[Video I.]

[vivelavenir]

[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.

Comments

[assumedposition]

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?

[vivelavenir]

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.

[assumedposition]

[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?

[vivelavenir]

I can't quite bring myself to call you that. It sounds like the name of an English inventor while Albert sounds more like the name of a romantic hero, doesn't it? I think that's much better.

[Because he writes terrible letters to men's waistcoats, you have no idea.] Oh-- no. No hesitation, I just... wanted to get it quite right. Which I have, if you're charmed already.

[assumedposition]

[Blushing slightly at that.] Oh-- um, thank you, I suppose. I like it much better too. Though it's not as if I can claim any credit for it, haha!

I see! Then I shall look forward to getting to know him better.

[vivelavenir]

Maybe you can, you know. The Mayans thought that the souls of children chose their parents, their names and their destinies in order to best evolve as spiritual creatures. In which case, you are at the helm of your own destiny without knowing it. Tricky, isn't that?

I'm sure the feeling will be mutual, and that you'll prefer him much to me.

[assumedposition]

Truly? I've never heard that before...

[Albert gasps at that suggestion.]

Never! You were the first to welcome me, and you will always be my bosom friend aboard this ship, Jehan.

[vivelavenir]

Indeed. I rather like that mythos, I would like to think it is true...

[...Albert, gods. He had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing, but smiled besides, looking adamantly down.

Well, he had been partially joking. Still, what a kind reaction.]

...I appreciate that, Albert.

[assumedposition]

I mean it! There is no one here I could ever like more than you.

[vivelavenir]

[Oh. Well.

That was rather more than just kind, wasn't it.

More than a little bit touched by the sincerity of that, he looked up quickly, gave an equally fast smle, then reached out to pat his knee in an amiable manner.]

Like brothers then, no? I'm terribly fond of you as well. You're sweet to put so much of your faith in me; I hope, then, that you'll continue to feel that way even after meeting our charming monsieur.

[assumedposition]

Of course.

And we've met before, but only briefly. I'm glad to hear he is such a good friend to you, now.

thank you o7

[vivelavenir]

Thank you.

Oh? At the barricade, perhaps? They all are. Himself, and the messieurs Enjolras, Combeferre and... [Okay, why not then,] Pontmercy. We all come from the same time, of course, and were members of the same salon for a long while.

I'm lucky. To have them and to have met you. [Though his own dearest friend wasn't here and really, he didn't quite fit in to the tight-knit paradigm of the others, that hardly bothered him. He was lucky to have them and wouldn't trade it for anything. Poor Albert was so young and very brave, here on his own.]

[assumedposition]

Ah... no, it was before that. When I was asking the network about whether they thought this was the afterlife or not...

[vivelavenir]

Oh.

[Softly.]

You know... surely, it isn't. I was told something a little disconcerting, but that maybe stands as proof that it cannot be.

[assumedposition]

Something disconcerting? What was that?

[vivelavenir]

That it happens, on the jumps, that people are sent back. That they sometime return again, but for the most part not.

[Which is really more than disconcerting, considering the position his friends were in, but.]

So you needn't fret about that. We, apparently, are in a time apart.

[assumedposition]

What? How strange... and nobody knows how or why?

[vivelavenir]

That is the case, yes. I was told by a passenger who has been here over half a year.

[assumedposition]

[Albert frowns.]

How vexing. Then, I shall have to be the first person to figure out how this is possible!

[vivelavenir]

[Again, he finds himself smiling.]

You're a wonder. Well, when you've riddled out the universe, let me know a few of the secrets you've found-- but not all, pray.

[assumedposition]

Jehan! I'm being serious!

If I figured that out... well, I know you can't return to your own home, but I thought maybe... you and your friends would like to come to mine instead! Surely you would like to see France in the 51st century?

[vivelavenir]

No, no-- that is, so am I. Only, that is a very large thing to figure out, and some things are beyond knowing. I do not doubt you mean to try, and I do not doubt you very capable.

...I also do not doubt your offer very kind and very sincere. Seeing 51st century France sounds like a dizzying and marvelous prospect, only, that isn't our home or our place. I am all right with being in a time apart, for now. However, if it's your wish to return home-- and I can understand why it must be-- then I have no doubt you will return. Heart is better than logic, in matters like these; and you have enough heart.

[If Albert meant to figure out how to go home then Jehan did hope he learned the great trick to it.]

[assumedposition]

[There is not much Albert can say to that. He does not truly wish to go home, not yet-- at home he was lost and adrift, cut off suddenly from everything he previously felt certain of and unsure of what to do with his life now that it had taken a new and unexpected direction. The Tranquility was, in truth, an excellent distraction. Here, nobody knew who he was, and he was just beginning to settle in. He was making friends and he had a vague purpose in the every day sense-- seeing to the well-being of the ship. Despite the horrors... it was preferable.]

[Not only that, but the thought of never seeing Jehan again once they part... it's too sad to bear.]

... I see. Of course, you're right.

[vivelavenir]

You look and sound so defeated suddenly. Have I upset you again? Or is it something else?

[A gentle nudge to tell him what was on his mind.]

[assumedposition]

It's nothing. It's just... if I left here, I should think it would be very difficult indeed for me to return. It's not exactly "second star to the right and straight on 'til morning," you know?

And I would be very sad, I think, at the prospect of losing such wonderful friends.