RETURN JOURNEY

does anyone want to play chess


i'll be in the observatory


[You can text him back, or you can go visit Theo there where he will indeed be sitting at a small table, tiny foam chess board set up. He mindlessly fiddles with one of the tiny pieces in one hand as he blankly watches the universe pass by the window. No thoughts, head empty, only the endless void.]

Hello.

I am pleased to inform you that we have been granted the opportunity to establish a permanent workshop and laboratory facility aboard the ship.

This facility will be used primarily for machine maintenance, engineering, and associated experimentation, with room for other endeavours - it should prove a versatile space.

To begin installation, >50% of wardens must approve; however, since the potential benefits are not so limited, I believe everyone should have the opportunity to weigh in.

Please indicate below whether or not you support this idea.

Should you have any questions, I will do my best to answer them.

I will send a message directly to the inbox of anyone who does not respond here. If you think you can get away with not weighing in at all, be advised that I am both prepared to be annoying and very good at it.

Thank you for your time.

Hello.

Assuming I have used the filtering function correctly, if you are reading this, or otherwise interpreting this content by some alternative means, consider your opinion solicited in regards to the following:


1. The "Destroy-It! 4000" has been reassembled without incident, but remains necessarily out of service until its functionality can be tested safely.

Those of you who do not wish to risk experiencing uncontrolled decompression in the depths of space should agree it would be unwise to perform any such tests aboard ship. I would greatly appreciate any assistance in making arrangements for next landfall, if at all possible.

In the meantime, a factory-fresh unit should be arriving imminently. Please do not blow this one up without me.


2. Now that the "Destroy-It! 4000" project is nearly wrapped, I intend to move on to familiarizing myself with the ATVs, the process of which may be summarized as cracking one open and examining its insides. This part is not open to discussion: I am doing it.

The negotiable part: I would like Rhys to accompany me to these sessions.


3. I have been studying the autonomous cleaning machines and am now prepared to attempt repairs as needed. This will be an ongoing project; if any of you are interested in the process, feel free to inquire.

Should Rhys make it through ATV exploration without any regrettable incident, I will consider recruiting him to this task as well.

Also: I have salvaged enough components from various cleaning bots (as you like to call them) to attempt a full reconstruction. This will be a long-term project. I will be asking Ellie Williams to assist me. Opinions on this point are not required.


That is all for now.

[Loki doesn't look nervous, just cautious. But his expression does seem strangely serious when the video first begins, and it takes just a bit longer than usual for a charming smile to flash across his face.]

Hello, everyone. There's something I'd like to...share with you. Perhaps I should have said something sooner, but in truth, it's been a while since it's come up. A rough few years, you might say.

[Some of which he spent masquerading as someone specific so he hardly had the option. And then, recently, he'd thought he'd lost the option entirely for the time being. But it turned out there were exceptions to the limitations the Navarch had placed.]

Some of you might be aware of my talents, but if not, well. [Loki holds a hand out, face up, and a miniature fireworks display erupts from his palm.] My specialty is illusion. This...can mean a lot of things, honestly, but I bring it up because, well. You never know what might happen, on these ships. So I'd rather you all know what possibilities to expect.

[Two fingers go up.] Two possibilities, really. One is that I might be forced to take my Frost Giant form. That's my...natural appearance, but not the one I'm accustomed to. [He grimaces, uncomfortable.] Blue skin. Red eyes. Raised markings. I'd rather not show that off if I don't have to, truthfully.

[He drops one finger as he goes on.] But the second is more of a...choice. Sort of. [He's not getting into all that right now, it's hardly the point.] So I'd like you to know what that looks like.

[Finger still thrust in the air, a green-gold flash rolls over him. In an instant, he's shifted to his "female" form. Same dark hair and high cheekbones. Still tall and built out of lean muscle. But there's softness where there hadn't been before, even as a characteristically sharp grin crosses his face. When he speaks, his baritone has been replaced with something more like an alto, but it still clearly sounds like him.]

Ta-da? [The hand he's held up flourishes out as he gives a joking half-bow.] So. Now you all know there isn't some strange woman aboard, should you see me around. [He shrugs.] That's all, really. Didn't want to scare anyone. If anyone has any questions, I'll do my best to answer.

[Another smile-- slightly shy with how genuinely happy it is --and he leans in to end the feed.]

[WARDEN FILTER]

It appears that the limitations placed on my shapeshifting powers by the Navarch don't affect these two forms. From what I can tell, I'm unable to shift into others' forms, but I can turn into myself just fine. I hope this is honest enough, for now. I'm not sure how wise it is to reveal any more than that to the inmates, at this point. But you are all welcome to disagree.

(Maybe somebody is tired of having her case file tossed from warden to warden without her permission, so:)

Inmates: how would you rank the wardens? List from best to worst.

[At precisely 7 A.M. on the Peregrine's standard time, both CommLink screens and wardens' cabin control panels flicker to life with a live video stream.

This morning, the Navarch is on some sort of outer space balcony, nothing but stars behind her. She has a steaming mug of something in one hand.

She speaks:]

Good morning, passengers. It is time for a rotation in the assignments. For the next thirty days, wardens will be the primary point of contact for their assigned inmate, and responsible for the inmate's moral development and well-being. Inmates are also permitted to live adjacent to their warden's quarters for the duration of the pairing, if the warden deems it appropriate.

As with last month, we will also be testing the acquisition of limited files on inmates. Through their communicators, wardens will have access to basic statistics on their paired inmate, including simplified details of their crimes. This month it contains an example incident that has earned the inmate passage on this voyage. Please use this information wisely.

Without further ado, here are the pairings for this month.

Warden Aki Hayakawa, paired with Mello
Warden Alina Starkov, paired with Travis Touchdown
Warden Blue Sargent, paired with Rhys Strongfork
Warden Claire Fraser, paired with Jack
Warden Grace Gibson, paired with Ellie Williams
Warden James Barnes, paired with Alex Mercer
Warden Loki Odinson, paired with Theodore Crawford
Warden Lucifer Morningstar, paired with Jason Todd
Warden Misty Day, paired with Jerry Pascal and Timothy Lawrence
Warden Viktor, paired with Amanda Young
Warden William Temple, paired with Theon Greyjoy

As always, I will be available to wardens for questions and concerns by appointment.

[ Hey look, it's Lucifer on ~video~ today. He's looking and sounding as earnest as anything - there's no way to misconstrue what he's doing here as anything other than completely in good faith. It's not a joke, not a troll, not snide or cynical. ]

I know from long experience that ignoring and bottling up the painful things that happen isn't good for anyone. I'm available to talk to, if anyone needs it. If not me, then I hope you'll talk to someone.

I'm not just talking about inmates, either.

[ He says all this, knowing the kinds of responses (or lack of responses) he's likely to get. He thinks it's important to make the offer, regardless. ]

Who among you has experienced one of these “simulations” before?

[that’s right - no introduction or pleasantries, mello just cuts right to what he wants to know. he’s not here to make friends, just collect whatever information he can - which shouldn’t be too hard, he thinks. people typically enjoy talking about themselves.]

[Today's lunchtime address comes from an observation deck — similar, but quite obviously smaller than the passenger one. The Navarch sits on the single bench. The lighting is tinged purple. She looks pleased.]

Good afternoon, passengers.

The Admiralty has indicated to me that we are clear to run our first simulation. It will begin on April 1st, and end on April 7th or whenever all passengers have successfully made it through — whichever comes first. I apologize in advance that we will be missing April Fools day. I understand it to be an important holiday on many Earth Variants.

For those of you new to simulations, please know there is no preparation needed in advance. For the duration of the simulation, you will recall nothing of your personal life or history. You will be given a whole new identity, and though you will still be yourself at your core, your memories will be unlike your current ones. [She smiles, suddenly. It's dazzling.] They can be quite exciting. No life is free of hurts or troubles, but to try another one on for a time is novel in its own way.

[She knows she could get carried away on this subject, so she puts herself back on topic:]

This simulation will see passengers investigating a strange biological phenomenon that has overtaken the coast of a region called "Florida." It is dangerous terrain with very little documentation. Your simulated selves have accepted this mission with the understanding that there may be no return. You can fight it, or you can accept what is to come.

Best of luck to you all, and may the experience be enlightening.

we're getting a lot more inmates lately, now with some of us getting double bookings. seems like a really good time to start combat training/review. not sure who all has had even basic training, but i'd like to share what i know since fighting is one of the things i do best, and even on a simple level, self defense would be good. to avoid what happened with mr velvet. before he left us.

anyway, i've found and prepped a room down the hall from the pool. last door on the right. matted floors and walls. MWF at 8pm for an hour or so, based on the ship clock. we'll start with hand-to-hand and shift to simple weapons later on. if you've never fought before and aren't interested, i can separately prepare a defense-only regimen, but i'd have to know beforehand, so let me know.

best to wear your regular clothing too. yes, it's physical activity, and you'll definitely break a sweat, but i doubt the inmates are going to wait for you before attacking if they get the chance.


oh and if you're already familiar with fighting, then i could use a good sparring partner (or two). reading is fine, but i need my exercise.

two questions:

1. who the fuck can open the rec room so i can punch some shit, unless one of you assholes feel inclined to get decked.

2. advil, bro. where the fuck's that at.

[At precisely 7 A.M. on the Peregrine's standard time, both CommLink screens and wardens' cabin control panels flicker to life with a live video stream.

Today the Navarch is at her desk. The tabletop is somewhat busier than usual, with stacked tablets and an empty coffee mug. She's crisp and to the point, perhaps a little more than usual, but with careful professionalism.

She speaks:]

Good morning, passengers. It is time for a rotation in the assignments. For the next thirty days, wardens will be the primary point of contact for their assigned inmate, and responsible for the inmate's moral development and well-being. Inmates are also permitted to live adjacent to their warden's quarters for the duration of the pairing, if the warden deems it appropriate.

During this particular period, we will also be testing the acquisition of limited files on inmates. Through their communicators, wardens will have access to basic statistics on their paired inmate, including simplified details of their crimes. Please use this information wisely.

Without further ado, here are the pairings for this month.

Warden Viktor, paired with Conner Jaskulski.
Warden James Barnes, paired with Jason Todd.
Warden Misty Day, paired with Malekith the Accursed and Amanda Young.
Warden Claire Fraser, paired with Silco.
Warden Grace Gibson, paired with Alex Mercer and Jeremy Pascal.
Warden Aki Hayakawa, paired with Ellie Williams.
Warden Lucifer Morningstar, paired with Rhys Strongfork and Travis Touchdown.
Warden Loki Odinson, paired with Theon Greyjoy.
Warden Alice Quinn, paired with Theodore H. Crawford.
Warden William Temple, paired with Jack.

As always, I will be available to wardens for questions and concerns by appointment.

[At precisely 7 A.M. on the Peregrine's standard time, both CommLink screens and wardens' cabin control panels flicker to life with a live video stream.

The Navarch sits at her desk, looking as put-together as usual, but perhaps a touch more perky. Today is a social day.

She speaks:]

Good morning, passengers. If you look out starboard-side windows this morning, you will see that we are pulling up alongside the Feather, another ship in the Admiralty’s fleet. Some representatives will be temporarily boarding the Peregrine to collect the Lover’s Kiss that was collected on Meodriotope some weeks ago.

Estimated docking time is 5 P.M. Ideally, docking, loading supplies and departure should take less than an hour.

The representatives will also be bringing a gift for those that contributed to the gathering efforts. If wardens who assisted could identify themselves, along with the inmates that assisted, I will arrange for gifts to be sent to the appropriate cabins and bunks.

[Her voice is calm and clear, with a nebulously English accent. It's hard to pin down anything but 'South London' from her accent, if one's fond of specifics.]

Pardon me if this isn't the done thing, but I've a question and, I believe, an introduction to make. I am of the understanding we are all adapting to these circumstances, but some may have more to adapt to than others.

You may call me Margaret Hugues, or Peg, if you like.

I am curious how many here have had experiences with... well, prison. What did you encounter there? From reading back through this device, it seems to me that much has been made of the conditions here-- which, frankly, I find rather luxurious, if severe in mode. But as I said, we are all adapting.

I suppose I am asking this: Is this place what you would expect, from a prison? Based on your own experiences, of course. If you have been to such a place before, in your home, or in... other places entirely.

Thank you.

[ooc if you wanna hit her up for a log thread, go for it.]

[ William jumps right in—unless they're brand new, most inmates should know his voice. It belongs to the guy who stays with them in the dorms and is usually out of bed before six in the morning. Maybe you recently heard it raised at Travis outside the commissary! ]

I spoke to the Navarch, and while it's almost unheard of for her to correspond with inmates, she's agreed to take questions on your behalf. I'll be sitting down with her and broadcasting the interview to the network.

For privacy and ease of organization [ and to minimize network arguments ] please message me directly with whatever you'd like asked. It can be anything, but I'd prefer it be interesting. If I have a problem with it I'll let you know.

[ This is not a threat, but it is wry. ]


[ WARDEN FILTER ]

We should pool our tickets.



[ ooc: TO AVOID A MILLION INBOX THREADS, just reply here with "private" in the subject line if you're sending William a question! Or ignore him and discuss shit publicly, I'm not the police. ]

[The video feed clicks on to an extreme closeup of Travis. He looks happy. It’s that raw, primal kind of happy, teeth bared, and the close-up cuts the usual glare from his sunglasses down to nothing. No matter what else happens, he has this. He talks with a sly glee:]

A new inmate rolled in today. You all better be real nice to her, because she’s a special lady.

[Travis leans forward with the commlink abruptly, setting it down in portrait mode. There’s someone just off-frame as the camera jostles clumsily through the set-up, a sliver of her visible on the edge of his lap, her posture lifeless. Jesus Christ, is this a hostage video? When he sits back, there’s a woman in his lap.]

I’d like you all to meet Sylvia!

[“Sylvia” is in her mid-twenties, and she is so petite that his hand on her ribs engulfs much of her waistline. Her figure is thin like a 90s model, her face is Eurasian, and her hair is styled in the kind of pigtails one rarely sees on adult women outside of porn. She might as well be torn from one, given the way she’s dressed: a completely sheer blouse over a black micro bikini, thigh high stockings and a miniskirt that doesn’t cover her matching panties.

She’s also made entirely of foam.

Thank you, commissary.

Travis’s grin only gets wider. He speaks with something like seriousness, even holding this waifish doll on his lap:]

Now, my wife here isn’t used to slumming it, so you all gotta be patient. When she’s a bitch about it, just give her what she wants and she’ll lay off.

[He leans forward to pick up the comm link again, bringing the camera in close to his face once more. One of Sylvia’s stringy blonde pigtails catches on the frame of his sunglasses. He doesn’t notice. He’s joking:]

Seriously. She’ll get you by the short and curlies if you don’t.

[At precisely 7 A.M. on the Peregrine's standard time, both CommLink screens and wardens' cabin control panels flicker to life with a live video stream.

It's the Navarch at her desk again. There's the slightest pinch to her brow today, the subtlest purse to her lips.]

Good morning, wardens and inmates.

We have just received a transmission from the United Federation of Oos about a troubling circumstance on a nearby planet. As we are the closest ship for 30 million miles, we have been selected for a modest mission that will require making port in Meodriotope to gather some needed supplies. We will be gathering Lover's Kiss, a delicate flower used in the making of medicines, and handing them off to the Federation later this month.

As such, we will be making port on February 11th. We will have seventy-two hours on the surface, during which as much of the flower must be gathered as possible. I will be deploying both ATVs with full campsite gear to facilitate better work on the ground. The flowers are fragile and must be handled with care, as they are only useful intact.

Wardens, it is crucial that we depart in time in order to meet the rendezvous with the Federation on time. Anyone who has not boarded in time will be left behind.

[So Theo's little journey came to an end on Sunday night when Bucky fished him out of the storage warehouse, and probably dragged him back by the scruff of his neck like an angry kitten. All wardens would have been alerted that Theo was found safe and sound, or some variety of that anyway.

He refused to talk to any warden about it, but that doesn't mean he won't address the inmates. Any wardens that respond might get ignored.]

--

I can't believe it took those dumb fucks that long to find me

[ Probably after the sitch with Theo is resolved - late at night? Early in the morning? Who knows. Time is pretty meaningless to Lucifer. #relatable. ]

I think introductions are in order. My name is Lucifer Morningstar, and I'm a new warden here. For those that recognize my name, yes, I'm probably who you think I am, no, it's not a mistake, and no, I'm not here to kill, maim, torture or eat anyone's soul.

I don't think a soul would have much nutritional value.

Anyway, I'm glad to be here, and I'm used to getting lots of questions, so ask away.

warden filter

What would the over-under be on getting a piano in here do you suppose? Just curious. It's been ages since I've been able to play, and the minibar makes me nostalgic.

[ ooc: if you had a TDM thread with Lucifer, let me know if you'd like it to be game canon or not! I'm fine either way. ♥ ]

[ Good morning, everyone! It is around 5:30 when the sleep-clotted tones of William's voice come through the CommLink. ] Is anyone friends with Theo?

[ A normal question, asked at a normal time. ]


[ WARDENS ]
( cut for vague implications of suicide )


ooc: JUST A NOTE that I am a-okay with other people finding Theo/inmates finding him and lying to William about it/what have you, this is just a post to get the word out! He has a log over here.