[Video] Before Sirens, 6pm
[The tables nearest to the glass in the lower dining area of The Grey Line restaurant have an excellent view of craggy rocks and tidal pools that make up the shoreline of the island's eastern cove. There are wild sea lions further off, and a family of otters playing close to the viewing area, seemingly blissfully unaware that they have human spectators close by. The sky outside is still bright with early evening.
The NV is propped in front of a plate of oysters and scallops, and although Daedalus can't be seen in the video, he sounds remotely serene with thought. The chair across from him is presently unoccupied- his dining company is up, for the moment.]
This day marks a full year that I've been a resident of Siren's Port. A self-indulgent milestone to note over the network, but since many of you are newer arrivals, wondering how you are to ever survive and cope in such a different world, so far from anything you've ever known-
Well, I can assure you that's certainly what I was wondering myself, twelve months ago. Six months ago, three months ago, yesterday- the bad news is, this city will never cease to be an unpredictable challenge in one way or another.
The good news is that for me, it is not only bearable, but a fulfilling and eye-opening existence, all in all. There are...too many personal experiences to name specifically, but rest assured that so many of you have been a part of them. I have learned to live without AutoReivs, without automated assistance. It gives an unparalleled sense of independence and freedoms, of accomplishment, and perhaps I am even closer to wholly human here.
[A pause- a hand extends across the table to scoop up one of the oysters. There is a lighter *clink* of the shell against a smaller plate.]
If I were an immigrant in my own home city, there would be another two years to go, at least, until I could apply for citizenship. Here, now, I stand certainly more integrated than I was in the beginning. At times the displacement is striking, uncomfortable, but in other moments, sharing commonalities between persons, I feel more at home in the company of people in Siren's Port than I had among a vast majority of my fellow Romdeau citizens.
A few words of advice and experience, then, because I could reflect without intentional message for quite some time, if I allowed myself.
Keep an open mind. Become broadly tolerant, in expectation that your views will be challenged. All the truth you've ever known and taken for granted can and will be turned on it's end, in this city. Be prepared to exercise flexibility, and adapt when necessary. Show graceful humility, when faced with your own inevitable ignorance.
Do not respond to hate or inequalities with violence, if at all possible. We face a poor reputation in the public eye, and many have far more resources at hand to make our lives miserable if we incite them with due reason.
Contribute in a meaningful way to the community- with the newcomer community, and the city at large. Lend your talents, your skill, your wisdom, extend your time and assistance whenever possible. Take up responsible initiatives. Chances are, you may find yourselves here longer than anticipated. Prepare for the long term by making yourself indispensable.
Do take greatest caution, if you must navigate the Darkness. After twelve months in one of the city's busiest night clinics, I can tell you that the end result is too often extensive trauma, pain and death. In fact, effort to keep yourself safe from it entirely.
(Hm?) [He addresses someone unseen-] (Oh...I was just talking to the network- one moment, I'll finish up-)
[So Daedalus continues briskly-]
That's...about as as far as I'll go, I think, without becoming tiresome, or going into specifics. If any of the newer arrivals do have questions, need information- I'll be having dinner for another hour or two, but after that I'll be available to speak with you.
The NV is propped in front of a plate of oysters and scallops, and although Daedalus can't be seen in the video, he sounds remotely serene with thought. The chair across from him is presently unoccupied- his dining company is up, for the moment.]
This day marks a full year that I've been a resident of Siren's Port. A self-indulgent milestone to note over the network, but since many of you are newer arrivals, wondering how you are to ever survive and cope in such a different world, so far from anything you've ever known-
Well, I can assure you that's certainly what I was wondering myself, twelve months ago. Six months ago, three months ago, yesterday- the bad news is, this city will never cease to be an unpredictable challenge in one way or another.
The good news is that for me, it is not only bearable, but a fulfilling and eye-opening existence, all in all. There are...too many personal experiences to name specifically, but rest assured that so many of you have been a part of them. I have learned to live without AutoReivs, without automated assistance. It gives an unparalleled sense of independence and freedoms, of accomplishment, and perhaps I am even closer to wholly human here.
[A pause- a hand extends across the table to scoop up one of the oysters. There is a lighter *clink* of the shell against a smaller plate.]
If I were an immigrant in my own home city, there would be another two years to go, at least, until I could apply for citizenship. Here, now, I stand certainly more integrated than I was in the beginning. At times the displacement is striking, uncomfortable, but in other moments, sharing commonalities between persons, I feel more at home in the company of people in Siren's Port than I had among a vast majority of my fellow Romdeau citizens.
A few words of advice and experience, then, because I could reflect without intentional message for quite some time, if I allowed myself.
Keep an open mind. Become broadly tolerant, in expectation that your views will be challenged. All the truth you've ever known and taken for granted can and will be turned on it's end, in this city. Be prepared to exercise flexibility, and adapt when necessary. Show graceful humility, when faced with your own inevitable ignorance.
Do not respond to hate or inequalities with violence, if at all possible. We face a poor reputation in the public eye, and many have far more resources at hand to make our lives miserable if we incite them with due reason.
Contribute in a meaningful way to the community- with the newcomer community, and the city at large. Lend your talents, your skill, your wisdom, extend your time and assistance whenever possible. Take up responsible initiatives. Chances are, you may find yourselves here longer than anticipated. Prepare for the long term by making yourself indispensable.
Do take greatest caution, if you must navigate the Darkness. After twelve months in one of the city's busiest night clinics, I can tell you that the end result is too often extensive trauma, pain and death. In fact, effort to keep yourself safe from it entirely.
(Hm?) [He addresses someone unseen-] (Oh...I was just talking to the network- one moment, I'll finish up-)
[So Daedalus continues briskly-]
That's...about as as far as I'll go, I think, without becoming tiresome, or going into specifics. If any of the newer arrivals do have questions, need information- I'll be having dinner for another hour or two, but after that I'll be available to speak with you.