Video; un: Spock

[sem_rik]

[ The picture shown to the audience is not a half-naked half-Vulcan. Rather, it's of the very luxurious bath house, carefully showing a view with no other people and just the lovely scenery.

Clearly, this is being taken from inside one of the pools surrounded by bamboo walls with little waterfalls and probably-fake rocks and it's just generally nice. Even the steam coming up from the bath is clearly inviting. Well, according to the guy taking the video, anyway.

Oh, and there's a voice. ]

Either there is a nefarious plot afoot that has left me unwilling to be without this establishment for any reasonable amount of time or this particular bathhouse is gratifying in a way that none have been in all my experiences across my galaxy. This may be considered out of character for me- [ Haha, meta. ] -but I implore any who are interested to please visit the Four Penguins. It is quite a relaxing and soothing experience.

[ A pause... ]

However, if this is a type of ploy devised either by the moons' whims, the proprietors of the Four Penguins, or an unconsidered or unknown entity - the likelihood of which I deem is uncomfortably high - then I believe now is an appropriate time to ask for assistance.

Regardless, I would not be adverse to company. Spock, out.

[ Hope you got all that. Mr. Social isn't one to repeat himself. ]

Comments

[halforc]

Cordis get fussy, they like owning all your attention in any way they can. Iris want sex, mainly, but they don't sleep around a lot if they have reliable partners.

[ He sinks to his ears in the water, slicking his hair. ]

Speaking from experience, that is.

[sem_rik]

[ Spock recalls that Jim is aligned with Iris. While another person might think this is embarrassing knowledge to have about their captain, Spock thinks that Iris suits him to a T. ]

Do you mean that you have a partner who is aligned with Iris or that you were previously aligned with Iris before being transferred to Sanguis?

[ It's highly likely that it's the former, he figures. ]

[halforc]

My boyfriend is a Cordis, our mutual partner is an Iris.

[ That's not as weird to say as he always thought it would be. When did Fjord fall into a poly relationship? He can't pinpoint the moment; he loved Molly fiercely again as soon as he saw him alive and Fish swam up on his emotions like their sneaky namesake.

Jim definitely suits Iris and Fjord would know. Intimately.

He hooks his elbows on the edge of the pool and sags comfortably, attention drawn back to Spock across the small distance. ]

For what it's worth, I suggest you find someone to help. Sanguis to Sanguis, I freaked out when my body changed and carved up my arms; the scars come out when it's my moon. There's something unnerving about not even being able to trust your own body, especially if you're alone, and people under our moon can get ... violent.

[sem_rik]

[ The knowledge of this poly relationship doesn't get a blink from Spock who's used to this kind of openness back home. However, he tucks the knowledge away as Fjord is in a unique position to understand all three of the moon's attributes better than most. It's fortunate that Spock has met him.

Though, he has to remind himself that knowledge is a good thing to have even when the information is not what he wants to hear. He's quiet for a moment then continues as if there was never a pause at all. ]

As I briefly explained, my people are taught from a young age to repress emotional outbursts and process information logically. To be controlled by our feelings is a sign of failure on our part. Though, I believe you are correct, that the symptoms Sanguis may present would be lessened if I had a sexual partner, I am already in a committed relationship. Unfortunately, she is home and I am here.

While the logical course of action would be to do what I must, whether this is to seek sexual pleasure or other forms of intimacy, I find myself hesitant for both of these reasons.

[halforc]

You'll grow new parts, scales or fur or fangs in my experience. Get angrier. Hurt yourself and others when the moon's at its worst.

[ Fjord cocks his head, trying to present a reasonable front for Spock's dilemma. ]

If the person you're with loves you, they wouldn't want you to suffer. Would they? So, logically, as long as you're open about your situation and both parties understand, and if you're staying healthy in case of another attack on the cities, it's for the best to take care of yourself.

[ Beau agrees in his head. ]

[sem_rik]

[ This all checks out... Spock knows his own strength, three times that of an average human. He could seriously hurt someone if his teachings fail him and he is not able to control himself. Damaging his pride and ego is one thing but this could go too far.

He knows Nyota would agree and understand. At the same time, he feels like there isn't an excuse for being unfaithful at the end of the day. His only hope is that she somehow arrives here so that they could actually discuss this (if not continue to being together). Seeing as the chances for such a thing are extremely low-... ]

You are correct. I will endeavor to take your sound advice and do so. [ He believes the term is 'easier said than done.' ] But in between these changes, I shall continue looking for alternatives. I doubt I am alone with being uncomfortable with whatever these moon blessings decide to impact us with.

[halforc]

You don't have to have sex, it's a little less satisfying, pardon my crudeness, but being held works just as well. It all depends on the person, I suppose.

[ He can't imagine not helping Mollymauk or Fish during their moons, it's a matter of trust at heart. ]

I'm ... not easily predisposed to liaison with strangers, either. [ For different reasons to Spock but with a relevant point to admitting it as Fjord glances away. ] Before I found people I grew to care about, I felt awful about the very idea of using someone. I even put my name down in the fighting pits to earn demi-chroma and survive that way.

[sem_rik]

[ He knows he doesn't have to have sex. For a guy who kisses with his fingertips, just about anything feels like way too much, though. But he'll just have to talk with other people about it, like Fjord says. Still, Spock doesn't mention these things. ]

Understandable. [ Perhaps illogical as this action could lead to injury but... Spock gets it. That's a tempting path, even for him. ]

Though, the merits we gain from the physical contact would be equal. It is only using people as much as they are using us. However, using each other is a poor way to put it. I understand what you mean, though. It is easy to think this way.

[halforc]

It's almost like a contract, when you don't ... care about the person. Two adults with no other expectations, no ... affection.

[ Fjord looks uncomfortable with the sentiment, hitching up a smile with a breathless chuckle. ]

Don't fall for someone from a different world though, that's the other end of the spectrum and no better.

[sem_rik]

[ What he wants to say and nearly says is 'that would be highly illogical' aka 'duh.' But then there's Jim to consider. Jim and Erik. ]

I have come across a theory recently that suggests, if we can control the means by which we have arrived to this planet, we may be able to travel to others as well. Though, 'falling for someone,' as you put it, does not come without risks, it may yet be possible for these relationships to be sustained long-term.

There is also the possibility that many of us may never return to our homes again, for a variety of reasons.

[ But he knows the probabilities of all this, knows that he's willfully ignoring much of the evidence just like Jim is. Since there are too many unknown variables for himself, Spock thinks that he's allowed the consider what may be the impossible. ]

[halforc]

You're not wrong. I can't go home without Molly, just can't do it.

[ Elaborating as succinctly as possible for essentially a stranger, he gives a jerky, throwaway shrug that looks too forced to be real. ]

He died back in our world, I found him here.

[sem_rik]

[ Seeing as how whatever brought them here is able to overcome time, Spock isn't shocked to hear that it can steer clear of death, too. Though, he's unsure if the same fix can be applied in this instance.

He chooses not to speculate aloud, at least for now. They all need more information first. ]

Understandable. I have self-interest in this theory myself. Perhaps we can work together, if you are amendable.