Entry 11: Video

[scentbombed]

[Warden Filter]

It's come to my attention recently that some wardens have been showing a certain bias against certain residents of this Barge, and that this bias is largely racial in nature. Lads, I'm only going to say this once: vampires may be vampires, but they're our vampires, and they're here to be helped, not harassed for what they are. They're particularly not responsible for the crimes of other vampires.

Please keep this in mind. Mr. Dracula is extremely upset about it, and I happen to know he's not the only one.

[She pauses briefly, struggling with something, but then adds:]

Incidentally, to clear up some confusion on the matter: Yes, I'm a werewolf. As far as I know, I'm the only one -- and I would know if I weren't. I'm a strict vegetarian, I've never killed anything bigger than a chicken -- and I've been steering clear of yours, Arkady -- and no, our bites won't and never have turned anyone into a vicious, drooling animal. From what I understand, those who would be have managed it just fine on their own.

[Private to Satsuki]

Apparently, we were paired up during the last flood. I'm reading your file now. Believe me, I will have some questions, so please come by my cabin in... let's give it an hour.

Comments

[scentbombed]

[Angua's face, too, has been growing increasingly stiff and wooden throughout this. Now, she relaxes and smiles gratefully, if wearily.]

That sounds like a very good plan.

[umgekehrt]

I'd buy if we had currency.

[scentbombed]

Much appreciated anyway, Chief.

[umgekehrt]

If that friend of yours stirs up any more trouble with you, as the Count's temporary warden, let me know. [Something about the phrase 'you supernaturals' sort of spoke to him of an attitude of possible future harassment.]

[scentbombed]

Are you taking charge of him? Good. Someone ought to be. [She's just not touching the rest of it.]

[umgekehrt]

No, I'd meant that you seemed to have, Captain. But I'd be happy to if he'd like my help. Mister Braxiatel's left.

[scentbombed]

Oh, I see. I've finally got myself an inmate, too, but I don't mind keeping an eye out... I quite genuinely never thought I'd be saying this, but it seems like the vampires need a little help.

[umgekehrt]

I'll mention to him that I'm free. If he needs anything from a warden he can look me up. Hopefully that'll oblige him to deal with such pleasant company less.

[scentbombed]

All right -- where's my buffer warden?

[umgekehrt]

Hah! At least we get paid.

[scentbombed]

I'm only getting paid my usual wages. Although you'd better believe that I'm going to be applying for a lot of retroactive hazard.

[umgekehrt]

Do that. The admiral can do anything. And much less than 'anything' isn't worth this barge, most days.

[He's been scanning all the other conversations. He's not sure what to say to her, as this kind of conflict never has involved him, but camaraderie he can do.]

[scentbombed]

It wasn't so bad at first, except for Carter being a bit of an ass...

[Private]

You may appreciate the irony of this, but I'm wondering if I should have just stayed in the closet, after all.

[umgekehrt]

[Private]

Iron-? Oh, the Earth thing. [Half of these references would be lost on him if he hadn't spent a few days in the head of an Earther, some breaches back.]

I hadn't realized there was such-- [a grasp for words] -- an undercurrent.

[Angua obviously had. He'd seen anti-Nurail sentiment like this among the Pyanna, knew something about how the Sarvaw had been treated, the Langsarik had their reputations. But this had all gone over his head.]

I don't want it to escalate to taking sides but it's seeming like a matter of principle to them not to just leave the folk they don't like alone.

[Private]

[scentbombed]

It was going all right until Wolf showed up, really. I've noticed... things, here and there, but I'm also used to downplaying that side of myself. Back in Ankh-Morpork, only a few people even know who the Watch werewolf is, and this is exactly why. Exactly why.

Bet you it's only a matter of time before someone figures out the scent bombs. I already told one person, and I'm starting to wonder if I shouldn't have. [But Buffy... surely Buffy will be safe, right?]

[Private]

[umgekehrt]

I'd like to think the population's diverse enough that these few won't escalate to violence.

...wait, this is the barge, so never mind that.

Do you think there's a genuine danger to you, Captain.

[Private]

[scentbombed]

No, no, I'm not expecting any real violence. Where would they get the torches? You can't have a proper werewolf-chase without torches.

The scent bombs are... annoying, and I could live without them, but the worst they do is give me a headache for a few days. I'm probably overestimating, anyway. Too many people have dogs on this ship, and they'd be as miserable as me.

[Private]

[umgekehrt]

I'll keep my ear down just the same, because even that would throw your game when you ought be on it.

The Admiral does well enough steering us into strife, you'd think people wouldn't go try to buy their own personal stock.

[Private]

[scentbombed]

For now, at least, I expect it's going to be a lot of grumbling and whining. I wouldn't worry yet, Chief. This whole thing could go one of two ways, and there's still a chance it will be the other one.

[Private]

[umgekehrt]

Here's hoping.

I'll see you in the pub tonight.

[Private]

[scentbombed]

Gladly.