001: video. un: MagicMan

[immeasurably]

[ Settled into a corner of one of the smaller cafes that dot the Entertainment District, David sips on a mug of something warm and fragrant as he works on gathering his thoughts. He’s still wearing Cassian’s jacket, which he’s yet to return, but otherwise seems to be in good spirits despite a small lizard-like creature doing its best to gnaw on his fingers. ]

So, I figure this might be a shot in the dark — or maybe I’m better off looking around the Station — but I was wondering if there was any information available on the local celestial bodies, constellations, charts, that kind of thing.

It’s been awhile since I studied.

[ Years, honestly, but anything has got to be better than sitting around at the starter housing, twiddling his thumbs and waiting for inspiration to strike. That and there was a lot to be learned from things like this, from the names and the stories people spun around their stars and planets. ]

Don’t want to get rusty.

Comments

[immeasurably]

[ Rubbing at his chin, David's expression turns thoughtful. ] I guess I could always try, though you're not wrong and I'd probably need access to the proper tools.

A friend tells me the Institute is worth looking into so maybe I'll try that first and then look into alternatives. [ He definitely intends to take another trip around the Observation Deck if possible, see if someone might not be able to offer him some insight.

Then his gaze drops to the small reptile, brows lifting. ] Some kind of lizard. There are a few of them here but this little guy seems determined to get his fifteen minutes of fame. [ Leaning forward, David carefully moves to pluck the little fellow from his hand, holding it up to the camera to be inspected. ]

[inaurare]

Well that depends on whether you want charts professionally done or not. Or if you are just looking for something to occupy yourself with. Though I'm sure it will do one little harm to know how the constellations are laid and what they are truly called...!

[a light chuckle at the creature as it is held up.]

He's quite handsome. Perhaps he wishes you to make a pet out of him?

[immeasurably]

Good point. [ David rubs at his chin, expression turning thoughtful. ] Right now I guess it comes down to what's more important: making bank or keeping busy.

[ And, if he's lucky, finding a solution that allows him to do both. ]

Isn't he? [ The lizard seems unconcerned with its sudden network debut, though David sets it down again after a moment before it can become uncomfortable. ] There's a bunch of them here. I think it might be some kind of thing for them.

[inaurare]

[that thing could perhaps be an infestation...? But Linneus will withhold his judgement]

Perhaps it is the heat they are attracted to? Or something in your home.

Were you knowledgable about the stars of your world, then?

[immeasurably]

[ It's possible, though they're treated with the kind of indulgence that suggest they are at least tolerated if not exactly wanted. ]

— oh, I'm not at my place. [ This might clear up the confusion a little, at least insofar as the "them" he'd been referring to. ] I'm at one of the cafés.

[ He rubs at his chin, ] Yeah, I guess you could say that. My dad taught me what he knew and then I took it further.

[inaurare]

Oh you're not...? I didn't realise.

[of course, Linneus understands their devices are portable. But he never considered making posts or comments away from home...! It's strange they might have these creatures at a cafe, though. Perhaps they are more like stray dogs or cats...]

You were able to learn from you're father's passions, then? That's wonderful. And now you're able to go to the stars, not just watch them!

[immeasurably]

Yeah, I needed an excuse to get out and figured I might as well kill two birds with one stone.

[ Eventually he really has to ask Cassandra about her map app. Something like that would be useful for any budding explorer, even if the Olympians have been nothing if not accommodating so far.

David musters a smile that's only a little shaky at the edges when they get onto his father. It would be awhile (if ever) before he managed to set aside his grief, there. ]

Yeah, we lived out in the country. Less light pollution. Sometimes he'd take me out and show me some of the constellations.

[inaurare]

And now perhaps you find yourself with a pet you never expected!

[he is joking, of course - and not anyone would happily take any lizard as a pet - but he is trying to lighten the mood, little so much as he can]

That sounds lovely. My master's son and I, when we were young, we used to climb up to the roof and watch the stars, too.

Different stars, perhaps.

[immeasurably]

[ It's not even that he has an issue with the idea — anything is better than a dog, even if a dog is the default choice for most people — so much as he has no idea what the policy of pets in their starter housing is like. What his roommate will think of it.

Still, it prompts a smile, wide and bright and amused. David's is a face that seems to be made for smiling. ]

Maybe, but every star has its story and every story is worth hearing.

[inaurare]

This is true. I think there is a romance in that way of thinking.

[a little shake of his head, almost shy]

But I have always enjoyed my stars and my stories.

[immeasurably]

Guess so. [ A verbal shrug; he'd never really thought of it that way, surprisingly, but would doubtless be taking it into consideration in the future. Assuming he ever makes any progress in his endeavor. ]

Then I'll be sure to pass along what I find.

[inaurare]

[he smiles at that]

I would like that. Out of curiosity, mainly - I'm not educated about the stars, but I do enjoy them.