I.

[oldshipmate]

[Voice Post]

While I have in the most general sense no compunctions from appearing as God made me, I cannot say I approve of such measures unannounced. It is an experience I do not look to repeating save in the very grips of lunacy. And lo: let me shun it for now.

I have read your quaint guide and can quite understand the using of this device,

Comments

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert is going to ignore these references to "God" and just stick to the straight science... well, as he's aware of it. Because, for all the oddness of this person's speech, zie sounds like zie has some kind of scientific knowledge, however limited.]

... About the wings... whatever techniques the Malnosso use to graft them to the people here, they are exceedingly e-efficient, comparable with direct cell regrowth therapies. I s-suspect some nanoscale surgery has been done to connect the muscles and nerves... but the wings are not rejected by the i-immune systems of people here...

... I could speak on the other two t-topics as well, but I am... less educated on them.

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

[... Admittedly, Robert is not sure how he was just insulted, but he knows he was, and it stings.] I... am not trying to speak down to you, by... by any means. Perhaps I had... inadvertantly given the i-impression that I was, but I am not.

[He shudders to himself at the thought of so carelessly defacing precious flora.] Data is stored electronically on Terra, in databases.

... If you find me... d-difficult to believe, I can... [Some obvious hesitation here:] ... Seek you out, and show you in p-person. If, if you would prefer.

[Voice]

[oldshipmate]

Then I would prefer no more such gaudy displays as a grasping attempt at advancement and show. Data, you said? You've given what? Be more specific, and do lets try to speak with more confidence; I've no time for a ditherer.

I prefer above all things my own council, thank you kindly.

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

[An almost-plaintive tone sneaks its way into Robert's voice here.] I do not expect you to take me at face value, necessarily, but then how may I prove to you that I am not simply... [Bragging? Showing off? Trying to mislead you?] ... being disingenuous with you?

[He has the uncomfortable feeling that he might've put others in this position before. It's... awkward.]

[Voice]

[oldshipmate]

Whether you are lacking in candor or simply playing the peafowl, I cannot credit. Now, data? I assume from datum? The meaning of the word must rest in context, of which I am severely lacking. To store something given, but by whom, how, where?

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

Yes, that is the base word... and the singular form. In the sense I am using it, "data" refers to the attributes of something, typically resulting from a measurement of some kind, and often... r-representable in some form, such as a graph.

Data can... be taken, or gathered, from nearly any source. One would presume we, ourselves, are... a s-source of data, to the Malnosso, the barbarians who h-hold us captive.

[Voice]

[oldshipmate]

The knowledge? A word implying... the necessities of knowing? Gathered knowledge, you mean?

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

Data do collectively make up knowledge, yes... Through things like facts, and observations.

... If I may s-say so, you seem like... the type of person who endeavours to understand things. That is... v-very commendable. I appreciate the company of a fellow intellectual...

[Not that he hasn't spent most of the time feeling hideously awkward.]

[Voice]

[oldshipmate]

So knowledge and information, collected, given by past experience and gathering. Useful enough to specify, I suppose.

You may say whatever pleases you. I should not like to puff myself up so as to say I were an intellectual; I am a doctor and --when I may manage the time enough-- a naturalist, not some great scholar.

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

You do not consider the fact that you are a doctor alone to have merit? [Seeing as it's one of the Big Three intellectual careers on Terra, this surprises Robert.] And there is nothing wrong with... simply a-asserting oneself as intelligent.

[Then again, Robert comes from a place where intelligence is revered, so this probably doesn't help his case at all.]

[Voice]

[oldshipmate]

[In Stephen's time, being a doctor is considered rather menial; one has to touch patients, touch blood, risk contact with the poor and the sink. Being a ship's surgeon-- and so coming in direct contact with those huddled masses-- pushes him further down. While it is not a personal point of contention, Stephen knows many for whom it is.]

[So he answers graciously:] I only thank God for the opportunity to help my fellow man, and for the strength to accept His gifts with humility.

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

[Those are all the things that make doctoring noble to Terrans. Someone who has the skill and drive to help others, to save them from harm inflicted upon them, and to protect those of all walks of life.

... Funny how mentality can change so much.]

Doctoring is... one of the m-most noble of all vocations, at least where I am from. It... is a pleasure to meet another, here in L-Luceti. [Even one from a completely different time period.]