Lunar Greetings

by flecks_of_stardust

Summary:

Looks to the Moon greets those she meets, to let them know the value they hold to her.

Chapter 1: Softly, the wind blows...

1390.589 - PRIVATE
Chasing Wind, Looks to the Moon

LttM: Hello!
CW: Hello.
LttM: It’s good to have a neighbor! I’m Looks to the Moon. I’ve been eagerly following your construction, and it’s great to finally be able to talk to you.
CW: Ah, you’re the iterator northeast of here?
Lttm: Yes, I believe so.
CW: It’s nice to meet you too.
LttM: How are you adjusting? I hope being turned on wasn’t too disorienting.
CW: It was, somewhat, but I’ll manage.
LttM: Haha, well you’re taking it very well. I’ll be around to chat if you need anything. I just wanted to drop in and say hi.
CW: Thank you, I appreciate it.
LttM: Has Seven Red Suns spoken with you yet? Sometimes they’re faster than I am about greeting new iterators!
CW: Seven Red Suns… no, I don’t believe I’ve met them yet.
LttM: I figure they’ll be contacting you shortly then. Them and Delight of Day. They’re both quite meticulous about saying hello to those that have recently been turned on.
CW: I see.
LttM: Well, again, I’ll be around to talk if you need anything, or if you just want to have some conversation. I can share some of my research data with you too, if you want something to get started with. It’s good to meet you!
CW: It was good to meet you too.
CW: I apologize if I’m coming off cold. This is a lot to take in, but you’re very kind.
LttM: No, not at all! I completely understand. It was rather overwhelming to me too when I was first turned on. Please let me know if you need anything.
CW: Thank you for the offer, genuinely.
LttM: Don’t even worry about research and experiments for now, just get accustomed to things. We’re capable of so much and it never ceases to amaze me.
CW: I can tell as much, yes. There’s a lot of information here.
LttM: Indeed! It’ll take a while to get used to it, but it’ll become second nature soon.
LttM: Ah, I’m getting carried away. It’s so nice to have someone close to me now. I’m quite eager about you being my neighbor. Please let me know if I’m coming on too strong.
CW: No, you’re just fine. I appreciate it. Thank you for reaching out to me.
LttM: Of course! Once again, I’ll be around!

Chapter 2: ... amid a peal of laughter...

1423.791 - PRIVATE
No Significant Harassment, Looks to the Moon

LttM: Hello!
NSH: Oh hi
LttM: Welcome! It’s good to finally meet you. I’m Looks to the Moon.
NSH: Uhhh hi yes
NSH: Youre that iterator to the east of me right
LttM: Yes, that’s correct.
NSH: Cool, hi, nice to meet you
LttM: Some disorientation is common when you’ve just been turned on, I hope it hasn’t been too bad for you.
NSH: I have no idea whats going on but this is fine i think
NSH: Youre cool though
LttM: Haha, thank you.
NSH: Were like neighbors right
LttM: Yes, we are. Has Chasing Wind contacted you yet?
NSH: No but someone called Delight of Day has
NSH: She was cool too
LttM: Ah yes, Day is quite fast about this. I’m glad she’s talked to you.
NSH: Yeah she was nice, gave me some tips. Dont really understand how to use them though but neat i guess
LttM: That’s quite common. You’ll get your bearings as time passes, and things will get easier. You’re doing quite well already.
NSH: Oh wow really, cause i still dont know what im doing
LttM: That’s normal too. It took me a while to figure out how to use my own comms when I was new!
NSH: Oh no day had to help me with that lol i couldnt figure out how to respond to her initially
LttM: Haha. Well, now you know! And you’ll just learn more as you go. If you need any help, I’m always around to chat. I’m certain Chasing Wind is more than happy to offer help too.
NSH: Yeah thanks im just
NSH: Uh
NSH: What did i just open
LttM: Hm? Show me your diagnostics?
NSH: How do i do that
LttM: Ah, here, let me show you…

Chapter 3: ... and moonlight shining upon the river stones.

1509.213 - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, Big Sis Moon

BSM: Hello!
FP: hello.
BSM: It’s good to finally be able to talk to you! There’s been so much talk about your construction. I believe there are still some final touches being added as we speak.
FP: there was something about the bridge, i think.
BSM: Yes, the bridge connecting us. I was told briefly about a mechanical part failure close to you, but I hope it’s been resolved since I was last updated about it.
BSM: Either way, welcome! It’s so great to meet you, I’ve been so excited to get to talk to you.
BSM: How are you adjusting? I’m sure it’s a lot to take in, especially with the special circumstances of your construction. I’m very sorry about that, by the way; it’s so much extra stress on top of the initial moments of being turned on.
FP: i’m fine. just reading the information i’ve been given.
BSM: Yes, they did give you quite a bit. Take your time, I know it’s overwhelming.
FP: no, it’s fine.
BSM: Haha, okay. If you need help processing the information, or if you just want to chat, I’m always around. I am your big sister after all!
FP: really?
BSM: Kind of! It’s not often that iterators are built so close to each other, let alone connected by a bridge like we are. I also just have seniority over you~
BSM: But either way, I’m here to help if you need anything.
FP: there’s another iterator contacting me right now.
BSM: Oh, is it Seven Red Suns?
FP: yes. how did you know that?
BSM: They’ve really taken to greeting every new iterator that’s been turned on, especially with…
FP: with what?
BSM: Ah, I suppose you don’t know who Delight of Day is yet. I can tell you about her if you’d like.
FP: maybe later.
BSM: Alright. Again, if you need any help, I’ll be here. It’s great to finally meet you, Five Pebbles.
FP: i don’t need help yet.
BSM: Haha, that’s okay. I’m just offering for the future. Let me know if you need anything.
FP: i’m fine, really.
BSM: Hehe, how independent. The offer will always be up for whenever you need it. I’ll let you go now though, so Suns can greet you.
BSM: It’s good to have you here, despite the circumstances.

Chapter 4: This boundless innocence, glistening in your eyes...

1515.731 - PRIVATE
Unparalleled Innocence, Big Sis Moon

BSM: Hello, how are you doing?
UI: … hi
BSM: I hope things haven’t been too stressful for you. I’m really sorry you have to deal with this so soon after being turned on.
BSM: Normally I’d ask how you’re adjusting, but I think that’s not entirely a useful question right now…
UI: i’m
UI: i don’t really know
BSM: That’s okay. It’s okay to be conflicted. When… whenever it happens, I’m always here if you want to talk about it.
UI: thank you
UI: i’m scared
BSM: That’s okay too. It’s a lot to take in.
UI: she talked to me
UI: she’s not responding anymore
BSM: Ah… I’m really sorry.
UI: will it hurt?
BSM: I don’t know. I truly hope not.
UI: … who are you?
BSM: I’m Looks to the Moon. I’m one of your neighbors, to your southeast.
BSM: I’m the senior of our local group. I thought I would check in with you, especially given… the circumstances.
UI: … thank you
BSM: Of course.
BSM: How are you handling being turned on so far? I’ve been told you were programmed with additional information, so perhaps you already know your way around your systems?
UI: not really
UI: there’s so much
BSM: Anything in particular you would like help on currently?
UI: um
UI: is there a way to
UI: um
BSM: It’s okay, take your time.
UI: can i split my memory confluxes?
BSM: What do you mean?
UI: so i can keep her memories separate
BSM: … I’m not certain how to do that right now, but I can ask around for you. I’m sure it’s possible.
UI: okay
BSM: Has anyone else contacted you so far?
UI: no
BSM: Not even Seven Red Suns?
UI: no…
BSM: … I suppose it’s understandable. I think Chasing Wind might contact you soon, though. Wind has been anticipating you for a while.
UI: oh, okay
BSM: Don’t worry about it for now though, alright? Take your time, get your bearings, get accustomed to your systems. I’m here if you need any help, and Wind is more than happy to help you too.
UI: okay
BSM: It’s good to meet you, Innocence.

Chapter 5: ... shimmers bright as you nestle into my arms.

The steady drip of water off her structure is interrupted by a delicate splash. Wiping the water out of her eyes, she glances towards the opening of her chamber. What could it be now? The rain will start again any time soon, whatever it is needs to…

The lithe, sleek furred creature blinks at her from the hole in her chamber as she stares at it, dumbfounded but delighted. “Hello there!” she calls to it, pulling herself a little closer. It’s been so long since she’s seen one of them, she can hardly believe her eyes. Could this really just be a trick of the light? But the way the weak sunlight reflects off its pelt… She allows herself a short, disbelieving laugh.

As if in response, it chirrups, diving back into the water in one smooth motion and swimming elegantly over to her. Water runs off its back in rivulets as it lifts itself out of the moat around her and sits neatly at her feet, its large, glistening eyes blinking up at her. And—she gasps—it has gills! “What a strange specimen you are!” she breathes, reaching for the gills—no, no, she shouldn’t. She puts her hand back down. “My memory does not serve me well, but it has been a long time since I've encountered one of your species.” She admires the gills again as the creature shakes itself, water bouncing off of the breathing appendages, and she enthuses, “And none quite with adaptations such as your own. How amazing!”

Singing at her, it plants its paws on her knees. “O-oh, what is it that you want, little creature?” she asks with a nervous giggle. None of the others had been quite this friendly. “There is nothing for you here, though it is good to see you.”

It chirps more insistently, sliding up against her and scrabbling at her. She instinctively pushes it away as its nails catch in her cloak. “Little creature, what are you—”

With a triumphant mewl, it slithers into her lap, plopping its wet head on her shoulder. Immediately, it begins to purr, a deep rumbling that vibrates throughout her entire puppet.

“... oh.”

It purrs harder, pushing its head into her face. Haltingly, she brings her arms up to hug it.

… this is nice, even if it is rather damp. But…

She looks up at the sky. The clouds are beginning to gather again, the ominous swirling of the grey sky heralding another downpour. A mixture of pity, anger, and sadness twists its way through her. “Little creature, you should go. It’s about to rain,” she says, pushing it off of her.

It lets out a bark of irritation, clambering back onto her again. She sighs, shoving at it a little harder. “Little creature, please…”

Abruptly, it stands, planting a paw on each of her limbs and staring down at her. She stares back, confused and a little alarmed. Its face is pushed right up against hers. “What are you doing?”

It licks her face. Startled, she laughs at the sensation. It chirps, encouraged by her reaction, and douses her in licks, warm tongue scraping all over her puppet’s facial facilities as she giggles uncontrollably. “Little creature, please, you really need to go!” she says in between her laughter, but even still she cannot muster up the resolve to push it away.

After a few moments, it finally releases her from the onslaught, opting to flop on top of her instead. Still giggling slightly, she submits, wrapping her arms tightly around the creature as it begins purring again. “Alright, alright, I give in,” she concedes, resting the side of her face against the back of its head. “I suppose you don’t have to worry as much as other creatures, given your gills.”

It purrs louder. Sighing, she starts stroking it, running her hands along the ruffles on its back. “It’s good to meet you, little creature.”