Daily Logs 9-14-14

I. Leslie and Erik break up...again
II. You can be happy: Molly checks up on Erik to make sure he's not throwing himself out of airlocks
II. Host Augie doesn't find Gary so much different than the one she knows...
IV. Gyles decides that maybe Host!Joseph isn't so bad after all



I.
Erik: *is reclined on a couch in the lounge, brow wrinkled as he puzzles his way through a particularly difficult sentence*
Leslie: *wanders into the lounge for a drink while on break during a shift and then heads over to Erik, nudging him a bit to give her room on the couch* Mind if I join you?
Erik: *closes his book, and smiles at her* Not at all! *he squeezes over to the armrest so she has as much room as she wants*
Leslie: Thanks! *smiles and sits next to him* What's that? *meaning the book*
Erik: *quirks his lips, and says something unpronounceable, then translates* "A Xindi Perspective on the Settling of the Mangoran Plains." It's a history book... I think. The fellow who recommended it seemed to be really amused when he did.
Leslie: *makes a face* It sounds really boring. He was probably amused because he had an obnoxious personality and wanted the reader to suffer.
Erik: I think it might be a really subtle satire. Other species have very weird senses of humor.
Leslie: Mm. Have fun with that.
Erik: It's more than I need the practice, to be honest. It's written entirely in fifth-tense, which I never bothered learning.
Leslie: I'd ask what that is, but I don't think I'd understand it.
Erik: They have a tense for when someone in the past is talking about the future. So if you were describing your friend telling you about his uncle yesterday, you'd use fifth tense.
Leslie: That's ridiculous.
Erik: Oh, this is nothing. I used to speak, what was is, Valarithian? They had twelve tenses.
Leslie: Still ridiculous.
Erik: *grins* I won't disagree with you.
Leslie: *shakes her head* That's why I hated Comms. Well. One of the reasons.
Erik: Is this the part where I confess that the reason I'm not in Medical is because I don't like bathing in body fluids?
Leslie: *grins* Yes.
Erik: *nods* Only blood I like is mine, and even that I prefer to keep inside me.
Leslie: You do know that I like my job because that's what I do? Work to keep people's blood inside of them?
Erik: And I work to make sure that the only person who has to worry about weird tenses is me.
Leslie: I appreciate that. I truly don't like weird tenses.
Erik: *nods* We are the brave, the few, the courageous the make sure no one has to speak anything but the language they already know. We are... the Minor Convenient Communication Service!
Leslie: You're a dork, that's what you are.
Erik: No doubt. That's part of my charm.
Leslie: Whatever you want to think about yourself.
Erik: Oh, that stings. I'll have you know that I'm dating a beautiful woman, and she thinks I'm funny.
Leslie: You'll have to bring her around sometime so I can meet her and question her taste.
Erik: *laughs* This is the first time I've regretted not carrying a pocket mirror.
Leslie: *blinks* You don't? What sort of self-respecting Starfleet officer are you?
Erik: My counterpart here carries two. I think it balances out.
Leslie: Oh, you're probably right.
Erik: *chuckles* I stole his shampoo. Pissed him right off. It's nice stuff.
Leslie: I'll add jerk to your list of descriptors.
Erik: *wounded* He stole my conditioner, first! Said the company had gone out of buisness in their world and he missed it.
Leslie: So clearly two wrongs make a right now?
Erik: They do in at least four cultures I know of.
Leslie: Yes dear but ours is not one of those cultures.
Erik: How very xenophobic of you!
Leslie: Xenophobic would be saying that their culture is /wrong/ and they should emulate us. *tosses her head* I didn't say that.
Erik: Humanocentric, then. You should embrace other cultures. Except Cardassians.
Leslie: Oh, I do. I'm a very big fan of the cultures that walk around naked.
Erik: Oh, really? We could do that. *smirks*
Leslie: I think the rest of the ship would object.
Erik: Could just be in our quarters. *goes to put an arm around her*
Leslie: *allows the arm but doesn't respond to it* But what if someone comes to the door?
Erik: We say we're busy and tell 'em to fuck off.
Leslie: That seems rude. And untrue.
Erik: Then they can come in, but only in the nude.
Leslie: You just want to keep people out, don't you?
Erik: *blinks, and turns to her, trying to figure out her expression*
Leslie: *sort of a bland expression, not really accusing, but not too interested or amused by the conversation either*
Erik: It's not like that. *anxious*
Leslie: No?
Erik: *closes his eyes* When did this become serious.
Leslie: I don't know.
Erik: I've been okay with it, okay? I haven't said anything. I promised I'd be okay with it. And I am. I haven't done anything wrong, have I?
Leslie: ...No. But I guess I never believed you when you said you were okay.
Erik: I promised not to lie to you. And I didn't.
Leslie: Okay. Well /I/ lied. I'm not okay with it.
Erik: Then... don't?
Leslie: It's not that easy, Erik. We settled on something that I agreed to because it was a quick fix and you said you were okay with it, and I didn't feel like pressing the point, but I like to /think/ I know you and the you I think I know wouldn't be so okay with it. But you'd say you would because you want me to be happy.
Erik: But that's the thing, I /am/ okay with it because it makes you happy. Definitionally.
Leslie: And not so definitionally?
Erik: What? No. I mean, that's what defines me being okay. It's not like I have... layers of okay. I am okay. With it.
Leslie: Okay. I'm not. And I don't think you should be either, so I impose that on you so I have trouble believing you. And...it's not okay.
Erik: *runs his hands through his hair* What's not okay? Me wanting you to be happy? I don't get it, okay, Leslie?
Leslie: I don't know, Erik. I'm not happy with this part of you trying to make me happy, and I'm not happy without it. *frustrated gesture* Are /you/ happy?
Erik: I'm happy when I'm with you. *shrugs* Less happy without. *he sighs* I guess I'm just confused, because you want something, I'm okay with you having it, but you're not okay with me being okay with you having it. It makes me feel like... I don't know. I'm doing everything I can but you want something else. Which I suppose is the original problem, too.
Leslie: I'm confused, too. *rubs her face with one hand* I don't know what I want but I don't think it's this.
Erik: This, or... *gestures at himself* This?
Leslie: *muffled groan* I don't even know anymore. Maybe both? I love you babe, but if we keep having problems like this, maybe it's just not meant to be?
Erik: *has lost his jollity from earlier entirely* Is that what you'd prefer?
Leslie: Maybe? I mean. It's clearly not working, right? Am I the only one who thinks that?
Erik: *sighs* I don't know. From my perspective... I'm doing everything right. I'm happy. You're... where the hangups are. But a relationship is two -or more- folks. It can't just be one happy guy and one miserable girl.
Erik: *sighs* I don't know. From my perspective... I'm doing everything right. I'm happy. You're... where the hangups are. But a relationship is two -or more- folks. It can't just be one happy guy and one miserable girl.
Leslie: *so now you're laying all on my door great thanks man* So I'm the problem? *verifying*
Erik: I don't know. To me, it sounds like you slept with someone else, then asked me if it was okay. I said yes. You asked if it was okay if you kept doing it. I said yes. And now you're breaking up with me over it. God, you know I love blaming myself for everything, but even I can't come up with any way to do it this time, save for my inadequacy.
Leslie: *face hardens* You /told/ me it was okay. I /said/ I was sorry and then you /weren't upset/. I /warned/ you that it might happen again, and you were fine with it. And /then/ you went a step farther and said it was okay to have an open relationship. I'm probably breaking up with you because you're a hypocrite.
Erik: It is okay! I'm not upset! I'm upset that you're breaking up with me, not about any of the other stuff! I don't care about the other stuff, I care about you, I care about you being happy. What am I doing that's hypocritical? *honestly asking*
Leslie: You're saying everything's fine but then when it comes down to it, everything is /not/ fine and now the blame's laid at my door. I can take the blame, that's fine, I don't care, but I'd appreciate a little fore-warning.
Erik: Yes, it is fine, you just don't believe me when I say it. You said so yourself. You said that's why you're breaking up with me. *closes his eyes and takes a breath* Alright. Tell me what I did wrong, and how I can make it better. Whatever it is. Anything, I swear.
Leslie: Does it matter now? We'll just end up here again sooner or later.
Erik: I don't want to blame you for this going wrong. I want it to be my fault. I want to understand. I don't want it to be like last time. What did I do, Leslie?
Leslie: *sighs* It doesn't have to be your fault. Because I don't know, honestly.
Erik: You said you don't want to be to blame. I don't either. So tell me what I've done. I'm not saying you have to stay with me. You don't. I get it.
Leslie: Maybe you haven't done anything. I don't know. *looks away* I'm sorry, Erik. It was going to be different this time and then it ended up being so similar.
Erik: That's... that's alright. *sighs, and stands up* A hug, for old times' sake?
Leslie: *stands, too* See you around I guess?
Erik: *pulls her into a hug, as long as she doesn't actively try to push him away*
Leslie: *hugs him back*
Erik: *holds her tightly against him, in a very 'last hug' kind of manner, and lets her go, determinedly not looking down so that hopefully she's too short to see that he's a bout to cry* I need... a walk. Thanks. For everything we had. *heads out of the lounge*
Leslie: Yeah. You too. *waits for him to leave and then chugs her drink, sends a quick PADD message to Molly to let her know to check on Erik at some point and then goes back to determinedly and stoically finish her shift*
Molly:*messages back almost immediately to confirm and ask how Leslie is*
Leslie: *answers back that she will be fine*
Erik: *goes to his quarters, and decides to get profoundly drunk for the first time in quite some time*
Leslie: *answers back that she will be fine*
Molly:*messages back once more to ask if Leslie wants her to come over or would prefer not*
Leslie: *responds that she would prefer she didn't, she just needs some time*



II.
Molly: *in that case, asks the computer where she can find Erik*
Computer: The Lieutenant is in his quarters.
Molly: *heads out of the Comm center and calls Erik on the way* McAdams to Schroding.
Erik: *is slumped in his chair, staring at an un-opened bottle of expensive alcohol. His comm is on the ground, and he clicks it on with his toe* Speaking.
Molly: I'm coming over. Be about two minutes.
Erik: *makes a face* Can you bring a corkscrew? *all his knives are on the Legacy at the moment, and getting up sucks*
Molly: As long as you promise you're not going to stab yourself with it.
Erik: There's an airlock a hallway away from here. Please at least afford me the courtesy of not thinkign I'd commit suicide with a corkscrew.
Molly: Jesus, Erik. Don't even talk like that. *takes a detour and stops in her quarters for a corkscrew, as well as changing into civvies because it might be a long night and she wants to be comfortable* *manages all this in about two minutes*
Erik: *has not changed, but has taken off his socks* You suggested it.
Molly: I was trying to lighten the mood.
Erik: *buzzes open the door a few seconds before she gets there. He hasn't moved.*
Molly: *steps inside and stops to survey the scene* *holds up the corkscrew* Where are your glasses? I'm not going to let you drink from the bottle.
Erik: I'm not sure I'm going to drink. *he's not facing her, and just the top of his head is visible over the edge of the chair* I don't think it's going to change anything. And the bottle was expensive.
Molly: Drinking never changes anything, it just makes you think for a little while it can. *comes around to face him, putting the corkscrew back in her pocket*
Erik: *is staring blankly at the bottle* I could use a little while. I have a lot of bottles.
Molly: In the long run it's more healthy not to. *sits across from him* But sometimes it helps. Do you want to tell me what's going on?
Erik: She broke up with me and I don't know why. Again. Or... I know. But I don't get it.
Molly: *quiet for a minute or two* I don't know all the details. But I think it may be because she doesn't think you're really happy this way. And that you can both be happier apart. *clears her throat quietly* Or something.
Erik: *sighs* Yeah. I just don't get what I did wrong. She asked to forgive, and I forgave. She asked to be free, and I let her go. She wanted me to be okay with it, and I was. What was the damn problem? What should I have done? Should I have said 'no, Leslie, that's not okay?" How could I?
Molly: I don't know if you can say anyone was /wrong./ You just... didn't work out. *half smile* Remember how you said that to me?
Erik: *groans* Yeah. That doesn't make it easier. Gods, I would have done anything for her. Why couldn't it be, Molly? Why can't it ever be?
Molly: Yeah, no kidding it doesn't make it easier. *slips off her shoes and sits cross-legged* Since when does life give us everything we want?
Erik: *wraps his arms around himself* I don't know if I can make it up here alone. I promised Leslie I'd stay for her. But... *sighs* Sorry. I know you hate it when I talk about it. '
Molly: It would be selfish to ask you to stay just for me. *puts one hand in her pocket and rubs her thumb over the closed corkscrew*
Erik: *makes an amused noise* I'll let Leslie know you said- *stops* Right. *droop*
Molly: Do you want to run Comms for a few days? *offer of distraction*
Erik: *pauses* I'm not sure. Maybe. It might help. But I can always just... take additional work. Shit, this isn't gonna make me feel better about my dissertation.
Molly: You can do whatever. Just let me know. There isn't much additional work to /do/ right now.
Erik: I dunno, hacking the lifeform sensors on airlock twelve is a lot of work. *sighs*
Molly: Don't joke about that.
Erik: Molly, you know me. I wouldn't want to die in space. *shivers* It's so cold.
Molly: I don't want you to die at /all./ Not for lots and lots of years.
Erik: Yeah. Me neither. I think. *makes a face* Don't worry. I need to finish the fucking dissertation.
Molly: I always worry.
Erik: Hm. That's your secret, Molly, you're always worried.
Molly: Hard not to be, what with all the trouble all my friends are always in.
Erik: *morose* I'm not in trouble. Trouble is in me.
Molly: *leans forward* Let's go climbing. Have you been today?
Erik: Uh, not yet. I suppose we could do that. But then I'd have to stand up. And then my broken heart might stab me in the lungs with its razor shards.
Molly: It will be good for you. Better than sitting here and just thinking. *stands up, and offers her hand*
Erik: You say that. *takes her hand, and levers himself up to his feet*
Molly: Don't believe me? *lets go of his hand once he's on his feet*
Erik: I don't believe in anything except the crushing darkness in my soul.
Molly: And /that/ is why we're going climbing. Get changed.
Erik: *sighs, and heads into his bathroom to change*
Molly: *takes the time to braid her hair and stretch a bit*
Erik: *comes out in athletic gear and an exaggerated scowl.*
Molly: Don't give me that face. *drops the corkscrew on his coffee table and heads for the door*
Erik: *follows her to the holodeck* Which setting?
Molly: Depends, do you want to take it easy, or go for a challenge?
Erik: I want to drown the infinite abyss in my heart in the blood of a thousand demons.
Molly: Did anyone ever tell you that you should write novels? *almost said "romance novels" but caught herself* *stops in front of the holodeck to consider their options*
Erik: *hits number seven, an obelisk of black basalt on Talos III that juts out over the blasted, hellish landscape of jagged rocks and sickly grass in shades of red. The rock stands in sharp contrast to the nightmarish sky, where a scarlet sun hangs amidst toxic yellow clouds*
Molly: *checks his choice* Well that's a gross one, but okay. *enters the holodeck*
Erik: *exults in the sensation of the hated sun beating down on his back, scourging him for his sins as he walks into the living hell of Talos. A moment later, they step into the coal shadow of the giant, shielded from the rays of avenging light by the twisted, grotesque monument to a planet that tore itself apart in volcanic shudders centuries past*
Molly: *squints and follows him, pulling off her long-sleeved shirt so she can climb in her tank top* I'm not sure I like this one, Erik.
Erik: *The red sun halos the dark figure, and its very edges seem to twist and shrink from the malevolent light, as if writhing in the punishing heat. But in its shadow, the light cannot touch them, and a blessed cool breeze kisses their heated skin as they begin their ascent*
Molly: *stretches for another minute before starting on the climb, taking a minute to get into the swing of things before striking up the conversation again* So why /did/ you pick this one?
Erik: *feels the ache in his shoulders begin to arise as he struggles to ascend the sheer face, every inch a mortal fight with the very forces of gravity. His lips part in a silent oath that no mere outcropping of rock will overcome him, but as he rises higher above the haunted emptiness of the desert, he begins to realize that the basalt is more than a mere outcropping. It is the avatar of planet's malevolence towards all life* Dunno, haven't done it in a while?
Molly: *having a bit of a harder time than he is, and soon drops behind as she works her way up the cliff face* *has to pause to catch her breath and answer* Right.
Erik: *tbh the wall isn't actually that hard, just looks kinda scary* *slows down to let her catch up* Haven't you done this one before?
Molly: No, I don't like the enviroment. I started it once and then switched almost right away.
Erik: Oh. Sorry. Computer, transpose setting, Utah, late August. *the sky lightens: the black basalt doesn't change in form, but all of a sudden is red sandstone, instead. The sun whitens. Beneath them stretch the plains of Utah*
Molly: You didn't have to do that. *keeps climbing*
Erik: I know. That's what makes me so nice. *grins*
Molly: Yeah you're a real gem. *grumpy, because she's not as fast as him and she's tired already*
Erik: *the rock still stretches up for hours overhead, but they soon reach a ledge which seems a fair stopping point*
Molly: *gets herself over the ledge and then lies on her back, letting her legs dangle over the edge* Why did I think this was a good idea?
Erik: Because you felt sorry for me because I'm pathetic and sad.
Molly: If I say you're not, will you even believe me?
Erik: Oh, at least give me the sad.
Erik: Right.
Molly: But, even though you're allowed to be sad for a while, you're gonna pick yourself up and keep going. Because there's more to you then just what you had with Leslie.
Erik: My dissertation and my stupid decision to join Starfleet.
Molly: And your Comms skills, and your sense of humor, the way you can cook pretty much anything, your knack for survival in the worst situations, the way you put others first. To list just a few.
Erik: And rock climbing. I can climb one hell of a rock.
Molly: And rock climbing. See?
Erik: *sighs* Yeah. I still want to never be in space ever again, though. I hate space.
Molly: Why do you hate it?
Erik: That should be my next dissertation. We could be here all day.
Molly: Give me bullet points.
Erik: I'll forward you my mission reports for the last two years.
Erik: Oh, I'm sorry, you're right, it's Starfleet I hate.
Molly: I'm going to try to talk you out of this until the day you leave. And then I'm going to subtly hint that you should come back in every conversation.
Erik: My reasons to stay are now down to one and a half. That is, you and the half of Terry I get along with. I need to.... decide if that's enough.
Molly: *groans and lifts one hand to rub her eyes* I'm sorry. I'm just... feeling very alone lately. And you're always around when I am.
Erik: Would you like a hug?
Molly: Ew, no. I'm sweaty. You're probably sweaty. And remember the part where that gives me a panic attack?
Erik: *nods* Reasonable. Just checking. How about a mental hug, a happy sigh, and a mutual, longing look at the beautiful sunset?
Molly: You're suspiciously cheerful.
Erik: *sighs* I'm too tired to be sad. And... I knew this was going to happen. Eventually. From the moment she said she wanted to see other guys. It's not like last time.
Molly: I think you can both be happier this way. *sits up with some effort so she can look out at the view*
Erik: Well. I know she will be. That's why I'm alright with it.
Molly: Can't you be too?
Erik: I'm going to do my damn best, right?
Molly: I know you will. Will you be okay tonight?
Erik: I'll leave the corkscrew where it is.
Molly: Promise to call me if you need to talk, or a distraction? Or anything, really.
Erik: I promise. You're a good friend, boss.
Molly: I try. *glances over the edge of the cliff* You going to keep climbing?
Erik: *blinks* Hell no.
Molly: Then I won't imitate you and dive off the cliff. Computer, end simulation. *stands as it does*
Erik: *nods* Thanks, Molly. *mock salutes* Night. *steps out the door*
Molly: *stands alone in the holodeck for a while, and then activates a soccer field so she can play for a while* *eventually tires herself out and on the way back, messages Leslie to let her know Erik is going to be ok*



III.
Host Augie: *Lounging in a, you guessed it, lounge, with feet propped up on a chair opposite her under the table so as to appear less rude, a drink on the table, and a padd for reading*
Gary: *is having the time of his life and now that the two universes are merged has taken to dressing exactly like Host!Gary and emulating him (to an extreme degree) so swoops into the lounge, casting rose petals about as he waltzes*
Host Augie: *Glances up at the sudden shower of petals and... honestly isn't sure what to think* *Chuckles instead* Well now, aren't we something?
Gary: Ah, yes madam! /We/ are something indeed!
Host Augie: *manages an amused look and raises an eyebrow* Well I'm just relaxing, so i'm not sure where this 'we' comes in. Tell me, are you usually like this, or is it the situation?
Gary: *doesn't get that question a lot* *shrugs* I'm more or less dramatic. But how often does one get the chance to do this *strews rose petals, and showers her in them* and blame it on the circumstance or a yourself who is not you?
Host Augie: *Grins and picks up a couple of the petals* Well, blaming things on other people is generally not a good idea, but perhaps in this situation it's not harmful. And dramatics, or theatrics, have pretty good uses from time to time.
Gary: *helps himself to a chair with a flourish* I find they /always/ have a good use. Namely, a distraction from reality!
Host Augie: *Chuckles and tosses a couple of the petals his way* In that case, you are absolutely correct. And that can be just the thing for keeping people calm and orderly, so my experience tells me.
Gary: *bats his eyelashes at her* So I do enough distracting for the whole ship and so there's just that much more order and calmness. You might call it my civic duty!
Host Augie: *Smiles* Is that what you do? Or is that just your side job?
Gary: Why, it's what I was hired to do! *spreads his arms out wide* My job's title, if you will.
Host Augie: *Amused again* Oh, of course. How could I mistake such talent for anything but hard training for a future career. Unless it's all natural ability? I mean you are quite good at brightening anyone's day from what I've seen so far.
Gary: All natural, my dear lady! I was /born/ charming and then it simply developed from there as I grew. Who knew I could grow to become such an appealing and charming specimen?
Host Augie: Anyone who gets a chance to interact with such charm must be lucky indeed. *Knows full well she may be feeding the ego of an already much too well fed beast but is honestly having too much fun* After all, have you heard some of the things that happen out there? No no, people need every chance at charm and happiness they can get.
Gary: *places a hand on the table, as if to make a point* Yes, you see, that's /exactly/ what I think, too. Dear Lady, you must be very wise indeed to come to such a conclusion.
Host Augie: *Laughs* Well, it's also the job I've been trained for after all, so i'm glad I seem at least somewhat capable. *Settles into a somewhat more serious smile* And I can't help but try and help, I suppose. Even if I might not be able to employ quite the level of theatrics as some others.
Gary: Some others being my illustrious self, perhaps?
Host Augie: Both of you, it seems, though perhaps one more than the other? *shrugs nonchalantly* And I know there are a fair few other of the theatrical sort on board.
Gary: /Both/ of us? *acts offended* Do you dare to assert, madam, that world can contain more than one of me? *moves from offended to horrified*
Host Augie: *Gives him a feigned innocently curious look in return* Well I didn't say they both had to be in the same world at the same time. Surely you've heard about the strange things going on recently?
Gary: Well yes, of course, but the /audacity/ of some other being to emulate me is unheard of!
Host Augie: *manages not to snort and just smiles again* Well I would hardly call it emulation, it's just how it is. I met someone else just yesterday and he was quite like the version I know, without any emulation. *Makes a thinking face* But there were differences too. We can't all be exactly the same, after all.
Gary: *holds up a hand* I don't care, I don't care; if he's like me then it's too much and he has to go.
Host Augie: *Chuckles* Oh but the two of you would make a wonderful team! There wouldn't be anyone who could stay down with /two/ talented people like yourself around, don't you think?
Gary: Unless we canceled each other out!
Host Augie: Couldn't that only happen if you were opposite of each other? If you're both quite similar, wouldn't you only add together?
Gary: I don't know; I never closely studied how the universe works.
Host Augie: Hmm... well, I haven't heard anything about anyone suddenly disappearing yet, have you? *smiles* Maybe there's just more of you to go around this way?
Gary: *eyes widen* Ah, yes of course. I can finally be in two places at once! There is /twice/ the charisma; /of course/.
Host Augie: *Smiles widely* /That's/ the spirit! It can really only get better from here. 200% more charisma is quite a lot, after all.
Gary: Perhaps we will solve all universal problems. Or perhaps we will collapse the universe as we know it. Who knows~?
Host Augie: If it collapses, then at least we can say it was from too much of a good thing, as opposed to some horrible, universe ending apocalypse. *chuckles*
Gary: *points at her* Ah, you /do/ have a point. *wide grin* From now on you may refer to me as Gary, the universe-ending apocalypse.
Host Augie: *Laughs* Very well Gary, the universe-ending apocalypse. May I call you Gary for short, or would you prefer I use your full title?
Gary: Gary will suffice. I admit the official name is a bit cumbersome. *graciously*
Host Augie: *Smiles and nods her head* That is very understanding of you. You may call me Augie. Unfortunately, I have no title, but at least it means no one has to worry about it. *puts on a sad but resolute expression*
Gary: I shall call you Augie the Magnificent. To distinguish from Lieutenant Commander Augie. She has a long title as well, so I'm used to it.
Host Augie: *Actually surprised and can't help but smile* Well, I'd be honored to have that title, thank you very much. *Chuckles* I had no idea the other me had a long title as well, but I think that ours might be better. At least they're more fun to say, I think.
Gary: Indeed. And much less austere, if you ask me. Gary the universe-ending apocalypse just sounds soooo approachable. *grins and waggles his eyebrows*
Host Augie: *Laughs* As does Augie the Magnificent. Both are quite regal, very... sure. *Grins* They just scream to others that we absolutely know what we're doing, and that any and all may come and benefit from our experience and wisdom. *maybe having too much fun with the titles now, but the amusement is infectious*
Gary: Yes, absolutely! That is indeed what my aim was, and I am so pleased that you have ascertained that. *stands* And now, my dear lady Augie the Magnificent, I must bid you adieu; I am afraid I must spread my chaos and charm elsewhere. Perhaps I'll see you later dahling?
Gary: Yes, absolutely! That is indeed what my aim was, and I am so pleased that you have ascertained that. *stands* And now, my dear lady Augie the Magnificent, I must bid you adieu; I am afraid I must spread my chaos and charm elsewhere. Perhaps I'll see you later dahling?
Gary: Then until we meet again, Fair Magnificent Lady. *returns her sweeping bow, showers her with rose petals again, and then sweeps off*
Host Augie: *chuckles and catches some of the rose petals to place next to her drink on the table before lounging back in her chair to continue reading*



IV.
Gyles: *wandering around the halls of the now-merged Lina Sophia, muttering to himself*
Host!Joseph: *coming the other way, humming absently to himself* *doesn't even notice that there's someone coming the other direction*
Gyles: *hey... who the heck is that?* Who... *oh it's alternate Dover* *tries to hide in a doorway*
Host!Joseph: *notes Gyles when he says something* *stops humming* Hey.
Gyles: *drat* Oh... Heyyy.... *drawn out*
Host!Joseph: *blinks a couple times* You know...I don't bite.
Gyles: *mutters quietly under his breath* Yeah, I'm sure... *normally* Uhm... Right... Well... *can't think of what to say*
Host!Joseph: *eyebrow raise* I'm not going to flirt with you, if that's what you're afraid of. *smile*
Gyles: Oh... good... yes, right. *stands up* If you want to do that you'll have to find my alternate version...
Host!Joseph: *laughs* True, true. I'm just wondering why you were trying to hide from me. Am I that scary?
Gyles: Well... after /last/ time...
Host!Joseph: Hey, in my defense that's before we knew about our realities bleeding into one another. I thought you were my universe's Gyles.
Gyles: Yes, well I know that /now/, it's just that we're basically the same person. Well... Aside from a few things.
Host!Joseph: Like the tux.
Gyles: And being able to speak straight.
Host!Joseph: *chuckles* That too. *pause* Hey, now that I think of it, I did want to ask you something.
Gyles: Eh... yes, go ahead.
Host!Joseph: Just going by our last meeting, you know a version of me from your reality. What's he like?
Gyles: Less flamboyant for one thing. *Is that even the right word? Gods dammit Gyles, say what you're actually thinking*
Host!Joseph: *eyebrow raise* Flamboyant? How so, may I ask? *can probably guess, but wants to hear it anyway*
Gyles: Other you... The Dover from my universe, he's a lot more contained, sort of introverted.
Host!Joseph: *nod* I see. No less competent, I hope.
Gyles: That depends, how competent a are you?
Host!Joseph: *a little self-confidently* I did graduate from Starfleet Academy, after all. Believe it or not, we do learn things other than our lovely charm. *wink*
Gyles: Oookay... Well so did the Dover from my universe, so I would say definitely competent.
Host!Joseph: *grins* Next question is, how are we going to get our ships un-merged? I just had what must have been the ultimate "wtf is going on here" moment.
Gyles: Likewise. I for one, do not know how we are to get our ships back to their respective universes. But then again, I'm an engineering ensign.
Host!Joseph: That makes two of us. *taps his one, lonely rank pip* Ensign as well, medical. I don't exactly have much of a brain for physics.
Gyles: Well I assume a starting point would be to analyze the particle reaction from the anomaly...
Host!Joseph: And then...other physicsey stuff. *trails off with a laugh*
Gyles: Hm. I could carry on with technology all day, but I doubt you would understand what I was saying. The same would doubtlessly apply if you were to explain medicine to me.
Host!Joseph: Heh, no doubt. *pause* Believe it or not, I had toyed with the idea of being an engineer, though. It seemed cool, being in charge of a warp engine, the heart of a starship.
Gyles: Ah... about that...
Host!Joseph: You're not the chief engineer, I know. Ensigns usually aren't, unless things /really/ hit the fan.
Gyles: Well /technically/ I'm a provisional Lieutenant for now, and I /did/ spend a short time as chief engineer recently...
Host!Joseph: *eyebrow raise* Oh? What was it like?
Gyles: Oh, it was fine, standard survey mission, and then we were pulled into the future in a post-apocalyptic timeline.
Host!Joseph: Oh...wow. Sound like fun. Not.
Gyles: Aye. Are you familiar with the Hattans?
Host!Joseph: Ah...not really. I'm going to guess that they're not friendly.
Gyles: Not at all, many of us were tortured by them, including your alternate self. The version of you from my universe. *says /almost/ angrily*
Host!Joseph: *silent for a few moments* Try not to take this the wrong way, but...to hear you say it, I kind of hope these Hattans /don't/ exist in my universe. *Really hope.*
Gyles: I hope so too. For your sake. *gloomily*
Host!Joseph: *wants to ask more, but decides that probably wouldn't be a great idea* *places a hand on Gyles's shoulder and squeezes gently* Hey, it can't be all doom and gloom and torture in your universe, yeah? There's gotta be some funny moments.
Gyles: Yes there... *looks down at Host!Josephs hand cautiosly* ...Is. *decides to do nothing*
Host!Joseph: *raises an eyebrow like "Really, Gyles?"* It's not going to do anything else, don't worry. *removes the hand anyway, just in case*
Gyles: I didn't think so, it was just unexpected.
Host!Joseph: Right. *nod* So, what kinds of silly happens in your universe? Aside from finding that Clauncher of yours.
Gyles: Oh... Let's see... One time a nebula thought it would be a good idea to mess with our heads and switch our departments to the ones in which we are worst at...
Gyles: What about yours?
Host!Joseph: *laughs* Oh, that must have been entertaining. *turns to thinking* Well, there was that one time....
Gyles: Yes?
Host!Joseph: Well, me and a couple other crew members got into a bit of a prank war.
Gyles: Oh... Do I even want to know?
Host!Joseph: *chuckles* It's not as bad as you think. Small stuff, you know; getting into each other's replicators and changing their clothes sizes, replacing their coffee with /real/ muddy water, short-sheeting beds...it got gradually worse, though. Finally we all ended up in...more than a little trouble, when Bob beamed a tribble meant for my closet into the First Officer's instead.
Gyles: *winces* Yikes, is your First Officer Loris by any chance?
Host!Joseph: *headshake* No, it's someone else. Gah, I can't remember their name off the top of my head... *needs to work on that*
Gyles: Okay, because if it was then they would have been in much trouble.
Host!Joseph: And they weren't regardless?
Gyles: Not necessarily, I once served under a First Officer who wasn't as hard as some others I've seen
Host!Joseph: Oh? Who was that?
Gyles: Commander Valerian, she seemed tough on the outside, but after a while I saw that she just cared a lot.
Host!Joseph: Well, that's good. That she cared, that is.
Gyles: Indeed it is. But who knows, maybe they all do.
Host!Joseph: *laughs* Well, I'd hope so. I mean, caring about your crew is kind of a bonus if you're the First Officer, for both you and the crew.
Gyles: It may be a prerequisite, but there are other schools of thought.
Host!Joseph: Like "earn your crew's respect by scaring the crap out of them"? *slight smile*
Gyles: I... suppose that's one...
Host!Joseph: One that won't get you very far, at least not in my universe. It's the same in yours...I hope?
Gyles: Ehhh... *waves hand in a "meh" fashion*
Host!Joseph: *gets the drift* Ah. So...how badly has my reality bleeding into yours, ah...creeped you out?
Gyles: Well until I got the message, fairly so. *slight glare*
Host!Joseph: *does the back-of-neck scratch that seems to be the signature of Joseph Dover, regardless of which reality* Ehe, yeah...weird moment for me too, don't feel bad. I hope you weren't /too/ traumatized.
Gyles: I... just don't like the thought of your Starfleet very much.
Host!Joseph: *nod* I...got that impression. It seems our Starfleets are rather...different.
Gyles: *flatly* You don't say.
Host!Joseph: *chuckle* Okay, they /are/ different. Really different. I know what mine does, but what does your Starfleet do?
Gyles: *puffs up his chest in pride* We are explorers, seeking out new worlds and new civilizations, and bravely going where no one has ever gone before!
Host!Joseph: Like department-swapping nebulae?
Gyles: That's... One I guess, but that was really just something we came across on our way to our next assignment.
Host!Joseph: Kind of like meeting up with...us. *means Host!Lina and her crew* One weird week to remember for my side, that's for sure.
Gyles: Yes, you could say that, we were investigating odd formations in this nebula when our universes converged.
Host!Joseph: I see. *nodnod* And, regardless of how fun it is to be sharing the same ship, it's probably not a good thing to be in two universes at once. Rooms shifting from one to the other, for example. *Like today in the mess o__o* And...unexpected roommates.
Gyles: Unexpected roommates... Other me?
Host!Joseph: Possibly. *wink*
Gyles: *sigh* Again with the winking?
Host!Joseph: *laugh* Oh come on, I can't help it! After all, I /am/ quite the charmer~
Gyles: *I guess you are* Hm. Very well, I'll put up with it until our universes are separate.
Host!Joseph: *laughs* I kid, I kid. Well, as far as you know. *rogueish grin, then gently bops Gyles in the arm* And try to relax a bit. You're acting like you've got a cactus stuck up there.
Gyles: I do apologize, this scenario is very strange.
Host!Joseph: Heh, I'll bet.
Gyles: Mostly just the thought of... /your/ Starfleet. You? Not so much. Although it was surprising to say the least.
Host!Joseph: Yeah, I figured. *half-smile* Surprising, eh? Is that the good surprising or the bad surprising?
Gyles: I'll be honest, I thought my universe's Dover was completely insane. And somehow on this ship.
Host!Joseph: Well, that's not the case...the insane part, that is. Not sure if he's on this ship or not, but I haven't seen him around. Anyhoo...*cracks the back of his neck to get out stiffness* I was on my way back to my quarters...or whoever else they belong to right now.
Gyles: Hopefully quarters are universal constant. Mine seem to be which is lucky. *it really is*
Host!Joseph: Yeah, I'll say. *chuckle* Well, see you around?
Gyles: Yes. Maybe.
Host!Joseph: *small smile* Right, later. *heads back in the direction of his quarters with a wave*
Gyles: *musters a wave* All right. Later... Mr. Dover.
Host!Joseph: *nods in respose, smile, and goes back on his way*
Gyles: *keeps walking down the hallway*