02 ♚ voice;

[passe]

[ There's some white noise before Hal speaks, but it isn't hesitation this time. He's bored and indifferent, addressing this to the comms unit only as an afterthought. His voice is quiet, but it's not timid - it's carried by an easy confidence and a subtle aggression, though only if you're used to listening for that sort of thing. ]

What do you people do here? To raise morale. Therapy does not seem to be cutting it; this is a war zone. Crying about your feelings to someone without qualifications is hardly going to ease your burdens.

You rally and you hide in the tunnels as though you're waiting for Hitler to drop a bomb on your head, but this is not your home front, and you no longer have the luxury of calling yourselves civilians. Quiet reflections will do nothing to ease fear and tension when the enemy is at your door; you need something much bolder.

There is a reason soldiers so often resort to the excesses of alcohol and whores.

[ There's a distracted pause, and when he speaks again he sounds amused. ]

The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of Hell, a hell of Heaven. Cheer up, all of you.

Comments

[voice]

[jurisimpudent]

[Bitch say what about the resident therapist]

Well. This entire transmission was vile and useless.

voice 5eva

[passe]

[ Whatever he wants bring it nerd ]

Thank you, your input is enlightening.

voice »

[unparental]

I don't actually require people cry, just so that's cleared up.

[ AHEM SIR

AHEM. ]

voice »

[passe]

Certainly crying would be a better release than simply sharing their feelings. Maybe you ought to try harder.

But forgive the critique, it was only meant as an objective example. It's a pleasure to meet you.

[ So great with the ladies, right. Ladies love insults. ]

[enforced]

Most people don't actually cry.

voice forever;

[passe]

You know this from experience?

And if that's the case, it seems entirely pointless. I thought therapists were supposed to be good at digging.

video.

[ex_question191]

Wait, there's therapy? Can we volunteer people?

voice ONLY FOREVER

[passe]

[ First person not arguing - asking questions, even better. ]

In theory only. Why, is there someone you dislike on-board?

voice;

[jilt]

You've an odd way of spreading cheer, Mister Yorke.

voice;

[passe]

The false joy and fixation on trivialities to pass the time is grating. We are prisoners, but there is nothing forcing us to behave like victims.

Do you have any other suggestions? For spreading cheer.

voice;

[gazeboed]

Great pep talk right there. Are you a school guidance counselor back home? Because you should be. I'd throw you in a middle school in a heart beat.

voice;

[passe]

[ He's not particularly impressed by sarcasm, but it's the voice of a young woman, so he'll tolerate it. He even manages to sound genuinely amused. ]

You know I was not. Do you agree with none of it? I can offer a banal report on my activities on the ship instead, if you'd prefer. That seems to be the "in" thing.

voice; locked 100%

[prima_facie]

You're sounding a lot better. [ This is the sound of cautious optimism. ]

voice; locked 100% BETTER..... cutler..........

[passe]

The rest of the ship might beg to differ.

I can only assume they do not like Milton.

[ He doesn't sound particularly wounded. ]

audio;

[tumbleweeds]

What's wrong with alcohol and whores?

audio;

[passe]

[ Well he wasn't expecting that. ]

Absolutely nothing. To the contrary, this vessel could do with more of both.

[ Not that he'd let himself indulge in either; he's not quite that far gone. Either way, it might shut some of the others up for a while. ]

t e x t »

[became]

[ tripped the crazy wire, GOD hal. ]

They also serve who only stand and wait.

t e x t »

[passe]

[ Oh text he's gotten the hang of this, he'll play. Also sorry, Hal's his own kind of crazy, this will probably be a baffling conversation. ]

You have nothing else to offer God, then? Surely you have some gifts.

video;

[stimulations]

[Well this is a bit more bold than the last time Josias saw him.]

You realise whores often have to deal with people crying about their feelings, too. Sometimes all someone needs to ease their burden is a little company.

voice;

[passe]

[ Now this is feedback he appreciates. But second person to use video - it's frustrating not to use it in exchange. ]

Then it's two burdens lifted for the price of one. It seems to me a whore would be the better investment.

text | oh god I read all of that in hal's voice IT WAS PERFECT

[sexting]

[ oh sweet space jesus, why do the poetry-quoting ones always end up doing this ]

Alcohol and whores, mainly

text | weeps into hands THANK YOU also crying at edgeworth getting first angry reply to both posts

[passe]

[ Probably something to do with a fondness for melodrama. ]

It is good to see someone has the right idea. It is only a shame you do not appreciate literature more, but I suppose perfection would be a bit much to ask.

voice;

[cargojet]

We've been fighting very different kinds of wars.

And we are still a ship of civilians. I'm sorry you've lost sight of that. We're not hiding just because we aren't blundering into the dark with our eyes shut.

voice;

[passe]

I haven't lost sight of anything, but I appreciate the concern.

And wars are not always about battlefields. I hardly expect children to take down whatever beasts these are lurking in the shadows. But how long have you been here? How much do you really know now that you did not know after the first week?

[video]

[elvenking]

[Thranduil turns on the video to reply, then decides not to say what he was going to say. A gleam of good humor is in his eyes, though it doesn't quite make it to the rest of his face. Habitual royal stoicism and all.]

Well done.

voice;

[passe]

[ Hal would like to return the favor of video - unfortunately, it wouldn't accomplish much. But his tone is amused, and the thanks is implied. ]

I have gotten so used to tired criticisms that I am almost disappointed by the lack of it. You have no counterarguments to share?

audio.

[helpmeguideit]

It is not about seeking help - it is about speaking to people with whom you have bonded.

[ Pause. ]

I do agree that the mind is its own place. Although not everyone always has complete control over the way their mind works, it is just how they are.

[ Naturally. ]

audio.

[passe]

I apologize. If that is the case, then I am not quite sure what the distinction is between a therapist and a friend. I was under the impression there was one.

[ But he's not annoyed, he's amused. He appreciates the discussion. ]

Even the most difficult mind can be trained given time and persistence. You disagree?

video;

[51stcentury]

[Jack's faintly amused with this post, and faintly concerned with it. The amusement is obvious. The concern he's keeping at bay for now.]

Alcohol and whores, huh.

voice;

[passe]

[ Pointedly sticking with voice, though not necessarily by preference. ]

As far as distractions go, they have certainly stood the test of time better than most others. Unless you have other suggestions.

Voice

[skindeep]

We could use a football game or two.

Voice

[passe]

Another vice of choice for soldiers, if a tame one.

Considering how easily offended many of this ship's passengers are, it would likely be a quicker sell than drinking and whoring. Perhaps we should put together teams.

voice;

[onsilksheets]

I'm not sure if this ship actually has whores but alcohol, yes.

[Alcohol has become a recent companion of Bela's. She might be verging on a break down but it's too early to tell.]

You lacking in morale, Hal?

voice;

[passe]

I'm sure it has its share of both. Most ships do.

[ Spaceships might be a bit different, but whatever. ]

And to the contrary, I've been blessed with a recent excess of it. Dare I ask the same of you?

text

[doggedly]

so do you have alcohol and whores

text

[passe]

If I did, I highly doubt I would be passing the time by speaking with you.

video;

[logicunlocked]

Glad we have you to shine a ray of sunshine on the whole situation.

voice;

[passe]

[ He is going to gather everyone's devices and destroy the video function out of jealousy at this point. ]

I feel content enough; it is not my fault others do not find comfort in the same. You are not a fan of poetry?

voice;

[triedtobe]

Need less cheering up and more willingness to fight back.

voice;

[passe]

A reasonable assessment, one might think. Unfortunately, such initiative seems to primarily result in dramatic deaths on the network.

Unless you are confident in your abilities - perhaps you should put them to use.

voice

[slipperysoul]

Don't know if too many people here are equipped at doing much besides hiding in their holes. Not everyone's capable of fighting against Hell, even if it's everywhere.

voice

[passe]

Then if they must hide, they might as well do it with enthusiasm. I have seen soldiers in trenches entertain themselves better.

And what of you - are you equipped for much else?

voice; locked

[coffeeking]

While I don't fully disagree, therapy has its place. War takes its toll, and all the sex and alcohol in the world can only do so much for one's sanity.

voice; locked

[passe]

[ Why the lock, buddy. He's hoping for something worth hiding, though he supposes mild paranoia will do just as well. ]

True. I do not mean to say it does much good at all for one's sanity - it primarily distracts from it, or a lack thereof.

video;

[faderbroderson]

And where then do the whores find their comfort?

[or are you that good in bed, hal]

voice;

[passe]

[ No video on his end, but the smile is easy enough to hear. ]

I suppose that would be for the whores to decide.

[ Not particularly concerned. And who knows, he usually killed them before he could get useful feedback. ]

voice;

[sufferances]

Those are some dated examples you're waving around.

voice; vile temptress!!

[passe]

Yet they appear to have communicated the idea clearly. Would you prefer something more recent?