truth_is_cold

[Public | Video]

[He is opting for video this time, so the children that aren't human have someone also inhuman around, even if the only sign he's not entirely are the bones coming out his arms. Also, it's strange having to introduce himself again, but a lot of his cheekiness and bastardry is subdued to something more caring at the moment.]

My name is Gaheris Rhade, and I'm one of the adults on board. If you have an emergency, or if you're frightened, please contact someone. In the meantime, what do you like to eat.

Also, if you're an adult, please contact me privately.

[Kitchen Filter | Video]

[And his tone is back to normal.] If anyone is still themselves, please let me know.

[Private to Dylan | Video]

You had better be an adult. [This almost sounds like a threat.]

[Private to Tony Stark | Video]

[He's still a little pissed that Tony occasionally invokes the name of the Ubermensch on people which is kind of awful in his culture. But he remembers Paddy made pizza for the kids last time, and while he can follow a recipe he needs all the help he can get.] I need your help in the kitchen. You remember those pizzas you were referring to before? I require your assistance in making a number of them.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Patronizing is not something Ben is accustomed to in any form - his eyebrows pull together slightly in confusion, but he knows better than to question a superior. If it seems too easy, that must mean there's something else, except...

Except he knows this isn't Manticore, and he knows that maybe it really is that simple, somehow.]

Thank you, sir. [He moves to sit down and that seems to be when he notices the boneblades; hesitating, his eyes narrow warily, but he doesn't really react other than that for a moment.]

[He's been waiting for him to notice. But he doesn't change anything about his behavior.] They're supposed to be there. All of my people have them.

[He has a seat himself, deciding to take a brief break.]

[It's disconcerting, at best; Ben knows this, somehow, though Rhade only just told him. He believes him, and he doesn't feel threatened. Not any more than he usually does, anyway.

Still, he takes another moment before continuing the aborted motion that will take him to sitting down. Once he's made the decision, he seems to settle to it well enough - he looks down at the omelette, sniffing subtly before picking the provided fork up and beginning to investigate it.]

This isn't the normal fare, sir? [Glancing back up, curious.]

No. It's altered from standard and served at a different time of day, however that should not affect its nutritional value simply from having deviated from tradition.

[He folds his hands in front of himself, on the table.]

[Ben considers this for a moment, but despite the claim that he isn't on a timetable for meals, it's probably best to finish up in a timely manner so he goes ahead and takes a bite.

And blinks. And then hurriedly takes another before glancing up at Rhade, and this time he can't smother the smile.]

It's good!

...not that the food isn't normally acceptable, sir. But.

[He smiles a little bit.] Good. I'm glad. [He does notice that he's a lot more vibrant.]

Do you know where you are?

[Ben has turned his attention back to consuming everything on his plate by the time Rhade gets around to questions, but he immediately puts down the fork and gives the inquiry his full, serious attention.]

This facility is called the Barge, sir. I'm here for retraining. [He hesitates, again, then clearly decides to go ahead - there's concern just barely leaking through in his tone.] Am I really the only one from my unit here, sir?

Mostly correct. And yes, you are.

The Barge isn't so much about retraining as you can remain your entire stay here and develop no new skills applicable to everyday life. Its purpose is somewhat more complex, but I will explain that to you later. For now, I would like to introduce you to the library when you're done eating.

Are they... [But despite the fact that he would really like to know, more than any of these other things, there's a line and he's not willing to cross it without knowing more. Besides, maybe he can find out on his own.]

Yes, sir. [He still appears somewhat perplexed, but at least he picks his fork back up.] Are you my sergeant?

I was a commander. But not yours specifically, no. [Which means Ben doesn't have to follow his orders, no.] Who is your sergeant regularly?

[Anyone with a rank is someone Ben has to follow the orders of, normally; it's safest to assume the same to avoid punishment anywhere.]

X5-599 is our unit sergeant; his commander is Colonel Lydecker.

Do you miss 599? [To him, it's a logical question.]

[It's also a dangerous one; Ben glances up but doesn't derail from eating this time, instead balking.]

I haven't seen 599 in a long time, sir.

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