Roleplaying
2004 Archive
2005 Archive
Seminars
| When: | 28 March 2005 |
| Who: | Damien, Lei (as Andrew), Simon, Soludarius (as Darius) |
| What: | Andrew and Simon meet in the street and are joined by Damien and Darius. They go on to discuss the University. |
The Drag - Austin
The Drag is one of the busiest places in the entirety of Austin, spanning many blocks, primarily on the streets of 6th and Guadelupe. Shops, restaurants, and the like fill every building, and due to its close proximity to UT, they are more inclined to be the ecletic sort, or failing that, the sort that sell groceries and other sundries. In fact, UT's own student co-op can be found on the Drag. There's really no telling what they'll be selling in other cases -- the stores and restaurants offer most everything the average mind can imagine, and quite a few things it may've been a little slow to. Shady oak trees typically line the streets, and it's not uncommon for people to spend a day hanging out here, walking the length of the Drag to browse its many establishments.
Walking out of the student co-op, a large sports bag in hand, Andrew Williams turns right and wanders along the road at a slow pace. He looks into all of the shop windows interestedly as he passes. Simon walks up the street, dressed a pair of smartly casual beige slacks and a casually smart brown jacket. He mutters under his breath, and clutches a black shoulder bag tightly under one arm. Spotting Andrew walking up the street towards him, he slows to a gentle stroll, smiling faintly. He stops as they pass, and asks "Excuse me sir, could you direct me to the University?"
Roll by Lei: (6) (2) (3)
Andrew glances at the stranger, and his perception...shifts. He sees Simon, faint smile, cropped hair, polite question, but he also sees inside him. He sees the inner turmoil of bitterness and suspicion that dominates Simon's soul, as well as the ruling chord of contempt. As he hears the words of Simon's question, he also hears the unspoken words..."I'm going to find someone, and you're going help me."
Turning to face east, Andrew, tensed imperceptibly, points as he directs Simon. "Take a right down there, and walk for a couple of blocks. You really can't miss the university. Go into one of the large buildings and there'll be a campus map somewhere around there for you to check. Are you looking for anyone in particular? I could help."
Simon says, "No, thanks, just looking around. I'm researching for a book, and wanted to talk to some students. Are you one yourself?"
Nodding, Andrew replies, "Yeah, I'm a Fine Arts student, minoring in Architecture. Can I help?"
Darius seems to be walking along the sidewalks along with other passerbys. He doesnt seem to far away from Damien and walking in a generally similar direction.
Darius stops when he hears students, "Architecture. Theres a very challenging degree."
Simon smirks and replies, in a strong English accent, "I doubt it - I am researching for a book on technological issues. However, I am new in this city - in fact, America altogether. Could you tell me of a place where I could grab a bite?"
Damien shops around on the Drag through the student stores. From the look on his face, he's got some kind of intense shopping jones on and he's looking to spend as much money as possible. He already has some bags in hand. Not knowing anyone is following right behind, he stops to ponder something in a window right in the line of sight of Andrew ne Lei, but he looks too intent on shopping to notice the student.
Darius moves a little closer to the students and like many Texans his southern hospitality kicks in, "Welcome to Texas, Home of damn fine Bar-b-que. I think you should try out this Hickory shop over down past the Loop.". He spits out some random directions towards some non-gridded area.
Grinning at the naivety of Simon, Andrew starts to reply, pointing about him, "You see the restaurant signs? Those are places you can-" He is cut off by Darius and turns to him, replying, "Yeah, it's challenging, but it's only a minor and a lot of the work overlaps with some of the Fine Arts stuff I study." Returning to Simon he continues, "Most of the places down here are pretty good, and quite cheap, as they serve the student clientele. What sort of technological 'issues'?" finishing his sentence imitating Simon's British accent.
Damien looks away from the window of the store, and looks down the street at Andrew and the others clustered around. He frowns, mildly, and moves to the next window, closer to the small group.
Darius nods to the cheap remark made by Andrew. "Mexican food, cheap.. just stay away from the Tex-mex if you want authentic tastes. Anyway, just thought I'd say Howdy and Welcome you to Texas". He offers a handshake as a sort of greetings to the newcomer.
Nodding, Andrew adds, "Not just the Mexican stuff is cheap and good though." He turns to point, continuing, "That Chinese place, for example, is excellent and is also good value." As he turns back, he notices Damien looking into a window, but also ignores him, for the time being.
A genuine smile spreads across Simon's face, as he describes his project. "Well, it's a scholarly look at the impact future technology will have on our modern society - in particular, the repercussions of nanotechnology on...well, pretty much everything. It's an important issue that needs to be addressed - after all, how can we advance technologically without knowing the direction?" Finally turning to Darius, he smiles again and shakes his hand. "I'm not really a fan of Mexican. I like a good Italian though."
Damien looks like, instead of shopping, he is furiously trying to ignore being ignored while terribly eavesdropping on the conversation, such as it is. Being as dazed and confused as he is today, he's doing a terrible job of looking bored and unresponsive, considering he comes a bit closer.
Darius nods, "Chinese is good, but coming to Texas for chinese is like going to chinese for Bar-b-que. Not pretty.". Looking at the British guy, "If you have cash, theres a 4 star Italian joint not far from the strip. Oh, what was its name... just around that way." He points over in a direction. He shrugs, "Hrm.. tehcnology and the shaping of its future. Long as your foundation is good, your future has a chance. There are ways to discuss the theories on both ideals. but both are necessary. A strong structure, and a strong imagination."
Looking supremely disinterested, Andrew answers, "Nanites aren't important to the future of humanity, in my opinion. Humanity has managed to this point, and will manage for a good deal longer..." trailing off. He looks across at Damien, but, again, decides not to call to him.
Damien looks across to Andrew and, similarly, decides not to call him at first. And then he thinks better of it, and he raises a hand holding a bag and says, "Oh hey, Andrew, right? Hey Andrew. Nice seeing you again. What a coincidence."
Smile fading, Simon replies to Andrew. "Humanity will manage, but how well? You cannot stop technological advancement, merely keep up with it and help it. However, I digress. Do you know any students who might be interested in helping?"
Darius shakes his head, "Dont look at me. I am a teacher of Sculpting and stonework. I'm all about the foundations and understanding the basics.. and truthfully I dont know any techno-students myself."
"I assume you mean students who could help with the technical side of things?" Andrew says, shaking his head, "I can't say I know any of the tech students that well. I tend to stick in the art block, and my accomodation is all art students..." He trails off, before his attention is distracted by Damien. "Hey there, man. Still looking for someone to give the world to?" He turns back to Simon and finishes his sentence, "I'd suggest looking in the technological lecture theatres.""
Damien wanders off away from the group and on to more intense and cathartic shopping.
Simon says, "Perhaps I'll do that. What's the University like? Big?"
Darius raises an eyebrow, "UT? Fairly huge. Satelite campuses in many other cities. You picked a pretty good University to get an education at". Darius considers something midthought and says, "By the way, Names Darius Sullivan, pleasure to make your aquaintance."
Andrew nods in agreement. "Texas U is huge. You'll probably want to check out the Engineering campus, amongst some of the others." Following Darius' lead, he offers his hand, introducing himself, "I'm Andrew Williams."
Simon chuckles and shakes his head. "Oh, I am not after a university education. I am touched that you think me so young. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Simon Hardie." Turning to Andrew, he continues "And your name?"
Darius says, "Age is inconsequential when it comes to education. We are all students, and we all have something to learn in life. If we were to stop learning, we would die inside.. and that is a very horrid thought. So old, young, know students who graduate at 60 and 70 years old. So I never assume otherwise". He joins in and offers a shake to Andrew so as to complete the Triangle.
Taking Darius' hand, Andrew shakes it. "Age should never be a barrier to anything. You could be a mature student..." he trails off, musing.
A brief flash of irritation passes over Simon's face, before being replaced by a mild smile. "I may consider it. I'll have a look at the course brochure. However, my book must come first. Thankyou for your aid. Could I contact you later? I'll probably need some further guidance round this city and the University."
Darius hrms, "Doubt that I will make a good tour guide. But you might see me around.. I suggest the student center. They have the numbers to all the student organizations and I bet that they have a Tech society that will jump to help you with a book."
Shaking his head, Andrew agrees. "If you ever want a brief tour of the art rooms and the architectural highlights of the Capitol or the University, I'd be happy to help, but I can't imagine I'd be much help with the stuff you'll be wanting to look around. The student union is probably the place to go." He looks around before quickly glancing at a nearby clock. "I'm afraid have a lecture in a few minutes. I'll see you guys around!"
Darius glances quickly to the clock and relaxes, "Not time for me just yet. Although I should likely get off to collect some things for the classes. Enjoy your lecture'. Looking to the British man he adds, "and again.. I hope that you find your stay most enjoyable."
Simon nods and smiles. "Thankyou for your help. I'll see you around." Glancing around him at the bustling shoppers, he clutches his bag tightly to him, before disappearing into the crowds. Hoisting his bag further onto his shoulder, Andrew gives a salutory nod and walks off in the direction of the University campus.
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