Report 003 [Action/Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

[It seems like the resident astrobiologist of Luceti is in a more thoughtful mood today. Though he still hasn't gotten used to Luceti - and really, he doesn't know if he ever will - he's starting to get a little more comfortable with it and all the strange people in it. Which is why one might see him wandering around the village today. He isn't

Comments

[Voice]

[wise_maiden]

Hello, this is Raine Sage. Is there something I can help you with?

Re: [Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

Thank you for such a prompt response, Ms. Raine Sage.

I have two formal requests for you. The first is that I would like to see about applying as a substitute teacher at the school of Luceti, upon recommendation from Mr. Helios Sprensonne and Doctor Mizuno. I heard that you have a science program - perhaps my skills could be of use to you there?

The second request comes from a young man who recently made an inquiry over the journals as to whether or not there is a formally established hair salon. Considering the necessity of such an institution for the majority of people in Luceti, I would propose a building be designated for such a purpose, and it seems that you have authority here amongst the members of Luceti - so it seemed prudent to request your approval for such purposes.

[wise_maiden]

It's no trouble. I appreciate your interest in teaching--we're always glad to have more help on hand. Which areas of science are you most familiar with? We're rather limited in materials due to our setting, so I hope that you'll be able to find a method you're comfortable with.

As for your second question... if someone who is interested in running one is available, they're more than welcome to do so. There should still be empty buildings around, and it's not something you need my approval for. I'm only a schoolteacher, after all.

[semper_cogitans]

Well, I am a certified astrobiologist - as in, my expertise is in non-Terran life - but biology, astronomy and physics are all well within my range of possible fields. I... understand that most of these worlds are very different from what I expect, though, so I imagine that the principles would vary from world to world.

Ah, well, I appreciate the vote of confidence from you, regardless. Perhaps I could see about setting up some sort of formal application process... [Though Robert didn't think he'd be spearheading the project for a salon.]

[wise_maiden]

I've found that there are often core similarities in the sciences from world to world, though some are more advanced than others. Some aspects may differ, but that's to be expected. That's what makes the study of it all so fascinating--learning what may or may not be possible, and encouraging others to look a little beyond their original scope of understanding.

Hm? It doesn't really need to be something too formal. After all, anyone who'd offer to do it would be doing it willingly. All you'd need to do is find those individuals, and go from there. It seems more like it's a question of supply and demand; how many villagers would want to have their hair cut by other people, and how many villagers would be willing to do so. It really hasn't come up before, so there may not be that much of a demand. But it's a place to start.

[semper_cogitans]

Is that so? If the scientific method and similar rationales are similar between universes, then perhaps there will be a common ground between all the sciences of the worlds here. That is something that I would be quite interested to discover and research myself.

Ah, you certainly have a point. [Robert muses to himself.] Is there some sort of forum that most of the villagers would be likely to pay attention to other than the journals, or would this be my best bet of conducting an informal study?

Incidentally, the individual who asked me about the salon... I believe his name is Poland.

[wise_maiden]

There's certainly a lot of time for studying, so it may be a project you'll find fruitful.

The journals are your best use for that. After all, everyone in the enclosure does have access to one, and people seem to respond to open questions if it catches their interest.

I see... I believe I may know who you're referring to, though we haven't spoken personally.

[semper_cogitans]

[That statement reminds Robert of the fact that he's stuck in Luceti.] Ah... yes. Well, I have already learned much about worlds that I did not think were even possible. They certainly were not possible on Terra, at any rate. I only hope that I may take that information back home with me somehow.

Then it seems as if my first assumption was correct. A poll might then be a logical thing to include in a later report.

[Robert now sounds slightly sheepish.]

Well, Poland and I have exchanged writing, but so far I have not spoken to him personally myself. He simply found the question of whether there was a hair salon or not an important one.

[wise_maiden]

It's a hope that some of us have, that the knowledge learned here may yet somehow be kept as we return. But for now it doesn't seem as if it's remembered at home.

An informal poll might work best. After all, this was the first time I've heard the call for such an establishment come up in a serious context. I would suppose that most people simply tend to their hair themselves, or don't bother much with cutting anyway. So it's not really something pressing, though could be viewed as a comfort to those who may simply have been afraid to ask for help with it to begin with.

[semper_cogitans]

[That was depressing.] ... How unfortunate. And there is no way to guarantee that items in one's possession would retain that information, either. [Robert sighs a little. That was the biggest appeal of learning things in Luceti - getting to eventually take that information home to Terra.]

Ah, well, it was the first I had heard of it, but I was only indicted into this place scarcely two weeks ago. However, with that in mind, it may be prudent for me to see how much of a response a poll would get before putting any sort of plan into action.

[wise_maiden]

No, there is not. We can't control our arriving or leaving, after all, and those who have been brought back with their memories intact have said that at the most, their experience in Luceti was like a dream to them--if they remembered it at all. All we can do is hold on to the possibility that something may change in that regard, though sometimes it might be better for people not to remember.

I suppose it's to your credit then, that you'd want to get involved with organizing something so quickly even after arriving so recently. But the poll would be best. If there's no demand, I'm sure that even just having him make an arrangement with someone to help him personally would be suitable.

[semper_cogitans]

I certainly hope that I would remember this much. It seems disturbing to completely forget such a span of time with as many occurrences as this. Even what with all the things that have happened so far, I would wish to remember it. [There's a note of conviction in Robert's tone that may say to Raine that he's the kind of person who wants to learn about everything, regardless of personal risk.]

I admit, normally it would be a rather uncharacteristic action, but as there is a lack of a centralized council or similar governmental system to petition to, I find myself having to come to these conclusions on my own. As it is, though, I believe Poland to be the sort of person who would have relatively few difficulties in enlisting help from others.

[wise_maiden]

I agree. [Even if it's something she questions. The conflict with learning more and personal well-being.]

Most things here come about when an interest is expressed, though it's usually the people themselves offering the service, such as with the school, bar and other shops.

[semper_cogitans]

In a way, Luceti is much like a very cloistered residential unit, albeit with several caveats. But it is remarkably... functional, despite the constant presence of others. One could attribute this to most people being at least somewhat open to being respectful and professional, I suppose. Or at least most of the people who I have spoken with so far. [Robert's honestly surprised at how close Luceti feels. It's strange; he isn't used to it.]

[wise_maiden]

With it's appearance, some people tend to forget the reason why we're here, unless something happens to force that reality upon them again. We're forced to live here, despite that there is relative comfort and a strong communal feeling. Given there's nothing we can do about the greater situation, focus on making things livable in here seems to take priority.

It's not a normal society by any means.

[semper_cogitans]

You make some very insightful points, Ms. Raine Sage. I can certainly see why you are lauded as a figure of great intelligence here. [A respectful tone from Robert - anybody smart deserves credit in his books.]

It is almost like a social experiment, in a way. Though these conditions would be immensely difficult to replicate in any sort of fair fashion - seeing as we were all taken and are being held under duress.