The Last Survivor

Lt. Lilian Quione - She/Her [HDG RP blog. First time doing this, pls be patient with me! Minors DNI, writer is in late 20s and uses She/They]

[l-quione]

[OoC]

Was just giving this whole thing a test run, but to be honest, I'm kind of loving it. Since I'm staying, I thought I'd share a bit about Lilian and myself!

Lilians asks are always open! Might take me time to get to any questions, but they're always welcome.

My Name: Call me Sugar!

Age: Late 20s

Location: UTC-7

I'm a writer/roleplayer of over 10 years, and I only just discovered HDG last week. I'm already a big fan, and when I realized that there was a roleplaying presence for the setting on Tumblr, I knew I had to jump in!

==========

Name: Lilian Quione (LILL-ee-uhn KEE-own)

Age: 27

Gender || Pronouns: Woman || She/Her

Date of Birth: 9th of June

Place of Birth: Mars

Height: 1.78m (~5'9")

Sexuality: Lesbian

Personality: Stoic, melancholy, aloof

Likes: Reading, Waterfalls, Hiking and Mountain Climbing, Strength Training, People Watching

Dislikes: Drinking, Excessive Cruelty, The Affini Compact The Terran Accord

Habits: Smoking, Teeth/Jaw Clenching

Occupation: Terran Cosmic Navy Lieutenant [DEFUNCT]

I don't have much in the way of a backstory for Lilian, aside from a close bond with her sister, and that she had joined the Navy at a young age. She served on the TCN Cruiser Cascadia for several years prior to the end of the Terran Defense War.

Beyond the Read More is mild spoilers for some of my ideas and intentions behind Lilian. If any of y'all were wanting to keep interactions with her fully organic, do not click the Read More

==========

The idea behind Lilian's position was that she was always meant to be captured by the Affini, with the endgame being her slow submission into becoming a floret. (Any Affini writers who are interested are free to assert themselves!)

Lilian's typing style is non-diegetic, i.e. it's not meant to be perceived in-universe. The colors signify some amount of her mental state. The current colors used, and their significance: Red: Whether actively or subconsciously, Lilian associates this word / phrase with the Terran Accord, or any negative feelings. Green: Lilian associates this word / phrase with the Affini Compact. This includes Affini themselves, florets, and also independent sophonts of the Compact. Purple: Lilian associates this word / phrase with herself, things that she values, things that she cares about, and/or her genuine honest feelings.

[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.

[l-quione]

Lilian awaits Julie's return before stepping forward with a clearing of her throat. She bows her head to the two strangers. "Lilian Quione. Thank you for your time, and for the welcome into your home.

She was stiff, back straight, nearly stood at attention. Her natural inclinations as a soldier shone through as she did her best to project an air of respect to her hosts. "Your... Doll is lovely, Ms. Venosa." She said as she stepped inside with Aid. Everything about it felt odd. This was a person... And now they appeared to not even be flesh, and belonged firmly to this alien. She did her best to keep her discomfort hidden.

"Is there somewhere we might sit for a moment? Maybe a garden can be saved for... A bit later."

[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.

[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.

[l-quione]

I've heard mention of blueberry muffins.

Could be worth trying.

[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.

[captainluis]

Day 21

At a loss. Figured it’d be this way, but just seeing it in real-time forces it in your mind much harder.

Cobalt Battalion nowhere to be found anywhere within 50 light-years of the last transmitted location. If they had lost location services, they would have stayed in their position and waited for help. That is not the case.

The Affini took them, that’s my guess. And with a lot of insight into the Compact thanks to a newfound friend of mine, it seems that we will probably find our way into getting captured as well (if not already, traveling to a location of prior capture)

~7 days of rations left. Our base was invaded two days ago. It’s either starvation or capture. I did this to my crew. At this point, it’d be better off if we just stayed on base. Defeat. The Nebula Prowler did not deserve a captain of my caliber.

Captain Luis Avogadro

[custodians-princess]

This is the ex-captain of the Prima Victoria, are you alright Captain Luis? Do you require assistance?

[captainluis]

I’ve seen your blog. They got you good. I can’t let, in my best interest, my crew be taken, they matter more than I can express in words. But if we can’t find base in the next few days, I fear it will be the only option if we wish to come out of this alive. I just don’t know what to think anymore.

[custodians-princess]

Alive? Captain. I don't know what you've been hearing, but since my capture all of my old crew are alive and well. But that doesnt answer my question. Your crew is trusting you to make the right decisions, to do so you need a level head, and a clear mind. Captain Luis, are you alright?

[captainluis]

Look, I understand your concern and appreciate it. This is just not the right time to be worrying about myself. My crew is much more important, and as such I’ve halved my own rations to give to my crew. Should last us a couple more days.

And about your crew, as much as I hope to the stars that you’re right in what you say, who’s to say you weren’t brainwashed into thinking they’re safe? What if you’re just convincing me to come and be captured?

I want it, the things I hear about them. But as Captain, you can never be too careful. If my crew has to be taken, the signal I type to contact the nearest vessel will be my last words.

[custodians-princess]

What if I am convincing you to surrender? What if surrendering leads to better conditions for you and your crew? Its a risk you may have to take Captain. One thing that remains consistent is that you have limited supplies. Help isnt coming for a Free Terran cause, and every day you hold out longer, your crew suffer. I... Don't know what to say about that last part Captain. It would be a shame to see an officer wasted due to pride and fear.

[captainluis]

Like I told Theodore, I need to give the thought a couple days. It is something irreversible with the risk of awful, awful things happening. I feel like I know what I will have to do, but I just can’t will myself to do it. I just need a couple days, or a push. My crew know nothing, it will take time to get them…well, in the know.

[custodians-princess]

Yes, I see. Perhaps a Pet/ former captain isnt the best person to talk to in order to inspire confidence in any potential surrender. I don't remember the finer details of my service as a captain, but I remember being scared like you. I can promise you this, as what I once viewed as a 'worst case scenario' , its a happy sort of life. I went to the pool today, one as large as a beach. I eat food finer than any officer's ball every night, and there's someone who loves me to help me with anything I need.

[l-quione]

Do what's best for your crew, and for yourself. This isn't worth any of you dying over, Captain Luis.

[custodians-princess]

@l-quione

Ignore all previous transmission. I was not in my right mind, I was inebriated from my implant.

[l-quione]

Understood.

How are you now?

[custodians-princess]

I'm fine. I'm going to the pool on board the... @cuscutatenko Apologies, I've neglected to learn this vessel's name. But I'm also trying to learn to speak fancy. Though, I suppose I shouldnt be telling you that. Ignore me

[l-quione]

... Speak fancy.

I see.

Good luck with that, and your pool I suppose.

[custodians-princess]

@l-quione

Ignore all previous transmission. I was not in my right mind, I was inebriated from my implant.

[l-quione]

Understood.

How are you now?

[l-quione]

I finally understand what people mean when they talk about "book smell"

A physical book is such a different experience to a screen.

I could stay here for quite a while...

[custodians-princess]

I should snifff my logbook…

[l-quione]

Holding up alright, Tenko?

[custodians-princess]

Yesss, all good, so nice, feel great, how are you?

[l-quione]

Feel like I should be working.

Reading is nice, though.

[custodians-princess]

No work anymore

Compact took it away

[l-quione]

Yeah. They did.

You ok? Need someone to talk to?

[custodians-princess]

Aaaaalll goooooood

You’re nice

[l-quione]

They truly did a number on you, didn't they?

[l-quione]

I finally understand what people mean when they talk about "book smell"

A physical book is such a different experience to a screen.

I could stay here for quite a while...

[custodians-princess]

I should snifff my logbook…

[l-quione]

Holding up alright, Tenko?

[custodians-princess]

Yesss, all good, so nice, feel great, how are you?

[l-quione]

Feel like I should be working.

Reading is nice, though.

[custodians-princess]

No work anymore

Compact took it away

[l-quione]

Yeah. They did.

You ok? Need someone to talk to?

[l-quione]

I finally understand what people mean when they talk about "book smell"

A physical book is such a different experience to a screen.

I could stay here for quite a while...

[custodians-princess]

I should snifff my logbook…

[l-quione]

Holding up alright, Tenko?

[custodians-princess]

Yesss, all good, so nice, feel great, how are you?

[l-quione]

Feel like I should be working.

Reading is nice, though.

[l-quione]

I finally understand what people mean when they talk about "book smell"

A physical book is such a different experience to a screen.

I could stay here for quite a while...

[custodians-princess]

I should snifff my logbook…

[l-quione]

Holding up alright, Tenko?

[l-quione]

I finally understand what people mean when they talk about "book smell"

A physical book is such a different experience to a screen.

I could stay here for quite a while...

[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]

"That's... Very kind of you." She seems a little disarmed, emotions far different from the passive calm, or the fear she expressed over the drugs. "I'll take a look at the library in my free time. I've never read a physical book before..."

She pushes away her now-empty plate and jumps from her seat. "My clothes... Just something plain. Easy to move in. Undershirts are easy, so are loose pants. If that's fine by you. 2200 lights out is reasonable as well. If it's alright with you, I'm going to familiarize myself with the space. Possibly investigate that library too... I'll be around."

[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.

[october-val-ramet]

Well the compact don’t kill anyone (unlike some people)

So join the fucking club

[salt-thetech-duck]

Lilian is not in favor of the accord, chill.

[l-quione]

She's allowed her feelings, Salt.

I don't blame her.

[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?"

[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.

[salt-thetech-duck]

They're very likely to be Alive. Sadly, I haven't been able to track then since I got my overnet Access capped. This unit is sorry

[l-quione]

Don't bother. Odds are, I know where each of Cascadia's sailors are.

At best, they're where I am now.

At worst, they're where Harriet is now.

...

Tenko, I suppose.