[ there's a click of a lighter, then an inhale, before jax breathes back out. chain-smoking his way through the last couple weeks is hurting his supply, but it's also the best way to deal with stress. and unfamiliar memories. and everything else going on up here. ]

I'm not looking to get all touchy-feely about this shit, but I gotta say it. Some of you people got weird fucking lives, you know that?

[ it's meant to be a joke, but jax ends on a note that's much, much too tense to really carry it off. ]

Anyone figured out how long we gotta put up with the trip down memory lane, or we just waiting till the other shoe drops on this mess and someone's head explodes?

[It’s been a long few days for the Tarrs. It’s not the first time they’ve been awoken from stasis of some kind, but the apparent lack of proper bathing facilities made it a far ruder awakening than last time. Luckily, they discovered the inadequate-but-not-actively-insulting bathrooms on the residential floors before anybody tried to make them use the showers.

And now they appear on the network, calm and composed. They would look more or less like a human couple, if their unnaturally pale complexions didn’t give them away as something else. The man in the video speaks, projecting his voice as if addressing a crowd.]

My name is Datak Tarr, and this is Stahma. I am informed that none of you are responsible for kidnapping myself and my wife from our home. Be aware that if I find I have been lied to, none of you will be making it to -

[Before Datak can continue, a smaller, but firm hand appears on his shoulder, pressing down reassuringly. He glances at its owner and falls silent, letting her speak for now.]

We are certain this is not the case, of course. This rather-- unpleasant situation seems to be a misunderstanding, at worst. We are willing to talk about this civilly in a manner that befits all parties, if you allow us. In fact, sitting down to discuss this sounds like a wonderful opportunity to know our new neighbours. After all, it seems we may be in each other’s company for a while.

[At this point, Datak gives her a smile that should indicate gratefulness, but looks more like a signal to stop talking. When she does, he turns back to the camera and continues his speech.]

As you may have noticed, we are not human. While we are quite familiar with your kind, I understand that few of you are familiar with Castithans. I would like to speak to any of you who are, as well as any other people who originate somewhere other than on Earth.

Finally, I find myself in need of someone with engineering skills. It seems as if there are no baths of a civilised size on board this ship, and I would like to see this remedied as soon as possible. I'm sure we can come to some sort of deal for payment.

[He smiles a little, well aware that the request will seem strange to the apes on board and wanting to seem disarming about it. It's a mask for his disgust at being unable to bathe properly since arriving. Bath attendants may be too much to ask for, but being forced to bathe in single-person bathtubs is humiliating.]