Video:

[aspacepirate]

So, yeah. It's me again. And it's been about... I want to say 26 days, if we're going by Earth time.

(He has since changed out of his uniform and is wearing a light jacket, navy blue hoodie, white t-shirt underneath, at least this is what would be seen on the video feed. He had quickly begun to dress for the changing weather. Of course, he has a feeling that he will find himself missing the massive amounts of snow he was used to once winter really did settle in.

His expression hasn't changed much since - Mark is a master at taking things in stride. Besides, he's thrilled to know that there is one person he knows here and he seems to be making another new friend, at least.

That thought reminds him to tell Rick about his sort of twin running around.)

So far, so good. I mean a roof over my head and a job. More importantly a purpose - figure out what hell caused my friend and I end up here and how we can get back.

But until we figure that out - guess I'll be your average run of the mill teach. (He shrugs. He is actually not minding the idea. He figures he'll be able to get a few jokes like "You kids, when I was your age I had to walk on Mars uphill, both ways" and "Let me tell you about those Martian street gangs. They completely trashed my rover!")

I wonder if teaching the kids how to make water out of rocket fuel is a bad idea...I mean, I'll obviously test it out on my own first and make sure nothing can go wrong then. It'll come in handy to get it figured out once I get out of here...

If not, once the weather gets better, I'll just teach them out to grow things. I mean - that's sciencey enough and practical to boot...

Oh, and that reminds me...if anyone else is trying to figure this out. Mind sounding out. I think we all need to work together on this one.

Comments

video;

[gammavirginis]

Figure out Genessia? Or figure out how to grow crops?

If the former, you'll want to talk to Weiss Schnee, who's running a research organization for that purpose. If the latter, I'm pretty sure that's already figured out.

Re: video;

[aspacepirate]

Genessia.

I'd be a lousy botanist if I couldn't figure out growing crops. I mean I would be the worst one in the universe. Absolute worst.

Weiss Schnee, huh?

[gammavirginis]

I'm sure most everyone to some degree is interested in the function of this place, though. Just asking people that have been around for awhile is helpful, even if they aren't actively seeking a way out.

video;

[whiteas]

What kind of teacher are you exactly?

Re: video;

[aspacepirate]

Well, here? I suppose I will be teaching science...

Back home I was, and still am, an astronaut.

Re: video;

[whiteas]

An astronaut. [ Weiss almost sounds doubtful but she ends up moving forward with what she wanted to say anyway. ] I'm the founder of an organization called the Genessian Scientific Research foundation. If you're interested in helping to find a way out of here and you have some kind of science-related talents, as I assume you do, you may be able to help out after your classes.

Video

[skilledwithwords]

That sounds amazing.

[Not that Levy ever went to school.]

I've been looking into things here as well though I haven't gotten really far. I have a book in my store where people can write and gather ideas though I know the Schnee Company is also looking into it.

I had a friend there before, I was helping look into something that involved Biology. I can't get into the lab anymore because I don't actually work there but it might be something you can look into. Though I don't know what you are teaching or what your skills are in but it sounds like science.

I can at least tell you what I currently do know.

[It's really not that much.]

Re: Video

[aspacepirate]

A book? Would you mind me coming by sometime in the next week to see it? I'm kind of curious what everyone else has to say about it...

And Schnee Company? Right, the thing mentioned in that hologram.

Yeah, my skills are in that. I have a masters in botany for starters. But I know my way around engineering too...so, I mean, I never exactly saw myself teaching, but...I can at least do something useful for now.

(He pauses.) What do you know?

Video

[skilledwithwords]

You are always welcome too. I put some spells around it so it can't leave the shop. I admit I don't have to much in there yet but I'm trying to gather more. I could probably read what I have to you really quickly if you wanted to learn now.

[She pauses looking back at the screen nervously.]

Not that you can't stop by! You're always welcome too. I just didn't want you to think I have more than I do.

[Levy is trying to think of everything she knows and for a brief moment she's silent.]

Um... I know a few different things. I just read a lot so I learn through that. I don't know as much about science but I do like to study. My world doesn't have a lot of the things that this world has, or Nova City for that matter.

[youfool]

Mm, well we did get a few questions answered. Which, naturally led to more questions, and so on. Perhaps this place has some reluctance in unleashing inquisitive hydras.

But some are better than none, right? Anyway, here's a post that might help.

[aspacepirate]

Inquisitive hydras...

(Mark frowns and then goes quiet and looks at what he is given.

After a while he finally speaks.)

...Spirits? Helping. Compatibility. (What. the. Just what.) You can't expect me to believe any of that, can you?

[youfool]

"Sure I can."

( video )

[headmovies]

That's a horrible idea, Watney. [He shakes his head.

He's smiling. Horrible idea or no...]

The father in me keeps stressing that I continue to tell you how terrible that idea is.

Re: ( video )

[aspacepirate]

A horrible idea? Alright then, Martinez...let's hear why you think that? You know, from the perspective of a parent and all.

How is it a horrible idea? And what part? Me teaching? Or the water out of rocket fuel? Or the crop growing idea?

(Mark raises an eyebrow at his friend smiling.)

( video )

[headmovies]

...teaching children to make water out of rocket fuel. There's no way that could go well, man. Sorry. Teach them...basic chemistry or something, but not that.

( video )

[iambourne]

How old are the children you're teaching?

[And it comes out like an academic question.]

And of course I'm trying to figure this out.

Re: ( video )

[aspacepirate]

I don't know yet. Elementary school age, so I guess they could be munchkins or they could be a step away from being the little monsters that middle schoolers are...you know, puberty shuts off any real reason or sense they have.

Well, mind help figuring it out? I kind of have a reason I need to get back to where I'm from, turns out.

...Of course, this place is a lot safer...but, still, can't really throw an act of self sacrifice away. Especially when it's...well, people I consider family.

But don't tell anyone that.

video

[schrodingersghost]

Dude, I only wish my science classes had done something that cool.

Re: video

[aspacepirate]

Right! Man, I remember when I was a kid...I mean always liked science but imagine if someone could do something cool for history.

Well, hands on and something people might actually find interesting would be the way to go, right?

video

[eastdetective]

Do you know which grades you're teaching?

[Conan might even be a little interested. It would be a change from spending his days bored by standard first grade classes.]

Do you mean trying to figure out what this place is and why we have been brought here? Or do you mean trying to figure out a way home?

Re: video

[aspacepirate]

That I still need to find out. I really need to get on that part and soon. Kind of got myself involved with other things. More or less, anyway.

(Mark frowns.) Well, both. I want to know why I'm here now, what this place is exactly, and wouldn't going home after I find out. I kind of...well, there are some people who are...

It's a long story, but I don't want to not be there for my ride home...I kind of ended up stuck on Mars and well, my friend who is here and the rest of the crew...they were coming back for me. Added a ton more days to the mission and well, they could die...

video;

[eighthchild]

Why would kids need to learn how to do that though? I mean unless you are plannig on sending rockets somewhere.

Re: video;

[aspacepirate]

Well, it's not so much to send rockets somewhere. But, well, more like in case you get stuck somewhere where you just can't turn on a sink or walk to a river to get water...

You can make it. (He nods.)

video;

[namemeansbeauty]

I know I want to try and figure this whole thing out myself, but so far I've not found anything useful.

Re: video;

[aspacepirate]

Nothing? (He frowns.)

Well, there's a few of us who want to find out what's going on...as for what we're going to do about it after? Some of us know, others don't. I want to go back, but...well, I was thinking...it'd be better if everyone worked together on finding out.

Strength in numbers and all that.