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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Hello again, Dr. Baltar. Alayne Stone dips much in the same greeting she did when they first met, though her smile is dusted with the vaguest air of concern. Most people calm down after the jump. It seems as though the doctor still has a ways to go. ]

Greetings— [ A pause. He is a doctor and so that is his address. ] —Doctor Gaius. You seem better settled when last we spoke, though — if you will allow me such boldness — only by degrees.

Ms. Stone.

[ She's so formal that Gaius isn't exactly sure how he addresses her in return, and settles for a neutral acknowledgment of her name as he recalls it. He puts out his cigarette, as if suddenly conscious of it. ]

No, no, perfectly fair -- I'd been holding out the hope, I think, for things to start making a bit more sense.

[ Alayne has been called many things during her time aboard the Tranquility — from lady to majesty, from child to miss. 'Ms. Stone' is something of an ignoble title, given that it focuses on her bastardry and little else, but she does not seem to begrudge Dr. Baltar in any way. He does not know better, after all.

Graciously, she smiles. ] Alayne will more than suffice, doctor. [ Another dip of her chin follows. ]

Are you not among those who find the ship familiar? [ People adapted or they didn't, always by varying degrees. ] It seems to me your are quite learned. Do you hope to illuminate our circumstance?

I am, that's true, but I'm not familiar with-- you know, being away from my people, so suddenly. I had important duties, and.

[ ...and not much else, granted, but he hasn't yet seen this as much of a vacation yet. He doesn't correct her from 'Dr. Baltar', as it's-- correct, and what everyone calls him besides. ]

Anyway. I'd like to. My circumstance, anyway, and by extension everyone else's. Barring that, improve it.

[ My people. Alayne mulls over the word. ]

The Twelve Colonies of Kobol, that is your kingdom? Or— [ She catches herself quickly. There are many she's met who do not keep kings. ] —or your tribe, perhaps? And you are its president. [ There's emphasis on the word, as if trying it out for the first time. ] Does that mean you rule?

Yeah. Yes.

[ That word swiftly on the back of the first, as if catching his own apathy and replacing it with more appropriate formality. ]

I am that, we-- we elect leaders. [ His conversation with Stannis sort of reminded him of Alayne, actually, so he's prepared to explain a little. ] Through democratic decision, and I was named, er, ruler. Of the Colonies. I don't suppose it matters much here, but I thought it might help.

Tribe is fair, call it that.

[ Many people have asked Alayne of the Seven Kingdoms; they have asked about Robb, how it is possible for him to call himself King in the North when he is so young. She has explained, of course (evasion would not help her), having seen some of the bloodiest politics play out in close proximity. But very rarely has been afforded the opportunity to return the inquiry.

Despite her six months aboard the ship, the concept of democratic election is wholly foreign to her. ]

The people are given over to— to choosing their own rulers? [ She seems both amazed and mortified. ] Surely, one can never win the love of all. And the rest? They follow you despite the lack of bloodright or succession? They do not rebel or look to rise another to claim your seat?

Edited 2012-08-24 13:50 (UTC)

Well.

[ Gaius rolls his eyes in thought, remembering history before the exodus, remembering the civil wars that brought about this whole frakking mess in the first place. ]

That's usually the case, that it works. You'll get, you know, if there's strong opposition, you'll get rebel groups and terrorists, or peaceful protests. Unions. [ Ugh. ] But when the majority rules and wins the vote for whoever they prefer, then you've got the majority's backing, don't you. And the military are loyal to the office-- or the throne, I suppose, so if things get out of hand, then you do have the bigger weapons, at the end of the day.

Um. This is a very simple overview, I might add. [ Should anyone be watching. ] They don't follow because of birthright or anything, but because you say you'll make certain decisions as a leader that they all agree with.

We used to do it like that, monarchy, but it was a very long time ago.

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)

[ 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. ]

.001. video. open.

( v i d e o )

( v i d e o )

( v i d e o )

( v i d e o )

( v i d e o )

( v i d e o )

( v i d e o )

( v i d e o )

( v i d e o )

( v i d e o )