three ➵ text (ANONYMOUS)

[versusnurture]

Who: ??? (but secretly abigail) (BUT WHO) & you
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: P....ossibly but I'm not sure where yet!
When: 12/8, early morning

I can't find a listing of ships counselors. I know they exist, I just need a list. And I need to know which ones are actually reliable. Personal experience rather than conjecture preferred but not requisite.

[And that . . . appears to be all.]

Comments

[heresyandlace]

Hey, some people are more interested in building directories, or finding help for their disturbed friends. I wouldn't dare presume what you wanted the information for without asking.

So, being that you are the one interested, what is the definition of 'reliable' that you're looking for?

[versusnurture]

I'm not a good Samaritan. Or even a particularly good friend. So no, it's the first one.

Someone who can keep their mouth shut. Someone who can empathize. Someone who can deal with crazies, of which I am one.

[heresyandlace]

Ah, what a coincidence. I'm not a particularly good friend either. But I do give excellent advice, and I love to listen.

And, as it so happens, I can recommend my services on all three of those points. I am quite good at keeping information to myself, I can empathize fairly literally, and I am very comfortable with the unstable and unconventional.

I also think it's safe to say that I've probably been doing this longer than anyone else in the fleet. So, I have experience on my side, if nothing else.

[versusnurture]

Okay. That's all great, but the way you talk makes me like you right away and I don't trust that. So tell me what's in it for you, besides loving to listen.

[heresyandlace]

That is a very good question. I am looking for interesting people just as much as you are looking for someone to let you open up without regret. And there are probably many complicated reasons why.

And, honestly, you don't need to trust me much on anything beyond the fact that I will do my job as described, and fulfill any other promises I may make. I'm probably terribly untrustworthy outside of that.

[versusnurture]

Good answer. I don't care if you're an asshole as long as you do your job.

Why do you want interesting people? What do you want to see?

[heresyandlace]

The short answer is that I get bored very easily, and it is an effort to keep me entertained. Especially in this place, I love any chance that this search can be cut short.

And there are deeper, more complicated reasons behind it, of course. But I can't make this too easy for you, if you're honestly curious.

[versusnurture]

If you get bored so easily, how can I trust that you won't use my secrets against me to keep yourself entertained?

[heresyandlace]

Are your secrets that interesting? Would they cause pandemonium and screaming in the streets? Would they tempt me to turn the whole thing around you in some grand move that would provide me with enough glee to make losing their source worthwhile?

[versusnurture]

Possibly. Depends on your personal tastes in drama.

[heresyandlace]

Oh, now you're just tempting me. How unfair of you.

[versusnurture]

Possibly.

What are your personal tastes in drama?

[heresyandlace]

Oh, I wouldn't know where to begin in answering that. I have developed a very wide palate over the years.

Though, I do prefer stories over most other sorts of things, as well as the chance to hear thoughts and secrets from firsthand sources.

So, this is another mark in favor of me not turning around and ruining our working relationship with betrayal.

[versusnurture]

We're going to stop the taste metaphor now or I'm going to have to give in to my growing desire to drill holes into your refined palate with a can opener.

[heresyandlace]

[it's too bad that she can't hear the hideous little giggle that comment elicited from him.]

You did start it. I was only running with an established theme.

[versusnurture]

You're a dick. But you're a self-serving enough dick that I more or less believe you.

[heresyandlace]

See, I'm honest, and I like it when people I associate favorably with know what to expect from me.

I also like to tease, which is a negative character trait that I have accepted about myself.

So, don't take this toying too seriously. If ever I decide to turn on you, it won't be a surprise. And until then, you can trust that I stand by what I say, and I don't make promises that I don't intend to keep.