thisavrou | Video

[When the feed starts, Elizabeth is right in the center of the frame, dressed in her uniform, giving off a very formal but pleasant attitude. ~~She practiced this. Several times.~~]

Good morning, everyone. For those of you who I haven't met yet, my name is Elizabeth DeWitt, head librarian. Recently, I was promoted by our captains to the position of First Mate, meaning I have taken on additional responsibilities to the crew aside from encouraging everyone to visit the library and make use of the collection. [Little plug there, forgive her.]

As First Mate, I'll be acting as a liaison between the crew and the captains, should anyone have an issue they would feel more comfortable speaking to me about, or if the captains are off ship. Once I've moved in, my quarters will be located in Section M and I encourage anyone to find me there or at the library if you need me.

...I realize not all of us are happy to find ourselves here, however I am one of the potentially few who very easily call this ship my home. Whatever can be done to make things more efficient, safe, or comfortable, I want to discuss it. But, at the same time, if you just want a reading recommendation and some hot chocolate, I can provide that as well.

[She nods, clearly satisfied with the message and smiles, looking a little relieved that she got through the spiel without embarrassing herself.] I think that about wraps it up, but if there's anything else please feel free to message me. Thank you!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Racy? If you're worried about someone getting a peek you could always just assign it to a girl. Or a very trustworthy guy.

[And he's winking. Just ignore that, he thinks he's smooth.]

Sure? [But he grins.] Sounds a little nicer than just calling your First Mate, right? More personable.

[Oh Peter. She may only be a few years older than you, but noooo. Wanda's one of her best friends, like hell is she going to let her friend's brother handle her undergarments. She has no idea how to respond, so she just laughs nervously.]

Yes. Yes. I'd much rather my position be left out of as many interactions as possible, it's just a job. Like being a librarian.

[He didn't expect she'd go for it anyway. But he figures if he keeps batting, someday he'll stop striking out.]

My apologies to librarians everywhere, but I think this jobs a little more important and going to be a lot harder for people to see past. I mean, not me. I'll treat you just the same. But, you know. Other people.

[Shine on, Peter, someday you'll hit a home run.]

[Elizabeth sighs, clearly defeated and anxious.]

You're right. I know you're right. As much as I want people to come to me to discuss their problems over cookies and milk, someone is going to charge into my room and flip my desk over and start screaming because Ceta's hunting flying whales. And I'll have to get used to telling those people that there's literally nothing I can do.

[Believe in him.]

Whoa, whoa. [Hold up Elizabeth, that seems a little too on the nose to be just an example.] Did somebody do that? You know that's not on you to stop. This isn't out planet.

[SHE BELIEEEEEEVES!!]

Oh, no, that was an extreme example of something I've tossed around in my head when I'm feeling particularly anxious about made-up scenarios.

I know, this isn't our planet and we'll see many more planets that aren't ours that do things we don't agree with. Someone isn't going to agree with decisions the captains make and I have to absorb the shock in some cases. That's what I've signed up for.

Okay. [He neither sounds nor looks like he believes her.]

That shouldn't be on you though. We can't control what other people do. No one has ever been able to do that. They can't expect you to.

Yeah, well... [She laughs a little, sad and resigned.] People don't always make the logical choice. A lot of the time, they make the emotional one. Me too, honestly.

But you'll tell me if you think I'm taking on too much responsibility, right? I think I can trust you to tell me when it's the right time to slack.

[He can't argue that. Every choice he makes is selfishly emotional.]

Yeah, yeah. I'm kind of the best at slacking off. You start looking stressed and I'll run you out to something fun.

Preferably when we're on a planet and not into the vacuum of space?

Hey! I can find you fun right here on this ship, Lizzie. No planets required.

Ahh... what does everyone who doesn't read at every chance they get do for fun around here?

I know somebody who's got some video games. I'm sure I could get you into racing night.

Oh, are those like the games on our MIDs?

[Sorry Peter, 1959, 1959...]

No? Well, yes. But on a bigger screen? Have you ever played an arcade game? Like, Pong.

[1973. He's not seen much better.]

Pong...?

[There is no way this is not painful to someone.]

Yeah, it's like the biggest thing ever at home. Have you heard of ping-pong? The table game? It's like that but in a machine. It's pretty cool.

[Some tech nerd out there somewhere is screaming.]

Huh. Electronic ping-pong... There really is something for everybody.

Yeah! That sounds like it would be fun! Next time there's a plan to play, let me know!

...if they don't mind me showing up, of course.

Why get the exercise when you can play with a computer? [He laughs.]

No one is going to mind, Lizzie. I'm sure I can sweet talk you a spot. I'm very convincing, you know?

Might sprain something playing real ping-pong. Why risk it?

I don't doubt it, Peter, you do come off as someone who needs to be a smooth talker. [When skimping on cleaning duty, for example.]

[He laughs again and shakes his head.] Though, truthfully, I'd like to have a real ping-pong table here.

I'm taking that as a compliment, just so you know.

Hm. I'll keep my eyes open. Could be a nice addition to the recreation room.

[Oh. Uh. Whoops. She did not mean for that to come out that way, but apparently it did.]

[Well. Probably harmless, right? Right.]

Alright, alright, I'll give you that one.

Hey, you manage to find one and I'll be in your debt.

[No harm, no foul Lizzie. She gets a wide grin from Peter, but no further comment.]

[Oh dear, that grin. That's the grin authority figures have nightmares about, she's certain of it.]

Yeah, you'll owe me a game.

[Only those he lets catch him long enough to see it.]

Just don't be upset when I win.

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