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

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[immeasurably]

Figured as much. What they have here is probably a little more on the antiquated side.

[ Worth taking a look at sure, but more out of academic curiosity than any expectation of accuracy. ]

If nothing else it'll give me an excuse to practice teleporting.

[beknight]

It's detailed enough, but the room isn't always free for access.

[ No harm trying. ]

[immeasurably]

I remember hearing something about that.

Guess it makes sense. Can't exactly do what you're meant to if the room's packed full of people.

[beknight]

Or full of sensitive equipment.

What did you do before the Storm?

[immeasurably]

I was studying astronomy.

[ Admittedly there'd been some time between college and now, the knowledge tucked away in mothballs, waiting. ]

Not exactly a money-maker, before. Probably not much of one now but it's what I know.

[beknight]

Have you been to the library yet?

[immeasurably]

Not yet, though this isn't the first time I've had it recommended. Assuming you're talking about the one at the Institute?

[beknight]

The very same.

[immeasurably]

I'll move it to the top of the list, then.

[ Not that it was an especially large list. ]

I wasn't really sure what the policy was with outsiders but I know someone who works there so maybe he'll be able to help.

[beknight]

If he isn't, let me know. The librarians won't turn you away, but it helps to be accompanying an employee.

[immeasurably]

Sure.

[ He's not about to turn down an offer like this, generous and a little unexpected. ]

Who do I ask for?

[beknight]

Alan Foster. I'm with the chemistry department.

[immeasurably]

David Haller, nice to meet you.

[beknight]

Likewise, Mr. Haller.

Did you join us recently or much earlier?

[immeasurably]

Recently.

[beknight]

What kind of world were you from, if you don't mind my asking?

[immeasurably]

One a little more technically advanced. Earth, part of the Milky Way galaxy if that's ringing any bells.

[beknight]

It is. I'm also from an Earth.

[ He would have said I'm human, but that's not as useful of a descriptor as it used to be. ]

[immeasurably]

[ There's a kind of absurdity in their current existence that things like universe names and species are a factor in identifying oneself these days. ]

Then you'd have heard of New York, part of North America. The year was 2017 before I came here.

[beknight]

I have. It's 2016 for me.

[immeasurably]

Then there probably isn't much difference worth noting.

Unless we're talking about alternate universes, which apparently a thing now.

[beknight]

[ If there is, he's not going digging for it on an open forum. ]

It's above my paygrade. Suffice to say there's plenty of Earths around.

[immeasurably]

Mine too.

[ That being said, when you're throwing around things like worlds and species, realities seems like the next logical step. ]

Well, that's almost comforting.

[beknight]

Helps to know we're on the same team.

If you need anything from Earth, I do know where to get the best coffee.

[immeasurably]

[ Are they, though? He supposes they must be at least inasmuch as they're all currently in the same boat with only the degrees of familiarity varying.

Still, he musters a smile at the mention of Earth's creature comforts. ]

Now you're speaking my language.

[ He is the cheapest of dates, honestly. Good coffee and a passably decent pie and he's happy. ]

Not that wandering around the Entertainment District hasn't been an eye-opening experience, of course.