Twenty-fifth Theory [Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[After putting in an obligatory appearance at the baseball game, Donatello is up to some business of his own.

At a certain point during the afternoon, you may find him wheeling a motorcycle from C6 to House 55.

A bit later, you might catch him dragging forty-gallon garbage cans filled with a strange assortment of objects along the same route.

And sometime after that, you may come upon him near the bridge on this path, surrounded by those same garbage cans. Except that they are up-ended now, their contents strewn across the ground. In the center of the mess a bizarre contraption is taking shape.

Question this strange behavior? Watch in silent bafflement? Or maybe just back away slowly.]

((Please indicate at which point you encounter him!))

Comments

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

What, this? I don't know what it is yet.

[action]

[wise_maiden]

You don't? [She tilts her head, taking a closer look.]

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

No. But eventually I might find out.

[action]

[wise_maiden]

I see, so it's a work in progress...

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

Something like that.

[action]

[wise_maiden]

Do you create things in this way, often? Not knowing what the result will be?

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

Sometimes. Helps me think.

[action]

[wise_maiden]

It seems like a good way to pass the time. What sort of inventions have you made so far?

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Hm. She hadn't been keen on the missiles, so maybe he'll name some of his less weapons-oriented inventions.] I had a hang-glider, at home. A mobile spy-cam. A diving helmet. Tracking devices... [He smiles in fond memory.] It certainly kept me busy.

[action]

[wise_maiden]

[She wasn't keen on the missiles because he wanted to put them on a school building. But she has a healthy appreciation for technology. ... Even if some of them didn't exist in her own world.]

It certainly sounds like it must have. How did you end up trying such a hobby, if I may ask?

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

It's not exactly a hobby. More of a necessity that I happen to like. [He fiddles with the contraption.] It's my niche.

[action]

[wise_maiden]

[She nods in understanding.] I see... so in a way, you're reconnecting with yourself.

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Ah. So that's what he's doing here.] Exactly.

[action]

[wise_maiden]

Has it been helping?

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

I think it has.

[action]

[wise_maiden]

You'd know better than anyone. [A soft laugh.] I have to admit, I'm curious as to what the end result will be.

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

[He glances up.] For the invention? Or for me?

[action]

[wise_maiden]

... I meant for the invention. As for yourself... that's another matter entirely, is it not?

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

They're not as separate as you might think.

[action]

[wise_maiden]

So in other words, you don't know where you'll end up, either. But that's what time is for -- for finding a new way, once you've lost the path. [So metaphorical.]

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

Does anyone? [He adjusts the contraption again.] At any rate, time is one thing I have no shortage of, here.

[action]

[wise_maiden]

... Fair enough. [She tilts her head.] Shall I leave you to it?

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to keep you. [He tends to forget that not everyone finds inventing as fascinating as he does.]

[action]

[wise_maiden]

Hm? You weren't keeping me. Actually, I was worried that I was interrupting you. [She actually finds it very interesting.]

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Totally confused. You really want to stay?] No, not at all. I like having company when I work.