video; backdated to 9/14

[performance]

[ The video feed comes on, and here's Dick at his desk, homework spread out in front of him, math book open. He gives the camera a casual, easy smile, twirling his pen between his fingers. ]

So, school's in again. How many of you are actually going? Why or why not?

I know, I know, it's kind of weird to think about getting an education here and then going back home and having to do it all over again, right? But on the other hand, some of us have been away from home for a really long time. It's been over a year for me. And some of us don't even want to go home.

And oh, man, I'm rambling. Sorry.

The point is, if we're going to be stuck here indefinitely, we might as well take advantage of the time we have, right? I think. Wouldn't it be cool if we actually got to remember all this when we got home? And ace all our AP classes? And be the best ever at dodgeball, and know like three extra languages, and how to calculate the trajectory of a space shuttle? Food for thought.

Anyway, I'm Dick Grayson, junior at De Chima High. My best subjects are math, gymnastics, and computer science. And if anyone out there is interested in a study date? Or a coffee date? Or maybe even a dinner date! I'm available most weeknights, and I can order in seven languages.

[ A grin, somehow making it halfway between flirty and self-deprecating. Had to try. ]

Or just a regular old study group, but where's the fun in that?

Comments

video;

[amadaman]

About half the people I've talked to don't go to school. When I mentioned it to a couple of them they looked at me like I was crazy.

I don't know about carrying these back to my world -- my classes at Gekkoukan were actually more advanced than here -- but I think you have a point about not knowing how long we'd be here? It's gotta be useful for something here.

[performance]

Yeah, it's becoming apparent that a lot of people here don't see the point. Which I get, but also don't, you know?

An education's important anywhere you go.

[amadaman]

Knowledge aside, it's one of the best ways to find out what the people of a certain place are like. What they think, what they value...

It's free. So we might as well go.

[performance]

You're right. No better way to get a handle on the culture, right? Plus, finding out what they're not teaching in school here is just as useful as what they are.

[amadaman]

Huh? What will you do with that sort of knowledge?

[performance]

Sometimes learning for learning's sake is enough.

[ He shrugs. ]

I'm not saying anyone's hiding anything, but... everyone has their own perspective. That's useful to know in and of itself.

[amadaman]

Oh, that's what you mean.

No, it makes sense. Even if they aren't hiding anything, it can be an advantage to know what's in their blind spot. Even if it's to know an enemy's weakness, or to be able to compensate for an ally's...

[performance]

Whoa, whoa, I didn't say anything about enemies!

[ ... but, okay, it was implied. ]

[amadaman]

Yeah, but it applies, doesn't it?

[performance]

Can't deny it. I mean, you jumped to a conclusion, but it wasn't a wrong conclusion...

[amadaman]

It wasn't a conclusion. It was a possibility. I told you: knowing an enemy's weakness, or compensating for an ally's?

[performance]

Ah, then that's me jumping to conclusions.

[amadaman]

Haha. You shouldn't get so hasty. Should I be concerned for you?

[performance]

Maybe a little. If you can spare the worry.