Log 0020 - [Voice]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

It is with confidence I report that the native species here are generally of a friendlier nature. Their food is tolerable and they are easily persuaded to provide it to strangers.

They seem armed with rudimentary weapons. Theoretically any one of us could launch a successful attack and come away with minimal casualties.

If the need should arise, of course.

Comments

[video]

[routemistress]

[The video shows Iris in selfie mode with her arms around two large, grizzled not-Ewoks. They make grunting noises and one of them keeps making a finger gesture at the camera that causes him and his companion to break into gruff, bearish giggles.

All three are wearing rather crooked flower crowns.]

'Ey, they've got some excellent 'ome-brew and all. And I know you're much too smart to attack 'em. Aren't you, love?

[video]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Scorpius cracks a smile, deeply amused despite his suspicions about that finger gesture]

Fortunately, there is no strategic advantage to an attack.

Are you teaching them poor habits, Iris?

[video]

[routemistress]

They don't 'ave motor vehicles or 'eavy machinery and they already cheat at cards, Scorpy love, I don't know 'ow many bad habits that leaves.

[video]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Hallucinogenic drugs, presumably.

[video]

[routemistress]

Oooh, I 'adn't thought of those! Most rainforests 'ave got some good ones, 'aven't they?

[darknessb4me]

Take that one out of the theoretical category.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Was there anything of value?

[darknessb4me]

Not for you.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

And what about for you?

[darknessb4me]

Oh yes. Very profitable.

[voice]

[walkingmeltdown]

So no cannibals, this time. [Dryly.] I'm thrilled.

[voice]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I think if a creature took a bite out of you, Derek, they'd be in for a significant surprise.

[voice]

[walkingmeltdown]

Why do you think I never worry about insulting Hannibal Lecter?

One of the very few benefits to my current physiology; anything that decides to kill and eat me, is probably getting killed right on back.

[voice]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Like a poisonous cobra. An ingenious evolutionary trait, if there were more than one of you.

[voice]

[walkingmeltdown]

Yes. Good old evolutionary favoritism. Sadly, this will not be a trait getting passed along to the next generation. What a pity.

[Because even if he were up to having another go at parenting - which, ha ha, no - all that radiation he took in in the first place assured that's never happening.]

[pvtparts]

I think that'd take some effort and skill to have a need like that arise.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Not necessarily. And I like to consider all our options, especially when the Barge has been so unstable.

[pvtparts]

I won't fault you for keeping your options open, but do you really see a problem arising with natives like this? They don't seem to be all that aggressive - or at the very least, they haven't adapted to be.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I know. It's appallingly easy to take them over. The only reason no one has is that they're completely isolated from any natural predators.

[velocette]

How did you persuade them?

[Because Scorpius, man, you are a little freaky looking. They must be friendly to overlook that.]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I gave them a gift. They seemed intrigued enough to invite me to stay with them.

[fireincarnate]

They aren't planning to ambush and eat us, as far as I can tell. [Her voice is light and cheerful. She's currently sitting cross-legged in a tree.]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

No, I don't think so. And they're clumsy.

You seem happier.

[fireincarnate]

I am. [She is, to say the least, far more relaxed than she was in the caves.] It's peaceful here. For now, anyway.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I agree; it is extremely peaceful. Does this soothe your mind?