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]

[no_use_running]

I suppose I'm certainly considered well-educated, since finishing medical school.

Re: [Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

Ah, Dr. Mizuno. You struck me as nothing less than well-educated from all the times we have spoken - on Terra you would be considered one of the finest of young minds.

But is this sort of thing commonplace where you are from, or is your intelligence a comparitive rarity?

Re: [Voice]

[no_use_running]

[Really, Robert. You make her embarrassed.]

Medical school is unusual, but I don't think that really means anything about intelligence...

[So. not. comfortable with this after an entire childhood of being shut out of everything as the 'snobby rich princess' and the 'stuck-up genius'.]

Re: [Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

[He knows that sort of childhood well, though he usually didn't allow it to bother him but it still bothered him anyway.]

And why would you say that? Doctors are renowned for their expertise on Terra - is that case not the same on your world? [A note of sadness - or maybe almost pity - creeps into Robert's voice here. He's having trouble imagining a world where doctors aren't given the praise he feels they deserve.]

[action]

[thestormishere]

[ Remember that severe, heavily-armed young woman from that first day? Well, she's back.

... Although she's also totally ignoring the first glimpse she gets of Robert studying a tree- she's been in Luceti a few months, so she's already seen much weirder. However, when she finds him almost completely in her way as she walks to the library, she really has to stop and wonder why he's just peering at it instead of going in. Hello, distinctive sound of her walk when she has her gunblade, halting a stride or two behind and to the side of him. ]

What are you doing?

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[At that distinctive walk - complete with the crunching of snow on the path - Robert freezes and turns with a startled look. That harsh tone makes him cringe just a little, and he instinctively bows out of the way, giving Lightning room to pass.]

I... was simply interested in this particular institution. [Robert fidgets a little.] It seems to be a place of knowledge, but it lacks visible databases. [And he doesn't recognize books beyond vague recollection from a museum.]

[Action]

[thestormishere]

[ Lightning just stares at him a moment, before turning her gaze to the building in question with narrowed eyes. ]

Right... there aren't any databases here; just... books. [ She was just as surprised, honestly. Even if she didn't just stand outside in the cold and agonize about it. 8| ]

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Books... Those things?]

... Books? ...

I recall seeing one in a museum, once. [Robert looks at the library again.] And this place is full of them?

... The constituent of books is mainly wood pulp, correct? [Robert probably sounds... disturbed by this. (OOC: This is because, back on Terra, trees are still noticeably absent in many parts of the world, and most species suffered massive extinctions.)]

[i_speak_softly]

[He'll start with the second question.] Thinking like a human.

[And:] There's a book I keep meaning to look up for Helios. ((because mun never got around to giving it to him for Christmas.)) Is he having a birthday?

[semper_cogitans]

[Oh, it's Donatello again. Not that Robert knows his name.]

Is that so, sir? I recall you as being that exceedingly-intelligent trachemys scripta elegans, mutatens that I spoke to during the last experiment. Your intelligence seems, to me, to be just as capable - if not more so - than the majority of humans. [Robert's not lying on this point either. Especially after that stint with Jack Horner.]

What exactly makes thinking like a human, as you say, more desirable in your world than thinking like yourself?

[A slight pause, before the rest of it.] Ah... well. [And now Robert's tone is slightly... nervous.] Mr. Sprensonne - well, he prefers me to call him Helios, but, formalities - has been nothing but kind to me as of late, and he was very helpful to me when I was first here. I wish to... repay this kindness to him, in some tangible form.

Unfortunately, I have very little... knowledge in this regard. [Is it obvious Robert doesn't have any friends?]

[i_speak_softly]

Um... that's me.

[Before answering your new question, he'll ask:] Tell me, astrobiologist of the Randi Institute... when you look for extraterrestrial intelligence, what are you looking for?

[And then he will helpfully boost your filter to 100% before saying:] Helios likes mythical creatures and Shakespeare. I think there must be a book about mythical creatures in Shakespeare, but I haven't had a chance to look for it. You're welcome to the idea, if you have time to do something with it.

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert loves answering questions! He could do this all day.]

Astrobiologists do not specifically look for extraterrestrial intelligences, per se; because intelligence manifests itself in so many different forms, limiting it to a specific kind seems counterproductive. But we look for the standard signs of a sapient species - metacognition, ability to reason and come to conclusions, manipulation of the environment in a constructive fashion, and communication - of whatever sort. [Robert smiles a little, and his voice might smile along with him.] There was one species I had the pleasure of researching once - an aquatic sapient whose main method of communication was with coloured lights and patterns. It was an utterly fascinating specimen, and such a surprisingly rich and complex syntax.

[Thanks, he needed that - Robert's just getting used to filtering.] ... A book? I... seem to recall there being books here. Though, frankly, I have never seen a book outside of a museum before.

[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.]

[WRITTEN]

[polishrule]

Ummmm whats being smart? I always thought knowing a lot of stuff

And I totally know Helios!!!

Re: [Written]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert is... guessing by the similarity of the writing style that this is Poland, though he never got Poland's name.]

Well... intelligence, I suppose, is both knowing information, and knowing how best to use it.

Ah, you do? [Cue the slightly-shy writing.] Do you happen to know what he enjoys? Something that would be a feasible gift for me to attain, preferably...

[Written]

[polishrule]

Ya I so know what intelligence is. Right??

I think he likes chocolate. And he knows magic??? Get him chocolate!!!

Re: [Written]

[semper_cogitans]

I think that is a valid definition of intelligence, yes.

[Cue Robert blushing over here, just a little.] Ah, but... what with the upcoming holidays, I, er, wouldn't want to give him the wrong impression. [Okay, he totally does find Helios somewhat handsome, but he didn't want to admit that to himself even if he admitted that on the thread for what guys were hot...]