video; a proposed solution

[annihilist]

[Devin would much prefer to keep to himself, but circumstances suggest that's not going to be an option. They all know too little of this place and of each other. He looks faintly annoyed on the screen.]

Given recent events, perhaps it would be wise for each of us to make an account of what our respective needs may be. Q does not seem a reliable option, and since I certainly wouldn't trust anyone here enough to share such private details, I propose an alternative: report to the infirmary and have the details saved to our medical files. A direct recording by the computer, not a person. These can be encrypted, and overridden only by medical staff, who presumably understand something of privacy or can be sworn to it.

If anyone has any better ideas, don't hold your tongue.

Comments

[annihilist]

[With mild amusement:] The letters 'MD' stand for Medical Doctorate where I come from. Intriguing coincidence.

They sound useful, if a bit redundant. The EMH is probably more advanced than your 'droids', though I have yet to test it personally myself. What would satisfy your objections?

[sensitiveapple]

Actually having an EmDee would be nice. No droid food. Or whatever it's called. My guard and cook being here.

[ Is she rich? Is she a spoiled brat? Both? ]

But beyond that? Nothing.

[annihilist]

[What is the deal with this girl? He can't tell if she's simply scared or if she's always this stuck up, or both.]

Well, you'll just have to learn how to deal with it. Complaining about it isn't going to get you anywhere, and that energy could be put to better use.

'Droid food'. You mean the replicators?

[sensitiveapple]

[ The answer is always both. ]

Oh? And would you have me service you as well as Q? Since that's really all we're doing.

Whatever they're called, they're computers making food.

[annihilist]

[Ah. That one statement tells him far too much about this girl, and it makes fury pit in his stomach. Devin carefully does not allow this to show on his face, merely tipping his head to the side a little.]

No. I'm not that kind of monster.

[And it would serve no purpose to snap at her for assuming he'd take advantage of her regardless of what he says.]

There are many things to do and to learn here that would be a better way to spend your time than complaining. We're all stuck here; you may as well get used to it.

[sensitiveapple]

[ She snorts, not believing him for a moment. ]

All males are that kind of monster at some point in time.

[ She knows this to be true. Despite Q saying that she would not be sold, she doesn't believe that either. ]

[annihilist]

[The vampire sighs and resolutely does not allow his anger at whoever made this girl think that way to show. She's not the one deserving of that anger, and she'd easily misinterpret it.]

I wouldn't expect you to believe otherwise, no matter how truthful I am.

We've gotten off-topic; I don't expect you to entrust personal information to me either. The decision is yours whether to utilize the EMH's services or not. At the moment, it is the closest thing we have to medical staff.

[sensitiveapple]

[ He's love Mistress Habani. ]

Why should I?

[ She's at least being honest with him. ]

Maybe if we service Q well, he'll bring us medical staff. Though I doubt it. He seems to have more a sadistic streak.

[annihilist]

[Devin raises an eyebrow.]

Do you actually want an answer to that question, or are you simply being petulant because things are different to what you know?

[He supposes there are other alternatives, like her covering fear with brattiness, but she's even less likely to admit to that.]

[sensitiveapple]

[ She raises one back. ]

I am not petulant.

[ She really is. ]

But you have not answered me. Why should I trust anything you say? Why should I trust anything anyone says?

[ Except for Jocko and Freema, that is. ]

[annihilist]

[Her non-answer is answer enough. She may have been forced into the world of adults too soon, but she is a child all the same. While Devin has a tendency to collect orphans and misfits among vampires, he's never had strong skills with children. Vi is always better at talking to them, despite her incredible age.]

So, you expect me to answer your questions, but you will not answer mine? What makes your questions somehow more worthy of reply?

[He sounds coolly speculative, as though he's not expecting a real response.]

You don't have to trust what anyone says; I already told you that you don't have to. Maintaining skepticism is not necessarily a bad thing, in a situation like this. It will be up to you to decide who to trust based on their behavior. And sometimes, you will make the wrong choice, and you'll have to learn to deal with it.

In this specific instance? I am offering a suggestion, not making a mandate. I am not telling you to do anything. [Dryly:] I suggest you learn the difference between those things.

[sensitiveapple]

[ She's quiet a moment. ]

Where I'm from, there is no difference.

[ Not when it comes to adults, anyway. ]