♫ four 「video」| backdated to the 23rd

[galactically]

[The feed begins with the view of one pop diva sitting down in front of the vanity, glancing at her appearance with one hand brushing her wavy, pink locks. Said hand is full of bandages and faint scratch marks if one looks closely enough, but what stands out the most is a huge, white square cloth taped to one side of a cheek

Comments

[todistantskies]

[ It's some minutes before he responds, because he refuses to look concerned, no matter how true it is.

He speaks with some exasperation in his voice, even as he has the video feed on. ]

Did they seriously expect you to do manual labor? People here are dumber than I thought.

[galactically]

[She laughs haughtily, tilting her chin upward in an attempt to look dignified.]

Can you believe I had to milk some cows and harvest crops?

[todistantskies]

I think your manager would have strong words with them for all those scrapes, too. [ No, he didn't forget about the bandages. His brow is creased. ] ...I hope they won't get infected or anything. Who knows if your immune system can take the stuff found in an ecosystem like this, especially on a farm.

[galactically]

[Her eyebrows crease as she frowns, lowering her bravado for a moment.]

Who do you think you're talking to? [A point.] I'm Sheryl Nome, I can handle anything and everything they can dish at me! Besides, my skin is perfectly smooth yet sturdy against the harshest conditions.

[Except for V-Type infections and extreme temperatures, but that's neither here nor there.]

[todistantskies]

I'm talking to someone whose home ship probably had less plantlife than any single one of Frontier's parks. [ In other words, his concern is legit.

Even so, he sighs. ] Though you look better than I expected, from when I heard the news.

[galactically]

Practically nonexistent plantlife. Galaxy had to have their supply of fruits and vegetables come from nearby fleets.

[A flicker of contemplation is in her eyes.]

Obtaining calluses aside, it's rather nice seeing actual plants and animals without any implants attached.

[A tiny smile.]

Of course, I keep myself in tip-top shape at all times.

[todistantskies]

See? So they should be more careful about the kind of work they give you. [ The "or else" is left off. He pushes past the irritation at her house owner. ]

Heh. I think there's a big difference between singing and dancing and working with livestock. [ Though he has to admit: ] I'm glad you're mostly unhurt, Sheryl. [ "Mostly" because, well, there were still those bandages he was looking at. ]

[galactically]

My, if only you were my manager instead, Alto, then you'll be able dish out a hard lesson.

[She smiles knowingly, leaning forward with her chin propped on the table and her hands tucked under her chin. It may be Sir Harold's attempt at humbling her, but having her work with livestock may not be the best idea.]

The pigs are extremely unprofessional, therefore they will be horrible back-up dancers. [A laugh.] So am I.

[todistantskies]

I wouldn't know the first thing about reining you in. [ God knows, he's tried. ]

[ A short laugh. ] Now there's a hilarious mental image. I can't picture you anywhere near mud.

[galactically]

What was that?

[Totally not pouting, nope. Also she may or may not be poking fun at herself here.]

I have standards to uphold to! I can't let anything like mud upstage me.

[todistantskies]

[ Alto shakes his head a bit. ] I'd never dream of it.

[ And then, after a contemplative hum. ] ...is it really your birthday?

[galactically]

[She nods, her facial expression turning serious this time.]

It is. I never thought I'd turn nineteen in Ukiyo.

[todistantskies]

Mm, well... Happy Birthday all the same, Sheryl. [ A beat. ] Now that you're back in the city, I bet your schedule's packed.

[galactically]

Thank you, Alto. [A soft laugh.] It's not that packed! I'll be sure to leave some room for a small party, and you're invited.

[todistantskies]

[ Surprised. ] Really?

How large is "small" in the Galactic Fairy's dictionary?

[galactically]

Hmm... a six-hour dancefest?