Un: TerribleTinkerer | Text

[badnewsandshitlist]

If money has no meaning here, then what do people do with themselves? Adventure for the sport of it? Build things only to watch them gather dust?

I prefer problems that bite back or explode in my hands, but it seems difficult to call that work in a place where every need is already seen to.

So. What passes for an occupation here—when merit and coin are both irrelevant?

Comments

[badnewsandshitlist]

If this recorder is to be demonstrated, it deserves more than a street corner. A workshop would suit me, with good light, tools at hand, and space enough to step back if it sparks or worse. Failing that, a study or quiet hall will do, with a table between us and paper ready for notes.

Which setting do you prefer? I do enjoy a good experiment.

[badfengshui]

[ This person is really serious. He hopes he'll come to enjoy photography, too. ]

My apartment would do, then.

It doesn't have a door so it is easy to find.

[ A beat. ] And I'm Henry.

[badnewsandshitlist]

An apartment without a door sounds like an invitation to burglary, but very well. I will find it easily enough, provided you offer some general direction.

Since you have given me your name, it is only fair you receive mine. I am Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo the Third, Lord of Whitestone. Do try to remember it, and let us hope your device proves worthy of such ceremony. If it does not, at least the introduction will have justified itself.

[badfengshui]

It's okay I'm usually in there.

[ Staring at a wall. So, people who might burgle might get a little concerned and turn to walk the other way. ]

I'll write it down. [ And he will! That's a very important name! ] Please let me know when you're coming. [ It wouldn't do to have a new acquaintance see the way that he lives... ]

[badnewsandshitlist]

Very well. I will send word ahead before I arrive. No sense in surprising a new acquaintance. And if you truly commit my entire name to the page, I shall be genuinely impressed. Extra credit if you attempt calligraphy.

[badfengshui]

[ ....... who does he know who might know calligraphy.

He is going to get extra points in friendship which is a real thing to get. ]

Okay.

[ A beat. ] Thank you.

[badnewsandshitlist]

You are welcome. I look forward to seeing both the device and your handwriting. Consider this a proper notice of my intent to call. Though I suspect one may prove rather more entertaining than the other.

I trust you will rise to the challenge.

[badfengshui]

Okay.

[ So, also hosting. He can do that? He can certainly look for things? To make? Oh, he should try to make them? Like dried fruit and stuff? Oh look - Percy has given him something to do that isn't staring at a wall. He can prepare a nice little meal for his soon to be visitor. Hooray. ]

I'll do my best.

[badnewsandshitlist]

That is all anyone can promise. I look forward to it, and I have every confidence you will make the effort worthwhile. Do not think of it as a test, though I shall be grading all the same.

[badfengshui]

Oh.

[ Ah. ]

How will it be graded?