#1 video; @waltz

[enveloped]

[The video starts with a tall, bearded man wearing a tailored suit sitting on the edge of a very executive looking desk in an equally executive looking office.

He smiles before speaking in a low, steady voice, his arms by his sides. Purposely left uncrossed. No fidgeting. He's comfortable in front of a camera, but not without practice.]

To be forcibly removed from our homes, support networks, and everything we’ve ever known is no small matter. For some, the experience can be traumatic. You may struggle with day to day life, or find yourself feeling unsafe in your new home. Holding down a job or making connections with other people can feel difficult, or even impossible, when you're uncertain of your environment and place within it. Everyone copes differently.

Very few of us asked to be here, and it's necessary the city is prepared to deal with the very real problems experienced by its displaced citizens, and accommodate their needs as efficiently and empathetically as possible in order to create and maintain a happy, healthy society. My name is Cameron Waltz, I'm a negotiator and cultural mediator from Earth, and I've been appointed the role of public representative to present our needs to the city council, and ensure our voices are being heard.

I'm looking for feedback on how your life has changed for the better or the worse since your arrival. I'll start with a few questions, none of which you have to answer, but would be very helpful in solidifying the case I'm building.

Please answer as honestly as you're comfortable. Anonymous commentary is allowed on this post, and you're welcome to be as vague or as specific as you'd like, without fear of discrimination.

I greatly appreciate any and all responses. With your help, we can find the holes in the existing social services system and work together to close them.

Thank you for your time.

--text attachment

-Have you felt adequately supported by the city, and its representatives?

-Do you struggle mentally or emotionally with your expatriation on a day to day basis?

-Are there aspects of life in Riverview you find more difficult than others?

-If you’re a minor, or know a minor, have you found the social services offered adequate?

-Are you satisfied or dissatisfied in the career provided for you? Do you find yourself changing jobs often?

-Do you struggle to make ends meet?

-If there's any one thing the city could do to improve your life, what would it be?

Comments

[enveloped]

[Cam does notice the scar. His eyes flick down, then back up to Harry's face. He doesn't know the when or why. With the medical technology in Riverview, that scar could be years old or brand new.

Either way, he's concerned.]

Whatever happened, it wasn't your fault. So much went wrong. No one man can be blamed.

Harry, are you familiar with the term 'survivor's guilt'?

[bestsir]

[ Harry tugs his sleeve back down, trying to do so casually. It doesn't really work. ]

No, but the meaning of it seems rather plain.

[enveloped]

Are you talking to anyone, Harry? About what you've been through?

I've seen some... truly horrific things myself, in my line of work, and keeping those experiences inside of myself was the hardest part, which is why I consider myself lucky to have had coworkers, and other people I could talk to. Maybe not in detail, but enough to release the pain.

[Cam leans forward on his desk, hands clasped together.]

If you'd like, I can try to find you someone. A professional, who wouldn't judge you for the circumstance you found yourself in, or your survival of it.

[bestsir]

I have told one person. A good friend.

[ Harry comes from an era where a man's suffering was done in silence, unacknowledged and un-admitted-to. He is a bit of an anomaly in that more than once he's encouraged others to talk out their problems, but he's not good at following his own advice. Particularly given the details. He still can't believe that Alex didn't run away screaming. ]

...What do you mean, "professional"?

[enveloped]

A therapist, or counsellor, someone who is trained to listen, offer advice and support you in your recovery.

[Cam refills Harry's mug with tea, topping up his own. Their drinks got cold, and he doesn't want to place too much attention on Harry.]

I have some experience, given my occupation-- I interpreted for therapists, and I was placed in communities to facilitate treatment, but I'm not sure I have the... disposition to offer anything more than an ear.

I can, however, use my resources to find someone who can.

[bestsir]

[ Ah. Harry is aware of the existence of such people; he's heard allusions in the hospital, he realises. But it never really occurred to him to avail himself of those services.

Not least because, well. Whatever Cameron may say about not being judged... ]

I am not sure if I can—

[ A pause, then, quietly, staring down at his hands: ]

I am—was—a suicide. And circumstances around that may have made me a murderer as well.