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mandrakeroot

Mandrake here.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

mandrakeroot

I have, though usually in conjunction with other subjects.

From:

goingtobeunwell

Oh? How so?

From:

mandrakeroot

Astronomy plays a part in various religions, as well as having a connection to alchemy and various rituals. There are debates on whether it's actually needed for those rituals, but they're not conclusive enough to remove it.

From:

goingtobeunwell

[Oh. Alchemy. That's a little disappointing, but Crozier doesn't let it show on his face. Perhaps a little pure science without magic would interest the lad at some far-removed point.]

Ah, of course, of course. Well, I'm off to haul these books back to my cabin. Submit that list to me soon, mn?

From:

mandrakeroot

[When it comes to science without magic, his focus is pretty firmly on medicine, but his somewhat obsessive interest in learning often has room for more.

He nods, turning back to shelving.]

I will.

From:

goingtobeunwell

[Well. Not the best first meeting, but certainly not one of his worst. He nods and heads out with his books, though returns them a few days later for ones pertaining to exotic birds.]

From:

mandrakeroot

[Considering Nathaniel, it could've been a lot worse. He sends a list of equipment later that day, after his shift, just containing materials for his basic experiments, as he's said: slides, cleaning equipment, petri dishes, test tubes, thermometers, pipettes, dye and a cold storage box.

When Crozier returns for exotic birds, he even approaches first again.]

Hello.

From:

goingtobeunwell

[Crozier gives Nathaniel a little nod as he approaches. Unfortunately he doesn't have news from the Admiral yet, but he's happy to engage with him.]

Afternoon. Faring well?

From:

mandrakeroot

[He assumes he might have to wait for those, but he does have other questions.]

Yes. I hope you're doing well.

From:

goingtobeunwell

[There's no need to get personable yet, so he nods.]

I am. I was just in need of some new books. [He looks through the stacks, finger on the spines as he casually goes from book-to-book.] I've yet to hear back from the Admiral, but I did put in your request.

From:

mandrakeroot

[Nathaniel's aware that there's occasionally a need to be personable, but it's not something he particularly enjoys. Bland politeness mixed with professionalism is more his preferred method of interaction.]

I know he works at varying times, and that's before taking into account recent events. At least the request is in.

[Time for other business.] I was told you used to be an inmate.

From:

goingtobeunwell

Indeed. [He eyes a book by Joseph Dalton Hooker and smiles to himself. Ah, he'd hoped he would have done well for himself. The Kew Gardens, mn?]

Never had a permanent warden myself; I was lucky to have muddled through, so-to-speak.

From:

mandrakeroot

I see. [A positive sign.]

How do you think it works?

From:

goingtobeunwell

If you're looking for a rubric I honestly doubt there is one. What was needed from me doesn't apply to you.

[He stops looking through the stacks and turns to face him.]

Personal growth is something that differs from person-to-person. I suspect there are things the Admiral is looking for, but there's a highly likelihood that the bar is 'functioning human being who doesn't purposely hurt themselves or someone else'.

From:

mandrakeroot

Not a rubric, but any information is better than none. [With various caveats, but right now he's simply an earnest student.]

So, you think the Admiral is looking for personal growth?

From:

goingtobeunwell

I do. Some lesson learned, some betterment of self. Perhaps a different perspective on the past, perhaps some...healing. I've seen many graduations trigged by some grand realization.

From:

mandrakeroot

[He does raise his eyebrows at that, though he keeps his tone polite.] It's always important to do your best to improve.

From:

goingtobeunwell

Not all see it that way. [He certainly didn't.] Half the issue is you yourself figuring out why you're an inmate.

From:

mandrakeroot

Yes, I've noticed that. Which seems pointless, to me. [He shrugs.] I might not know why I'm here, but I am, and I'd rather work on leaving than sit around complaining.

From:

goingtobeunwell

Well, the best way to figure out why you're here is telling someone about your life. Your experiences. All else is speculation.

From:

mandrakeroot

My life? [He considers that. Well, it's not like he's ashamed of it. Or, at least, he doesn't have to tell any of those parts.] Most of it has been standard, I suppose. With a few more unusual achievements.

From:

goingtobeunwell

There's hardly such a thing as standard on this ship.

From:

mandrakeroot

Standard for what I know. I can't speak about other worlds.

From:

goingtobeunwell

You may need to start expanding your horizons, in that case.

From:

mandrakeroot

There are some areas where that's easier than others. I can read about various customs, but that's just as meaningless in terms of use as relying on my own experiences of normality.