01 - Video

[camebefore]

[The voice that comes across the network has a note of disconnection to it, maybe from shock of someone finding themselves bustled through Surprise! Superhero introduction. An accent twists his words, something guttural from the Baltic states. The occasional lilt of French pronunciation can make it a little harder to identify.]

My name is Doctor Hannibal Lecter.

[The video finally pops in, a young man shown in the view. His open study of the device (and the occasional too close view - maroon red irises are not attractive in most people) shows his unfamiliarity with technology. Take a good look at what frustration looks like on Hannibal Lecter. It isn't something he lets happen often. There's an abbreviated startle when he realizes that he has gotten it to work. Immediately the placid look comes back, a pure professional instead of an eighteen year old that couldn't make this alien communicator work like it was supposed to.]

[A young man who is a fully qualified doctor and is now a sous chef according to what he's been told. A chef isn't terrible, and while he liked the medical profession as much as he could be said to like anything, it's the being reduced to an assistant that bothers him the most.]

Needless to say, I am one of the new arrivals, and I am having difficulty finding Residence #12. I would appreciate any assistance. This layout is a bit confusing.

[Meaning 1951 person is a little concerned about Cars That Float And Defy Science along with figuring out the rest of it. Or that is the impression he wants to project. Hannibal is a fast learner, can accept what he cannot disprove. In a situation where he doesn't know what is surrounding him, he would prefer to seem like someone who needs the help of others. There will always be those quick to assist, to be the Good Guy. Something he finds bitterly amusing given that he's in a city of 'heroes'.]

I see what they said about this not being 1951 any longer is very true.

Comments

[camebefore]

[If one judges by the look on his face, or can see it, that didn't explain a whole lot to him. The first electronic autonomous robots with complex behavior were invented in 1949, but Hannibal as a medical student then had never heard of or seen them. Nor would he have cared to. They were three wheeled tortoise like things. The 'artificial intelligence' bit is easier to understand.]

A machine. [He doesn't want to ask 'like a toaster?'. While he doesn't quite understand, he's willing to suspect that would be rude.]

A better way to phrase my question may have been what is it you'll require of me then? Observation from afar or...?

[heartlessglitch]

[ It's probably good that he doesn't bring up the toasters. She probably would have been offended. ]

That is where your agency becomes relevant.
Naturally, I would prefer that you cooperate.
I find getting know a subject is much easier with that subject's cooperation.
But if you would prefer I keep my distance, I am perfectly capable of observing you in that manner as well.

[camebefore]

[He doubted a machine that somehow communicates would appreciate being compared to a toaster. Be like making him a sous chef.]

I have not found you unpleasant so far. Should that opinion continue, I do not see any reason why I cannot cooperate if you are willing to share the results with me.

[heartlessglitch]

I have no intention of making this process any more unpleasant than it must be.

[ At least, for the moment. ]

Your cooperation on that front would be appreciated.
When I reach a conclusion, I will share it with you.
In the meantime, I would advise civility in your interactions with Dr. Chilton and Dr. Gideon.
I would dislike having to abort my observations early.

[ That might be a threat. ]

[camebefore]

[Well, isn't that non-reassuring?]

I would appreciate that.

[What follows leave him even less at ease with the entire situation. Before this, he had lumped Chilton and Gideon into a 'non-threat' category. Had even considered going to see them in person. To have them pointed out to him above anyone else is unsettling as is the advisement. A shame. Fellow medical personnel would have been interesting.]

I will keep that in mind.

[heartlessglitch]

I am pleased we have come to an understanding, Dr. Lecter.
If you should require me, my name is Danger.