For lastvoyages: Spam for Deck

[cannibalmind]

[[OOC: This takes place after this thread.]]

[The racuous excuse for modern music finally drove Hannibal out into the deck, where he tightened his coat around him against the chill and looked around. There had been considerably more alcohol in that drink than he had accounted for, and so now he finds himself rather flushed and prone to...stroll...instead of properly walking over to the lift and getting out of the cold. Last time he did that he found Richie's rather overripe corpse. But chances are that he'll run into no such unpleasantness, and he is tipsy enough to truly appreciate the whirling sky.]

Comments

[cannibalmind]

[He scoops up a few apples and a block of cheese and goes about cutting and arranging them neatly, humming an obscure aria as he does so.] There we are...so. Have you found anything interesting to pass the time during your stay?

[surrenders]

[ She watches across from him, feeling kind of unnecessary, but even small, perfectionist jobs like this are something he's good at and she's going to stay out of the way. ]

Got to catch up. [ He might think that's interesting: he's probably more into ideas than people. ]

[cannibalmind]

Keeping an ear to the ground, then? Clever girl. There's only so much we ordinary folk can do to defend ourselves if we aren't forewarned through our own efforts. [He washes up and brings the platter over to a table.]

I myself have learned a great deal since I have been here.

[surrenders]

[ She makes no move to eat; it's a distraction and she'd rather listen. ]

About what? If it isn't too much.

[cannibalmind]

Mostly about individual people; what makes them tick. But also about the culture here. For example, we are forced to adapt to a certain...loss of control. We never know when we will wake up opposite gendered, or as animals, or as different people altogether.

Many Barge hazards can simply be mitigated by staying beneath notice. For months I managed this. But some disruptions are unavoidable. The greatest talent one can develop on this Barge is the ability to move on from events that can range from slightly disruptive to completely tragic and damaging.

[surrenders]

[ She's used to not having control over what happens, no matter how much she prepares for it. The best thing is still finding someone else to hide behind, but if you learn how to bend with it like she could in the past, you're much better off. ]

It's all you can do here. Find a way around it.

[cannibalmind]

Indeed. Easier to do when you know whom you are dealing with. Arthas for example. He tends to broadcast everything. His darker emotions are his armor. But it is when he becomes truly emotionless seeming that he must be avoided. [He nibbles on a slice of apple.]

[surrenders]

Or some people, when they get friendly. [ It's supposed to sound like conversation. ]

[cannibalmind]

Mm. [One thing Lua is not is stupid. Far from it in fact...which is one of the reasons he likes talking to her.] You have I assume heard the phrase, "two heads are better than one?" Well, two sets of ears are better than one. Or four, or five, or a dozen...I'm certain you see where I am going with this.

[surrenders]

[ Oh, she knows, but while she likes him, she doesn't know what he'd do with anything she'd give him. ]

What would you want them to hear?

[cannibalmind]

Stirrings of discord. Odd encounters. Disappearances. Basically warnings of trouble. One thing I cannot countenance is the way that basic information on what is going on is kept entirely to the Wardens. We would do well to be as organized, or better organized, than they when it comes to the dissemination of information.

[surrenders]

Finding things out before they do?

[cannibalmind]

Before they do, as much as they do. *munch*

[He takes a sip of water.]

Information that could help us survive should not be privileged.

[surrenders]

[ She shakes her head. ] Been like this since I came here.

[cannibalmind]

If we're clever, it need not stay that way. Just...think about it. No need for an answer tonight.

[surrenders]

[ She looks back curious, content, almost blank. It's time to think about it. ] Always wonder about what nobody hears about. The big things are probably secrets for everyone.

[cannibalmind]

There are personal secrets, group and world secrets, and finally...Barge secrets. And that third one especially is relevant to everyone's interests.

You are quiet, unobtrusive, and very, very perceptive. Without endangering yourself, you are capable of discovering much in the day to day. Meanwhile I, as humble painter and chef, can do the same. There are others who are in uniquely good positions for this.

There is only one limitation to my powers, however. Nothing told me in confidence, as patient to doctor, may be repeated.

[surrenders]

[ She nods in understanding. Of course not: she's said a thing or two in the past she wouldn't want shared. ]

Who else you are looking to?

[cannibalmind]

Raistlin Majere. Richard, mostly because he is an excellent barometer for Barge tension. [He nibbles on some cheese.]

[surrenders]

[ She tries to figure out how to say what's on her mind in a way that doesn't give too much away, so buys a second by considering and reaching over. The apple slice doesn't go anywhere near her face. ] You don't want either of them to know you're thinking of the other guy.

[cannibalmind]

See? Perceptive. Nono, the whole idea is that each one of us has our sources, and we don't share who those sources are with everyone; only some. That way if one person is caught they will not know the extent of the network.

[surrenders]

Shouldn't be doing anything that gets you "caught". [ Lua doesn't invade or intrude; she works her way into places she seems like she belongs. ]

[cannibalmind]

OH, I agree. But then again there are Wardens aboard like Narvin and Edward Nygma, who go off of little evidence with annoying levels of accuracy.

[surrenders]

Don't have to know we know. Long as we don't start trouble, just get out the score.

[cannibalmind]

A solid plan. Please excuse my mild paranoia...I fear it goes with the territory.

I would of course provide equal or better value for any information brought to me. For example, I could explain to you something of Richard's quirks of behavior.