[ voice ]

[axiomed]

Who: Charles Xavier + You
Broadcast: Voice
Action: SS Heron
When: Now

I had a lecture planned but I realized it felt rather redundant. We have huge list of lectures and while each topic is interesting, I feel it lacks the feedback aspect that's so important in our education. To quote one of my favourite books . . .

"The best thing about being sad is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then—to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the thing for you"

So, I put the question to the Fleet. What would you like to learn and how can we help each other? I hold classes on the Iskaulit for training of powers, but I'd be happy to broaden my classes for other subjects and needs.

All you need to do is ask.

Comments

[axiomed]

It seems very earth-centric I'm afraid. I teach literature and history, though I'm fairly knowledgeable in other subjects like sciences and biology, the nature of how living things grow and adapt.

[bythewaves]

One must teach on what one knows - there is no shame in that.

But you touch on things that interests me, in truth - I confess to an eagerness to learn what became of the world. I fearthat I have little to offer in trade, save the tales of my own folk, however.

[axiomed]

That is certainly fine. But you're not required to trade or provide favors. Learning should be open to everyone.

I simply wanted to put the question forth to the Fleet: What is it you'd like to learn?

[bythewaves]

It seems quite rude to take without recriprocating, but I appreciate your openess.

But what would you do if the answer was "everything"?

[axiomed]

Then I would ask what you'd like to learn the most. There's usually some topic you would have in mind that you've never had the chance to ask before.

[bythewaves]

A teacher who knows how to manage his students, also!

For my part, as a bard I am always interested in tale and story, in knowing how a thing progresses, how people change, how history unfolds.

[axiomed]

I have some experience in the field.

[ He considers this thoughtfully. ] Well, I can certainly write you a recommendation list. A lot of the literature we have here is very similar to Earth's own. It shouldn't be too much trouble.

[bythewaves]

I would appreciate that, if you could do so.

[ wistfully ] Men change so fast, and reach so high.

[axiomed]

I'll try and have it ready as soon as possible.

All people do. Change can be slow or fast. It depends on how we perceive it - and how we enact it.

[bythewaves]

Please do not feel you have to rush! I am content to wait - there are so many things to learn here, after all.

[ a soft, amused huff ]

Men do, I suppose. But my folk have always been slow to change, although I take your argument on perception. I suppose to the Valar even we seem hasty.

[axiomed]

I have plenty of time on my hands of late.

Your folk?

[bythewaves]

Aye - I am one of the Quendi - the Speakers, in our own tongue. But your folk have always called us Elves.

[axiomed]

[ An elf? Hmm. He wonders if this was the same one Aurae got so upset over. ]

There seem to be quite a few of you on board the Fleet.

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor makes a low amused sound at that ]

Of late there certainly seem to be. My cousin Finrod has mentioned to me that he is not sure if it is somehow his fault, as he was quite alone for some time.

[axiomed]

[ He chuckles softly. ]

I doubt blame can be so easily assigned.

[bythewaves]

I told him the same, and pointed out they came after I arrived, so it was probably my fault instead.

[ Amusement in his voice - one of the few teases that they allowed themselves, one of the few "blames" Maglor is happy to assign to himself in play rather than in truth ]

[axiomed]

I think we all know whose fault it really is anyway.

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor sobers at the reminder ]

Aye. I could enjoy things here, if not for the constant reminder.

[ The implant, he means. Although he has started to get flowers. Apparently emo bards are attractive, or something ]

[axiomed]

[ Charles is quiet. ]

There are always some reminders we must live with. And it's important to keep living in defiance.

[bythewaves]

This is true for all things. [ Maglor agrees tiredly ] Both the good, and the ill.

But your courage gives me hope, also.

[axiomed]

I try to keep hope alive.

[ In a way, it is his job too. And Charles can no longer untangle himself from it. ]

[bythewaves]

You do well at it! And I am glad - it is hard sometimes, to remember, unless reminded.

[axiomed]

If it was easy, I doubt it'd be worthwhile.

[bythewaves]

Well spoken! It has been said that the best of things are always difficult to achieve - perhaps because we appreciate them more, after.

[axiomed]

It does take time and effort I find. It's easy to take it for granted as well.

[ He pauses. ] It certainly took me a while.