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[video]

[Gregor looks a little harried when the feed clicks on, but otherwise relatively composed. If covered in what looks like either too many or not enough blankets from the shoulders down.]

Hello, everyone. As it appears that tensions have been high and we have been forced into somewhat closer quarters than normal, it seems a prudent time for me to officially offer my services as ship arbitration officer.

If anyone needs assistance sorting out interpersonal conflict, or has something else they'd like to discuss, please let me know.

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Any time.~ [ha, the voice may be Barrayaran, but Bel knows that dry tone so well. achievement unlocked? :) ] I'm actually impressed we haven't had much friction among the crew. This has been a difficult month for everyone.

To put it mildly. Though I think last month was excitement enough for anyone, and the cold makes it difficult to do much of anything effectively, including be terrible to each other.

Are you holding up all right?

[glances away for a moment; yeah, last month would have been worse.] Small mercies.

Me? I... [has to think about that one for a moment; it suddenly doesn't feel as simple as it should.

lips quirking] I guess that depends on who's asking. I've handled worse than this, but we don't usually have to stick around when it's over.

[That gets a soft laugh from Gregor, again.]

Oh dear, Captain. Forced to sit through all the messy cleanup--do you know, that's usually my task, in the aftermath of some of your more, hm. Publicly explosive collective exploits? Or at least my task to delegate, which can be nearly as unpleasant. Forgive me if I'm a little too entertained by the idea of you caught up in the backwash a bit. [Gregor's eyes are light, clearly teasing, and he rests his chin in one hand.] I don't suppose we're doing too badly, though, rough as things are right now.

[His face softens, just slightly, his eyes going more thoughtful as he watches Bel.] I'm glad you're all right. And, happy as I am to fulfill my duties as Arbitration Officer, I hope you know you can come to me with any issue you may be having, on the ship, or adjusting, or... what have you. [His mouth tilts, wry now.] I hardly command the resources here I normally have at my disposal, but I'd be glad to help if I can. Even if it's just to listen.

[taken aback, and then lights up as well: not an angle they'd considered, but where did that delicious teasing irony come from? has it been there all along? ~~and how can Bel get it to emerge as often as possible?~~~]

My commanders have sometimes described war as the continuation of diplomacy by other means, so I can't feel too guilty about sticking to my own strengths. Believe it or not -- [the sir ~~or sire is silent but very much there anyway--]~~ post-mission cleanup is just as important on the fleet side, but I'm used to having a crew that knows what it's doing.

[his shift from teasing to... caring? is as disarming as before. how does he do that, offer these blank checks and inspire such instinctive reciprocal care in calling them in?] I... appreciate that. First of all I have to report that we don't see nearly enough of each other. Are you doing anything later today?~

Otherwise.... [glances away briefly, choosing words] It's not a specific interpersonal issue, but we've gone essentially from one crisis to another since I've arrived. I know the crew dynamics will change when things start feeling more normal. [a flat, ironic smile] But 'normal' in this farce of a command structure.....

[of everyone aboard, Greg's one of the only two people who know the full story, who might understand how personal this feels -- a low rank on a mismanaged ship, a lax crew under commanders who haven't earned their confidence, a position with no teeth and little feedback, ripe for abuse, unpredictably undercut and micromanaged.]

I'd welcome a little... [shrugs, a bit lost when it comes to opening up, but with Greg, it feels... possible.] Clarity.

There are a staggering variety of adjectives I would use to describe the way this ship is run, but 'professional' and 'efficient' are not among them, no.

[Gregor's eyes are sharp and searching on Bel's face, intense out of a force of habit rather than any sort of urgent need or suspicion. He watches Bel react to him, and eases a little when Bel does, his whole face opening up, blooming into a faint smile.]

You happen to be catching me at an unprecedented point in my life during which I am luxuriating in an overabundance of free time. I would be very glad to spend some of it with you. [He sobers a little again at Bel's next words, looking almost thoughtful.]

I believe we'll all learn to adapt. And build our own structure, when necessary. I understand it must be... constricting, to go from having far more control over a situation to nearly none. I sympathize intensely. But we have each other to lean on for support, if not the rest of the ship. I think we'll be all right. And my door is always open, should you need to discuss anything in particular.

[wicked grin] I would love to add them to my collection. [new goal: also get you to smile as often as possible.~] That sounds delightful. I'd invite you to walk the ship with me, but the weather doesn't bear speaking about. We can get hot water for tea, though, if you'll pardon some unregulation blanket-piles at the end of the journey.

[Bel's head tilts, dark eyes studying Greg's expression.

wryly] Last time this happened to me, the end result was Admiral Naismith. [there... doesn't seem to be one of those in the command chain here.] I've never been sorry for having him to lean on.

[has Bel thanked you for that, yet? because possibly they should.]

Tea sounds wonderful. [Gregor's voice is warm and genuine, his mouth still curved slightly up.

The smile flickers a little at that last, however. God, Bel, don't thank him, he'll have to tell you about how it almost got Miles executed.] Yes, well. We do not have quite the same luxury here, alas. Though I have every confidence we'll make do.

[delighted.] You're on! Meet you in the mess hall this afternoon.

[~~it'd only be fair. you already know all of Bel's snafu stories.~~~ catches the flicker, reading it as mutual regret that we can't have an Admiral Naismith on call here.] We can but try.

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