Chapter One [Video/Action]

[thebestseller]

Who: Richard Castle and you
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: The good ship Windrose
When: RIGHT NOW

Video

[Castle is looking dubiously at his bowl of celebratory chocolate pudding- at least he thinks that's what it is- as he broadcasts to the network.]

Dear video diary,

Today is the start of my new life as a space reality TV contestant. It can't be much worse than paparazzi and serial killers, right? Right. I have been assigned to the good ship Windrose and hope to be an asset to her crew. Oh, diary, I do miss New York City, but I might as well make the best of things while I'm here.

Love always, Castle.

Action

[Upon exploring his new digs, it didn't take Castle long to find the tiny cleaning droids. He was attempting to line them up, but as they seemed programmed to go and clean on their own, he was having some difficulty.]

Come on, stand still and be a good robot army.

[Or perhaps you'd like to run into him elsewhere? Just name the time and place.]

Comments

action;

[thebestseller]

[Castle grinned.]

Well, I'm glad to meet you. The droids seem to want to listen to you, at least.

action;

[unbearablynaive]

I'm glad to meet you as well, Castle. [He had introduced himself in the video diary, after all.]

They're simple machines, but they do have a small capacity for learning. Are you trying to teach them anything in particular?

action;

[thebestseller]

I'm mostly curious as to what they're programmed to do- because they do seem quite determined to fan out through the ship. Like they've got a purpose, and they want to fulfill it, no matter what.

action;

[unbearablynaive]

[He nods.]

This one was scrubbing the floor of the cargo bay, so I believe they are programmed to ensure cleanliness.

action;

[thebestseller]

Whoa, that's handy. I won't go out of my way to make messes for them to clean up, but I'll like having them around. Does every ship get these?

action;

[unbearablynaive]

They do not. As it happens, neither did we - until your arrival. [He tilts his head to one side.] Perhaps you have been given knowledge of some kind of complementary skill?

action;

[thebestseller]

Hunh. [Castle reached up to touch the lump he'd felt behind his ear.] Is that what this thing does? My handy new implant?

action;

[unbearablynaive]

It is. Considering how many have never been to space before now, I believe it helps to soften the learning curve.

action;

[thebestseller]

So, to recap- kidnapped for a space reality show, and you get a free implant that puts knowledge into your brain. That's totally not creepy and invasive at all.

action;

[unbearablynaive]

[That gets a smile, actually.]

It's rather like being a celebrity, I would imagine, except that we're also in space.

action;

[thebestseller]

Well, I'll probably get used to it- I was a famous author back home, so I've had paparazzi after me every now and then.

action;

[unbearablynaive]

Ah, then you're familiar with the idea. Just remember you are on camera at all times.

action;

[thebestseller]

Does that extend to... uh, how should I put this... private activities? Showers and sleeping and... stuff?

action;

[unbearablynaive]

Everything, I am afraid.

[Even the showers. Not that the Vision showers much, but then, he doesn't really sweat either.]

action;

[thebestseller]

Oh my God, REALLY? Why do they want to watch us shower? ... well, I can think of some reasons why, but still.

action;

[unbearablynaive]

I believe they are interested in the entire experience, which does unfortunately contain every aspect of our lives.

I hope the children who watch aren't terribly traumatized by certain persons.

action;

[thebestseller]

Yeah, one would think they'd be more discerning about what they film and broadcast. I guess that's what the editing room is for, though- and recording the show so you can skip the nasty bits if desired.

action;

[unbearablynaive]

[He inclines his head, ceding the point. He's sure there are some people who fast forward to the nasty parts, but there's little use bringing that up.]

I would be interested in seeing a broadcast episode, to see what is put together. However, we must assume the possibility that it is in a format we may not recognize.

action;

[thebestseller]

[Castle looks thoughtful at that.]

Me, too- for some reason it didn't occur to me that we wouldn't actually see the finished product. I guess Atroma figures the less we see of the methods to their madness, the better.

action;

[unbearablynaive]

Indeed. It is possible, however, to track your ratings indirectly by monitoring your bank account, if you are concerned with such things.