01 ☄ video

[chernobolt]

[the feed begins with a close-up (very close) of a young woman, staring intently at the screen of whatever she's written the numbers on. realizing that she's managed to trigger something she gasps softly and pulls back, surprise quickly turning to quizzical delight]

Ah! I did not think that anything would actually happen.

[she claps her hands together lightly before continuing to speak. as she talks more it becomes apparent that she has a soft Ukrainian accent - not enough to impede understanding, but fairly noticeable]

Although I am sorry, but I still not not understand what the purpose of these numbers are for. Is this part of the sorority fogging which I have heard so much about? I was under the impression that it would involve more verbal berating and possibly a malevolent figure with a knife?

[someone's been watching too many cult classics...]

Not that this is not fascinating as well! It is just that I am going to be taking the finals very soon and I still have a paper on nucleosynthesis to edit and also I do not...actually remember signing up for rushing anywhere.

[this is actually the only thing that's been bothering Kara about the whole discovery. shouldn't she have been given a little more official notice of this kind of thing? the recruitment for sororities had happened so long ago anyway, it seemed a bit delayed even if she had actually signed up.

but she doesn't let that bother her for long, recovering with a blithe shrug. things would work themselves out.]

Still, it is good to meet you all who are also wading through the fog! My name is Apollinariya Volodymyrivna Miroshnychenko, and I hope that we will all be friends. If anyone here is needing assistance, I would love to do whatever I can.

[it takes her a moment to realize that she's instinctively given her real name when introducing herself again. Kara flushes in embarrassment, grin becoming sheepish as she tucks a strand of bright red hair that's escaped from her messy updo behind her ear]

Also...you may call me Kara if it is easier. I understand that perhaps mine is not the simplest name to say in this place.

Comments

[chernobolt]

I still have much to learn. But that is what makes it so exciting! [she claps her hands together, enthralled by her subject]

I had studied astrophysics at a university in Ukraine, but we are still very poor and they told me I would have better opportunities here. It was very difficult to leave at first, but I am not sorry I did. It is like I have wandered into the candy store!

[...or however that phrase goes]

[wastingtime]

All colors and flavors, no less. Well, if your research ever leads you into the quantum realm, I'd be happy to lend my expertise.

[chernobolt]

You know about the quantum! [AND SUDDENLY IT'S LIKE SHE JUST CELEBRATED SIX CHRISTMASES AT ONCE]

Oh, this is indeed the more glorious and fortuitous of meetings! Please tell me everything that you can, I am certain that I have a blank notebook laying around here somewhere!

[wastingtime]

[he has to take a minute because he's laughing. when he's done...]

Technically I'm on sabbatical, but I suppose I could give you a private lesson if you'd like.

[chernobolt]

Oh, it does not have to be work if you are taking the break! I would be just as pleased to, ah, chat about it as well.

[she has to pause to find words that usually aren't so difficult for her to remember. the excitement is making it a little harder to stay fully in English]

There are just so few people who wish to speak about it at length. I find that many of my fellow students are not as enthusiastic about the subject once class ends.

[wastingtime]

No, no, some of my own students are the same way. But it's such a very interesting subject- a way that all the laws as we know them can be flipped up-side down, while still remaining intact!

how did i miss this notif

[chernobolt]

It truly is! I remember when I was first introduced to the subject, I was so certain that the whole thing must be magic.

[she laughs]

But it is so much better than that, because it is so strange to think of but we can explain all of it! And there is still so much to discover.

idk u tell me

[wastingtime]

There's a saying, I believe, about any sufficiently advanced science being indistinguishable from magic- and were I born a hundred years ago, I dare say I would agree! What I most enjoy is that there is in fact so much more, and will always be more to discover. We never stop learning, and it's an absolute charm.

it is a mystery

[chernobolt]

I am so very glad for that. It is perhaps childish to say, but the feeling of finding something new and being able to fit that into the way you see even the most mundane of things - I would be very sad if there were a time when I could not experience it again.

[she laughs]

It is very fortunate that there is still so much for me to comprehend!

[wastingtime]

Hardly childish, because this old man feels exactly the same way.

Perhaps we could meet for coffee, some time? I'll bring some books.

[chernobolt]

Oh, I would love that very much! [she clasps her hands together] And there are very many charming cafes I have wished to visit as well.

This is, ah, quite serendipitous. I believe.

[Engliiiiish, her mortal enemy]

[wastingtime]

Why don't you find one, then, and let me know when is a good time for you?

[chernobolt]

It will be my pleasure! I only require scheduling around finals and essay writing now, so it should not be very difficult.

[wastingtime]

I look forwards to it, young lady.