ataraxion | 001 [video]

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001 [video]

[An image flickers into view of a very distressed-looking, bespectacled young man. His eyes are tired as if he had just finished exerting himself in one way or another. In this case, it was panic, but he is doing his best to not let on. Unfortunately, his voice is trembling a bit, but considering the level of panic he’s just managed to shake off, he’s doing quite well. Stiff upper lip, as always. As much as he can, at any rate.]

Hello. I would like to know who else is present in this place, and what your circumstances were leading up to your arrival here. I understand that the United States and the USSR have been exploring the idea of space travel this past decade, and I am under the assumption that one of them has finally succeeded. I have spoken with the United States, however, and he appears to be just as confused as I am. [His face colors a bit, nervous again.] I’m almost certain this is some sort of arrangement decided upon as a result of the events of the last two decades. I'm not sure what would be more of a comfort - knowing the USSR is responsible, or finding him somewhere on here, and having to start from square one figuring out why I'm here. Or why we're all here.

[He leans his head upon his hand and his long, slender pianist’s fingers are raked through his own hair. He lets out a sigh, inadvertently letting his guard down a bit, not looking into the camera.] I thought all of that was over and done with. They finally let me pledge to eternal neutrality and I embraced it. I welcomed their conditions with open arms and honestly, I thought I’d been let off easy. But it looks like that was too good to be true, now, and in any case, it makes sense. After everything that happened, really. [He winces, finally looking back at the camera for a split second, his voice faltering a bit, speaking quickly and quietly.] And in regards to that, all I can say is that I’m sorry, and that I wish I’d known myself, otherwise... [A pause.] Really, if someone could just tell me what I’m in for, I’m prepared to hear it. Just don’t leave me in the dark. Please.

[Another pause, growing more agitated.] And if someone could explain this godforsaken number...

[He trails off. He really, really does not want to think about that; he's already tried desperately to remove the number until he realized he was severely harming his skin.]

[The video flickers out.]

[[ooc: going to sleep soon and may have a busy day tomorrow, but I will try to respond asap!!]]

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Other than matching the locker number, I don't know. Like everything else isn't weird enough, we get tattoo'd on top of it all.

I think we all do. Where we are and how we're here. People are saying all kinds of weird things, but no one seems to know answers to those two questions.

I guess it's good it's not? Are you often abducted by strangers and locked away?

[ sense of absurdity rising, Bella stares at her communicator in disbelief. seriously, what is up with people here? ]

Retaliation for what? I mean yes, it sounds pretty random, but what are you involved in that you're worried about things like this being retaliation?

[ Oh. Oh, darn. Uh... ]

I'm sorry.

Different times? Feels like whole different worlds hearing what some people are talking about. Working together to get out of this. That'd be nice.

[there are many things about this communication that Kirk can't quite understand. he's mentioned the States and the former USSR, but it sounds like he's personified them; and so for the time being, he files that information away.]

None of us know, but those of us who know anything about space travel are working on figuring it out.

[...So people know something about this. Or at least about space travel. Maybe it's true that he slept for years, or...]

Thank you, Sir. It is a comfort to know that there are at least some on board who are familiar with... with space travel. I must ask, do you think it's possible that time travel is involved? It sounds outrageous, but I've been getting conflicting opinions on what year it is... either that or memory loss from this whole ordeal is varying in severity depending on the person. That's the only thing I can think of.

It's one of two things: Either the memory loss is effecting what year everyone thinks it is, or somehow we've all been pulled from different times and areas of space and slapped on this ship.

You just mentioned the USSR. That's practically ancient history for me.

Ancient history. ... If I had a normal human life expectancy, this would rule out memory loss. However, my existence is bound to that of my nation and its government, so, I...

[A pause. Solemnly:] ... I'm a bit afraid to ask, but it... it may rule out memory loss. To your knowledge, does the nation of Austria exist in your time?

[Another pause, and his voice is even quieter.] If not, I... don't tell me when it dissolved, please. I'd rather not know.

[he pauses. this must breech the prime directive in some way. telling this guy anything more could be fucking around with history. but then, the way he's talking, if he's the actual country... Jim pulls a face, and feels a headache coming on, before exhaling and deciding to go with it.]

There aren't any nations, actually. I'm sure Austria is still over there, but all of Earth operates under one government, now.

[... Well. He's not going to pry, at least.]

...Thank you. I suppose my fate depends on whether I'm bound to a culture or to a government, then. So this is still up in the air.

[... If only he'd been taken from later on, he'd have seen a strong culture like Prussia still alive and well even after his role as East Germany was dissolved. Then at least he'd have the great hope of being an eternal basement-dweller. Ha... ahahaha...]

[he pauses, awkwardly. he's not good at this comforting thing.]

I think our present situation is a little more pressing, don't you?

[It's. It's really fine, this guy kind of... accepts a lot of shit that's thrown at him, it's kind of disturbing.]

Yes, definitely. I'll continue to ask around, and I will let you know if there are any developments. Thank you Sir.

[Likely, he'll sit in the corner with his violin for a bit to distract himself. Escapism, what is that.]

Kirk, Jim Kirk.

[You can hear the smile in his voice already, so don't worry about all that earlier.] A pleasure to meet you. You probably gathered that I'm the human embodiment of Austria, but my human name is Roderich Edelstein. Please feel free to call me by either.

I've got to admit that sounds a little crazy.

[AIs becoming organic was one thing, but this...?]

[Excitement! He sort of knows what this person is talking about, and he's got a voice to use. It sounds raspy, but a little self-satisfied nonetheless.]

The USSR and the United States have both achieved interplanetary flight already. At least, they did in my time; I would not be surprised, given the advanced technology this ship is implementing, if there were some sort of time-travel occurring here.

You sound upset, however. I think you will be all right. Remaining calm is your best option at this time. You would not want to exert yourself needlessly.

[Time travel. So he's not the only one that thought this.]

Thank you, Sir, I was thinking it was either that or varying degrees of memory loss.

[...Breathe. "Remain calm" is something he's heard when danger is imminent, but... it can't quite be argued. No use in panicking if anything coming at him is unavoidable at this rate.] ... Thank you. I didn't mean to cause any concern; I will be all right shortly.

I have not experienced a great deal of memory loss, other than for more minuter - uh. [Clearing his throat,] Other than for the minute details - pardon my grammar. It's a bit tricky.

No worry at all. It is completely understandable to be put off by this situation. I myself may be experiencing shock, but I believe that everything will turn out in the end.

...[Small laugh.] I suppose we all adjust to hardships, or even become accustomed to them. The more I talk with people, the more I think this really was just a fluke, and not some sort of... premeditated thing. That in itself is a relief, if it's true.

[Oh, it's nice to be pleasant to people and make them laugh. He likes that. Things are already starting to feel less utterly confusing.]

Wouldn't it be better, though, for our arrival have some meaning? Rather than just a fluke in the makeup of the universe? The latter seems to insinuate - to me, at least - that the universe itself is unraveling, if it is accidentally bringing us to a place like this, in all our different bodies.

[He sounds relatively mild and cheerful, though, for such a fatalistic opinion.]

[Y-yeah, that voice is eerily calm for such talk.]

I suppose so. I was coming more from the angle of... of guilt, if that makes any sense. I would rather not have anyone displeased with me anymore. If there is a concrete reason that does not involve vengeance or malice, that would be ideal.

Ah. [Guilt? How does that feel?] I'm sure it has nothing to do with anything we may have done.

What do you mean, you've spoken with the United States?

[Oh, uh... right. Looking off to the side; explaining this is always odd.]

I meant the man himself, not the government. Every nation has a human entity inextricably tied with it. I am, for example, Austria.

[Yes. Of COURSE this man is Austria.]

You're the personification of Austria.

[Then again, Zouichi had met Death. Hell, this guy might... even... be telling the truth 8| ]

I wish there were a better way to prove it than simply saying that.

No, you know what? I believe you. There were talking cats and dragons on my last ship. You can be Austria.

...so what happens if you're not in Austria any more?

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