Luceti Appointments

[i_speak_softly]

Need a thread with Don, but don't have a post for it and don't feel like starting one? Stick it here. Please note date, time of day, location, and any relevant circumstances.

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[semper_cogitans]

[This is much better than trying to read another book.]

Ah - hello, Don.

[One of the biggest trials about Don's new penalty is his reliance on expressions for trying to communicate emotions. Though Robert has had a long time to associate Don's feelings to his reactions, and he's markedly better at it than he was a year ago, he still isn't perfect.

This expression, however, is at least somewhat decodable.]

... Do you need something?

[i_speak_softly]

[He nudges the book Robert just put down.]

What is this?

[semper_cogitans]

The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy and Neuroscience, 2009 edition, by a "John Bickle". [Otherwise known as "a book", but Robert never gives answers like that.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Not what he was asking. Try again.]

[semper_cogitans]

[But that's what it is!]

It is... an overview of at-the-time "recent" scientific knowledge concerning neuroscience and its philosophical implications. I am looking for information on your condition... but so far I am finding little of value.

[And he doesn't know how closely a Turtle's brain functions to a human brain anyway.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Diappointing. On the bright side, Robert is getting better at reading Don's facial expressions.]

[This would be a good time to work on something else, yes? Don places a stack of index cards and a pen on the table.]

You - wrong for me.

[semper_cogitans]

[Okay, time to put context together. Robert glances to the index cards and pen, and tries his damnedest to think of what Don might mean and not just take his words at face value.

Wrong... wrong... what's close to "wrong"...

Wrong... right...

... Write?

After a few blinks of hesitant uncertainty, Robert picks up one of the pens.]

... Write for you...?

[i_speak_softly]

[Nod. And that was supposed to be the easy part...]

[semper_cogitans]

[Whelp.]

... What would you... like me to write for you, Don? [That is a lot of index cards. Does he need all of them?]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don estimated a lot of trial and error.]

Expliment this. [He gestures to his mouth and throat.] So, I make someone - [He picks up a card with an exaggerated gesture, and gives it to Robert.] - there, and they need. Yes?

[semper_cogitans]

[... Yeah, this one is definitely going to take awhile. Forgive the utter look of confusion on Robert's face, Don.]

... Erm...

[Where does he even start with this one? Okay, Don wants him to write something on these cards for other people. But what was with the gesturing at himself?]

[i_speak_softly]

[Yeah, that was his best effort. Start asking yes/no questions, Robert.]

[semper_cogitans]

[He's going to have to.]

... You... n-need me to write something for others...?

And it is... about you? [Yes, he's still not getting it. Not yet, anyway.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Nod to both. A good start.]

[semper_cogitans]

[Okay, he's right so far. Uh...]

Is it something... r-related to your state now?

[i_speak_softly]

No.

[And yet he seems happy with this guess.]

[semper_cogitans]

[... Uhh...]

... If it is not, wh-why else would you ask...?

[i_speak_softly]

[Frown. What?]

[semper_cogitans]

[Wait.]

You said "no"...?

[Or did he really?]

[i_speak_softly]

No...

Yes?

[Now he's confused.]

[semper_cogitans]

[They both are. Clearly this conversation has taken a turn for the excellent.

Somewhat desperately:] A-Are... are you saying it is related to your current state, or... or what...?

[i_speak_softly]

Yes.

[He rubs the ridge between his eyes. This is going to be the most mentally-exhausting four months ever...]

[semper_cogitans]

A-Alright.

[The scientist mirrors Don's reaction, bringing a hand up to rub at his face. Would that he could find some solid information on whatever this is...]

... You want me to... w-write facts about this condition?

[i_speak_softly]

Yes.

[Very close now...]

[semper_cogitans]

[Which facts, though...]

Don, I do not even know what it is called... do I simply write some s-sort of overview? Or should I... expand my research first...?