ataraxion | captains log | 010

captains log | 010 | video

[and the video clicks on to James Kirk. he's a little rough around the edges, having just staggered out of jump, been fed on by a wraith, and now handling a possible crisis situation but his tone is sharp, clipped. commanding.]

This is James Kirk.

{flags to MEDICAL PERSONNEL} There's been an accident. We need medical assistance to coordinates [x,x].

To everyone joining us, you're on board the starship Tranquility, a space faring vessel in a parallel universe to your own. The year is 938 After Earth. I'm sure you have plenty of questions. I'd like to welcome to you with happy news, but unfortunately that isn't possible. Effective immediately, you are part of the active crew. Whomever was here before us, save Captain Ward and First Officer Resnik- they're long gone.

I want everyone to exercise caution when moving about the ship. I've provided what we have of a MAP attached to this broadcast. This map may not match some corridors you travel down, as we've found during every jump, the internal network of the ship seems to rearrange itself. Move in groups if you're able to and stay alert.

One more thing:

If you encounter anything similar to THIS, let someone know and do not engage. It is a potentially hostile entity on the ship that's been causing us trouble.

Above all, stay calm. Panic won't get us anywhere.

[he takes a breath. he wishes he was finished, but that isn't the case.]

Anyone wondering about the organization of the ship, I'd like to direct you to the Job List and the Shift Roster. Everything is voluntary, but I strongly encourage everyone capable to get involved.

FILTER TO THE ENTERPRISE + 'TEAM' + Jack Harkness + Ianto | KIRK ENCRYPTION 100%
Status report.

I need people taking apart these transmissions ASAP.

Dean, Jack, I need to know what you know. Did Southey tell you anything about this?

PRIVATE MESSAGE TO JOHN WATSON (001 097) | ENCRYPTION 100%
I have something for you.

FILTER TO ACTIVE SECURITY TEAM | ENCRYPTION 50%
Security, if at all possible I'd like everyone to split as evenly as possible between Alpha and Beta shifts. We need coverage in the main hubs of activity, including medical and engineering. Anyone without a weapon, the Gunnery has access to the ship's weapons, and we will supply you with arms. We also have ten working phasers, if any of you are interested. Historically, in our own universe, we find they work better, are cleaner and more precise than the projectiles that most of you use.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

At present, the definition has proved variable. Passengers have assaulted one another in extreme survivalist responses due to variant, and repressed biological necessity. A mutiny has been attempted.

Punishable behavior is typically identified by malicious intent.

But that is completely unacceptable. In a working system, the definition cannot be variable.

With respect, given the diversity of cultural expectations, biological necessities, periods of space/time, and emotional responses to one's abduction- the definition must consistently evolve in order to serve it's purpose.

Even if we, for some reason, accept the astonishingly short-sighted comment you just made, that doesn't preclude a set code which can be revisited later on. Which is the nature of the law. The only advantage I see to this loose, unfixed code is that it allows the rule of man over the rule of reason - and that typically benefits only one individual.

I think you just don't like the way this ship is run.

If people can be imprisoned according to the whims of one person? You're quite right. I don't.

Then you will be relieved to know that the whims of a single individual are insufficient cause for penalty.

Prove it.

You do not believe history to be the greatest educator?

Your skepticism is reasonable provided the circumstances, as I presume you are a most recent arrival- however, I also believe you would benefit from inquiries into prior events and operations recorded aboard the Tranquility before making demands upon it's crew.

I've inquired. I've learned that your fellow Kirk has been reasonably helpful. But a past pattern does not make for an unbreakable law.

Affirmative.

But in the absence of absolutes, it would serve us well to remain open to discussion. I welcome your input.

My "input" is that there needs to be a code. Law must be fair, and it must be applied consistently and fairly. It must be clear, so that everyone knows just what they are and are not to do. And it must not rest in the hands of any single person.

I propose that we write a legal code, to be affirmed by the people on this ship.

Then as it is your area of expertise, I shall await a formal review of your code, to be composed at your earliest opportunity.

And who are you, precisely, to have the right to a "formal review"?

One of the people on this ship that will be required to provide your code affirmation.

Why?

You don't really think you can cruise in here and start changing things without people catching wind and wanting to review it, do you?

As a matter of course, I do not. But that is precisely who I expect to review it: people in general. Not a pair of individuals who've claimed authority rather than deriving it from a greater mandate. You've as much right to review it as the next person, and as much right to deny it as the next person - by casting your vote in a general assembly, if the others here acquiesce to that method.

Edited 2012-06-11 04:07 (UTC)

I do not believe at any interval it was stated that we alone would be the authority on the matter.

No? Then what was your intent when you said that your approval would be "required"?

For law to function, you require the consent of those who will be governed by it. Among those you must appease are politicians from 21st century Earth, artificial intelligence now existing within human bodies, former convicts, mercenaries, individuals who require the blood of others to survive, and alien cultures that perceive human beings as cattle.

You will, as it stands, require the approval of them all.

[He scowls deeply - starting in particular with convicts - ]

And your approval will carry no more weight than any other.

[ this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. ]

Naturally.

So you acknowledge this fact?

For what purpose would I decline to do so?

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