Video

[bodilesswarrior]

[Barbara ought to look excited, despite the natural wariness and frustrated curiosity. Instead, she looks a little devastated.]

You know when you're pretty sure something isn't going to work, and you try it anyway? It's silly, isn't it? [Her voice almost cracks.

Then she takes a deep breath, and sets her shoulders, and makes herself sound strong.]

I've got to wonder if combining our abilities would let them reach further, but it's not an experiment I'm willing to try just yet.

Could everyone who's ended up with Admiral abilities check in, please? [She's kept track, of course, but that's no guarantee, she hasn't spoken to everyone directly.] I'd like to know what everyone's managed to do, and what their status is.

Cambridge - do you think scanning us would be worth it?

Comments

[demolitions]

We might never know enough if we just sit around waitin', too scared to try anything.

[bodilesswarrior]

Finding more information is not "sitting around".

[demolitions]

Askin' questions that no-one knows the answer to ain't likely to give us anywhere near as much information as conductin' an experiment.

[bodilesswarrior]

[Her mouth twitches, before she presses it into a thin line. Getting worked up probably isn't a great idea, right now.]

Examining patterns. Collecting experiences. Putting safeguards in place. Working upwards.

That's what you do before jumping into an experiment like this.

[demolitions]

That's all well and good if you've got the luxury of havin' all the time in the world. Given this place, I'd say the odds are pretty good we don't.

[bodilesswarrior]

I'd rather drag my feet a little than blow up the Barge.

[She's quiet, for a moment, fists clenching out of sight. When she speaks again her voice is soft, worn.] We don't know anything about what we're messing with, here. I agree we can't wait too long, but if there's any way to prepare ourselves, I'm going to find it.

[demolitions]

You say that like it's a forgone conclusion and it ain't. We've got dozens of people walkin' around here exercisin' a measure of the admiral's powers randomly without any signs of stress from the ship, outside of what was goin' on well before these powers were bestowed. For all we know, waitin' to act could cause the ship to deteriorate; it clearly needs someone in command. If none of us can do it individually, then combinin' powers might be the only option.

[bodilesswarrior]

[Sharp, again.] Excuse me if I'm getting pessimistic.

[She couldn't save the other Barge, couldn't save Cass, couldn't help Zane, couldn't - ]

We're not affecting the ship - that we know of - but we're affecting ourselves. What happens if we all burn out at the same time? What happens if we build up all that energy and can't direct it?

[demolitions]

[Mildly, ignoring the sarcasm-] Someone once said, 'To be a pessimist is like bein' stranded on an island of perpetual indecision.' Sometimes, it can be riskier not to take a risk. I don't believe in wastin' time frettin' over what ifs.

I appreciate your opinion, thank you.

[Cutting the feed now.]