0092. Exposé. [video]

[a_bit_put_upon]

Comments

Re: private

[a_bit_put_upon]

I'm better acquainted with your position than you might imagine.

[In that sentence, he sounds very old, and not exactly his usual self. But that goes away soon enough.]

I wish I had something more uplifting to say. You've every right to feel the way you do, and you're very lucky to have properly gauged your ward's grasp of responsibility. I'm glad of that. And I'm grateful for your objectivity.

Private

[mrs_persson]

You extended your trust, she abused it, and the results were tragic. But if we didn't extend trust to our inmates to begin with, we'd be no better than the versions of ourselves we saw glimpses of in that dreadful flood from this time last year.

I think-I hope-that more people will come to see that.

Private

[a_bit_put_upon]

I wonder if there might be a correlation between the gravity of this incident and that flood. If there's some sort of a tide or pulse to the entropy collecting outside this ship, like a mass of temporal barnacles... it might explain the regularity of our floods, to an extent.

[Shakes himself a bit.] But I digress, sorry. I've learned that it's best here not to expect the ideal from others, but certainly not to fear the worst. It would put me at tremendous ease to know that some may see that, but at the moment, I would much rather see the rest come to ease themselves, or take solace rather than let resentment, or even apathy, fester. Solidarity is the best medicine, here.

Private

[mrs_persson]

Personally I'm convinced that this ship coasts the megaflow, and it's never been all that predictable, stable, or controllable. The tidal explanation makes as much sense to me as any.

...that being said, I think you said the right thing. Hopefully that will help stem the tide before it gets too uncontrollable.

And, you know, if worse comes to worst, it's inevitable that something even more distracting will come along soon.

That was a terrible joke. I'm sorry.

Private

[a_bit_put_upon]

I might be similarly convinced, could I feel Time here as Time is meant to be. On this ship and in this void, it feels more like we're all stuck in some rotted out chunk of driftwood--not the ship itself, but the spacetime around it. Several of my senses, while not gone completely, are often numb here, or displaced. Not that it's unpleasant or painful, mind you, but certainly disconcerting.

[But hey, you get a chuckle!]

I fear you may be right. I can only hope it's something close to harmless. A discothèque, perhaps.

[gimmethemap]

[Frown. Short, boy-haired frown.]

I don't retract what I said. But there's little point in fighting about it. I do believe you, so that's something.

Thanks for speaking up.

[a_bit_put_upon]

[Moment of silence. But he doesn't judge you or your hair, if it makes you feel better.]

There's a great deal it's best not to say to each other. After all, the lot of us are nothing if not dead to begin with, in one way or another. Aside from that, thank you for listening.

[a_bit_put_upon]

For now, I'd vastly prefer that you don't. She has much to learn, and mustn't be disturbed. When it comes time for us to read of the Norse culture, however, you'll be welcome to join us. She may do well to understand what insight she can of it.

[a_bit_put_upon]

I can, and I will. Thank you for your well wishes--it will lift her spirits to know that someone aside from me does.

Private

[a_bit_put_upon]

D'you know, I believe I might still have a bit of that left? I've been saving it for when I return there. I would be delighted if you brought some.

I know, and I understand. I was poking a bit of fun, but I do appreciate the concern.

Private

[a_bit_put_upon]

There are times we can't help it, unfortunately, but you're better off not worrying. Enjoy yourself to the fullest, but trust me--I doubt we'll ever stop having fun completely.