.001. video. open.

[egodefence]

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.

Comments

[...This is all video on my side, btw. Forgot to specify.]

[toasterprophet]

That's me.

You brought up being president. Would you consider that one of your fortes? [Not even pretending not to be trolling you, Baltar.]

[NP, I assumed. Same!]

[egodefence]

I'm--

[ Voice, don't go weird. He clears his throat, starts again. ]

I'm the President that was elected, because I had what they needed. It was between myself and a school teacher, you know, although I shouldn't expect something like you to keep up with the finer points of our politics.

[toasterprophet]

Teaching is a noble profession. I've been a teacher myself, so I've got a lot of respect for them. And for Laura Roslin.

And...something like me? What do you think I'm like, exactly?

[egodefence]

I'm sure she'd be thrilled to know you think so. Absolutely over the moon.

And I think you're a frakking monster, is what I think you're like. [ Said rather plainly, but teetering on that edge of being almost frightened at his own boldness, but he's had a very long nine months. His cigarette's gone out, so he messes with relighting it as he adds, almost at a mumble; ] But I doubt we think awfully highly of one another to begin with.

[toasterprophet]

[slight smile]Maybe not. But I happen to know a lot more about you than you do about me, and I'm still not throwing words like "monster" and "thing" at someone I've barely met.

[egodefence]

Yes, very true, we've not even spoken prior to now. But then again, you and yours really did make your opinions loud and clear some time ago, didn't you. And--

And I'm sure any Colonial who happens to be tuning in would agree.

[toasterprophet]

[Don't you even start with me, buddy.] Well, enslaving a sentient species to serve and kill for you implies a certain opinion of them, too.

But I'm sorry to hear you've got such a low opinion of us. Considering the many favors you've done for the Cylon.

[egodefence]

I really don't think this is an appropriate venue, you know, if such a thing exists, but this certainly wouldn't be it. If you're quite done?

[toasterprophet]

I guess I am. But I'd appreciate it if you didn't call my sister those kind of names. She cares about you. [God only knows why.]

See you around, Doctor.

[Ends video.]

[egodefence]

[ HHHHHHhhhh. There's no reply after Leoben ends the transmission, but it can be safely assumed that Gaius goes and puts his head in his hands somewhere for a while. ]