tushanshu | video »

[ The vouchers on offer have been put to good use. Witness one Vulcan wrapped up in a couple of high-neck, long-sleeved sweaters where he sits in front of the screen. There's no way of regulating the temperature as accurately as he could on the Enterprise, so the curtains are also drawn to stave off the encroaching cold and, in the comfort of his own abode, he's donned a thick cardigan that looks like a customized blanket. ~~Winter, nngh.~~ So while Spock looks a lot fluffier, his tone is just as businesslike as usual. ]

Many of the foreign recipes I am familiar with have little bearing on the available ingredients in the market and as such may not be employed here. I would be grateful for suggestions on supplemental dishes and am willing to provide recompense for any assistance provided. On a different note, if there are any individuals with an inclination toward telepathy, I am curious as to whether any of them know where it would be most opportune to try and establish a meld with the turtle. That said, they would be welcome to participate in a psychic foray being made. I was told that this has never been attempted by a great number of minds and find the unexplored concept fascinating.

I am familiar with the weight of a great many consciousnesses and amenable to hosting temporary mental immersion with others.

[ In other words, Spock is happy to be the Red Ranger in a group setting where other minds might need to rely on him for direction or support. He goes on, lifting a hand-written stack of notes off his lap. ]

Ellie, I have compiled more information concerning space and attached a short questionnaire to serve as your homework. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to collect your personalized astronomy file.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[this blonde girl sure looks exhausted, and her tone is a bit long suffering, mostly because of the topic at hand.] It's impossible. Talking to the turtle, I mean - unless he comes to you in a dream.

I was led to believe that an en masse link has never been attempted and the outcome cannot be determined. How did you arrive at such a certainty?

The turtle's mind is still probably greater than a combination of people attempting to speak with him. It's too vast, too ancient, and unless you're interested in spending the whole day basically high, I'm not sure even numbers would make a difference.

Have you been near to the turtle head at all yet?

I have not had sufficient recreational time to spare, no. Please elaborate.

The atmosphere is peaceful, pacifistic. It's an effect of the turtle's mind, and it's worth a trip, if you're going to plan on attempting communication, since the effect is similar - just more extreme.

I will take your advice into due consideration, miss —?

Annabeth. But my boyfriend's the one who actually tried talking to the turtle, if you want to ask him about it sometime.

I would, very much so. What is his name?

Percy. He's not telepathic, exactly, but he can talk to sea turtles. Just not ancient powerful ones like Asti.

Thank you, Miss Annabeth. You have spent time at the turtle's head?

I've gone a number of times, yeah. The effect lingers for most of the day after you leave. But we were in the water rather than on land, right next to the head itself, when he tried talking to it.

[ Probably not going to get in the ocean, not too keen on it. ]

Did he say if it replied?

It didn't. That's what I was trying to say. He tried and nearly got lost in his own mind doing so.

I see.

I must admit, with overwhelming evidence against the welfare of those involved, I am disinclined to forge a telepathic link with the turtle. Would you theorize, Miss Annabeth, a less invasive journey to the head of the creature may suffice? If its emotions are emitting there, it may prove enough information.

[!! He actually listened.]

It's always worth a shot. Experiencing it can tell you a lot about the nature of the turtle itself. Above anyone or anything else, I genuinely believe Asti has our best interests at heart. And if you fall asleep there, maybe he'd visit you in your dreams.

I believe I will attempt the latter. A meditative trance may suffice.

That's probably the better idea. It's a pretty good place for regular meditation on its own.

Very well. I will contact you should my efforts prove successful.

[ And promptly, just like that, he ends the call. Efficiency! ]