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

[electrophage]

I am trying to figure this whole "human" thing out again. Forgive me for missing out on my beauty sleep when I lack the comfort of my lair.

[He drags a hand down his face and then through his hair.]

I trust the machine to know what it's doing over you, don't worry.

[annihilist]

[Devin's eyebrows go up.]

Again? What are you, if not human?

[He sounds honestly curious, for now.]

[electrophage]

[Nos looks very tired, even beyond the annoyance. How many times has he- it feels like odd nostalgia.]

I was originally created as an energy vampire, the finest, deadliest machine in the universe.

Then I was a lich for a bit.

[annihilist]

[Something lurches instinctively in Devin at the word 'vampire', but at most it shows as a furl between his eyebrows. This man, whoever he was, is now human. That means he's off-limits, for the time being.

Vi would probably get a real kick out of him.]

I suppose I can see how being made… organic would be a trying experience. Was it Q who did that to you as well?

[If Q is going to start transmuting them all, that's a problem.]

[electrophage]

He's not the first to change my form. He just made me human again. It was the Fog God, presumably in another universe, playing with people's lives. This Q fellow seems a bit less cruel about it.

[annihilist]

Or perhaps it's simply a different form of cruelty. Though if it is less cruel, I'll certainly take that.

[He's had quite enough of immortal beings messing with his life, thank you.]

Since you've had experience being transported between universes like this, your insight may be very valuable to the rest of us while we sort ourselves out.

[electrophage]

I know at least one other person who comes from the same sort of hub I did. But I could lend a hand, for my own sake.

[annihilist]

There are worse things than self-interest if it manages to benefit others, too.

[He offers a mirthless smile.]

What's your name?

[electrophage]

Nos-4-a2. Yes, it is meant to be pronounced like that.

[Beat. For politeness that's expected of him.]

And yours?

[annihilist]

[The smile takes on the corner of a real smirk. That's quite a name.]

Devin Parker.

May I ask who the other person is?

[It will be interesting whether Nos-4-a2 opts to protect that person's privacy or not.]

[electrophage]

Deon.

[May as well throw him into whatever this is. God forbid he be alone in this once again.]

[... what has he come to?]

I assume we didn't all arrive exactly at once, have you been here longer than I have?