Audio | @rubber ducky

[curingidiocy]

[ The message begins with a clearing of the throat before a smooth voice filters through the ocular network; that of the very distinctive cadence of Dr. Ratio. He speaks calmly and lower than he usually does in an attempt to evoke a soothing tone that is not present in his usual manner of speech. ]

Given recent circumstances, I imagine many of you may be finding it difficult to rest and relax. You cannot be faulted for that; as of late, I have often found myself plagued with an active mind during the night, when I ought to be asleep. However, it is important to allow your body and mind to recuperate from injury and exertion. When one's body is exhausted, so too is the mind sluggish, and vice versa. Baths are quite effective at soothing the body and clearing the mind. I encourage you to make frequent use of the spa's public bath once we return to base.

[ There's a pause here and then another clearing of the throat—one that sounds like a cover up for embarrassment. ]

But I digress. The purpose of this message was not to provide a lecture on self-care.

I... have been told by students before that my voice has a particularly pleasing quality that is easy on the ears. A few have been audacious enough to inform me that they use my lesson recordings to put themselves to sleep. In light of that... I would like to offer my voice to be used as a sleeping aid for any who would benefit from it.

I have attached a link to several of the lesson recordings I have created since my arrival on this planet.

[ Anyone who is curious enough to peruse the offerings will find neatly named audio files for an undergraduate semester's worth of several subjects, ranging from math to physics to biology, among more. There's almost 50 files in total, and each one of them comes with a text transcription accompanying it. ]

You may utilize these as you desire, though I do hope you find an interest in the subject itself. There is never a better moment than now to start learning something new.

In addition, I am open to recording new material if you find none of these are relaxing to listen to. And if you desire a conversational partner to debate with on topics unrelated to what weighs on your mind, I am happy to fulfill that role.

As always, if you have any questions, you may ask me at any time, provided that you have thought carefully and determined the answer to be worthwhile to know.

Comments

@hottie!!!!!!! slams into

[transmit]

All for free, doc? You shouldn't have.

Where's the tip jar? Ten out of ten out of ten out of ten. 💯

Text

[curingidiocy]

I am not offering these out of desire for some profit. Keep your money and your praise to yourself.

[transmit]

Of course not, or you'd have pay walled it to begin with.
Just trying to show my support! ♪

But it couldn't have been an easy task to put this together, especially under such short notice. Where do you find the time?

[curingidiocy]

The audio recordings come from my time teaching at the university in Neo Tokyo. That ungrateful lot of students barely cared for them, however. Even if they're merely used as sleep aids, it would still render the time spent on them productive.

[transmit]

Aw, c'mon. You gotta remember that it wasn't that long ago that kaiju were attacking their city. If I were still in schooling, my studies would be the last of my worries—sorry!!

But it has been… what, a little over half a year since. Maybe they'll feel more at ease now knowing that they won't be squandering what time they have left in a lecture hall. They deserve another shot.

[curingidiocy]

I do not have the time to teach them now. I intend to earn a medical degree and improve my ability to treat injuries, and thus currently work at a hospital.

[transmit]

What a shame. They didn't get to know what they were missing until it was gone.

… But we really have been lacking in support types lately, haven't we? We have plenty of firepower, but not much else. Were you planning to designate a specialisation, doc?

[curingidiocy]

That is precisely why I intend to expand my own capabilities. I am hardly needed in an offensive capacity. Logistical support is not my expertise either, but it is sorely needed, as LILITH has proven itself to be untrustworthy as of late.

Given the nature of our work, I have begun with intensive care medicine and trauma surgery, but I intend to learn neurosurgery and anesthesiology as well. It should take no more than a year for me to learn the specifics. I do not intend to formally obtain a medical degree, as it would take far longer in accordance to this planet's regulations. Nor would it be valid licensure in the eyes of the Interastral Medical Association, as the education provided here does not account for the latest advances in medical technology, nor does it provide any knowledge on general treatment for human subspecies.

@poker

[stonehearts]

Now, now. The good doctor might have spoken too quickly. If you're inclined to lighten your digital wallet, I'll gladly take what Kryptos you're willing to spare.

[curingidiocy]

Gambler.

[stonehearts]

Doctor.

[transmit]

Elysium!




Is this trouble in paradise brewing?

[curingidiocy]

No. Ignore that damn gambler, he is hardly in need of your Kryptos.

[curingidiocy]

Surely you're not so strapped for cash that you must accept tips that are not meant for you?

[stonehearts]

Maybe the two weeks I had to go without access to any currency made me reevaluate my priorities here. One can never go wrong with more money, Ratio. We have children to feed now.

[curingidiocy]

If you were concerned about that, you'd gather a different form of currency that is accessible without the implant.

They are pets, not children.

[stonehearts]

Now there's an idea. The gold standard probably doesn't exist here, so there's nothing preventing me from creating something of equal value that's more real than digital currency. I'll have to give it some more thought, Doc, but I'll let you know what I come up with.

You're lucky they can't read yet or they'd be very upset with you right now!

[curingidiocy]

I'm sure, gambler, that the only thing they care for is that their food bowls are filled at the appropriate times. Don't try to assign any more intelligence than is warranted to them.

[transmit]

Right? Last month's incident couldn't have come cheap.
I've missed seeing the doctor around.

Just to be sure: is this a joint bank account kind of situation? Gotta do my due diligence to know where exactly my contribution will go; you know how it is.

[stonehearts]

You could say that. But it's more like I earn the Kryptos to fund whatever it is my dear doctor wants. They'll get to him eventually, depending on what he needs and when.

[transmit]

Oh?

A sugar daddy situation, huh.




Whew. The way you word things must give him a headache. If he's willing to put up with you pushing all his buttons like this, he must have a side that's more endearing than I would've ever guessed.

Not here

[curingidiocy]

[ Calling Aventurine his sugar daddy is already a heavy blow, but saying that he has an endearing side to him because of his tolerance for Aventurine's antics?

Nanook, just end him now. His dignity is shattering before his eyes. He can't even compose a reply without getting so flustered it ends up as keysmash. Help. ]

[stonehearts]

At least while we're here. Back home I still might have the edge on him in terms of disposable income, but he's not reliant on my credit to live in the luxury he does.

But make no mistake, he put up with me for so long before this because I happen to be able to keep up with him in conversation. No doubt he hated it at the beginning of our partnership, but a man of his intelligence can't be picky when he finds someone able to match him.

[transmit]

Relax, relax.
I just wanted to join in on the fun seeing how much you seemed to be enjoying yourself.
Seeing as the doctor hasn't responded like he has everywhere else… I must've been pretty successful? Hahah.

But way to make the rest of us feel single, sheeeeesh. Show off some more, why don't you?

[stonehearts]

Most likely, I'm sure he's somewhere blushing down to his extremely plush pecs. Perhaps even further after that.

Haha, that's not my intent! It's a rather new experience for the both of us.