VIDEO ▒ OPEN BROADCAST ▒ FORWARD DATED JULY 30 ░▒▓█▛▟▛▙▚▞▗ ▘

[eripui]

[ The feed begins with a single tone, low, as if testing the audio capabilities of the devices. On the screen is an older man, white haired with bright blue eyes, standing in front of a deep blue banner emblazoned in gold with a circular symbol containing three five-pointed stars. Though his face now is solemn, there are laughter lines soft at corners of his eyes, the set of his mouth one clearly used to the curve of a smile. He only waits a moment before beginning to speak, voice level, carrying an assured authority, a confidence borne from experience. ]

Residents of the Tranquility, I greet you today after many, many years of waiting. My name is Hendrik van Rijn, Prime Minister of the Miraxian Triad, the people who built and launched the ship you've been trapped on. You may not have heard of me, but I have heard of you, and all the terrible events you've been forced to endure as a result of the unprecedented malfunction which took the Tranquility so far from her intended path. I offer you the deepest sympathies of my people, and myself. Mistakes have been made, and I give you every assurance that now, with your return to us, we will find the cause of this tragedy and set things right.

I know you may have heard promises before, and met with the unfortunate souls in our society who prefer to cheat and steal than offer a helping hand. I know you have no reason to trust me; if I'd been through as much as you have, I wouldn't trust me either. But we have someone else here to speak to you, and I hope hearing from her will help to show the truth of our intentions, and allow us to begin the forging of a strong partnership as we move into the future.

[ With a last look to the camera, he steps back, turning his attention to the side and holding out a hand to greet and guide the woman joining him to take center. The woman's face is one known to many aboard the ship. She's gracious as she steps into view, appearing to squeeze the man's hand before she lets go and takes her place.

Odessa Knutson. ]

Thank you, Prime Minister.

[ Her attention turns to the camera then, head tilting to one side as a wide smile spreads across her familiar features. She has a look of health to her. A better diet, some proper sunlight, and time will do that. ]

Hello, Tranquility. [ Spoken in the same way one might ask, did you miss me? ] It's been a long time. Too long. For all of us. [ That smile turns a little sad. They've been through some horrors, haven't they? Time and distance has allowed much of it to become a distant memory. ]

The time has come to stop running. When I left the ship, I didn't know what to expect. We received so many conflicting stories, didn't we? I expected all the worst ones to be true, but it was a risk I was willing to take. I'm sure many of you can understand why. Still, I was afraid that I would find monsters. That I would be thrown in a dark cell and never see the light of day again. Now, I don't say this often, but... [ Her hands spread out to her sides, palms up in a gesture that says just look at me. ] I was wrong. After my escape two years ago, Prime Minister van Rijn's people found me. They gave me food, clothing, shelter, a new life and a new purpose...

To find all of you, and help you to be rescued as I had been rescued. I know most of you aren't like me; I'm starting over here, and I'm happier than I've ever been, but many of you have lives you want to return to. [ The delight she has in sharing this good news seems genuine enough, especially (or even) to those who know her well. She clasps her hands in front of her, a light in her eyes. ] I've seen what the Miraxians have been working on myself. There's hope, so much hope.

Pack your bags, my friends. We're coming to take you home.

[[ OOC: van Rijn exited stage left once off camera, and responses will come from Odessa Knutson only. ]]

Comments

[video]

[yardbird]

[Murphy's initial reaction is "TWO YEARS WHAT" before he remembers how much the jumps mess with time.]

If goin' home was an option, why're you still here?

[He's worried about you, Odessa. You're looking a little... Stockholm syndrome-y.]

[treasonista]

[ Stockholm... what? No! That's just her face! Gosh, Murph. ]

Because there's nothing for me there. I've made my home here, with these people. I'm finally happy. I'd forgotten what that felt like, Murphy.

[cabins]

Ms. Knutson.

[Laura and Odessa never knew each other other than that wild night and there was karaoke involved and a lot of shots. But she's curious. It felt like months since Odessa had taken the shuttle and left. But it was months.

Frak time and space.

She doesn't trust this woman. Or, for that matter, Van Rijn.]

Prime Minister.

[She nods at each of them as best she can over the video screen.]

Two years for you, I'm afraid to report. I've been here, by my count, for a year now. Some of those who have been on this ship claim it's three years since they were abducted.

[She presses her lips together for a moment before continuing.]

What is it exactly that the Miraxians have been working on? Obviously it's more of a priority than finding their rogue ship. [She could understand that. But if he'd heard of the horrors... There was something fishy going on. There was more than just malfunctions and unforseen issues going on here. On this ship.]

I understand how large star systems can be, and while Tranquility is by far the largest ship I have ever been on, I wish to know how for three years- by our terms, baring in mind, clearly far longer by yours- there has been nothing to show for any form of rescue. I understand better than most the need to cut the losses, and recognize that perhaps that was what Tranquility was to you- a loss. Write it off and mount a commemorative plaque on the wall. But to ask us, good people who have been subjected to more than just malfunctions to return to a man, and a Triad that we have no loyalty to, no reason to believe aside from Ms. Knutson's glowing appearance...

I know I'm not alone when I say thank you- [Laura pauses for a moment to take off her glasses.]- but I'm afraid it's far too little, far too late.

[treasonista]

I spent over a year on the Tranquility, Ms Roslin. It was certainly no picnic. You should understand why fear of the unknown could not outweigh the fear of what would come next if I stayed put.

[ Odessa is first and foremost an opportunist and survivalist, after all. ]

The rescue effort has been on-going. Generations have lived and died in the time it's taken the Miraxians to find us. This ship is resourceful, but we've finally caught up to her. Yes, your rescue party is late, but... We're here now.

As to what they're working on... [ Odessa glances off camera briefly. ] It's jump technology. The hope is that it can be used to send people back to their home universes.

[voice]

[ryuuzaki]

Prime Minister. How do you intend to find the cause?

[They have a pretty good idea of the cause themselves, and much of it doesn't look good for this government, although it would be weird if nothing had changed in the time that's passed... the question is, how? He remembers what he interpreted as Lina's veiled threats.]

[treasonista]

[ Even after time away, Odessa recognizes the voice of Comms' CO. It helps that he doesn't switch on his video feed. ]

Hello, Ryuuzaki. I'm afraid the Prime Minister has stepped away, but I'm happy to answer your question.

The loss of the Tranquility has been a terrible blow to the Miraxian Triad. I'm sure you can appreciate efforts made to ensure survival. When that best hope simply vanishes... Sometimes people act rashly.

I'm hoping we can avoid that here.

[ That could sound like a threat, but Odessa's tone is light. They're problem solving together here. ]

[video]

[tongueamok]

I don't mean to sound rude in regards to all of this, but what if we'd rather just go back to the home we were taken from in the first place?

[treasonista]

[ Odessa's smile is broad, cheerful. ]

That's what we're expecting! I'm certainly in the minority about not wanting to return home. I've opted not to. The rest of you? Can have your wish.

[voice]

[sorrycharles]

Why don't you come aboard. Our doctors can examine the veracity of your claims.

[ preferably via autopsy. ]

[treasonista]

[ What a coincidence! That happens to be Odessa's favorite method of examination. Just not self-examination. ]

I'm personally unavailable, but you will be joined by the rescue team. [ It's a little difficult to remain cheerful, and it shows in a faint narrowing of her eyes. ] Very, very soon.

[forgodssake]

Dr Knutson. It's been a long time for us as well.

[ His tone is measured, not totally devoid of warmth, but cautious. Stress makes shadows in his eyes. Two years in apparent luxury is one thing. She knows well what a few months on the Tranquility is like in contrast. ]

Where are you now?

[treasonista]

Charles!

[ Surprise, bitch. I bet you thought you'd seen the last of me. ]

I'm with the fleet. Not far at all. It's good to see you again, and it will be even better to see you properly, in person.

The nightmare is over, my friend.

[video]

[circumitus]

Sounds like you're expecting us to put a lot of stock into a government we know so little about, except for mostly negative hearsay.

[She's not being accusatory, or even irritated. Rey is approaching this as a calm and collected individual who just wants to collect information, for however much it's worth.]

[treasonista]

I know, that's why I'm here. This message would never be received by the government if they'd sent it themselves.

Please remember, I openly supported fighting these people in my time on the ship. I'd have been happy to cut them all down.

[ A glance is shot off camera, a little shrug and a shake of her head. What? Presumably someone facilitating this communication is a little off-put by her admission. ]

I'm here because I was a strong opponent, and I am telling you I was wrong.

[kutte]

Well shit. Isn't that a sweet offer. You gonna tell us what the catch is?

[ and then-- ]

Or why you and your dirtbag friend over there showed up with a whole fucking army?

[treasonista]

The catch? That you have to leave that place you've called hell away from home for so long. That's the only catch.

The army isn't for you. But you can't poke a bear and expect it to sit docile. I would think you of all people would realize the value of walking around that place armed.

[wiped]

Who are the Miraxians?

[treasonista]

The Miraxians are the people who want to save you.

text

[alsohawkeye]

So are you saying they've succeeded in replicating the interdimensional travel that's brought us to the ship? They can send people between worlds now?

[ because Kate's just had a terrible thought about that. ]

[treasonista]

[ Odessa's eyes scan over Kate's message. There's hints that she also finds the implication unsettling in the way that she holds her breath for a moment. Perhaps she was hoping no one would make that leap. ]

Only in theory so far. The best way to find out is to be here.

[ She flashes a quick smile. See? Still one hundred percent on board with all of this. ]

video.

[theroadwarrior]

I don't know you.

[Leaving it to someone he's never met and doesn't care at all about isn't working for him.

like at all]

He's not here to save us.

[But Max isn't sure why anyone would want this nightmare ship for themselves.]

[treasonista]

Nor I you. I see the ship is still taking new arrivals. [ Sorry, bro. ] I used to be one of you. It's been two years since I escaped the ship. I'm not sure how long it's been for all of you. Considerably less time, I imagine.

I can understand why you don't trust the Prime Minister's intentions. But know this: I'm here to save you.

video.

[throwsdown]

You left?

[Whoa, that's really — pretty cool! But...]

How do we know you're really from here? You could be a monster in disguise.

[..... okay probably not the first thing you'd expect

but Takeshi has EXPERIENCES.]

[treasonista]

[ That's a surprisingly reasonable question. And also exceedingly cute, coming from him. ]

I left. [ Odessa's voice is gentle as she gives confirmation. ] And these people found me. They gave me a home, and kept me safe.

I don't know how I can prove to you I'm not a monster. Is there a way you can think of?

video

[ontheline]

It sounds like you're having a hell of a time with PR.

Seems like a lot of work to give to one person.

[Hughes is nothing but friendly, at least? He smiles pleasantly enough while he's hangin' out in communications, doin' this thang.]

[treasonista]

It does, doesn't it? I knew I would have my work cut out for me, but...

[ Yes, she did actually think there would be at least one person, maybe one-and-a-half, happy to see her. And she hasn't yet seen those suspects. It's worrisome. ]

I don't believe we've met. I'm Doctor Odessa Knutson, formerly of XenoGen.

anon!!

[vdova]

because showing up at our doorstep with loaded weapons is a surefire way to get us to trust you

[treasonista]

Nobody's aiming any weapons at you. You can't expect someone to approach a hostile target completely unarmed.

I'm referring to the ship itself as hostile, not the passengers aboard it.

video.

[rhyfelgri]

( for all that enfys' response is ostensibly to odessa's post, her inquiry is more generally directed; )

Who's this bitch?

[treasonista]

[ Odessa's expression stays neutral, simply inclining her head to one side slightly. She does not narrow her eyes or grit her teeth. That only happens mentally. ]

Doctor Odessa Knutson, formerly of XenoGen. And you?

video;

[puppydogeyes]

[Stood in front of a security station door, Tranquility jump suit zipped up neatly to the neck, expression every inch the dedicated soldier.

Taylor had never been much good at long haul duplicity, but she can manage a short performance.]

Tell their forces my team will have everyone prepared for them. What's the ETA?

[treasonista]

Good. I'm very relieved to hear it.

[ Finally, a voice of (what seems to be) reason. Odessa smiles in a way that doesn't reach her eyes. Whether this is a sign that she isn't as benevolent as she's trying (and mostly failing) to seem, or that there's some disappointment in this answer is uncertain.

And, of course, prepared doesn't necessarily mean prepared to leave. It could mean prepared to fight. ]

You have one hour.

text .

[dreamcrutcher]

you can take your crazy somewhere else
thanks

[treasonista]

[ Why is she even shocked to hear that? Mostly she's shocked to hear it from someone she doesn't know. ]

I'm sorry you feel that way.

voice;

[axeyou]

They didn't give you very nice clothes.

[Cool and disdainful.]

Can you bring van Rijn back for a second? Please?

[treasonista]

[ There is no amount of desire to play it cool that can keep the delight entirely off of Odessa's face when she hears Johanna Mason's voice. ]

You can't expect me to be so ostentatious at a time like this, can you? It's good to hear from you, Johanna. I wish that I could, but the Prime Minister's a very busy man, with many pressing matters to attend to, and is otherwise engaged. I'd be happy to pass on a message.

[ Does it involve an axe? Please say yes. ]

voice

[dewittinvestigations]

Who are you, and why should we trust you?

[treasonista]

Doctor Odessa Knutson. I used to be trapped aboard that vessel just as you are now. It is my intention to help everyone aboard the Tranquility. I found a new home and a new life, and I've seen the technology that will make it possible to send home those who want it. If you have a way for me to prove myself to you, I'm all ears.

video;

[hirobotics]

[He's going to try to play up his "innocent kid" angle here. But it's not entirely a mask this time, because he does... have an actual, honest question that comes from a slightly more vulnerable place. So he looks terribly small on camera, with his head ducked slightly and his eyes wide, looking up through a messy mop of hair. Everything about him reads slightly fearful, slightly hopeful, and desperate for honest answers.] If we go with you, would you really be able to send people back? To their homes?

[treasonista]

[ Odessa's smile is gentle, kind. ]

That's the plan.

[Video]

[tadashiwashere]

[Tadashi has carefully scanned most of the open conversations going on between this woman -- who he read about and heard bits and pieces about -- and his fellow passengers. When his feed cuts in, he's solemn, but not hostile. At worst... he just looks tired.]

I didn't expect a rescue to come from an outside force. Honestly, I expected it to be an internal breakthrough.

[It's demoralizing, really. To be offered a chance to leave here -- possibly a way to get his brother home, but to have that offer feel so underhanded. He's just going off of what he's read about when it comes to the man Odessa is representing, though.

Tadashi offers a wan smile. He's not wearing his hat for once -- electing to remove it before going on video -- and he cards a hand back through his hair.]

Can we hear from some of the scientists? I'd be interested in hearing their theories for sending us home and about any tests they've already conducted before I agree to anything. It's rough here, but I have a little brother. I'm not agreeing to anything blindly.

[treasonista]

I'm sorry the fact that I returned with reinforcements doesn't count as internal in your books.

[ Not the most accurate representation of the situation at hand, but it works well enough. ]

I'm afraid I haven't got any on hand. It's mostly PR sorts around here. I'd offer to bring one on for you, but I don't think I'll have the time. This ship has a long history of things going sideways very, very quickly, and it's our intent to move people off the vessel as swiftly as possible. I'd be happy to arrange for you to meet with someone once you're safely off the Tranquility, however.

[ video ]

[goodgodman]

[ Leonard isn't exactly at his best right now. He's lacking a shave and looking exhausted. It's not helping his mood that he's been tracking all the conversations as best he can and he's not really liking what he's hearing. There's a bottle of alcohol he seems to be a good way into sitting next to him on the desk. ]

Now, I may be new around here, [ he drawls, ] but even where I'm from you only trot out politicians'n PR reps when you got shit to pretty up and hide. So...what's with the song and dance routine?

Where's your captain? Where's your chief science officer?

[treasonista]

[ She chuckles quietly. ]

I think it's very clear by now that I am not in public relations. If I were, I'd be fired.

We've all been through horrible things. I'm here to tell you it can end.

[ As to where anyone else is? Odessa has no good reason as to why she's been left twisting in the wind. ]

text

[betrayed]

[The offer sounds familiar. To the point where Ward almost hears Garrett laced in between the pauses for breath. Offering up a chance for freedom, playing the card as if they were victims. The offer of a new purpose...]

I don't think it was a mistake that you didn't specify to which home.

text;

[anybodies]

[Mystique is not early.

You might consider her response late.]

Odessa.