trans_9 | Enchanted Aquatica---the Prom [WIDE OPEN Y'ALL]

The day had finally arrived for her big event, and Starfire couldn't be happier---or more nervous, actually. She was certainly not an expert on the inner workings of a prom, but it couldn't be too terribly complicated, right? As long as the people could eat, dance, and talk, it should be a reasonable success.

With that in mind, her decorations sprung from her mind into the large dome all around her, transforming a grey Sensorium into a beautiful underwater world, one with clear waters and free from the possibility of a shark attack.

The first change was the scent of the air, shifting into the comforting salty scent of the seas. Then the ground beneath her feet became a hardened sandstone, maintaining the gritty texture while remaining easy to walk upon---except for the smooth dance floor, of course. The grey dome transformed into a flowing bluish-green, rippling all around with fish of all colors passing in the background. Some of the 'sky' faded into a violet tone over the dance floor, lit by glowing circular lights in every color. Suspended in midair, they almost looked like motionless fireflies, though they sometimes swayed in tune with songs.

Tables arose from coral in all colors, rising from the ground and twisting to provide a flattened surface on the very top---rounded ones for guests, and long tables off to the side containing shell-bowls of food. Chairs were large floating clam shells with well cushioned interiors, some large enough to hold two people. More comfortable spongy places to sit were also littered across the area, notably by the large shell-shaped enclosure that was the promised swimming pool. It too was lit by the floating lights, providing what she hoped was a romantic atmosphere.

Finally, the glowing stage above the dance floor couldn't help but attract attention with its chairs. Six royal thrones and one plush chair of all colors directly in the middle rested in the back of the stage, leaving the front open for announcements. Just off to the side of the stage stood the DJ's table, with even that machine painted to match the soft underwater glow of the scenery.

Everything finally seemed pleasing to Starfire. With one last change, dressing herself in the formal attire of the prom, she sent out the signal to everyone and waited. She hoped they would have a wonderful time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"What is right is decided by those who make the rules." She smiled mischievously, "And those with the most power make the rules." She was of coarse well aware that technically Mindf**k was possibly one of the most powerful figures here.

"Oh, on the contrary, my (megalomaniac) friend. Those who make the rules are (arguably) the first ones to break them. Then they easily turn a blind eye to their own misdeeds while they would punish those for the same transgression." She paused and straightened herself up, her hands moving while she 'spoke', even though it was mentally.

"You see, what's 'good' and 'bad' aren't just limited by the rules made up by a certain kingdom. Morals are universal (speaking on an 'earth' scale, as opposed to one that encompasses our tangible universe, including theoretical multi-verses). 'Those with the most power' who 'make rules' but don't hold themselves or their followers to them aren't making rules. They're making demands."

"But they aren't." Azula countered seeming for the first time in a long time relaxed despite the nature of the discussion. "One person's morals aren't always the same as another persons. So the standard needs to be set in laws decided by a ruling power. Foolishly on this ship the laws are decided by a ruling power that was chosen by the masses. The unwashed, uneducated masses deciding for any number of reasons and likely not the right reasons as to who they "trust" or who they "Like" to lead them to their deaths.

A wry smile rose to her pale face and she raised a skeptical brow. "Oh, but they are (to an extent, of course). There may be some small discongruity from tribe to tribe and person to person, but there are just a few things that most people (who have 'laws') agree are worthy of imprisonment, punishment or death. Theft and murder are two of the most common.

Now, don't take my (highly educated) word for it, but throughout history there are very few rulers who allowed both theft and murder to happen unchecked and with no punishments, and still managed to keep a tight leash on their people. The ruler in question could indulge whenever they pleased, and their men could do it during wartime (or because they were on the royal family's payroll, so to speak). But your average person? Nope! The belief that an action or actions are wrong is a moral, if from an ethical standpoint or for no other reason than to keep your people in line through fear."

Though she was happy enough tossing herself into a debate, her knowledge on the councilmen and women on the ship was a smidge lower than it should have been.

"Ah, you simply think it's a popularity contest, (which it very well might be) then? But what do you suggest? That we choose who should govern over the ship by who holds the most raw power? I'd be (delighted!) to hear your thoughts on this."

"Proof. More then words. Tests, challenges, battles, debates. If we absolutely must bow to commoners who have risen to the top then at least let them be the strongest, smartest best among us."

She had already seen a few that she would rather be at the front of this doomed ship of fools.

"Though, I suppose if there will be fools on the front lines I'd rather them be people I don't like. I simply resent that they are in charge of MY fate."

"You have an excellent point (about proving oneself, at least!) ," she commented, resting her arm against the table. "Considering we have no basis of what to judge the councilmen and women on other than our personal (completely subjective) view of them. Granted, they were all in office before I arrived, so I really couldn't comment on how or why they were chosen."

"I do question whether or not they rotate the positions, considering it was a democratic choice. But, now that you're one of use regular, old common folk, I suppose you'll get to see the other side of the fence, so to speak (though it most certainly isn't green in any manner)."

"How cruel." There was an odd playful lilt in her voice, "You should be able to tell by now, there is nothing common about me." She smirked pleased with the comment of self praise. Even if MindF**k's opinions were counteractive to her own, this was the most she'd spoken with anyone in some time.

"Oh, no," she replied, mental voice brimming with amusement. "I think you've given me plenty (endless, really) of hints of your tumultuous past; enough to piece together that you're a delightfully nasty piece of work for a reason! As especially prudent of me as it would be to avoid most contact with a woman who has such a (well-deserved yet egregiously one-sided) reputation, I can't help but be intrigued that you have such well thought-out opinions to back your ideas. Just a (tiny) bit impressive, in the least."

"I suppose that will have to do for respect." Azula sighed dismissively but she was still smiling "Unfortunately I can't say the say for the people who are in control of my destiny on this ship. So many of this rag tag crew make choices impulsively."

"Honestly (which I always am), I don't think I can blame them too much, at least. We're all under the impression that we're the 'last survivors' of our world and we've got a (nigh) impossible foe to stop. I wouldn't be surprised if many of them simply think they're going to die on this ship."

"Not to mention the inability to track time, the (enormous but tragically) enclosed space and the relative lack of interaction with anyone beyond the people on this ship. Well...it's a fine groundwork for insanity to start seeping in (not to mention my description sounded like a prison, ouch!)!"

"To hear you explain it like that I almost feel like I'm the only sane person in a ship of insanity." Azula mused "It would explain alot." She added.

"Hey, now; given the circumstances, I'm a very sane person (I keep it that way)! Besides that; we're on an intergalactic living, ship that routinely awakens and puts 'survivors' to sleep. It gives us no direction and expects us to build a society and overcome our unfortunate predicament. We all nod our heads and go along with it because we really figure we have no choice. That, alone, makes us all a teensy bit crazy by proxy (I'm just thinking here...)."

Is her distrust of Stacy obvious?

Well if nothing else she may take comfort in the fact that Azula agreed with her on Stacy's trustworthiness. "How can we trust our own senses then knowing the capabilities and madness of Stacy?" She grumbled.

"You can't! Not really, anyways. Despite her being a living ship, even I don't have the (metaphorical) cojones to attempt to read her 'mind', in whatever sense that she has one. A.I.s (again, assuming she is one, and isn't some form of advanced life) are bad news for psionic-based abilities. Especially considering she has them, herself."

Enchanted Aquatica---the Prom [WIDE OPEN Y'ALL]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject