ataraxion | [ VIDEO ]

Contact.

[ will sounds like he's giving a lecture when he comes on the screen. he's looking directly into the camera — it's easier to make eye contact with a device. ]

That's the key to all this. If you're receiving foreign sensation, you need to track down the person it originated with and make skin-to-skin contact. It'll stop the side-effects, and eventually — hopefully — break the connection. Doesn't have to be more personal than a handshake.

[ a pause, and he glances down, off-camera, visibly discomfited by the fact that the hand not holding his device is in the grip of another. ]

An... extended handshake. Whatever timer this thing is working on, we think letting go resets it.

[ the screen’s upended as sherlock hijacks the device, settling on his face (at an admittedly slightly awkward angle) a moment later. ]

But in the meantime— I’m sure you’ve all noticed that the physical links are current, unlike the memories, and arguably offer us a great deal more control. Passive sensations are the exception, but if I were to hypothetically hit my hand — as our resident neurologist has demonstrated — then Mr. Graham would feel it. [ and by hypothetically he means he's tested it, several times. ]

In the case of mutual sensations, like, say, holding one’s hand, this creates a unique feedback loop; the sensation of their hand in yours, and yours in theirs, et cetera. [ speaking of hand-holding, holding will’s hand is getting in the way of his usual gesturing; the screen's unsteady as a result. ] While I'm reluctant to test the theory with present company — no offense — I imagine this could apply to other neutral or positive sensations. If one were to engage in sexual intimacy with their link partner, for instance, then the moment of—

[ in another blur of abrupt motion, will takes his device back — and also his hand. no offense. ]

Better reset the clock to zero, Mr. Holmes.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Not yet.

No violent aversion to human contact?

I make a living off it, so no. Rather more of a violent aversion to another trip through labyrinthine corridors evading mutant monsters heading towards some uncertain goal. If it wasn't for the gross invasion of privacy, I'd almost like this particular incident.

Physical contact does have its merits. [ scientifically speaking!! obviously. ] Somehow doubt the point of this is a pleasant rush of endorphins, however.

People like their secrecy aboard this ship. Holding control over information gives some illusion of control over the rest of it. It's likely we've never had much control over any, however, and someone or something has perhaps decided we were getting too comfortable in that delusion.

People like their secrecy in most places, I've found. Won't argue re: the ship providing unique motivations, however.

Sure it's a recent decision?

[ taking away their comfortable delusion, that is. he's referring to the link topher made, though he doesn't bother to provide context. ]

Delusions are a weakness, and they make the mind easily manipulated. If there is one thing I'm fairly certain this environment or whoever - whatever - controls it has been attempting to do, it's manipulate us.

Then perhaps it trusts the delusion has done its work. Would have predicted more mass hysteria in response to forced mental links, but I suppose I am still quite new to the intrigues of space.

Mass hysteria gets rather tiring after the third or fourth instance of strangeness. But again, perhaps an air of cynical indifference is the desired outcome.

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