I.

[oldshipmate]

[Voice Post]

While I have in the most general sense no compunctions from appearing as God made me, I cannot say I approve of such measures unannounced. It is an experience I do not look to repeating save in the very grips of lunacy. And lo: let me shun it for now.

I have read your quaint guide and can quite understand the using of this device,

Comments

[voice]

[noprevaricating]

[Archie got pinged by "shoot broadsides."]

Are you a sailor, sir?

[voice]

[oldshipmate]

Lord above, no. A physician.

[voice]

[noprevaricating]

I only ask because you mentioned firing broadsides. [Curious, he.]

[voice]

[oldshipmate]

I work aboard a ship, yes, but I could not by any one's calculation be called a sailor.

voice;

[oldshipmate]

...Indeed, sir. And may I ask your name?

voice;

[oldshipmate]

[Speaking of weird names, Angel. But we'll ignore that.] Has it, truly? My name is not so strange to the ear, I hope. An Irish name of precious little consequence.

[Written]

[consultmybooks]

1. A few attempts have been made to understand how the journals are made and how they work. If any progress was made, I haven't heard of it.

2. Most of us share your opinions, although the only adverse health effects that come from the wings are sickness and a quick death if they're damaged or removed. You won't find any marks. No one remembers having them attached.

3. The bar codes serve as an identification marker and tracking device for the Malnosso, in the even that they decide to call you in for further experimentation.

-R. Giles.

[Written]

[oldshipmate]

I find myself disappointed by the lack of research, but I thank you for not giving me the explanation of some magic cure. There was no community of study mentioned in the guide; am I to understand there is none at all?

Curious. And these codes are in the language of the Malnosso?

S. Maturin

Re: [Written]

[consultmybooks]

All I know, beyond their basic functioning and how to filter, is that they're also remarkably resistent to damage, making them more than your ordinary book.

[...] Or, at the least, an ordinary book from my world.

There is no community of study, not as such. Everyone seems to conduct their own when the mood or inclination takes them, recruiting friends or addressing the rest of the village for assistence when necessary.

Not as far as I can tell. Luceti has some sort of field in effect that allows for individuals from differing worlds to communicate. I'm not entirely certain that there is a language of the Malnosso. However, barcodes are a thing that exists in my world - they aren't generally tattooed on human beings, or quite so impervious to removal, but they do exist.

[Written]

[oldshipmate]

I have noticed that, yes; they take slow to water and fire. An attempt at preservation? I have seen they are quite precious to inhabitants.

Oh, stuff; that is a terrible way to conduct research. All would be lost the moment they left, which I am to understand is a common occurrence. Is there at least a journal of publication? Papers collected?

And in what context are you familiar with these barcodes?

[one_green_eye]

[an appreciative heh at that phrasing. Yeah, you would think. He skims over what's already been addressed.]

You'll find more malignancy results from their damage, ironically enough. Even losing a few feathers is enough to make some feel faint.

[oldshipmate]

La, the wings. I am to understand they are important, yes, and fragile, and I may hypothesize they represent some external sign of strife external. But with no proof? Are there no men of science here, at all?

[one_green_eye]

Hmm. [a little wryly] You might be underestimating the weight of personal experience.

The information the guide summarizes represents knowledge gained from a lot of upheaval. And if you search long enough to find the few conversations with the those outside this enclosure, you'll get an idea of how even well-phrased questions are answered. "Our ignorance is valuable", think Albert said something like that...

[a slight smile] Not to make it sound like we've all stopped investigating. [he'd fall into that category, he thinks. Men of science, huh.

Or did once.]

[oldshipmate]

Is it not all we have?

So they endeavor to keep us purposefully in the dark? And none have seen to strike against this plan? Or do they indulge in libricide as well?

But I have besieged you with questions entire, none of which, I gather, are easy things in a land resolutely opposed to answers. My apologies, sir.

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert is going to ignore these references to "God" and just stick to the straight science... well, as he's aware of it. Because, for all the oddness of this person's speech, zie sounds like zie has some kind of scientific knowledge, however limited.]

... About the wings... whatever techniques the Malnosso use to graft them to the people here, they are exceedingly e-efficient, comparable with direct cell regrowth therapies. I s-suspect some nanoscale surgery has been done to connect the muscles and nerves... but the wings are not rejected by the i-immune systems of people here...

... I could speak on the other two t-topics as well, but I am... less educated on them.

[Voice]

[oldshipmate]

Speak clearly, now, sir; 'nano-scale'? Immune system?

So I am to ascertain you are familiar with the fine art of live taxidermy?

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

[Have a scientist sputtering in absolute disgust.]

Live taxidermy?! Why would you even do such a thing?!

[He shakes his head as vigorously as it is possible to shake a head without it tumbling off one's shoulders.] Absolutely not... What a barbaric idea. The amount of suffering that would cause would violate every ethics code under the Terran Penal Code...

Re: [Voice]

[oldshipmate]

You yourself suggested it. You are only familiar with the grafting of the wings? I still require an explanation: nano-scale, you said?