✧ 03

[bi_otic]

Who: Kaidan Alenko
Broadcast: Fleetwide video
Action: The Space Bar/Iskaulit
When: Today

[Kaidan's not in here to drink, which seems like an odd choice, but it makes for a decent quiet neutral place to settle down and sort out the thoughts that have been rattling around for quite some time. The calibrations merely encouraged the notion he's had for some time. Sitting in a booth near the back he pulls up his comm]

Before everyone gets lost exploring this new planet, I wanted to bring up something that I've been thinking over lately. Well, pretty much since I got here, if I'm honest, but especially lately.

There's been a lot of people gathering information on Atroma...I missed out on our last opportunity for that and I don't think it was a coincidence, but in any case...I think our efforts might be a bit too scattered. It might help if we put out heads together, all at once, and figured out exactly what questions we should be asking and what we know so far.

[He glances aside, as if Atroma wasn't aware of everything going on on the network anyway] I'd also like to do more than just ask questions. Testing the limits of our cage, I guess you could say.

That's about as much as I should say over the comms, but I'm just saying...we should think about getting together. It's like trying to move a boulder - a group of people working together can accomplish what the same amount of people acting alone could ever do. I'm not saying we have to do this right now...but if you want to talk it over I'll be here on the Iskaulit for awhile. Maybe later we can make use of something a little more official, like the lecture hall. For now I just want to see who's interested.

Comments

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[bi_otic]

Given what some of the people around here are capable of, that seems likely. But in this case I think we're dealing with a pretty tough boulder.

I don't disagree, but I've also seen how much people can get done in a group effort. Trust me, I know what working under the radar can do, but I'm not sure any of us are under Atroma's notice. And even the best lone agent needs some help in the form of the right gear or intel to get the job done.

I don't know if you'd call it a plan. Right now I just want to have eyes on the problem. If there's anything we can find on this planet that might be useful, we get together and decide what to do with it. No sense fighting a war on a hundred different fronts.

[torsion]

I apologize if I seem like I'm trying to be contrary or kick up some dirt, I guess I'm trying to get you to offer your reasoning and pick your brain without asking for it, ha ha.

But I agree. How many boulders do you know that kidnap people across realities and drag them around based on their whims? This would be my first.

And I definitely believe that teamwork can be integral even when solo work is just as well.

That said, my hat's in. Elite military training and then some, but I've got quite a few tricks up my sleeve I'd rather keep on the down low so I won't broadcast them. Could be that the Aces we have might be helpful.

[bi_otic]

[There's a reason he hasn't mentioned his Spectre status to anyone in the fleet, not even (so far) the people from his own universe that would understand what that meant]

Of course. Not asking for all your cards on the table. Though if there's anything about your training you'd care to share I'd be interested to hear it. Helps to know a little bit of what we're working with.

[torsion]

I don't mind sharing. I'd just prefer to throw a signal beneath the table to let others know what my hand has in store.

Been pretty honest overall. Figure there's no reason not to. Hard to avoid when my hobbies and life all revolve around my work, it's bound to come up.

[bi_otic]

I think I know what you mean.

Don't mean to accuse you being dishonest. Just curious about what ideas you might have.

[torsion]

Guess as literally or figuratively as whatever may work in the situation.

Didn't mean to imply that I thought you were accusing me of it! Text, huh? More comfortable, but sometimes hard to read between the lines -- or know if there are lines to read in between.

I'd need a little more information first. Barely been here a month. I could probably cook a little of this and that up regardless. I've got some ideas.

[bi_otic]

Fair enough. There's a lot to take in. I'll touch base with people later, once we've had the chance to do our own legwork.

[torsion]

Sorry, just the ace is something that hasn't been touched on quite yet. Mine, anyway.

However, I've been pretty candid that I was formerly with the United States Army and Delta Force, formerly of an elite localized police team, and currently with an worldwide anti-bioterrorism organization that I helped found. I'm an SOA with them. If it shoots, I can use it and I specialize in rear security and explosives! Not a bad tactician if I say so myself and I give pretty excellent high-fives.

[bi_otic]

[Ah, if only he could laugh over text. Well, there's always emojis but...no.]

That last part is clearly the most important.

That's a pretty impressive resume, though. Considering some of your specialties I hope we won't need all of your expertise, but either way I look forward to working with you. Maybe get a chance to learn a few things.

What's your name, by the way?

[torsion]

[ Jill is familiar with the art of smiley face, winky face, and sad face! ]

Play your cards right and you might get yourself one or two of 'em! ;)

It's been my entire adult life, so I'm glad that if nothing else it's at least impressive! And I agree, I most certainly hope my skills won't be needed but... if they are, I'm ready and willing. And always glad to share my skills and knowledge.

Jill Valentine. Jill's fine, though.

[bi_otic]

Good thing I'm pretty good at cards. :)

[It's less awkward when someone does it first. Also he's not sure if he's flirting a little, but there you go]

Nice to meet you, Jill.

And since fair is fair, my name is Kaidan Alenko. Currently rank of Major in the Systems Alliance. Sentinel corps. And recently in command of a division within the 1st Special Tactics and Operations unit.

[torsion]

[ With Jill, at least 10% of it is flirting. Always. ]

I guess it's my job to knock you down a few pegs.

Likewise, Kaiden (assuming that's fine!). I recognize words but not the intent/meaning behind them, so I figure we're the same language, different dialect -- so to speak, anyway. Unfortunately, I really don't recognize Systems Alliance or Sentinel Corps, but I imagine we might just have a lot to talk about.

[bi_otic]

Hey now, I earned those pegs.

But really, I don't mean to throw out a bunch of titles like it makes me something special, because it doesn't. You sound like you can handle yourself, and I wanted you to know that I can too. Even if we're coming from (I'm pretty sure) different when's and where's.

[torsion]

I promise to take good care of them while you climb back up.

No, I definitely get it. It's defining for me; it tells me what skills I have not the merits (although there's nothing wrong with being proud of the effort you put into something). Our ranking system in the BSAA is a little odd and being an SOA my rank is just my clearance rather than a title, but I would've offered one otherwise. Didn't cross my mind at all that it was any kind of pissing contest or bragging, if anything it's nice to have someone to talk shop with. :)

[bi_otic]

Talk shop. Yeah. Exactly.

We'll be in touch, then. Good luck out there.