[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]

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.

[vivelavenir]

[Actually, he has no idea what that means, Albert, you're referencing English Lit of the Future. Looking puzzled by the metaphor, but getting the gist of the rest of it, he nodded.]

Yes, I can imagine. Things were not so easy when you left, it sounds as if. But, for all of the hard times, there might be good, too; sunshine and seasons and waiting for your musician to return from America.

Friendship, once gained, never really leaves us. I wonder if we might even remember this, should we return. Our souls would, I think, and that's the important bit. Either way, you'll be all right, ALbert. you're treasured here and you're treasured back home.

[assumedposition]

[Albert smiles at that, but it's a sad smile all the same.]

I should not like to leave, and yet I should not like to stay forever, either.

It's a hard old life, haha.

[vivelavenir]

The seed becomes the bud becomes the flower, and gravity is heavier on petals then it is on the sphere hugged and protected by the dirt. There's a fact. Growing up is indeed difficult, but we're at out most colourful and good when we're well-aged.

[assumedposition]

Ah... you would make something like that sound poetic!

[vivelavenir]

That was hardly poetic...! Not even in proper verses.

[But he's red anyway, because you know, that's his natural colour.]

I will teach you about measures one day. And you will be kind and pretend to be interested.

[assumedposition]

It's a deal, then.

[vivelavenir]

[He grinned lightly, then offered a soft wink before getting up to get out the few glasses he kept handy; he expected company would arrive soon now.]