1st Journal | Arriving @ the Bay | ACTION/VIDEO[OPEN]

[thruthemagnifyingglass]

ACTION

[Alice remembers the plane ride taking her from Romania to England. She’d just been offered a job at The Imperial College in London and had eagerly accepted the prestigious position. She remembers talking to her sister the day before and hearing the excitement in the older woman’s voice. Alice had assured her several times that she wouldn’t have time to visit; the previous professor had disappeared unexpectedly leaving the college in a tizzy.

She remembers drifting off to sleep and when she awoke she wasn’t on the plane at all. Her thick lashes dot with moisture while dark almond eyes peer up at the cave ceiling. It takes a moment for the shock to ebb and for her thoughts to begin racing.] Curious. [She whispers the word softly, testing the strength and volume of her voice. She doesn’t know where she is and hidden beneath the seemingly calm awakening she’s frightened.

Alice shifts and the mysterious box digs into her side. Wide eyes stare at it before she slowly begins to riffle through the items. She has her purse which contains her most recent field journal and a few others miscellaneous items. It isn’t much but it’s convenient for stowing the contents of the box. Steeling her nerves she wades across the small pool of water and heads towards the exit of the bay.]

At least the sun shines here.

[Thank heavens for small favors.]

VIDEO

[Alice first reads the pamphlets, the map and the other provided information. She enjoys the Hologram even though it doesn’t delve into excruciating detail. She assumes that it is worded in such a way that it doesn’t need to be updated daily. While the situation demands answers some questions are best to answer first and the hologram and pamphlets do that well enough.

She hopes it’s safe here though she knows that terms and phrases are relative to an individual’s biases of comparison. She can only hope and that she does very well.

When she flicks on the screen she’s standing outside in the sun. Dark hair falls in waves over her shoulders and while there is a light smile on her lips there is a worried shadow in her eyes. She can’t help but find this situation unsettling.]

Excuse me, [Her words and voice are smooth, her accent indicative of southern England but fading due to her travels around the globe. She doesn’t know who she’s addressing and she’d rather be polite until she has a fuller grasp on the situation at hand.] My name is Alice Colwin, professor or doctor if you prefer formalities. Like many of you I find myself quite suddenly waking up here. I don’t have any questions at this time but I would like to meet those who’ve found themselves here.

MORE ACTION

[Alice is wearing the outfit she often wore when she was working out in the field. Her shirt is a dark tight sleeveless top made with a nice durable fabric. She has a loved brown leather jacket pulled over her shoulders and a pair of sturdy tight jeans. Her boots are dark brown and while they have a slight heel they’re meant for work. As she steps through the city she shrugs off her jacket and drapes it over her purse. As time lingers and draws onward her worry fades and in its place advances a persistent curiosity.

She can’t help but be curious. Her father had once said that the trait was rooted in the name Alice, and as such, unavoidable. Curiosity is the only true way to discovery. Her questions vary from person to person but there is one that she aims to ask a few passersby.]

Have you seen a white rabbit in a petticoat?

[She can’t help herself.]

Comments

action.

[bergkatze]

A white rabbit in a what?

[Katze, Berg Katze to some, was just idling about being his usual impossible self when some ugly little thing waltzed over to him.]

Eh? Do you really think there's friggin' bunny-rabbits wandering along the street all willy nilly?

[To be fair, he's a little on the angsty side. So he's a tad snappish. Katze honestly shouldn't be so grumpy right now especially since he's sporting his new black dress. Katze gotten tired of wearing the usual blue suit and opted to try something a tad fancier today.

All dressed up with nothing to do after stealing this dress hot off the rack, Katze let's out a bored sigh.]

...You wanna hunt rabbits?

[He asks suddenly.]

action.

[thruthemagnifyingglass]

[His reaction tells more of a story than any of the dribble falling from his lips. Alice watches him with a calm expression, her eyes calculating as she looks up at him. She isn't daunted by his words, his height or his dress.]

Ah, perhaps I've spotted a fool instead.

[She replies in a cooler tone.]

Here I thought all the eccentricities might bore something more than quick judgements and rather silly questions. [Yes, she's calling your question silly.] A rabbit can make a street their home as well as the woods. Or do you find in your experiance that they burrow to be away from such things?

To answer your question, I do not hunt but look for a possible friend.

Re: action.

[bergkatze]

Watch it. [He snarls in annoyance. Don't think you can call him a fool and get away with it.] Lady, word of advice, don't piss off the locals.

[His black tail flickers a little in annoyance.]

I don't know what you're talking about but actual rabbits are pretty scarce. As for the stupid bunnies prowling about---well~

[He snickers quietly.]

You'll find plenty of them burrowed in their hidey holes.

[His rank mood is slightly lifted.]

Eh? You're new here aren't you?

action.

[thruthemagnifyingglass]

You say that but you aren't local.

[She's seen the people who call this city their home and ever the researcher she's watched them. They appear to have lost their muchness, as her father might say, and this man is nothing like that. It's interesting how he identifies himself though not completely surprising.]

I am.

[There is no point in hiding it.]

As it is, a bunny and a rabbit are the same thing. The word bunny is used to describe a baby rabbit, along with the word Kitten. The difference is between the rabbit and the hare which have differences from birth. [Alice's teacher voice switches on the instant she begins explaining. It's calm and patient but also understanding and careful. She refuses to talk down to anyone as much in the academic field are known to do.] That is if you're interested in the difference. If not you're welcome to disregard my explanation.

Re: action.

[bergkatze]

How you so sure about that? [A faint smirk settles on his rouged lips as he regards the woman.] There's all sorts of lifeforms here, some human and some other. Don't be so quick to judge, riiight?

[He pauses for a moment once the woman goes through the task of explaining the difference between a rabbit and a bunny. Certain words honestly fly over his head since he didn't give human dialect much thought in general and started off speaking Japanese originally. Everything he knows language wise is through memes or netspeak. Berg Katze is honestly ignorant of most things and language is a bit of a difficulty for him.]

I-I knew that! [He huffs.] I meant to say if you're looking for rabbits, you'll find a few somewhere here.

action.

[thruthemagnifyingglass]

You haven't noticed then?

[It's very obvious to her who's native and who isn't though she supposed it might simply be because of her past. A small frown pulled at her lips, wondering if he was serious.]

Of course, excuse me for implying that you didn't know. [If he remembers what she told him then Alice considers her work as a teacher complete. Everyone is learning and people, skills and talents come in all shapes and sizes.] The one I was referencing was from a book about a girl named Alice who ends up falling into a different world.

I take it from your initial reaction of my question that you've never read it?

Re: action.

[bergkatze]

Eh? What do you--? [Katze glances about slowly as if taking in his surroundings for the first time.] Well...

[There's a conscious thought within that pink head of his.]

You might have a point.

[There's definitely something off about this place Katze hadn't picked up on until now. He's slow to the uptake.]

I only heard of the title of that book but never read it.

[action]

[offwithhishat]

[ Jefferson had been right off from his shift at work when he began to pass by the new arrival. Forcing himself to at least look up and vaguely greet people instead of keeping his head down was finally becoming easier again, so naturally when he noticed the unfamiliar face he intended to say something or other -- she got there first, though.

The oddly specific question made him stop on the sidewalk midstride, his eyebrows creasing just slightly as he shifted his weight. The bouquet of carnations that he'd intended to take home suddenly felt a bit awkward in his grip, but he dissipated the confusion on his features in favor of trying not to look like the words actually meant anything. She probably didn't know him, right?

... he regretted wearing his hat out that day. ]

I don't think I have. Were you looking for one?

[action]

[thruthemagnifyingglass]

[Alice exhales a slow breath, her expression relaxing into a friendly sort of mask. It is rather obvious that her words had an unintended effect though she doesn't know that she's alarmed him in any way.]

Consider it wishful thinking.

[She replies, hoping that it might relax the tall stranger.]

I'm sorry if I'm interrupting you. Those are lovely and I love your hat. [Alice smiles at him hoping that he knows that her compliments are earnest.]

Excuse me for prying but those flowers are carnations, do they grow here?

[action]

[offwithhishat]

[ His reaction had been much more visible, but in a somewhat similar fashion he was able to read between the lines enough to know that she wasn't entirely in her element. If she was a newer arrival that would make plenty of sense, but his initial response probably hadn't helped much. He'd have to look a little friendlier too. ]

That's a unique thing to wish for. [ It really, really was. He shook his head lightly at her apology. ] You simply caught me off guard. No harm done. I --

[ She could have just been trying to be polite, but compliments to his style of dress were hard not to respond overly positively to. He smiled back, and tilted the brim of his hat in acknowledgement. ]

Thank you very much. Admittedly I think your boots are rather fetching.

[ His were a bit similar when he thought about it. ]

I get asked about flowers all day so I wouldn't call it prying. My friend and employer grows them, so yes. I like to keep some around the house, so... [ He held them up for her to get a better look if she wanted. There were two separate colors in the mix: a pale purple and a brighter red. The red was for Dave. ] Do you just like carnations or are you a fan of flowers in general?

[action]

[thruthemagnifyingglass]

[Alice laughs softly, looking down at her shoes as if she had forgotten what pair she put on that morning. Her sister once told her that they'd walk away with her if they weren't attached to her feet. The memory brings a pang of sadness but Alice pushes the feeling away and focuses instead on their conversation.]

Thank you.

[Their conversation breaks a little, as if the tension they'd both felt snapped and allowed them to relax some.]

I like both. [She replies softly, leaning in to see the flowers more closely. Her hand lightly rises to cup one of the purple ones, her fingers gliding over the silky petals.] It's beautiful. Though my favorite flower is Plumeria, it's native to Brazil. [She found one on a trip she'd taken there a few months before her change in occupation.]

[action]

[offwithhishat]

[ He was relieved that things were becoming a bit less strained and formal. Talking about flowers was a good thing to think about instead of entertaining the worry and paranoia that had spiked in him just briefly. ]

I'm sure it's obvious that I like both too. [ Jefferson didn't stop a quiet chuckle of his own from escaping. It was nice to see that she both appreciated them and knew to handle them carefully. Terra had taught him a lot about that. ]

Plumeria? [ His eyes moved from the carnations to her face. ] We have some of those too, actually. I'd be happy to show you sometime if you'd like.

[action]

[thruthemagnifyingglass]

I'll look forward to it.

[Alice smiles her hand returning to her side. She takes a small step back feeling as if she might have been impeding on Jefferson's personal space by remaining to closer.] I'm happy to see some familiar things here.

[She pauses and tries not to chew on her lower lip.]

Have you been here long?

[He has a job and an apartment, she can easily get both though she'll explore her options before settling somewhere to work.]

[Video]

[sonicosuper]

*A beautiful woman who can be called professor or doctor? This is just amazing news to Sonico, who looks wide eyed and hopeful at her new idol*

So you're a professor? You must be very clever! What is your field of expertise?

[Video]

[thruthemagnifyingglass]

[Alice smiles at the young girl. She doesn't like the idea that so many young people are here but there is little she can do about it.]

I have a PHD in Mineral Geology, a Masters in Environmental Geology and a background in Historical Geology. I've been working mostly as a field journalist but I've recently taken a position as a professor. I don't think there is a need for someone from my field here.

[She's interested in this world and how it works but she will keep her studies to her journals.]

I've been told I'm good with children so I might find a teaching job if you know of any schools around here?

[Video]

[sonicosuper]

*Okay, so her field wasn't marine life, or biology of any kind, but Sonico still looks delighted when the other woman describes her experience*

Congratulations on becoming professor - tou must have put in a lot of hard work and dedication.

*As Sonico nods her head, it's clear these are very important values to her*

And there is definitely a need! I have a friend - He is a geologist too. He has been working very hard on various machines and ideas lately. I'm sure he'd love to talk with you about it.

*But wait - what is this? Sonico is only being helpful but experiences a strange twinge as she thinks about Terrance along somewhere with this gorgeous, the two of them in raptured discussion about rocks*

As for schools, only if you want to teach very young children, I believe...

[Video]

[thruthemagnifyingglass]

Thank you though that means very little here.

[She smiles sweetly.]

I can teach any age. [Alice enjoys children of all ages. Though younger children are able to dream which she'll admit is a passion of hers.]

I'd love to speak to your friend if you think he'd want too.

[She's used to men in her field and she doubts they'd truly want to speak to her.]

[Video]

[sonicosuper]

Then hopefully you'll be able to find a teaching job that will suit you.

*Sonico smiles, remembering her own experiences of teaching young children - maybe something she could look into some day*

My friend doesn't..he isn't the most social of people I have ever met, but I'm sure he'd enjoy talking with someone with a similar passion and expertise.

*Gee, Sonico, quit setting them up!*

[Video]

[thruthemagnifyingglass]

[Alice continues to smile though the expression is more subdued. She does continue to smile at the young girl but it's soft and more subtle. Sonico is cute.]

We'll see. How long have you been here?

[She doesn't know what she exactly whats to do yet. There are so many people to meet and things to discover and yet the smallest discovery here might appear completely normal to someone else.

It's strange but exciting.]

video; evening

[professorrieben]

[The young woman on the video feed has a familiar glint to her eye, Charles notices. The gentleman who responds smiles amicably and nods in greeting once the video was transmitting./small>]

Charles Rieben. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Professor.

video; evening

[thruthemagnifyingglass]

[Alice looks at her phone, a little surprised at the hour that he's chosen to call. She's in one of the offered homes, not having a job or apartment yet. She carefully tucks a lose strand of dark hair behind an ear as she looks into the video. She can already tell that he's well studied, he has that air about him though he hadn't introduced himself with a title.]

The pleasure is all mine Mr.Rieben.

[There is a firmness in her tone that displays strength though her eyes remain soft and warm.]

Have you been here long?

video; evening

[professorrieben]

Professor Rieben, or Doctor if you would like to maintain the familiarity, though I will accept Charles just as readily.

[He can tell she must work in a field not often frequented by women. She has the same stalwart strength in her eyes that his wife has. Strong women are very attractive, capable women even more so.]

Very nearly a month, Professor. Not much is known about our situation or those being brought here, or those who originate here, but I've joined a research foundation to help answer some of those questions. As with all research, it seems to be at a stand-still until we have our next major breakthrough. Tedious yet rewarding work. I'll do my best to answer any questions you may have, of course, with whatever information I do have.

video; evening

[thruthemagnifyingglass]

Charles then and if you could call me Alice.

[A small smile touches her lips though it appears more entertained by his phrasing. He appears open and friendly, not something that Alice is familiar with when it comes to other scholars. She can only assume that something about this man must be extraordinary, that is, besides the obvious.]

That is very kind of you. I'm a field researcher first and foremost though I've recently accepted a position at a university. My PHD is in mineralogy which I don't believe will be as useful here but then I have yet to see.

I'd like to explore all options available to me. Perhaps you can tell me how I might be able to help us learn a little bit more about our situation.

video; evening

[professorrieben]

There are always rocks in need of studying, I wager, Alice.

[He smiles.]

And I prefer field research myself, unless I have a proper laboratory. Speaking of which, there are always positions available at the Genessia Scientific Research Foundation. We're tracking the secrets of our being here. I wager mineralogy may come in handle. My background is biological and anthropological.

video; evening

[thruthemagnifyingglass]

Is there? I'll be sure to stop by.

[She'd rather see the facility before simply agreeing to work there. She's never worked in a stationary lab before but it does sound like an alluring proposition.]

The message here mentioned barriers. I don't know how they might affect weather patterns or the study of the rocks around them. It might be that I can't date anything here though I see nothing stopping me from trying.

It might be detrimental if there have been a lot of materials taken from one archway to another. [Alice doesn't know what people here have been up to but she doesn't assume it's anything good. People as a mass generally prescribed to group-think which is a theory that occurs with any large group.]