oo4.

[gerumas]

It seems as though things are recovering well, even given all the pressure and tension created by that pirate fiasco. Such is the nature of things, though...always moving, and recovering, if need be.

...Speaking of which, this place has a good spring. It's too late to plant a lot of things, but I wonder if I could see about some of the local flora.

Comments

[willofdurasteel]

It is.. pretty. I've never really seen spring before. How is it like on your planet?

[gerumas]

Y-you haven't? That's very unfortunate...but at least you may now? And you'll even remember your first "real" spring...? As for Earth, it depends on where you are since climate makes a difference, but things begin to warm up, and the land revives after the dead months. Green becomes abundance, and many places in the countryside become replete with dozens of different coloured wildflowers. And people come out, too, and have open-air celebrations with wonderful folk music. ...It's a good time.

[willofdurasteel]

I haven't, but I'm looking forward to it. I will remember it well. I grew up indoors mostly, on various out-of-the-way worlds and on my dad's ship. Not much of an opportunity to see the seasons change. But the warmer air is a relief.

You know, that sounds really nice. I think I'll have to visit your planet sometime. Maybe next spring.

Anyway, what have you been up to since the last time we wrote?

[gerumas]

Ah! You must have had a very...nomadic childhood. It's nice, when one is finally able to settle down and see the seasons change the land. And the warm air...it makes it more of a relief, especially after a long, hard winter.

Earth is a lovely place! Just...be careful around Europe. Russia's, um, sort of invaded most of the other countries.

As for me...Well, I have been alive! Good as anyone can expect, right? How about yourself?

[willofdurasteel]

Very nomadic, yes. But I never had any complaints. Having a baby must make me realize what I've been missing more, I suppose. But it really is a relief.

Russia, huh? [ Now she's interested. A challenge? ] I don't think he's gone up against someone like me before. There's only so much room in your.. houses.. is that what they're called? Those who invade others for nothing really set me on edge.

True! Well, I'm alive, too. And healthy, which is a plus. But I'm looking to spend more time outside.

[gerumas]

Oh, you're a mother? Heh, there seems to be a stage in every life that makes one slow down and appreciate what there is...I believe it is also part of growing up and or maturing.

We do have houses and households, but, um... Russia's house is very big. He is very big himself. However, I don't know if you...if a human can fight a whole country like that. Napoleon came close, but no one really liked him...

Anyway, do you like to take walks?

[willofdurasteel]

Close. About to be, in a few months. There wasn't time for any of that before when the Vong invaded, and the training I did after that. It's a nice break.

Not to brag, but I'm not a run of the mill human. I can do things others can't. Others either covet that power or fear it. If he's giving you problems, I can try.

Yes I do.

[gerumas]

Oh, congratulations! And do take it easy, please? This place is very...chaotic, though it still has its charms! Invasion...? But, yes, this must be a relief...heh, I'm glad that you found a respite!

I'm sure that you are a very strong human, Miss, but, how to say...I don't mean to dismiss you, not at all, but countries are immortal and can only really be killed by other countries over time. And Russia has...something. I'm not sure, but it is very "dangerous," and related to America's S-1 project... So I do very much appreciate the offer, but there is no need. Please, don't worry yourself. Besides, in the end, Russia wouldn't let me die

Ah! Well, once everything clears up, I would suggest a route by the ports. Mostly it is safe and a bit busy, but the view is lovely.

[willofdurasteel]

Thank you. Why does everyone tell me that? I need to exercise. Compared to where I come from, this place is so peaceful that it's almost boring. There will never be peace there.. it's always one war after another.

And I'll keep fighting until there's no threat left. Here, there, wherever.

Immortal? He sounds as bad as the Vong. Are you sure?

Is that an invitation? I wouldn't mind the fresh air, company or not. Though usually I tend to go by way of the woods and the beach at the back of the island. Ever seen it?