001 | Video

[applewatcher]

[He's not looming over the communicator. Not intentionally, at any rate, his bemused expression should make that clear. After a moment, he adjusts it to a more respectable angle. The thing looks like a mirror again, he can see a miniature picture of himself. And those little symbols signify he's...?]

Aha. Finally. I hope the other three attempts didn't work. If they did, my apologies. I'm not familiar with the workings of this... [He settles on a word] device. It's been quite the menace all morning.

To introduce myself: I am Lucien Lachance, [he smiles, slowly easing into a more relaxed baritone,] and as you can no doubt guess, I am very new here. I would like to learn more about my new neighbors, this fascinating new world... everything, really.

[His smile falters, though his voice remains smooth. Why hide that some of the cheerfulness is forced?] Especially regarding how long we might expect to stay here. I'm sure it's a wonderful adventure for a little while, but... Well, I am a family man. I must confess, I miss them already. I'm sure many of you here know that feeling. Any advice on how to make the most of all of this in spite of it would be most appreciated.

I look forward to getting to know you all.

Comments

[devoutish]

Anything that's expected will be done by other people. Coming at all isn't isn't required or expected, you understand. They'll be interested in you showing an interest.

[applewatcher]

Very well, I'll bring only my intent to learn, then. It sounds like a pleasant sort of faith.

[devoutish]

Why are you interested in the other religions here?

[applewatcher]

[Of course, these things can't be left unspoken here. He'll have to be more mindful of that.]

There are many faiths across my homeland, and while most follow one, few deny the existence of others, or the divinity of their gods. Doing so is rude at best, deadly at worst. Understanding the gods of this land only makes sense.

[devoutish]

Mmmm. Follow one, respect the others. All right. Will that extend to religions of the imPorts that aren't native here?

[applewatcher]

Yes, but the local gods come first. This is their domain, and this is where their people reside. It would be a poor idea to disrespect them in their own home.

[devoutish]

If that's the sort of thing you're worried about, you might do better paying your respects to the being what lives in the Porter.

[applewatcher]

True, but I have no idea if it desires worship. Gods are a known quantity, by comparison.

[devoutish]

I think gods are a fucking mystery, mate.

[applewatcher]

[Heh.] Also true. But they've still spoken.

[devoutish]

Have yours spoken directly to you?

[applewatcher]

No, but they do speak. I can't say much more on the subject, unfortunately. It would go against our Tenets.

[devoutish]

Mm. I can't speak for other worlds, but the natives here - none of their gods speak to them directly. My own God doesn't.

[applewatcher]

A perfectly normal state of affairs, honestly. The Nine Divines watch over their followers in much the same way, and they're by far the most popular among my homeland's gods.

[devoutish]

Just so long as you're not expecting to walk into a synagogue and have a conversation with the divine, mate.

[applewatcher]

I'm sure I'll find creative ways to embarrass myself in this world, but that certainly won't be one of them.

[devoutish]

I'd still like to see you in an automobile, Mr. Lachance.

[applewatcher]

A wh--? Oh. [Ha!] I'll be sure to keep you appraised of my progress, then. I'm sure it will be entertaining.

Those things at least seem less temperamental than horses. Mine's taken fingers before. [Bless her, she had excellent taste in enemies.]

[devoutish]

You've not met the cars I have, then. Get yourself an older one, and you never know if it's gonna start up. At least horses will always go.

[applewatcher]

Really? I thought they should at least manage the one thing they're supposed to do.

And these cars won't take you home if you've drunk too much, would they? They're not the sort of constructs that can move themselves.

[devoutish]

No, but you can call for a taxi cab.

[applewatcher]

I'm almost afraid to ask what that might be.

But only almost, so: What is that, exactly?

[devoutish]

Someone else who does the driving for you, if you give them the money for it.

[applewatcher]

So, a carriage for hire that travels inadvisably fast and makes sharp turns. I don't see that doing much for a drunk's disposition. [Or the inside of the car.]

[devoutish]

But it does get you where you need to go, and if you get behind the wheel yourself, you might find the law after you.