ataraxion | .001. video. open.

My name is Dr. Gaius Baltar.

[ Gaius has taken his time before actually making legitimate contact with the wider ship; he had to stop being completely miserable and half-panicked, first. That said, he still appears somewhat drawn and hopelessly paranoid, nerves just visible beneath an articulate speaking voice.

He's also smoking, which might steal away some credibility or formality. Might. He appears to be in his quarters, dressed down from business casual, all open collar and lacking a tie or actual effort in grooming. ]

My expertise is in computer science and engineering, with extensive and practical experience in the navigational systems of ships that regularly utilise faster than light travel -- the jumps, as they are colloquially identified.

I also know what the hardware looks like for ships that do not require human stasis to make its journeys. Considering the potential of investigation into this option along with general upkeep, I feel my experience would be invaluable to the Tranquility, and I am willing to lend it.

My only request is that I am granted a free and frank conversation with the ship's commanding officer, as senior as possible. As President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol, I feel it necessary to engage in a higher level conversation on the decisions made for this ship, and my cooperation with its management.

...cheers.

[ private to lisbeth salander ]

I should have something for you to look at in the morning.

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But a king is born a prince. [ Not always, but often. ] Or otherwise a lord. They are raised to understand the obligations of their station, the necessities of the throne and what it will demand of them. [ She thinks of Robb, of his poorly-hidden unhappiness and worry and how he swallows it down and keeps it hidden for the sake of his crown. The King in the North. ] How ever were you made ready for such a task, if your title came to you upon the hands of others?

[ She seems almost piteous, though that pity hides wariness. Dr. Baltar did not seem some great player, if his demeanor was any indication. Was he merely a pawn of the people, or a better liar than Alayne had first given credit? ] The weight you must bare on your shoulders— I cannot imagine.

Edited 2012-08-24 14:10 (UTC)

[Caprica almost laughs here because truly, his naïveté is so very endearing to her.]

Because they are humans, Gaius. They’re like sheep that are herded; a flock to be shepherded. You of all people know this.

[ In this, Gaius seems almost sincerely unimpressed. The idea of being born into things. He would, after all, be a farmer, if that were so. ]

Sometimes men-- or women-- aren't cut out for the things they're born into. Maybe they're just not intelligent enough, or patient enough, or. Interested.

Granted, being born with certain privilege can lead onto political careers, a lot of the time. With wealth and good fortune, you can earn an education, do well enough with it, even have it handed to you -- sort've like what you're saying, about lords and what have you. Some of us have to work a bit harder to get there.

And yes. It's unimaginable. [ He sure didn't picture it quite like this. ]

Of course.

[ That came out sarcastic, because of course, but after a second of reconsideration-- ]

I do know this.

But what about you, then? You can't have any more answers than them.

[She waits for him to get over his little tantrum and actually understand her intent before actually saying anything else.

He does know this – and not just because he is human himself. He’s personally witnessed it.]

I have little to offer you besides what I’ve managed to get out of individuals that weren’t precisely the type to…conform. The crew is very closed lipped about it, but all we truly know is that this was a colony ship that was…suddenly without colony or crew though truth be told – that isn’t confirmed.

There is no way to know for sure what is true, though. Ward and Resnik aren’t the most sociable of people. They’re likely telling everyone what is convenient, and what keeps them from mass rioting.

[Caprica thinks the ship might be semi-sentient, like the base stars with the hybrid, but she can’t know that unless she interfaces directly with it, and she’s not terribly inclined to do that.]

Your science far exceeds that of my world. You've found a way to bypass the laws of physics.

What did you do with your computer skills?

They'd rather ignore us, I guess. S'not like they want us here.

It's not. It's - It is one of the biggest cities in the United States, but I'm sure you don't know what that is, either.

Regrettably, the Captain and First Officer of the Tranquility do not have significant history in responding to and acting upon the input of it's borrowed passengers.

I'm one of the most competent people on this ship and the only useful thing Resnik's ever told me is take a shower.

[The last bit is said awkwardly, since he and Tony still aren't talking.] But you could... probably talk to Tony Stark. He's special friends with Resnik or something. Obviously, not that kind of special, but there's a... something there. Engineering bond. He could probably give you more info than me.

But you have scrolls, correct?

[ a faint sound - clearly unimpressed. ]

I did. But everyone hear thinks they can help - it's just a matter of if they can cut it.

[ CAN YOU CUT IT, GAUIS. ]

So expect some questions.

[ Squint. What are you. He carries on anyway; ]

I'm starting to cotton on to that, yeah. How does one get in touch, then, if one can manage it?

[ Ugh, pilots. The only thing he has in common with you people is card playing. ]

I'll make a point to, thank you, captain.

So.

How are you?

[ The name is noted down grudgingly. ]

I'll be on the look out, then. And what is it that makes you so competent, mister...?

Hardly, and it certainly wasn't my doing. But I can discuss some key fundamentals, just I'm not actually a physicist.

What, the scriptures? Not on me currently, but yes. Who've you been talking to?

Government work, a lot. Practical things. Defence programming for military computer systems, navigational software for the fleet, and loads of other bits and pieces over the last few.

Sort of missed it. It was nice to be good at something, without shadow of doubt. What about you?

Sorry. I'm familiar with 'biggest cities', though, so I imagine I catch your meaning. Just minus the space travel.

[ He thinks about all this, eyes off the communications device and on the embered tip of his cigarette, before allowing for a crooked smile. Lately, he's been more open to moments of self-deprecation. ]

I suppose I thought I could do it all again. But they're not exactly Adama and Roslin, now, are they?

[ --and he isn't talking to his headghost, glancing back at the device, a rapid blink as if to dismiss himself. ]

Never mind.

Good enough. I'd still like to meet you.

[No, he's not talking to his headghost and she isn't talking to hers - so pardon the slightly mystified look on her face.]

Do you often speak to yourself like that, Gaius?

[...Because she does. Did. Sometimes still does, and waits for an answer. She never gets one, though.]

Edited 2012-08-27 02:34 (UTC)

Leoben, sir. He's been very helpful.

Brink. Topher Brink. I'm a neuroscience jack of all trades. [HE IS THE ONLY ONE AND HE IS VERY PROUD OF THAT.] Not to brag or anything, but I'm kind of a big deal.

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