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vikingly (vikingly) wrote in marinanova,
@ 2013-10-21 18:55:00

Entry tags:

:class, :mingle, artemis crock, eric northman, kitty pryde (aoa), lacus clyne, lelouch vi britannia, piter de vries, saetan sadiablo, sam winchester, sookie stackhouse, tieria erde, yuuki kuran, zero kiryuu

Day 242 | Criminology Class Mingle
[ ooc: A little forward dated so that this is an early evening edition of class in keeping with Eric's hours. Treat this as a mingle. Notifs are off so if you want to speak with Eric directly tag into one of his threads. I'll make him available for chit chat after class and for a Q&A]

[ Eric steps up in front of the class. He’s dressed in a grey pinstriped suit and black shirt. The collar of the shirt is open at the neck. It’s something he’d wear for one of Nan’s PR campaigns, and truthfully this feels much like one of those, with one exception: he doesn’t intend to pander to anyone. He’d gotten the impression Spencer wanted the truth, and he intends to give it to these people as well. When he’d begun discussing vampire psychology with Spencer Reid a couple of weeks ago, he’d never expected it to turn into a class. The idea of it amused him, as did the idea that he could be honest about things rather than read a script and smile charmingly until someone yelled cut. He looked out to the crowd, picking out the faces he knew then put on that oh-so-charming smile.]

Some of you know me, but I’ll introduce myself for those that don’t. I’m Eric Northman. I run the Blood Shack here in the dome and I’m a thousand year old vampire. [ Never let it said that Eric doesn’t like to be dramatic. His fangs descend at the last bit and he grins, letting everyone get a good look at them. Seconds later the fangs are gone and the charming smile is back. ]

I’m here today because Mr. Reid requested that I talk a little bit about vampire psychology. Apparently this is a topic of discussion among the Defense Force. I’d like to set some misconceptions right. I suppose, first and foremost, I should acknowledge that the bulk of my knowledge deals with vampires in my world. I realize there are different types of vampires here in the dome and there is the possibility of the psychology, as well as “the rules” [ yes, he did use air quotes] varying. That being said, I’m going to jump right in.

I believe the most interesting question Mr. Reid and I discussed that day was whether vampires could be held to the same lawful standards as human, from a psychological point of view. The simple answer is yes. As you will be able to see in a demonstration I’ll conduct in a moment, I do not turn into a raving monster around blood. I do not lose control and I don’t slaughter willy nilly. [ There’s a smirk, a look of amusement. Sookie might’ve helped him with this lecture. Willy nilly was her contribution. ]

We discussed the idea that humans are cattle to vampires and just as a human would not be held responsible for the slaughter of a cow, we should not be held responsible for the slaughter of a human. While that idea isn’t entirely wrong, [ He pauses, as if considering his next comment ] many of you are cattle as far as many of us are concerned—that idea is flawed. I’ve actual experience with actual cattle from my days as a human and I’ve yet to see cattle redeem their entire races with one action as I’ve seen the occasional humans do. Humans are capable of much more than they generally accomplish. Cattle are not.

[ He looks directly out to the crowd. ] You are food, but a few of you have the ability to be so much more. Enough about you, on to more about vampires. [ He dismisses the subject with a wave of his hand. ] People forget that vampires were human once. I had a wife, I had children, I had parents and subjects and friends and enemies. [ So yes, for any of you wondering, he is a king, or was at one point] Because we were once human, we’re like humans in some ways. There are vampires who enjoy the arts, those that enjoy being social [ He’s thinking of Caroline here ] and those of us that enjoy mayhem and murder. Yes, being a vampire does allow you to get in touch with the mayhem and murder side of things. Blood is intoxicating in a way that alcohol wishes it could be. A flood of blood is enough to make one practically giddy and to be honest, I spent my younger days knee deep in it. However, I was fortunate to have a maker that instilled humanity in me and showed me the benefit of controlling my urges. Humans are brilliant inventors. The world has come a very long way since I was human, and I’d like to enjoy those advances. Controlling my urges allows me the ability to do just that. Are there days I’d still like to kill everyone in the room? [ A smirk, a glance about the crowd and a wink]

Of course.

In short, yes, we can control ourselves and yes, control generally comes with age, but there are some of us born with extraordinary control. I need approximately two pints of blood a day. Anything more is just gluttony.

All of that being said, vampires shouldn’t be governed by humans. In my world, we have the Authority of which I happen to be a Chancellor. We deal with vampires who get out of control, lay down a series of guidelines and provide a chain of authority for vampires. We’ve got the ‘muscle’ so to speak to enforce the guidelines. Humans simply don’t have that, nor do humans garner enough respect from the vampires to enforce anything. After all, you’d hardly take orders from your hamburger. [ By the grin on his face, it’s meant to be a joke. ]

Now, I did promise you a demonstration. Once that’s over I’ll open the floor for questions. Don’t bother asking how to kill me because I won’t answer those.

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fields_of_hope
2013-10-21 08:12 pm UTC (link)

[Lacus isn't accustomed to hiding her intentions, but today she did. She stayed in a far corner of the lecture hall, silent and unassuming. After class, she approaches the instructor, feeling somewhat confident that he won't harm her... if a little wary. The bite marks Spike left on her neck are nearly healed, but for someone searching they would still be visible. And obviously she has no way to tell if a vampire can tell a human has been bitten by some means other than visual.]

[She is wearing a rosary around her neck, which may also hint at her previous encounter with a vampire.]

Pardon me, I hope you won't mind another question. I was wondering if a human finds themselves hunted unwillingly by a vampire, if there's any way to protect themselves. I suspect not, but I thought it prudent to ask.

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vikingly
2013-10-21 09:54 pm UTC (link)

Of course not. [ He turns his attention to Lacus. He wouldn't have thought twice about the rosary except that he'd had the conversation with Spike a few days ago at 'therapy' about crucifixes. They don't work on him, but he knows they do on Spike. He paused, giving her question some thought. ]

You ought to let someone know. Someone who can deal with the problem appropriately.

[ A bite as old as hers, there's no way other then looking. He does give her neck some examination though upon making the connection with the rosary. Somebody has been a bad boy, although he doesn't know that it's Spike. For all he knows, there are several vampires in the dome affected by crucifixes. ]

The vampire's attention would have to be re-directed. You can attempt to keep yourself safe by traveling in groups, not inviting people in and the like. However, I do suggest you talk to the Defense Force.

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fields_of_hope
2013-10-21 10:12 pm UTC (link)

[The Defense Force -- she smiles ruefully.] You were not here when the Defense Force nearly made a policy to force vampires to register simply for being who they are. Although I may not expect that to happen now, I wouldn't feel comfortable telling the Defense Force, no matter how I may trust some individual members, as I have a very personal objection to that mentality or any like it.

I would much rather be in danger than be responsible for any manner of witch-hunt, if you'll pardon the crude term, or panic.

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	vikingly 2013-10-21 10:24 pm UTC (link)
	No, I was not around for that, but I do appreciate you informing me of such. [ He hesitates a moment. ] You could tell me. I could attempt to take care of it. If I can't, I'll let you know. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fields_of_hope
2013-10-21 10:52 pm UTC (link)

The one responsible has said if I don't show myself in front of them, I'll be spared. I can't say I trust their word, but that I am not dead makes me think they would risk more killing me than would be worthwhile. My sending someone after them might not be the wisest course of action.

[She smiles up at him, however.] I thank you for the kind offer nonetheless. And I apologize if I seem a bit afraid of you. It's not your imagination.

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	vikingly 2013-10-21 11:07 pm UTC (link)
	[ Eric nods. ] You're welcome and I'm sorry I couldn't help more. Should you change your mind, let me know. [ He chuckles a little at that. ] While I appreciate your apology, I understand. I've gotten quite used to being the scariest thing in the room. However, I assure you, I've got no reason to harm you. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	fields_of_hope 2013-10-21 11:12 pm UTC (link)
	Neither did the one who attacked me. Your point, however, is well taken. [She doesn't relax entirely, though her demeanor hasn't been exactly what any casual observer would call tense to begin with.] Do you mind my asking if it was difficult to transition from human to vampire? I find myself curious. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

vikingly
2013-10-21 11:52 pm UTC (link)

Of course not. [ He hesitates. ] It was a very long ago and I was fortunate to have a very good maker. My family had been killed by a vampire. I was seeking revenge and I suppose word of it spread. I was approached by my maker and given the opportunity for a revenge that I would never have otherwise been capable of. I chose to become a vampire. I suppose the hardest part of the transition was the absence of the sun. At one time I had loved the sun. It meant life. Not being able to step out in it was an adjustment.

[ He pauses a moment. ] I was turned during a very simple time. It wasn't hard to be a vampire. However, as the world changed, I had to learn to change and that was difficult. I also had to become accustomed to the idea that I was not in charge. My maker held that honor. However, I've never regretted my decision. I love what I am, who I am.

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fields_of_hope
2013-10-22 05:00 pm UTC (link)

[Lacus listens attentively and nods occasionally.] Then, I am glad for you. Everyone should be who they wish to be.

I know a little of what you mean, with regards to the sun. I was born on a space colony, everything artificial from the light to the weather to the landscape. Once I saw a true sunrise on Earth for the first time, I truly understood what I had been living without. I realize it's not entirely the same, of course.

It must be quite an experience to be so long-lived in an ever-changing world. [Her tone softens, as if realizing something she hadn't before.]

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vikingly
2013-10-24 03:36 pm UTC (link)

Really? [ That's interesting to Eric. ] In my world, that is still science fiction. [ No, it's not the same thing. He can see the sun here. The temptation is dangled in front of him every day. However, it's still an interesting experience to possess. ]

Indeed. In some aspects, one is never bored because one must always be adapting. In others, everything gets old.

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	fields_of_hope 2013-10-28 12:37 pm UTC (link)
	[She smiles, a little easier.] And in my world, vampires are science fiction. We have something to learn from each other, I think. I was hoping to make a simulator to imitate space travel, but this place is rife with distractions and delays. (Reply to this) (Parent)

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