Let's all hold hands and sing Kumbaya

[notzubats]

Who: Everybody! It's a planet mingle!
Broadcast: If You want!
Action: On the Holding Hands plant!
When: From June 23 until whenever we need a new mingle.

[At long last, the fleet has arrived to a new planet. This means it's time for a mingle guys! Get in! ]

Comments

[axiomed]

[ Charles stares briefly because no one ever asks him that before he shakes himself out of it. ]

Well, control - of powers or any kind of ability - always hinges on our emotions. So the people here communicate through contact but they have a fine control over their feelings at all times. Which means they never project anything negative unless they've been startled or surprised. Maybe perhaps if they were in danger.

The memories might be random at times, but the emotion that comes with it is not.

[reconstitution]

[ Charles is really invested in this, so it's nice to hear his take on everything and what he thinks of this planet. Winter is a little out of his element, here. The sickly moon had been a little more his pace even though the pollution sucked. ]

That makes sense. They've been doing this since birth, so it's second nature.

[ He vaguely wonders what that would be like. Just being able to communicate so freely without really having to say anything. ]

[axiomed]

[ Charles gestures, carried away. ]

Exactly. If you notice, they're not hugely expressive as a culture. Most of it is carried through contact.

[reconstitution]

[ He can relate to not being hugely expressive, at least. It must be easier to share emotions rather than show it on their faces. ]

Have you noticed anything else? Something harder to spot?

[axiomed]

[ His lips purse as he mulls it over before shaking his head. ]

Nothing in particular, I'm afraid. Everything is very open here.

[reconstitution]

Good. That's... good.

[ No news is good news, right? ]

[axiomed]

[ He softens a little. ]

If I pick up anything, I'll let you know immediately.

[reconstitution]

It's probably nothing. I'm just paranoid.

[ Understandable after the most recent events, hopefully? ]

[axiomed]

[ He nods. ]

Coming to a strange planet could do that to anyone.

[reconstitution]

Haven't felt like this on any of the other planets. Should go away eventually.

[axiomed]

[ Charles looks away briefly. That's what it boils down to. The strange people with their mind-reading powers, their contact, their ability to see past words. He knows this is a common opinion among the Fleet and it dampens his enthusiasm a little.

He'll never get to embrace himself. Not here, not in his world, not anywhere. ]

I'm sure it will.

[reconstitution]

[ It's not even Charles that has the hair on the back of his neck raising. Not being at one hundred percent is one of his biggest issues. The vulnerability that follows. He trusts so few people to be near him, and the people that he will allow into his head is at a solid one.

The locals here are friendly and embracing, having no problem with touch, while the other planets, while welcoming, weren't as tactile. If the only thing Winter can have here is a bit of knowledge about them, then he'll take it.

There's no peace of mind here for him like there is for Charles. Perhaps he is reading too much into things, but if he can't be sure, then Winter at least wants to be alert. ]

[ Lightly, ] It's one of the best planets I've seen.

[axiomed]

[ He shoots Winter a grateful smile, oddly vulnerable. ]

Truly?

[reconstitution]

It is. Not my favorite one, but only for selfish reasons.

[ The dusty moon will always be his favorite, he thinks. ]

[axiomed]

Selfish reasons are no different from normal ones, you know. We may try to justify it, but we can't help thinking selfishly at times. I can certainly admit that my fondness for this place is entirely selfish.

[reconstitution]

I have to admit, the beach is nice and the food is good.

[ Hello, change of direction. ]

[axiomed]

[ He chuckles. bemused. ]

I'll have to take your word for it. Sand and I do not get along anymore.

[reconstitution]

I could try taking a picture for you.

[ Try being the key word, but he'd try if Charles wanted to see. ]

[axiomed]

I appreciate the thought, Winter, but I'll be fine. I'm not missing much.

[ He's not even sure how he'd feel, being on a beach again since Cuba. ]

[reconstitution]

Alright.

[ He nods. ]

[axiomed]

Do you have any plans while you're here?

[reconstitution]

I don't think so, no.

[axiomed]

Maybe you should consider it. There's plenty to do here, with or without the locals. And there might not be another opportunity.

Even spend it with the people you care about.

[reconstitution]

Maybe. I'll let them enjoy themselves a bit, first.

[ Because lord knows he's a downer. ]

[axiomed]

I'm sure they'd enjoy spending time with you as well. I certainly do.