And we're all adrift together through the cold mist, 'til we're lifeless together

[dokkalfheimr]

[The preparations hit differently this time.

Last weekend was at least an attempt at being festive, even with the light supplies they have; at being joyous, at giving people at least one nice thing to look back upon before things inevitably took a turn for the worse. And now two people are dead, and instead of trying to figure out structure placement and how best to keep everyone entertained and occupied and well-fed, the preparations now are given to much more practical purposes.

Large amounts of bottled water from the machine. Bagels and bread and muffins, light starchy things to avoid forcing anyone to keep meat or seafood down after seeing a corpse. Fruit for the sake of providing energy. Avoiding including bananas for any reason. Quietly pulling aside one of the first people she sees with any experience in the matter and asking them to help her make tea.

Once she's got one of the tables at the party zone set up and the tea is on its way to being prepared, she'll set around letting people know; the invitations are simple, written in Freyja's broad, elegant handwriting:

I think another gathering tonight would be beneficial. Not to celebrate, but to remember; perhaps more importantly, to ensure that no one is alone if they don't want to be.

Tonight is hard. There is nothing further to do but get through it.]

Comments

[ltcommandroid]

Of course. I have been to many funerals. If that is what this is...?

[He doesn't seem to be judging one way or another. Just - you know, he knows about gatherings to mourn losses.]

[dokkalfheimr]

...I suppose it's something like that. Not put into so many words, but it serves the same purpose.

[ltcommandroid]

[Data nods.]

Then it is only appropriate that I come to pay my respects. I knew them just as well as anyone else here, I imagine.

[And if there was some extra sense of kinship, perhaps, between himself and Shard...well, he doesn't mention it.]

[dokkalfheimr]

I see.

[Yeah, that was. Awkward, wasn't it.]

You're a very kind individual, regardless.

[ltcommandroid]

...thank you.

[It's possible to behave kindly even if you don't really feel kind, yeah?]

I am not very good with highly emotional situations, but I would like to be as supportive to everyone here as possible.

[dokkalfheimr]

[Kindness is a function of ethics and morals, not emotions.]

I'm glad to hear it. I find it likely that we may...need to do this again before long. If you would like to assist with any preparations, I would gladly accept such a thing, but there is no obligation and simply attending is enough.

[ltcommandroid]

I...find that likely as well.

[Once one person has done it, after all, it will seem easier. Even if it was an accident. Data would like to believe otherwise, but...well, that would be a terribly human thing to do.]

Of course. I would be happy to assist. I am not entirely unfamiliar with planning such events.

[dokkalfheimr]

...That's terribly unfortunate, but the help is certainly appreciated.

[...Yeah.]

I knew this would occur eventually, but I admit I had hoped it would not be so soon.

[ltcommandroid]

I had, as well. I knew that, if we remained trapped here for an extended period of time, it would become likely. But it does not seem to me that we have been here long at all.

[And of course it was an accident, and we don't know what Carmen's intentions may have been, so part of that holds true. But still.]

I am concerned that it will seem easier, now that it has happened once.

[dokkalfheimr]

Likewise. Once the bloodshed starts, it's very difficult to stop.

I'm..."concerned" is a good word for it, honestly.

[ltcommandroid]

[Hm. Data is silent for a moment, seemingly taking that in. He does sometimes use words that would seem to imply emotion; even if he can't really feel them, he supposes he is...not quite sure how else he would quantify what he does experience. He thinks it likely, and also that it will be bad? Overly wordy.

(What if Shard was right, and he is ignoring things that matter? But then, that's rather concerning all on its own.)]

I will cease sleeping and begin nightly patrols instead. Perhaps that will help. [...] Had I known that Shard was doing so, I might have joined him.

[He really should have.]

[dokkalfheimr]

That may put you at risk, then, mightn't it?

[Like, she isn't arguing the point too hard, but...]

[ltcommandroid]

It might. But I am frequently at risk. Starfleet can be a dangerous profession, especially on an exploratory mission.

[So like, it's fine!]

[dokkalfheimr]

Even so. It would be a shame to lose you.

[Just saying.]

Do as you see fit. Just remain cautious.

[ltcommandroid]

I am the best choice. I will not be startled - [like Shard was, he doesn't bother saying] - and I am more difficult to kill than an organic being.

But I do appreciate your concern. [He seems quite earnest about that!] Of course, I will be cautious.