trans_9 | There are worse things out tonight than vampires

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There are worse things out tonight than vampires

Taking some friendly advice, Zouichi had come down to visit the Media Library and get a rundown on some advanced human interaction. He should probably have asked which movies would be best suited for the task, however, because there were quite a few available in the pod room.

He picked a title at random, instead -- an action movie about a half-vampire marauding about with bladed weapons fighting other vampires.

Well, there seemed to be plenty of magical or mythical beings aboard the ship -- maybe this would make good research material.

He kicked back and began to watch.

[Doing this mainly to meet up with Kanaya, but feel free to come in if you feel the need to watch cheesy vampire flicks.]

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Anwei sounded like she was speaking from experience again, but it probably was best not to mention it. Her people didn't sound very pleasant.

He shook his head. "I do not know. He certainly sounded sentient and irate when he was returned, though. I assume he was aware, at least of his surroundings and the identity of his captor."

"That's true; if he identified his captor he probably was sentient. I wonder if his species is anywhere in the Vizsnunishne medical databases? I suppose I'd have to ask for more information to do the match; it might be in there under a completely different name. And of course information doesn't mean useful information; some of the records are based on just one sample, which means we have no idea what the species as a whole is like."

"Perhaps the best person to ask would be the captive himself -- if he can be tracked down, that is. He may offer some information, at least, even if the database does not."

Of course, there was always the possibility he'd lie through his teeth, but that might be telling in itself.

"I'll probably let the medical personnel take information from the physicals and scan, just to maintain confidentiality. That is, if he goes in for a physical. If he feels vulnerable, he might not want to be analyzed in further depth."

He might not have teeth and still lie! A puzzle.

"I'm not too excited about the idea of a physical myself. But it is mandatory, is it not? I imagine that extends even to him."

He didn't like the idea of being poked and prodded. Not that he hadn't gone through plenty of it before, but it had at least been in familiar hands.

"Yes, but I'd still prefer to let him decide if his records should be matched against the database. What if the match pinpoints some vulnerability in his species that he didn't know about? Like, say, something that lets the crew inoculate themselves against him." That would be a pretty powerful weapon right there, and just the sort of thing the database was not meant for.

"This may be at odds with the official stance of the Security department, but... I did meet Merlin, if only briefly. If he saw fit to remove this person from his host, I can only assume he was aggravated into doing so. And I would be more than happy to obtain information about this species' vulnerabilities, considering what they are capable of."

Anwei pursed her lips meditatively, looking at Zouichi's earnest face.

"You said you met Merlin only briefly, and yet you think he must have been aggravated into this kidnapping. I get the impression that you think all people are as honest as you are - which would we wonderful if it were true. It's not always possible to form a true picture of someone's intentions quickly - although it may happen.

"I don't want people here to start mistrusting the medical department, fearing that information about themselves won't be held in confidence. That loss of trust could be dangerous. It should be up to each individual what they want to reveal. If I was suspicious of synthetic humanoids, and found there was some particular attack that could target them and spread that knowledge around, not only could other members of the crew use it against you - enemies might be able to tap into our data and find it out."

He looked a little annoyed at her comment, which sounded rather condescending. "I am aware that there are people whose intentions cannot be trusted. I simply do not believe that Merlin was one of those."

"I understand the Medical department's reasons for keeping their records under strict confidence. I also understand the Security department's stance on disregarding the past crimes of anyone on board. I will abide by both. However, my personal feelings are different."

As far as he was concerned, if Merlin had thought it best to remove that crew member from his host, he would have had good reason. Just as he would have had good reason to later return that crew member to his host.

"Your sense for these things may be better than mine. You've spent more time with humans than I have. I've just watched movies, and stayed in seclusion on Earth, trying to find a way to escape." And had there been a movie with Merlin in it? She wasn't sure.

"Actually," she dropped her voice a little, "I would not be surprised if Security did have records of the specific weaknesses of the crew members. You are likely to be at the front of it if someone falls ill, or is possessed or coerced, or just decides that they should be in charge and offers to punch everyone who disagrees."

Zouichi relaxed a little, but looked off into the distance. It was true that he'd met Merlin only briefly, and he had no real reason to trust someone he'd met once. In fact, if pressed, he'd be unable to explain why he was convinced there were no ill intentions involved.

It was another one of those odd things he found himself doing more and more often these days. It wasn't like him to contradict people, or rely on vague impressions. Yet here he was.

"If we do," he said, "No one has told me about it. Although it does appear there's been a change in command recently."

This was the first she'd heard about a change in command. She really needed to get out and talk to more people.

"There was a man posting on the omnicomm channel - a Mr. Kent I believe - who was talking about starting an on-ship newspaper. It seems more and more like a good idea. Letting important news spread by word of mouth is just not efficient."

Zouichi wasn't familiar with the man, but he had seen the message.

He nodded. "I agree. Too often this ship seems too large, and it is impossible to keep track of everything going on. Will you be volunteering in this effort, as well?"

"Creative writing isn't my strong suit, but I can probably fact-check and correct people's spelling. Maybe you could volunteer to be interviewed. You can explain where you came from, and what you're looking to do here. It would certainly be useful if someone else from your Earth came here."

"If anyone I know comes here," he said, "They will find me. That is true of allies and enemies both."

He didn't really like the idea of broadcasting his personal information to the rest of the crew. Not all of them were guaranteed to use this information judiciously, and gawking crew members would interfere with his job.

"Will the paper require creative writing? I thought it would be more of a factual publication."

"Based on the crew's current attitude, any enemies who arrive should be willing to put aside your past. Hopefully none of them will try and make a speech about it. 'I forgive you for your past heroics,' or something like that."

Anwei just wanted to make sure that her name was embedded multiple times in the ship's systems, for Horanckk to find. Someday perhaps, someone would recognize that name and speak of her past, but she would take that risk gladly.

"Creative writing is more common than you think in factual publications; people want to make sure that the right facts are emphasized, in an interesting way. Many members of the crew are young, and it might be a good learning experience for them to write articles and stories."

That comment actually makes Zouichi laugh aloud, if only a little, and not in a completely happy fashion. He looked a little surprised at the sound, as if he'd half-forgotten what it was. "Most of the DRF would be more than happy to get rid of me at any cost -- I doubt they'd jump at the chance to come to terms. Though I believe they'd cooperate if the ship forced them to do so."

Unless, of course, it was someone extremely unpleasant. Nyaldee, perhaps.

"Perhaps I should suggest it to Howard or Albert, then. I have no doubt that either would have any trouble getting around and talking to people."

"Sounds like the DRF are afraid of you. It would be nice of Stacy to release information on people before the pod pods. Maybe the crew should consider monitoring the pod cavern exits. If you could capture pictures of the new crew just as they emerged, you'd have several minutes to pass them around and see if anyone could spot a potential troublemaker."

It would make even more sense in Anwei's opinion to keep the new people in isolation until they could be properly identified - but she supposed that might not be feasible, with so many people possessed of powers.

"They sound like they would make good interviewers. There are probably people here who would jump at the chance to explain themselves. Then of course," she flicked her eyes in exasperation, "there will be the people who will jump to say they are all wrong, and back and forth...It will be interesting to see what version of history everyone manages to hammer out between them."

"Maybe some of them," Zouichi said. "But to the... the higher ups, I'm more of an obstacle. As were however many of us remained at the time. "

"It would, wouldn't--" A chirp from Zouichi's omnicomm interrupted his speech; he looked down at the screen, eyes narrowing. "Something's happening. A shipboard threat."

"Where on the ship?" was Anwei's immediate response. She hoped this was just a drill, but considering she'd never heard of any drills, that wasn't very likely. "Is anyone injured? Should I stay put or go to an evac point?"

"A white castle... ah. Castle Oblivion."

"I do not know if anyone is injured, but if they are not, I suspect they will be soon. It seems someone named KAIN is after Sasami. I need to go."

He tucked the Omnicomm away, striding towards the door. "If Medical has any established emergency procedures, I would recommend following them."

If the fight was in the City, it should be safe to scoot down the lift tube and get to Medical...that was a definite vulnerable point, the one route connecting the whole ship.

"I'll contact Medical and tell them to be ready."

"Zouichi," she touched eight fingers to her forehead and nodded her head to him. Her eyes rose back to his face as she said, "Fight true, and return whole." A mercenary's blessing; she did not add 'Godspeed,' because that was for fellow worshippers of the Swift Death.

He looks a little curious at what sounds almost like an incantation, but nods curtly in response. "Take care of yourself, Anwei."

Then he's gone.

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