tushanshu | 001 ✦ Video

[ It had taken Ender a few days before he even checked the network, and a few more days before he decided to place himself upon it. When the video starts, it's the face of just another child -- but one that's exhausted. From his serious demeanor and lack of a smile, he seems much older than he is in all actuality. ]

Earth -- I'm not talking about the sector -- does the name hold any significance to you? I've been wondering how many people here come from a place called Earth and just how many Earths haven't had to face the Bugger Wars. From what I've seen of the guests, many appear human overall and some even with the same technological advancements and understanding that are prominent in my world. If we're trapped in this place between life, dreaming and death, then I suppose it wouldn't be impossible to dream of the existence of alternate Earths.

[ Ender forces a smile, but that's just what it is. Forced. He's really in no mood to showcase good cheer. ]

If it isn't asking too much, even if you don't come from some variation of Earth, I'd like to know about your world. Subsequently, I can tell you anything you wish to know about mine. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has noticed that we're being kept in the dark by the natives here. What they know and what they're planning doesn't concern me as much as our lack of understanding about the universes that surround us. I feel the better we understand one another, the more trust we can put in each other and the better equipped we become as a whole to any crisis that may arise. Sometimes, in a war, the most crippling blow can be dealt not by the enemy but by lies and mistrust.

That's all. Thank you for your time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Ah yeah - dangers of the network. [He briefly wonders if Bean can out-hack Tim. If so, that would be interesting.]

He hasn't - he didn't need to. I know a good commander when I see one.

Ha ha, I guess you're a good judge of people then. I agree. He would make an excellent commander.

[ Better than him. As a matter of fact, in this world...Ender fully intended to turn leadership over to Bean. He was through being commander. ]

[Kid, you're a little too friendly for somebody who just destroyed a planet. But they say the same about Kyle himself, so he's the last person to judge something like that.

A pause as he considers what to say next.] If you need to reach me or the other two for anything, EA-3B. [there's a ping as he sends its location] Our medic got pulled here too: she's a lot more efficient and better equipped than a local clinic, should you need medical attention. [He doesn't add Bean because Bean already knows that the GLs will be here for him.]

One more thing: do you know self-defence?

[ He has love in his heart!! He didn't want to kill anyone. It was a trick! Adults suck, Kyle! Don't be a sucky adult. ]

Thank you. I'll remember it.

[ At the question, though, there's a long pause. An uncomfortable pause. And when Ender finally speaks, the warmth has left his voice. ]

I know how to survive.

[Kyle listens to what isn't said, as well as what is. His tone is sad, and gentle:] That's not an answer to my question.

Fine. I know how to defend myself, but not necessarily self defense.

[ He knows how to fight unfair and ~~kill bullies~~ effectively ensure he won't be bothered ever again. ]

I've had some training, though.

We've been trained in variable gravity. Natu - she specialises in close quarters. She would be more than happy to teach you self-defence. I've already extended this offer to Bean, and it's open to you as well.

Thank you for everything, Rayner. The real question is -- and I hope this doesn't make me seem ungrateful -- but why are you doing so much for me when we just met?

A friend of Bean's is a friend of mine. [It's that simple, for him.]

Well, I guess I'm glad Bean made it easier for me to make friends, then. I'll have to thank him.

He likes chocolate, but you didn't hear that from me.

[ Amused. ]

My lips are sealed. Tell me where I can find the Easter Bunny, and then I'll leave you to rest.

Wood Sector, I think. You'll have to ask Jack Frost.

I'll keep that in mind. Thank you.

Nice to meet you, Ender.

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