ataraxion | 001; the most optimistic newb you will ever meet. (video; open)

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001; the most optimistic newb you will ever meet. (video; open)

[ There's a boy on your video feed. Or more accurately: an intense close-up of his face, like he's inspecting it without realising it's turned on. But then before you know it, he leans back with an excited victory whoop. ]

Whoa! I got it working!

[ Now you can see more of him: he doesn't look to be any older than sixteen, but he's dressed in what are unmistakably fine clothes-- a collared shirt, a cravat, a jacket, etc. Even the patterned material is obviously opulent. ]

Man, these things are really ancient... --oh. Sorry. Talking to myself. Where are my manners? I'm Albert...

[ He trails off quite suddenly, as if he were about to say something else after his first name, but then thought the better of it. It's also noticeable that he pronounces it in the French way, "Al-bear", without the t. ]

Anyway! I'm making this video because I was hoping one of the kind citizens of this place could direct me in the way of food! French cuisine is preferred, but I'm not particularly picky. Hunger is the greatest sauce, or something like that.

Although-- now that I think about it, I don't... actually have any money? Oh, goodness. That was silly of me. I'm sorry, maybe just forget the whole thing.

[ He has the decency to look slightly sheepish. ]

In any case, since I'm under the impression that we're all sort of in this place together until we can manufacture an escape plan, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to meet everyone soon. I hope we'll be good friends!

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[It would take him a little while to arrive... not having gotten lost, but having stopped to observe a little, along the way.

When he poked his head into the kitchen at last, his brow was furrowed and he was wearing a smile.]

...My pocket was laughing at me for nearly a minute, on my way here. To think, the future has made giggling coats a possibility. Progress is amazing!

[ He stands up from the bench top he was sitting at and waves enthusiastically when Jehan pokes his head in ]

Oh-- sorry. That was me. You forgot to turn your video off.

So I assumed. I'm sorry-- I don't quite know how.

[This was better. Being in person.

Heading inside now, he glanced about. Very different, but that wasn't such a surprise anymore.]

I hope the wait hasn't been difficult on your stomach.

Don't apologise! Here, do you mind...? [ He holds a hand out. ] I'll show you how.

And it was nothing. Food eaten alone has little taste, as they say.

[ It may be just a saying, but it wasn't far from the truth, either. Albert appreciated the company even more than he let on. These days his thoughts tended to slide towards melancholy when left to his own devices. It was one of the reasons he was so adamant about finding things to do as quickly as possible. He found it was not a sensation he enjoyed, and strove to avoid it as best he could. ]

Edited 2013-03-15 06:15 (UTC)

Oh. [Reaching in, he'd take it out and offered it to Albert.] Thank you.

[His smile grew a little at the statement. That was a way to add spice to what Albert found bland before, in a manner that was the opposite of offensive. It was lyrically put.]

That's surely the case, yes. Maybe even in regards to tuna in a can.

Edited 2013-03-15 06:20 (UTC)

[ He accepts the small device and holds it up so Jehan can see clearly, then points to the function to turn the video off. ] Here you go. You just press this one here. Try it. [ Then hands it back. ]

And I think I'll let you be the judge of that one, if you please. Myself, I am going to go with the spaghetti. The Italians did the world a good deed the day they invented it! Even in a can, it surely can't be too bad.

[Ah, not so difficult at all. He feels a little silly for having not realised, but then, the things that might seem obvious to some were still new for him. He'd take it back, repeat the motion, and replaced it into his pocket.]

Still, I don't know that this is different than before, except that it isn't laughing now. Maybe that isn't an improvement?

[Given, before laughing a little himself and glancing down at the cans on the table.]

All right... you will have your masterpiece of Athenaeus of Naucratis, and I will brave the fish.

[ A small laugh ] Well-- you know, you might not want to broadcast every second of your day to the general public, that's all.

[Albert looks dubious at the second comment, though.]

Are you sure? I can get out a second can of spaghetti, if you want. There's tons of them. Don't feel like you have to prove a point to me.

Does it broadcast to everyone?

[A little surprised, there. No, that was not something he wanted at all. Even the idea of broadcasting his pocket to an entire ship's population makes him feel a bit sheepish, much less actually doing so.]

And yes, I'm sure. Spaghetti would be equally adventurous-- I've never eaten it. But I'll take what's available; it's better to eat it than to be picky.

[Maybe softly giving a reminder, there.

That said, he'd pick up the can marked off for the tuna.

...Albert, can you see the oncoming question? He hopes so, because it's a little embarrassing to have to ask you, yet again.]

Well-- not everyone, exactly. It's more like... everyone who chooses to look? Think of it like a newspaper. There are a range of articles to choose from, but you don't have to read them all. You can skip over whatever you like, or forget to read for days at a time.

Wait-- you've never eaten spaghetti?!

[ He quickly reaches into a cabinet and pulls out another can, two bowls, a can opener, and two pairs of fork and spoon. ]

Then you have to try this!

I see... [That gave it the propensity for invasion of privacy or misuse, but on the other hand, it could also be a very handy tool. It was interesting, either way.

The comparison to a newspaper warmed him to the device, slightly. He wasn't over-fond of it so far in general, so...]

No, I haven't-- [Paused, before laughing a little again at Albert's enthusiasm; it's a fond laugh.]

I've read about it, but it isn't a very common food in France. It seems that's changed!

[He'll just be setting the tuna back down and giving another, shier laugh when he asks,]

...I'm assuming that you also have a more graceful solution to opening these than bayonets, by now?

[As all of the military literature of the time; cans being exclusively used in armies and by navies; canned foods had to be smashes, stabbed, or otherwise to yield their harvest.]

France has all kinds of food these days. We're one of Earth's major major cultural centers.

[ He picks up the can opener. ]

Aha. I thought you'd ask. That's what this is for! Watch and learn, my friend. Inept in the kitchen as I may be, even I can do this much.

[ Deftly, he demonstrates the use of said can opener! And finishes with a mock bow. ] Ta-daaah.

Edited 2013-03-15 07:42 (UTC)

Then her people are well fed, in the future. [If he'd been happy before, now it was becoming difficult to hide his joy.

Especially after those theatrics, which have him laughing again, pink in the cheeks. But since he'd bowed, Albert would get a soft clap. And since the food was Italian,]

Bravo. Madame Mérigot would blush to see you turn her art into a such a simple science.

[He might be a little silly at it, but having seen it done, he takes the second can and puts his hand out for the opener.]

[ He presents Jehan with the can opener with a flourish. ] Monsieur.

The economy of Paris is pretty good, at any rate. Outside of Paris, I'm not so sure... but certainly, I don't think anybody is literally starving.

[ Though let's be real, even if they were, Albert probably wouldn't know about it. ]

[Taking it from him with a soft thanks and another brief, diffident smile, he went to place it against the can. It took a moment to understand the bite of it properly, but once he had, the rest was easy.]

Then your France looks after her people, eliminates poverty, educates children, has raised women and values freedom?

[He asks this quietly, but with real interest. It's beyond important to him, especially so far into the future of mankind, where all of these goals should have not been just met, but surpassed.

(A little shocking, though, that Albert was not so sure of his country beyond Paris. Maybe, hopefully, that was only on the topic of famine-- and then only because it wasn't such an issue anymore.)]

Ah... here.

[Finishing with the can, he set it down along with the tool and gave a brief nod. Done.

He'd pass that to Albert's side, so they both might have done one another the favour of opening it for the other.]

[ He takes it gratefully, and spoons both cans out onto the bowls he got out earlier so they might eat with some semblance of civility, then as if it's just occurred to him: ]

Oh-- there are microwaves here. I can heat these up in a few minutes, if you don't mind waiting?

And in answer to your question, yes. Women have had equal rights for centuries across most nations, and these days education at least to the age of eighteen is required by law. And after that, a great deal continue on to university. My... [ there's a pause, and then an amendment ] One of my good friends, Eugénie, was offered a scholarship to a prestigious musical academy in New York after one of the professors saw her piano recital at the Opera House!

[Listening to him intently, Jehan leaned into the table a little bit, feeling at ease. His description made everything worthwhile. More importantly, it proved the point that every ideal man could think of, man could also accomplish. Equal rights, education for all by law... when men were free to govern themselves, there was no need for barriers, bullies or avoidable social grief. It made him almost dizzy he was so glad, but the effect was muting rather than exuberance. It was news he was reverent of.

A few moments after hearing it, he coaxed himself out of his own reverie, raised a hand and went to squeeze Albert's arm lightly, gratefully.]

The total elevation of mankind. It's a wonderful dream, realized. You've given me everything, by telling me so.

[Honestly, and perhaps awkward in the context of the moment, he was so moved by that short speech that the idea of eating paled in comparison to just soaking that in. He'd take another moment before realizing his friend had also mentioned his own friends for the first time. As that was important to him (especially as it seemed he was quite alone here), Jehan prompted,] Your Eugénie must be very talented. Brave too, to venture all the way to America for learning.

[The fact that he had no idea what a microwave is was as unimportant as it was obvious.]

[ After the squeezing of arms, then, Albert will just take that as a yes and grab both plates to put them in the microwave. When he's done that, he turns back around to face Jehan. ]

Ah... I don't want to rain on your parade or anything, but it's not quite as great as you're imagining. Even if we've overcome some hurdles, we still have our share of problems.

But-- the latter, at least, is exactly as you say. Eugénie is... she's amazing. Really amazing. She's going to be France's next famous composer, I'm certain of it. [ His smile takes on a fond touch. ]

[Maybe the idealist in him had gotten carried away. But it just sounded so much like exactly what they'd fought for... it was impossible not to.]

Of course... that only makes sense. [Agreed, shrugging his shoulders up just a bit and giving him a retiring look.] What problems does France face in your day? Those were the issues of mine.

Ah-- your friend is a composer, too?[Softly.] They say that knowing a mousai, like Eugénie must know Terpsikhore through music then, will lead to a happy life. [He means it kindly; in case Albert was worried for her, so far away.]

[ His face turns slightly uneasy. ]

Since I've been alive, we've been a republic... but politicians are still corrupt. They hold so much money, they can cover up almost any scandal.

And to be honest... France still vacillitates between the monarchy and a republic, even today. Before I was born, it was a monarchy for a long time. But then the Prince and only heir to the throne was assassinated...

To this day, the public still think that the assassination was carried out by the Earth's enemies in the Imperium-- that's... another section of space. Twenty five years later, we're still at war with them. And nobody knows... nobody knows that it wasn't them at all. It was perpetrated by people on Earth-- people who were profiting from the war and wanted it to continue.

[ Behind him, the microwave dings in the background. ]

[There was a lot to be said about all that. Perhaps... perhaps not every ideal could be met, even if he turned his nose at thinking so. Progress came in bursts and then slowed. Mankind was fed, was educated, was equal. The Republic had won out. Those were leaps.

That they still warred was the error of the human soul. That there was corruption, maybe, was only natural to some. Classism, then, could perhaps be the next great social battle for Albert's people. --The idea of money covering up justice turned Jehan's stomach. The idea of profiteering from war and suffering could make him ill with sadness, if he really pictured it.

That there were monarchies in the stars, men from space committing atrocities also... well.

At least he was adjusting to surprises fairly well.

But for all Jehan could have said on these matters, one thing struck him above all else.

'Nobody knows that it wasn't them at all'...]

...But you know.

[Softly, as if realizing that may be a confession, or at least something very difficult for him to speak about.

He'd like to think that knowing meant Albert was doing something about it, but it also sounded like a very dangerous situation. One that one so young shouldn't have to be involved in. Nonetheless...]

You knew the real assassin, Albert?

[He noticed the ding, but as it held no meaning for him, ignored it.]

I don't know the actual assassin's identity, but I can make a few educated guesses as to the identity of those who orchestrated it.

... Twenty five years ago, a simple sailor from Marseilles was entrusted with a letter from his captain as he lay on his deathbed, to be delivered to an address in Paris. Unbeknownst to him, the letter contained the names of those who had plotted the assassination.

[ At this point, Albert turns around and takes the two bowls out of the microwave, continuing to talk as he stirs them around to make sure they're properly heated through. Looking down at the bowls gives him an excuse to hide his emotions, too. ]

Unfortunately, luck was not in his favour. His best friend had long been in love with the sailor's fiancée and, based on nothing but petty jealousy, told the police to arrest him on suspicion of plotting to kill the prince. Under normal circumstances, he would have explained the situation to the authorities, handed over the letter, been released, and those responsible for the assassination would have been punished accordingly. Unfortunately for the sailor, he had kept his word and not opened the letter. Therefore: he wasn't to know that the judge whose chambers he had unwittingly fallen into was none other than one man whose name was on the list. When the sailor obediently handed the letter over to the judge as asked, the corrupt judge saw his name inside, and promptly had the innocent sailor thrown in prison for fear of the letter's contents coming to light.

... In any case. To cut what was only the beginning of a much longer story short--that sailor's old fiancée is my mother. All of this-- I only just found out recently.

[The rest really didn't have to be said. It was clear who the father was, in that case, and for Albert these secrets made it very probable that either his father had confessed to his crime, or the accused had confessed his innocence. Either way, a difficult thing to hear. More than difficult... a terrible weight, that someone guiltless did not deserve.

Jehan wanted to comfort him, but he wasn't sure it would be appreciated. He knew that a press of hands and soft words worked among his old friends, but did not want to overstep or chafe at the new one.

But he had to do something.

So, getting up, he he moved beside Albert and took the second bowl; again, he mimicked him, copying his stirring. Maybe the proximity would be helpful-- it must have been worse, to be here with such a burden, and no one from his own home to lean on.]

...I'm sorry, Albert. A remarkable story, but one that must weigh on you heavily.

[He hoped that speaking of it maybe eased the burden on his heart, if only a little.]

If it's of any consolation... regardless of the past, you've turned out to be a very fine young man. You're gentle and kind. Sometimes terrible situations beget wonderful things.

[A pause before he took a little breath and asked what he really meant to;]

Are you all right?

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