2024-02-01: A Future
- Cutscene: A Future
- Cast: Eight Orlodhari, Kirra Medrovan (A TV Reporter)
- Where: Magallanica (Broadcast)
- Date: February 1, 2024 (Late May 0098)
- Summary: Magallanica is in the news again for the appointment of a new leader of its defense forces: Eight Orlodhari. Kirra Medrovan has the exclusive!
"News out of Magallanica today, the Colony created at the heart of the Laplace's Box incident! Since September 0097, eyes have been on the manufacturing colony as refugees pour in and it continues to maintain its dubious independence."
The camera is on a woman in a sharp suit, black hair perfectly styled. She's the anchor of a noted news channel, though how far that channel's reach will be today or tomorrow remains to be seen.
"And today, we have an important figure in that colony! Newly appointed as Admiral of Magallanica's Defense Force, Eight Orlodhari! Eight, we're so glad you could join us today. Congratulations on the new job!"
The camera pans to Eight, her blonde hair styled down. She's in uniform.
"Thank you," Eight says. "It's a pleasure to be here. I know you have a lot of questions."
"I do! Is this the Three Ships Alliance at work? Should NUNE be worried?"
"You don't softball, do you?" Eight smiles. "No. The Alliance was formed to address severe problems in the Earth Federation--which no longer exists. There's no reason for us to be at war footing any longer. Accordingly, we have no plans to aggress against NUNE. We indeed have made specific arrangements with them."
"Even though your colony has great manufacturing capability? Including for weapons?"
"Magallanica was founded on a dream of peace. Mineva Lao Zabi's dream. I'm still in contact with her, and still plan to fulfill that vision. While the former members of the Alliance may choose to act on their consciences, we have no plans to aggress against the New United Nations Earth. We want to coexist--independently. My negotiations with NUNE and its agencies are unfortunately classified, but rest assured that we have reached an understanding."
"Well, if that's all you'll say on that, then that's all you'll say. How about we switch tacks? Can we expect the rest of the Alliance to follow suit?"
"I can't speak for the other ships of the Alliance. They'll be going about their own business; the Nadesico's mission against the Jovian Lizards is a matter of public record, and it continues, for instance."
"So the Three Ships Alliance is going its separate ways?"
"Officially. As we've been good allies in the past, though, we're likely to continue to help each other out. I can say that the Ra Mari II's focus is going to primarily be on humanitarian efforts outside of defending Magallanica."
"I see. Well, there's no shortage of need."
"Exactly. Without a mandate for war, when we're not busy here, we'll be using our significant relief capabilities for the good of all the peoples of the Earthsphere--Humans from Earth and space, Natural and Coordinators, Zentradi and Meltrandi."
"Ambitious. Do I still detect idealism there, Admiral?"
"You do."
"...So how do you do it? The media know your story. Rescued from a horrible program, coming back to the military... And now you're adopting a position defending one of the hottest new colonies out there, to maintain its independence. Given your history, anyone would understand if you'd rather not put yourself through that much."
"It's important, so I do it," she says. "I find that focusing on my children and the world I can build for them centers me when I need it. I think I have that in common with a lot of other people in the Earthsphere."
"And a new mom on top of the rest! You're a glutton for work, Admiral."
"I am," she says. "But I'm confident that together with the government of Magallanica we can handle everything that comes at us."
"So it seems! I hope that we'll see a bright future out of the Colony, Admiral Orlodhari."
"I'm committed to that brighter future. And you'll find, I think, that a lot of people are."
"Optimism, is it? Well, we could use some of that these days..."
The interview continues...