Windrose, where the wind blows

[tothefly]

Who: Windrose crew and you, distinguished visitors!
Broadcast: Naaah.
Action: Windrose, various points in the near vicinity
When: Until we get off this frozen rock

[On New Year's Day, the crew on board the Windrose and those nearby may notice the chill as the doors to the cargo bay are left open, and their captain making quite a bit of noise as she inspects their newly expanded home away from home. This is likely to go on for a while. Feel free to come investigate, chat among yourselves, complain about the cold, etc!]

Comments

[dancingmd]

[She sighs.] I know. Back after one of the first attacks from that fleet that drove us into the nebula, few people even would agree that we should have some sort of coordinated tactical plan in the future, should they attack again. Or when, as it turns out. Honestly, I think the main problem is that we have a lot of people here who are suspicious of authority or organizations - and understandably so. Nevertheless, even if I understand their reluctance, I find it frustrating.

[However, once they reach the cargo bay, her attention is immediately drawn to the kelp tank.]

Oh, what a good idea! You got these from the beach planet, I assume?

[unbearablynaive]

[That's some food for thought. How many times had "emergency measures" become permanent in history, to the detriment of the populace? Too often for comfort.]

I did, yes. It cost me a fair amount of money, but I found I'd earned more than I expected by wearing only a swimsuit for several days. I was able to purchase the tanks there and adapt them for use here, and they've grown very well. The bacon kelp is especially popular as a trade material.

[dancingmd]

[Not to mention so many of these people have been persecuted by their governments and leaders. Beverly may be an idealist, but that doesn't mean she's naive.

Though she has to laugh a little at the swimsuit comment.]

They really did enjoy seeing us in our swimsuits, didn't they? I won't lie, I wish I could have kept mine.

[unbearablynaive]

They certainly did. Perhaps we'll have another sunbathing opportunity soon - this planet is rather lacking in that department, I'm afraid. [At least for anyone sensitive to cold.]

My hat and gloves will have to do, though since they were purchased rather than gifted, they ought to stay around in case we encounter more chilly weather.

[dancingmd]

[Beverly holds up her arm, looks at it a moment - such incredibly pale skin!]

I think I can probably pass on the sunbathing... the trials of being a redhead. But I do miss that planet.

[unbearablynaive]

I like the energy of a star in close proximity, although I don't tan. But I agree; it was a peaceful place and we were able to provide tangible help to the Nunnilis.

[And it gave him his pet fish, which were very useful during the blackout.]

[dancingmd]

Yes, I'm glad we could help them. That was the most important thing. And they're still doing well, did you know? I hate that we had to leave with no consistent way to keep in touch, but I spoke to some of the Nunnalis on Arslae who are in contact with them.

[unbearablynaive]

[That gets a bright smile.] I'm very glad to hear that. I did see some of the natives with the blue carapace but I hadn't asked about the fungus. Did you share knowledge of the vaccine with them as well, in the event it should become necessary?

[dancingmd]

It proved not to be necessary. There were a few visiting red Nunnalis who already knew and explained things to the blue ones. It seems the different colors are not all connected to the same hive-mind, but they still very much believe in the open exchange of information.

[unbearablynaive]

[He looks relieved and pleased at that.] That's very good; I can understand why that would be their philosophy, given their social structure.

Though I could wish we had our own lab aboard the Windrose in case we should need to make a quick analysis like that again.

[dancingmd]

If you ever want to use the Blue Fish's, just let me know and I'm sure Allen and I could arrange something for you. I know it's not the same as having one right on board, but...

[unbearablynaive]

I appreciate it. No doubt I'll find something I'd like to analyze, whether here or at our next destination.

[dancingmd]

No doubt. Is this your first time in space?

[unbearablynaive]

[That gets a bit of a smile.]

As it happens, it is. I do have an open invitation to Asgard I'd like to take some day. However, as I only awakened a few weeks before arriving in the Fleet, I hadn't yet had the opportunity.

[dancingmd]

[So he is a young android! Ordinarily that would capture her attention first but-]

Ah... Asgard? As in the home of the Norse gods?

[unbearablynaive]

[A very young android indeed.]

Home of a powerful, long-lived race with very advanced science who like to send their younger members abroad to other worlds, where they interfere with the natives. I'd direct you to Loki of Asgard on the Paisley; however-- [he smiles ruefully and shrugs] --he is as his name implies not to be trusted.

[dancingmd]

[Ugh. Aliens masquerading as gods. Her favorite. Q, Ardra, the Greek gods... don't they ever get tired of that game?]

Thanks for the warning. I hardly need another like him in my life.

[unbearablynaive]

Another? Not anyone we have here, I'd hope?

[Or does he have someone else he needs to keep an eye on?]

[dancingmd]

[Well, yes technically they have Tek but she's not about to drag Vision into that mess.]

At home. There are these beings called the Q - very powerful, capable of manipulating space, time, and matter, which they primarily seem to use in order to meddle in the business of us mere mortals.

["Mere mortals" said in the most sarcastic way possible, of course.]

I have always suspected Atroma might be a being or beings of a similar make.

[unbearablynaive]

[He might actually be useful if that situation comes to a head...or he might not. It really depends.]

Somehow I can't be surprised they do that. I imagine they find it "entertaining", do they not? [Said very dryly.] Because if entertainment is their goal, I can see why you'd imagine Atroma has similar motives, if different methods.

[dancingmd]

They do, though it's recently been claimed by a member of the Q that he was actually testing us. I hardly find that more comforting.

[She sighs.]

I'll give this for Q, at the very least, he has deigned to interact directly with us so there was more possibility for... an exchange of sorts.

[unbearablynaive]

How reassuring. The laboratory mouse isn't being tortured randomly, but tested.

[Oh yes, he knows the type.]

If nothing else, it would give you a name and face to your opponent, and perhaps logic--convoluted though it may seem.

[dancingmd]

[The face of Q is a dubious thing… in their natural state, Q don’t have a face, not how humanoids would think of one anyway.]

Convoluted logic indeed. My captain seems to have bought his story but… I’m still not so sure.

[unbearablynaive]

[But he appears with one, mostly - which puts him on a level the human mind is more capable of comprehending. He's familiar with that.]

In this case, it would seem your doubt is warranted. Perhaps we are being tested by Atroma now, in addition to causing amusement.

I strongly disagree with the lack of informed consent on our parts, however.

[dancingmd]

As do I. Especially when there are so many children involved.