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Who: James T. Kirk
Broadcast: Network - open to all
Action: all around the SS Red Fish + SS Heron
When: Right now, and throughout the following week

NETWORK BROADCAST ▹ VIDEO;

[ Jim's staring seriously at the camera as the broadcast begins, concern visible on his features. He might be easily recognizable to most everyone on the Fleet, but as soon as he starts talking, it will become obvious that he is not the same man, or at least not having the very same memories. Not of this place, that's for sure. ]

My name is James T. Kirk. I'm... not entirely sure how I got here, but for what it's worth, I'm one of the new arrivals.

[ He presses his lips, glancing around. ] This isn't the first time I've been brought to a universe other than my own, but I was wondering if anyone else here has had a similar experience. Coming here from a place that's not your reality of origin.

[ A pause, ] Specifically, has anyone here heard of Riverview, or the Quarantine?

[ He can't help a hopeful look. A familiar face, any familiar face, will be welcome. He's looking for a specific one, admittedly, but he's not holding his breath on that one. ]

Thank you in advance.

ACTION ▹ SS RED FISH

[ Once he makes that broadcast, he'll be exploring his new location, so he knows what he's dealing with. He can be found roaming the ship, poking his head into all the nooks and corners, and possibly trying to sneak his way into off-limits locations, if there are any. Stop him getting into trouble, or help him? Or just come say hi to a not-quite-new face. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Official scientific name is unknown, but slug works fine.

_{[ He picked up on that was a sort of periwinkle blue, the creature
actually making a tiny burbling sound. He placed it on his other self’s
shoulder, the slug poking at him with its little feathers, curious. ]}

We found them on one of the planets we visited. They have a mild empathy effect - calming. Nothing that would change your mood, but they’re good for a cuddle. Like how petting a dog reduces stress, just a little stronger.

_{[ He scratched at his with one finger, the motion seeming one of
habit. ]}

Is it bad that the first thing I want to do is find out how different we are? I can see one already.

_{[ He nodded to the ring. ]}

Whoever discovered it should get to name it.

[ He was pretty sure that was how these things worked, after all. Still, for now he was content to pet them, fingers sliding slowly through the fluff, watching the way it reacted to touch. ]

Sounds very relaxing. I already have something for that, but that's nice to know.

[ It was very unlikely that he'd find one of these anyway, so it hardly mattered. He glanced up at Kirk's admission, though it didn't strike him as strange. The same thought had occurred to him, honestly. He didn't see it as a way to judge or distance himself, but to simply reassure himself that they still could be two distinct people, that their individuality wasn't lost just because they were supposedly the same man, from similar universes, if not identical.

He glanced down at the ring, chuckling as he reached for it with his other hand, twirling it around his ring finger. ]

Right. I... just got engaged. He's here too, on the Fleet-- Victor Frankenstein? I think you two have met already.

_{[ Yes, that was it, wasn't it? Wanting to know you were... you. That there couldn't be another like you, even here. Your pasts might be the same, a series of shared experiences, but you were you and this person who shared your face and your name wasn't just your mirror looking back. Hard enough trying to figure out who he was without the Fleet for the past nearly three years. He wasn't sure what he would do if he and this duplicate were practically carbon copies.

There was something sweet about seeing a look like that on his face. He wondered if he looked at Remy like that. If he had looked at Fenris like that. ]}

Heh, yeah, I did. I felt a little bad before you showed up, like I was breaking his heart just a little.

_{[ He held out his hand. ]}

May I?

_{[ Because you have to show off the rock, right? ]}

[ Jim had full confidence in his own uniqueness, and if this Kirk was anything like him, then he would no doubt feel the same way. So far, so good. They were pretty alike, seemed to think along the same lines, but not so similar that Jim felt as though he lost all sense of identity.

Somewhere at the back of his mind, he was again thankful for his time in Riverview, for all the ways it had changed him. If nothing else to make him a different Kirk from this one. ]

I wouldn't worry. He's sturdier than he looks. Get this-- when I got here, he already had the ring at the ready. He was just... expecting me to show up here, because that's just how true love works. [ He waved his other hand, a fond smile on his face. ] He's from a fairytale world. Trust me, don't ask about the details.

[ He gladly offered his hand for Kirk to take, letting him inspect the ring. ]

Kinda looks like the delta insignia. I love that little detail.

_{[ The mention of true love gets a laugh out of him, because it does sound like a fairytale doesn't it? Victor had explained some of the curse to him, but he had not pressed too much into it. It's the sort of thing you have to ease into it, isn't it? Plus, further conversation starters down the line. He had liked talking to Victor, after all.

He took his other self's hand gently and looked at the ring itself, nodding at the mention of the delta insignia. It was a nice touch, very sweet. Though it was odd to think of himself getting married. He cared for Remy deeply here, but he wasn't sure either of them would ever want to go for marriage. It just felt... to painful. ]}

Kind of thing a guy does when he really loves you, right? Congratulations.

Though don't rush to the alter. There's already another wedding scheduled for Christmas, so wait your turn.

_{[ He's smirking though, as if his tone did not give away his teasing already. He's not lying about the other wedding though. And Kirk is sure it is not wise to try and overshadow the special day of two gay werewolves. ]}

[ Jim laughed too, knowing how silly it all must sound. He's gotten so used to it, sometimes he forgot how weird Victor's world must sound to others. Or worlds, as it so happened. And he hadn't even begun to explain Lucy yet...

Then again it might be for the best that he didn't even mention her to Kirk. Being engaged to Dr. Frankenstein of all people was likely a lot already, best not to add to that the fact that they had adopted Cinderella's daughter before coming here.

Damn, his life was weird. ]

Thank you. [ He smiled fondly, nodding as he brushed a thumb over the stone on his ring. ] Yeah? Well, I don't think that's gonna be a problem. I mean, Victor and I have always moved pretty fast through every stage in our relationship, but I think a month might be cutting it a little too close to plan out a wedding. Besides, we're still getting settled in here, so we'll wait.

This might sound slightly self serving, but I would like to put forth myself for conducting the ceremony. Or would that be weird?

_{[ He tried to imagine the scene and he couldn’t help but giggle. Him,
dressed in - well, a suit probably. He would offer his other self the
formal uniform he’d managed to gain back if he wanted it for that day.
There wasn’t even a question on that. But god, thinking of himself getting
married. What a trip. ]}

I’ve been with Remy for about two years now. I started with him pretty soon after he got to the Fleet. It was casual flirting and fun at first and... now, well, here we are.

_{[ There was also a budding relationship with Kurt, but Kurt was
extremely private, and he didn’t want to declare anything that Kurt wasn’t
comfortable with or ready for. Kurt was going to take time and patience,
but he was worth that. ]}

I’m sure he’ll contact you soon, or you’ll meet him. He’ll probably find this whole situation hilarious.

_{[ He rolled his eyes, but there was fondness there. ]}

Probably a little. [ He smiled, though. ] I wouldn't mind, but let me ask Victor. He might feel a little differently.

[ Although to be fair, Victor was pretty used to weird things himself. So maybe he wouldn't mind this either. It would definitely make their wedding a very memorable ceremony.

Jim nodded, smiling as Kirk spoke of Remy. He could relate, as that had been how it had first started with him and Victor. Granted, it had moved on to something much more serious quickly after, but... well, it was exciting more than it was terrifying. ]

I met Victor almost a year after I got to Riverview, myself. I... actually, I was seeing someone else before, but they went away. Back home, presumably.

[ But he was glad for that now, thinking about it. Bones got to resume his own life in their universe, while Jim got the chance to meet Victor. Had he once cared for Bones as much as he did for Victor now? Maybe so. But he was over it now, and Victor was undoubtedly the most important person in his life. ]

Oh, will he? [ He chuckled, shaking his head. ] Thought he'd find it confusing, more so than hilarious. But as long as he doesn't mind me being around, I guess I can't complain.

_{[ He nodded in understanding. ]}

I was with someone before too. Well, I was with him and Remy at the same time. His name was Fenris. He... he went home.

_{[ Obviously it still hurt, but he took a drink and pushed it aside
with a quiet prayer for Fenris, wherever he might be. ]}

He won’t. It’s not like either of us has a choice in that regard. You can avoid people fairly well, but...

_{[ Tiny ships. Finite space. All tethered together on one place. Hard
to avoid each other forever. ]}

Speaking of being new though...

_{[ He got up and went to his closet, pulling it open and opening the
inset drawers, tugging out a couple of shorts and pants. ]}

Bet all you’ve got is the jump suit right? When you’re ready we can go down to the planet and properly set you up, but for now these should get you by. At least we both know they’ll be a perfect fit.

[ The thought of polyamory didn't get him to bat an eye, but considering the men he'd dated himself? He knew that wouldn't have gone over so well. They were very much the monogamous sort, and even a little possessive. Something that Jim appreciated more than just a bit, admittedly, so it hadn't even crossed his mind to suggest something like that. ]

I'm sorry to hear. [ A comfort, little though it was. Jim knew what that felt like, losing someone.

He followed Kirk with his eyes when he got to his feet, standing upright himself as he watched him dig through his own clothes. ]

I've got only one other change of clothes. [ So yes, he really needed to get more. Right now he was in enough need that he wouldn't turn down the offer. ]

Thanks. I hope it's not a problem to wear more casual clothes, honestly. The suit's hideous, and kind of itchy in places too. [ He smiled at the comment about the sizing, accepting the clothes. ] You mind if I change now?

There’s not a Fleet uniform or anything. I’ve just taken to wearing whatever is comfortable at the time or whatever fits the planet that we’re on. I won’t say it’s a pleasure cruise, but Star Fleet it’s not either. It was definitely strange at first, learning to live my life in civvies again. Which i was doing all wrong according to Lyall and Biffy.

_{[ He waved for Kirk to change. No sense making him stay in that horrid thing longer than was necessary. He pursed his lips for a second and took out boots, socks, and a winter coat as well, putting them on the table. ]}

For when we go planet side. We’ll get you a proper set down there, of course, but it’ll get you through the day to shop for the replacements.

_{[ As he turned away to head back to bed he suddenly smiled to himself and changed direction, going to a little cabinet. He opened it up, leaned over and seemed to be messing with something. He leaned back, turning to Kirk, the silliest grin on his face as the Beastie Boy’s Body Rockin’ started playing.}

Quite pleased with himself, he went back to the bed and resumed his place, drink in hand, unashamedly watching his other self, curious as to how their bodies might differ, what their flesh could tell of their alternate experiences. If they had... reacted the same to certain events. ]

Edited 2018-11-19 20:00 (UTC)

[ Jim chuckled a bit, shaking his head as he picked a pair of pants and a shirt, setting the rest down on the table. ]

Takes some getting used to, doesn't it? I've had plenty of time for that, back in Riverview.

[ He peered at the rest that Kirk put out for him. He could've said that he didn't have to, that it was too much, but this was him he was talking to. He knew he'd be just as willing to help, had their roles been reversed, and he wouldn't have taken no for an answer. So instead he accepted the offer with a graceful smile, then turned his attention back to the clothes.

He was just pulling down the zipper of the jumpsuit when the song started playing, and he couldn't help the instant reaction. He burst out laughing, turning around to stare at Kirk. ]

Okay. That... that was a nice move. [ Credit where credit's due! And let's be honest here, he'd have done the same. ] I hope you're not expecting me to put on a show.

[ Well, he was putting on a bit of a show whether he meant to or not. Hard not to when he was undressing to music, while he felt Kirk's eyes on him. He took off the jumper so he was down to his underwear, the toned physique and generally smooth and not particularly hairy skin likely not much different from what Kirk himself was used to. He had a bit of muscle that seemed to be the result of more physical effort, but more noticeable than that, he had a scar of a huge bite mark that went all the way around his left shoulder and arm, even drawing along his back and chest. A little lower, on his abdomen, he had four puncture marks both on his stomach and back, clearly where something very sharp had pierced him through and through. While the skin was mostly healed, it was still sore and a little pink or bruised around the edges, which gave away how much more recent that injury was.

He was counting on Kirk to ask about them, so he turned around. He could see the full scope of both injuries like this, and he put on the pants first. He wouldn't be uncomfortable if Kirk wanted to get a better look at them. ]

_{[ Damn right he wouldn't let the other say no. And a good thing Kirk didn't try to argue it, either. Though if they needed to test each other's bullheadedness, whether or not to accept clothing for a few days was a safe enough subject for it.

Kirk winked and smiled, bright and charming and utterly pleased with himself, at the laugh he garners from his double.

At first glance their body types weren't very different. Muscular, but not crazily built, though he would admit that his double probably had a bit more on him than himself, though not for lack of trying. The second glance though...

His eyes widened slightly and he found himself rising without thinking about it, approaching his double, glass set aside. Slowly he reached out, thumb tracing the path of the scar along his shoulder and arm, imagining the sheer size of the mouth that would have made it. He couldn't even begin to imagine what it had been attached to, and he had seen some weird shit. They explored space, after all. He looked down to the ones on his stomach, though with seeing their color he avoided touching those. ]}

I think I know which of us has the better adventure stories.

[ The reaction didn't surprise him in the least. The scars were very noticeable, definitely something that was different between them, and Jim hadn't even bothered picking up the shirt yet, knowing Kirk was going to focus on the markings on him.

The approach was a little unexpected, admittedly. But he didn't mind. He didn't move at all, even as he looked down to where Kirk was tracing over the older scar. ]

Par for the course... Riverview was a quarantine city built within two fortifying walls, and surrounded almost entirely by nature. There were a lot of wild creatures beyond it, so I got into a few scuffles out there. This one... happened when one of those creatures broke into the city, and tried to attack someone.

[ He rested a hand over the marks on his stomach, fingers tracing around one of the puncture wounds. The touch alone should make it plenty clear they weren't as bad as they looked. ]

These were a different story, though.

You okay telling me about them?

_{[ A quarantined city. Nature. Monsters. Taking one of their more dangerous and dark planets and living there for months. Years. He couldn't imagine. At least here they could leave, though not of their own will. So bitter sweet that.

He dropped his hands and picked his drink back up and went back to the bed to sit, giving Kirk his space again. ]}

Sure. Why not?

[ He grabbed the shirt and shrugged it on now, smiling over at Kirk. ]

They weren't horribly traumatizing or anything. Riverview was, despite everything, a pretty nice place. There were a lot of superpowered people too, so fighting our way through unexpected crises wasn't as complicated. More often than not, we led a pretty peaceful life. Myself, Victor...

[ He trailed off, buttoning up his shirt and tucking it into his trousers, before he put his boots back on. ]

The stab wounds weren't made by one of the wild creatures. There was this little girl, Laura. She... went through some things, back in her world. Point is, she had special abilities too. Among them, she had retractable claws on her hands and feet. We got along, actually. I liked her very much.

It... it wasn't her fault. She was kidnapped and experimented on, and this guy did something to her, triggered a conditioned response, then let her loose in the quarantine. Those of us who were marked with a specific scent, she tracked us down and tried to kill us.

[ He gestured to his midsection, even though the wound was now covered by the shirt. ]

That's how I ended up with these. Pretty sure she actually killed me for a short while there, but I was revived and brought back to the hospital. Not my definition of fun, but at least I had experience dying.

What do you mean? Sounds like a grand old time.

_{[ He’s being sarcastic. And that story just made those wounds seem
worse. An animal was one thing, a creature you had no connection to running
on instinct. But someone you might care about? A child of all things? He
hoped they got the bastard who did it. ]}

Mine don’t come with a story like that, but...

_{[ He rolled up the sleeve on his right arm, displaying a series of
numbers that he was fairly sure his other self would recognize as universal
Earth coordinates. He reached down and picked up the hem of his shirt,
drawing it up and displaying their ship’s call number running along his
left ribs, the Star Fleet insignia at the center, that recognizable
stylized delta. All in crisp black in against skin pockmarked with a few
scars here and there and dusted in freckles. ]}

[ He snorted, shaking his head. ] I'm just saying, it wasn't all bad.

[ It was full of nice, wonderful and unique experiences too, which he wouldn't trade for the world. The people were what was the most important to him in the end, and he only wished that he could have more of them here with him.

He glanced down at the tattoos when Kirk uncovered them, eyebrows knitting together. He reached for the one on his arm, thumb tracing over the numbers contemplatively. ]

Interesting choice. [ He raised his eyes to meet Kirk's. ] I mean, it was a choice, right? Or do I have to worry about waking up with things randomly tattooed on my skin?

_{[ Kirk let him. Fair was fair, after all. And he didn't mind the other touching him. It was a strange sensation, but not unpleasant. Not at all. There was something nice about someone touching the numbers who instantly knew what they were, what they meant, that didn't need the explaining.

He let out a rough laugh and shook his head. ]}

No, I didn't get them here. I actually got them back on Earth, in my world. After... after the incident with Khan.

_{[ He watched the way his other traced the numbers. ]}

I didn't sleep well - still don't sleep well - after I was revived. Nightmares, and such. I got them as a way to - to get me home is the way I describe it. These anchors to the world, that reminded me when no one was there to say it that I was alive. They still do that, though now they're more like tethers - keeps family and home close to heart, and the way home on my arm.

_{[ He rubbed the back of his neck. ]}

That sounds so much sappier when I saw it aloud.

[ He released the arm soon after, taking a seat on a chair nearby. His eyebrows knit together slightly, but he nodded nonetheless, taking in that bit of information. ]

Guess that's one difference between the two of us, then.

[ It was a relief, to be perfectly honest. It had never even crossed his mind to get tattoos after all that had happened, and this moment right here reassured him that they might be very similar, from very similar realities, perhaps even identical, but they weren't the one and very same person. Even when they'd gone through similar experiences that should've shaped them in similar ways. ]

It's not. Sappy, I mean. I don't think so. It's... a nice sentiment. It sounds like they've helped you.

[ He smiled, glancing down. The urge to flee the topic was strong, but he pressed on, knowing who he was talking to. ]

I didn't sleep very well since, either. Bones helped, when he was around. And Victor helps me a lot now, too. But it's not always‒ easy.

_{[ He would be lying if he said he didn't feel the same. Their experiences outside their worlds surely did make them different but the rest? The rest had been up in the air, and there was a natural part of him that wanted to know they weren't carbon copies who had been sent to different worlds after a period of time. That there was more to each of them than that.

He watched his other self and he nodded quietly, understanding. ]}

I sleep better with Remy. Or when I've exercised to the point of exhaustion before bed. But, yeah, sometimes, especially alone, it... yeah, it's not easy.

_{[ There was something comforting in knowing that someone else understood that. Understood what haunted him - what haunted them. Perhaps the dreams were different. He would like to think they were. But the result was the same. ]}

You know if you ever have a bad night, you can call me. I mean, who else is really going to get it, right?

[ He nodded, understanding evident in his expression. Granted, he always had Victor now, but he did have a few night shifts when he was working at the hospital, back in Riverview. So he'd had the bed to himself for more nights than he might've liked.

Having Lucy around, and their dog John too, did help. So there was that. ]

Right. I'll... keep that in mind. [ All changed into his new clothes, he grabbed his glass again. The song drew to an end, and a new one started playing, which had Jim glancing over at where the music was coming from. ] Oh, and you've got to tell me how I get my hands on some tunes. I left all my records behind.

_{[ He was glad for the change of subject and he grinned widely. ]}

Oh, I got that as a present. Because that's something Atroma does, apparently. Now and then it gives us gifts - sometimes ridiculous, sometimes completely useless, and sometimes things that you actually appreciate like a Beastie Boys vinyl album and a record player. I'm heard rumors of a wishing tree on this current planet. So there's a possibility there, if you really want your own set. Or anything you particularly miss.

_{[ Yes, he did just say wishing tree with a straight face, Kirk. ]}

Damn, you're one lucky bastard.

[ And he would know; he was too. He wondered if his own luck would extend to this place, and those gifts that Kirk was talking about. ]

Oh, is there? [ His eyebrows rose, curious and fascinated more so than confused. Look, he saw a lot of weird shit in Riverview, he'll believe anything. ] Guess I'll have to pay that tree a visit, then. Once I think of something I want.

I’m not entirely sure how it works myself. Anytime we come across one they all work differently, but I’m sure you’ll figure it out. You’re a Jim Kirk after all.

_{[ He flashed a cheeky grin, and his eyes took on a please glimmer.
]}

Actually, there’s one other thing I have I think you might enjoy too....

_{[ He rose and went to his cabinets, sliding one open and carefully
removing a box. He brought it to the table, opening it and assembling... a
Tri-Dimensional chess set. ]}