audio: un: goodvibes

[aurable]

Hello! My name is Drift, and unfortunately, I'm more used to writing speeches than giving them. [ An agonizingly chipper voice comes through that might make you think of a substitute teacher trying too hard. ] Ordinarily, I avoid starting with negativity, especially in greeting, but this felt urgent. I apologize in advance if this is detrimental to anyone attempting to regain a more positive outlook after having gone through the ordeal that was our arrival.

It has come to my attention that the mess hall in the southeastern wing accommodates the specific needs of newcomers. Otherwise, fantastic news, but I'm compelled to warn everyone here now: If you come across any containers with a somewhat viscous or luminous quality that could be anything from purple, pink, orange, or green?

Do. Not. Drink. It.

Actually, you would be doing me a favor if you avoided touching it at all and contacted me immediately. In all likelihood, that's a container of Energon or a similar substance, and it is remarkably toxic to humans. I say 'remarkably' because the poor medical staff would only be able to remark on how quickly your internal organs coagulated into sludge after the first gulp.

It's perfectly safe if it's unopened, but to err on the side of caution, I'd ask it be removed by either myself or someone with experience in hazardous materials if you come across it.

[ Drift clears his 'throat' which sounds more like machinery venting overlaid with the sound of cough. ]

On a lighter note, I'd like to explore the possibility of scheduled team-building exercises. Making full use of the station's training and simulation rooms for more regimented practice and possible meditation for those who need it couldn't hurt.

Comments

[aurable]

Well, I can't claim to be a fan of people firing off projectiles in my cabin, and I don't use firearms personally.

That said, I can accommodate anyone with blade proficiency.

[scarcastically]

I've got that. Swords, spears, I've used 'em.

[ probably the kind of thing that rings alarm bells, but whatever. ]

Wait, so what do you use?

[aurable]

Myself or in general? I only use swords.

[scarcastically]

How come?

[aurable]

[ Erik has come to that point where the conversation abruptly stops like he found the invisible wall of the map in an old Playstation game. ]

I made a promise.

[scarcastically]

[ ah. erik's smart enough to side-step that for now. ]

Fair enough.

What kind of blade?

[aurable]

Thank you.

[ Drift is gracious enough to roll back on the 'tude when it's clear he wouldn't be pressed. ]

The closest human approximations of what I use are katanas and great swords.

[scarcastically]

[ he gives a low whistle. ]

Solid choice there.

[aurable]

[ Drift is NOT going to preen- even if his weapons of choice were pretty cool. ]

So, I can put you down as a training partner?

[scarcastically]

Sure. I think I can provide a decent workout at least.

[aurable]

I didn't get your name.

[scarcastically]

It's Erik. Erik Stevens.

[aurable]

Erik. I've actually had limited exposure to humans, but I don't like being constrained by modality or circumstance. So I hope we can be good teammates.

[scarcastically]

We're all on the learnin' curve here.

[ he was about to say "don't sweat it", but he's pretty sure robots wouldn't sweat. ]

It does sound like you've met a few? Before comin' here, I mean.

[aurable]

[ Drift's finials twitch and his expression puckers in the closest thing to bashfulness for a giant robot before he finally says, ]

I spent most of my time on Earth in Japan.

[scarcastically]

[ the katana was a giveaway, but erik didn't want to make guesses like that across multiverses. ]

You definitely have good taste. I'm a big fan of Japanese stuff myself. Anime, mostly.

[aurable]

Oh, I'm a huge fan! [ Uh-oh, Drift's hyperfixation threshold has been reached ]

Really, more of the Kurosawa era black and white films, but that doesn't discount the classics. What's your favorite? Mine is Cowboy Bebop and Neon Genesis Evangelion.

[scarcastically]

[ BEST DAY JUST GOT BETTER. ]

Gotta say, I have a real soft spot for Dragon Ball Z, but Akira? Fucking masterpiece, could watch it any day.

1/2

[aurable]

Well, I've had a lot of time and a friend with access to almost any Earth media. Dragon BallZ is a classic, but

[aurable]

[ Drift lowers his voice to a whisper ]

I liked the old subs better and I'd rank Blue Submarine No.6 above Akira

[scarcastically]

Buddy, subs over dubs, no contest. And I'll take that if you recognize that Akira the manga is high up there.

[aurable]

Well, I can't say I like what the manga did with Kaori. The espers were giver a lot of depth, though.

[scarcastically]

Yeah, that whole thing aged super poorly.

[aurable]

Finally someone who understands.

[scarcastically]

[ erik grins. ]

Pretty sure we're the few ones who do.