003 | Anna Milton | [AUDIO]

[afallenstar]

[ She's used this thing enough now that she knows how it works quite easily, but she's never actually addressed the network as a whole, and it feels a little strange. After a few seconds of static where she tries to remember just what it was she had planned to say, she starts to speak. ]

Well, uh- Hello everyone? [ ...That is a pretty good place to start, yes. ]

So I'm sure everyone's noticed that it's starting to snow, and um. I can't be the only one who feels a little festive, right?

[ This is getting ridiculous now, obvious statements are obvious. Anna pauses briefly and shakes her head, huffing before continuing. ]

Anyway, I guess the point of this is because I know some of us have friends and family from home, but there are people here who are alone too, and I thought it might be nice if we all do something for each other while we're stuck in this place.

[ That? That is definitely rambling. She starts to speed up her words slightly, and while they're still clearly audible it's obvious she's somewhat regretting this spur of the moment decision. No one else is going to be interested, they don't even know what time of year it is, everyone has enough things to worry about.

She pushes on anyway, though. ]

Look, we used to do this thing at home a while back. Secret Santa? You just get given a name out of a hat and get them some kind of present, that's all it is, but you get to reveal at the end and I guess I just there might be people who are up for it. No one has to do it, obviously, but well. If anyone's interested just let me know, okay?

[ She coughs awkwardly, and there's another small static-filled pause before she adds: ]

Well, that's it. Bye. [ And then the feed cuts out. ]

Comments

[manofiron]

Secret Santa, huh?

[ There's a pause while he thinks about it. It doesn't last long. ]

Go ahead and put me down as participating, Anna.

[afallenstar]

Really?

[ She's a little surprised that someone's agreeing so readily. A little being a lot, of course. ]

Thanks, I'll add you to the list.

[ Whether or not the list is currently made up of exactly two names (one being hers) is entirely not the point. ]

video

[hung_garian]

Can we do Secret Satan instead? It's a bit like your idea, only instead of presents you put animal heads under people's sheets, or spiders in their shoes.

[Guess who's feeling Grinchy?]

video

[afallenstar]

Did you miss the part where I said festive, or did you just take no notice?

[ Yes, that is just about the most unimpressed look that she can muster up. ]

Don't let my bed or shoes end up on your list.

[pursuitofcappiness]

I'm interested, if you wanna write my name down.

[ CHRISTMAS IN "JUNE" FOR STEVE.................... SOUNDS LEGIT ]

[afallenstar]

I was actually hoping you'd want to do it. See, I could...use a hand organizing some things, if you're not tied up?

[ Hey, it's snowing. That makes it Christmas in Anna's eyes. ]

[wandandsickle]

Oh, that's a lovely idea, considering that we all could use a bit of cheering up. I'd be happy to participate.

[afallenstar]

Oh, that's fantastic. [She'd genuinely been worried that no one would be interested, after all. ] I'm Anna, by the way. What's your name?

[onteamdyson]

PRESENTS?!

[That is literally the only word she paid attention to.]

I'm in.

[afallenstar]

Well that's not quite-

[ Save it, Anna, don't look gift horses in the mouth. ]

That's great, I'll put you on the list!

[thezerothlaw]

This sounds like a very kind idea. I think this could do a lot to help morale here.

[afallenstar]

That's kind of what I was thinking...what with everything going on and all.

[reluctantsword]

We're pretending it's Christmas?

[He's grinning. He hasn't celebrated Christmas in... ages, it feels like.]

Sign me up.

[afallenstar]

Well you know, snow and everything...

[ Have a small shrug followed by a slightly sheepish grin. ]

Great, I'll put you down.

video;

[silvergat]

Hey.

Geddit to private. [ AKA Kid has no idea how and wants you to do it for him because he is incapable. ]

[ PRIVATE, video ]

[afallenstar]

[ There some brief fiddling, and then- ]

There you go, it's private.

[agentx13]

Secret Santa. [Sharon doesn't seem particularly pleased or displeased, but after a couple moments, she gives a faint nod. This... can be good. People need something happy to focus on, even here. And it might not interfere with her plan. At least, she hopes so.]

Sounds excellent. Count me in.

[afallenstar]

[ Now that really does surprise her. She hadn't thought Sharon of all people would be that interested in something trivial like this, but there's no denying she's pleased she is. ]

You think? I just thought that some people could probably use a pick me up.

[ellectric]

[By the time Elle turns on the feed, she's smiling slowly. Sweetly.]

I can do it, sure.

[And she just won't mention that she more likely to receive than give.]

[afallenstar]

[ Anna doesn't suspect anything, bless her, and just smiles in return. ]

Really? That's great.

[noblexcompanion]

Secret Santa? Count me in!

[afallenstar]

Fantastic! You're on the list.

[audio]

[gloryisbullshit]

Yo, where are you?

[audio]

[afallenstar]

I'm at the place I'm staying in, why?

[gleans]

... Do we not actually know what month it is? Cuz this sure doesn't look like mid-October weather.

Uh, that said... I guess if we are kinda indefinitely stuck here, this sounds like a nice idea.

[afallenstar]

I don't know, honestly. [ There's a shrug there, even if you can't see it it can pretty much be heard in her voice. ]

I don't think indefinitely is the word I'd use, but you've got the idea yeah. That's a yes, right?