013 // video

[ingenue_bait]

[Erik, dapper and proper as a gentleman in his top hat and evening coat, appears, masked. But his voice is fairly ebullient

Comments

[with_discipline]

What far-off lands might those be? [There is a very secret explorer and adventurer way down deep in her.]

[ingenue_bait]

The Orient, mademoiselle! What charming ears you have!

[with_discipline]

Thank you. [Charming! That's a new one.] The Orient? On Earth?

[ingenue_bait]

Yes, on Earth. I have never traveled off Earth.

What a fascinating notion.

[with_discipline]

There are many planets you could visit. I come from one called Vulcan - but I've never been to the Orient. What is it like?

[ingenue_bait]

I do not know how I would get to other planets. Trains and boats are, I'm afraid, the limits of our technology.

They are strange lands, with far different customs from our own. Which is refreshing. At least, when I was there, which was, I know, some time ago.

You are not human?

[with_discipline]

That is unfortunate. The barge, at least, may give you the opportunity.

What manner of customs? How long were you there?

No, I am Vulcan. My people all have ears shaped like mine.

[ingenue_bait]

I have already visited the future, and consider myself lucky.

I traveled for some years: to Turkey, Persia, India, and beyond. The people dress different, observe different religions and manners of dress, eating, and male/female relations. No stranger, I suppose, than where we are now.

How curious. Do you feel an alien among humans?

[with_discipline]

It sounds intriguing. Most of my time on Earth was spent in North America. I didn't travel much.

Of course; I am one.

[ingenue_bait]

I have never been to America. One hears of opportunities there--I doubt that, in my case.

Yes, but... how do you deal with it?

[with_discipline]

Why do you doubt it?

I have adapted. I spent several years serving aboard a human starship before coming to the Barge. But Vulcans suppress their emotions; there is a certain...nostalgia for home, but I do not let it rule me.

[ingenue_bait]

I do not think even America is wild and open enough for one such as I.

That sounds very sensible.

[with_discipline]

Perhaps, though Earth as a whole grew more accepting over time.

It's the way of Vulcans. Our emotions are much stronger than yours.

[ingenue_bait]

I am certain I never would have lived long enough to see it.

Indeed? I would find that most impossible to deal with. I can be fairly volatile.

[with_discipline]

That is unfortunate.

Yes; we nearly destroyed ourselves, centuries ago, before accepting that logic must dictate our lives.

[ingenue_bait]

Ah. A choice humans will never make, I am certain.