8. [video]

[pompous_today]

Who: Simon Tam and you
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: Bloodsport, if you want
When: Right now

[It had been a while since Simon had addressed the network, but he felt like it was important. He realized when the planet visit had come around how little he'd actually been interacting with people since River left, and it was taking its toll on him.

Time to fix that.]

Ah- hello to everyone, especially our many newer arrivals. I have been quiet lately, but I figured it was time to introduce myself- I'm Simon Tam, medical officer on the Bloodsport. I... [He hesitated.] I've been keeping to myself a lot over the past few months, and I'm wanting to change that. I would like to learn something new- how to garden so I can help grow medical plants on the Iskaulit, perhaps. I would also be up for brushing up on my self-defense skills, since I am quite rusty at best. And if anybody has any other suggestions, I am willing to listen.

Thank you.

Comments

[dancingmd]

Thank you.

[Taking note of his wet hair, she follows him and asks:]

How did your training go?

[pompous_today]

I at least did not break anything, so there is that. But I do have a long way to go... which I expected.

[dancingmd]

Just don't push yourself too much.

[She smiles ruefully.]

Something of which I was often guilty when I was doing my early training.

[pompous_today]

I will try not to. I have had several offers to help me, so I at least will get a variety of teaches and perspectives, which I feel is valuable. I know that I am quite the beginner, though... which some think might be good for my ego.

[dancingmd]

[She laughs.]

Certainly was good for mine. Getting thrown to the ground repeatedly has a way of doing that.

[pompous_today]

It is good for people to be bad at something, after all. Sometimes I feel like I've gotten too complacent here.

[dancingmd]

[She nods.]

We're lucky, in a way... our skill sets were already adapted to this environment.

[pompous_today]

Indeed- which is part of why they chose us, definitely. We're ready-made to help with any medical disasters that befall our crews.

[dancingmd]

You really think that's why? We saved the Nunnalis, but there's never been a major threat to the fleet itself: the cold hardly counts and the Surrit were the ones with a cure for that. Most of what I've done here is treat a few cuts and bruises, tended to a few patients who have ongoing medical problems from their own worlds. Are you suggesting they have something more dangerous in store for us?

[pompous_today]

[Simon blew out a sigh.]

You do have a point there. They never seem to put us in any real, lethal danger- just enough to get the heart racing, so to speak. But I can't shake the feeling that it will escalate at some point. Perhaps I am being too cynical, though.

[dancingmd]

Or perhaps I am being too optimistic.

[pompous_today]

I feel like I should try and be more optimistic, myself. I'm starting to feel that I spend too much time waiting for the worst to happen.

[dancingmd]

[Given what has happened to him and River... She's hardly going to blame him for feeling that way.]

It's not necessarily a fault, you know, to be cynical... Trusting things at face value isn't always the wisest course. I suppose what's most important is being aware of when your cynicism becomes too strong and prevents you from taking action.

[pompous_today]

Hmmm, I guess that's true. And I know mine comes from life experience, but part of me does miss being eternally hopeful. Believing that everything was going to turn out okay, and everyone always had each others' best interests at heart.

[dancingmd]

People are more capable of cruelty than most of us suspect when we are young, it's true, but they are also capable of great kindnesses. Try not to forget that part either.

[pompous_today]

True. And I know I need to open myself up to that kindness more... [He trails off, looking awkward.]

[dancingmd]

You've been through a lot, much more than I'm aware of, I'm sure. It's understandable that you feel the way you do.

[pompous_today]

It is, but at the same time... I've been here for almost a year now. I should learn to trust others. Open up more.

[dancingmd]

I’m sure you know I’m always available to talk, right?

[pompous_today]

I do... and you are very kind to offer.

[dancingmd]

[She smiles in response and gives him a little pat on the shoulder.]

Now, where were you thinking about setting things up?