ataraxion | [Video I.]

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[Video I.]

[He hasn't dont anything like this before in his near two months here, but it would seem about time. There's an innate timidity that comes with addressing absolute legions of people whom you do not know and cannot see, with a device you are still not comfortable with... but, well.

After the recent spat of low events and lower spirits, if there was ever a time pluck up an introductory nerve and present a worthy distraction, this was it.

Smiling lightly at what he hopes is the camera (modern communication, why are you so uncomfortable? He is literally speaking to a metal hunk in his palm...), Jehan greeted with quiet enthusiasm,]

Hello. I don't assume many of you know me; my name is Jean Prouvaire. Good to make your acquaintance.

Even if you do not know me, I'm sure many of you must be well-acquainted with the Oxygen Gardens. Though quite expansive for a single ship, I've noticed that the first floor is especially well-kept, while the upper floors are a bit more... untamed.

[His expression suggests that both versions of the garden are equally impressive, as far as he's concerned.]

The other day, it had been brought to my attention that-- along with a number of very beautiful blooms and buds on all four floors-- there might also be some plant varieties that are harmful in all that thicket.

[The boy who had the interest in belladonnas had quite reminded him of that.]

I thought it might be both useful and nice, then, if there was an attempt to map some of the flora of the Oxygen Gardens. If other passengers are willing to help, we could put together some little collection of various flower types and where to find them into a book. It could be advantageous for viewings, for further learning, or simply to know which to avoid, should any be of a mean kind.

[A soft shrug and he tilted his head, unable to help another quick smile.]

I don't doubt that the gardens may be too vast to capture in a single volume, but... There is a man on board named Claudius who hopes to start a paper-book library. The book could be at home there, and available to any who wish to use it or add to it, over time.

[Pausing a moment, he shuffled, looking down, before holding up a bit of paper that he'd begun the project with. Everything had to start somewhere.

But, as he's rambling now and really doesn't know quite how to end the conversation with something that can't speak in return until he has... He gave a last, tighter smile, and flushed only slightly self-consciously as he finished,]

I'd be grateful for any help, as I don't fashion myself a botanist, scientist or a cartographer. Advice is also welcome and appreciated. Thank you.

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[Knocking on the open door when he gets there, some time later]

Delivery.

[Jehan went to get the door anyway when he heard the knock, a smile already on his face.]

A delivery I'm most glad to see. Please come in.

[Entering in at the invitation]

Excellent, excellent! Thank you.

Will it just be the two of us then?

I-- think so. [A pause, tossing a look over his shoulder. He'd tidied a bit since his friend had left, and didn't expect him back quite so soon, so--] Yes.

You don't mind, do you? [Closing the door.] I can extend the invitation to others.

I don't mind if you don't. Only, it seems a shame not to share a good bottle among friends.

[He stared a moment... then smiled again, looking down.]

Is that a yes or a no? You leave me unsure. Who would you have me invite then?

[Taking back out that device of his, still in good spirits. He wasn't used to his room being any sort of a hub, but that had changed a bit recently. Still took getting used to.]

Take care, though, I'm assuredly not as popular as you are.

It is your bottle, so you should invite your friends, surely.

Then, I suppose I will. A moment, please.

[And he'd use that moment to fire off a message to a number of said friends. Look at that, using technology without accidentally taking accidental close up videos of his eye. They'd come so farrrrr.]

All done. Would you like to have a seat?

Thank you. [Sitting]

I'm afraid I must also apologise for not being as present lately. We're getting close to the jump again... and the engineering department is finally letting me actually help out, this time.

The engineering department, really? [He took a seat as well.] You've nothing to apologize for, but tell me more about that. I didn't know you were interested in mechanics.

It's always been just a hobby! As kids, Franz and I would take things apart all the time and build devices like this one. [He holds up the comms device.] It drove my poor mother to distraction, she never knew when she was going to find something in pieces.

Anyway, I thought it'd be good to expand my field of knowledge, and it seems they're happy to teach on the go.

As children! Something as complex as that. Well, aren't the minds of young people really astonishing. [Smiling a little more at the thought of Albert excitedly putting bits together.]

Is the technology here beyond what you know, or archaic to you?

It's strange. The comms devices are old enough to be in museums, but the ship would be considered cutting edge in my time, perhaps even a few decades advanced...

That is very strange. I wonder, is there a history of technology anywhere on the ship? Do the engineers know why that might be?

[A pause, before he belatedly added,]

Oh-...! Sorry. [Colouring mildly.] Of course, feel free to invite any of your own friends here.

I'm not sure. I should have a look!

And you are my friend, are you not?

Yes, it could be enlightening. Or more mysterious! Which would you prefer?

[Posed, thinking the second option might actually be more exciting!

And aww Albert.]

I am, but you are welcome to do so all the same.

Mysterious, of course! Who can resist a good mystery?

Thank you, but who am I to impose? If too many people were to show, we wouldn't have enough to go around, surely.

Ah-- you have good taste then, as I should have expected. What will your job be to do, in engineering?

I could always fetch more, I prefer you be comfortable. It hasn't been an easy month, has it?

Ah-- so far it's just whatever I'm told to, haha. "Al, fetch that. Watch this. Tighten this screw." But I expect it shall get more demanding as I learn more!

No... I suppose it hasn't. Very well then, I shall invite but a few friends. I wouldn't want to impose upon your hospitality.

Is Al what they call you? [Unable to help a soft grin.] I rather like that, maybe I should use it. Fetching, watching and tightening is a good start... I'm sure you'll pick it up quickly. I've no mind for that sort of thing, but one day, maybe you'll explain the workings a bit to me.

[He gestured to the device with a nod.] Please. It's no imposition. Besides, I've no idea if anyone will show up-- the idea of my having a group over for drinks is very rare, and they'll probably go to Courfeyrac's room, assuming he's taken my device.

Most of them can't pronounce Albert correctly anyway, so truthfully I don't mind it.

And I wouldn't mind teaching you what I know! It's fun. Maybe in return, you could teach me how to write poetry that won't make Eugénie laugh at me!

[Albert laughs at the last part.] I take it then that Monsieur Courfeyrac is the lively one of your group, then?

They can't? I've heard that French names are difficult on foreign tongues, in fact. But I have the unique distinction of having friends who are either French, or mute, actually, for the most part aboard this ship. How do they say it, then?

[A quiet laugh.] I-- I can't promise that I'm any good at poetry, actually, or that I'll be any better at learning mechanics. But that's a happy trade, you have a deal.

And Courfeyrac is, well-- lively. Yes. We'll put it that way.

Mostly like "Al-bear." [The way he says it is harsh and flat; a hard "R", like an Englishman or an American might say it, instead of the soft and breathy "R" of the French.]

Not the word you would have picked? How would you describe him, then?

Oh... well, that's really quite a harsh sound, isn't it. Monsieur Al-beayyyrrr. [Pronounced, raising a brow and doing his best go at an English accent.

One of the languages he was not so wieldy at.

And then, of course, the blushing settles in again. As it generally tends to.]

How would I--? Oh... that is... I-- I'm not sure.

[NERVY MUCH?]

He's very-- um. Playful, let us say. And charming. Sociable and notoriously coquettish. But very popular among, well. Everybody.

[He finds himself laughing at Jehan's apt impression] Ah! That's it, that's it! Hahaha.

You make him sounds like a very charming sort of fellow! Why the hesitation?

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