Day 2 - VIDEO

[exceptfebruary]

[There's a pause before he starts. Julian's exact location is isn’t immediately clear, but the graves might be an indication. He seems to be watching something off camera, and if you listen closely, you might hear an odd shuffling sound. Julian’s not carrying the camera, but from the odd movements it’s obviously held by someone.

He’s wearing exactly eleven medals. They’re all real except for one - which is fashioned out of an old silver coin and a bit of ribbon. When he starts speaking he looks directly at the camera.]

It’s Veterans Day.

11/11/11, a curious number. [ He reaches forward and gently tilts the camera a bit upwards, showing more of the sky. ] A cold, clear day. I'd hate to be stuck inside on a day like this. To be confined indoors - today of all days - would be infuriating. Luckily we're all free to enjoy it. [ He puts the camera back to normal. ]

Today is a day of rest, for those who have fought. For those who are fighting. For those who have died, and those who survived. How many of you would call yourselves veterans?

[ The camera droops a little and Julian looks at whatever is holding it - ] Stand at attention. [ The camera rights itself. ]

My new troops need a bit more training, I think. Untrained soldiers would only result in capture. No battles today, only drills.

At ease. [ The camera droops even more this time, and there’s a glimpse of a ragged boot and the remnants of a uniform before the feed cuts.]

Comments

permavideo;

[exceptfebruary]

[ He's holding the communicator himself now, and it's much steadier.

oh ho, an alien. He raises an eyebrow. ]

I take it you are unfamiliar?

[cardassian]

With this particular celebration, yes. My people have their own ways of honoring those who serve.

[exceptfebruary]

All cultures have their traditions. Tell me, are yours attached to a particular date?

[cardassian]

Ours are attached to days of military significance. Battles, wars, assassinations, etc.

[exceptfebruary]

Fascinating.

November 11th, 1917, the end of what we call the First World War. It was originally Armistice Day. As time went on, it became a general celebration of veterans for all wars.

[cardassian]

And it would be a day of great patriotism and reverence, I would suspect.

[exceptfebruary]

Yes. A day for respect.

[cardassian]

Then, as a veteran, perhaps I should engage in the festivities.

[exceptfebruary]

A veteran, hm? It is a day for you. I see no reason for you to not participate.

[cardassian]

And what sort of festivities might I be expecting?

[exceptfebruary]

A solemn sort of affair. Ceremonies held at graveyards. [ He adds a text with this link. ]

[cardassian]

That does seem rather somber. I would have expected something more optimistic from humans.

[exceptfebruary]

There are other more colourful holidays, though not about war. One is coming up, on the 24th.

[cardassian]

And which holiday would that be?

[exceptfebruary]

Thanksgiving. A harvest festival, celebrating the food from the land that was taken. This city usually has a parade.

[cardassian]

That sounds so charming. And so quintessentially human.

[exceptfebruary]

Is it much different from the festivities of your culture?

[cardassian]

It's all very different. Our festivals are generally... a bit more restrained.

[exceptfebruary]

Pity. I hope you'll find that ours are less dull.

[cardassian]

I'm sure it will be an enlightening experience.