video

[handing]

[In its own way, this month has been harder on Pepper than usual; she hears talk of what's happening on the planet, but she can't at all go down there herself, either to help or even see with her own eyes the things that are going on, and the creatures so many want to save. She doesn't do well just standing idly by, unable to affect any sort of positive change.

So she focuses on what she can do: her job. More easily thought about than accomplished, sure, but she can move around the ship, search through closets, try and find what inventories might be hidden away that they can make use of. And of course, there's the network. The crew had been incredibly helpful before, and the distraction might do them all good.

Pepper smiles when she turns on the video, the polite and practiced expression of someone used to making public announcements. At least she isn't broadcasting the mass destruction of anything involving Iron Man, so hey. That's already a plus in her mind.]

Good morning, everyone. For those whom I haven't met, my name is Pepper Potts, and I am the Chief Morale Officer on board. Quite understandably, there has been a great deal of stress among the crew lately, and my job is to help all of us find ways to alieviate that. So in that vein, I'd like to ask for any suggestions you all might have for "morale boosters." Things you want to see happen that might help make people feel better or relax. Please note that this is in no way a promise to put every suggestion I get into practice; we're working with limited resources, and some suggestions simply may not be feasible.

[Not to mention that what some people find relaxing, others could well find distasteful or even abhorent. This ship hosts a large variety of different personalities.]

Still, don't hesitate to contribute. You never know what we might be able to put together.

I'd also like to put a call out to anyone with a morale-related assignment on board the Moira. It would be good for all of us to get in touch, so we know what manpower we've got. I'd also like to be able to refer people to the right person should they have an issue that's a bit more...troublesome than this office is designed to handle.

[Read: she's not the one running the therapy practice here.]

Thank you as always for your time and input.

Comments

Re: voice only

[handing]

There's more than one of us, in fact. [And because Pepper's current fellows are a skeleton, a child, and a nymph, she's pretty undaunted by the fact that this new volunteer also sounds you. He's got the same eagerness of the others, the same zeal and genuine desire to help. For that reason Pepper isn't inclined to say no, although she does have another concern.]

Are you sure you have time? I'll agree it's important, but it's also important not to overextend yourself. [So says the workaholic.] Granted, I can't say exactly what kind of schedule I'll end up having you work, but you should also take time for yourself too.

[armoured]

It's okay, really, you don't have to worry about that.

[He chuckles a little awkwardly. Honestly, the more jobs he can get, the better he will feel about his time here. The nights are the worst and he needs things to fill his hours, distract him from his inability to sleep.]

I have plenty of time even with my other jobs, I swear I won't let you down! Oh... I'm Al, by the way, Alphonse Elric.

[handing]

I guess I'll have to take your word on that for now. [And to keep an eye on the kid when she does ask for his help. Pepper of all people really does appreciate a good work ethic, but she's not going to let someone as young as Alphone sounds drive himself into the ground.]

Good, because I can have some pretty high expectations. [She smiles easily then, and nods when he offers up his name.] Pepper, like I said. It's nice to meet you Al.

So what kind of things do you think you can do to help raise morale?

[armoured]

I think having buddies for the new arrivals is definitely a good start, but there's nothing set up for people who have been here a while. Just because someone knows their way around doesn't mean they can't get overwhelmed, or in a bad place, or need a shoulder to cry on.

[He's been doing a lot of thinking about this, and his voice gets both higher and faster in his excitement to be sharing his ideas with someone.]

I thought maybe a few social groups might be a good idea. There could be ones that are based on mutual interests to help others make friends, or ones that are there specifically for anyone having a tough time to go along and find someone to listen. I think it might also help to keep morale high for people to feel like they're making a difference, so they feel good about the work they're doing. Maybe we could ask the captains for some kind of reward program? So people know if they do a good job then maybe there's an extra special dinner waiting, or a party, or-- things like that.

[handing]

Actually, there are at least two therapists on board, although they don't seem to be well-advertised. [Pepper herself hadn't known about either until one of them announced his newly appointed position. But she's also aware that not everyone would be willing to make the leap from "I need help" to "I need therapy," whether or not it was true.

But Al continues on, and Pepper can't help but smile at his eagerness over this. He really has been thinking about this a lot, hasn't he?]

Okay, hold on a second. Let's go over your ideas one at a time.

Setting up social groups based on mutual interests might not be a bad idea, although each group would have to be able to manage itself somewhat. [Which she could certainly help get them started and keep them on a schedule, Pepper can't do everything for any and every group they might set up--particularly if she herself has no interest in it. She wouldn't expect the people working for her to do so either.] For support groups, I think we should get in touch with those therapists I mentioned. Ideally they'll have the training to help people get the most out of those.

And technically, there is a rewards system in place: our ranks. But one outside of the that isn't a bad idea for an extra incentive, although the Captains seem to have their own notion of what "treats" should be. I don't know if you were here last month, but they offered us drugged desserts as their version of a pick-me up.