cape_kore | ₪ video, day 96.

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₪ video, day 96.

[This video seems to be broadcast from the library. The view is from some distance away on a table from an uncomfortable angle. The one it is focused on is what seems to be a man from neck to waist -- which is where the table is. In front of him are his hands, folded together neatly. His voice comes a moment later, confirming that he is, indeed, a he. It is pleasant and friendly (albeit a touch tired).]

Hello. My name is Daniel Jackson -- Doctor, actually -- Doctor Daniel Jackson. Hi. [He already said that, but you can hear the awkward smile he's likely wearing in his voice. He unlatches his hands to offer a small wave.] I've been here for a while now. I... am not entirely sure how long! Long enough? That's not exactly a unit to measure time in, but it's the best guess I can give to it. Essentially it was day when I entered this building and now it's dark outside. Sooooooo, yeah. A while.

[He raises a hand and it comes to the side of his neck, just barely visible on the screen.] Just long enough to realize that I'm hungry and if I'm being frank with who or whatever is seeing this? Disoriented. [Aside from figuring out how to work the thing taking the video, he still isn't sure how long he's been here or how long he's been asleep. To top it off, his back and neck hurt. Likely from the odd, hunched over angle he'd passed out in.] I suppose what I'm getting at is that I could use a hand or two, perhaps a hand with a glass of water in it and another with a plate of waffles? [He laughs at his own joke. It sounds sheepish and a bit forced, like he is painfully self-aware right now.] That... uh. That would be too much to ask, I'm sure. So I'll just take a moment of your time? If that's alright? I can be found in the library. I think I'm the only one here...? So I shouldn't be hard to find.

[He pauses and reaches forward with his hand hovering just out of view, aiming to turn off the video.] Assuming I'm not Henry Bemis in this story. I've also only got one pair of glasses on hand... [He leans further in and there is a quick flash of what he looks like before the screen goes dark, barely there even if you press pause.]

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Even if we had waffles here I doubt anyone'd be inclined to share. Last I heard, there's a food shortage going on.

[One that Gabriel could, theoretically, fix. But that's really not the point, and altruism hasn't worked out well for him in the past and he's not overeager to try it again unless he really has to.]

But if you're really after breakfast, may I suggest leaving the library? Books taste awful and they're typically not that high in nutrition. People's kitchens, on the other hand, tend to have a little more in the way of actual food.

Of course they are. Why would I ever be transported to an alternate reality where things are going swell? It... ah. To be blunt, it sucks.

[He kind of gives a deadpan stare, his eyes don't roll but if you don't blink you might have noticed an eye twitching just slightly.]

Who do I have to thank for the welcome committee? It's clear that you've spent a long while coming up with the most thoughtful and considerate greeting possible. [How snippy.]

Used to alternate realities, are you?

[Not that it would come as a surprise to Gabriel if he were.]

The name's Loki, and buddy, it was my pleasure. I do my best to make all the newbies feel as welcome and comfortable as possible: laugh if you want, but I can't help being such a caring individual. It's just who I am.

I'm not unfamiliar with them.

[Which is to say he's aware of them, experienced them, but is not "used to" them.]

How fortunate for the citizens of this fair city. [He's worse than Jack. There's a moment where he adjusts his glasses -- squints a little.] I'm, ah, also familiar with your kind. You needn't put on a disguise while speaking to me.

[He means Asgardians. But why be specific when this can play out so awkwardly?]

Yes, I know how lucky they are to have me around. And I'm sure they do too, given how often I remind them.

[But that gives him a moment's pause. He's used to people recognising Loki's name, but the mention of a disguise....]

And by my 'kind', you mean what, exactly? Witty, handsome, charming male models? Because I'm definitely not disguising that.

Wouldn't want to accidentally be under-appreciated now, would you? [Jesus Christ, he really is Jack. A Jack that is drunk on power -- or at least himself. This is only going to end poorly, he can feel it in his bones.]

Perhaps. That is oft how your kind perceives themselves -- not that I don't think there's a chance you may very well be. [Well, maybe not like this. But legends and folklore and myths all paint them to be as such. The Asgardians he's met have been pretty charming and modest despite their skill.] I think you already know what I mean.

Well, my self-esteem is low enough as it is. I'm not sure my ego could withstand something it if that were to happen.

[Though his tone and expression imply that that's about as far from the truth as it gets.]

I'll assume you mean gods amongst men, then.

[He places strong emphasis on 'gods'. He is one, after all - at least according to some - and he hopes that's what Daniel means. If this guy somehow knows he's an angel, his cover could be blown.]

[Daniel... essentially ignores that whole part. Nothing like helping feed that ego, right? (Whoops.)]

That would imply gods are real and not just some overpowered ego maniac who believes they deserve to be worshiped. [No, really! What could his feelings on the subject be?

Would it? Well, gosh - I certainly wouldn't want to imply that. Everyone knows gods aren't real. I'm definitely not. And you should probably see some kind of shrink about that - talking to people who don't exist? Generally not a good sign.

I didn't say you were one, did I? [From what is visible of his expression, he's really not impressed by this exchange.]

No, you didn't. I'm just heavily implying it myself.

So you admit to implying that you're one, not that you are one or want others to believe you are one.

Well, I didn't expect some kind of a Spanish Inquisition about it. But for the record, in the interests of honesty and suchlike, I admit to all three of those things. Unless there's any kind of jail time involved, in which case I revoke that confession - I'm too pretty for prison, you understand how it is.

It would be a pleasure, Dr. Jackson, to meet you under better circumstances. My name is Daneel Olivaw.

[He gives a polite little nod of the head.]

A glass of water is easily found, though waffles, perhaps, are not. Still, food of some sort can easily be provided. If I may ask, as I am curious, what are you a doctor of?

[He's hoping for a medical doctor. One of those would be useful.]

Ah, well, the situation cannot be helped. [He nearly adds "unless you brought me here," but he doesn't want to come off as hostile.] It's a similar likewise, Mr. Olivaw -- unless you prefer Daneel, in which I'm afraid I'll have to insist on Daniel. [He chuckles. The first friendly person he'd meet would have to nearly have the same name as him.]

I am fine with whatever can be spared. Water is the most important part, I'd say. [He offers a small but genuine smile.] I have doctorates in Philology, Anthropology, and Archaeology.

[He has a little beyond basic medical training and knows how to deliver babies?]

Edited 2013-07-30 07:37 (UTC)

[Alas, not what Daneel was hoping for, but that's hardly Daniel's fault.]

You may call me Daneel if you wish, Daniel.

[If he finds their similarity in names notable at all, he shows no sign of it. It's just a coincidence, as far as he's concerned.]

I realise that arriving here is disorienting, to say the least. I would be pleased to bring you water and what food I can find on such short notice.

Daneel it is. [It's a touch surreal. You know, amongst the other surreal parts. He's starting to expect everything, however. Or, more correctly, he started on Abydos and is learning to expect more strange things with every passing day.]

I appreciate the offer. I don't suppose you would like to offer your company along with that? From how you talk about this place, I imagine you have information worth passing on.

I suppose I must. I have been here for ninety-six days. Perhaps I can be said to know as much as anyone here. I will be there directly.

[He closes the connection; it's some minutes later that he arrives at the library, bearing a bottle of water and a supply of bread and peanut butter, along with a couple apples. It isn't much, perhaps, but it is what he could find on short notice, and it's easy enough to find Daniel in he library.]

Greetings, Daniel. I hope this is to your liking.

That... is a while.

[He waits to continue that train of thought. By now Daniel can be found surrounded by piles of books; there is somewhere between a hundred and two hundred, stacked strangely, with bits of paper hanging inside of them as bookmarks. A notebook is in front of him, full of scribbles. He gets to his feet when he feels someone nearing.]

Hello and -- ah, definitely. Definitely more than enough. [He leans forward slightly and smiles to convey his thanks -- along with the actual words.] Thank you. [He pushes the books aside now to make room for food and guest ("guest," as if this is now Daniel's place of residence...).] You said you were here for ninety-six days. I'm under the assumption that there are others. Have they been here that long, as well?

[He pauses to think, briefly, on the comings and goings of people, but he takes a seat -- more so Daniel doesn't have to look up at him while they speak than for his own comfort.]

There were perhaps two dozen individuals who arrived here first, to my knowledge, and I was among them. A handful of those remain. Other have left and reappeared, but without the knowledge that they were here before. Some have merely vanished. Others have died.

[A serious matter, one that disturbs him very much.]

[It's easier, like this. It means they're on the same level. While this man is certainly no native, it still is a step in the right direction. He is treating this like a foreign planet with foreign people. You say or do the right thing, you unlock a door.]

That... hrm. I see. [He ducks his head and breathes in and out a few times with a sound while covering his nose and mouth. His opposite hand eventually raises and he lets out a sigh of relief.] Sorry about that; false alarm. Anyway, that seems. Um. Well, it's curious, for certain. I haven't come across any texts thus far that describe anything like this happening -- not in myths or folklore.

I am not versed in myths nor folklore, but I'm not familiar with any similar situation that has or potentially has happened in truth.

[He watches Daniel's... performance with a certain amount of confusion, not in the least sure what the significance of this is, or if he ought to be concerned.]

Are you all right, Daniel?

Edited 2013-07-31 21:44 (UTC)

In your world or here? [Because in his world, strange beings abducting people to other worlds (although often described as gods and different planes of existence rather than alternate realities or planets!) were not uncommon. None of this was. It would be curious to find out if people suddenly appearing like this in this world had happened before...]

I apologize. I have allergies. [[Perhaps over time with some indulgence of local foods and the like will help. He doesn't mention this because he's uncertain of how true it may be. He does a repeat performance of two small sneezes, but he smiles. It's all a-okay!] That's the problem with alternate universes -- for me, anyway -- the traveling part.

In my world, or time period perhaps. It seems to happen here frequently.

[Allergies. This is absolutely the first exposure Daneel has to allergies of any kind, and it's relatively alarming. Spacers don't suffer allergic reactions.]

How severe is your reaction likely to be? There is a supply of medication here, if you require antihistamines. I do not want you to be uncomfortable, but if this is likely to be life-threatening I would like to know more, please.

What would you describe "frequently" as? Every week? Month? [Some people perceive time differently, after all.]

I'm uncertain. I don't have much of a headache and I didn't feel so dizzy I could pass right out upon my arrival. I'd say it's mostly going to manifest in the form of... well. Sneezing. My eyes were a little watery outside, but it seems to do better indoors. [He waves his hand dismissively.] It's uncomfortable, but it's not life-threatening. Your concern is appreciated, however.

It varies. Occasionally many people might arrive in a single day. Sometimes a week or longer might pass with no new arrivals. It troubles me.

[He's not entirely convinced by Daniel's reassurance, but even if he wont entirely drop the subject, he'll at least back off on the fussing.]

Sneezing is a necessary function, designed to rid the sinuses of irritants. It can be beneficial.

[He's mostly reassuring himself.]

Is it beneficial in this case? I am unfamiliar with the finer details of allergies.

[Dilandau doesn't look particularly welcoming when he answers, nor does he sound it. As unimpressive as Dr Jackson comes across, he might still have some use]

What sort of doctor are you, Dr Jackson?

[Not that he's sure he'd want to be treated by someone so stumbling and awkward. He might wake up and find his leg attacked to his face while the man cringes]

[Ah, well, it takes all kinds. Daniel attempts to keep on that friendly face he's so well known for despite the attitude hidden behind the young man's words.]

I have PhDs in Anthropology, Archaeology, and Philology; I am a Doctor of the spoken and written word -- so to speak.

[He pauses to think about that one for a second. On the surface that sounded useless, but the people kidnapping them seemed to have some sort of reason for doing so]

So if you went into the library, would you be able to tell something about our kidnappers by reading the books they left us?

Potentially. It would depend on if they left them intentionally or not. Either way, it does give me some insight on the values of who -- or what -- ever left them behind. I suggest looking for texts from your own world that you know well and seeing if anything differs inside of them.

Additionally, looking at the local myths, legends, superstitions, and folklore can be immensely useful. You may not find records of something like what is happening to us in historical texts, but you may find something that is familiar in those.

I didn't see anything I recognised, but I didn't look very far. That'd be a task best left to the- [he remembers at the last minute that 'demon' means a very different thing to the earthlings than simply 'someone from another planet who can do things gaians can't'] the people from Earth. They've infested this place, apart from one or two of us.

I do have a book about the local plants that's likely native to this place. It's only a guide, though.

What do you think this is? Room service?

[ Dean's really not impressed. ]

There's a diner. Just got all patched up, shiny and new, right across from the library on the other side of the fountain. If you're so hungry, why don't you carry your doctor self on over here and get something to eat?

[ It so happens that Dean is here and will help him once he gets here, but he's not the pizza man. ]

I'm, uh. More interested in company and conversation; I certainly hadn't meant to offend.

[He pauses, leaning back in the stiff library chair. He probably could use a walk after that -- and a stretch.] Now that I'm aware of its existence, I'll get on that. Thank you for your help.

Yeah, no problem. [ Hmph. ]

I'm Dean. There's food here when you get here, if you're still interested in the company and the conversation part.

I... don't suppose you could help me out with its appearance? Or perhaps some directions? I'm afraid I've not done much exploration.

[He really does seem like a shut-in, doesn't he?]

Walk out of the library. Spot the fountain that's mostly rubble. Look beyond the rubble fountain. It's the building that looks like it was knocked over by an earthquake and patched back together by a team of amateurs.

You got this, man. [ Maybe. ]

That... sounds incredibly safe. [He's gathering up some of the things surrounding him and getting to his feet, pushing things into a bag. He adjusts his glasses.]

We'll have to see about that. Assuming you're not in there and it doesn't fall apart on you. [He is imagining something that's literally falling apart, but he's already on the move.]

It's not too bad, actually. We got it up to code. [ He wouldn't have half-done something like this. ]

If you make it over here, you can have this piece of pie. [ Dean, of course, has his own and one on reserve already. ]

Well, half a code is fine. Just so long as I'm not stuck under rubble or having to pull people out. You may or may not have noticed, but I'm not exactly the most athletic man... [He looks like he could handle himself for a while if required to; he's not willowy. But he looks like he wouldn't last too long in a hand-to-hand fight, lbr.]

I think pie is a perfectly fine exchange for waffles. [Wow, he is. Picking up pace, huh. It would seem the promise of pie really does do wonders! He even seems to be going in the right direction, pausing briefly to gather his bearings.]

[ If the man's that into his pie, at least the two of them will have something to talk about. Dean does size him up, now that he's got Dean thinking about it. Sure, Dean decides; he could take that guy in a fight. ]

No, that was so three months ago. [ Not that Dean was there for it, but he heard about it. ]

You say you're a doctor? Is that the medical kind or the research kind?

[If Daniel notices the sizing up, he doesn't make any indication of it.]

Ah, what a pity. It would seem bad timing is a continual thing. [Although he's uncertain what he would do for three months here. He should start thinking about it since it seems as if it's likely he will be here that long, if not longer.]

You aren't the first to ask, but I'm the, ah, research kind, I'm afraid.

[He's outside now, pausing like he's uncertain if he wants to enter. It's a little awkward.]

[ Dean nods, taking in the information and eating, when he notices there's a pause that's too long and he looks back at his communicator. ]

You gonna stand around outside memorizing the sign all day or you gonna come in and sit down?

[The Doctor adjusts his 'brainy specs' and looks into the screen. This bloke seemed interesting.]

A doctor of what, exactly?

[He's not sure why, but he finds him very curious. Perhaps it's the way he presented himself.]

["Interesting" is one way to put it. He simultaneously seems in and out of his element.]

I, ah, have doctorates in Anthropology, Archaeology, and Philology. From the sound of all the people asking, I assume a medical doctor is more of need; I'm afraid my medical skills aren't certified beyond CPR and the like. I do, however, know how to deliver babies and have basic air force medical training. [A little beyond that. You have to with the whole traveling to other worlds thing, after all.]

Edited (wrassles with html) 2013-08-03 18:31 (UTC)

Nah, there's two doctors left, and honestly, they should be able to handle things. They have this far, at least.

[Or perhaps the Doctor was over confident of his friends. Pausing to rub at his chin, he's clearly thinking over what Daniel had said.]

I know it's early, but Dr. Jackson, what are your thoughts of this place? For curiosity's sake, that is.

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₪ video, day 96.

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