lastvoyages | 01. We men are wretched things (Text)

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01. We men are wretched things (Text)

My name is Patrick Sumner. I am a surgeon, certified from the Queen's College of Belfast, and I am now a warden here. Until such time as I receive my orders with regard to the man or woman who is to be my charge, I should like to make myself useful in whatever way that I can. It is my understanding that there is an infirmary aboard, and I am willing to put my skills to use there—though I am from the year 1860 and I gather that I have a great deal of education before me before I can properly assist. As well, I have lately returned from a voyage to the Arctic on which I had little to read but the Iliad, and I would be grateful for directions to anywhere that I might find a selection of books.

[ After posting this message, he waits a little for the responses, and then he begins to explore his new home from top to bottom. The ship is eye-wateringly enormous to him; its ameneties and facilities range from inscrutable to decadent, and the people aboard are ... he doesn't yet know what they are. ]

[ Test drive threads, in case anyone wants them to count as canon. ]

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The library is on level five, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Never read the Iliad, is it good?

Otherwise if you're looking to be useful, best bet after the infirmary will be maintenance or the greenhouse, should be people in both willing to show you ropes if you're not accustomed.

Nice to meet you.

Thank you for the directions, Miss. I am afraid no one wants me near growing plants, but I am certainly willing to lend a hand in maintenance if needed.

The Iliad has kept me company for quite some time, and I think there are few finer tales.

Head's named Arthur Morgan, he'll fill you in on what needs doing.

Big reader naturally, or just desperate and broken into the habit?

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[There are enough familiar pieces of that introduction that Tris can hardly avoid answering. Besides, he's asking for books.]

The library is enormous. I'd be happy to help you navigate it and find a selection of books, if you'd like.

[ Sumner has found the library and is, in fact, standing there staring in some bewilderment. Good God, there's a lot. ]

I would appreciate that. I think this will a challenge to navigate.

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Rawne's lying sprawled in one of the common areas, watching a documentary about some war or other when someone he hasn't seen before walks past. He sits up a little.

"Hey, new guy!"

Sumner heard the sounds of what Rawne is watching and the truth is that it gave him a bit of a turn. He peers in and sees the man there, as well as the television (which is, of course, new to him), and when he's addressed, he raises his hand in greeting.

"I'm that obvious, am I?"

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Welcome to the barge, Mr. Sumner. I work in the library most of the time so if you’ve any need for assistance, I’m sure I can help you find something.

A-and the name is Sims. Jonathan Sims. I’m, uh, an archivist by trade. Also a warden.

Thank you for the greeting, Mr. Sims. You're an academic of some sort, then?

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Good day, Sumner-san.

My name is Kazuma Kiryu. [ Hopefully that’s the right way to convey which one he’d prefer to be called by. ]

I’m also a warden and I’ve only arrived a few months ago.

I’ve seen plenty of people who’ve offered to show you the library, but if you like music or games or movies, I’m happy to show you those too. I also have water bottles and first aid kits for keeping in your cabin for emergencies, since there are times where people get stuck in their rooms here.

[ Sumner knows only the scantest bit about Asian modes of address so he's just going to do his best. ]

Thank you very much [ a brief pause ] Kiryu-san.

Are these incidents of involuntary imprisonment so very common, then?

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Only so much Homer a man can take. I hope it was a decent translation? It looks as though you've been pointed at the library already, so I suppose this is simply my condolences.

A good enough one, I think, but I'd gladly try another.

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Oh, you are from the 1860s?

Well. We do not adhere to any Christian sensibilities here, so none of that, please.

My own Christian sensibilities aren't particularly strong, so you've nothing to worry about on that count, Miss. In fact I dare say they're practically nonexistent by now.

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Welcome, sir, but do not discount your skills so easily. We are always in need of skilled hands.

The Iliad on your voyage. I must ask - was that a choice you made or something that found you?

A choice I made, and in the end, I read it enough that I could probably recite some passages entirely from memory. Whaling ships aren't known for vast libraries and it was either that or the Bible.

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Hello, Patrick. I'm Zagreus. I'm afraid I don't have a good way of telling time back home, but I'm curious. You mentioned the Iliad. Is this the same song of Odysseus?

You may be thinking of the Odyssey? The Iliad tells of the war in Troy, with particular attention to Achilles, Patroclus, and Hector. The Odyssey is the story of Odysseus's journey home.

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The admiral got a hard-on for 19th century arctic explorers or what?

I wouldn't go so far as to give the name "exploration" to what a whaling vessel does. I'm no explorer or sailor, even. Merely a surgeon who was glad to find a job.

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Doctor Sumner - my goodness. Anne Lister, of Halifax. [What year had Mister Crozier said he'd gone on his voyage? Earlier, she's sure of that.]

I recently found the library holds a good copy of James' Life of Charlemagne. It's excellent. Have you find the library yet?

Miss Kal-El has been kind enough to show me the place. A pleasure, Miss Lister. I've not yet been to Halifax.

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[Norton is chasing the last bit of summer sun on one of the warmer afternoons before the season turns and the deck grows cold. So he's lounging on a deck chair in swim trunks and shades when he spots some new blood walking around.]

Oh, hello. [He says quietly, to himself rather than to the man, as he sits up and removes his sunglasses.]

Cooee! You! New Fellow! [He waves at him, just in case all the shouting hasn't got his attention yet.] What's your name?

Sumner turns immediately as soon as he hears new fellow, and nods in greeting. Then, realising that proper conversation is probably in order, he approaches, noting the man's ... seaside wear rather dispassionately and with some amusement.

"Patrick Sumner," he says. "And you are?"

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