reach the residents

[ximilian]

● ● ● REACH THE RESIDENTS

For any questions you want to ask Viveca or Degar and receive an IC response, please direct them here. Please indicate in the subject line who you are trying to contact.

// VIVECA

Hi, what can I help you with?

// DEGAR

Today was gonna be the day, but they'll never throw it back to you. And by now, you should've somehow realized what you're not to do.

▶ NAV

Comments

[stationmaster]

Hey, Rita Farr. The actress, right?

[ see? he's totally ... starting to read through people's files. ]

Okay, so as far as I know, the moment we find an orb's location, that generally means it's go time. We get as much information about the world as possible, we find a safe landing point, and then we send the alert out on all your comms devices to hustle and get ready. Sometimes that leaves us with a couple of days. Other times, it's kind of a run-and-gun-it kinda situation, you know? Like, we've gotta keep hot on an orb's trail.

Every place has had its own system of adapting. You know, cover stories, moral dilemmas, people to look out for, people to avoid. Saying all that, I don't know that there's a ... one-and-done structure we can use for every mission.

[ he scrubs his face. ]

Sorry, I know this probably isn't what you want to hear. [ he is definitely not the answers guy, that's 100% viv. ] Do you have any ideas on how to make the pre-mission stuff work out a little easier? Oh — maybe it's worth getting everyone together in a few days, do one of those 'lets review the footage of our past mistakes' things.

[farr]

Critically-acclaimed, Golden Globe nominated actress, yes.

[ she grins a little like she's been flattered, despite being the one to clarify those extra little achievements.

but she gets serious again as he lays out the typical mission layout, something she's been able to witness twice now, and frowns a little when she realizing how much more complicated it might be to have a bit more structure. ]

I had a feeling there wouldn't really be an answer. I've had my difficulties trying to keep a group of five people organized for a single mission. More than ten times that? It's bound to have its bumps.

[ but — she's optimistic. or at least, trying to be. ]

I did consider a possible ... well, town hall kind of arrangement. Get everybody together in a room, maybe go over the critical areas where we need improvement, and have them actually pitch in ways to overcome it. Even if we don't always know what we're getting into, we should at least be able to be better about working together once we're there. Maybe what we need are more trust exercises, since that seems to be one of the biggest downfalls right now.

[ she hums in thought before pausing to look at him. ]

You and Viveca seem to trust each other really well, but ... you're not from her world, so — you two must have met sometime during all of this orb stuff like the rest of us. How were you able to get to a point where you could actually confide in each other?

[stationmaster]

Well, you're in luck because there are a couple of places on this station that could work for a town hall meeting. It's worth a try anyway.

[ his demeanor does seem to sober significantly at her question though, noticeable too is the way his expression deepens. ]

We got to know each other over the missions, during the downtime. Just like now, here, with you guys. We talked — a lot. We all did. And we shared stories. I made jokes. Sang some songs. It didn't happen overnight, there's no magical moment where it all clicked, and no one always got along with one another. But we made it work, just like you guys will have to figure out a way to make it work.

[farr]

Then I'll just have to get to planning.

[ because, at this point, it seems necessary, at least as a way to get everyone's voices heard, albeit with a bit more organization than the network had previously allowed.

as he speaks of his bond, rita's own expression softens, managing a small, almost bittersweet smile, understanding and empathetic. ]

I think you're right. I'm sure we can make it work.

[ she quiets for a moment before she adds, ]

I'm ... glad you aren't alone. [ there were more of them once, wasn't there? that's the impression that seems to be given, and it's been implied by others she's spoken to. and then she thinks of the time while they're on these planets, when it's only degar and viveca on this station. ] For a long time, I lived in a big manor by myself. The Chief was there, too, of course, but he spent most of his time traveling that it might as well have just been me. Until Larry came, and — well, neither one of us were very good at fitting in anywhere, which ... I guess it helped us fit in better together. Over the decades, a few more joined us, one by one, and —

[ she shakes her head, steering herself back. ]

The point is, I know it probably isn't easy being in a big empty space by yourself. I've been there. So it's good that you and Viveca have each other. And you have us, too.

[stationmaster]

Oh. Uh— [ the confession is a little unexpected, and the small notes of surprise in his expression make that clear enough.

maybe it's that talking to people is still something he's in the process of getting used to after holing himself up in the north wing for the station's benefit, or maybe it's that rita's words are so earnest and so kind that he's a little stunned, but he takes a moment before he responds. ] Thanks, Rita.

[ he clears his throat.

is it getting a little warm in here or is that just him? ]

If there's anything you need for this town hall thing, let me know. We might have some things in storage, or we could make some requests from the supply drop for next time.

[farr]

[ rita suddenly can't resist the smile that tugs at her lips, small and bashful, that her eyes momentarily steer away, fingers brushing against her cheek again to make sure her skin stays in place, as well as hiding a brief fluster. it's a simple "thanks" but with how often she finds herself lacking any useful contribution in helping anyone, she's almost surprised by it. ]

Anytime, Commander.

[ as he clears his throat, she straightens up and does the same, quick to try to brush away the small moment of vulnerability, returning to the intended subject at hand. ]

Right, um— if we have some sort of podium or a stand, that would be helpful. Just something to help draw attention to anyone that might want to stand up and say something. Normally, I'd say a microphone is necessary, but the earpieces would take care of that. Do people eat at town hall meetings? Coffee, donuts?

[stationmaster]

Yeah. Uh. I think we should be able to get that for you.

[ right, back to the subject at hand.

he'll probably need the nannybot's help on this one ... which isn't something he's looking forward to. but sifting through storage is not his idea of a fun time. ]

I know I used to bring my own snacks to meetings, but I don't know if that's something everyone's gonna do. Couldn't hurt, right? People love a good free donut.