5. - voice.

[typhlopid]

[The voice in the transmission is even, cultured, and precise: a young man in his twenties, educated, with an air of amusement.]What is the best gift you have ever received? What made it significant? Was it the monetary value of the gift, the use of it, or the context in which the gift was given? Or was it merely the sentiment, the affection of the

Comments

[gaveherwings]

The consumer compulsion. They would go through waves of that from time to time in Romdeau too, though I've noticed they make much ado much of that around this time of year. It's probably the business quarter closing up, and the attempt to make the dark a little more bearable. It's not a bad idea.

Last year I may have spent a little too much on gifting, though.

I've received many nice ones before, also. Some were very thoughtful. Useful. It's nice when someone notices the things you need.

[A pause, though, and then the doctor has to laugh.]

...are you really soliciting a partner like that?

[typhlopid]

Romdeau is where you lived before here, correct? In most cultures there are festivals that coincide with the darkest night of the year, or around then. As you said, it is a way to stave off the darkness, as well as celebrate feelings of rebirth and renewal.

As for a partner, someone who would respond to such a request would likely be adventurous and have a good sense of humor. [wryly:] Or possibly desperate.

In any case, it would make for an amusing pairing.

[gaveherwings]

Yes, that's right. But Romdeau was regulated on a constant 'sunset' and 'sunrise' time. There was no annual differentiation.

If amusing and adventurous is what you're looking for.

[typhlopid]

So every day passed by nearly the same without any change? Didn't that cause psychological and physical distress in its residents? Restlessness, insomnia, various other disturbances?

[He laughs, though.]

I am not really the thrill-seeking sort, but a new person means a new perspective, and a way to pass the time.

[Voice]

[beenwaitinglong]

A silver ring. It was a birthday present.

[typhlopid]

Jewelry. It is a somewhat unusual gift for a man. What aspect of it did you find most enjoyable?

[beenwaitinglong]

It's classy, plain, matches my earrings... but the part I liked most is who it was from.

I always wear it, even now.

[typhlopid]

Then it was not only a fine gift, but an important one.

Barring coffee and related accessories, is there anything you are hoping for this year?

voice;

[tinderfoot]

[So this guy was Clover's brother, huh...]

You really think she'd want something like that?

[typhlopid]

I think it would make her laugh that I went through such trouble, and that she would have a pleasant time of it altogether. I am not really expecting romance to blossom.

[tinderfoot]

... I think she'd be able to find someone on her own.

[typhlopid]

Oh? Do you know of any boys she favors? [Amusement.]

Voice;

[giftedistheterm]

[Simon sounds a bit tired but he's glad for a distraction.]

The first that comes to mind was a birthday of mine, the last one I had back home. I've told you about the ship I was living on, haven't I? It hadn't been that long since I first joined, about six months I think, and the crew decided to surprise me with a cake...

The rest of the day wasn't as nice, but that moment of feeling at home again was very memorable.

[And then he switches to a private feed and the teasing is obvious in his tone.]

Would she like a gift like that, I wonder?

[typhlopid]

You have told me a little. From how I understand it, such a gesture of kindness would have been unexpected from them. [He does know Simon's feelings rather well - the isolation of feeling like an outsider. It is something he pretends does not bother him.] I am glad at least that part of our birthday was nice.

[private]

I think so. At the very least, the sentiment will make her laugh, and she will have a good time. I am not expecting a grand romance.

[giftedistheterm]

It was. The part that had cake, at least. [A dry and brief laugh.]

[Private]

Lucky for you, then. I get the feeling if I tried that with River she'd question my sanity.

private;

[typhlopid]

Perhaps we should set up our sisters on a bit of a playdate if I can't secure us dates for the New Year.

Did you celebrate Christmas, in your world of origin?

video;

[quadrifoliate]

[ Fortunately, hacking isn't one of her many illicitly-acquired skills. ]

You don't need to get me anything special for Christmas. I'm just glad you're here.

[ Given that her birthday is on the 21st, the celebrations traditionally got combined for Christmas anyway. ]

voice;

[typhlopid]

Your presence is the finest gift to me as well.

Isn't there anything you want, though?

voice;

[quadrifoliate]

I can't really think of anything... maybe a new MP3 player? [ Usually Clover's the type who's hard to shop for, in that she'll usually buy what she wants with her own money if she has it. ]

What about you?

[typhlopid]

Is there a particular brand you'd favor?

[He laughs.] I have not given it much thought, honestly. Perhaps a bed warmer. It does get cold in the winter.