eluvio | video; un: kirk

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video; un: kirk

[ Yet another new face to greet the network, and likely not for the first time, it's the face of someone who's clearly bent over backwards to try and figure out where he is and how he got here. To no avail, evidently. He's stranded, pretty much, he's managed to figure that much out.

But that's not even what's the most puzzling about all this. You see, traveling across the galaxy has made him more prone to accept that he can get snatched up, either on purpose or by accident, or even that he might trip over some dimension-breaking wormhole and end up in an alternate reality.

At least this one doesn't have another version of him (so far), so there's that.

But anyway. Onto trying to figure some things out, at least. ]

This is Captain James T. Kirk, of the USS Enterprise. I understand that likely means nothing to most of you, if not everyone, but I'll make it quick: the Enterprise is the flagship of the United Federation of Planets, operated by Starfleet, from the 23rd century, year 2263.

[ He'll skip on explaining the Federation or Starfleet for now. If anyone asks then he'll get into more detail. More pressing matters, though. ]

My ship is here, but my crew is not. Not unless I'm missing something, and if anyone can tell me where should I go to look for them, then I'd appreciate it. I... welcome the help of the Eluvio crew being on board to help me run my ship, [ No he doesn't. ] but I'd much rather have my crew, as you can likely imagine.

[ He sighs quietly, a show of frustration more than anything else. ]

On an unrelated note, would anyone mind taking a couple of hours to explain to me how currency works? I'm not... used to handling it. I'm crap at it too, if we're being completely honest. [ Seriously, does he really have to have a job? Ugh. ]

Other than that... well, I guess we're all stuck here, so I'd like to get to know everyone to some degree. So hit me up and let's chat sometime.

[ There, harmless and vague enough. And with a friendly smile, he leans in to end the feed. ]

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Almost more startling to realise that much.

( It's said with a smile; he orders something like vodka, though it isn't really vodka. He still keeps doing this to himself. The sparkling wine is more familiar; not champagne, he supposes, but ever since that'd been a copyright issue, what was?

(The grapes actually from the region, but hush.)

He watches the menu from his side, mirror image with all its notations and simple descriptions. He flicks his fingers at the holograph; smiling, even while he breathes out in something of a soft laugh. )

There's no exchange to worry about, for what it's worth. I'm used to dealing with currency across countries. That's one simplicity here. You'll only be getting familiar with a singular system of currency. Which, for what it's worth — things here are decently priced, for alcohol.

[ Well, Victor isn't wrong about that. Running into things so similar makes Jim wonder just how they'd have this kind of access to human culture and habits. Could mean there's an Earth in this universe too, a plausible notion considering how many different versions there seem to be out there, but it could also mean something more sinister.

Like they might've been getting visitors from different Earths for a long time now, coming and going long before they ended up here themselves. ]

At least on board this ship, I assume. Who's to say if that'll be the same on any planets we might end up visiting? [ Assuming they will. Jim's so used to exploring different planets that he just jumps to the conclusion that they will too. ] But you're right. It's a start, and it'll definitely help getting used to it.

I'm going to presume it won't be. There's a little too much coincidence if it all is... and a little less of an adventure!

( he laughs, sitting back as their drinks are delivered. ah, economics. not having to juggle a whole world's worth of exchanges is strange. )

Usually, monetary systems are based on some kind of agreed upon base value. No idea what that is here, but as long as it holds steady, I suppose we won't have to worry about inflation.

( he realises this really isn't helpful. it provokes him into another soft chuckle, shaking his head. ah, but he's not the one to really explain half of any of this. )

If it helps, I can show you the math behind my budget for the last month. Being paid regularly to exist is a new experience for me, personally, though it's fairly standard for the employed where I'm from.

Well, I guess that's one way to look at things.

[ To look at all of this, actually. Like they may still worry about their situation while taking it in stride and approaching it like an adventure of sorts. So far it definitely seems to be just that. ]

Inflation— right. [ He did have to study economics at the Academy, since after all some planets out there still use currency, so the terms aren't exactly foreign to him, even if he's never dealt with them on a more practical level. ]

Really? If you wouldn't mind, that might be helpful. [ He tips his head a little as Victor mentions his own personal experiences. ] But you do have currency where you come from. So how do you get money there?

( Victor pulls up his documentation on his wrist comm, sliding it off arm and offering it to Jim for easier viewing. it's similar to a spreadsheet format, tracking inflow and outflow of his credits; he manages to stay above the line of zero, technically at a profit. which doesn't say much here; the most bare necessities are taken care of even if people were frivolous spenders. )

Ah, I'm in a bit of a unique set of circumstances. Being a competitive athlete in Russia means I have a sort of... technical stipend? From my country. Not enough to really live on, but between fees for everything you need in the competitive circuit, and the expense of your coach, it's even less. Most of what I earn — earned... was in winning in competitions or having companies agree to sponsor me during my competitive career.

( it's much more variable and difficult to predict because it relies on him retaining an edge, competing well, and continuing to hold the regard of the companies sponsoring him, along with the merchandising and the interviews and the rest... it's a convoluted sort of existence in ways. here everything's been simplified. )

[ Jim turns his attention to the file instantly, going through the list though more focused on the numbers than the descriptions. Not like he has any business going around prying into what Victor does or doesn't do with his money, but it's good to get a vague idea of what's the average amount he spends on each transaction, and at the end of a week or a month overall. ]

Sounds like an exciting sort of life. [ He offers with a smile as he looks up at Victor. ] What sport did you practice?

( Victor watches his perusal before turning his attention to his drink, then more vaguely, keeping a lazy eye on the bar. He's gotten more and more used to doing that for more than his own whimsy or entertainment. He's not sure it's a skill he's glad to be picking up.

Then again, he supposes it does say something about middling aged dogs picking up new tricks. )

Yes, it is. You travel to some beautiful places that you don't see much of unless you create the time for it, but it's still exciting. ( He chuckles, well amused. The number of people who haven't even recognised his sport as existing... ) Competitive men's singles in figure skating.

[ People can always pick up new skills, and considering their unique situation, it's not all that strange that Victor develops some habits. Jim has gotten very used to always keeping his surroundings in mind, not necessarily expecting a bad situation to pop up but trying his best to be somewhat prepared if it does happen.

Besides, the people around here are weird as hell. More often than not he catches himself watching them out of the corner of his eye too, so. ]

Some jobs do make that easier, don't they? [ Jim smiles; one of the many reasons why he enjoys what he does, himself. Well, back home anyway. ]

Oh— you know Yuuri? [ Now he thinks of it, he's pretty sure the guy had mentioned a Victor when they spoke... right. ] I think he told me you were planning on setting up a rink on board.

( Yuuri's name has an almost immediate effect on Victor; he brightens, eyes widening just a degree. His right hand comes up, to be caught by his left, drink set on the table between his elbows. He's not so aware that he's playing with his ring as he is aware that he's so irrepressibly happy that Yuuri is here; even as he's aware that he never would have decided on this being true on his own. )

I've been his coach for the last eight months or so, back on our world. He's an amazing skater; really, you should see him, once the rink's built. Which should be in another... oh, four weeks from now or so!

[ The shift is noticeable enough to Jim, even if he doesn't know Victor all that well. He says nothing to it, though his eyebrows lift just barely and he smiles as his eyes fall briefly to the ring Victor's idly fiddling with. That's really nice, he thinks. Jim knows what a relief it is to not be alone in a situation like this, and to have someone who's that much closer must feel even better. Despite the circumstances, it's good not to be alone. ]

I look forward to it. [ He nods. ] You guys planning on hosting a show or something? I'm sure a lot of people on board would like to see it.

( Makkachin adjusts himself under the table, drawing Victor's eyes down in a brief glance; it's enough to have him leaning back, reaching out to reassure his dog with a gentle stroke with his foot. Yuuri arriving here in the weeks following his own arrival had been amazing. It's not the norm, from what he sees; but it's possible, to have those you know also be brought on ship. )

Ah, we were considering it, yes. Yuuri has his skates and costume from his short program here already. I'll have to commission most everything. ( he breathes out in a short lived laugh, shaking his head. ) I don't mind, but it proves a point about expenses even in space. Which, as a note, we weren't required to pay for the ice rink. I find that interesting, don't you? I was the only one on board at the time asking about it, and when I approached the proper channels, I was told yes, that's not a problem.

( he's not a majority interest party, and this ship has a technically viable economy. yet Victor was just... basically given a guarantee to an ice skating rink. )

Sounds like this place thought of everything for you.

[ And by everything he apparently does mean everything, even without realizing it— which soon becomes apparent as Victor goes on to explain how he got the space to get set up. Jim looks somewhat surprised at that, especially considering there's such a thing as currency and that a transaction or a deal ought to be expected. A lease at the very least, if he remembers the word correctly. ]

Interesting is one way to put it. A little weird, almost. Isn't it? You'd think that kind of property would have a pretty high value. [ Higher than clothes or food, for sure. ] Not that it's a bad thing for you, though.

( he lets one hand fall back to his glass, fingers tapping against the rim. )

I'll be frank. This kind of generosity is unnerving, considering I'd be hard pressed to find it even on Earth as a world famous figure skating champion. Five time gold medalist, including in the Olympics, and I wouldn't expect anyone to build me an ice rink even if it was significantly subsidized by my sponsors. Here, floorspace is at the highest premium, and yet?

( he lifts his glass, tipping it toward Jim in an exaggerated cheers. )

There's something that's wanted whenever you strive so hard to keep people happy. What it is, or in whose interests, or to what effect?

( he nods his head toward the glass. )

That, I don't know.

[ Jim looks a little more serious as he listens to Victor, nodding as his eyes linger on the surface of his own drink. ]

I get what you mean. We may not have currency back in my world but people still don't just get random floorspace handed to them. You're part of a larger society and you have to contribute somehow. The notion of buying things and property is long behind us but we still don't get things handed to us on a silver platter.

[ They'd run out of space really fast, if that were the case. ]

Well, so long as you don't sign some kind of dubious contract, I guess you can try and see how it goes? At worst you can pull out if they try to get something out of you. [ Though Jim can understand all too well that Victor should be concerned about it. ]

( he lifts his glass, tipping it toward Jim: )

Here's to an optimistic turn of events. That's something worth drinking for, hm?

( because Jim is right, that in theory, Victor can pull out of what he's not even into, and that he has at least not signed any contracts. that he knows of. he's not entered anything verbal, either... that he knows of. )

[ Jim offers a faint smile and nods, lifting up his own glass. ]

I'll drink to that.

[ It's not much, but all things considered, cautiously optimistic is likely the best sort of attitude while stuck here. Victor strikes Jim as the kind of person to not be tricked easily anyway, so he'll likely be careful and not let himself get too comfortable or at ease with any of this, which is a good thing. ]

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