[NOVEMBER LOG] They talked because they could

[lasthumanvoice]

Who: Cecil and Gerry; Also Cecil and You?
When: Ugh, Scorpio season.
Summary: Lot 37; Library Visit; Something cute because I deserve it.
Warnings: Possible discussion of coercion and fears?

1. Then One Night [Closed to Gerry]
Cecil is sitting near the fountain in Festival Green when Gerry catches up to him, working on editing an article, a scowl on his face. Someone is quite aware Lot 37 has been sold. Someone is braced to be used at any moment.


2. He Was Nowhere to be Found [Open - Greymare Library]
Now, living where he does, right by Town Hall and the Clock Tower means that Cecil's home is also right beside the Library. In Night Vale, the Library was a place of grave danger, the Librarians violent and prone to attacking anyone who desired to read. Here, he's been reassured that's not the case. Regardless, though, there is a caution written on his expressive face as he walks with mincing steps toward the shelves, a look of awe on his face.

Perhaps you're also here to read, or you're the kind of jackass who'd sneak up behind someone who's clearly already on alert and scare them. Either way, here, have a Cecil.


3. Under the Starlight [Open - Outside somewhere]
There is a pile of leaves someone's raked up. Cecil has noticed this pile. It's tall and thick and looks awfully soft. And with a glance left, a glance right, and a broad grin, he's going to take a running leap into the pile, because at heart he's still a little juvenile.

Come join him, or maybe admonish him for ruining someone's hard work.


4. Vanishing Without a Sound [Wildcard]
Find me on discord or plurk at darkersolstice if you wanna discuss.

Comments

[lasthumanvoice]

Cecil opens the door, looks out, then looks down. Okay, she has a notebook, he's going to take her just as seriously as he would Tamika Flynn, that seems a safe choice. People who carry notebooks and writing utensils are dangerous, but not usually for him.

"Good afternoon. Can I help you?"

[i_didnt_mean_to]

"I hope so, Mister Palmer." Mary answers. (It's her natural voice, because she was told to be nice. She's even revised her phrasing from "I need to pick your brains about radio".)

She says, "I was... assigned to the radio project because of my knowledge on constructing receivers, but I need help in a few other areas -- talking to people and figuring out the transmitters. And my research partner is out at sea."

[lasthumanvoice]

"By whom you mean Agent Comrade Jean." A nod. "I'll be honest, I know nothing about making radios work. I only really know how to operate them once they exist. But I am, in fact, very good at that part."

[i_didnt_mean_to]

"You don't know a thing about how the transmitters work, or how to make them broadcast?" Mary just... deflates, shaking her head. She just barely keeps the disappointed 'god damn it' behind her teeth.

Then, she quite visibly rallies herself. "Listen, the information isn't all I need help with. Most folks assume I'm a kid, because of how I look. If you're willing to do some field research, and most of the talking, we can figure out what the mine brings up and if the raw materials are things we can use for this project."

[lasthumanvoice]

“I can definitely involve myself in that. And help fund the project. If that’s any concern for you.”

He doesn’t seem surprised to hear people view her as a kid. But he’s had experience with kids and how they deserve to be taken seriously as well.

[i_didnt_mean_to]

"We're hoping for other funding sources... but I'd rather not discuss it out in the street." She glances back over her shoulder, then up at Cecil again.

"I'm glad that you're willing to work with me on this. The first thing I was hoping to do was visit the mining operating. If we can identify the right kind of ores in what they produce, we can go forward with crystal radios. Then once we're sure on that front, we'll see about funding the rest of the project. Sound good to you?"

[lasthumanvoice]

"It certainly does. I look forward to working with you, miss...erm. I don't think you've offered me a name to use. Though you have mine already."

Though giving the press your name risks them talking about you. See how that went for the Shady Merchant and Jon Sims, recently.

[i_didnt_mean_to]

"Oh, right! Sorry..." She reaches up, offering a hand to shake, "I'm Mary Dahl. I'm just a little surprised that Agent Jean didn't mention me to you before now. But they're very busy!"

[lasthumanvoice]

Cecil accepts the offered hand, giving a polite, respectful shake. "They seem like the sort to be very busy, yes. I think they're happier that way."

[i_didnt_mean_to]

"When you're busy doing things, your brain focuses on that task. Doesn't have time to wander into any dangerous territory. I don't much care for sitting around and just thinking, myself."

She holds up her notebook. "I've taken notes. I can write out a copy of the materials I know we need, so you can have it on hand? For when we visit the mines."

[lasthumanvoice]

"That would be incredibly useful. Though--dangerous territory, Miss Dahl? Are we talking about thoughtcrime or just depression?"

Look, it can be both. He's very aware it can be both.

[i_didnt_mean_to]

"Depression is a dumb bitch with stupid suggestions, and she also won't shut up," Mary says by way of answer.

She writes out a list and hands it over:
quartz
copper
galena (lead sulfide)
iron pyrite
carborundum (silicon carbide)
hydrogen (geothermal source? natural gas?)

"I'm not sure about that last one, but it doesnt hurt to ask."

[lasthumanvoice]

"...I know that feel." That comes out quiet, as Cecil glances away, right until the list is in his hand.

"Right, okay, I think we'll definitely be able to source some of these in the mines."

[i_didnt_mean_to]

"I'm working as a shop girl," Mary says, "so I need a day's warning to tell them I won't be in, before we can go up to the mines. And I'm renting a room at the Oak and Iron. Day before you're ready, let me know?"