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[Here, fellow passengers of the TQ, is one French revolutionary. He is not amusing himself with bothering Marius today, instead he is in his own rooms, looking somewhat disgruntled. ....For him, that's pretty normal, at least.]

A question for you, passengers. More specifically, those who are skilled in the use of these ...communication devices. I have heard there is a library one can access on them, but I cannot seem to do so. Assistance would certainly be appreciated.

If that is not the case, then simply tell me if and where I may find the philosophy books aboard this vessel. I am of a mind to read some Rousseau.

Merci.

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Somewhat, yes. I have met quite a few people; there is a friend of mine from my home here as well.

[He's just following along, looking slightly cautious.]

Oh, that's rather lucky! I have a friend of mine here as well-- Sirius Black?-- which I frankly think makes the entire process far easier.

[nervous babbling NERVOUS BABBLING-- but you can't just say tell me about what it was like to live in your time period, that's rude.]

Although it must still be odd to . . . well. To learn about other time periods and such.

Perhaps. We did not get on all too well at home.

[A small, awkward shrug.]

It is, yes.

[A beat. A little too eagerly:]

Could you-- ah-- tell me what it was like? Back then, I mean? Only that's such a fascinating time in history, and country, and I never got the chance to study it as much as I wanted to--

[He can't hide a very slight grin at the eagerness, there. It reminds him very much of Combeferre, to be honest, and it is somewhat welcome.]

I suppose I might. What do you wish to know?

Oh, anything! Did you go to school? What did you learn? What was it like in France? I've only been once-- what is it like in the post-Revolution era?

I did, I attended law school in Paris. We learned a ....great deal of nonsense, but I favored the writings of Rousseau and Voltaire.

I've brushed over Voltaire. I'm nothing near an expert, but I quite like his ideals.

[He gives him a small smile.]

Nonsense? I should imagine a law school wouldn't permit too much of that.

You should try Rousseau, if there is any to be found on board. He is a great favorite of mine, he loved the people.

[There's a small smile in return.]

You have not met my friends, clearly. I -- had my mind set on higher things than education, to be plain.

Such as? If you don't mind my asking.

My brothers and I fought for what was lost in 1798 and what was stolen from us in 1830. A free French republic, as our country should be, with liberty, equality, and education for all.

[Fought, he notices, and glances up at the man next to him.]

That certainly doesn't stack up much against books. Ah-- did you succeed?

The people did not rise with us. [He does not exactly sound as if he regrets it, however, simply a bit tired.]

It does not matter. They will rise, soon enough, and they will remember us and the others who were martyred for the Republic.

[He doesn't know what to say to that, precisely. I'm sorry seems trite and callous, especially since he doesn't know this man very well, especially since he has no idea if giving voice to some sympathy will be the wrong thing to do-- but he has to say something. So, after a few seconds' pause:]

If it helps at all-- ah-- the France I know is quite liberal and democratic.

[A beat. He adds:]

And I don't know if it weighs so heavily on your mind, but-- you're not the only person to come here either after death or with foreknowledge of it.

[His face does warm at that, all the tiredness disappearing and for a moment or two, he looks like the sungod many have described him as. There is a fire in him, and it only serves to enhance the impression.]

It is as I said, then, and it is right that we died for a new world that has come, where people may speak as they please without fear of repression.

[He grins, pleased that he's managed to say the right thing.]

To say the least. Ah! Here we are--

[He leads the way into-- well. A library, yes, but not one Enjolras has likely ever seen before. Instead of books, there are slim datapads stored on vast shelves, each grouped according to subject.]

There's another library, with proper paper books, but I thought that perhaps it might be better to get you accustomed to these first.

[It is certainly like nothing he has seen before, and it gives him a bit of pause. He simply stares for a moment, looking around at all the datapads.]

....Yes, I can see why. This is certainly a change.

It's certainly easier to carry ten or fifteen to your room, though.

[He strides forward, leading Enjolras toward the philosophy section.]

[There's a slightly amused noise, as he follows along.]

I should think so. Combeferre would be most pleased with that.

A friend of yours?

He is one of my dearest friends, yes.

I was lucky enough to have one of my closest friends brought here, actually. Sirius Black-- we were-- are-- schoolmates together. Er-- fellow wizards, in fact.

....Wizards? [He looks briefly amused.] Magicians, truly?

Truly.

[He tugs out his wand and gives him half a grin. With a wave of his wand he summons down one of the datapads from the very top shelf-- a book on philosophy, as it happens-- and hands it to Enjolras.]

There you have it.

[Now there's something he never considered. To be quite honest, he just -- stares a bit as he watches the datapad float on down, then shakes his head some once it arrives.]

This place is truly amazing.