002; rude questions [video/action]

[assumedposition]

Ladies and gentlemen of the Tranquility, good evening.

[From the video, you can see Albert is seated somewhere in the oxygen gardens, on a wide-open patch of grass. He looks somewhat contemplative.]

I have a-- a somewhat personal question to ask of you all, so don't feel compelled to answer if you don't wish to. [He seems to hesitate, and then he plunges ahead quickly, as if he must ask it before he loses courage.]

How many of you here believed yourselves to have passed away before you woke up in this place?

And-- for those of you who don't want to talk about something quite so morbid, maybe you could tell me what year, or what country, or planet you come from. I'd... really like to hear about other people's homes. As for me-- I'm from Paris, France, the year 5053.

I've also got some tea and plenty of cups to go around here in the garden, if you'd prefer to speak in person. I'd welcome the company, and the chance to meet all of you.

Comments

[vivelavenir]

[That earns a small smile, eyes downcast.

Oh, but Albert was a very good sort, wasn't he? Very caring.]

Then... I promise But let's hope not to argue.

[Aside from Albert's dubious culinary leanings and perhaps some blunt language, Jehan didn't foresee any real problems there.]

Your Franz must have liked you very much to have engaged in it with you for an entire week.

[Half-teased, but... well, he also really meant it.

He couldn't imagine sticking to that kind of a debate unless it was with someone it was better to be around than not, even cross.]

[assumedposition]

[Albert pulls away suddenly, pulling his knees closer to his chest and resting his forehead on top of them, so that his face is hidden.]

... Yeah. I hope we won't, too.

[vivelavenir]

[...He's said something wrong again, hasn't he? Jehan really isn't used to this. If anything, he's used to being the more sensitive one of his friends, used to concerning himself over sad stories and sympathizing with difficult things.

So why on earth can't he seem to make anyone feel better, even a little bit? While he wouldn't want anyone to pretend, or to glaze over an important issue like the death of a friend in a single conversation... he certainly didn't mean to make things worse.]

Albert?

[Noticing, of course, that he left the other part of the statement be.

Sighing, he reached over, pat his knee, and went to stand.]

I'm sorry. I'm of no help at all.

[He didn't know the situation, the time period, the details. He could make assumptions, but they weren't informed enough. They were clearly only upsetting him.

If Jehan were being honest, he was still more than upset himself; seeing yet another friend this way only tightened the grip on the panic he'd been trying to keep at bay. So,]

Perhaps I'll just head back to my room now.

[assumedposition]

[He looks up in alarm at that, eyes still wet.]

No!

[And then he looks faintly embarrassed at having been so demanding.]

I mean-- if you want to, I won't stop you, but-- don't leave on my behalf. You've been... more help than you know. Much more. And I enjoy your company immensely. I just...

I still can't come to terms with it yet. That's all.

[vivelavenir]

[Jehan flinched slightly and breathed out the word 'oh' in surprise at Albert's reaction. After a moment's pause, gingerly, he went to sit back down across from him on the grass.

The protest sounded emphatic enough for him not to bother questioning it. While Jehan had an awful, looming feeling that he could only be bound to make this worse, maybe being alone was truly the worst thing for someone grieving.

He hoped Albert could forgive him for being no more useful than simply being there.]

...Of course. I do understand.

[After all, he hadn't come to terms with the deaths of his friends either yet; or even his own.

After another momentary pause, he'd reach across to the tea service, plucked up a napkin and offered that to him lightly. Since Albert's eyes were already wet, for a third time during their conversation...]

There's no shame in crying. I find it helps.

[assumedposition]

[Taking the napkin gratefully and using it to wipe his eyes, if anything looking even more pink than before. It seems to Albert like he's always being looked after by other people...]

... Thank you. ... I feel like I'm saying that to you a lot, but ... there's not much else I can say that accurately conveys the same thing. So ... thank you.

[vivelavenir]

It's nothing.

[He'd insist, giving a light shake of the head.]

You can keep thanking me and I'll keep apologizing. We'll make a right pair, hm?

[Voice soft, watching the blades of grass now.]

[assumedposition]

... Mm. Quite a pair indeed.

[herosfather]

[his mouth quirks and he arches an eyebrow]

Not much of a reader, are ya?

[vivelavenir]

I'm afraid your tea is probably quite cold by now.

[He's going to finally pick his up and drink it because, well. Can't waste.]

[justdumbluck]

Bleak? I'm bein' realistic. Not everything's all sugar and sunshine, you know. Take a look at this place; you think anything nice is supposed to come outta this?

[assumedposition]

I-- I don't know what I think, yet. I haven't been here that long. I'm reserving judgement.

[assumedposition]

Ah...

[Following suit, he picks it up and takes a sip too...]

[And almost chokes, before laughing.]

God, that's awful.

[assumedposition]

[Well now he's just embarrassed]

I read the important bits...!

[vivelavenir]

[Pressing his lips together, he bowed his head further before admitting--]

Sorry... it really does taste awful.

[Aaand trying not to smile. He'd only had tea a few times before, usually hot, with milk, not steeped for quite so long. But he's going to drink this anyway.]

Maybe it will make us appreciate the pasta better!

[longestnose]

A good jest never hurts, now and then, especially here.

[He nods.]

Well then, Albert, you may call me Fili. Still getting used to how casual people are here about titles.

[justdumbluck]

How long have you been here?

[Firo had his negative opinion formed within his first day on the Tranquility.]

[tofindthesun]

[it's hard to imagine an entire world (..or planet, apparently) completely filled with people, so much that there isn't enough room or food to sustain them. or even leaving the earth-- not because the fact that it's even possible, but.. the idea of leaving behind one's home for another strikes far too close.]

Do they miss it? Do you? That is-- if you have seen it before. [trying to wrap his mind around.. off-world migration.] ..Do you know what it is like now?

[blightphoenix]

Well, for one thing, I had a bounty on my head for $720,000,000,000, so I've had to deal with a lot of bandits trying to murder me for that, and the man who set the bounty just so happens to be here on this ship now, though I have yet to see him.

I had to do a lot of fighting just to stay alive back on Pandora, and I'm not looking forward to the inevitable moment I have to fight anyone here.

text!

[gothchicklit]

Maybe for one person on board. I seriously doubt that many were killed in that way.

[angerissues]

Pretty sure that means she's not a ghost anymore, then.

[untamedantinous]

They must certainly be useful, but I do think I would prefer walking.

[assumedposition]

[His eyes are still wet, but Albert can't help but laugh again, despite himself.]

[Then he reaches up and musses Jehan's hair, grinning cheekily.]

You're-- you're terrible!

[assumedposition]

Not a convert yet? That's okay. I suppose you have to see them in the flesh to appreciate them. If we ever land this thing, I'll show you!

[assumedposition]

Oh! Really? That's great news!