[Audio]

[original_is_best]

Chief Besithia's Journal

M.E. 722-VIII-26th
1-Ranir-1th

I require more funds for my work. If you are willing to assist in the matter, please respond.

Comments

[Audio]

[daikonrose]

... So, you're some kind of... hero to the public, that everyone knows?

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

That would be a matter of other people's opinions. I'm a researcher, and how well-known or unknown I am makes little difference to the importance of my work.

[Audio]

[daikonrose]

... Well, I mean, that's probably true about all researchers. I guess this is just another case where I can't understand the culture here at all...

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

People are here from many other worlds. It's to be expected that some will have cultures far outside of what we find typical.

What is it that you find strange about this?

[Audio]

[daikonrose]

It's fine for anyone to just ask the general public for money, here? All you have to do is say you need it? Am I understanding this properly?

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

I don't see why it wouldn't be. Anyone has the right to plead their case and be accepted or rejected.

[Audio]

[daikonrose]

I never would have imagined.... So this actually happens all the time here? It has to, right?

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

I don't think it does. Is there a reason it would need to?

[Audio]

[daikonrose]

Because there aren't many real paying jobs for all of us kidnapped people, right? So the options for getting money are--

[ There's a beat, and then her tone drops. ]

--Wait. So what you're really saying is that asking like this isn't actually common here, you just feel like it's something you should be able to do. Do I have it right this time?

[original_is_best]

The simplest way is physical contact. However, that would usually interrupt my work. It's more more efficient if someone simply touches me while I get my work done.

[So, yes, his time is valuable and perhaps he doesn't think other people are doing things of as much importance with their time.]

It doesn't matter to me whether it is common. I am able to make the request, and it would be beneficial for both parties involved, so I see no reason for complaint.

[daikonrose]

[ ... So, this is just his personality, huh. There's a long, irritated sigh. ]

I thought I was gonna learn something useful from this, but I guess not.

[original_is_best]

What were you expecting to learn?

[daikonrose]

You could say I was hoping for clues about the social norms around here, instead of clues about you in particular. Please forget about it.

[original_is_best]

I'm not native, nor am I from the same country as others here, though I am from the same world as several. It's unlikely I would appropriately represent the norm of any group here.

[After a pause for thought.]

I suppose I wouldn't represent the norm for my own country, either.

[daikonrose]

That's kinda the impression I was getting.... But it's fine. You don't have to explain anything else. I'm the one who responded to your request with unrelated questions.

[original_is_best]

Is there any particular reason you would need to be normal?

[daikonrose]

[ Give her a second to just. hold her head in her hands. Why won't he stop. What has she done. Is this her punishment for asking rude questions uninvited. ]

No... not particularly, I guess. Rather, just knowing how would be nice.