reach the residents

[ximilian]

● ● ● REACH THE RESIDENTS

For any questions you want to ask Viveca or Degar and receive an IC response, please direct them here. Please indicate in the subject line who you are trying to contact.

// VIVECA

Hi, what can I help you with?

// DEGAR

Today was gonna be the day, but they'll never throw it back to you. And by now, you should've somehow realized what you're not to do.

▶ NAV

Comments

audio un: dragongirl

[catchatting]

Hey Viv? I don't know much about AIs, but I really liked the AI on my team's ship. Do you have emotions? Gidget never said what hers were, but I always felt like she did have them. More than one of my human teammates sometimes. You can't just program in fondness, can you? You can't fake that.

[ Zari might be missing Gideon a lot and not just because of what Gideon would do for Zari. She'd been a constant, friendly voice in Zari's ear from the very moment she'd stepped on the Waverider. ]

[vivecai]

Hi, Zari.

[ there's a slight smile in her tone as she responds, ]

It's a nice change, for someone to talk to me just to talk to me. As for your question — yes, I do. I'm not just programmed to feel a certain way.

audio; un: alenko

[majorbiotic]

Ah, hello, Viveca. I was wondering if we could program things other than training into the simulation room. Training is great but I feel like the people here could use something fun to do with each other, like sports. Or maybe do a program for a club for people to dance and socialize? I don't know, just a thought.

[vivecai]

You can alter what the simulation room shows when it's not doing one of the training simulations, so sure. You can even choose what you want it to show... so you're free to create a football field, if you'd like.

[ that's how the christmas things that are in the works are happening, too. ]

voice --> action with Clara, Christmas Eve! 1/2

[homeostatic]

Viveca, this is McCoy. Do you mind meeting Clara and I in the control room?

( Both Orbers will be there fairly quick, each carrying a tray: Leonard's is laden with a little of everything savory from supper, a steaming glass of mulled wine tucked at the corner between two dishes, while Clara's is filled with a selection of Christmas sweets, a cracker, and a crown, of course. )

2/2

[bossily]

[ Clara’s excitement at sharing the holiday with those that work behind the scenes on the station is evident. The warm glow she’s sporting is half because of egg nog and half because she’s sure Viveca will show up in no time at all. Her partner in crime gets a nudge as soon as the control room doors open, and she bustles on over to present her tray first.

Paper crowns have to go first. It’s tradition.]

We thought that with everything you and Degar do for us, we ought to make sure you feel like part of the family.

[construing]

Hi. Gwen. Not that you wouldn't know that, probably… [ she takes a breath. ]

If I have the coordinates for a specific universe, would it be possible to transmit a message? I'm not asking for a conversation—I do not have that kind of roaming enabled—but a text, maybe?

[vivecai]

Hi, Gwen.

[ she does know it, indeed, but it never seems to do her much good to point that out. ]

... sorry. I can't do that. Your coordinates are for a universe, not for a specific version of it. The only way we can reliably reach a specific version of a specific universe or planet is with the orbs... and we can't use them for something like a message. That's far too risky.

audio; un: nightmoves (12/24-25ish)

[ruinously]

Hey, Dean again.

Two things -- One, I got a basket of cupcakes for the commander, anywhere specific I should leave that?

[ he has

so.

many

extras. ]

Two - Peter told me you can do something about a sound system in my room? That true?

[vivecai]

That's sweet of you, he does love cupcakes. Just leave them in the command center, he'll get them from there.

[ that's very cute, dean, she already liked you but now likes you more. ]

Yes, I can. What do you want?

audio ↪ un: 朱

[blackfire]

Hello, Viveca-san.

（ the literal only reason he starts with a greeting is because shikamaru chastised him for skipping over pleasantries not too long ago. he hasn't bothered with them in years, finds them superfluous, but here — they have a provable use as social lubricant. ）

I have a question you may find uncomfortable. Will you permit me?

[vivecai]

Hello, Itachi.

[ there's the faintest amused undercurrent to her tone, especially as she continues, ]

Well, this is intriguing. Go on.

audio; un: lanxichen

[calmness]

Miss Viveca,

I apologize if this is an inconvenience but I would like request an item in the next drop. [he pauses, hesitating a little before taking a shaky breath.] If it is possible, could you acquire a guqin? Any but the one that I left behind at home would be acceptable, even if you have access to that.

It would make playing calming music for others easier than my flute.

[vivecai]

Hello, Zewu-Jun.

[ a polite greeting in response to a polite greeting. ]

... yes, that should be an easy thing to do. Is there a reason you don't want the one you had at home?

video. sometime before the mission oop

[groupiedrifter]

Viv!!

[OH, A SUDDEN NOISY PRESENCE. Must be Newton.]

Itachi said Degar is into playing music! Is that true? What's he into?

Tell him we've gotta do some jam sessions! Let's get a music room! We could make a band!

[Sorry, he's hype for the thought.]

[vivecai]

[ well well well, if it isn't the station's loudest resident! but viveca sounds happy to speak to him — her opinion of him is now forever favourable because of the robo-body.

besides, talking about what degar likes instead of listening to people be suspicious of him? wonderful. ]

Yes, it's true, [ she laughs and continues, ] though he's more into folk music, like... oh, what's the band from your world, Simon and something? But he does like classic rock too, so you've a chance to convince him for the band.

audio; before the mission

[doze]

( it's late, don't ask about the time. on top of not being able to sleep, he's still weirded out a little by how this tech works so, )

Hey, um ( ?? ) Viveca? Do you have a second?

[vivecai]

Hi, Ace. [ it's a neutral response, laced with some curiosity. ]

Yes, sure. What is it?

audio; pre-mission on scorpion's bend

[bijective]

[This is a long time coming. To “disturb” an AI is silly to think. But it is the request itself that makes him hesitant. Nevertheless, he tries anyway:]

Um, yes—[Ahem.] H-Hello, Viveca.

Please forgive me for being forthright about this request but—[Because Hermann can’t mince his words here.] I wish to request a specimen from our homeworld. Unliving, of course. [Yes. Right. Best if he is more specific about this.] I am looking to retrieve the head of a kaiju.

There is some unfinished business that is paramount I attend to. Especially in regards to several events prior that have personally...physically affected Dr. Geiszler and myself. Now, I understand this being an unusual request than most. This certainly isn’t Christmas décor but I…

[Best if he stops there for now.]

[vivecai]

Hello, Dr. Gottlieb.

[ she listens to his request attentively — contemplatively, too. when she responds, it is with some apprehension, though not because she doesn't want to help. ]

A kaiju head is very big, as I'm sure you know. So big that I'm not sure we have the space here to store one, even for a short time, let alone do it safely... [ a sigh. ] What I can do is provide you with samples of the head, different parts of it. I will keep them here as long as you need them, and dispose of them after. Will this do?

voice ↪ un: 朱 (forward dated to post-mission)

[blackfire]

« ooc; mentions of suicide, eye horror/gore, etc »

Viveca-san.

（ his tone is — careful. mindful, given how their last conversation had gone. he does not like that he is asking her for something so soon afterwards, but he thinks she will understand the desire to be... useful. ）

I do not know if you can bring organic matter aboard the station — eyes, specifically — but if possible I would like to request one that was once in my possession. Shisui's. If you can get the other from Danzō Shimura, I would not ... object.

（ he does not know exactly how detailed the file she has is — but if it says anything at all about shisui, she will have an idea of what it means for him to ask this. his best friend, dead at fifteen, who had given him the eye for safekeeping. danzō had poisoned him and stolen the other — which had lead shisui to taking his own life in the hopes that the grief and shock would waken itachi's mangekyō. and it had, all those years ago. ）

Due to the nature of my abilities and the cost they have on my body, I am now nearly blind. My usefulness will be a matter of diminishing returns from this point onward, as I can no longer use the sharingan or the mangekyō reliably. Transplanting another set of mangekyō will alleviate my symptoms, restore my vision and ensure I will be able to continue supporting the crew of the Ximilia as necessary.

However — I would only wish for you to retrieve at the very least the one in my possession after its use of the genjutsu kotoamatsukami has been exhausted. I do not know if or when this would have occurred, only that it is likely to have followed my death. Taking it before then would endanger my brother, Sasuke.

（ that he would do anything for his brother is surely known in his file, at the very least. ）

If this is impossible for you, I understand. I will find another way to continue.

（ if it is beyond her reach, he does not want her to feel badly. ）

[vivecai]

Itachi. What can I do for you?

[ he then proceeds to tell her exactly what that is: find him a new set of eyes. shisui... of course she knows about him. it'd be impossible to, having read itachi's file.

and that he knows, or guesses — but what he doesn't know is that she doesn't need the long explanation for how it will make him more useful. all he really needs to do is ask; she's here to help them, all of them.

with a soft sigh, she responds, ]

Even if it didn't make you any more useful, just not wanting to be blind would be reason enough. What I can do for you, however... it would be easier for me to get you another set of eyes, one that isn't so tied to time and place, one with the eyes in the same place. Your father's, perhaps. That I can do before your next mission.

But if you really want Shisui's eyes... I can do it, but it will take more time. I should have them for you after you return from the next mission.

It's your choice.

Text | Un: Star-Lord | Post Bad Company mission

[spacedisaster]

Hello Viv. I have a question.

Could you use the teleportation platform to bring someone from Badrock here? We left  Welford Branson behind, alone in his misery. Once we got the orb, there was no time to do anything else before we were brought back to the station. And it's not fair. Nothing about what happened was right.

[vivecai]

I'm sorry Peter... I can't do that.

The only people who are safe to be taken here are those with a contract with the orb. Welford Branson's contract is over.

I know you're all upset... you're upset for a reason. But you're taking the orbs away from the planets and making sure no one else ends up like him. That's all you can do.

[construing]

Hey. [ a little tired, but who isn’t after all that?

this could have been left unmentioned, but george stacy raised his daughter right. ]

I wanted to thank you for the food. Saved our butts out there.

[vivecai]

Hi, Gwen.

[ the thank you gets a sigh, somehow also sounding tired. she's been following along the mission through the team's eyes (or ears), and being stuck as a spectator, unable to do anything... it isn't easy. and it never gets any easier. ]

I'm glad I could do something for you, even if it was just that. [ she wishes it was so much more, but as the saying goes: it is what it is. ]

Audio; un: belova

[laviny]

[She has never done this before, but she’s giving it a try now.]

Viveca? Hello? I have some requests.

[vivecai]

Hello, Yelena. What are the requests?

[ she sounds — not surprised, exactly, that yelena should contact her, but intrigued to hear what she has to say. ]

2/16

[firstroar]

Viveca...

[Blue calls from his room, curled up against the wall and headboard, still shaken by the intense emptiness around him, psionics gone.]

Do you know? What's...happening to me. Why...

[vivecai]

... Why you can't hear people as you used to?

[ she sighs. yes, she knows. ]

You died. And if you die during a mission... it isn't something that can be undone. Not without a price.

[groupiedrifter]

Hey Viv! You know in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, where they have the wallpaper that tastes like different food? And you're not actually eating the food, but you get to, like, enjoy the food anyway?

Can I get something like that? Does the galaxy have something like that out there you can swipe? Like, a roll of... whatever? For someone. With stuff like snack foods and candy. And mac n' cheese. Mac n' cheese is a must.

I'd make it myself and not be so lazy, but I don't think I have the proper tools for it, and time's of the essence!

[vivecai]

[ oh, look, it's newton... with something weird, again.

must be a tuesday. ]

... yes, sure. I can get you a roll like that. Do I want to know who it is for?

[ or what. or why. ]

[bindsthedead]

Viveca... What was the Highest One? If he wasn't from Giva, where was he from? Will we need to worry about more of his kind?

And... Tell Degar I'd be up for a jam session, if he likes. It's been too long since I played an instrument or sang with someone else.

[vivecai]

... I don't know all the details. You must have noticed from my mission files that I don't have the capability to find out everything — far less than I'd like to, to be honest.

From what I was able to gather, he had crash-landed on the planet from his own... which one that is, I don't know. But I believe he stumbled on the knowledge of the orb — orbs — by accident. He did not come to find them on purpose as you did.

[ which is... hopefully at least a little reassuring. ]

I'll let him know.

[ruinously]

If you can get me a guitar, I am here for a jam session.

[vivecai]

Sure, Dean. I'll get you one... and let Degar know.

[ does that sound vaguely ominous? maybe, but she sure sounds amused, too. and glad, there beneath it all, because degar always does better with company, and he doesn't get much of it aside from her, nowadays. ]

[voice]

[unclesam]

[ So, the good news is: Sam didn't collapse into another coma after teleporting back. On the other hand, that doesn't mean his appearance back on the teleporter wasn't quite eventful in a rather public way.

So naturally, he immediately busies himself with anything but the inevitable necessity of confronting his own feelings. That's for later, for the privacy of their room, where Viveca will know the beds have been pushed together ages ago, and where Bucky refused to sleep until Sam woke up from his coma, and where Bucky and Sam put themselves back together after, neither able to care for himself but able to hold the other up.

After working himself to the ground in the medbay fixing others and in the armory and tech storage fixing up his gear, Sam's latest distraction comes in a much needed welfare call - for his favorite brand of 'it's complicated' string of feelings. ]

Hey precious. Didn't get a chance to say hi again before we left...

[ The Louisiana accent slips through a little more. It means Sam's mind is on what he so often seeks out in the simulation room when he needs to think - the golden sunset over the bay, the lazy rocking of his family's fishing boat against the docks. ]

So, how you doin'?

[vivecai]

Cap, [ she says with what is an obviously relieved sigh that accompanies the title — she had been there when he had returned, collapsed; she had been there to try and reassure bucky that he'd be okay; she'd been there, helpless, knowing she couldn't do anything about waking him up. that the only thing they could all do was wait and hope for the best.

but then she amends, ]

Sam. It's good to hear from you. I'm glad to see you feeling better. [ that, that is how she's doing, actually. a lot of her time goes into trying to prepare them for the missions, and yet, every time they leave, she worries until the second they're back. ]

audio; un: mafioso ; a day or two after giva mission

[essenceofdeadlybeasts]

Heyyyyy, Viv-chan.

[a short pause]

How are you doing these days? Do you miss us when we're gone~?

[He sounds normal: tone lackadaisical and relaxed, teasing when he gets to those parts, but perhaps a little tired beneath the usual carefree demeanor. Notably, he was in the infirmary for a while--restless but there--except now he's currently walking away from it.]

[vivecai]

Hi, Zhao.

[ there's a smile to her voice, there, clearly glad to hear from him — not least because of his recent stint in the infirmary. she knew, of course. ]

Of course I do. It gets really quiet here when you're away.

audio | username: goodvibes

[aurable]

Hi, Viv, I know this is last minute but I had a request.

Can we get a treadmill-like system installed in the simulation room? A few of my friends want to learn to drive and I'd like to give them an optimal experience in case it becomes pertinent to the mission.

And, of course, night drives are relaxing.

[vivecai]

You can request the simulation room to look whatever you like, when it is not simulating a mission. [ with a slight smile to her voice, ] So go ahead.

audio (un: major.yzak.jule)

[coordination]

Hello, Viveca.

Before we depart on this next mission, I have a question for you. Likely a few. I'm sure you're tapped in to the goings on through these ear pieces?

[vivecai]

Hi, Yzak.

[ her answer is wry when she answers, ] Somewhat, yes. I make it a point not to listen to everything. Everyone deserves their privacy.

audio; un: kovacs

[kovach]

[ one of the nights following the return to the station, kovacs calls out quietly: ]

Hey, Viv— [ more casual now, more familiar, than he might've been about it once. he's been here for a while now, after all. and her presence on the station is a comfort, reminding him of poe sometimes. ]

Do you have ... memories of your whole life?

[ ai or not, it's still a life. maybe being around poe's just conditioned him to believe it's more than just programming. ]

[vivecai]

Hi, Takeshi.

[ her voice is similar to his — quiet, but comfortable, like she's pleased to speak with him. ]

... I do, yes.

audio | un: silent

[callada]

Hey Viveca. Been wondering, have you ever come across other groups trying to track down orbs like we are? I'm thinking we might need a contingency plan for if we run into some more informed trouble than the usual locals of the worlds we visit.

[vivecai]

Rosinante, hello.

[ it's been a while since hearing from him last, and she anticipates this to be important — he doesn't tend to talk to her unless it's something significant. ]

I haven't, no. But we do have some security measures in place... I believe I mentioned them once before. As for if you run into others like you during a mission — it's not a bad idea.

UN: Newt | Voice | (sometime after viv and degar give him the ol' check-up)

[groupiedrifter]

... Viv. We can change regrets, right?

Like, if it's a regret that will just fuck everything up more if it succeeds.

The orb'll change it? Right? If you ask it?

[He's a touch manic, perhaps a little sleep-deprived, but — he's absolutely resolute in whatever is going on in that head of his.]

[vivecai]

Newt —

[ there's a strain to her voice, there, as there always is when someone speaks of changing a regret — but as ever, she only has one answer to give. ]

... yes. It will. But it will be for a price.