1st Theory | Semi-Accidental Audio

[professorrieben]

[When the video feed initializes, it's obvious the user is 1, outside at night in Genessia City, 2, is currently just outside the Bay as the end of Weiss' holographic message can be heard in the background and then it starts again, and 3, that the user, a dark-haired and blue-eyed gentleman in what looks to be his mid-forties is awkwardly holding the phone in one hand and the pamphlet that explains it's use in the other.

He speaks, at first to himself, with a cultured English accent, though there's a harshness to his consonants that suggests English is not his native language.]

Remarkable! [He smiles in satisfaction and adjusts his grip on the phone so it's oriented correctly for a video address before continuing.] Hello, everyone, or what I assume to be everyone paying attention at any rate. These devices are rather clever, aren't they? [He shakes his head as though chiding himself for beginning off-topic.] My apologies. This is all so fascinating! I should say preemptively that it is a pleasure to meet all of you. My name is Charles Rieben, and I have, quite obviously to most of you I'm sure, just awoken in this "Bay" so usefully marked on this map. I admit the whole situation seems a bit...off-kilter, but nothing seems life-threatening for the moment, so I believe we have time for a chat.

[He pauses here, looking a bit thoughtful.]

I do have one pressing matter to ask of you all, though. Where might one acquire an Almanac for this place?

Comments

video;

[imaginationswoes]

[The word Remarkable gives Airy a freight as its shouted through the phone which had been resting next to Airys head. She pushes the sleep from her eyes and turns to look at the bright screen.

Her fingers fumble with her phone and without meaning to, she flicks on the screen.]

Oh... [Airy figures it'd be rude not to help or say hi now.]

Almanac?

[She's still walking up but she's trying.]

video;

[professorrieben]

[Charles smiles amicably at the girl on his feed.]

Ah! My first contact. I apologize if you were sleeping.

[He sounds too excited to actually be sorry about that.]

And yes, an Almanac. They're typically assembled annually and reference the position of celestial bodies to rather accurately predict the rising and setting of the sun, approximate temperatures and climates throughout the year so as to better aid in the proper sowing of seed and quite literally hundreds of other references. They're handy things to have on hand all 'round.

Video;

[imaginationswoes]

It's fine.

[Airy really doesn't mind getting woken up. She's used to it now.]

I know. I'm just.... waking up. Have you checked the library? I don't know when it closes. Ummm, I don't think I have one here.

Video;

[professorrieben]

I have not, truth be told, moved further than this spot, which is just across from the Bay, at a very convenient message from a resident.

[He looks impressed.]

Handy if they're open, though. Ah, of course. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?

Video;

[imaginationswoes]

[Airy's finally waking up. The screen shakes as she swings her legs around the bed and steps from the bedroom to the main living space. It's much brighter on the screen and once she fumbles for the light switch she becomes more visible. When she replies her voice is louder, clearer and the sounds of coffee being made become audible behind her.]

My name is Airy Miller. [She flashes him a smile before rummaging around the room. She's been doing all sorts of research for her story... she might have an almanac.]

What's your name?

[Video]

[azaleafae]

[Have a little scaled creature.]

These devices are quite clever indeed. We had nothing like this where I come from...

[Video]

[professorrieben]

[Clever device be damned, there is a miniature dragon on his screen.]

Yes, quite. Are you a dragon?

[Video]

[azaleafae]

Yes, I am. My name is Azalea.

[Video]

[professorrieben]

[His smile only broadens.]

And such a beautiful name. I always imagined dragons would be larger, but I'm hardly one to judge. They fell into antiquity long ago in my own world, and from there, to legend.

[Video]

[azaleafae]

Thank you. I was named after a flower, because I was hatched during the Greenskeeper Gathering holiday, and my colors fit our Nature theme.

And we dragons come in all shapes and sizes where I come from. The Fae breed - that's what I am - is the smallest known breed in my world.

[video]

[sonicosuper]

*A very new resident to this world herself, Sonico knows very well how important it is to have all the information you need when first arriving, so she's more than happy to help this man out. After all, he seems friendly enough*

Hello, and welcome. I don't think I came across any almanacs for this place, and I doubt that there even are any... But there's lots of extra information at the welcome centre, and people are more than happy to help.

*Usually. Most people, most of the time anyway*

[video]

[professorrieben]

[Charles frowns at the girl's response, though certainly not because she herself has disappointed him.]

Ah, I see. Well, I suppose I'll have to do my best. How long have you been here?

[It sounds a bit invasive, but he has the best of intentions.]

[video]

[sonicosuper]

*Though the frown isn't directed towards herself, Sonico still isn't pleased*

I'm sorry that I can't be of more help.

*She glances down at her fingers then as though counting the days before answering his question*

About a week and a half. Everything's still very new to me too.

[video]

[professorrieben]

[He smiles in response to her information.]

Then I believe you can be of some more help, dear. Have you noticed, in your week or so, approximately what time the sun rises? Does it vary by city?

[video]

[sonicosuper]

*Sonico continues to smile at the man, wanting to so her best to help him, especially as he calls her dear and that's rather nice. But her face falls when he explains what he wants to know*

I'm afraid...I'm always fast asleep when the sun rises. So I wouldn't know...

*Followed by a rather sheepish smile*

[youfool]

Interesting last name you've got there, Mr. Rieben. Welcome! Glad you've taken a liking to this place so readily. I'm almost jealous of you, for there's more to love and more to discover, which I'm sure you'll find at an exponential rate.

Alas, none of us have been quite insane enough to write up a calendar of this place, though it's not especially necessary. If you're American, or something close, all our holidays ought to be familiar. Christmas, Halloween, and so on. Thanksgiving, regretfully, is not so prominent, despite my efforts. Where do you hail from, anyway?

[professorrieben]

Doctor Rieben, if you're inclined to be formal, though Charles will suit me just fine.

[He smiles at the young man.]

There are always new discoveries to be made. It's one of the most endearing traits of any world.

[He shrugs.]

Thanksgiving is a bit of a one-sided holiday these days. Everyone's lost the original point. Most recently, I've come from a land unknown to anyone outside it's residents. Formerly, New York City.

[youfool]

Ah, New York. A very popular origin, here. Even met one that came from an alternate New York that was ravaged by aliens, if you can believe it.

Doctor, eh? What's your field?

You've my full agreement on the holiday. Gratitude isn't in as much supply as I'd prefer, though I suppose it's understandable when one finds they're a hostage to an unknown kidnapper, or something to that effect. Not the most charitable way to look at things.

Aside from almanacs, is there anything else you stand in need or want of?

[professorrieben]

I would hazard a guess that very nearly all of us are from some "alternate" Earth, and thus nearly all the residents here claiming to be from "New York" are, in fact, each from an "alternate" as well.

Xenobiology, primarily, though I've also dabbled in the medical sciences enough to function as a field surgeon.

Food and board are provided, both of which I've done without, and both of which are deserving of thanks, regardless of ulterior motive, really.

How long have you been here?

[youfool]

Heh, that's too bad and too interesting. Bad, for it means no reunions. Interesting, for what could the universe wish to do with so many Earths? Another riddle.

The study of foreigners, eh? Well you'll have a rich supply to study, then. Ought to keep you busy for several lifetimes. May your other discipline languish and see little enough work.

I've been almost two years, now. Feels like twenty; this world moves very quickly, at times.

voice;

[truesmiles]

I assume by off kilter means you never been to other worlds before?

[He is taking a wild guess anyway.]

voice;

[professorrieben]

Only once, and it was by choice.

[He doesn't sound very torn up about it at any rate.]

Still, this place seems innocent enough. At least there isn't any hanging calamity I've taken notice of.

voice;

[truesmiles]

Oh! Curious to know how you did that?

[He had to pay a price to travel, so he admitedly wanted to know.]

Innocent enough during the quiet times. Things do happen however sometimes.

voice;

[professorrieben]

Someone opened a door and was kind enough to allow me to accompany them through.

Don't they always?

voice;

[truesmiles]

Going to other worlds by simply opening a door... Never heard that one before.

[And he's seen a few methods himself.]

Would be weird if they didn't.