To Infinity and Beyond

[aloof_savant]

It certainly looks like everyone's starting to settle in their new surroundings. I'm surprised that some of them even took up jobs! Not that I'm complaining... my notes and books have never been tidier, it's a hell of a time saver. I bet Albert would be jealous if he knew how I lived. Or probably not. Then there's that new innkeeper, who's even got experience in paperwork! Can you believe my luck? ...I guess I shouldn't be too glad. These people surely wish they were rather home than here.

...Man, infinite worlds, huh? There must be all kinds of uniquely interesting people out there. Thousands, I bet.

Comments

[aloof_savant]

... Now that I can understand.

[ He knows he's not a conventional Silverberg... nothing like his immediate family, at least. ]

[quicksmart]

You get that a lot, I see.

[aloof_savant]

[ He takes her hand and mysteriously plants the "lucky coin" in her fist. ]

You should keep this.

[quicksmart]

[ She almost flinches away out of habit - she doesn't really engage in social contact, after all! ]

W-what? Why? We just established that it means nothing.

[aloof_savant]

It didn't, until now.

Now it's just a horrible reminder of our first disagreement. A real eye sore! ...Besides, I don't want people thinking that you're working for free. Which you seem to be anyway.

[quicksmart]

Shouldn't I just throw it away if it's an eyesore?

... Besides, it makes you seem cheap, paying me with one single coin. Our exchange is knowledge and tactics, anyway. I've upheld my end of the bargain.

[aloof_savant]

I remember full well what our arrangement is! At the very least, put it back where you found it. Please.

[quicksmart]

And when will you fulfill your end?

There's no point to putting it in the fountain. I'll spend it on something instead.

[aloof_savant]

You mean you haven't learned a thing from me by now? ...Now I see what you mean about not being straightforward enough.

[quicksmart]

... I thought we would sit down and go over some texts and maps together.

[aloof_savant]

...Or that works, too! I was going more for the "observe Caesar in his daily life while picking up new tricks" method.

[quicksmart]

... Tricks to find opportunities to nap? Or perhaps talk to that innkeeper...

[aloof_savant]

Lesson #1:
A rested mind can improve productivity.

...You really watched me napping?

[quicksmart]

... Briefly.

... I had a question to ask you at the time.

[aloof_savant]

...Thanks for not interrupting, I guess.

[quicksmart]

Yes, well. I thought you would wake up if I waited for a few minutes.

Someone could probably kill you and you wouldn't realise.

[aloof_savant]

Why-- that's... y-you've given that a lot of thought, I see. Was Elenor a paranoid sleeper or something?

[quicksmart]

She had bad dreams, but no. Not that I was aware of.

... I will wake you up next time I have a question and I find you sleeping. ... I only stayed for a few minutes, anyway.

[aloof_savant]

Don't do that. Just... please wait until I'm.. refreshed, before asking any questions.

[ Only horrified at it because he knows Agnes has many questions ALL THE TIME! ]

[quicksmart]

So I should simply stay and wait?

[ SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW ]

[aloof_savant]

Figure it out!

[ FIGURE IT OUT ]

[quicksmart]

... Very well, then, Sir Caesar.

[ WELL BL TO YOU CAESAR, YOU NOW HAVE SOMEONE WATCHING YOU NAP ]