ataraxion | oo3-[video]

[Loki is sitting in his bed, lounging back with one arm draped across the headboard and one knee hiked up. In his free hand he's holding the communicator. He seems to be getting better with video feeds because at least you can see him this time.]

I wish today to speak of security. There has been much talk of late of ways to make life here more comfortable. I have seen mention of holidays, of designated meal times, and other ideas to give people a sense of structure.

[The hand draped across the headboard rises to scratch the back of his coif.]

What people are proposing may eventually lead to a rudimentary government. As we apply rules to life here we must, also, enforce these rules or our efforts would be for naught.

I am aware that there is already some manner of security force on the ship, but their actions are not currently dictated by any actual law.

Should law come about, what shall the security team then do? What would we consider a transgression here where life is ever at the mercy of machines beyond our control? And how would we punish such transgressions? Would we, as Miles proposed, bring our criminals to trial? Or would we have them promptly executed?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Traditionally, wrongdoers are locked in the brig when they are not tossed overboard.

Yes. But it's a small ship, and people could escape. Do you feel safer with the brig?

I'd rather have the brig than not have it.

Who would you put in it? Right now. If you were in charge.

I have not been here long enough to answer that. I know nothing of the ship's criminal element.

What of you? You seem to have many strong opinions on this matter. Who would you choose to put away or see put to death?

[Good question.] My job is to eliminate threats. But...I haven't seen many here.

At home we had a pigeon in the fireplace. It was a fire hazard, but I wasn't allowed to kill it. I guess it wasn't that big of a threat. Maybe that's what this place is like. You're all pigeons.

[Good thing he's got a masterful poker face, because he feels a bit insulted at the implication.]

How would define a threat?

Someone who will complicate my mission. Usually that means someone who will hurt my brother.

What do you think is a threat?

Anything that could bring harm to myself or mine would be a threat but I have not yet encountered such a force in my time here.

Are there many who would wish to hurt your brother?

[That seems like a fair description.]

...Yes. But none of them are here yet. Do you have a family?

Nay. I have ever walked alone.

[Lies. He has one, he just hates everyone in it]

Your species reproduces asexually?

[She will always take you literally first, then try to figure out these wacky turns of phrase.]

Ah, you mean in the most literal sense. Yes, I have parents, but I long ago lost contact with them.

That's sad. Do you miss them?

I do at times.

[No he doesn't]

I bet they miss you, too.

[She has no idea if they do or not, nor does she care. This is all part of her programming: find common ground, worm your way in. It works better when you're not trying to manipulate Loki. Poor little cyborg.]

What of your own family? Have you any other than your brother?

[As he tries to weasel his way in right back]

Our mother is here. We're all very close, but she doesn't like me very much.

[Let the games begin.]

What were yours like?

[He shrugs]

My memories of them are dark and fire-shot. They died in battle many aeons ago.

I'm sorry for your loss.

[And with that totally heart-felt condolence delivered, on to a question she's been wanting to ask someone for years.]

How do you cope?

How does anyone cope?

There is mourning, then life goes on.

[The mourning would have been more genuine if Loki hadn't gone back in time to deliver his biological father to his worst enemy then hacked him to death with his own sword but, hey, nobody's perfect]

[It's cool, Cameron's double crossing everyone ever. Kindred souls, if she had one.]

But how? I think when my mother dies, my brother will never stop being sad.

I suppose one never stops missing those who have passed.

Are you concerned that something will happen to your mother?

Concerned? No.

She's going to get cancer. It's going to kill her.

You know this for a fact?

[Video]

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