248. Endgame

Ali wasn't quite satisfied with how I wrapped up Sasha's story arc, so she wrote an unofficial script for a strip to go after #246. I've reproduced it below, in case something happens to the forum (and to draw more attention to it):
[[After the graduation ceremony. Sasha is wearing graduation robes.]]
Juni: Congratulations, Sasha! Do you know where you'll go next?
Sasha: Not yet, except that it will not be back home. They have marked me not-Tzernikov.

Juni: [sadly] I know. Your sister Valya-
Sasha: Ex-sister.
Juni: uh, ex-sister, told me that might happen... You're just Sasha now?
Sasha: I am not-Tzernikov.

Juni: Sasha... you were really there for me when everything went kind of breezeways, and I don't have any siblings... if you like, you can use my name.
Sasha: Thank you, YU-NI, I am honored. But I must decline. I must earn my own hivename now, and until then "just Sasha" will be sufficient.

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Transcript

[[Juni sits in Zero's node room, reading something on a tablet and with a cup of hot liquid on the table next to the comfy chair.]]
Zero: Sasha's neural priming simulation data are promising. The Oracle program just might - Oh! Thinking of which, I have a memory from Seventeen.
Juni: When did it happen?
Zero: Last night, your time. Yes, you are meant to see this.
Juni: Ugh... Fine, show me.
[[Zero brings Juni into its perception, displaying a scene from Seventeen's perspective. Hira is crouching in front of Seventeen, with Tamu sitting nakedly beside her. Zero now appears quite different than before.]]
Juni: Is that a new [English]avatar? It suits you.
Zero: Thanks!
Tamu: See? This isn't so bad, is it, Hira?
Hira [Kajoshi]: Hello, little monster. Tell Juni to come here and bring Tanya.
Hira [Hiero]: Why we cannot do radio? I do not like this creature.
Juni: I wonder what that's all about. Hm.
Juni: I guess I'll schedule transport right away.
Zero: Wouldn't you rather use a pod?
Juni [hugging Zero's avatar, and ostensibly the simulation node]: Really? Breeze, yes! Thank you!
Zero [crossing its tentacles uncomfortably]: Hey! Mind my cooling vents!

Comments

#  
01/18/2010 02:01 am 
Original script for this comic:
zero: These Kayohash neural priming results are promising. The oracle program just might- Oh! Thinking of which, Seventeen wants you to see something.
Juni: Ugh... okay, show me.

[Juni is in floatyspace with a clothed, human-looking Zero, looking at Seventeen's view of Hira]
Juni: Gah, I'll never get used to this. Hey, nice avatar.
Hira [in Hiero]: Hello, little monster. You tell my Juni it need coming here. Bring Tanya.
Tamu [in background]: See? That wasn't so bad.
Hira: Why we cannot use radio? Who care if someone else hears that?

Juni: Okay, I guess I need to schedule a flight?
Zero: Wouldn't you rather use a pod?

Juni [hugging Zero]: Oh! Of course.
Zero: Hey! mind my emitters.
[background blend of simulation node, showing that Juni is physically hugging the mainframe]
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