001: Video

[but_civilization]

[The video switches on, but, unfortunately, it's not pointing at Combeferre's face but outward to his room. Anyone watching this will get a good view of the edge of his bed and the wall it's up against mostly.]

I am told that I'm connected to the entire ship now?

[Like in the messages he'd gotten on this thing earlier, right? He's tried to learn what he can about the ship and he's been reading the "links" sent via the mass message, but actually using the communication box is obviously harder to figure out than it looks. And the view anyone will get right now is the wall and bed slowly moving, turning nearly sideways as Combeferre is trying to adjust things properly.]


I...suppose this is a good time as any to introduce myself to all of you.

[Unfortunately the view now is mostly Combeferre's hand as he's turning the device around again, shakily, and then his face comes into view. In extremely unflattering close up of one of his spectacle lenses which is probably very...glinty.]

I...feel like a complete fool with this, I'm sorry. Can everyone see me now?

[Well, sort of, Combeferre? They can see a lens and an eyebrow anyway? It's...something. ]

At any rate, because I WILL learn how this device works, properly, I'll simply introduce myself for now, all right?


[And this time, again, the view zooms out a little, shaky but...there's his face anyway. And his spectacles are half dangling off one side of his face by a very loose arm, but his smile is extremely sincere.]

My name is Michel Combeferre and I am told that I have missed a great many things from the time that I left Paris and when I woke here. I was a doctor, or was studying to be, and I would very much like to be of help in that capacity again but I will clearly need a lot of study, and some practice, not to mention more knowledge of this world before I dare attempt helping somebody here.

[And he pauses, and he's rubbing his temple and the hand is blocking the camera again for a moment.]

Is there anyone here who would be willing to take on an apprentice of sorts? I am not sure how I can pay you but I am willing to attempt to try at least, if you would be so good.

And on another note?

[He looks a little embarrassed here, somehow.]

Might someone tell me where I can find headache powders? I've had one that I cannot shake...

[And he realizes he should end this properly, but does he address it as a letter, or a conversation? He's really not sure of the proper forms himself. But he settles for another smile.]

Thank you, and goodbye?

[But he kind of doesn't manage to shut off the camera, though the device is set down on his bed and he can be heard softly talking himself through the process of shutting it off. Sorry for the seasickness, everyone?]

Comments

[jilt]

I quite agree, for what it's worth. I've no real medical expertise, after all.

[but_civilization]

Well it's also quite better than "Oh and by the way, I intend to cut into your skin to get this embedded rock pushed out". It can be very difficult to keep someone calm when that is a new surprise.

And what ARE your particular interests then, Madame Adler?

[jilt]

I enjoy the opera greatly. And I'm exceedingly fond of literature, though there seems to be rather a lack of it onboard.

[but_civilization]

[Combeferre can't speak much of opera himself, generally rejecting it on principle but he COULD discuss what Napoleon did to the houses in Paris, but he'll spare her for now. That lack of literature though, seems disappointing. He won't confess to the fact that he's been known to read some of it while waiting for work at Necker but he HAS been known to indulge all the same.]

A lack of literature. How disappointing that must BE.

[jilt]

It's a shame, not having things from home. But there are some interesting things to find there, if you can decipher things.

[but_civilization]

Of what sorts then? I must confess, there are things that I already miss a good deal.

[jilt]

What things do you miss? I'll see if there's anything comparable.

[but_civilization]

That is quite kind of you. I do confess that I miss some things of which I am not likely to find here somehow.

I was making quite a study of biology as a hobby of sorts. I hardly think it was the same as what goes on here though. It seems to me the scientists here are studying what they do not know already, yes? True science.

My studies were more along the lines of complimenting what had been already been explored by experimenting myself. Perhaps if there were studies of what I may have missed there.

I also read quite a few things, but that one seems more easily satisfied here.

[jilt]

If you're a man of science, I believe there's much you could experiment on. The equipment might be something other than what you're used to, but I think they'd appreciate another set of hands. I'm led to understand most of the departments here are rather short staffed.

[but_civilization]

Then perhaps I would not be so much of an intrusion as I feared. [That was an actual tiny smile there, yes. One that even reaches his eyes.] Thank you. I will need to do so.

[jilt]

I wish you luck with it. I'm sure you'll be welcomed with open arms.