[video] unresolved issues

[blue_ice]

[ From the gaming car, it's Kaiba. He's taken to tying his orange hoodie around his waist and popping the collar of his orange polo, in an effort to maintain the dramatic silhouette he loves so much. ]

Does it bother anyone else that the only glue holding this tiny slice of society together is the fact that we're trapped in a claustrophobia-inducing tin can rattling through the interdimensional void?

Think about it. We're from all walks of life. All different social structures. Predators and prey, haves and have-nots, all together and brought down to size. Homogenous societies themselves don't have a great track record of avoiding division and war, so the only thing keeping our tiny tube afloat and relatively at peace is the fact that there's no escape should we cause a big enough disruption.

Can alliances forged under these conditions truly be called genuine? Is it really what you call friendship, if such a thing exists? Or family? Would you accept someone who would be your enemy in any other circumstance? Who's committed unforgivable acts, and is still capable of doing so? Somehow I doubt it.

Comments

voice

[blue_ice]

The social contract. I'm familiar with it, but I've never witnessed the evolution of one before.

You didn't have a social life either?

[pleple]

I'm sure there are sociologists who would love to be here.

I was... created for war.

[ And while she sounds a BIT deep and mature for her age, she's still audibly a child. ]

I shouldn't exist. But... seeing that I do exist, I prefer it here.

[blue_ice]

...believe me, I know. There are no atrocities people won't stoop to in the name of war.

But it's good that you're out of there. Even if this is a war of sorts...it's probably not as bad as what you're used to.

[pleple]

I'm not good at much else. Fighting alongside kind people... I'd gladly be out there regardless.

[blue_ice]

If you were molded to that purpose, you haven't had a chance to practice anything else. Try something new...not that we have that many options.

[pleple]

I'm learning a few games and chores, for a start. Beyond that I'm well educated for my age.

...so I think I've got time to figure things out.

[blue_ice]

Let me know if you ever want to play. I'm usually near the game car when I'm off duty.

[pleple]

Oh? What do you play? I'm a bit partial to chess.

My friend Madoka likes Hungry Hungry Hippos.

[blue_ice]

I'm a master of chess, but nowadays I prefer more complex strategy games.

[ He laughs, but the sound's a little sad...because that suggests this Madoka is a child. ]

I still can't believe they're drafting kids.

[pleple]

I wouldn't mind learning more complex games at some point. But ah... she is older than I am...

[blue_ice]

...huh.

Not that there's anything wrong with keeping it simple. But if we have our way, we'll be expanding the game offerings soon.

[pleple]

I am... pretty young, to be fair, so there's room to be older than me and still... uh, not that old?

[blue_ice]

...how old are you?

[ Someone is bad at guessing ages because he doesn't spend a lot of time around other people ]

[pleple]

I'm... well, I'm not clear on the exact timeline of my creation but I should be eleven?

[ At least by now. ]

[blue_ice]

Unbelievable that the people in charge think this is an appropriate burden.

[ He exhales. ]

Look. If you ever want a game, drop by the gaming car. I tend to go there in the evenings after dinner.

[pleple]

If they indeed follow our values in a recognizable form. ...I'm a better fit here than most of the teenagers anyways.

[ And increasingly emotionally stable! ]

Thank you for the offer. I am Ple Two.

[blue_ice]

Seto Kaiba.

...mm. That worries me. But I don't see why we can't play a round of whatever you want.

[pleple]

Yes. There's a lot to worry about here, but we're making something of it.