008 | Video | Day 107

[tryingitall]

[Balthazar appears on the screen with lines of static rippling across his upper chest. He looks in good enough health and spirits, at least, but serious.] Hello, Kore. I'll be quick to the point since the communicators are squirrelly these days.

One: I assume we're all avoiding the ocean inasmuch as possible. Are people still fishing, and if so, where? If not, how is that affecting food stores? Anyone in need?

[The image distorts and gets swallowed up in white noise for a moment, a few words cut off.] ---ouple pounds of purslane and dandelion greens and picked another crop of radishes; I'm happy to make trades. I've also caught something that looks like a rabbit with tusks. It's up for grabs, because the hell if I'm going to skin and gut it myself.

Two: Given the way conditions are deteriorating, I'm wondering if we ought to initiate some sort of buddy system. Pairs, trios, small groups to look out for one another?

Comments

Re: Action

[recognize_an_opportunity]

I hadn't thought about the overhunting perspective, either.

[That's another thing to think about. In fact, he's liable to jot it down as an actual note as soon as he's able to.]

There's always fishing, but considering what else seems to be lurking in that water...

Action

[tryingitall]

Yes...fishing is liable to some limitations, as well, of course. My brother says the stocks close to shore seem to be a bit depleted. But that may be partly the monster, as well.

If I thought it was possible, I'd suggest we all get together to kill the thing. If it's edible, we'd have sushi. If not, at least we'd be able to go further into the ocean.

Re: Action

[recognize_an_opportunity]

You have a brother here?

[Interesting, how many of the residents seem to know each other. That can't be coincidence.]

I don't think it's possible to kill it, either. Unfortunately.

Action

[tryingitall]

I have four brothers here. It's not as much fun as you might think. [But he's smiling. Clearly having relatives here isn't bad, either.]

But, no. I'd rather not lose anyone else to the monster, so we'll have to do our best working around it.

Re: Action

[recognize_an_opportunity]

Four? Impressive...

[He raises an eyebrow.]

I'm not sure it would be fun. I'm certainly glad my brother isn't here.

Action

[tryingitall]

Yes, well...there are more where they came from. Papa was a rolling stone, as they say.

[That song's probably from before Meyer's time, but Balthazar amused himself with the joke, at least.] Do you have a large family?

Re: Action

[recognize_an_opportunity]

Not as large as yours, apparently.

[The song is definitely from before his time, but then, most of the cultural references people make are. He's just come to accept that.]

Just my parents and my brother.

Action

[tryingitall]

[He smiles wryly.] Brothers are important. Difficult to understand much of the time, but important.

Re: Action

[recognize_an_opportunity]

Almost always difficult to understand. And generally irritating.

[A laugh.]

Of course, I probably say that because I'm the older brother.

Action

[tryingitall]

I'm one of the youngest, and I think my older siblings do find me irritating. [He sounds a bit proud of this.]

Re: Action

[recognize_an_opportunity]

If they do, that means you're fulfilling your role as little brother well.