➢ 004 | VIDEO

[looksfine]

[You may be pleased to know, certain residents of Keelai, that Aya had no intentions of offering another long-winded highly detailed technical analysis of...whatever it is she's up to at the moment.  In fact, her latest message is surprisingly simple:]

It has been brought to my attention that my choice of vocabulary and diction is considered...unnecessarily formal by some.

[To put it mildly.]

I have made several attempts to alter my speech patterns, but have realized that I still lack a more concise understanding of what precisely entails formal versus familiar speech.  Therefore, I am seeking any an all information regarding more colloquial expressions or terms that may be used in everyday conversation, which I will do my best to learn and subsequently employ accordingly.

Thank you.



((PRIVATE TO: HAL JORDAN (2011) - 100% AYA ENCRYPTED))

[Her eyes narrow, however, when the following message is delivered.  Anger was not quite an accurate assessment of her emotions at that particular moment...but annoyance wouldn't have been a stretch.]

You did not follow through with your agreement to meet with me last month, and have since done nothing to rectify this error.

I wish to know why.

Comments

[looksfine]

[Aya stared after the screen for a moment. Blinking twice before replying.]

I...do not understand the metaphor.

And, technically, I am speaking Oan at this particular moment. It is the Universal Translator that allows you to hear English.

[backinakidflash]

Err. OK. I'm gonna say what you just said. Only like a normal person. Then you tell me if it sounds any different once the translation field Oans it up.

"I don't get the metaphor. I'm speaking Oan right now. You're hearing English 'cause of the universal translator."

[looksfine]

[A pause, then, in a vaguely different tone that might imply she was actually attempting it in English:]

"I don't get the metaphor. I'm speaking Oan right now. You're hearing English 'cause of the Universal Translator."

[Followed by, in her usual tone:]

...was that acceptable?

[backinakidflash]

[He gives her a thumbs up and grin.]

Yep. You got it. Just next time try "That OK?" or "how's that?" or something. Loosen it up a bit. Grammar's not rules. More of a guideline.

[looksfine]

That appears to be a recurring theme in most aspects of life I have been introduced to.

[backinakidflash]

That's everything in life. Just about everything anyway. I'm not saying we should all be amoral anarchists. But. Y'know. Sometimes, you gotta bend things a bit.

[looksfine]

I know.

It would not be the first time I have done so.

[backinakidflash]

[Yet, she totally missed two chances to contraction in one sentence.]

... maybe I'll just write up some new grammar rules for you.

[looksfine]

[It's a learning process, alright?]

I would appreciate that. Thank you.

[backinakidflash]

[He's surprised by that; he hadn't meant it to be taken completely seriously.]

No problemo, Elphie. I'll throw in a few paragraphs on jokes.