captain's log | 005 | video

[goldshirt]

[the camera swings to straighten over the image of one Jim Kirk, but this time he isn't alone. at his right shoulder, and just slightly behind him, is Spock. it's the first time they've addressed the network as a pair. that, if nothing else, should cue some people in that this is srs bsns.]

Welcome aboard, and welcome back, to the Tranquility. I'm Jim Kirk and this is [he cuts himself off before my first officer leaves his mouth.] Mr. Spock. We're two fellow passengers who happened to be lucky enough to come aboard during the first wave. [something in his expression makes it obvious that he doesn't think they were really all that lucky; it's probably the wry twist on his mouth.]

First and foremost, if you're still suffering any ill effects from the jump, or if you find yourself in a body that wasn't your own, I'd like to direct you to medbay. Doctor Magnus and Doctor Ratchet will be happy to see you. I'm also attaching to this broadcast what we've got of an FAQ and what we have of a map. I know it's incomplete, but it's the best we've got right now.

[here, two things will blink to life on everyone's communicator's who tune in:
GREETINGS.TXT
MAP.JPG
the map is incredibly spotty but will include all public walkways, lifts, and unlocked corridors limited to the passenger area, engineering, medical and the oxygen gardens, and pathways to get to these places.]

[now Jim shifts his weight, leaning back just slightly and crossing his legs. it's less fidgeting and more his way of segueing.]

Now I know you all might have noticed a bunch of noise recently about mutiny and revolutions. I know I sure have, and I'm going to be straight up with you guys: This is a bad idea.

Believe me, I understand how frustrating it is to be here and not have any answers, especially when our captain and first officer haven't exactly been buddy-buddy with us. We all want to know what the hell is going on and when we're getting back home, but the truth is that none of us know, and that includes Ward and Resnik. [this may not be true but he's giving them the benefit of the doubt. he doesn't want to breed contempt here.]

Mutiny isn't going to fix this. It won't give us anymore answers than we already have, and there are too many things that we can't control; not the least of which is how to fly this sucker, where to take her, or how to navigate a foreign area of space on a vessel that may or may not be malfunctioning.

That being said, some of us do have experience with space and interstellar travel, and how to organize people on a starship. We can assist in appointing you to stations and where to direct your questions while our fearless leaders are working to get us to our rendezvous point and, hopefully, back home.

To be frank, we're all we've got. The last thing we need is to be fighting with each other. I know a chain of command doesn't necessarily sit well with everyone, but being without direction isn't helping us either, so I'm thinking a little discussion on this wouldn't hurt. [he cracks a smile here, complete with a flash of teeth, before he looks to Spock.]

[ unlike his smiling and charismatic counterpart, Spock doesn't begin with a hello. instead, there is only the faint inclination of his head as his hands link together, clasped delicately behind his back. ]

Approximately thirty days prior, a number of individuals experienced inexplicable injury and found themselves in need of medical attention.

This attack was conducted by a passenger.

For the purpose of clarification, this passenger has been identified, and at present I will not disclose his name. I believe the reasons for this are self-evident, however, I also believe it necessary to address the crime, not merely the criminal.

Among those who have been relocated to the Tranquility, a fraction of our number are non-human and as such our biological necessities are variable. This attack was a feeding, and the nutrients in question were gleaned from your "life energy." Regardless of the origin for the act, assistance was non-consensual. This behavior is not condoned, but it does present a unique consideration of those aboard. At the present time I wish to advise that individuals requiring specific, non-human dietary or organic specialties submit themselves to the physicians in medical bay. Further, those who wish to volunteer as a donor for those parties should do so at their earliest convenience. These needs are foreign to you, but no less necessary to survival, and cooperation from both parties will prove mutually beneficial.

As far as the consequences are concerned, I am interested in the preferences of those who experienced an attack directly. In the absence of official and unbiased court attendants, I understand that several cultures defer to the wronged party in similar circumstances.

If you experience discomfort at discussing this matter in a public forum, I may be reached at OPR » 001 » 200. Similarly, you may hail me to request a private communication momentarily.

[Jim leans back in here.]

Spock also says thanks.

One more thing, before we let you go. These unexplained disappearances are still happening, and we're trying to keep track of them all and keep them separate from people getting lost in the ship. Has anyone been able to contact Roxanne Ritchi, number 002 » 182?

Comments

[ video ]

[the_vishual]

[ Chase doesn't chime in right away--it's a few hours, actually, until she flicks it on. ]

She hasn't gone. I think.. I think she's here, Captain. Spock.

[ video ]

[firstofficer]

[ there's a faint tilt of his chin, unspoken gratitude and affirmation- but he has to ask. ]

Are you able to confirm this?

[sweetmotherofgod]

[incoming shoutyness. The wound is healing up nicely, but that doesn't mean Heather isn't still sore as hell about the attack]

Necessary to survival? You know what's necessary to my survival? Knowing I'm not gonna get used as a human lunchable next time one of these freaks feels peckish.

[firstofficer]

[ it's hardly the first time a human has decided to shout at him, and despite his own physiological sensitivities, increased perception, he doesn't flinch. ]

Non-humans. [ he corrects instead. ]

[statsraaden]

Hello. About the attacker... I would have been willing to act as a donor if he had been kind enough to ask me the first time. Now I'm on the fence. I don't feel it would make a difference anymore whether I volunteered or not.
I haven't seen Roxanne either lately.

[firstofficer]

This individual is not a singularity.

Would you find yourself willing to assist others with similar requirements?

[voice]

[handelaar]

So you're gonna be straight up with us this time, huh.

[Unmistakable sarcasm in his tone, there. Yeah. Straight-up, like they have been so far.]

[voice]

[goldshirt]

[here, sarcasm, have flat diplomacy.]

I don't see a point in beating around the bush.

[cutsofftheirlimbs]

Mutiny only leads to more chaos, and from there it's one false step to a civil war on the ship.

And that's the last thing we need.

[HE'S SEEN THIS SHIT BEFORE.]

[goldshirt]

[there's relief in his face. he's glad people can agree.]

That's what I'm saying.

THE TEAM Filter, 100 Encrypt, Communication Anon + Untraceable.

[megamind]

[Oh ho ho, they finally caught a clue. Good. It'll be all the more satisfying watching them trying to solidify their power base. He can't help but, in his hideyhole, allow himself a good, solid evil laugh.]

[...and then he makes the first mistake that ever supervillain does.]

[He taunts them. Using Kirk's own encryption, feeding back false information through the comm terminal in the ship he's taken over he feeds them one line:]

Hello, Captain. ☺

THE TEAM Filter, etc;;

[goldshirt]

[offline, Jim reaches out to his right without looking from the screen when this pops up and slaps at Spock's arm to get his attention.]

Spock.

It's using my encryption.

voice;

[20mentholkools]

This how you usually deal with predators?

voice; hi riddick :3

[goldshirt]

These aren't exactly normal circumstances.

[locked to the pair of them]

[51stcentury]

Look. Whatever his reasons for the attacks, they're not so innocent as you're making them out to sound here.

[locked]

[goldshirt]

[good, he was hoping to talk to you. though he kind of agrees, it doesn't show in his face.]

What gave you that impression?

text;

[puppydogeyes]

What happens if you don't get any volunteers?
Or enough.

video;

[firstofficer]

To plan extensively for an alternative that has not yet established itself as necessity is a misuse of time, energy, and resources.

video, to both

[edle_gestalt]

...So they were fellow passengers.

As much as I understand that different life forms need different sustenance for survival, you can't exactly deny that there was malice behind that room. It was mocking, and it was clearly meant to cause fear. I'd be a little more receptive to volunteering if that weren't so obviously the case.

I do, however, greatly appreciate your honesty. I would agree that mutiny is not the answer, but I stand firm that we will need to keep our guard up. It has been made clear to me - and I don't doubt that you've concluded this as well - that not everyone on board has intentions of good will. I'm not looking to start fights, but I'm also not looking to unknowingly get dragged into them, either.

video

[goldshirt]

That room was unrelated to these particular attacks, but I understand your hesitancy.

Getting us a little more organized would help with that, I think. And discussion on what to do should more hostile situations or persons arise might not be a bad idea either.

audio

[articletwelve]

Let me get this straight. You expect people to just volunteer to have their-- what did you call it? Their life energy drained out of them?

[ what, dude. what. ]

audio

[firstofficer]

It is my hope, [ the way the word comes out, somewhat strained and yet infinitely softer than the others, makes it clear how rarely he uses the term. and how highly he regards it. ] that our fellow passengers find themselves willing to do what that are capable of to prevent loss of life among their own.

locked; video foreverr

[darkholme]

[Raven seems... oddly thoughtful, like maybe she should have waited until she sorted out all of her worries before she turned the camera on, but she didn't.]

I'd volunteer to help, but I don't--

You've talked to these people? The ones that need, um. The life force of others to survive. I mean, I trust you, I just- [sigh, more thinkies] What can I do?

locked; video forever

[goldshirt]

[he can't help the slightest smile at spotting Raven; especially in her true colours.]

This particular case relies on direct feeding as far as I can tell. [his mouth screws up a little; the idea isn't exactly fun to him. and the side effects sucked.] But I get the impression it's going to be a case-by-case scenario.

[his gaze returns to her face: serious, devoted.]

Regardless, if you still want to volunteer for any of this, I'll personally make sure it's done as safely as possible.

video

[bottlearum]

[Oh my God, Kirk, do you know anything?]

Mutiny'd get us further that we've gotten ourselves. We ain't got anything t'go off of. But with some rebellion, maybe the Captain'll be willin' to tell us somethin'.

[He raises a finger.]

Also, I ain't givin' up me "life energy". [Yes, there are finger quotes and all.] I've died once already, mate. I ain't too keen on doin' it again.

video;

[goldshirt]

[oh Jack.]

They've given us full access to the databanks, Jack, the problem is that we can't get into them to find our answers. Mutiny isn't going to change that nobody has the code to unlock it.

voice.

[swagneto]

So you two are our self appointed leaders. [ Just what Erik needed, a lecture on mutiny and two men exercising their control just because they were there first. ]

I take it you intend on rounding up us non-humans?/i>

text; encrypted 80%

[pocketfulofsouls]

You could have done worse, but nice way to volunteer.

voice | encrypted 85% to both

[constructum]

You know who did it? [ she doesn't sound angry, not at all. more curious, as she truly just wants to understand why it unfolded the way it did. to be honest, if she only had a way to understand the reasoning, it would ultimately help her put it behind her. ]

Do you think they'd talk to me? [ she knows it's a slim chance, but at least she can try. ]

voice | encrypted 85%

[goldshirt]

What do you want to talk to him about?

[his question lack suspicion, because he isn't suspicious of her motives. just curious. she'd been attacked, too, and she has every right to know who it was.

but Jim already knew that the wraith didn't think the way everyone else did; and he definitely knew the compassion wasn't there she'd likely be looking for.]

[video]

[profligates]

One, I would enjoy a mutiny. Let's be honest, nothing has been happening, here, and a little anarchy in the ranks might help us move forward.

Second, you're not in charge. Not yet, anyway. There are several of us here who could do well in a position of power.

And third... as long as it doesn't kill me, I don't mind letting someone have a bit of me.

[video]

[goldshirt]

I never said I was in charge. [god damn it how many times does he have to repeat this.] I want to hear what everyone thinks will help keep this ship running smoothly while the captain's away. Mutiny isn't going to help. [god balthier you're just like jack it's like you're a pirate or some--

oh.

he'll deal with that later.]

Thank you. And don't worry, death won't be an option.

[ video ]

[timedaughter]

When you say "donations," what exactly would that entail?

[ video ]

[firstofficer]

I believe it would be unique to the individuals. While this particular passenger requires life energy, another requires blood.

Voice

[maddening_gale]

As others have already voiced their concerns about keeping a potential threat alive, it would be redundant to say it again. But I must ask this: in keeping this passenger alive, what is gained? If we would keep him alive for the sake of ideals alone, we're only doing a disservice to the whole of the ship.

I would like to think that you are a wise man, Kirk. Surely this passenger is not worth keeping alive to merely exhibit human compassion?

voice

[goldshirt]

This isn't about the capacity for human compassion. It's about acting out violently against something that's different. This guy has a need, as a species, that we don't agree with. That doesn't give him any less right to be alive.

If we end up having to lock him up, so be it, but he still has things he can contribute to this ship and if nothing else, I think that's worth trying for.

video ; locked | ...you know i could icly work jenna TELLING jim about herself in here i bet.

[unparental]

We're onto mutinies now, really?

[ that's not what caught her attention-- sup, feeding on people-- but it's a nice lead-in. ]

video ; locked | do it B|

[goldshirt]

Unfortunately.

ENCRYPTED AUDIO; | christ this is late sob

[widowing]

Were the attacks deliberate?

ENCRYPTED AUDIO;

[goldshirt]

Yes. I imagine the people were at random, save that we were all human.

video;

[manipulativni]

[ well hel-lo captain. the pretty faces draw her in, but what keeps her listening is the mention of an attack that most certainly wasn't made by her, jenna, or mason. ]

When you say 'life force', what exactly do you mean? Blood, energy...how do they do it?

[ she's playing ignorant and innocent, to avoid suspicion. not that she's fed on anyone since arriving, but she doesn't want to reveal this about herself. not yet. ]

video;

[goldshirt]

Energy, nutrients, I think. It's done through a bite, usually to the chest.

voice;

[longaevus]

If there's any more that I can do to help will you let me know? [ And as for volunteering? She's leaning more to no - she's got a few extra factors to consider ]

voice;

[goldshirt]

Actually, yes. You told me your specialty was in xenobiology right?