EVENT | LET IT GROW, LET IT GROW

[ironwood]

Characters: All!
Date: March 15-31
Location: Large, open spaces in Keeliai, at the outskirts of the city, and near some of the fields
Situation: Assembly and construction of new hydroponics facilities and expansion of the greenhouses is in full force. Time to grow some food!
Warnings/Rating: None

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The past few months have been difficult for growing food; it has probably come to the attention of some that perishable food, especially greens and fruit have been in short supply. Using technology acquired in Tavimbi, a large number of hydroponics systems are being set up, and the existing greenhouses are being expanded in order to make up the shortfall of good growing conditions. The past few months have been focused on getting all of the pieces ready, and now it's time to assemble and plant.

It's important to take advantage of the warming weather and begin growing as soon as possible. As such, everyone who's available to help is asked to do so. There are opportunities to assist with major components of construction as well as assembly of hydroponic equipment. While it's not required to volunteer, there's a certain air of expectation that anyone available to help will be helping. After all, if there's not enough food, Keeliai is in big trouble.

Comments

[redlightgreenlight]

"In war, indecision gets you killed," Valdis commented, "Strange for a warrior to admit such a thing."

She tilted her head, still watching the ka with interest.

"I think several people object to that," she continued, "But several of us also have the power to stop him and Pepper won't stand for such a thing. Surely you know that?"

[lasergrenades]

We are not at war. Taking time to gather knowledge of someone or something you do not fully understand is a strength, not a weakness, Vee returned smoothly, and without offense. And yes, I do. But none of you that have the power to stop him would experience the pain of her loss quite like I would.

Vee was staring down at her when Pepper looked up sharply. Her ka had never phrased it quite like that before, even though the possibility of Pepper being killed by Bakura or by any number of other things had in fact come up before. They're going to lose each other some day anyway, when Pepper goes home, but that will be less painful and more like deadening a nerve, for Vee. Pepper won't even remember.

It is my understanding that such an event is unlikely, Vee continued. Yet the possibility of it at all is distasteful to me.

[redlightgreenlight]

"Ah, but see, now we are straying into different territory. Your indecision is very different from your ability to evaluate something." Valdis pointed out. "Pepper wouldn't be alone if such a thing did come to pass, not in emotion or companionship."

She had lost Dante and then she had almost lost her soul, but her friends had come to her aid then and Pepper's would do the same for her.

"It does you no good to dwell on something that is unlikely to happen. You have labelled Bakura a threat because of Pepper's care for him and yes, the pain would be terrible, but Pepper is stronger than you give her credit for."

[lasergrenades]

And yet, my indecision in this situation is because I have not completed my evaluation. The creature shook her head. You misunderstand me. Should draupnir make choices that led to the Lady's death--

"It wouldn't necessarily kill Vee, but she'd feel it," Pepper surmised, finishing the thought. There was no real way to know, but they both guessed at it. "And Vee knows how strong I am. She knows that better than anyone can, probably."

He is a threat for other reasons, some of which follow from his willingness to do whatever he thinks necessary for his ghosts. There are some lines which should not be crossed, even if one can cross them. Lines which, Pepper and Vee both knew, the redhead could cross, but ultimately wouldn't. Not as she was now, at least. He would be a threat to her whether she cared for him deeply or not, though she and others like her are perhaps a greater incentive for him to make different decisions. There is no way to be sure.

[redlightgreenlight]

"Life would be boring if everything were certain, and I'm certain free will pays a part in there too," Valdis mused, "But should he make the wrong choices, we will be here to stop him, it's as simple as that."

Bakura would not get away with causing anyone's death, she would make sure of that.

[lasergrenades]

With respect, it is never that simple, although your reassurance is appreciated, Vee replied sincerely.

"I think she's the part of me that's suspicious of everyone," Pepper said in a stage whisper to Valdis, smiling.

I am as much guardian as guide. It is my duty. I am aware that no one is a monolith, but you inquired as to my objections and nothing else.

[redlightgreenlight]

"That is true," Valdis said, "I did inquire as to your objections."

She looked at Pepper, "I can see that."

Then her gaze returned to Vee, a sly smile playing across her lips, "So if we are finished discussing cons...there must be some things that you approve of?"

[lasergrenades]

There are things I recognize, Vee returned, apparently unwilling to strictly phrase it as approval. He challenges her, and he trusts her. And were it not for both of those things, the Lady and I would never have been united.

Pepper smiled broadly. Vee was no fan of Bakura, but she was willing to admit he had good qualities. The problem of Zorc and all his past misdeeds troubled them both, of course, but Vee seemed willing to trust Pepper's judgement.

"You know, you're oddly interested in what she thinks of Bakura," Pepper remarked, mostly amused.

[redlightgreenlight]

Valdis laughed, "More like I enjoy poking and prodding at things that make people think. Bakura was just a convenient topic," she waved a hand, "besides, I find myself interested in how different myself and my own ka might be. I mean, we already know that my past without a soul has led to some interesting circumstances regarding it."

[lasergrenades]

"Oh, believe me, we've done a lot of thinking and a lot of talking about Bakura," Pepper assured her. "As for your ka..." The redhead looked up at Vee, thoughtful. "It's different for everyone. Vee and I don't agree 100% on everything, but we... what's the phrase.."

Reach unity.

"Right, that. Are you worried your ka will disapprove of what you've done or something?"

[redlightgreenlight]

More like it will reflect a part of me that I don't like," Valdis replied, "But I'm willing to take that chance and accept whatever outcome, because I think it will be worth it in the end."

But that didn't mean it wasn't a concern.

[lasergrenades]

"It's still an important part of you," Pepper reasoned. "But if it does reflect something less than fun, well... then maybe it's because you need a ka that challenges you. If you have to face something about yourself you don't like, then you're forced to grow."

Pepper's Shadow test had done that to her. To keep her soul, she had to own up to the darkness in it. Vee was, in some ways, a tangible reminder of that, but also a source of pride: she'd faced it, and she'd come out the better for it.

"Like you said, it'll be worth it."

[redlightgreenlight]

"I suppose."

But Valdis really hoped her ka wouldn't reflect her dark past.

"I should get going, need to organize some more patrols to watch the greenhouses overnight."

[lasergrenades]

No one would know until Valdis succeeded in her Shadow test.

"Okay; I'll be here for a little while longer. Let me know if there's a hole in the roster that needs filling," Pepper told her, smiling. "And give me a heads up when you try your test again. I can be around, if you want me."

[redlightgreenlight]

"Thanks."

Though Valdis would rather have it just be herself and Bakura, reduce the possible damage that could occur if it went wrong.

"Good luck with the greenhouses."