outer_divide | [video]

[On screen Jim is calm, a man clearly used to making announcements and to taking care of himself. He might be a little lacking in spit and polish, but his background of command is probably evident in his air.]

For those I haven't met, my name is James T. Kirk. I'd like to talk about our situation, and what our plans are. I say "our" because I believe it is imperative that those in a similar situation with similar goals band together to achieve them. I don't know why we're here, or where here is. I do know that we stand a better chance at both survival and getting home if we work together.

To that end, I suggest we form exploratory parties to learn as much as we can. About the ship, the surrounding area, and the domes.

Further, I'm willing to share whatever I have. Unfortunately, that's almost nothing and I have nothing to trade but labor. So I'm offering my services as well. You can find me at the provided housing, for the time being.

I am certain that, together, we can get through this.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

That sort of certainty may be a luxury. I think the computer is a good target.

[Wing nods.] Still, we can do something to make it somewhat secure.

Unless you think it might become a target?

And others are still awakening, apparently. Someone should stay back, at least, to welcome them. [As much of a welcome as anyone could give here.]

If it hasn't been yet, I am not overly worried about it being a target--unless someone takes it into their head that they shouldn't allow these... awakenings.

But I agree--someone being there, to acquaint people with the situation as we know it, will be useful.

I haven't seen any signs of recent attack, from the outside, but that doesn't mean it couldn't be.

Though...why would we be deemed a threat? We're refugees. None of us want anything more than to go home.

We need supplies and possibly a medic, as well. Although we--I was repaired somehow, before I awoke. [That was disturbing: he'd been dying, spark chamber torn open by Braid's lance, and yet he'd onlined here entirely intact.]

I'm not saying we should be. But we are new, and considering we don't know why we're here, we can't rule out the possibility that others will fear us, from a similar position of ignorance.

I agree about the medic, though I've yet to meet one. But what do you mean, you were repaired? You were injured?

But surely they'll see that we mean no harm? [Oh, naivete, your name is Wing.] It doesn't make sense to fear something just because it's new.

[He nods.] Someone must know medicine, here or in the Old City.

Yes, I was...dying, I think. [His hand brushes his chassis again.] But I am here, whole.

Curious. As for human nature not making sense, that's sadly old news. I think it's imprinted in our biology, to distrust that which we don't know. We can't trust they'll see things reasonably.

But surely your kind allows for the unknown to become known. How else do you advance your knowledge?

[He frowns.] We'll simply show them we are no threat. They will learn, certainly.

It's more complicated than that. People who do not trust easily have often learned that very behavior, from those who were not to be trusted. To undo that sort of training can be difficult. Certainly we will try.

That is our only option. We cannot attack them or...we'll have proved their concerns were justified. We may need their help.

And it seems, they may need ours.

Of course not. And we have no reason to attack. I'm simply saying that we should be on our guard--it's not always that simple.

Yes. Things very rarely are as simple as we might wish. Trying to be nonthreatening while being able to defend ourselves is merely one example.

Yes. It can be done, however. If we attempt to keep lines of communication open. But both sides need to be willing to listen.

[A nod.]

You seem to have experience in this. [It's one of those polite 'questions that aren't worded as questions in case it's rude to ask a question. ]

[Jim hesitates only briefly.]

Oh. Yes. My... job is to explore new planets, to take in the situation in a new place quickly.

[A quiet laugh.] And I have spent millennia in my City.

Perhaps you are best to lead our band?

I would not presume, this early. But it has crossed my mind, should a more suitable leader not emerge.

[Which is probably a good thing. Wing has learned not to trust those who wanted power. They often wanted it for the wrong reasons.]

Still, you have expertise we desperately need.

I can't disagree with that. Rest assured, it's yours.