text » id: nightingale

[ettersberg]

It may simply be an impression with no basis in reality, but it seems to me that since the Natha have left, more people have returned to stasis.

[ he doesn't add "what do others think?" but the question is implied. ]

Comments

[ettersberg]

Is your question theological or practical in nature?

[ what makes a god? if it’s only power, the natha seem to have it. ]

[givingback]

Maybe a little of both. After all, most things have an explanation, but lack of knowledge makes people think something mystical or otherworldly or magical is happening. And from what I can tell about readings of theological texts, for the most part, is that everything became one giant over-blown story for actual science-based things happening. Like a massive flood or plagues of locusts.

I think everything here could be explained, eventually, the same way. When knowledge of how things work catch up.

[ettersberg]

I admit, I've always been more interested in knowing that things work than in how they work.

[givingback]

I think I worry about what happens if everything stops working. What if the station ever becomes inaccessible? What if we're stuck here with nothing above? Are there any sort of plans for that?

[ettersberg]

I don't think there are common contingency plans, but I suppose we would have no choice but to keep on living as we do now. As natives of this planet.

[givingback]

And everyone anyone cares about would just be stuck up there.

I can't say this conversation hasn't been illuminating. I'm Bree, by the way. I haven't found many people I can have this type of discussion with.

[ Outside of her mother. ]

[ettersberg]

So they would be.

[ is that better or worse than everyone you know dying or retiring (and then dying)? nightingale isn't quite sure. he hopes he won't find out, but who's to say? ]

Thomas Nightingale, at your service.

[givingback]

It's nice to meet you. If you're ever looking for someone to have philosophical, historical, or maybe even a little theological conversation with, I'm more than happy.

[ She's certainly Frank's daughter, through and through, there's no arguing that. ]

I know it sort of veered off from your original statement. I hope you didn't mind.

[ettersberg]

I don't mind at all, although I am not certain how much use I'd be in a philosophical or theological conversation. I've been told I'm rather too pragmatic for those.

[ note how he didn't say anything about historical conversations. ]

[givingback]

I think there's always room for pragmatism. After all, I mentioned that I think there's valid science behind the 'miracles' in the Bible. But I do think it's interesting people but their entire selves into believing something exactly like it's written.

[ She and Frank could spend hours discussing things, especially when he brought new artifacts from the school to show her, or she walked with her father around the Harvard campus. A part of her misses that, a little. ]

[ettersberg]

Science is hardly my area of expertise, but you're likely right.

[givingback]

Well, in whatever capacity, I hope we get to speak again soon. It was nice to meet you.

[ettersberg]

Likewise.