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

video;

[andyouwill]

I have died on many occasions, my dear young man, though I do not believe my arrival on the Tranquility should be numbered among them. I have no objection to discussing the matter, or to making a new acquaintance. [ headtilt ] May I inquire what sort of tea it is?

video

[assumedposition]

Many-- many occasions?! How?!

I... just have regular black tea, if that's okay...

video

[andyouwill]

Oh, various ways: a cut throat, a gunshot, fire, falling into an interdimensional black hole. Mine has been an eventful existence.

[ Hmph. The Master is a tea snob and was hoping for Ceylon or Oolong of some kind. Still: ] I suppose one cannot be too particular in this environment. Do you still wish company?

video

[assumedposition]

What-- [his expression grows slowly more horrified as the list goes on] --no! I meant... how can it be possible for a person to die more than once, let alone several times?

[In truth, despite his young age, Albert was more of a food and wine snob than he was about tea. He wasn't much of a tea drinker, it was just something that he associated with being polite to your guests.]

If-- if it's not too much trouble...

video --> action

[andyouwill]

It is a peculiar gift of my people, that we may suffer mortal wounds but regenerate and form a new body. Beyond that, well. [ charming smile ] I have always felt I have too much I wish to accomplish to allow myself to die permanently.

I will join you, then, if I may. [ bows slightly, then switches off to head to the Gardens. ]

action!!

[assumedposition]

[Albert is too stunned at that to say anything in response before the comm link switches off. It's all he can do to bob his head in reply to the bow, an automatic response programmed into him from years of scolding from his mother-- though his mouth is still hanging open.

When you find him in the gardens though, he'll recovered a bit, and reclining gently on the grass, elbows propping him up and looking at the ceiling.]