[Video]

[killikambassador]

[The video opens to a man dressed in rather nice robes, with an electrostaff strapped to his back. His eyes are completely black, his face is carefully neutral but with a pleasant air about him. His hands are folded neatly in front of him, indicating that he has the device propped up against something.]

Greetings. We are Vector Hyllus, Dawn Herald of the Killik hive of Oroboro.

While finding ourselves on this world was not something we anticipated, we are choosing to look upon this as a learning experience, for the Dawn Herald's duties include exploration of the unknown.

We are also a trained diplomat, though whether those skills will be of use here are still unknown, and we do have more practical skills that we may lend.

Comments

[killikambassador]

[Others might be disturbed by this broadcast and the other's mannerisms, but Vector takes it in stride as always.]

We greet you, Phalanx.

[pileofspirits]

[As fractured as their attention is, the majority is relieved that the face on the other side of the screen doesn't seem to be put off by them, so they smile.]

We greet you we greet you. [They happily parrot, before trying new words.] How many? Many?

[killikambassador]

[Vector's not exactly sure what they're asking, but he takes a stab at it.]

The hive is made of millions of killiks.

[pileofspirits]

[He apparently gets it right, or at least right enough to be impressive, as Phalanx's weird eyes widen in surprise.]

So many--millions?? A hive? Like bees? You're... you're bees?

[killikambassador]

Bees are an apt comparison, yes. However, killiks are much larger and more intelligent, but we are a hive mind, yes.

We are a Joiner, a human who has been accepted into the hive mind.

[pileofspirits]

Oh. So... [Dirty fingers become visible onscreen as they fidget with their mouth and try to think of how to ask in a way that makes sense.] So not in? Not full of bees but. But you are a bee? One?

[killikambassador]

Yes, we are of the hive. We still have some of our free will and individuality, but we are a part of something bigger than ourselves.

[pileofspirits]

[Some might find that description questionable, but Phalanx only looks delighted.]

We too. Us too. Some are pieces but... we're all us. All in here. A part and bigger.

[killikambassador]

You are many beings in one form?

[He's just making sure he understands Phalanx.]

[pileofspirits]

[They nod!]

Like bees in here. Dozens and dozens.

[killikambassador]

We are but one part of a hive, but you are a hive unto yourselves.

[pileofspirits]

[Being referred to in the plural sense seems to please them as well. Not many people do that.]

All in here. And together. And you're... We don't meet many many. It's good to be together, and you know.

[killikambassador]

Indeed. We miss our hive, but as Dawn Herald, we are meant to explore. If we may ask, what is your nature? What are you composed of?

[pileofspirits]

Miss them--we would miss them. Miss us. We're sisters and old and twins and tall... families? Babies and... teachers. Teach--preachers. Some visitors and quiet ones and some were sick...

[killikambassador]

[Vector takes a moment to decipher the other's words.]

You are many individual consciousnesses that appear as a single entity, then?

[pileofspirits]

[Goodness, they're pleased with how much they're being listened to and understood here. They nod again.]

And pieces. Some are pieces--I think--but we're... [They pause for a moment, like they're listening or double-checking a thought.] But we're all in here now.

[killikambassador]

Ah. We have encountered no other being like you before.

[pileofspirits]

No other before... [They parrot quietly at first, before shrugging their shoulders up.] You're almost.

[killikambassador]

Does it not get confusing, with so many minds working in tandem?

[pileofspirits]

No. [It's an immediate answer, but then presumably the other pieces chime in, causing Phalanx to squint one eye closed as they correct themself.] Yes. Yes, a lot.