Ao'a was recommended by a classmate at her provincial school who remarked that she was probably one of the brightest kids around. In order to reach her we first contacted her grandmother and legal guardian who gave us instructions on when and where to meet them for the interview.
What is your name? Does it mean anything special?
Hi, I am Ao’a Sono. My first name means “dawn” and my family name means “sea crest.” It’s quite harmonious when you think of it like that.
Who are your parents? How have they treated you?
My parents actually live in Adriano. I haven’t seen them in almost four years now but they write regularly telling me about their work. Hopefully they’ll be able to visit this summer.
Do you carry any resentments towards your family?
I’m not a big fan of my immediate family. I hate the fact that I’m here but the rest of them are hundreds of miles away. Why haven’t they sent for me? Surely living on the edge of a desert can’t be that bad, can it?
Where do you live? Do you like it there? Why, or why not?
I used to live in Dias but now I live with my grandmother in Setwan. It’s not a bad place but I prefer Dias. Setwan is a bit behind the times in terms of incorporating anything resembling technology.
What level of education have you received? Do you possess special training or talents that you’d like to share?
There’s a school for older children in town but I only have classes two days a week. Kind of pathetic, eh? Most of my education is hands-on. I help out people in the neighborhood and pick up a skill or two in the process.
What kind of habits do you indulge in on a daily basis?
I tend to wander around the island aimlessly and chase away the wild dogs when they pester me.
What makes you get out of bed in the morning?
My appetite.
How do you handle stress?
I think I do alright. I don’t yell quite as much as I used to. Aunt Mika taught me how to breathe when I’m mad and not let my anger out.
Where do you hope to be in five years?
With the rest of my family in Adriano. They’re saving money so that I can move there to be with them.
Any last thoughts?
Get me off this rock! Ok, I’m kidding. It’s not as bad here as I’ve made it out to be, honest.
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Ao'a spoke alongside her long-time friend Ukiwo.
How have things changed since our last meeting?
I tremble more and I scare rather easily. I think part of it is Ukiwo’s temper. He won’t last out at me, directly, but some days I see it in his eyes. He get’s frustrated.
How have you handled these changes?
One day at a time. That’s all I can think about now. One day at a time.
What do you think of the Akutenshi? Have they impacted you directly?
The Akutenshi are ... Well, they just are, really. What can I say? They were on this planet long before we showed up. We should show them respect.
Do you belong to a Tenshi team? What is your opinion about all the fighting?
I belong with Ukiwo in the Rotenstiegen. Whenever we cross paths with the alliance it never ends well. I wish things were different but they’re not. I can only focus on what the Rotenstiegen need me to do.
Governor Xao Lan believes that Etol is the last stronghold of humanity. Do you agree or disagree with that sentiment and what do you think should be done about it?
I’ve talked with Lucias and the others about this many times. Despite what they say and all the evidence to the contrary I can’t give up hope that somehow we’re not alone in the universe. There have to be other survivors.
There have been many theories about why the Hylin invaded. Do you agree with any of them and why or why not?
They’re just, you know, evil. Is that really so hard to grasp? Evil made flesh.
Do you hold out any hope that Earth has survived the war?
Hope is fleeting. It should not be wasted on such petty diversions.
----------------
Now playing: Aphex Twin - Aphex Twin - 12 - Matchsticks
via FoxyTunes
What is your name? Does it mean anything special?
Hi, I am Ao’a Sono. My first name means “dawn” and my family name means “sea crest.” It’s quite harmonious when you think of it like that.
Who are your parents? How have they treated you?
My parents actually live in Adriano. I haven’t seen them in almost four years now but they write regularly telling me about their work. Hopefully they’ll be able to visit this summer.
Do you carry any resentments towards your family?
I’m not a big fan of my immediate family. I hate the fact that I’m here but the rest of them are hundreds of miles away. Why haven’t they sent for me? Surely living on the edge of a desert can’t be that bad, can it?
Where do you live? Do you like it there? Why, or why not?
I used to live in Dias but now I live with my grandmother in Setwan. It’s not a bad place but I prefer Dias. Setwan is a bit behind the times in terms of incorporating anything resembling technology.
What level of education have you received? Do you possess special training or talents that you’d like to share?
There’s a school for older children in town but I only have classes two days a week. Kind of pathetic, eh? Most of my education is hands-on. I help out people in the neighborhood and pick up a skill or two in the process.
What kind of habits do you indulge in on a daily basis?
I tend to wander around the island aimlessly and chase away the wild dogs when they pester me.
What makes you get out of bed in the morning?
My appetite.
How do you handle stress?
I think I do alright. I don’t yell quite as much as I used to. Aunt Mika taught me how to breathe when I’m mad and not let my anger out.
Where do you hope to be in five years?
With the rest of my family in Adriano. They’re saving money so that I can move there to be with them.
Any last thoughts?
Get me off this rock! Ok, I’m kidding. It’s not as bad here as I’ve made it out to be, honest.
--------
Ao'a spoke alongside her long-time friend Ukiwo.
How have things changed since our last meeting?
I tremble more and I scare rather easily. I think part of it is Ukiwo’s temper. He won’t last out at me, directly, but some days I see it in his eyes. He get’s frustrated.
How have you handled these changes?
One day at a time. That’s all I can think about now. One day at a time.
What do you think of the Akutenshi? Have they impacted you directly?
The Akutenshi are ... Well, they just are, really. What can I say? They were on this planet long before we showed up. We should show them respect.
Do you belong to a Tenshi team? What is your opinion about all the fighting?
I belong with Ukiwo in the Rotenstiegen. Whenever we cross paths with the alliance it never ends well. I wish things were different but they’re not. I can only focus on what the Rotenstiegen need me to do.
Governor Xao Lan believes that Etol is the last stronghold of humanity. Do you agree or disagree with that sentiment and what do you think should be done about it?
I’ve talked with Lucias and the others about this many times. Despite what they say and all the evidence to the contrary I can’t give up hope that somehow we’re not alone in the universe. There have to be other survivors.
There have been many theories about why the Hylin invaded. Do you agree with any of them and why or why not?
They’re just, you know, evil. Is that really so hard to grasp? Evil made flesh.
Do you hold out any hope that Earth has survived the war?
Hope is fleeting. It should not be wasted on such petty diversions.
----------------
Now playing: Aphex Twin - Aphex Twin - 12 - Matchsticks
via FoxyTunes
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