CUDDLR

[neutronium]

Hux(34) I'm not interested in your bleeding hearts. If you're under the age of 25, click X. I enjoy people who are competent and actually know how to do their jobs, and do them well. Also, leather.

✓.✕

YES
<span style="font-family: times; font-size:40px; color:#2EB82E;">✓</span>


NO
<span style="font-family: times; font-size:40px; color:#CC0000;">✕</span>

Comments

[neutronium]

[Hux opens the door promptly, dressed in a pair of black slacks and a simple red button down, the sleeves rolled up. This is 'casual' for him, towards someone other than Ren. His hair is slicked back, and he gives Spock a quick discerning once over, and then a small smile and a nod, gesturing for him to come in.]

The caf will be ready in a moment. Please come in, and take a seat. I'm glad to see you are prompt, as well.

[mindmeld]

[ Spock returns the nod, stepping past Hux and venturing further into the house. After his trip with Vex, Spock had acquired more clothing, preferring to stick with black and somber tones, and that night he was dressed in black slacks and a dark blue button down. ]

It is practical to be on time, neither early nor late. Make efficient use of time.

[ The amount of red in the room is a little over-dramatic in Spock's opinion, but it is not terrible. He settles on the couch, crossing his legs at the knee. ]

[neutronium]

It is, yes. I tend to be early, myself. But I also tend to have many things to do, so multi-tasking ensures that no time is ever truly wasted.

[Hux moves to get them both cups of coffee, black, before moving the couch as well, offering the cup to Spock. It isn't a mug like many like, but a proper cup.]

So tell me, Spock. I do not think we ever fully discussed what it is you do.

[mindmeld]

[ An individual who understands the concept of staying busy and still arriving early. A most logical attitude that Spock did not expect to find in the city. ] Indeed, it is useful to make the most of the time one has and maximize efficiency.

[ Spock accepts the cup, curling his fingers around it. ]

In my universe, I am science officer and first officer of a star ship. My people, along with many other worlds, have joined together to explore our galaxy.

[neutronium]

It helps in my line of duty here, and what I do in my own work at home.

[Hux listens, taking a sip from his coffee. His back is straight, at attention as he almost always his. He relaxes around (rarely) no one.]

Ah, so another person who traverses the stars. It is good to know that we aren't so alone in the space here. And a first officer--excellent position, at such a young age.

[mindmeld]

What is it you do, both here and at home?

[ Spock never feels uncomfortable or out of place around his crew mates on theEnterprise, because that would be admitting to feeling, he knows that his regulation stance and his formal attitude is often considered odd. He appreciates a human who likewise finds it easier to sit at attention and appear alert. He straightens just slightly, correcting his already near-perfect posture. ]

I have found other individuals who are from the stars, including others from my world. The city draws from a vast quantity of worlds.

[neutronium]

Here, I am a member of the police department. I find it truly enjoyable--if somewhat banal.

[It just isn't as interesting as it could be. But--]

At home, I am the General in a military order. We are trying to bring peace to the Galaxy, which is currently in chaos.

[He sees Spock's slight change in posture and smiles inwardly, liking it a great deal.]

It does. I find many who don't understand the magnitude of what I am trying to attempt. Some live such small lives. But--I suppose we can not blame them for how they exist. They have had no other chance to live in another way.

[mindmeld]

Banal or not, it is a way to keep busy. I have picked up two positions that lack the higher order tasks I am used to performing, but are acceptable nonetheless.

[ Ah, what a worthy goal. Starfleet might not be instructed to bring peace, but they are a peacekeeping mission. His expression does not alter, but he projects approval. ]

A worthwhile goal, as peace is important. Tell me, how do you accomplish this? The galaxy I am from is not entirely at peace and we continue to strive.

[ And exchanging advice is always beneficial. ]

Does your world not provide opportunities for citizens to achieve a fulfilling life? Or is it simply that you are referring to those who settle for living average lives and do not attempt to fulfill their potential?

[neutronium]

Have you considered the force? It is a way to help bring peace and order to this place--often it seems we do nothing, but sometimes we are necessary. It is good, that we exist; it would be good to have you, as well.

[A tiny little glimmer of a smile pulls at his lips.]

Thank you. We are currently struggling against terrorists that fight us at our every turn. They are left over from a Republic that squandered money--they used it on themselves why they let whole Systems starve. But structures such as that never go quietly.

[Hux knows he has killed millions. But it is to save billions. He genuinely believes that.]

It depends on the world, the System. Each is not created equal. But yes, I am referring to those who settle for living average lives.

[mindmeld]

The force? I have heard brief mentions of it, but I am still lacking in enough detail to truly understand this force of which you speak. However, my intent is to return to my world and work toward helping my people and the organization with which I am affiliated.

[ Though the possibility of experiencing something that his world lacks is definitely intriguing to Spock. He enjoys learning far too much. ]

To squander resources and refuse to help others is abhorrent. While many places in my universe struggle, we are working toward creating equality and ensuring that everyone has enough. [ Though it does not always work as such. ] There are many people for whom an average life is the best they can manage. It is through no fault of their own, but an example of their abilities. Though I do find many such individuals to be rather focused on banal matters.

[neutronium]

I don't fully understand it myself, in truth; I don't truly like it, but my comrade is well versed in it. It serves it's purpose, when necessary.

[As much as he is loath to admit.]

Working to help your organization is important--so many people don't understand that, these days, I think.

[He listens, happy that Spock can understand.]

I believe that some will always have more than others; it is hard to avoid that. But that does not mean that others must starve and suffer. People can have enough, and pull themselves up for more. It is important that all can survive.

[He purses his lips, and, well.]

I agree with your assessment. We can not ask more than people are capable of. It is merely frustrating to see those who have capabilities, waste them.

[mindmeld]

There are many times when that which we dislike is useful. I dislike the idea of illogical actions, not fitting into a systemic pattern, and the concept of lying. Both have served a purpose, however.

[ Lying outright will never rest easy on his shoulders, but he can see the use for lies. ]

Many do not, and many apply the actions of one or two individuals to the entire organization, when that is not the case, and have certain distrust for them. It is unfortunately.

Is it often that such capabilities are wasted in your world?

[ It had not been a thing on Vulcan, wasting capabilities. Interests and capabilities were assessed early and often, and children went in the path that best suited them, though they all had a well-rounded education.

Humans were much more inefficient, however. ]

[neutronium]

I would agree with all of that. I despise emotional responses, illogical things--but they can all be used to work with [manipulate] people. Necessary evils.

[He sips on his coffee, tilting his head.]

Not in my organization--I see to it. Everyone finds their place and it suits them. But outside my organization...there is such waste. It is why we hope to bring more into our group. To help them find proper places.

[mindmeld]

I would not go so far as to despise such responses. [ Vulcans do not despise much. ] But they have little place in specific processes, though humans do not realize that.

[ Spock sets his coffee down, settling his hands on his knees. ]

Is that part of why you are here, to bring more individuals into your group and ensure their success?

[neutronium]

I'm human; I realize that. Do not generalize.

[He gives a little gesture.]

It's more complicated than that, but yes, I am hoping what I gain here will bring more people to us.

[mindmeld]

It is a rare human who realizes such. [ He knows better than to generalize, though he still tends to sweep humanity into one great group. ]

An admirable goal. Shall we work on fulfillment, as it will prove beneficial to us both.

[neutronium]

I would never disagree with that statement.

[Hux knows he is a very rare breed.]

Yes, of course.

[He tilts his head, watching.]

The question is what you would be most comfortable with doing.

[mindmeld]

As we are currently only vaguely acquainted, I would refrain from coitus. [ While sex can be unemotional, Spock still prefers something of a connection. Or at least another date. ] Nor am I inclined to indulge in that quaint human concept of cuddling. Holding hands is acceptable, or another option if you have preferences.

[ Hand holding might be intimate to Vulcans, but Hux need not know how intimate. ]

[neutronium]

I don't have sex with those I don't trust, anyways. [Unless certain qualifications are met.]

But yes, hand holding is fine. It's something I prefer as well.

[Hux puts out his hand, palm up, nodding.]

[mindmeld]

[ Spock will probably not meet those qualifications. ]

Vulcans are touch telepaths, but we maintain strict shields to keep from reading or projecting thoughts and emotions inappropriately. It is still preferable to many other forms of intimacy here. [ After providing his warning, Spock extends his hand, placing it in Hux's and curling his fingers around the other's. ]

[neutronium]

[Hux listens, and gives a slight tilt of his head.]

I would prefer that you not read my thoughts; my own...associate here is known to probe without questioning.

It serves purposes, but it is--disconcerting.

[He flinches almost when Spock touches his hand, but doesn't feel anything in his mind, so he grasps back.]

[mindmeld]

I would not read thoughts, not without an express invitation. [ Or a dire situation, but that is not something Hux needs to be aware of, as a dire situation is unlikely to happen in Eudio. ] And the same magics that the city uses to gather energy provide mental shields, as to not violate consent.

[ If it is awkward to sit there, holding hands with an individual with whom he barely knows, Spock's expression does not reveal it. And he deliberately does not probe, looking for emotions of thoughts, and makes sure to guard his own thoughts. ]

[neutronium]

That is good to hear; I just wanted to explain.

[Hux lets out a breath, and laces their fingers together, settling. He doesn't hold hands much, either; it shouldn't be this awkward.]

It would be helpful, to be able to read people's thoughts--but I have found I can do it without any special abilities.

[mindmeld]

[ In some ways, engaging in sexual intercourse might have been the better option, because at least that is physical and does not encounter the same awkwardness that comes with something as simple as holding hands. But it is working toward a goal and thus is acceptable. ]

I have found it useful on a number of occasions, including when a man I regarded as mentor died, as it allows one to see beyond the scope of their mind, but it is not always necessary to use such a skill. You have learned to read individuals and understand them that way?

[neutronium]

[They are both not the most affectionate people. Some things will always be awkward for them.]

I am sorry to hear about your mentor. The man I have always looked up to died a few years before I was born; but his writings and life have always helped me.

But yes; in my world there are people who can read minds as well, and I've had to learn to create mental walls to protect myself from such intrusion--but I have always made it a goal to read people both in face and voice, to determine their true intentions.