ataraxion | voice

[...there's a second of white noise, because-- well, this is weird. It's like online chatrooms, which Mitchell has never been keen on, to say the least. One on one communication hasn't been so bad--better, actually, considering he's been mostly holed up in his room, avoiding human/werewolf contact. But, right--necessity--]

If people are going t' go through those tubes and get onto that other ship, do their phones keep on working? These devices, I mean. Do they go that far? If they do, and if this can be heard over there, I'm making a request. Space pirates had to have cigarettes on them, yeah, and I'm in need of cigarettes. Sanctioned looting can include a bit of personal stuff, yeah-- and it's sort of a, a desperate need. Please and thanks in advance.

[Like very desperate. Like the more he talks about it, the more strained his voice goes. Vampires with nicotine addictions, it's a hard life. A pause, then, he might finish there--but instead he sucks in a breath. Right. Normal.]

Actually, there's a lot of questions on how things work around here, and not all of it is out of our control. Like--so there's a cast of, what, a hundred plus of us, and we have t' trade for things that we need, if someone else has got them. But if you don't have anything t' trade, is it just-- begging for it? Hoping for a bit of Christian charity? Every man for himself? Not that I'd be much surprised by that one, given the... [Maybe it's better not to finish that one, in light of recent events, but given his low faith in humanity, and given his own recent exploints, none this is really all that surprising. So, wry once more:] ...given the situation.

[An awkward pause.]

Anyways. Thanks again.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ w/e ]

Probably the last option.

[ although she tells some pretty dorky jokes too, admittedly. ]

And I'm not... sure. I think she might have volunteers, but I don't really pry. You should probably ask her about that, honestly.

Yeah, probably.

[But he doesn't sound thrilled at that prospect.]

And people are probably knocking down her door for that one. Whenever I get around to making a therapy appointment, I'll ask her.

Have you got any beer left, I think I need one.

[ hey, he grew up in a shrink family. he gets it, throwing therapists at people is slightly rude. ]

Not therapy. Just networking.

[ there's a brief pause, slightly unsure - because yes, they get along well, but the whole bizarro element is still odd. still, he sounds sympathetic and lightly amused when he replies. ]

But yes, I have more beer. You should be careful, I'm going to start thinking that's the only reason you like me.

Yeah, I've done the vampire networking thing? Hopefully it works out better in space.

[Even if she's a nice vampire! Maybe they can make some sort of Good Sober Vampire Network, but it seems risky. Especially because he's not... really... a good sober vampire.

but thank god for beer and sarcasm! moving on--]

You're not fishing for compliments there, are you. Waitin' for me t' tell you what a great personality you've got?

[ well it sort of does. sometimes?? maybe. he's not entirely sure, actually, he doesn't talk to that many vampires - but certainly having jenna as pseudo vamp ambassador is better than bishop.

or aidan, let's be real. ]

No, of course not. I already know I have a wonderful personality, but thanks for the thought.

[ and then, not remotely randomly: ]

Do you eat food?

Uh-- yeah? Do your vampires not eat?

[the topic change was abrupt, sure, but now there's more important issues. like what about pizza, what kind of undead life is it without pizza...]

Sometimes. But very carefully, and only to be polite.

[ the intricacies of an undead digestive system are something he has never actually wanted to know about, but come on, you've got to at least wonder. ]

Not much with the boozing it up, either.

What, like-- they don't drink? At all?

[The irony of that phrasing does not escape him. They drink but they don't drink. There's a mingling sense of pity and something very much like awe.]

Christ. Those poor sods, they've got to be fucking miserable. Imagine, a hundred years without-- even beer? Basic drink like that, and they don't go for it?

They can. But no, they don't usually. I've only ever seen Aidan eat or drink to be polite.

[ or pass as human, whatever. and so much for not really questioning undead digestive systems, because the fact that mitchell does eat and drink is slightly weird. ]

Sorry, maybe I'm misunderstanding something, but - aren't you dead? Clinically.

[ you work in a hospital, mitchell. you know how great dead bodies are at digesting things. how have you never questioned this. ]

[rude!]

Clinically, as opposed to-- what, mentally? Spiritually? Yeah, obviously, I'm a vampire, that's all a part of it. But I'm not some walking corpse. I know how t' drink, and--

[A beat. The point that Josh is driving at, the questions he's going to ask, these are slowly dawning on him.]

Look, just don't think too much about it. All right?

[ it's worth having brought it up just to hear the realization sink into mitchell's voice, but unlike some people josh isn't deliberately gross. ]

You don't have to tell me twice.

[ seriously though, he knows about werewolf stomach acid. it's a scientific curiosity. but more importantly: ]

So. Beer?

Yes. Beer.

[And less curiosity and conversation like the conversation that was on the verge of taking place just there. Thank you.]

I'm not drinking up your whole supply, but I need something t' deal with this place, there's a lo of weird shit. The sooner the better, so just-- say the word.

I've got a medbay shift to get to soon, but I'll give you a call after. But fair warning, we might have to go to the actual bar.

[ seriously dude don't drink all of his beer, that's for emergencies. ]

Don't worry, they usually aren't too awful to the new guy. They'll probably let you trade for something that's almost actually worth cheap space beer.

[why didn't he think of working in the medbay!? easy answer: probably because they don't pay in tobacco and probably because he ought to keep away from even false blood for awhile. and also 'medbay shift' sounds way more high-profile and intricate than 'hospital cleaner'. like you'd really need training for it.]

Brilliant. And since you're the old hand here, d'you think space beer worth a teacup, because that's about the total of my worldly possessions. And if it's not, tell me now, so I can practice my begging beforehand.

Depends on how nice the teacup is. But yes, one or two of the usual bartenders might go for it.

[ he is really hoping mitchell actually brings a teacup to the bar. ]

Might still want to work on your begging. That's how I get most of my beer, frankly. [ err. ] And I preemptively veto any dog jokes on that one.

[just for you josh there will be teacups even if you are displaying a sad lack of humor right now!]

Y'know, I hadn't actually thought of any until you'd said that, and then there were like-- fifty jokes that all came to mind, all at once. Think I'll save them for when I get to watch the master at work. [because come on he doesn't beg.]

Haha, yes, very funny. I'll see you in a few.

[ kindly hangs up on you now!! ]

voice

voice; private

voice; private

voice; private

voice; private

voice; private

voice; private

voice; private

voice; private

voice; private

voice; private melissa why are your characters always so interested in vampire bodily functions

voice;private BECAUSE IT IS ONE OF LIFE'S UNANSWERED QUESTIONS this is important ok

voice; private thank you for being brave enough to seek the answers

voice; private yw!!!! also are they drunks or what

voice; private FRIENDS they are friends!! if you drink together it's not sad

voice; private ok... also Y TO DRINKING LOG. do you want me to hit his ic inbox or??

voice; private YES YES that works please thank you

voice; private v good