Page 126: Oh my~

[raistlin34]

hi hi

Beryl is certainly professional, and shows an above average understanding of tact for a Loroi, but she does look like she's struggling to understand what is normal human behavior. I figure that this is, at very least, an opportunity to have more questions that she'll want answered eventually.

Much later...

"Captain Jardin, you specifically stated earlier that 'Human males commonly go for extended periods without... mating encounters,' yet you were clearly aroused when I fell on you before. Are you sure you are well? I told you then to notify us before your health concerns became serious. Will accommodations need to be made?"

Considering Loroi typical tact, I can totally see Beryl asking that without any innuendo.

Jokes aside, I'm sure Jardin is too concerned with immediate survival to have any "physical reaction". As we would be in his place.

[dragoongfa]

Considering Loroi typical tact, I can totally see Beryl asking that without any innuendo.

Jokes aside, I'm sure Jardin is too concerned with immediate survival to have any "physical reaction". As we would be in his place.

In my experience such physical reactions in men peak right after the danger has passed and since the lower head has a mind of its own...

[orion1836]

The outcome, if this page's incident used the conventions of various anime:

Vandread: Lap contact results in superior piloting skills, somehow turning the Highland into a super weapon.

Martian Successor Nadesico: It's not what it looks like!

Knights of Sidonia: Alex tries to grab Beryl in time, but the shuttle's rapidly changing acceleration vector overwhelms its inertial dampers, causing Beryl to fly out of his arms and slam bodily into the bulkhead. The impact either kills or grievously injures her. The bloody sight, combined with the fact that he almost saved her, scars Alex for life.

[Darroth]

I just realized something, if it was Tempo then it would have been on purpose.

If I channel paranoia around the Mizol, I'm not sure it still wasn't a ploy by Tempo to distract Alex from realizing how bad the situation is for the Loroi and how humanity should clearly join the Umiak. Beryl's extreme expression on the previous page was from Tempo mind-whammying (technical Mizol term) her to walk towards the cockpit, knowing that Tempo's direction to Talon to hit it would have knocked Beryl back onto Alex.

I might acknowledge that this may possibly be overly paranoid, but that might be what Tempo wants me to think

Implausible, and there are much simpler explanations like, for example, Beryl taking a few steps towards the cockpit following Talon and then simply loosing balance as Talon punches it unexpectedly.

Although the thought of Tempo taking control of Beryl to run some small dubious experiment of hers does have some appeal. In the same context, take a look at Tempo's glare at Beryl on Page 108 http://www.well-of-souls.com/outsider/outsider108.html when Beryl is about to spill some beans about the Mizols and she cuts her off. Then on Page 110 http://www.well-of-souls.com/outsider/outsider110.html we see Beryl sleeping tight as if knocked out. First thought I had back then was that Tempo had telepathically knocked Beryl out cold, and, to be honest, if I was in Tempo's place (a spy/intelligence officer with his own ideas on how to run things, what to say and what to not say, especially NOT telling Alex that I might be a spy) I would like to make sure my overly friendly, chatty and honest "colleague" doesn't unintentionally compromise me. I would like to believe that being true, but there doesn't seem to be any proof of that.

And then Tempo is suddenly tired on page 112 http://www.well-of-souls.com/outsider/outsider112.html. Tired from using her powers?

[boldilocks]

It's not exactly clear to me if Beryl's falling backwards by accident, or if she's deliberately sitting in his lap as a safety precaution, I assume that could be something you'd do in an emergency?

[Siber]

And then Tempo is suddenly tired...

Well, she just got done explaining that everyone's been working hard after Beryl fell asleep. Occam's razor suggests she's just tired as hell generally and let the brave face drop when the alien wasn't looking her way.

I assume everyone's just being silly, but if they aren't... the chain of events is very long and requires knowing some probably unknowable things if Tempo is trying to orchestrate anything that's happening now. Xanatos himself would call BS.

[novius]

It's not exactly clear to me if Beryl's falling backwards by accident, or if she's deliberately sitting in his lap as a safety precaution, I assume that could be something you'd do in an emergency?

Naaahh.... Beryl's expression is priceless, the right mixture between "whoa!" and "whoops".

By the looks of it, she's even more mindful where she puts her hands - or where she keeps them off from - than Alex himself would ever be.

Yes, I'd peg it to be accidental. And that would tell us that Beryl simply doesn't have the combat reflexes of longterm duty.

Though, makes me wonder if she would even be able to stand up again (even if she sat down voluntarily), even if she wishes so, especially under sustained acceleration. If not, both would have to grin and bear it. But I don't think Beryl would mind, once she gets past the initial embarassment.

And, Beryl has a too sunny disposition to milk that one for one-upping Talon, like "You just got a 'handshake', and I got all over him!" ... or would she?

[Arent]

It's not exactly clear to me if Beryl's falling backwards by accident, or if she's deliberately sitting in his lap as a safety precaution, I assume that could be something you'd do in an emergency?

Naaahh.... Beryl's expression is priceless, the right mixture between "whoa!" and "whoops".

By the looks of it, she's even more mindful where she puts her hands - or where she keeps them off from - than Alex himself would ever be.

Yes, I'd peg it to be accidental. And that would tell us that Beryl simply doesn't have the combat reflexes of longterm duty.

Though, makes me wonder if she would even be able to stand up again (even if she sat down voluntarily), even if she wishes so, especially under sustained acceleration. If not, both would have to grin and bear it. But I don't think Beryl would mind, once she gets past the initial embarassment.

And, Beryl has a too sunny disposition to milk that one for one-upping Talon, like "You just got a 'handshake', and I got all over him!" ... or would she?

Since Beryl is technically 14(?) & Alex is Idontknowhowold, he should probably treat her more like a daughter/child

[novius]

Since Beryl is technically 14(?) & Alex is Idontknowhowold, he should probably treat her more like a daughter/child

It's a bit more complicated than that.

Loroi do mature much faster, and even IRL it was just about two centuries ago that fourteen was not deemed too young to be married away, with all that entails.

Alex may have no idea how young she really is, but her rather carefree attitude and general demeanor might come across as a bit immature to him, especially compared to the other Loroi he met so far.

Though, Alex learning her true chronological age would put up a big "hands off!" sign in his head, despite him actually realizing that he would apply human standards to a nonhuman species, regardless how similar they look to humans.

In addition, it is Beryl's hidden insecurity that others may treat her like a child. She'd definitely not react favourably if Alex would see her as such.

[Arent]

Since Beryl is technically 14(?) & Alex is Idontknowhowold, he should probably treat her more like a daughter/child

It's a bit more complicated than that.

Loroi do mature much faster, and even IRL it was just about two centuries ago that fourteen was not deemed too young to be married away, with all that entails.

Alex may have no idea how young she really is, but her rather carefree attitude and general demeanor might come across as a bit immature to him, especially compared to the other Loroi he met so far.

Though, Alex learning her true chronological age would put up a big "hands off!" sign in his head, despite him actually realizing that he would apply human standards to a nonhuman species, regardless how similar they look to humans.

In addition, it is Beryl's hidden insecurity that others may treat her like a child. She'd definitely not react favourably if Alex would see her as such.

It was just a joke. But I love your in-depth analysis.

[Arioch]

Alex is 19, so that would be a neat trick if he had a 14 year old daughter.

[Dorfington]

Alex is 19, so that would be a neat trick if he had a 14 year old daughter.

Alex is 19?! 0_o

I thought he was in his early twenties?

[orion1836]

Alex is 19, so that would be a neat trick if he had a 14 year old daughter.

Alex is 19?! 0_o

I thought he was in his early twenties?

I would have assumed so too. Officership usually requires a four-year college degree, meaning one would normally be commissioned at 22 or maybe 21 if they had a late-year birthday and entered school a little early.

The US allows individuals to join at 17 with parental permission, so I suppose if you had a wunderkind who got into college at 13 and entered officer training school as soon as they had their degree and were eligible, they could technically be commissioned at 17. That said, it's hard enough commanding middle-aged NCOs in your early twenties, much less as a teenager.

I would guess the TCA has a program with an accelerated two-year degree that is 90% military/professional skills training where you exit as an officer at 19/20.

[icekatze]

hi hi

In Alex's nightmare/flashback, Kirkland does call Alex "The Wunderkind," after all.

If I were to hazard a guess, when the Orgus arrived, the TCA may have accelerated their recruitment process.

Perhaps we will get more flashbacks of Alex's past?

[discord]

well, given his 17 IQ stat he is literally a Genius, university level Engineering course which mere mortals complete in four years, this guy? a single semester.... yes he is scary smart, skipping a few grades? piece of cake.

[novius]

well, given his 17 IQ stat he is literally a Genius, university level Engineering course which mere mortals complete in four years, this guy? a single semester.... yes he is scary smart, skipping a few grades? piece of cake.

Scarily smart? Of course Beryl's nerd vibe would be attracted to someone who can match her word for word...

Now here's another thought: Talon looking over her shoulder - "Everything alright back there?" - and seeing them in their current position or just righting themselves. I could just picture her dry wit in a comment like "Is that a continuation of the humanity greeting ritual you showed me earlier?".

[discord]

"Only while riding on badly driven vehicles."

[orion1836]

Now here's another thought: Talon looking over her shoulder - "Everything alright back there?" - and seeing them in their current position or just righting themselves. I could just picture her dry wit in a comment like "Is that a continuation of the humanity greeting ritual you showed me earlier?".

"Only while riding on badly driven vehicles."

As funny as that would be, the telepathic response sent back by Beryl would be epic.

[inxsi]

Sorry for incoming wall of text.

hi hi

From Beryl's perspective, I wonder if it must seem like Alex is sending her mixed signals. Happy to see her one minute, then reminding her of the unpleasant first meeting the next minute.

My official prediction is that Alex is going to treat holding Beryl steady as a sensible thing to do while under acceleration, given that there aren't any other available chairs in the command deck, regardless of what he's actually thinking privately; and that Beryl is going to continue getting indications that are simultaneously dismissive and friendly.

I'll have to think about the mixed signals - I think she's more annoyed with herself for asking about their first meeting and reminding him of when she was (at least from his view) less friendly and helpful. I think that Beryl (and also Tempo) have some degree of puzzlement (particularly after Alex is showing his language learning, computer, and some tactical skills) - the best way I can explain it is "how can he be so smart while being so dumb." Especially for Beryl with regard to the whole hand-shaking with Talon and letting Talon use his familiar name while Beryl is still having to call him Captain Jardin

Implausible, and there are much simpler explanations like, for example, Beryl taking a few steps towards the cockpit following Talon and then simply loosing balance as Talon punches it unexpectedly.

Although the thought of Tempo taking control of Beryl to run some small dubious experiment of hers does have some appeal. In the same context, take a look at Tempo's glare at Beryl on Page 108 http://www.well-of-souls.com/outsider/outsider108.html when Beryl is about to spill some beans about the Mizols and she cuts her off. Then on Page 110 http://www.well-of-souls.com/outsider/outsider110.html we see Beryl sleeping tight as if knocked out. First thought I had back then was that Tempo had telepathically knocked Beryl out cold, and, to be honest, if I was in Tempo's place (a spy/intelligence officer with his own ideas on how to run things, what to say and what to not say, especially NOT telling Alex that I might be a spy) I would like to make sure my overly friendly, chatty and honest "colleague" doesn't unintentionally compromise me. I would like to believe that being true, but there doesn't seem to be any proof of that.

I did say it was channeling paranoia (and was mostly more for fun) - it probably is just coincidence. I agree that Tempo ordered Beryl to not blurt out that Mizol are also spies - though I don't think Tempo did any mental tricks beyond reminding her that Tempo is her superior in the current chain of command. The whole context also reminds Beryl that Tempo is a Mizol with all that implies (insert Loroi horror stories of angering Mizol here), but that is pretty much unavoidable - Stillstorm rebuking Beryl would have a similar overtone of "do this or I can make it unpleasant for you."

Well, she just got done explaining that everyone's been working hard after Beryl fell asleep. Occam's razor suggests she's just tired as hell generally and let the brave face drop when the alien wasn't looking her way.

I assume everyone's just being silly, but if they aren't... the chain of events is very long and requires knowing some probably unknowable things if Tempo is trying to orchestrate anything that's happening now. Xanatos himself would call BS.

I was being somewhat silly, though I do think it is important to keep in mind that Beryl's interests may not coincide with Alex's interests - she might not be antagonistic to him, but she is not being totally open - for example, omitting the information about her being a spy. I'm also pretty sure that Mozin and the historian construct are unaware (or at least have not been informed by the Loroi) that the Loroi farseer is unable to detect the Umiak fleet and Alex. On the other hand, Alex is not being totally open either - he has not mentioned the other human ships, and imagine the fun if they show up in Seren after all of this only to discover that he is the second human ambassador to arrive

I did not mean to imply that Tempo was aware that the Umiak would be attacking the system they are currently in and did not warn anyone - I am almost certain that she does not rate Alex as that important in the grand scheme of things and it would be an over-complicated plan with not much payoff. My suggestion was more that Tempo was improvising in the moment with the same information that Beryl, Alex, and Talon had about the Umiak attack force.

[entity2636]

I did say it was channeling paranoia (and was mostly more for fun) - it probably is just coincidence. I agree that Tempo ordered Beryl to not blurt out that Mizol are also spies - though I don't think Tempo did any mental tricks beyond reminding her that Tempo is her superior in the current chain of command. The whole context also reminds Beryl that Tempo is a Mizol with all that implies (insert Loroi horror stories of angering Mizol here), but that is pretty much unavoidable - Stillstorm rebuking Beryl would have a similar overtone of "do this or I can make it unpleasant for you."

I know, and I also said that although I would ~like~ to think so, there isn't any proof. Tempo most likely just sanzaied "hush!" to Beryl in that scene, that's all. It's just how I would like to imagine a character who is a mix of a spy/intel guy and femme fatale as in a 'film noire' or an old pulp fiction story. I mean, come on, that is exactly what Tempo is - stunningly beautiful and sexy with all her mannerisms and postures (and she knows that and uses it all to her advantage shamelessly), highly intelligent, well spoken (I imagine her voice also being able to melt hearts and minds), mysterious and intriguing and obviously with her own agenda and, partially because of her rank, extremely dangerous, most people probably don't even realize how dangerous (Admiral Stillstorm certainly does). In a conversation with Tempo I would probably tell her everything and then some Granted, I may be imagining things that aren't there, but if I look at Tempo this way, it just makes her that much more appealing and interesting to me.

I was being somewhat silly, though I do think it is important to keep in mind that Beryl's interests may not coincide with Alex's interests - she might not be antagonistic to him, but she is not being totally open - for example, omitting the information about her being a spy.

You probably meant Tempo not Beryl? Of course she's not open to him and no spy would ever tell a potential enemy agent that he or other people from his service branch may or may not be spies Unless they were looking to recruit double agents or turncoats. The Loroi, being a naturally aggressive, arrogant and supremacist species AND on the receiving end of the war, are extremely paranoid. The Umiak have committed multiple war crimes including very immoral and unethical experiments on the Loroi in the past, therefore they have every reason to be.

I'm also pretty sure that Mozin and the historian construct are unaware (or at least have not been informed by the Loroi) that the Loroi farseer is unable to detect the Umiak fleet and Alex. On the other hand, Alex is not being totally open either - he has not mentioned the other human ships, and imagine the fun if they show up in Seren after all of this only to discover that he is the second human ambassador to arrive

Farseeing is, as far as I understand, the only real strategic advantage the Loroi military has against the Umiak. It's safe to assume that the Umiak navy outnumbers the Loroi at least 5:1, likely 10:1 or more and it is unknown how large the Umiak empire is and what their output is. Farseeing has thus far been the only thing keeping this war in a stalemate as opposed to a total curb stomp. Now when farseeing all of a sudden doesn't work anymore, allowing even rumors to spread about your only advantage not working anymore would be suicide.

About Alex - indeed... Now imagine the fun if the Loroi find humans having contacted the Umiak first...

@Siber - you misunderstood. Inxsi and myself were talking about the theoretical possibility of Tempo playing her "mind games" locally, onboard the shuttle, NOT having orchestrated the whole mess. That would be beyond BS and definitely not in the best interests of the Loroi Union