Tenth Manifesto

[proudambassador]

These are working again, yes? The Animus did not break them for good, I am hoping? While I can now repair my roof, thanks to my dear friend Mr. Jojo, devices are far out of my range. Give me a hammer, and I can hammer. Nails, my thumb, the tiles, my other thumb, damn its little metal head. Give me a screwdriver, and all I can do is drink it.

That is the name of that drink, yes? I am not confusing it with a wrench or a crowbar or some other metal tool? I confess I did not pay so much attention to that particular lesson in Earth Standard. I was a busy young Centauri. The universe awaited, and I did not want to leave it waiting and hanging, no?

Comments

[shadedsunlight]

I don't think anyone does. I guess we've taken how reliable--accidental posts and the like aside--these devices are for granted.

[proudambassador.livejournal.com]

I do not think them reliable, but I do know that they are invaluable. I do not like my life hinging on the workings of one little machine.

[shadedsunlight]

I don't think anyone does. I wonder if there's a way to set up some other form of communication that's both quick and efficient?

[proudambassador.livejournal.com]

At the rate things work in this city, my dear girl, I believe the only possibly reliable way of communicating would be smoke signals. And then we would run the risk of burning down the entire city, no?

[shadedsunlight]

Considering our luck, we probably would burn down the city attempting to use smoke signals.

[proudambassador.livejournal.com]

At least we would have plenty of fuel for roasting marshwiggles. No. Those are not the squishy white things. Those are from some story... marshworms? Marshflies? A marsh is a swampy thing, is it not?

[shadedsunlight]

A marsh is a swampy thing, yes, but I believe you're thinking of marshmallows.

Roasing marshmallows would be fun, especially if we had some chocolate and graham crackers.

[proudambassador.livejournal.com]

Yes, that is the word I was looking for. I thank you, my dear girl.

I agree. I shall keep my eyes out on my next hunt for food, yes? Perhaps I will find something more appealing than the mushy little green orbs in a can. If I do, I shall let you know, my good friend.

[shadedsunlight]

You're welcome. And those must be canned peas. They can be good right the right dishes, but can be fairly bland by themselves.

[proudambassador.livejournal.com]

Peas? They could very well be. The can did not have a wrapper, but a passerby informed me that yes, they were edible.

With what would one cook them so that they are not so... pea-like?

[shadedsunlight]

I've always enjoyed peas with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy and some ham. But I don't think it will be too easy to find around here. Peas might work with rabbit stew though.

[proudambassador.livejournal.com]

Ham. That is one human dish I do enjoy, though I believe some of you are not allowed to eat it due to religion? I am glad that the Great Maker does not so restrict us. I hope I please him, so that I do not wind up in service to another that is less forgiving, no?

[shadedsunlight]

There are dietary restrictions due to some religious practices, yes, but I suppose I've never been very religious myself.

[proudambassador.livejournal.com]

When a Centauri is born, they are born in service to one of our hundreds of deities. If they please their deity, when they die, they join them. If they do not, they are reborn and must serve another. If they fail to please every deity they will be lost for eternity, separated and alone in the black. Mine this life, thankfully, is easy. I do not see any difficulties in pleasing the Great Maker. After all, who am I to object to drinking and eating and enjoying life?

[shadedsunlight]

I was raised a Catholic. There is one almighty God and if you lead a life free of sin, or if you do sin you repent from it, when you die, you will live up in heaven and eternal salvation and peace and job. If you die full of sin, you will go down to hell where you will live out eternity in damnation. The morally grey go to purgatory or limbo.

...I think all things considered, your practice sounds better.

[proudambassador.livejournal.com]

One can be damned and still be alive. This... is a fact.

But yes, I am more fond of the Great Maker than your Catholic. I mean no offense by it.

[shadedsunlight]

A fact I'm aware of.

None offense taken. I think I agree.

[proudambassador.livejournal.com]

Too many are, my dear girl. Too many.