acatalepsy_rpg | [Video]

[Barabas appears on the video -- fully clothed, thank you -- with a sedate expression, cordial enough. Bright red hair is less styled than he'd prefer it (his kingdom for decent hair product, really) but he still looks sharp, put together. He's set his watch somewhere so that he's in fame, seated at a table, from about the chest up, hands folded in front of him.]

Hello. I've already met some of you, but for those of you I haven't had the pleasure of encountering yet, my name is Barabas. Everyone seems fairly alive, which is better than the alternative. There's a new vacation spot in town, complete with an off-brand Loch Ness Monster. What more could anyone ask for?

[He spreads his hands.]

As... charming... as this place is, there is a disturbing lack of information infrastructure. Even Astoria doesn't quite seem to be able to keep track of who is coming and going at all times -- since the last bunch of us were apparently unexpected guests. I don't exactly find that reassuring. It does not make me feel warm and fuzzy.

[At all.]

In that vein, I think we should address this, put in place some way to keep track of who is here, who is no longer here, the abilities we each possess. [He ticks these items off on his fingers.] And a collection of information of the places that Astoria has sent us, and the general outcome of each trip. And really any other useful things to know, for all of us, and those who may be brought here in the future.

[A smile now, no teeth, but still pleasant.] Sadly, I'm only one man, so I suppose what I'm looking for is twofold:

First, would anyone be willing to help gather and compile this data?

Second, those of you who've been here longer than I have, perhaps we can chat about your experiences.

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[He blinks. He hadn't expected that. It trips him up enough his mouth opens to ask and he closes it. He mulls back over his relationship with Keith. Had he had issues with that?

No. Keith is the more possessive one. Considering his track record with life? He can't blame him.]

...I don't have that side effect. But, noted. Let's just hope for the best overall.

[Sorry Shiro. That reaction was precious and Barabas can't even begin to hold back a grin.]

That's good. I've seen it turn even the most rational people temporarily... a bit crazy.

[He saw Shiro do some thinking just then though.]

That's the worst of it. The rest is all manageable. So hoping for the best sounds like a good tactic to me.

If anything comes up you think I can help with, I'll do what I can to help.

[The grin has him briefly embarrassed. He recovers quickly.]

...if that's all, let's get back to going over what the Circle has done and where we went.

[Sorry Shiro. Sort of sorry anyway. Barabas will at least let the matter drop and not comment further.]

Yes, back to the business at hand sounds like a good idea. This first world -- El Minha, wasn't it? What do you think was the biggest lesson learned from that engagement?

[He takes a moment think it over.] If we're to make any sort of difference we need to work together and investigate carefully.

While being aware we're arriving just as events are beginning to move. All of these worlds are at their tipping point. Those events will happen. We have to choose how and when we act to save the most lives.

So some coordination amongst ourselves. But that's a challenge in and of itself, isn't it? Especially with the continued influx of newcomers.

[How do they fit and function as a group? Where is the power structure? Barabas' mind is already filing it away. They've got some hurdles to say the least.]

Has there been anyone stepping up to take charge?

I have. Roy has. Any of us with leadership experience has. But when it comes to structures like this it serves the whole better to work as a community. Instead of just telling people what to do.

Not everyone is used to someone in command. ...and I've seen that go bad. The problem is we could vanish at any time if her magic slips. You have one person taking charge and without them...

[He leaves it hanging. It's a power vacuum. Worse, it's one in a place where newcomers might seek that and in-fighting happens. Or could happen at the worst time.]

The best idea for a structure I've seen yet is being like mercenaries. Except we don't get paid, just have to find ways to work together to get the jobs done.

Mm. That is true. I imagine especially trying to throw together a hasty command structure would be even worse.

[But they need some sort of organization. Barabas certainly believes that. He considers the comparison to mercenaries.]

The problem with the mercenaries model is... the pay is generally the only real incentive and the only real tie that binds them together. So is there some other motivator that binds us all -- or enough of us -- together?

Certainly most people seem decently intent on helping, doing the right thing. But that's a broad umbrella term. What happens in real situations where 'the right thing' may not be a matter of black and white? The last thing we need is to be at war with ourselves.

[Shiro chews on that. They need something to unite them. He stares off to the side with a thousand yard stare and focuses back on the screen. There has to be something.] You’re right. That can be a difficult decision and as we get more people we can’t count of them to stay united based on moral choices alone.

The only motivation I can think of is our desire to go home. Not everyone will want to. Even that could fall through. [He drums his fingers on the surface in front of him. He sighs.]

Sometimes I feel like we’re piloting through a storm with one wing.

No, not everyone will want to. But enough people might. Framing it as a step to getting back where we belong, that could certainly go along way.

[THAT SAID. He hesitates at the thought that flickers through his head, that a common enemy unites people like few other things can match. For now he keeps that to himself. He hasn't quite figured Astoria out enough yet. And that mindset carries risks with it, to say the least.]

It does feel like that, doesn't it? But between us, we've got a few functional pairs of wings, if we cooperate.

And more than enough pilots to keep us on course. [He keeps the thought to himself that a common enemy could unite them or split them. It had with the Qri. God, it had.

He shakes his head slowly.] Ask me more questions. I think we've exhausted this line of thought for now.

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