video;

[doesntdohumble]

[Eric really isn't the type for posting to the networks himself, but he has a need. A very specific one. With all of this temperature fluctuation, he needs to keep his body temperature more stable, since for some ungodly reason the changes in temperature actually bother him this semester. And that means regular feedings. Normally his smaller collection of donors is more than sufficient each month. This month, however, is far, far from normal.

When Eric turns on the camera he sits very still, legs crossed, hands folded in his lap. He's trying hard not to look as miserable as he feels, with all of this hot and cold that he's not supposed to be able to feel. And he's putting up a rather impressive front, at that. Behind him, Godric stands, just as still and straight himself, although a soft smile graces his own features.]

Ladies. Gentlemen. [The corner of his mouth quirks slightly, a show for the camera.] And the rest of you, whatever you are.

We're looking for volunteers. Donors, if you must be specific about it. Some of you might remember a similar request a while ago. Unfortunately, Captain Kirk is no longer here to speak on our behalf. That does not mean that we are asking you to blindly offer yourselves up. There are those on the ship that can vouch for our character in his stead. [He won't name names specifically on such a public forum, but they know who they are, and they should know that they're called to account, here with these words.]

I'll give you the Sparknotes version. Godric and I are Vampire. We drink blood, it is how we survive. Without it, we starve. [His eyes are fiercely blue.] Or freeze, as the case may be. As it stands, we need more than usual to make ends meet this month, thanks to the ship fucking around with its temperature changes, and deciding we need to share in the same effects. And that is where you come in.

[It is Godric's turn to speak up now, sensing that his progeny's temper is getting the better of him for the moment.] We have regular volunteers who donate to us, and their contributions are usually more than enough. But this is an usual situation, and we do not wish to overburden them. We're asking for temporary volunteers to supplement what we already receive. And any form of donation will do; if you have your blood drawn in the medical bay, they can set it aside for us at your request.

[Eric shifts in his seat, leaning against one of the arms of the chair.] Donors may remain anonymous, should you decide to take us up on this request. [He brings a hand up to rest his chin his hand. He sounds slightly bored with the spiel, and rehearsed as well, as though this sort of announcement and public speaking in general really isn't new to him at all.] Questions?

((ooc: Blue is Eric and green is Godric! There will be a log for this up shortly as well so keep an eye out for that!))

Comments

[doesntdohumble]

[You watch that tone that you're getting with Godric there, John Mitchell, and you watch it well. Eric's hackles are rising - he's never liked it when vampires start hating on their own kind.]

That is the point of being a vampire, Mitchell! [Oops he raised his voice there.] There will always be a need for more, and there will always be a supply for it. We don't kill our donors, we barely even strain them. We're widening our network so we're not taxing the donors we already have relationships with now, because of this temperature shit. What is your problem?

[faderbroderson]

[Godric is quiet as Eric rants, but his eyebrows had raised when Mitchell had been speaking, and they have not yet lowered. The corners of his lips slowly turn up until he looks distinctly amused.]

We are perfectly capable of entering churches. I've been in churches many times. I think you may be mistaking us for a very different species of vampire.

[humanistic]

[oh COME ON you can go in churches and you have reflections and you like control the world how is this fair]

Yeah, go in churches or don't, I don't fucking care. The thing that's universal about vampires? You're always wanting more. You're controlling these people. You're doing it with smiles, and you're getting everyone to sign off on consent forms and you're givin' them biscuits and orange juice after, but that's all a fucking formality. It's the same old shit, and it never ends.

If they fix the temperature, are you going t' go back to your old pool, or are you going to let them all keep giving to you? And what exactly d'you give them in return? The pleasure of your company? Not that great a trade.

[faderbroderson]

You think the worst of us, despite all evidence to the contrary. If we're returned to normal, we don't intend to gorge ourselves. We ask no more than what we need, and demand nothing that people aren't willing to give. In return, we assist the people on this ship when and where we can. We trade when a trade is desired.

Our actions are no more selfish or manipulative than those of the general populace. But we're vampires, and so you see malice where there is none, and will hold our most basic of needs against us.

There is little more that can be said in the face of such prejudice. Nothing will change your mind.

[He doesn't seem offended, though. It's stated as a simple fact, and there's no use making a fuss about it.]

[humanistic]

You're right. You aren't going t' change my mind, and d'you know why? You don't kill them, you don't strain them. You've got all their best interests at heart, and it's all nice, and sanatised, and controlled, until it isn't. And it's easy, it's so easy, for that to happen. I know it is. You can tell me whatever you want--you can tell them whatever you want, and you can tell it to yourselves.

But if I'm seeing malice? It's because I know vampires. It's not prejudice if it's been proved time and fucking time again. It becomes something very different then. I know what you are. And I'm not going to forget it because you make a pretty speech about it.

Enjoy your blood, the both of you. Get nice and warm.

[faderbroderson]

You know your own kind, not ours.

[And he's just going to leave it at that.]