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[tearmeanewone]

[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!

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[seeingscarlet]

[Wanda laughs, then makes a small adjustment to the feed.]

I am still...unsure about the captains. But if you need help, I will come.

[True, they haven't tried to abuse her powers yet, but...one really can't blame Wanda for being uneasy given her own history. Freely offering it like this is one of the greatest signs of trust Wanda can give.]

[tearmeanewone]

[Elizabeth notices the adjustment, but it doesn't bother her. This is what she's supposed to do-- listen to the crew, be the liaison.]

I understand. I know we don't know much about them, and they don't know very much about what's going on, but... I don't see an alternative right now. If we demand they step down, it'll turn into a free-for-all power grab. It'll be chaos.

But if something starts happening... I'll be the first to try to stop it. I can promise you that.

[seeingscarlet]

[It's nothing against anyone in particular - Wanda is just extremely careful how she even alludes to her powers on the network. Anyone could be listening; Peter learned that the hard way.]

I know. All we can do now is take care of each other. [But if Wanda never has to stab anyone in the lungs again it'll be too soon. She brightens, maybe a little forced but this is Elizabeth's big day.]

We should celebrate, next time we stop somewhere nice.

[tearmeanewone]

Yes! Definitely when we're not on this planet. I know I should probably stay diplomatic and open-minded, but this place is not one I'd volunteer to spend a pleasant afternoon in. Not with these... hunts going on.

...what do you think, Wanda? Do you think we shouldn't get involved in this? All I can think about it what's happened every time we've put our noses into something we shouldn't have.

[seeingscarlet]

I could stop these hunters, if we wanted to. But more would come when we leave.

[Okay, if the temporaries were gone too that would set them back a bit more, but there's no way to be entirely sure destroying them wouldn't inadvertently kill someone.]

I don't think we can stop this from Ceta.

[tearmeanewone]

I don't think we can either. Not without starting another incident like on Caducus Primary.

[She takes a deep breath and lets it out.] I think we'll have to leave them as they are. And it feels wrong.

[seeingscarlet]

So we go to another planet and make people care. [Now it's her turn to sigh.] I can't pretend this isn't happening.

[tearmeanewone]

There's an idea-- a concerned neighbor... We'd have to find an incentive for them to care, though. It could take a while but... maybe I could ask the captains what they think of the idea.

[seeingscarlet]

How many of us hate this? And we are all from different worlds.

[Wanda can provide an emotional catalyst if needed but statistically speaking, there have to be decent people out there somewhere. Like the people of Caducus Primary.]

If we stop at the right planet... [She shrugs. Not ideal and a lot of 'ifs' but still better than nothing.]

[tearmeanewone]

You have a point-- I haven't encountered anyone who has thought this is a good idea, let alone acceptable.

If we stop at the right planet, and tell them the right thing, they'll come to the aid of these creatures. We just need to find a planet that holds a decent amount of respect for animals.

[seeingscarlet]

Elizabeth... [A shadow passes over Wanda's face. How do you tell someone as kindhearted as Elizabeth that this is closer to sanctioned murder than a hunt?]

I don't know what the right word is, but they are more than animals.

[tearmeanewone]

[Truth be told, Elizabeth doesn't actually feel like humans are somehow above whales or dogs or other creatures she would classify as 'animals'. Humans were a kind of animal, but intelligent enough to be actively horrifying and coarse. If people behaved like whales, maybe life would be a lot better.]

[...probably too simplified, but the general point stands.]

What do you mean? Did you... Did you get something off of them?

[Awkward referral to Wanda's abilities-- ready, set, go.]

[seeingscarlet]

[Well, that's...not as obvious as it could have been, at least. Wanda can mostly keep it vague from there, though she doesn't have any specific to offer yet.]

It's...hard. They are far away, but I can see enough to know the hunters are lying.

[tearmeanewone]

...really.

[Elizabeth had pegged them as hard-headed and set in their ways, but lying?]

You think they know something about the whales we don't?

[seeingscarlet]

Someone does. Maybe they lied to them.

[Why else does the museum insist over and over that the sky-whales are unintelligent? Someone, somewhere, knows that this is wrong. They just don't care.]

I don't know, it...it hurts to see the things they've done.

[tearmeanewone]

After what happened with Ploiatos, I trust your instincts Wanda. If you feel there's something wrong and that someone is lying here, I'll tell the Captains and they'll decide if we should do something about it.

[seeingscarlet]

It is not as...solid, this time. But there is more to this than we understand.

[The hunters are trying to recruit crew members to join their hunting parties and Wanda's pretty sure it's going to blow up in their faces eventually. But it always does, doesn't it?

Still, she manages a small smile. It's nice to be believed.]

Thank you.

[tearmeanewone]

Of course, it's what I'm here for. [She smiles back.] I'll let you know if there's any development.