ataraxion | 02

Things have been stressful these past few-

[He's lying if he doesn't finish that sentence with the word months, each and every day since his first day. But that wouldn't make anyone feel better, and it's not like there haven't been happy moments too. Those moments just require a little more patience, a little more effort. Which reminds him:]

I've been thinking that it would be nice if we could have a football game, some friendly competition. And a little exercise might do us all a world of good. [He's not calling anyone fat, he swears.] Naturally, it would require a location. And a ball. And most importantly, players. It's been a few years, but I think I could still manage to help anyone who doesn't know how to play but still wants to take part. All that really matters is to have fun.

[Noah feels like he's forgetting something important. Oh yeah.]

For the benefit of my American friends on board, I'm referring to soccer and not your football. To each his own, but I'm not sure I understand the appeal of being at the bottom of a pile of large men.

[He grimaces. Welp, there's a sentence he'll never be able to get back again.]

So! Let me hear your thoughts, Tranquility.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

If you're, uh, talking about those things you mentioned before, I don't know how to play either of 'em.

It just so happens that that's my humble calling on board this spaceship. Teaching people how to kick a ball into a net and trading tattoos for cigs.

Why would you wanna do something like that? Sounds pretty boring.

Does it? I like looking at the bigger picture. It gives me the chance to meet new people.

You could try meeting people doing other things too. Who'd actually like kicking a ball around for fun?

You might enjoy it more than you think. But you're absolutely right. What sort of things do you do to meet new people?

Depends. [ He pauses, rubbing at the back of his neck. ] Talking usually. Sometimes kissing. Whatever seems to work at the time.

You sound like the adaptable sort. It must help you a lot here.

I dunno. Not really. People are just easy to figure out.

People have always been a bit mysterious to me. But in a wonderful way.

Huh. How do you figure something like that?

Everyone's story is different. That's what I miss most about my old job. So many of their tattoos had actual stories behind them. I got to know them through those stories.

[Noah pauses, but continues in a much more amused tone.]

And then sometimes a six foot bloke just wants a daisy on his arse cheek. I'm not one to judge.

A what? [ That can be directed at anything considering he doesn't quite understand. ] What kinda job is that supposed to be?

It's the job of an artist. Would I be right in assuming that you don't have any tattoos?

[ He takes the time to hold up his arm and show off the nice numbers he'd been given. ]

These are the only ones I have. I don't really see the point in doing something like that anyway.

Ah, those.

[He grimaces.]

Functional as they may be, even I can't approve of them.

What's to approve of? It's not like any of us wanted 'em to show up the way they did.

My thoughts exactly. Unconscious, against our will. I find it horrifying.

I guess. But it's not the worst thing that could've happened to us.

Let's hope the worst things never do.

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