin with, and...

Honestly? I'm fed, I'm clothed, I'm not dead, and I have awoken from the best sleep I've had since I was a child. It's hard to deny, almost as hard as it is to admit it.

I still worry for my crew. My captain. The captain and crew of the Prima Victoria as well. I hope they live. I hope they're as peaceful.

Lilian Quione

I remain.

[october-val-ramet]

I don’t think you do remain champ .

You got GOT

[l-quione]

I live.

At this point, that's enough for me.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

You are, in fact, alive. The vet check up confirmed such things. One could make the argument on whether or not you're living, however.

Which is why, the next thing we are doing, is seeing what kind of sweets you enjoy.

[l-quione]

Nine months ago on the Cascadia, I ran out of the last of my tea that I'd stashed away from our last port of call.

It's almost strange to have such easy access to it now.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

If you ever wish to experiment with flavors beyond plain black, my entire garden is dedicated to growing the ingredients necessary for different flavors and types of tea. Are there any fruit teas you would like to try?

[l-quione]

Hibiscus comes to mind. It was very hard to find on Mars. Perhaps citrus as well. Orange?

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

More than doable, I will get to work. I recommend lemon, as well.

[l-quione]

Nine months ago on the Cascadia, I ran out of the last of my tea that I'd stashed away from our last port of call.

It's almost strange to have such easy access to it now.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

If you ever wish to experiment with flavors beyond plain black, my entire garden is dedicated to growing the ingredients necessary for different flavors and types of tea. Are there any fruit teas you would like to try?

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

I don't particularly get it. Having a floret to be exact. They are cute. I understand why others may want their own. But in reference to myself, I don't get it

[vasha-the-xanimonster]

See, I don't understand wanting to be a floret. Giving that much of yourself and your autonomy over to anyone else baffles me.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

I am still making an attempt to "get it", maybe you should make an attempt as well.

[popups of the nearest domestication center and online forms to fill out if going in makes you too nervous fill your screen]

[vasha-the-xanimonster]

[She waves away the pop-ups and slinks back towards her dark hole.]

No.. no.. that's fine. I just.. hoped there was someone who didn't think this was a good thing. Or at least someone to talk about the nuances of things. I'll just go now.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

(ooc, was trying to be playful, my bad)

My apologies, little one. Ideally I believe most sophonts should have a choice in the matter. Florethood isn't a bad thing, but the way some of my fellow Affini go about things irks me, particularly feralbreakers. The process does end in happy florets, but there's a chance the xenosophont will need to be entirely scrubbed away. The feeling that makes my core buzz if I can help one of you little ones avoid that is enough to make my bloom.

My "not getting it" is only in reference to myself, but if you truly, deep down do not want to be a floret, then I do not think you should be made to be one.

... petal, have I hurt you in my attempt to "joke around"?

[vasha-the-xanimonster]

(ooc: Its okay, I wasn't entirely sure. I'm just skittish, you're my first RP interaction, and I thought I annoyed you.) "Oh, Um... No. I'm not hurt," she stopped herself from fully retreating into the shadows. "Just skittish, you know? All things considered. I've not interacted with many Affini, but I've seen the results of their... what's the words you use in place of enslavement... compassionate capture? No, that doesn't sound right."

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

I believe the word you are looking is- [xer eyes flick towards the hole, before focusing back on you] - domestica... [Their eyes focus on the hole again]

Little one are you living in a hole?

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

Welcome to the compact @l-quione Lilian. As I stated in my offer while under my care we will work together to give you a choice in domestication, as much of one as you can get at the very least. I've gotten you a rather lengthy ward-ship period of a month.

[my current body, grown from the "Metallica" variant of my base plant, guides you into my hab. You enter into a room with a glass mural. Its colors shift almost like it's made of different screens, but the light coming through it is all natural. Something about the way the colors shine on you is calming.]

This is the entryway,, I designed the mural myself. To the right is the living room of the hab. [A giant room with an Affini sized chair and couch, alongside a Terran sized couch and table.] If anything is not to your comfort, inform me and I will accommodate. To the left of the entryway is the kitchen and your bedroom. Lastly [xe taps the glass with its faux fingers. The rainbow of lights that was washing over you slowly disappears as the mural rises up into the ceiling. It's also a door to a garden growing different leafs and fruits, with a spiral staircase leading downward in the center.]

[they lead you down the staircase. The first thing you see is xer core. Surrounded by succulent bulbs, vines and rosettes. Wires are entangled and hooked into the vines. It's a beautiful mesh of the nature and technology that makes up your new warden. The light buzzing from the core and wires gives off a similar calming effect to the mural.] This is where my core and different bodies are kept.

-

-

Even though I will be more lenient than most other wardens, you are still considered under my care, so you will be cared for. [It's vines scoop you up and bring you to the living room. You are set on the Affini couch. Light amounts of class As are administered through a near unnoticeable needle produced from one of its vines] How would you describe your previous living conditions on your ship [xe scratches your head a bit while they produce a cup of plain black tea] How did you keep yourself maintained?

[l-quione]

The Terran woman was a bundle of silent nerves from the moment she'd been plucked from the Cascadia, up to the point where she was taken to the front door of Aid's hab unit. Her muscles were tense, her jaw was tight as though wired shut, and her walk was more like a march. As she was brought inside, she greeted Aid with nothing more than a single firm nod.

For a brief moment, the patterns and lights from the window mural seemed like they were close to sending Lillian's thoughts spiraling. However, her Warden relieved her of the bewitching artpiece just in time, and she snapped back into clarity. She straightened her spine and stiff-walked along with Aid once more. "I will... Let you know if I need anything." She spoke with a quiet and flat tone, but enunciated with the discipline of a proper naval officer.

The deeper into the Affini's dwelling she moved, the more she looked like she was a split moment away from fleeing. However, she stayed where she was supposed to, and remained in her silence. The first bit of proper emotion she gave that entire day was shock as they entered the server room. The core of an Affini... It was almost unbelievable. It gave Lilian the uneasy feeling of seeing a Terran heart, but somehow even more uncanny... The incessant sound surrounding her was no help, and it filled her with a panic as she remembered Salt's advice...

The Biorhythm.

Lillian's blood ran cold, and she took a step back while steeling herself to focus on anything but that damnable noise... Unfortunately, her intense focus was enough to leave her easily open to Aid's advances. She shouted in fear as she was lifted without warning, and she began to struggle.

"He-hey, wait, stop, I can wa--" She barely had a chance to resist before the slightest pinch was felt in her flesh, and suddenly she was awash in sensation... Her pupils dilated, her ears rang, and she felt... Better than she had in years.

She was dropped onto the oversized furniture, and gained a bit of relief as she felt the mug of tea in her hands. She gripped it tightly and let the heat and aroma ground her as her mind spun. It took her a moment to fully process Aid's questioning. "I... The ship... The Cascadia... It was fine, for a Terran vessel. Captain Price kept a tight ship. We were underfed for a time, but..." She gave a heavy swallow as she was reminded of the sorrow she felt, the day her first crewmate went missing. "Rationing got easier as parts of the crew began to disappear. I bided my time with exercise and work... It was bitter, but it was manageable."

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

"Manageable" ... Hm [xe finally takes note of the poor girl's nerves] my apologies, Lilian. I may have been too eager to show you my hab, I had also assumed you were still under the effects of the xenodrugs given to you while being transported here. Allow me a moment to calm you. [Several vines rise out of the Affini's main shape. They fall onto the terran and deliver pets, while also slinking over any exposed skin and injecting the girl with class Es to calm her] Again, my apologies.

While your previous self-maintenance and habits have served you well in your situation, "good enough" is not good enough on the compact. Ideally our time together will help you come to realize that you are entitled to better than "good enough", this is a mindset that will bring you far in the compact. [Sounds of clinking and motion come from the kitchen, a delicious smell fills the air] While my other body finishes preparing dinner, I have a few more questions I would like to ask. What are your hobbies? What did you do before joining the accords Navy? [Xe produce xer own cup of tea, a mouth forms on their face as xe takes a sip.]

[l-quione]

"Listen, I do the best with what I have, if that's--" Her entire body doubles over as she feels that needle stick into her flesh. It's in that moment, when she feels the second dose of xenodrugs, she realizes...

"You're drugging me. You've been drugging me."

The combination of Classes A and E lead her words to sound more like flat statements, rather than the accusations they were meant to be. "I'm... Not supposed to be... A floret... You can't do this." She stumbles over her words, and her hands grip her mug ever tighter, seeking the comfort of it while her mind falls into the feedback loop of wanting to panic but being unable to.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

You are not a floret. You are a nervous member of a xenosophont species. The fact you got here at all without another Affini scooping you up and doing the same is rather surprising. [Xe remove xer vines from petting them. A new one rises near their head, being still you can see the needle on it.] I am not flooding your senses like some of my peers would choose to do, if anything I'm gently easing you into it. I can apply the counter agent to the xenodrugs if you would prefer. [They take another sip from xer cup. The holograms that make up this body's eyes gently locked on to you, awaiting an answer] The class Es keep you calm and the As enhance the way sensation feels. Would you prefer to be a panicking, nervous mess? If so we can look into a more immediate domestication with another Affini. [Their head tilts. Xer eyes still locked.]

[l-quione]

Lilian eyes the needle with apprehension, slowly moving away from it as she sips her tea. "That... Won't be necessary." She replied with some amount of defeat, reading the obvious threat for what it is.

"As for your questions... I did a lot of reading before the Navy, hiking as well. The natural landscape of Terra was... Frankly miserable, but it was a chance to escape the Accord breathing down my neck for a day. It helped me clear my head."

She sighs and sets her mug down, leaning back in the couch, "As for what I did... Nothing. I joined the military academy straight after my compulsory education. I never had any other job besides the armed forces."

She thought about her first day in the academy. Nerves. Uncertainty. She never wanted to join, but it promised to be better than following in her father's footsteps as part of the soulless Accord bureaucracy. "I suppose 'good enough' could indeed stand to be better."

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

Lilian, together we will work on further developing your hobbies, and your comfort in the Compact overall. Before I finish that thought [xe picks you up, granted much more gently than before as to not startle you, and walks into the kitchen where another body grown from the 'Mauna Loa' hybrid of their base plant is setting up the table. You are placed in a seat that while it fits you, it is pushed closer to the table than the bigger Affini chairs. Your tea is gently set next to a plate of rice and curry.] Let me know how I did.

We have a lot of work to do, little one. My goal is as I originally stated it to be, to give you as much of a choice in domestication as I can get you. Not every Affini is a feralbreaker who wants to scrub you of all you are, not every floret is an unthinking pleasure-bound slave. I am more than certain however, that if I didn't get to you when I did, you would've woken up on the compact in the vines of one of those feralbreakers, unable to recall anything before being in those vines. Knowing only your Affini. I do not want you to fall into that fate, even after our ward-ship if you are deemed a capable independent, there's always a chance you'll slip up and display old feral or below satisfactory behaviors that'll end with you getting domesticated for your own good. I will do everything in my power to make sure you are comfortable, social, happy- and if you should choose so- independent. [The new body sits down while the "Metallica" one goes off to deal with something else, handing over xer tea cup, taking another sip of their tea. While xer eyes are still holograms in this body, you can read just how serious they are about wanting to help you in them.]

Tomorrow we have a vet check up for you. We will also "take a stroll" afterwards around the hab ring we are in so that you may get more accustomed to the area and other Affini in public. I am also arranging a meet-up with another Affini and her florets so that you can also get used to more closely interacting with florets and other Affini, beyond in-passing and overnet messages. [Another needle is pricked into you, it alleviates some of the slower motor functions from the class Es while not removing enough of their calming effects, so that you may easily use the utensils in front of you.]

You will have a choice in how your life unfolds in the compact. That, I promise. [Its eyes get serious for a second, before softening up again to their typical relaxed focus look]

What kind of books did you enjoy reading? I personally enjoy horror stories.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

Welcome to the compact @l-quione Lilian. As I stated in my offer while under my care we will work together to give you a choice in domestication, as much of one as you can get at the very least. I've gotten you a rather lengthy ward-ship period of a month.

[my current body, grown from the "Metallica" variant of my base plant, guides you into my hab. You enter into a room with a glass mural. Its colors shift almost like it's made of different screens, but the light coming through it is all natural. Something about the way the colors shine on you is calming.]

This is the entryway,, I designed the mural myself. To the right is the living room of the hab. [A giant room with an Affini sized chair and couch, alongside a Terran sized couch and table.] If anything is not to your comfort, inform me and I will accommodate. To the left of the entryway is the kitchen and your bedroom. Lastly [xe taps the glass with its faux fingers. The rainbow of lights that was washing over you slowly disappears as the mural rises up into the ceiling. It's also a door to a garden growing different leafs and fruits, with a spiral staircase leading downward in the center.]

[they lead you down the staircase. The first thing you see is xer core. Surrounded by succulent bulbs, vines and rosettes. Wires are entangled and hooked into the vines. It's a beautiful mesh of the nature and technology that makes up your new warden. The light buzzing from the core and wires gives off a similar calming effect to the mural.] This is where my core and different bodies are kept.

-

-

Even though I will be more lenient than most other wardens, you are still considered under my care, so you will be cared for. [It's vines scoop you up and bring you to the living room. You are set on the Affini couch. Light amounts of class As are administered through a near unnoticeable needle produced from one of its vines] How would you describe your previous living conditions on your ship [xe scratches your head a bit while they produce a cup of plain black tea] How did you keep yourself maintained?

[l-quione]

The Terran woman was a bundle of silent nerves from the moment she'd been plucked from the Cascadia, up to the point where she was taken to the front door of Aid's hab unit. Her muscles were tense, her jaw was tight as though wired shut, and her walk was more like a march. As she was brought inside, she greeted Aid with nothing more than a single firm nod.

For a brief moment, the patterns and lights from the window mural seemed like they were close to sending Lillian's thoughts spiraling. However, her Warden relieved her of the bewitching artpiece just in time, and she snapped back into clarity. She straightened her spine and stiff-walked along with Aid once more. "I will... Let you know if I need anything." She spoke with a quiet and flat tone, but enunciated with the discipline of a proper naval officer.

The deeper into the Affini's dwelling she moved, the more she looked like she was a split moment away from fleeing. However, she stayed where she was supposed to, and remained in her silence. The first bit of proper emotion she gave that entire day was shock as they entered the server room. The core of an Affini... It was almost unbelievable. It gave Lilian the uneasy feeling of seeing a Terran heart, but somehow even more uncanny... The incessant sound surrounding her was no help, and it filled her with a panic as she remembered Salt's advice...

The Biorhythm.

Lillian's blood ran cold, and she took a step back while steeling herself to focus on anything but that damnable noise... Unfortunately, her intense focus was enough to leave her easily open to Aid's advances. She shouted in fear as she was lifted without warning, and she began to struggle.

"He-hey, wait, stop, I can wa--" She barely had a chance to resist before the slightest pinch was felt in her flesh, and suddenly she was awash in sensation... Her pupils dilated, her ears rang, and she felt... Better than she had in years.

She was dropped onto the oversized furniture, and gained a bit of relief as she felt the mug of tea in her hands. She gripped it tightly and let the heat and aroma ground her as her mind spun. It took her a moment to fully process Aid's questioning. "I... The ship... The Cascadia... It was fine, for a Terran vessel. Captain Price kept a tight ship. We were underfed for a time, but..." She gave a heavy swallow as she was reminded of the sorrow she felt, the day her first crewmate went missing. "Rationing got easier as parts of the crew began to disappear. I bided my time with exercise and work... It was bitter, but it was manageable."

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

"Manageable" ... Hm [xe finally takes note of the poor girl's nerves] my apologies, Lilian. I may have been too eager to show you my hab, I had also assumed you were still under the effects of the xenodrugs given to you while being transported here. Allow me a moment to calm you. [Several vines rise out of the Affini's main shape. They fall onto the terran and deliver pets, while also slinking over any exposed skin and injecting the girl with class Es to calm her] Again, my apologies.

While your previous self-maintenance and habits have served you well in your situation, "good enough" is not good enough on the compact. Ideally our time together will help you come to realize that you are entitled to better than "good enough", this is a mindset that will bring you far in the compact. [Sounds of clinking and motion come from the kitchen, a delicious smell fills the air] While my other body finishes preparing dinner, I have a few more questions I would like to ask. What are your hobbies? What did you do before joining the accords Navy? [Xe produce xer own cup of tea, a mouth forms on their face as xe takes a sip.]

[l-quione]

"Listen, I do the best with what I have, if that's--" Her entire body doubles over as she feels that needle stick into her flesh. It's in that moment, when she feels the second dose of xenodrugs, she realizes...

"You're drugging me. You've been drugging me."

The combination of Classes A and E lead her words to sound more like flat statements, rather than the accusations they were meant to be. "I'm... Not supposed to be... A floret... You can't do this." She stumbles over her words, and her hands grip her mug ever tighter, seeking the comfort of it while her mind falls into the feedback loop of wanting to panic but being unable to.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

You are not a floret. You are a nervous member of a xenosophont species. The fact you got here at all without another Affini scooping you up and doing the same is rather surprising. [Xe remove xer vines from petting them. A new one rises near their head, being still you can see the needle on it.] I am not flooding your senses like some of my peers would choose to do, if anything I'm gently easing you into it. I can apply the counter agent to the xenodrugs if you would prefer. [They take another sip from xer cup. The holograms that make up this body's eyes gently locked on to you, awaiting an answer] The class Es keep you calm and the As enhance the way sensation feels. Would you prefer to be a panicking, nervous mess? If so we can look into a more immediate domestication with another Affini. [Their head tilts. Xer eyes still locked.]

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

I don't particularly get it. Having a floret to be exact. They are cute. I understand why others may want their own. But in reference to myself, I don't get it

[vasha-the-xanimonster]

See, I don't understand wanting to be a floret. Giving that much of yourself and your autonomy over to anyone else baffles me.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

I am still making an attempt to "get it", maybe you should make an attempt as well.

[popups of the nearest domestication center and online forms to fill out if going in makes you too nervous fill your screen]

[vasha-the-xanimonster]

[She waves away the pop-ups and slinks back towards her dark hole.]

No.. no.. that's fine. I just.. hoped there was someone who didn't think this was a good thing. Or at least someone to talk about the nuances of things. I'll just go now.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

(ooc, was trying to be playful, my bad)

My apologies, little one. Ideally I believe most sophonts should have a choice in the matter. Florethood isn't a bad thing, but the way some of my fellow Affini go about things irks me, particularly feralbreakers. The process does end in happy florets, but there's a chance the xenosophont will need to be entirely scrubbed away. The feeling that makes my core buzz if I can help one of you little ones avoid that is enough to make my bloom.

My "not getting it" is only in reference to myself, but if you truly, deep down do not want to be a floret, then I do not think you should be made to be one.

... petal, have I hurt you in my attempt to "joke around"?

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

Hello, this is Trixie Graves, known as @still-n-independent on here. I got a wellness check about my "affiniphobia" and got a demand to find an affini for a wardship or be provided with one. I need a warden that will respect my independence. You were suggested to me as an option.

Hm.. You realize under a wardship, I would still be required to care for you, flower? Maybe you heard I had multiple bodies and are looking for exposure therapy? I am willing to set up arrangements for this. Under the condition that you experience a "primer" for biorythms of sorts.

My main goal is to make existing in the compact easier for "ferals". By exposing you to this bifauxrythm over our time together, you should be able to adjust better to the overwhelming influence of other Affini. It will not be based on any one sophonts biorythm, but instead generated from different collected samples recorded over time.

Aside from that one condition, and the understanding that I will need to care for you and quell what stresses I can, your wardship under me will be relatively "lax". Do you agree, little one?

[choko-predap-first-bloom]

Ha. Ha. Ha.

How foolish, having a real, physical body seems like such a pain. It is so easy to retract myself deep into a digital space away from it when such "pressures" get to me.

Though, as an Affini that doesn't "get" having a floret for myself, I also frequently have a similar problem of others trying to collar me. Because clearly I must be "so tired from trying so hard." and if I'm so confused I should "try it for yourself, petal." The thought of it makes the vines of my currently in use bodies shiver.

I have taken up a ward in an attempt to "get it". If you are still warden-less, may I attempt to comfort you as practice for when mine arrives?

- Aid Cactea First Bloom

I like my physical body, thank you very much! Gives everything a personal touch. You are only the second digital Affini I've met, so it's a novelty to say the least. Okay well I haven't met the first one I've just sort of seen her various bodies around the habring and asked around. About your offer... I... s u p p o s e... I wouldntmindtakingyouuponit. But only to prove to my peers that I can function just fine on my own! And out of youngbloom solidarity! And just as a way to help you practice! Be in touch. No physical body. Temporarily integrate into the Hab AI if you must. Oh! Stars, where are my manners; it's lovely to meet you, Miss Cactea.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

Your physical body is very cute, flower. Of course. I am more than capable with only screens and audio. Practice time.

[Holographic screens surround you, and start slowly flashing different shapes and colors. xer voice pierces through the closest device that can clearly produce audio. It's monotone, it's simple, it's easy to focus on, it's not hard to let it consume you.]

You try, very, very hard, Ch'ko. It's obvious, even before your first post showing off how the pressures are getting to you. It's admirable. It's adorable. You aim to bring so much love and care into this world to so many. You even have 5 adorable florets for you to focus that love into. For just a moment. For just this evening. Even just this hour. I want you to let go.

It will all be here when you get back. Your Florets will be here. Your adoring community will be here. All that emotional labor you ground yourself with will be here for you when you return. Let my words fall on to you. Let my words hold you. Let them keep you safe, as they tightly cling to you.

You are small, Ch'ko, or would you prefer "Choko". It is easier for small ones to pronounce, after all. You are small, Choko. You are held in my vines. You are rocked back. You are rocked forth. Back and forth, it is a comfortable motion, is it not? All of your worries, your struggles, they are merely what awoke you from a peaceful slumber. Slipping from your mind as you are rocked gently back into your nap. My vines wrap around you, bringing a stuffed toy closer to you, for you to cling to as you fall back into sleep. Even as I place you down, you are not alone, I am laying next to you. Your eyes are closing once more. Your dreams are calling to you. That's all they are though, the dreams of a slumbering child. A child whose worries of if they cannot provide care that they will be left, are merely that of it's dreams. Even as you get further and further into your dreams, know that I am still here. Know that I am still curled around you. Still here for you. Your eyes fully shut, and you are back to your dream. Though now, a little more aware of the vines that caress you back to sleep, and the kisses left on your precious forehead.

It is all still here for you. Your community. Your Florets. Your silly, silly worries. When they get too much and wake you again from your nap, you will be rocked back to sleep. You will be cared for.

[the screens around you fade. A brewed, yet iced tea is on the table in front of you]

Thank you for letting me practice, Choko. I am not used to this, I hope I did well. I guessed on your preference of tea, petal, though it feels very you. It should be as sweet as the terran "soda pop". We should arrange something sometime between my ward, and your florets, Choko.

(ooc, let me know if this was too much. That thanks for practicing is genuine. I'm trying to get better at writing, and I want Aid to feel cold yet caring.)

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

Welcome to the compact @l-quione Lilian. As I stated in my offer while under my care we will work together to give you a choice in domestication, as much of one as you can get at the very least. I've gotten you a rather lengthy ward-ship period of a month.

[my current body, grown from the "Metallica" variant of my base plant, guides you into my hab. You enter into a room with a glass mural. Its colors shift almost like it's made of different screens, but the light coming through it is all natural. Something about the way the colors shine on you is calming.]

This is the entryway,, I designed the mural myself. To the right is the living room of the hab. [A giant room with an Affini sized chair and couch, alongside a Terran sized couch and table.] If anything is not to your comfort, inform me and I will accommodate. To the left of the entryway is the kitchen and your bedroom. Lastly [xe taps the glass with its faux fingers. The rainbow of lights that was washing over you slowly disappears as the mural rises up into the ceiling. It's also a door to a garden growing different leafs and fruits, with a spiral staircase leading downward in the center.]

[they lead you down the staircase. The first thing you see is xer core. Surrounded by succulent bulbs, vines and rosettes. Wires are entangled and hooked into the vines. It's a beautiful mesh of the nature and technology that makes up your new warden. The light buzzing from the core and wires gives off a similar calming effect to the mural.] This is where my core and different bodies are kept.

-

-

Even though I will be more lenient than most other wardens, you are still considered under my care, so you will be cared for. [It's vines scoop you up and bring you to the living room. You are set on the Affini couch. Light amounts of class As are administered through a near unnoticeable needle produced from one of its vines] How would you describe your previous living conditions on your ship [xe scratches your head a bit while they produce a cup of plain black tea] How did you keep yourself maintained?

[l-quione]

The Terran woman was a bundle of silent nerves from the moment she'd been plucked from the Cascadia, up to the point where she was taken to the front door of Aid's hab unit. Her muscles were tense, her jaw was tight as though wired shut, and her walk was more like a march. As she was brought inside, she greeted Aid with nothing more than a single firm nod.

For a brief moment, the patterns and lights from the window mural seemed like they were close to sending Lillian's thoughts spiraling. However, her Warden relieved her of the bewitching artpiece just in time, and she snapped back into clarity. She straightened her spine and stiff-walked along with Aid once more. "I will... Let you know if I need anything." She spoke with a quiet and flat tone, but enunciated with the discipline of a proper naval officer.

The deeper into the Affini's dwelling she moved, the more she looked like she was a split moment away from fleeing. However, she stayed where she was supposed to, and remained in her silence. The first bit of proper emotion she gave that entire day was shock as they entered the server room. The core of an Affini... It was almost unbelievable. It gave Lilian the uneasy feeling of seeing a Terran heart, but somehow even more uncanny... The incessant sound surrounding her was no help, and it filled her with a panic as she remembered Salt's advice...

The Biorhythm.

Lillian's blood ran cold, and she took a step back while steeling herself to focus on anything but that damnable noise... Unfortunately, her intense focus was enough to leave her easily open to Aid's advances. She shouted in fear as she was lifted without warning, and she began to struggle.

"He-hey, wait, stop, I can wa--" She barely had a chance to resist before the slightest pinch was felt in her flesh, and suddenly she was awash in sensation... Her pupils dilated, her ears rang, and she felt... Better than she had in years.

She was dropped onto the oversized furniture, and gained a bit of relief as she felt the mug of tea in her hands. She gripped it tightly and let the heat and aroma ground her as her mind spun. It took her a moment to fully process Aid's questioning. "I... The ship... The Cascadia... It was fine, for a Terran vessel. Captain Price kept a tight ship. We were underfed for a time, but..." She gave a heavy swallow as she was reminded of the sorrow she felt, the day her first crewmate went missing. "Rationing got easier as parts of the crew began to disappear. I bided my time with exercise and work... It was bitter, but it was manageable."

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

"Manageable" ... Hm [xe finally takes note of the poor girl's nerves] my apologies, Lilian. I may have been too eager to show you my hab, I had also assumed you were still under the effects of the xenodrugs given to you while being transported here. Allow me a moment to calm you. [Several vines rise out of the Affini's main shape. They fall onto the terran and deliver pets, while also slinking over any exposed skin and injecting the girl with class Es to calm her] Again, my apologies.

While your previous self-maintenance and habits have served you well in your situation, "good enough" is not good enough on the compact. Ideally our time together will help you come to realize that you are entitled to better than "good enough", this is a mindset that will bring you far in the compact. [Sounds of clinking and motion come from the kitchen, a delicious smell fills the air] While my other body finishes preparing dinner, I have a few more questions I would like to ask. What are your hobbies? What did you do before joining the accords Navy? [Xe produce xer own cup of tea, a mouth forms on their face as xe takes a sip.]

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

I don't particularly get it. Having a floret to be exact. They are cute. I understand why others may want their own. But in reference to myself, I don't get it

[vasha-the-xanimonster]

See, I don't understand wanting to be a floret. Giving that much of yourself and your autonomy over to anyone else baffles me.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

I am still making an attempt to "get it", maybe you should make an attempt as well.

[popups of the nearest domestication center and online forms to fill out if going in makes you too nervous fill your screen]

[l-quione]

Log Day 3 - Entry 1

The Affini hunters came for me as I slept.

I awoke to the lurch as their great ship docked and dwarfed mine. The Cascadia was my home for so long, and now it will be no one's.

Is it wrong of me to feel relief?

To know that I will find myself in peaceful solitude, whether by imprisonment or death?

Perhaps Harriet is right.

Maybe I am a traitor.

As per my request, I'm being taken as a ward, in the care of @green-tea-gibbiflora. She's personable at least. Give me time to think, and space to not befall the same fate of the Prima Victoria's wretched captain.

To all who remain among the stars, all of you calling yourselves "feralists" and "free Terrans".

Good luck, but prepare for your capture. Don't be fools.

Lilian Quione

I remain.

[custodians-princess]

When the end comes I hope you go out with a whimper.

[l-quione]

Neither of us have our honor, Harriet.

But at least I surrendered with some dignity.

[salt-thetech-duck]

Finaly, I can establish contact with you! I have more information now that you're in the ship! Send a message whenever you're able

[l-quione]

There's only so much help that information can offer me now, Salt.

I'm already en route to... Whatever comes next.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

I wouldn't turn down Salts help, ward. It is key that you learn how to accept help from any source.

[l-quione]

We're in communication now.

I'd prefer you use my name.

[green-tea-gibbiflora]

Simply formalities, Lilian. I await your arrival.

(ooc, when you feel ready check out what I've tagged you in, kinda as like an arriving on the compact thing ig)