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

[pompous_today]

[Simon nodded.]

It's a tricky situation... we will require a lot of study before we can come up with ways to fight back. And the fact that they have some control means we must be extremely careful if we do find a way to act, lest they try to squash any rebellious ideas.

[bryces_pup]

Has any effort been made in that endeavor? Relevant information gathered, that sort of thing?

[pompous_today]

I heard people discussing finding odd things on the Marsiva - but the problem is, the information was gone after we awoke the next morning. Like they were wiping out anything they didn't want us to know.

[bryces_pup]

Gone? Did no one write it down or make a note of it?

[pompous_today]

They did, but that was gone, too. Granted, most of us tried on our communicators, and since they are of Atroma issue... you can see the problem.

[bryces_pup]

Indeed. Damn, those bastards are thorough.

[pompous_today]

It is because they have apparently been at this for years and years before the current "cycle" began, from what I understand. They, of course, do not tell us exactly how long a cycle lasts, but when the Marsiva incident happened, it was the year anniversary of some peoples' arrival.

[bryces_pup]

There is no trace of those that came before us? But of course, if they can wipe out information so quickly and efficiently, they can easily wipe evidence of previous captives' existence.

If they have been at it for years, then I imagine a cycle lasts a considerable time.

[pompous_today]

There is none, no. Granted, I have not looked too deeply, but I am sure others have and not found any sort of record of the previous participants. It would be nice if we could glimpse them, but then, it may tell us how we can win, beat them at their own game. And Atroma cannot have that.

[bryces_pup]

If there is such a thing as winning. I'd find it more believable if people were not sent home without warning. Nonetheless, finding out about these participants and Atroma's past would be invaluable. It may just be a matter of waiting for them to make a mistake and striking when the opportunity arises. [Waiting games are awful, but sometimes one simply didn't have a choice.]

[pompous_today]

[Simon nodded.]

I agree- and the randomness with which people are brought here and leave makes me feel like they are not as in control as they want us to believe. Unless that, too, is part of their sick game. Either way, it seems as though waiting is all we CAN do, until we get a better opportunity or can gather more information.