Her explanation in itself would have told Nic that she wasn't a 'normal' teenager. He thought anyway. Now that he knew, that was an easy assumption to make. But he didn't think there were many teens around who were entertained, much less calmed, by listening to stories.
"Will you tell me some of the stories, sometime. I think I would really like to hear them. And does EVERYTHING speak to you? Is that what my shoe was doing, that night in the bookstore? Telling you about itself?"
Damn shoe. If that was the case it should have told her how good Nic had been to it.
But wait...'damn shoe'...that was what got him into the confusion to begin with.
He chuckled to himself. It would seem he might have to carefully consider things he said to Theo. From what little he'd seen of her, she tended to take things a bit literally.
"Is that something you need to be wary of...pissing people off?"
He had picked up on her slight laugh. She must have related in some way to his comment.
It then occurred to him that he was not down there to be getting to know Theo though, and he hoped he wasn't making Kem anxious.
"Maybe you'd let me take you out to a movie, and ice cream, and you could show me some of the stories? I think now though, Kem might want to put me to work."
He hoped that hadn't sounded patronizing. He certainly didn't mean for it to. But he didn't want to tread on Kem's patience either.
Indiana Nic: Reader of the Lost Archives...
Kem looked around the white-tiled lobby. There weren't very many people here at this time of night; the majority of the humans at Meridian worked during the day or evening. He was surprised at how many new faces there were, and then he remembered that although a year wasn't so long for him or his kind, it was for everyone else.
In fact, he realized, the last time he'd spoken with the Head Archivist, Julie, she'd mentioned that she and her husband wanted children. Apparently they'd been successful; good for them.
Kem made his way to the stairwell, resettling the bag with his laptop in it over his shoulder and heading down into the depths of Meridian's lower levels. Here the floors were lettered rather than numbered, going substantially deep into the ground. Floors A, B, C, and D were all associated with the archaeological section of Meridian, as were some of the upper levels of the building.
As he jogged down the stairs Kem sent to Nic, [I'm here. I'll meet you outside the elevators whenever you get down; just come right down past the lobby to floor B.]
He entered that floor himself, admiring the way the white tiled floors integrated themselves with parts of the original stone structure of the building. This floor was quiet, but that wasn't unusual for this time of the evening.
There was no one else in the hallway, so Kem leaned up against the wall opposite the elevators, put his bag down on the floor propped against his shin, and waited.
Nicholae
18 years ago
Kem`Raaisu
18 years ago
Kem had given in to temptation. It was a wicked, wicked mistress. Wicked, bad, evil mistress. But surely just a peek at the North Nachton artifacts wouldn't hurt anyone. Theo and Nic seemed to be getting along well enough and he could keep an eye on them...
... uff. His eyes didn't go around corners. Maybe if he craned his neck...
...unh. That didn't go around corners either.
However, if he... yeah, that would work.
Kem perched himself on one of the workstation stools nearby one of the transitory storage shelves where the North Nachton artifacts were waiting to be further analyzed. If he looked over the neighboring shelves he could see both Nic and Theo pretty clearly, as well as catch snippets of their conversation. Something about stories... about ice cream.
Nic had just addressed him, but he was inches away from getting his hands on one of the most interesting collections of local artifacts ever excavated. Mostly unprofessional, what he was doing, but he hadn't actually moved them.
Oh, that's right, Nic had just said his name.
"Sure... work. Ice cream. Yep," he responded absently. "Stories first though," he murmured, and smiled with unfeigned happiness as he tipped open the box top and pulled out what appeared to be a big old rock.
... uff. His eyes didn't go around corners. Maybe if he craned his neck...
...unh. That didn't go around corners either.
However, if he... yeah, that would work.
Kem perched himself on one of the workstation stools nearby one of the transitory storage shelves where the North Nachton artifacts were waiting to be further analyzed. If he looked over the neighboring shelves he could see both Nic and Theo pretty clearly, as well as catch snippets of their conversation. Something about stories... about ice cream.
Nic had just addressed him, but he was inches away from getting his hands on one of the most interesting collections of local artifacts ever excavated. Mostly unprofessional, what he was doing, but he hadn't actually moved them.
Oh, that's right, Nic had just said his name.
"Sure... work. Ice cream. Yep," he responded absently. "Stories first though," he murmured, and smiled with unfeigned happiness as he tipped open the box top and pulled out what appeared to be a big old rock.
Theodosia
18 years ago
Theo grinned and shook her head at Nic’s question, trying not to giggle, and spoke with an air of great patience.
“Nooo, objects don’t really have a ‘self’ to talk about. They can tell me about what they hear but that’s it.”
She thought for a moment, trying to put it in a way that Nic might better understand.
“It’s like when you talk into a tape recorder and then play it back later. The tape isn’t making the voice, it’s just playing what people said around it. But yes, it’s like that for everything.” Catching onto her own analogy, she brightened as she thought of an even better way to explain. “In some ways it’s more like a movie, because even though lots and lots of film gets recorded, a lot of things get cut out or go missing and you’re only left with some of the picture.”
She grinned at his next question and batted her eyes.
“Of course not. I am charming and engaging and almost never piss anyone off.”
Paul was busy making some sort of strangled choking sound at that, which Theo once again loftily ignored, too busy smiling at Nic’s invitation. She did have to think about it for a moment though; theaters had an awful lot of people all packed close together, and they didn’t have boxes like the opera where you could sit with just a few.
Finally hitting on a solution, she brightened.
“I know where we could watch a movie. And you’re allowed to eat ice cream there too.”
One of the board rooms in Meridian had a very nice projector and she was sure no one would mind if they used it for a movie. Besides, then Nic could have the ice cream he was apparently so fond of.
She peered over at Kem when he muttered his own contribution to the conversation, then leaned forward to speak to Nic in a low voice.
“Kem is a very intelligent person.”
She felt the loyal need to assure Nic of this fact, as he did admittedly seem to be on another planet right now.
“Nooo, objects don’t really have a ‘self’ to talk about. They can tell me about what they hear but that’s it.”
She thought for a moment, trying to put it in a way that Nic might better understand.
“It’s like when you talk into a tape recorder and then play it back later. The tape isn’t making the voice, it’s just playing what people said around it. But yes, it’s like that for everything.” Catching onto her own analogy, she brightened as she thought of an even better way to explain. “In some ways it’s more like a movie, because even though lots and lots of film gets recorded, a lot of things get cut out or go missing and you’re only left with some of the picture.”
She grinned at his next question and batted her eyes.
“Of course not. I am charming and engaging and almost never piss anyone off.”
Paul was busy making some sort of strangled choking sound at that, which Theo once again loftily ignored, too busy smiling at Nic’s invitation. She did have to think about it for a moment though; theaters had an awful lot of people all packed close together, and they didn’t have boxes like the opera where you could sit with just a few.
Finally hitting on a solution, she brightened.
“I know where we could watch a movie. And you’re allowed to eat ice cream there too.”
One of the board rooms in Meridian had a very nice projector and she was sure no one would mind if they used it for a movie. Besides, then Nic could have the ice cream he was apparently so fond of.
She peered over at Kem when he muttered his own contribution to the conversation, then leaned forward to speak to Nic in a low voice.
“Kem is a very intelligent person.”
She felt the loyal need to assure Nic of this fact, as he did admittedly seem to be on another planet right now.
Nicholae
18 years ago
Theo's explanation cleared things up even more so, and Nic nodded in understanding.
"So these inanimate objects sort of just capture sounds of things that have gone on around them, and play them back to you when you ask...interesting. If I give you my watch could you..."
Wait...that wouldn't be good. Nic had worn his watch for years...in many different situations...with many different people...doing many different things. Theo might be older than Nic was, or Kem even, but that didn't mean she should be hearing some of the things his watch could say. He was sorely tempted to ask Kem later, if he would...his curiosity was gnawing at his insides now.
"Something tells me you might be trying to pull some wool over my eyes with that remark. Not that I have any concrete evidence otherwise, but something in your eyes says you have been known to spark some fires in your life."
He laughed, and looked towards where Kem had gone. It appeared Nic's concerns over Kem, were unfounded, for now. The man was totally immersed in something, and wasn't even making sense in his response to Nic. Nic couldn't help but chuckle when Kem accepted the invitation Nic had given Theo. If Kem really wanted to come along, of course Nic wouldn't mind. Nic had already decided to try and get Kem out into nightlife somewhere, or at least around people. It wasn't that Nic wanted to corrupt the man, just move him into the 21st century for a while.
"You know where we can watch a movie? I assume you're not talking about a movie theater, are you."
This was at least a move in the correct direction. If they weren't going to an actual theater, at least she was allowing him to spend time with her. It would be miles above being cooped up in his suite, alone. He again wondered about her though, and if he would find out why she avoided people.
"Okay, its a date, or will be when we decide on a date, and time, and you tell me where it is we'll be watching the movie. It won't really be much of a treat from me, but I'll definitely bring the ice cream...when you tell me what kind of ice cream you like."
Kem was mumbling something on the other side of the wall, and Nic glanced that way about the time Theo spoke.
"Yes, he does impress me greatly. I am fortunate to be able to learn from him."
Kem's distracted attentions did not bother Nic at all. It was different, but a situation Nic periodically found himself in. And Theo seemed to be part of that club as well.
"So these inanimate objects sort of just capture sounds of things that have gone on around them, and play them back to you when you ask...interesting. If I give you my watch could you..."
Wait...that wouldn't be good. Nic had worn his watch for years...in many different situations...with many different people...doing many different things. Theo might be older than Nic was, or Kem even, but that didn't mean she should be hearing some of the things his watch could say. He was sorely tempted to ask Kem later, if he would...his curiosity was gnawing at his insides now.
"Something tells me you might be trying to pull some wool over my eyes with that remark. Not that I have any concrete evidence otherwise, but something in your eyes says you have been known to spark some fires in your life."
He laughed, and looked towards where Kem had gone. It appeared Nic's concerns over Kem, were unfounded, for now. The man was totally immersed in something, and wasn't even making sense in his response to Nic. Nic couldn't help but chuckle when Kem accepted the invitation Nic had given Theo. If Kem really wanted to come along, of course Nic wouldn't mind. Nic had already decided to try and get Kem out into nightlife somewhere, or at least around people. It wasn't that Nic wanted to corrupt the man, just move him into the 21st century for a while.
"You know where we can watch a movie? I assume you're not talking about a movie theater, are you."
This was at least a move in the correct direction. If they weren't going to an actual theater, at least she was allowing him to spend time with her. It would be miles above being cooped up in his suite, alone. He again wondered about her though, and if he would find out why she avoided people.
"Okay, its a date, or will be when we decide on a date, and time, and you tell me where it is we'll be watching the movie. It won't really be much of a treat from me, but I'll definitely bring the ice cream...when you tell me what kind of ice cream you like."
Kem was mumbling something on the other side of the wall, and Nic glanced that way about the time Theo spoke.
"Yes, he does impress me greatly. I am fortunate to be able to learn from him."
Kem's distracted attentions did not bother Nic at all. It was different, but a situation Nic periodically found himself in. And Theo seemed to be part of that club as well.
Kem`Raaisu
18 years ago
Kem lifted his hands away from the stone and looked around for a piece of paper. Grabbing a notebook and pen from a nearby desk, he began to make notes in neatly flowing script. A glance up at Theo and Nic showed the two still engaged in conversation, something about a movie. Keeping one ear on that conversation, he moved to the next box. Just one more, and then he would come back when he had more time to study the rest of the artifacts in depth.
He took down all the information on this particular artifact from the front of the box, realizing it would give Nic an oportunity to learn how to read the strange mix of numbers and letters, then opened the small box. His eyes lit up at what was obviously a trade bead, tiny and grubby but intact. It was also stone, which meant it was probably made before any Europeans had arrived with glass for such things. This tiny little rock was probably enough to delay the building of the parking lot for at least a few years.
Theo and Nic were still discussing movies, so he quickly dipped his hand into the box and brushed the tips of his fingers against the bead. He didn't need to close his eyes for this to work, but it made things easier as a mental 'map' spread itself out over the backs of his eyes, a corresponding timeline above it. The visuals were almost certainly a product of his own imagination; a way for him to actually see what his particular form of psychometry told him.
The map and timeline lit up; he followed them both, tracing the little bead through its short life. He could tell nothing about who might have held or owned the bead; that was best left to others such as Theo, or Alfarinn. But when he opened his eyes, he was able to write down with fair accuracy when it had been made, and what time in history it had been in what place.
Those facts went down on the second sheet of paper in his exact, graceful script and he removed both sheets from the notebook after replacing the box top on the bead. Returning the notebook and the pen, Kem rejoined Theo and Nic, a sheepish expression on his face.
"Sorry. I couldn't help it. I've been reading about that site for the last few months." He gave a helpless shrug of his broad shoulders and handed the notes to Nic. "Hold on to those, if you would. When we get back to the archives I'll show you exactly how to read them, how to figure out what kind of record they are, and where to file them."
Kem spent the next half hour or so showing Nic how to find his way through the collections floor, why certain boxes were left out on shelves, and why others were in climate-controlled rooms. He tried to give a briefer overview than normal, a little afraid he might cause the man's eyes to glaze over; particularly as he explained the differences in relative humidity for storing papers as opposed to other textiles, lithics, or pottery. He touched on the various methods of maintaining collections, cleaning artifacts, preparing them for longterm storage or shipping, and preventing them from further deterioration.
It was rare that Kem could actually tell when someone was about to overload on archaeological information, but he recalled Nic saying he hadn't had much in the way of formal education, so he managed to keep himself from droning on and on. Mostly.
When he figured Nic had probably had enough, he moved them along back to the door.
"Did you want to see the lab? There are some interesting things down there as well, but it's not someplace you're likely to have to go very often. Archives and Collections are the floors you'll mainly be dealing with. It's up to you."
Kem paused at the door, waiting for Nic's response.
He took down all the information on this particular artifact from the front of the box, realizing it would give Nic an oportunity to learn how to read the strange mix of numbers and letters, then opened the small box. His eyes lit up at what was obviously a trade bead, tiny and grubby but intact. It was also stone, which meant it was probably made before any Europeans had arrived with glass for such things. This tiny little rock was probably enough to delay the building of the parking lot for at least a few years.
Theo and Nic were still discussing movies, so he quickly dipped his hand into the box and brushed the tips of his fingers against the bead. He didn't need to close his eyes for this to work, but it made things easier as a mental 'map' spread itself out over the backs of his eyes, a corresponding timeline above it. The visuals were almost certainly a product of his own imagination; a way for him to actually see what his particular form of psychometry told him.
The map and timeline lit up; he followed them both, tracing the little bead through its short life. He could tell nothing about who might have held or owned the bead; that was best left to others such as Theo, or Alfarinn. But when he opened his eyes, he was able to write down with fair accuracy when it had been made, and what time in history it had been in what place.
Those facts went down on the second sheet of paper in his exact, graceful script and he removed both sheets from the notebook after replacing the box top on the bead. Returning the notebook and the pen, Kem rejoined Theo and Nic, a sheepish expression on his face.
"Sorry. I couldn't help it. I've been reading about that site for the last few months." He gave a helpless shrug of his broad shoulders and handed the notes to Nic. "Hold on to those, if you would. When we get back to the archives I'll show you exactly how to read them, how to figure out what kind of record they are, and where to file them."
Kem spent the next half hour or so showing Nic how to find his way through the collections floor, why certain boxes were left out on shelves, and why others were in climate-controlled rooms. He tried to give a briefer overview than normal, a little afraid he might cause the man's eyes to glaze over; particularly as he explained the differences in relative humidity for storing papers as opposed to other textiles, lithics, or pottery. He touched on the various methods of maintaining collections, cleaning artifacts, preparing them for longterm storage or shipping, and preventing them from further deterioration.
It was rare that Kem could actually tell when someone was about to overload on archaeological information, but he recalled Nic saying he hadn't had much in the way of formal education, so he managed to keep himself from droning on and on. Mostly.
When he figured Nic had probably had enough, he moved them along back to the door.
"Did you want to see the lab? There are some interesting things down there as well, but it's not someplace you're likely to have to go very often. Archives and Collections are the floors you'll mainly be dealing with. It's up to you."
Kem paused at the door, waiting for Nic's response.
Theodosia
18 years ago
Theo beamed a smile, pleased that Nic understood, and looked down at his watch. Was he going to give her a present? She bounced on her toes in anticipation, but it seemed he had changed his mind. Disappointed, she pressed her lips together, but then she remembered Kem had a present for her and she felt a little better.
Grinning wickedly at Nic’s suspicions, she lifted her hand and made a circle with two fingers, waiting until she came all the way back around before pushing the illusion of flames leaping from her fingertips.
“Who, me?”
She spread out her hand and the image went away.
Showing off again?
Scoffing inwardly at Paul’s accusations, she decided it would be better to explain her movie idea than engage in an internal argument.
“There’s all kinds of rooms here where people have –really- boring meetings. If you’re lucky you won’t have to go. But one of the big rooms has a projector and Dani can put our names on it for a little while. We could go tomorrow but first I have to check to make sure no one’s using the room for something entirely uninteresting.”
She hedged a little at his next question, using one foot to make a circle on the floor. She normally didn’t have any problem with answering questions, though sometimes she had to think about them, but she wasn’t sure what to do about this one.
Just tell him the truth.
Theo considered this option and, as no others presented themselves, decided to do just that, leaning in and speaking in a confidential tone.
“I don’t think I like ice cream.”
She did her best not to shudder at that statement, though it was a near thing. Fortunately Kem came to the rescue shortly afterwards and started taking Nic through the rules, which she already knew. She wandered after them at her own pace, occasionally falling behind as she made a bin straight or something caught her attention. She was occupied with fixing the spaces between bins on a particularly messy row when she noticed that Kem and Nic had come full circle and looked to be moving on. Returning to her task, she listened in all the same to see what would happen next.
/ooc permission to inflict glamour on Nic. Also, the shelves are doubtless neat and organized; Theo is OCD and would consider the bins not being an equal distance apart to be 'messy'.
Grinning wickedly at Nic’s suspicions, she lifted her hand and made a circle with two fingers, waiting until she came all the way back around before pushing the illusion of flames leaping from her fingertips.
“Who, me?”
She spread out her hand and the image went away.
Showing off again?
Scoffing inwardly at Paul’s accusations, she decided it would be better to explain her movie idea than engage in an internal argument.
“There’s all kinds of rooms here where people have –really- boring meetings. If you’re lucky you won’t have to go. But one of the big rooms has a projector and Dani can put our names on it for a little while. We could go tomorrow but first I have to check to make sure no one’s using the room for something entirely uninteresting.”
She hedged a little at his next question, using one foot to make a circle on the floor. She normally didn’t have any problem with answering questions, though sometimes she had to think about them, but she wasn’t sure what to do about this one.
Just tell him the truth.
Theo considered this option and, as no others presented themselves, decided to do just that, leaning in and speaking in a confidential tone.
“I don’t think I like ice cream.”
She did her best not to shudder at that statement, though it was a near thing. Fortunately Kem came to the rescue shortly afterwards and started taking Nic through the rules, which she already knew. She wandered after them at her own pace, occasionally falling behind as she made a bin straight or something caught her attention. She was occupied with fixing the spaces between bins on a particularly messy row when she noticed that Kem and Nic had come full circle and looked to be moving on. Returning to her task, she listened in all the same to see what would happen next.
/ooc permission to inflict glamour on Nic. Also, the shelves are doubtless neat and organized; Theo is OCD and would consider the bins not being an equal distance apart to be 'messy'.
Nicholae
18 years ago
Taking the papers Kem handed him, Nic briefly glanced them over. They could have been hieroglyphics for all he could determine. He hoped Kem knew what he had gotten himself into, trying to get Nic to learn something. Even with the desire, sometimes Nic just didn't have the wherewithal to grasp things.
As Kem began explaining things, Nic felt relatively comfortable. The things being spoken of were pretty much common sense, and even when it came to more unique subjects, like climate controls, and preparing the pieces, Nic seemed to be getting it all.
The problem was...would he be able to retain it all?
Theo's actions then, again, took Nic away from Kem. The little minx was able to do illusions as well. The flames were truly quite real looking...so much so, if he hadn't known better, and they hadn't disappeared so quickly, he might have grabbed hold of her hand and wrapped his shirt around it!
"Brava! Very good...I'll have to try that one, some time. I've never even really considered using my skill for more than my appearance, but then my appearance is what I use so much in my life."
As Nic was rambling, he was slowly changing the color of his face from it's normal tan, to that of a deep, shamrock green. All the while his smile growing, and his eyes never leaving Theo's. This was such fun. He stopped concentrating, and allowed his face to calm down and return to it's 'normal coloring, as she went on to talk about the movie. Her comment about the meetings quickly ignored. He couldn't think of anything he would ever have to offer in those.
"Well then, can you tell me, how is the seating in these rooms? Conducive to a two hour movie? If so, then by all means, check with Dani...and if she has time, you might invite her along. Though something tells me she rarely lets herself take much time off."
Nic had thought Dani to be quite the looker, and wouldn't mind spending more time with her as well. The last comment on her busy schedule was purely the way he had perceived her, and based solely on his one and only encounter with the lovely girl.
"You don't like ice cream?!"
He was so surprised that he just blurted it out, and then felt contrite. In a much lower, softer voice, he questioned her.
"You don't like ice cream? How is that possible? Is it the cold? Are you lactose intolerant?"
And then he hoped he wasn't being awfully rude. Maybe she had experienced some traumatic occurrence with ice cream, that she didn't wish to relive...and here he had been harping on it for the past hour.
Feeling somewhat pardoned by Kem's actions, Nic was glad when they moved to the area Kem referred to as the lab. It was especially nice to hear it wasn't some place Nic would need to be often. In that case, he definitely wanted to see it. It would be time spent where he probably wouldn't need to remember the things he heard.
And glanced back at Theo, wondering.
(ditto permissions
)
As Kem began explaining things, Nic felt relatively comfortable. The things being spoken of were pretty much common sense, and even when it came to more unique subjects, like climate controls, and preparing the pieces, Nic seemed to be getting it all.
The problem was...would he be able to retain it all?
Theo's actions then, again, took Nic away from Kem. The little minx was able to do illusions as well. The flames were truly quite real looking...so much so, if he hadn't known better, and they hadn't disappeared so quickly, he might have grabbed hold of her hand and wrapped his shirt around it!
"Brava! Very good...I'll have to try that one, some time. I've never even really considered using my skill for more than my appearance, but then my appearance is what I use so much in my life."
As Nic was rambling, he was slowly changing the color of his face from it's normal tan, to that of a deep, shamrock green. All the while his smile growing, and his eyes never leaving Theo's. This was such fun. He stopped concentrating, and allowed his face to calm down and return to it's 'normal coloring, as she went on to talk about the movie. Her comment about the meetings quickly ignored. He couldn't think of anything he would ever have to offer in those.
"Well then, can you tell me, how is the seating in these rooms? Conducive to a two hour movie? If so, then by all means, check with Dani...and if she has time, you might invite her along. Though something tells me she rarely lets herself take much time off."
Nic had thought Dani to be quite the looker, and wouldn't mind spending more time with her as well. The last comment on her busy schedule was purely the way he had perceived her, and based solely on his one and only encounter with the lovely girl.
"You don't like ice cream?!"
He was so surprised that he just blurted it out, and then felt contrite. In a much lower, softer voice, he questioned her.
"You don't like ice cream? How is that possible? Is it the cold? Are you lactose intolerant?"
And then he hoped he wasn't being awfully rude. Maybe she had experienced some traumatic occurrence with ice cream, that she didn't wish to relive...and here he had been harping on it for the past hour.
Feeling somewhat pardoned by Kem's actions, Nic was glad when they moved to the area Kem referred to as the lab. It was especially nice to hear it wasn't some place Nic would need to be often. In that case, he definitely wanted to see it. It would be time spent where he probably wouldn't need to remember the things he heard.
And glanced back at Theo, wondering.
(ditto permissions
)
Kem`Raaisu
18 years ago
Kem simply ignored the byplay between Theo and Nic, not having been party to its beginning, and glad they were getting along. He felt his brows raise just the tiniest bit at the mention of lactose intolerance but he managed not to say anything. Leading them out of Collections, he headed back down the stairs, passing floor B and moving straight on to floor C, where most of the lab equipment was housed.
Giving Nic a bit of a grin, he said, "This is where the really fun stuff happens. Any real scientific testing gets done here, and also the cold storage for human remains. There's some very interesting... uh, oh - excuse us."
He'd opened the door on some of the 'very interesting uh, oh - excuse us' that tended to happen on floor C at odd hours. Two of the lab techs were busy with what appeared to be some of the aforementioned human remains, preparing them for scanning, x-rays, and all manner of testing. Recognizing him, they waved with latex-encased hands.
Kem silently closed the lab door again and shrugged helplessly. "Lab tour postponed," he explained. "I don't think they'd appreciate our traipsing through about now."
Heading back upstairs, he turned to Nic once more. "We can get started on showing you some of what you'll be doing for a bit. What about it Theo, up for a challenge?"
Giving Nic a bit of a grin, he said, "This is where the really fun stuff happens. Any real scientific testing gets done here, and also the cold storage for human remains. There's some very interesting... uh, oh - excuse us."
He'd opened the door on some of the 'very interesting uh, oh - excuse us' that tended to happen on floor C at odd hours. Two of the lab techs were busy with what appeared to be some of the aforementioned human remains, preparing them for scanning, x-rays, and all manner of testing. Recognizing him, they waved with latex-encased hands.
Kem silently closed the lab door again and shrugged helplessly. "Lab tour postponed," he explained. "I don't think they'd appreciate our traipsing through about now."
Heading back upstairs, he turned to Nic once more. "We can get started on showing you some of what you'll be doing for a bit. What about it Theo, up for a challenge?"
Theodosia
18 years ago
Theo snickered as Nic’s face gradually changed color, reflecting that it wasn’t often that an ability she thought of as ‘hers’ was used on her. Still, the effect reminded her of a cartoon and she wondered if Nic ever did voices for them.
“There’s a couch in there. We might have to move the table though.” She lit up at another idea and bounced on her toes. “Oooh, I have beanbags too!” At least she hoped she did; she seemed to recall ripping one open because she needed the beans inside and she couldn’t quite remember if it had ever been replaced. Deciding that was neither here nor there, she went on with explaining her dislike of ice cream, albeit somewhat nervously, with little tugs of her hair punctuating her speech.
“It’s -messy-. And sweet. And sometimes they hide little –things- in there and it makes the texture very very wrong.” She wrinkled up her nose to show her distaste.
While Theo was starting to get slightly restless, she agreed easily enough to following the two men to the lab, though the concept of following the leader gave her an idea. She looked over at Nic and pressed one finger to her lips before reaching into her pocket and pulling out a small plastic monkey. It was an extra from her sculpture because she needed an even number of monkeys and the barrel had contained 19.
It was supposed to have twenty but Theo hadn’t been too terribly upset.
Placing the monkey on the floor, she used her telekinesis to make the monkey follow behind Kem, stopping where he stopped. It would be funny to see when he noticed, if she managed to not give herself away by giggling.
She had strayed a bit behind Kem by the time they got to the lab and didn’t see what was going on inside, but guessed from the conversation there were people trying to work and he didn’t want to bother them. She let the monkey fall flat on the floor when Kem turned to talk to them and did her best to look innocent.
“Certainly.”
“There’s a couch in there. We might have to move the table though.” She lit up at another idea and bounced on her toes. “Oooh, I have beanbags too!” At least she hoped she did; she seemed to recall ripping one open because she needed the beans inside and she couldn’t quite remember if it had ever been replaced. Deciding that was neither here nor there, she went on with explaining her dislike of ice cream, albeit somewhat nervously, with little tugs of her hair punctuating her speech.
“It’s -messy-. And sweet. And sometimes they hide little –things- in there and it makes the texture very very wrong.” She wrinkled up her nose to show her distaste.
While Theo was starting to get slightly restless, she agreed easily enough to following the two men to the lab, though the concept of following the leader gave her an idea. She looked over at Nic and pressed one finger to her lips before reaching into her pocket and pulling out a small plastic monkey. It was an extra from her sculpture because she needed an even number of monkeys and the barrel had contained 19.
It was supposed to have twenty but Theo hadn’t been too terribly upset.
Placing the monkey on the floor, she used her telekinesis to make the monkey follow behind Kem, stopping where he stopped. It would be funny to see when he noticed, if she managed to not give herself away by giggling.
She had strayed a bit behind Kem by the time they got to the lab and didn’t see what was going on inside, but guessed from the conversation there were people trying to work and he didn’t want to bother them. She let the monkey fall flat on the floor when Kem turned to talk to them and did her best to look innocent.
“Certainly.”
Nicholae
18 years ago
Curious to see 'human remains', Nic tried to peer around Kem, when he opened the lab door, but to no avail. The door was shut again too soon for Nic to have caught sight of anything inside. Needless to say he was a bit disgruntled by their inability to watch.
But his minor disappointment was soon shrugged off. Nic wasn't one to worry over little things, or let such things upset him much.
Theo's description of ice cream was accurate, but he still didn't see why she wouldn't like it. Though he realized he disliked tomatoes for pretty much the same reason...they were messy, sweet, and the inside texture of slime and seeds was just wrong. So he let the whole ice cream idea go.
"Pop corn? How do you do with pop corn?"
Always a favorite with movie crowds.
Her antics were really keeping him amused. Now she was showing another one of her abilities, though this one he had already witnessed with his shoe. The monkey following Kem around, was harder than hell to not laugh at. He winked at her as he ultimately covered his mouth with his hand, to prevent the laughter from escaping.
Nic nodded, eyes crinkling in merriment, but afraid to answer outright.
He wondered if Kem would ever notice the little shadow he had acquired.
But his minor disappointment was soon shrugged off. Nic wasn't one to worry over little things, or let such things upset him much.
Theo's description of ice cream was accurate, but he still didn't see why she wouldn't like it. Though he realized he disliked tomatoes for pretty much the same reason...they were messy, sweet, and the inside texture of slime and seeds was just wrong. So he let the whole ice cream idea go.
"Pop corn? How do you do with pop corn?"
Always a favorite with movie crowds.
Her antics were really keeping him amused. Now she was showing another one of her abilities, though this one he had already witnessed with his shoe. The monkey following Kem around, was harder than hell to not laugh at. He winked at her as he ultimately covered his mouth with his hand, to prevent the laughter from escaping.
"We can get started on showing you some of what you'll be doing for a bit. What about it Theo, up for a challenge?"
Nic nodded, eyes crinkling in merriment, but afraid to answer outright.
He wondered if Kem would ever notice the little shadow he had acquired.
Kem`Raaisu
18 years ago
As Kem turned away from the door to the lab, two things immediately struck him as 'not right,' although he couldn't really put his finger on why.
For one, Nic had an odd expression on his face, as if caught halfway between a sneeze and a yawn. It made him wish for a camera.
For another, Theo had a similar expression, and seemed to be trying her damnedest not to laugh.
He didn't see anything telling... perhaps they'd been playing at illusions. Again. Behind his back. He raised his eyebrows, slowly, silver eyes sliding from one to the other.
Then with a half of a possible fraction of a smile, he walked up the stairs and continued talking, filling Nic in on the various computer programs he would have to become familiar with over the next few days.
For one, Nic had an odd expression on his face, as if caught halfway between a sneeze and a yawn. It made him wish for a camera.
For another, Theo had a similar expression, and seemed to be trying her damnedest not to laugh.
He didn't see anything telling... perhaps they'd been playing at illusions. Again. Behind his back. He raised his eyebrows, slowly, silver eyes sliding from one to the other.
Then with a half of a possible fraction of a smile, he walked up the stairs and continued talking, filling Nic in on the various computer programs he would have to become familiar with over the next few days.
Theodosia
18 years ago
Theo gave Nic a look typically reserved for those who had suddenly sprouted another head at the mention of popcorn, the thought of which made her want to go off somewhere and wash her hands. She wasn’t being difficult on purpose, though, and tried to think of something that she liked to eat. There wasn’t a great deal of point in food once you were turned, at least in her mind, and as it wasn’t necessary she had never really cultivated tastes for much of anything.
“I enjoy grapes. As long as they’re clean.”
That said, she lifted the monkey in the air once more, hovering just a bit over the floor, and made it follow Kem along, pressing her lips together to keep from laughing. When she made the monkey hop up each stair it was nearly too much but she managed to keep quiet and did her best to keep the monkey from being seen.
“I enjoy grapes. As long as they’re clean.”
That said, she lifted the monkey in the air once more, hovering just a bit over the floor, and made it follow Kem along, pressing her lips together to keep from laughing. When she made the monkey hop up each stair it was nearly too much but she managed to keep quiet and did her best to keep the monkey from being seen.
Nicholae
18 years ago
Nic could only shake his head when he saw Kem's eyebrows raise. He did manage to avoid laughing, but resolved even more so to get the other man out...somewhere...to party. Nic was really concerned that Kem might have forgotten just how to have fun.
Then again, it never occurred to Nic that Kem might have other means of having fun.
Theo, on the other hand, was too much. Nic finally decided that a movie night just might not be in the cards. He didn't want to give up, thinking the girl was still quite fun to be around, but he didn't recall having such difficulty in winning over a girl, like this, in years.
"Grapes! Got it...eh...green, red...seedless or with?"
There just weren't any simple answers any more.
Hanging back, Nic followed behind Kem and Theo, listening to Kem explain about computers, and chuckling as he watched the little monkey hop up the stairs.
"Kem? Do you think there might be a chance I could find and extra computer...that I could get hooked up in my suite? I could then get better acquainted with some things in my off time."
Not sleeping more than a few hours a night, Nic usually had loads of time on his hands. Until he felt more comfortable with computers, he thought it might be a good way to supplement his instruction.
Then again, it never occurred to Nic that Kem might have other means of having fun.
Theo, on the other hand, was too much. Nic finally decided that a movie night just might not be in the cards. He didn't want to give up, thinking the girl was still quite fun to be around, but he didn't recall having such difficulty in winning over a girl, like this, in years.
"Grapes! Got it...eh...green, red...seedless or with?"
There just weren't any simple answers any more.
Hanging back, Nic followed behind Kem and Theo, listening to Kem explain about computers, and chuckling as he watched the little monkey hop up the stairs.
"Kem? Do you think there might be a chance I could find and extra computer...that I could get hooked up in my suite? I could then get better acquainted with some things in my off time."
Not sleeping more than a few hours a night, Nic usually had loads of time on his hands. Until he felt more comfortable with computers, he thought it might be a good way to supplement his instruction.
Kem`Raaisu
18 years ago
Listening to the byplay, Kem smiled a bit more. He had also finally seen the plastic toy behind him, hopping up the stairs after him. It hadn't been easy, ducking his head enough, turning so that his hair obscured his face but still let him see the object of his companions' mirth, but he'd known they were up to something.
At Nic's question, he responded, "Certainly. We can find you something to monkey around with."
He headed down the hallway back into the Archives to find them still empty. "You don't have to go apeshit though; you'll have plenty of time to learn here as well."
Moving over to his temporary desk and opening up the bag that had stored his laptop, he pulled another object out.
"After all, we're not going to go bananas on you, throwing too much at you on your first day."
It was all said as deadpan as possible. He turned to Theo, however, and gently floated the object he'd pulled out over to her. "That, and its contents, are yours. From Egypt."
At Nic's question, he responded, "Certainly. We can find you something to monkey around with."
He headed down the hallway back into the Archives to find them still empty. "You don't have to go apeshit though; you'll have plenty of time to learn here as well."
Moving over to his temporary desk and opening up the bag that had stored his laptop, he pulled another object out.
"After all, we're not going to go bananas on you, throwing too much at you on your first day."
It was all said as deadpan as possible. He turned to Theo, however, and gently floated the object he'd pulled out over to her. "That, and its contents, are yours. From Egypt."
Theodosia
18 years ago
Theo answered the next food question with a great deal more ease, pleased that they were making progress.
“Green and seedless.”
Her cheek twitched at Kem’s response to Nic’s request for a computer, and by the time he finished his offhanded commentary she was giggling madly, biting down on her knuckles as her face went red. She made the monkey leap onto Kem’s desk and do a little dance, still laughing too hard to say anything, then let the plastic toy fall flat. She picked it up and slipped it in her pocket as her giggles settled down.
All in all, her joke had gone quite well.
She perked up with new interest when Kem delivered her present, grinning as she plucked the pale blue velvet bag from midair. She held it in the palm of one hand, using her fingers to pull it open and peer inside.
“-Treasures-!”
Indeed, there were items of great and important value inside; small stones in an array of colors and textures, each with their own secrets to tell. A set of matching coins with holes in the center. She shifted the bag in her hand and smiled as she counted; twenty five coins, a perfect square. Already imagining what she could create with her new found delights, she started to wander over to a corner of the room to examine her present more closely when she remembered her manners.
“Thank you Kem!”
With that, she gave a little curtsey and plopped down next to Kem’s desk.
/ooc description of Kem’s present with permission
“Green and seedless.”
Her cheek twitched at Kem’s response to Nic’s request for a computer, and by the time he finished his offhanded commentary she was giggling madly, biting down on her knuckles as her face went red. She made the monkey leap onto Kem’s desk and do a little dance, still laughing too hard to say anything, then let the plastic toy fall flat. She picked it up and slipped it in her pocket as her giggles settled down.
All in all, her joke had gone quite well.
She perked up with new interest when Kem delivered her present, grinning as she plucked the pale blue velvet bag from midair. She held it in the palm of one hand, using her fingers to pull it open and peer inside.
“-Treasures-!”
Indeed, there were items of great and important value inside; small stones in an array of colors and textures, each with their own secrets to tell. A set of matching coins with holes in the center. She shifted the bag in her hand and smiled as she counted; twenty five coins, a perfect square. Already imagining what she could create with her new found delights, she started to wander over to a corner of the room to examine her present more closely when she remembered her manners.
“Thank you Kem!”
With that, she gave a little curtsey and plopped down next to Kem’s desk.
/ooc description of Kem’s present with permission
Nicholae
18 years ago
"Kem...you dog."
Nic cringed good naturedly when he heard Kem's first pun...the second earned him a groan, and with the third, Nic pretended to cry. It was an obvious play cry...nothing like what he could do if he wanted to really appear to cry.
"Stop, stop...Theo, Kem...both of you stop, please."
Laughter over came the faux crying, and Nic had to hold his sides to keep them from splitting.
As he started to quiet, he saw Kem hand Theo a small bag, and then Theo burst into excitement at its contents. He wanted to see what it was she had, but she seemed to want privacy, so he hung with Kem.
"Alright my good man...did you want me to actually do something today...or are you just going to continue to tease me with pretty tours and your abundant wit."
Nic had moved to stand next to Kem, as he watched Theo, and put his arm around the guy. Once he had, he quickly let it drop. He had always been demonstrative, but thought he had felt Kem tense up a bit before. He would try to remember not everyone was like the Hollywood crowd with their hugs and air kisses.
He had a lot of things to remember these days, but his memory had never failed him in the past.
Nic cringed good naturedly when he heard Kem's first pun...the second earned him a groan, and with the third, Nic pretended to cry. It was an obvious play cry...nothing like what he could do if he wanted to really appear to cry.
"Stop, stop...Theo, Kem...both of you stop, please."
Laughter over came the faux crying, and Nic had to hold his sides to keep them from splitting.
As he started to quiet, he saw Kem hand Theo a small bag, and then Theo burst into excitement at its contents. He wanted to see what it was she had, but she seemed to want privacy, so he hung with Kem.
"Alright my good man...did you want me to actually do something today...or are you just going to continue to tease me with pretty tours and your abundant wit."
Nic had moved to stand next to Kem, as he watched Theo, and put his arm around the guy. Once he had, he quickly let it drop. He had always been demonstrative, but thought he had felt Kem tense up a bit before. He would try to remember not everyone was like the Hollywood crowd with their hugs and air kisses.
He had a lot of things to remember these days, but his memory had never failed him in the past.
Kem`Raaisu
18 years ago
Nodding to Theo, glad that she was pleased with his 'present,' Kem then turned to Nic.
"I would have expected a far better poker face from you, with all of your acting talent," he chided. "Add that to your homework. If you're going to practical joke someone, best do it properly."
That said, he motioned Nic over and flipped open the laptop upon his desk. "While you're here, you can work with this. I know you wanted to practice... so let's start with the basics."
Favoring Nic with an intentionally smug expression, Kem poked at a button with his index finger.
"This... is 'on'."
((Ooc: all out with permission for the time being, TBC in applicable locations!))
"I would have expected a far better poker face from you, with all of your acting talent," he chided. "Add that to your homework. If you're going to practical joke someone, best do it properly."
That said, he motioned Nic over and flipped open the laptop upon his desk. "While you're here, you can work with this. I know you wanted to practice... so let's start with the basics."
Favoring Nic with an intentionally smug expression, Kem poked at a button with his index finger.
"This... is 'on'."
((Ooc: all out with permission for the time being, TBC in applicable locations!))