un: jaycetalis | video

[hexcope]

[If anyone hasn’t seen Jayce within the past few months, he looks quite a bit different. His hair is longer, he has a beard, and doesn’t seem quite as full of energy as he might have in the past. He’s also not dressing as uptight as he used to— a lack of vest and tie, exchanged for just a simple button up shirt. The background is once again S.T.A.R. labs, although he’s not trying to hide it this time.]

Hey, Etrayans. For those new to this whole thing, welcome. I’m Jayce Talis. For those who came from Pollux, also welcome. I can say with full confidence Aurora’s better at this than Castor is.

[Aurora probably won’t appreciate that comment, but whatever. He stands by it. But that aside…]

I’m putting out a call for fellow scientists to come together and work collaboratively on research involving what we know about Etraya, and more importantly, what we don’t know. This could also include strategizing developments to improve our lives here, and solving problems with our understanding in our respective fields. 


Something that we have here that we lack in our own worlds is the variety of perspectives. In my world, some of our greatest achievements are beyond what’s possible in other worlds, but we don’t have plastics or microwaves. Think of this as an opportunity for all of us to better ourselves, in this… transient existence we’re all stuck in.

Meetings would be here, in S.T.A.R. labs, every Thursday morning. No requirements if you want to participate other than an open mind, and a good attitude. No shooting down suggestions without hearing things out, and if you happen to have some sort of grudge against any of the participants here, you leave it at the door when you come in, or you’re not coming in.

[OOC: Feel free to threadjack around if you'd like!]

Comments

[godsandbats]

Excited?

[hexcope]

Maybe more anxious? I know what it's like to be in a room full of scientists and engineers with strong opinions.

[godsandbats]

Naturally a lot of egos and jockeying for attention.

[hexcope]

Nail on the head.

[godsandbats]

You might've just also created a debate club then.

[hexcope]

That's what I'm afraid of.

Private

[godsandbats]

[Kirk sees that thread between Jayce and second Viktor...]

Think you'll be alright?

private

[hexcope]

Yeah, yeah. I'm not actually that worried. There'll be strong opinions because it's just... everyone caring, loudly. That's all.

[He doesn't know Kirk means Viktor specifically.]

Re: private

[godsandbats]

Including the other Viktor it seems.

[hexcope]

Oh, him. We'll be okay. I expect a few clashes, but he probably won't shoot me with a laser over something like this.

[godsandbats]

It would awkward to collaborate after something like that. He doesn’t seem very fond of you.

[hexcope]

He's not fond of his Jayce. I'll win him over eventually.

[godsandbats]

Has it been strange talking to him?

[hexcope]

Yes, and no. He's different in a lot of ways, obviously, but despite everything, it's still Viktor.

[godsandbats]

Yes, that was the impression I’ve gotten from talking to him too. He seems highly capable.

[hexcope]

He is. He's Viktor. Every Viktor is incredible.

I have a more serious question for you, along this thread.

[godsandbats]

What is it?

text > audio (also permaprivate, as it has been)

[hexcope]

I don't know how to put this.

[He switches to audio, because he keeps deleting what he's writing when he tries to type it. When he finally gathers the courage to speak:]

I think I make Viktor worse.

Audio

[godsandbats]

[Kirk wasn't sure what to expect but it wasn't that. He switches to audio as well since it seems easier than typing it all out]

What makes you say that?

[hexcope]

This new Viktor... seems better off without Jayce. His Jayce betrayed him, sold him out, hurt him- physically, even. From that, he's cured himself and he's made his own path.

I betrayed Viktor too. More than once. He planned on leaving me, and I planned on begging him to come back. But what if that-- if I'm holding him back?

[godsandbats]

[There’s a pause from Kirk’s end as he thinks about how to respond. The mentions of betrayal by a loved one and the fear of abandonment hit close to home for him]

Do you why this other Jayce betrayed him? And were you planning to do more than beg?

[hexcope]

Stole his work, presumably sold it off as his own. I don't know why other than he's an asshole.

I don't know what you're asking. I'd do anything to get Viktor back if he really left me.

[godsandbats]

There are countless alternative universes. It’s entirely possible there’s at least one where you and Viktor are enemies instead of a couple. I’ll admit it was surprising for me to hear as well from the way the other Viktor talked.

What was your betrayal?

[hexcope]

That's what they are in this new Viktor's world, according to him. Enemies. But that's what I'm stuck on... If they're enemies in that world, and Viktor's doing just as well- maybe even better- then what's that say about my involvement in his life?

It wasn't just once. Little things along the way. Compromises I shouldn't have made, promises I broke. He forgave me for almost all of it. Making weapons was the only one he couldn't forgive.

[godsandbats]

[The mention of weapons has Kirk remember something the other Viktor said. He continues to speak in his usual monotone and holding back judgement. He senses it’s a more complicated situation than what he’s heard so far]

The other Viktor sounded rather skeptical when I told him weapon making wasn’t your primary goal. Then he asked if you already made the hammer. Why were you making weapons?

On the other hand, we also only have the other Viktor’s word about what happened so it’s not a complete picture of what this other Jayce is like. It’s probably not an entirely fair comparison to make of yourself versus the other Jayce.