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

[assumedposition]

No-- not really. Not in the city, at any rate. Outside of Paris you can still find them in smaller cities and towns-- but they're becoming rarer too. Since cars became commonplace, it's impractical to have small streets...

... Oh! Do you know about cars yet? They're really awesome! Though, personally I'm more of a bike person.

[untamedantinous]

I do not, no. Are they something like carriages?

oh boys and their toys

[assumedposition]

It's a similar kind of idea, yes! Only they have engines now to drive them instead of horses, and the wheels are much sturdier! So they can go much faster, and no poor horse needs to be abused.

Bikes are much smaller-- two wheels instead of four, and you sit across it like you would a horse! They're more practical for cities with small streets, but not really any good if it rains, or if you want to transport more than two people, haha.

[untamedantinous]

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

[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!

[untamedantinous]

I am not certain what will happen if we ever do land.

[assumedposition]

I'm sure we'll work it out when the situation presents itself.

[ He doesn't really ... seem at all concerned ... ]

[untamedantinous]

If it ever does, doubtless we will. [If they're alive.]