[[a survey + eventual survey discussion closed post]]

[ravkanwitch]

As promised, there’s a new stack of paper on the welcome table in the main lobby; each sheet has many questions on it along with a cup of pens on the side and a brightly colored box with a large slot cut into the top of it. Nina’s ready for her new project. For most characters, if they don’t see this, a very charming and friendly Nina Zenik will be tracking them down with the sheet of questions and a pen eventually…

“MANSION SURVEY: Help us take stock and plan fun and activities!*

*answers are private to Nina and Susan only”

[[Please check out the Fun Mansion Questions tab in the Mansion Demographics spreadsheet and have your characters fill it out! Check the discord if you don’t have a link.]]

Comments

[ravkanwitch]

Nina is thinking as well. "Something like that would be great-- but also, some sort of messaging system, maybe? That way, if one of the monthly events happens, we can alert everyone to it."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Like a telephone? Or a broadcasting system, like the air raid sirens?" Ah! Susan has reached Janet's survey. She reads it eagerly, but affects an aura of nonchalance as she does. Being a badass bitch - yes, that rather does sound like her.

[ravkanwitch]

"I'm not sure what any of those are," Nina says, cheerfully.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Telephones are stationary machines that allow you to phone - that is, signal, I suppose - any of the other telephones by dialing - entering - in essentially an identification number. The one you're trying to reach will make a ringing sound to indicate to anyone there that you should like them to pick it up so you can speak," Susan says, glancing up from Janet's survey so that she doesn't get distracted. She supposes that the Mansion is small enough that they mightn't need a switchboard. "Air raid sirens and broadcasting systems just carry a voice or a loud, disruptive sound over a loudspeaker, and it's loud enough that all might hear it. I wonder if SecUnit might repurpose some of its machines to help with a communication system?"

[ravkanwitch]

Nina nods, understanding most of this. The Lantsov King and David had been experimenting with a lot of technology when she left Os Alta and while telephones and broadcasting systems aren't in her lexicon, it sounds like a great advantage to have. "That all sounds very sensible. We're just missing the technology, right? Then SecUnit would be our best bet."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan, in glancing away from the survey, has had her eye snag onto something. Not sure I was built like that, in Janet's strong handwriting. A queer feeling settles over her, and one that she can't seem to describe. Relief, that she won't have to chase down a definition a whole second time? No, that sounds wrong. Oh, but she can't name this one, either; all she knows is that her jaw is set and her chest feels hot.

Nina is talking. Nina is talking, and Susan is being rude. She blinks, then closes the survey and sets it aside. "I'm sorry," she says. "Say that again?"

[ravkanwitch]

"I'm just agreeing that SecUnit would be our best bet," Nina says, gently. "Everything alright?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Fine," says Susan, firmly. "I shall speak to it about our options."

[ravkanwitch]

Nina's not going to press any further. She gives Susan a small smile. "It looks like we have a lot on our hands, but I'd rather stay busy than-- well, not be."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Oh, agreed," says Susan, latching onto the topic. She makes a little face at the pile of surveys. "We ought to have asked about favorite chores, too. I know I said we oughtn't do a chore chart, but wouldn't it be lovely if there was someone here who just really enjoyed washing-up and laundry?"

[ravkanwitch]

Nina also makes a face. "Not me. Or cooking."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"They're not my favorite, either." Though Susan had been pleased to find that cooking was more palatable with a partner, when she and Laertes baked together.

[ravkanwitch]

"That's fine. We don't have to sign up for a chore rotation. You can be the brains behind the operation and I can be the, um-- the charm," she grins.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Are you suggesting I'm not charming?" Susan asks. This is a joke, but Nina would be forgiven for not realizing it - Susan's lost her touch a little, around most people.

[ravkanwitch]

Nina's eyes widen and she scrambles to stand up. "Your Majesty, I would never," she says, dropping into a curtsy -- and then ruining the act with a small laugh.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan draws herself up and puts on a coldly imperious expression. She cocks a hip and raises an eyebrow. "Off with her head," she says, flapping a hand and then gesturing broadly at Nina.

[ravkanwitch]

Since they were talking about theater... Nina lets out a soul-rattling sob. "No! I have children at home-- I promise I'll never doubt your charming personality again!"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Guards? Guards! Remove this interloper from my sight!"

[ravkanwitch]

"I'm ruined," Nina says, crumpling onto the table that they had been working on. She waits a beat, then opens one eye. Sits up a slightly, giving Susan a Look. "Well? Where are your guards?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Dead, I should hope," says Susan, in dire tones indeed. "To ignore their Queen so egregiously after she has been so viciously maligned?"

[ravkanwitch]

Nina laughs. "Well, I suppose you'll have to just carry on talking to me, won't you?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan rises smoothly to her feet and draws an invisible rapier. "En garde," she says, falling into a fencing stance.

[ravkanwitch]

Thrilled at putting to use the forms that Laertes had taught her, Nina raises and draws an invisible rapier as well. "Oh. So it's to be this, then?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"A queen must be able to defend herself," says Susan, sternly. "Even if it is against her own traitor of a protege." And she makes an opening move.

[ravkanwitch]

"Protege? Not in the world of the rapier, you'll find," Nina says grimly, deftly blocking Susan's invisible blow and sending a seeking attack of her own.