tushanshu | For your kindness I'm in debt to you

[Clark has hardly used the network to make posts as Clark lately, not since he got the radio started... but it wasn't really that he was avoiding it, not really. Investigating about the murders, then the disappearances had simply taken most of his free time, and he hadn't had much to say.

When he turns on the feed he's playing around with what looks like a calligraphy brush between his fingers, tapping the shaft against a very basic notebook.]

The new arrivals made me think of something. [And judging by the notebook, he's trying to make sense of it by himself. Those who actually know him know how fast his brain actually is... but he's always had the Kryptonian technology to back him down, and now he finds it missing.]

We're assigned living space when we get here, right? And we don't really choose it, we're simply given directions to it when we arrive. And we know there are 5 districts, and different kind of suites on each. Some of them are obvious [Hi, Arthur, of course you live in Water] but others aren't. I live in Water, while my wife was given a suite in the Earth sector.

[She didn't spend a single day there but that's beyond the point. You might actually see her on the background, she likes doing that.] And I thought maybe there could be some kind of pattern, something in the way the Kedan organize us in each district and place. It might not be relevant at all but I'd like to give it a try.

So I guess, what I'm asking is: where do you live? Have you noticed something similar between you and your neighbors? I don't know- age? Gender? Abilities? Hobbies? [A shrug] I don't really know what could be relevant. Also, feel free to answer anonymously if you'd rather- or in my inbox, to keep it private? Whichever way you feel comfortable.

And with that done... something completely different. If I'm right, Thanksgiving should be just around the corner... [The sheepish grin of someone who's completely aware that he's indulging himself] So, what are your favorite Thanksgiving day recipes?

[Later: Supercrypted to JLA MEMBERS - From Jor-El's console]

Yes, we are doing something for thanksgiving, in case you were wondering. My question is: where? And how many of you will have to be dragged there?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[No Pattern. Yet she lives on Earth, and Clark was quickly reminded of Lois when he first talked to her as Superman... it really can be a coincidence, can it? Is he grasping at straws?]

I did notice a sudden influx of under-30 people, but I'm pretty sure it's just me subconsciously zeroing in on that.

Some study on the demographics is actually a really good idea, it could be useful- and not only to check for an actual pattern, I'm sure it could come handy in the future. The only problem would be to keep an eye on those who stay and go.

It'd be interesting to have that information. There can't be more than a couple hundred of us, tops. Tiny little army, that's for sure.

And some things are obvious - the disproportionate numbers of humans, for instance. We're trying to do things to help facilitate gathering medical information easier and more quickly, but it's tough to do that when not everyone may be inclined to give honest answers.

[She sighs.] It could be helpful, though.

Maybe it could be started with something simple, something people wouldn't be inclined to lie about. 'What sector do you live in?, perhaps, without mentioning actual address...

We could try it. We'd need someone good with statistics, willing to keep track of all the information. Maybe even a small committee of people, just so if one of them goes home the info wouldn't be completely lost.

I'm not a mathematician, but I'm good at gathering information. If we got someone good enough to work with the numbers I gave them we could have something.

I don't suppose you know anyone like that?

[He hesitates for a second, like he always does when he's about to mention Bruce in passing when he's Clark Kent- then nods. If he doesn't use his name, he should be fine.

Right?] Someone, but I'm not really sure he will be willing to help if he thinks this isn't worthy of his attention. ...Or he might be a step ahead of us and have had this statistics done for months, I never know with him.

Do you?

[If she notices the hesitation, she doesn't make a comment on it. Instead, she simply shrugs a little.]

Not off the top of my head. But you raise a good point - maybe someone has been keeping track of stats already. It might be good to ask around before possibly doing something that's already done.

I guess I could comment on it on the radio, I wouldn't want to bother the network again right after I've made a post already asking questions.

The radio would be good. I think a lot of people use it, and it would let folks come to you on their own terms, rather than making them feel like they need to use the network if they're wary of it.

[He might look the tiniest bit proud at 'a lot of people use it', but he doesn't say anything.]

That's true, even though for now no one has really felt the need to hide where they live. That could change if the questions got a little more personal.

Yeah, I mean offering the option of anonymity and privacy from the start I think helps a lot in building up trust - so if the questions do start getting personal, there's an already-established bond of sorts.

And if we explain the way this information will be used it might get more people to help out as well. I'm sure we're not the only ones who have considered something lie this would be useful.

Exactly. As much transparency as possible - I've found that tends to work more often than not.

Thank you, really. This conversation has been extremely helpful.

Sure, anytime. I want to do whatever I can to help.

For your kindness I'm in debt to you

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