001; video

[idealisme]

[Enjolras sits at attention, back straight at possible, in front of the computer. He has the look of someone who hasn't been sleeping well, but his eyes are bright and attentive all the same. In the background his two friends are visible.]

My name in Enjolras. I was a French Citizen, killed on the morning of June the 6th, 1832 while taking part in a revolution to overthrow the corrupt July Monarchy. It is after this that I found myself here two days ago. You may already have met my friends Combeferre and Prouvaire. I wish to thank those of you I have already met, and who have offered my companions and I aid.

[He nods his head in quick thanks. There is clearly something else on his mind he thinks more important than either introductions or thanks.]

It is regarding my other companions that I ask you for your aid today, as we are uncertain whether they are amongst us here on Tu Vishan or not.

They would be dressed in a similar fashion to my friends and I, and undoubtedly all have arrived in an injured fashion. They go by the names of: Courfeyrac, Feuilly, Joly, Bahorel, Lesgles - though he may prefer Bossuet - and Marius. [A slight pause.] Grantiare also.

I might also ask if anyone has information regarding the political nature of this Empir- [There's a comment behind him, too quiet for the microphone to pick up. Enjolras turns to listen, then continues without finishing his previous thought.]

We are situated in the Wood sector, should you come across them at a later stage. Again, I thank you for your attention.

Comments

[idealisme]

Boy. You mock what you cannot comprehend.

[Enjolras had stood up to leave (what is turning off the computer?) but he spares a last, furious glance towards the insolent child on the screen.

His brow is lowered, his voice is threatening and his demeanour is one of righteous fury. This child in his self-conceit would laugh at the sacrifice of the martyrs of the Revolution; would scorn the rights of men to be equal.

Enjolras will tolerate many things from children. This he will not.]

If we are ever to meet face to face, for your sake, ensure your tone is corrected.

[And he walks away, off screen.]

somehow i can't stop laughing at this. enjolras no...

[fotia]

[The eventual disconnect from the network that doesn't happen is what actually makes Leo furrow his brow in confusion.

Like what is he supposed to do now? Does he... disconnect on his own? Use his ~super special demigod powers of mechanical manipulation~ to terminate the connection for Enjolras? He's not sure the latter would work, though, unless he knew Enjolras's specific location and was in close range.

For the briefest while he considers waiting until Enjolras returns just to see how awkward it would be. But then he remembers that he doesn't like being awkward, so that thought dissipates as quick as it materializes.

Eventually he settles for writing down instructions on how to disconnect the PC when you have annoying kids pestering you, complete with detailed illustrations, and leaves it in front of his camera for Enjolras to hopefully see.

(There's also a small caricature of Enjolras's grumpyfais at one corner.)

And then he returns to his room to continue his sketches and calculations for the ship that will take him, Percy, and Annabeth back home.]

[poeticverses]

Won't be a moment.

[Jehan laughs a bit and hurries out. Thank you, Enjolras, for dealing with your loony friends]

[video | encrypted]

[polyhistor]

'The study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms.' In this particular context it refers to the fact that the consoles are an amalgamation of biological function and mechanical engineering.

Re: video;

[wintershepherd]

[ Enjolras gets a grin even though he can't see it. ]

Deep breaths, okay? Think of the Pont Neuf on the Seine at dawn and how nice it looked overlooking Île de la Cité.

[sophos]

My name is Annabeth. You don't have to call me mademoiselle.

[idealisme]

Until we are better acquainted, I should prefer not to.

[sophos]

What about what I would prefer? Can I least get my name in there somewhere?

video;

[idealisme]

[The casual mention of the bridge, and a seemingly intimate knowledge with the sight surprises Enjolras.]

You- are familiar with Paris?

Re: video;

[wintershepherd]

Oh, you could say I go there on a seasonal tour each year.

video;

[idealisme]

[Now he is curious and slightly suspicious.]

Your family must be very wealthy to afford to travel so much.

[idealisme]

[Enjolras is silent for a moment. Yes, everyone from the future seems to be rather informal, but it does not sit right with him to call a young lady by her Christian name when they are hardly acquainted.]

Would Mademoiselle Annabeth be sufficient?

[video | encrypted]

[idealisme]

They are living?

[Enjolras leans away from his console a little, more than a little concerned.]

[sophos]

[Christian name ha. Hahaha. That's funny and she'd laugh if he said it out loud. Her mom would, too.]

Better, I guess. And you're Enjolras, right? Are there any other glaring questions you have regarding this place?

Re: video;

[wintershepherd]

[ Jack shakes his head, the gesture carrying into his words. ]

No money, no family. I just go wherever the Wind takes me.

[ Very literally. ]

[philosophe]

[And in Jehan's absence, Combeferre will probably be giving Enjolras' a bit of a lookover. Just because he worries, alright.]

[idealisme]

I have many questions still, Mmselle.

[Oh wait- what is this thing called manners.]

My friends and I are used to debating and questioning amongst ourselves for extended periods of time. I am aware that not everyone is accustomed to do the same, so do not feel that you must stay and subject yourself to my questioning if you are required elsewhere.

video;

[idealisme]

I must ask, monsieur, what year it was when you left your home.

[He hadn't realised how much difference it made knowing that the person you were conversing with had at least some common experiences with you (whether your could see them or not).]

Re: video;

[wintershepherd]

[ Jack hesitates for a moment, wondering if and how truthfully he should answer the question. ]

Probably from later than you are, Enjolras. But Paris is always Paris, isn't it? It's timeless.

[idealisme]

[Enjolras consents to it, although under duress. Now is the time for celebration, Combeferre.]

I feel more myself every passing day. There are some movements which pull- here, and here. But the pain is good, and reminds me of what we have achieved.

[sophos]

I wouldn't have replied if my attention was required elsewhere. Six months is a long time to learn. Admittedly, there's a lot that's still unknown, but I'm always willing to answer questions if I can.

[philosophe]

[So it is. It still doesn't mean he can't be concerned.]

Good. It was ....somewhat alarming, to see you so diminished upon our arrival. I am pleased you are feeling better. [He really is, and it shows in the small, bright grin he gives Enjolras.]

video;

[idealisme]

Perhaps, though I should hope that at least some parts have not remained the same over time.

[idealisme]

[The smile is returned.] I, too, am pleased to be returned to myself. I am not certain what I would have done without you and Prouvaire here to encourage me.

[video | encrypted]

[polyhistor]

Not in the sense that you and I are. It's... um, it's difficult to explain.

[Especially to someone for whom the concept is entirely new. Reid chews at his lip a moment.]

Okay, so... technically all living beings can be studied from a biomechanical standpoint. We are all machines - organic ones, with thought and feeling, but the veins and capillaries and nervous systems in our bodies are mathematically quantifiable. There are electrical impulses in our brains that determine what we're doing and how we're going to do it - every time you move your hands or a finger or even walk, that's an electrical impulse being delivered to your--

[... he probably doesn't know all the parts of a human brain, Reid. He clears his throat.]

-- Brain.

But while biomechanics is the study of mechanical law relating to living organisms, these consoles are biomechanical. Possessing of both components. Organic - which does not necessarily mean 'living' in the sense that you and I enjoy - and mechanical. A sea sponge is an organic creature. Bacteria - you might know them as 'animalcules' or 'bacterium' - is organic, technically living but again not the same way we are. They're a unicellular organism. Incredibly simple, biomechanically speaking. These consoles have more in common with bacteria than they do with a thinking, feeling human.