ataraxion | 001

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[ Though he's been here for almost a month, Erik deliberately hasn't made a public comment, preferring to speak to almost everyone else first and foremost in order to assess the situation ahead of himself, and most importantly, come to terms with the fact that this is not Earth. He'd been mulling over what Kirk had said, as one of the earlier people he had spoken to, particularly the statement that things were different than what he was accustomed to. It's a considerable break from reality, because where Erik last stood was watching the world fall apart as he and several others had essentially outed themselves to the public, and earned a response he had correctly predicted. At least here, several years in the future if what he had learned was anything to go by, there was the possibility that Charles had proven him wrong; an admission he wasn't inclined to concede so early on.

Answers however, were slowly provided, and Erik was forced into a position where he had little choice but to re-evaluate a stance he had sworn by for several years. It was a defeat that had put him at odds with himself, having been forced to interact with not just non-humans like himself, but also humans. They were mere temporary allies, associates at best, until Erik had derived what he needed, piecing together a shaky network that merely served to relay information back and forth for his own means. To either deny the seeming equality that appeared on board, or to deliberately instigate what wasn't there and accept that there would be a conflict. ]

For those of you whom I haven't spoken to, my name is Magneto. [ His voice comes slightly off camera, as all that's deliberately being shown is the side of his jaw, the device loosely held in his palm while Erik processes his next move, tone clipped and to the point. ] It's fruitless at this point to deny one of the differences between many aboard the Tranquility; that there are both humans and non-humans here.

As one of the latter, [ Hope you're hearing that Raven, because Erik just outed himself. ] I intend on making it clear that while we're held captive together, I will not tolerate any exercise of dominance over non-humans. [ Admitting this on Erik's part is a cost because it conflicts with his own stance on how he sees society, one he's finally conceded will not change despite convincing; Charles couldn't do it, the others won't either. ]

That being said, [ Erik lets the device leave the comfort of his hand with only the slightest curl of a finger, raising it until its level directly with his face; just the barest hint of confirmation he needs. Lips curling into a smile, it's evident Erik can do more than just that, but he doesn't intend on letting it all come out immediately ] I'm inclined to put forth what effort it takes to ensure that all of us get out. [ A concession Erik has to make, that some sacrifices are necessary for the greater good, because while mutant superiority is likely to prevail, it takes a back seat to the situation at hand. ]

How many of you are willing to do the same? [ With that, he shuts off the feed, frowning slightly. ]

Private | Spock [40%]:

If you have time, I would like to speak to you in person. [ Vague enough, because Erik's ability to encrypt is absolutely terrible and he doesn't trust it to actually succeed. ]

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[She considers this, and it makes some kind of sense. Must be nice, knowing where to fit in.]

...I think I understand now.

Do you? [ Erik lifts an eyebrow carefully, curious. Simply saying they understand means next to nothing to him, and what he wants is to ensure that everyone knows just what it is he’s talking about. ]

So the question becomes, where do you align yourself?

I haven't aligned myself with any sides -- I'll associate with whatever's convenient at the time. If two opposing views clash that has nothing to do with me, I don't see any reason to get caught in the middle.

For now, anyway.

Define convenient. [ Because Erik can accept the rest of it, that if it's not his fight, he has no reason to get involved. The only reason any of this had been his cause is due to personal investments. ]

Whatever fits within my best interests at that time, in order to help me... understand my situation better. If getting out socializing helps, then I'll do that, until I find a reason...

[It seems like she's trailed off right there, but "reason" appears to be the definite part of her answer.]

I don't see a point in forcing yourself to socialize with others. At least not mindlessly if you don't have a reason.

Which is why I don't do it unless if I have a reason to.

Fair enough. [ He says, shrugging. ] What sort of reason do you need in the first place?

[She also shrugs -- almost in a similar manner.]

Anything that might catch my eye. In this case, you admitted to everyone that you aren't human... I thought that was interesting.

[And knowing more about her fellow prisoners might be advantageous.]

[ Interesting. It earned a light chuckle from Erik, lips formed into a half smile before he glanced back at the screen. ]

And being different from others is interesting? [ Curious, really, about what she means by interesting - was it in a good way or a negative manner. ] Or is it because I'm exposing myself as a target?

Both, I think.

[As someone who's been under the assumption that the more the general public knows about you, the more they can use that knowledge against -- it isn't something she's considered before.]

[ At least Erik knows he's exposing himself as a target, but he doesn't press it, not this time at least. It's the risk Erik ran before when he made the Russian and American navies aware of mutantkind and now, he has no problem taking up the stance as such once again. ]

Are either of them more appealing to you? [ He says, canting his head slightly. ] Personally being a target means nothing to me anymore.

[ Anymore, when he's been a victim, has grown from that to the killer, the hunter, responsible for the men he's killed while hunting for Shaw. ]

About being different? Somewhat, I suppose. I couldn't care less about being a target, though.

[She blinks once, and goes back to staring. She does that a lot. She does seem to catch the small, subtle things at times, particularly the way he phrases that last part.]

Why's that?

[ And that's where they're alike; that being a target means nothing to either of them and they're all for being different, setting themselves aside from the rest of the world. ]

Because I've been there, and suffice to say, the situation is no longer one I fear.

[ He can hold his own among an enemy, has been able to, and will continue to do so regardless. ] I imagine something similar has happened to you?

So, by familiarizing yourself with the circumstances, you're not afraid of it.

I see.

[The fact that she cannot think of any memories to relate to it, but rather she feels like she does, is something that's better than nothing at all.

[Her head tilts.]

I might have, at one point.

Familiarizing. [ Erik scoffs, shaking his head. It's not what the word choice in the slightest, and he intends on rectifying it. ] If being at the end of one too many guns or knives is your idea of familiarizing myself with being a target.

I don't fear being a target; my ability renders me at a distinct advantage for any weapon humans might choose to rely on.

[ Being boastful is one thing, it's another to hear of her follow suit, a victim in some sort of cruel situation. ] Similar to my own or otherwise?

[Rey's eyes look away for a moment. She isn't very good with words, and has a realization that maybe that probably wasn't the best way to phrase it.

[But, whatever. She shrugs.]

You tend to have the upper hand, then.

[She pauses. Stares. Her tones become hollow:]

...I can't say.

And why not? [ His tone is softer now, and Erik picks up on the change in speech. He's never been one to intrude on personal matters without express permission, but this has him curious. It's one thing to deliberately include his own say on matters, it's another to find out what they've been speaking about. ]

Unless you'd rather not talk about it.

[She understands the tone, but has some difficulty processing it. For several seconds, she can't help but stare.]

The details are just... muddy. I don't know how...

[And she just doesn't have the words.]

It's fine. [ Erik's quick to answer after she speaks up, reassuring as ever. ]

I'm not expecting a sob story, seeing as I haven't shared my own past.

[ Which suffice to say, Erik won't be any time soon but he clarifies nevertheless. ] I'll in no way coerce you to do something you'd rather not. Just so we're clear on that front.

Understood. I think I'll have to take a rain check on that, then.

[Since she isn't sure what to say, or how to say it, because there are no words for the abstract images that dance about in her skull. Others may be okay with outing themselves, but she isn't quite there yet.]

[ Erik's patient enough that he'll take all the time that's needed, particularly for someone he has a feeling leaves more than meets the eye. For a moment he simply considers disconnecting where it's had, a few more unspoken words that he should offer, but decides against them. ]

Of course. [ He smiles barely, a fleeting attempt at reassuring her. ] I'm willing to extend my offer to beyond just the rain check. If you need assistance at a future date, you know how to find me.

[She pauses... then nods.]

I'll keep that in mind.

[Even when her eyes drift away briefly.]

...thanks.

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