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

[lunarchivist]

Melustanin...I have heard of it, but know very little; about as much as you'd just said. We've had dealings with a Knight of Beauty recently as well, so anything more you could tell me of that world would be much appreciated.

[(It sounds almost fairytale-like...good "bedtime story" material, funnily enough.)]

[curingidiocy]

It is also known as the Agate World, named so for the abundance in precious stones decorating the land. Imagine, if you will: a planet whose land is defined by the flow of lava oozing from its many active volcanoes. Surrounding the volcanoes are blue seas, clear enough to peer into its depths to observe the colourful crystalline coral structures that sprout from the seabed.

Melustanin's civilization harvests the crystals and molds them into masterful pieces of architecture, which elevate their cities, protecting them from volcanic eruption, and shine in the presence of Phlogiston. Its capital city, often called the Crystalline Palace, sits on a large slab of green agate, whose properties keep the city from boiling due to the river of lava it resides next to. On its other side, verdant lands and forests grow, providing the population with sustenance. And north of the city is the planet's largest volcano, which has been encased by crystal dome that allows the city to generate energy from the volcano's geothermic activity.

[ Ratio's description doesn't do the planet justice, frankly. It is an incredible juxtaposition between water and lava, stone and nature. Ratio has also never visited the planet himself, but he's seen the pictures. It would be one of the IPC's top recommended vacation destinations if it wasn't currently suffering from a Stellaron disaster. ]

At least, that is how it appeared before the Stellaron disaster. Now, I believe much of the planet has been covered by stone and lava. The crystal corals are no longer visible from the surface and must be mined out of the basalt, and the planet imports most of its food. However, its beauty still remains, albeit changed from how it used to be. Now, they are famous for their glowing caves and underground establishments.

[lunarchivist]

[As someone with insomnia, Dan Heng is indeed attempting to use what Dr. Ratio is offering as a sleep aid. This can't be seen, but he's curled up on the bed in his room, holding one of those odd...plush sharks Tsurumaru foisted upon him. Hearing about an oceanic planet with such a "companion" felt oddly fitting. ]

Is ssounds beautifull.

Melustanin was oone of our possible nnext stops after Penacony ans th Wardance. [Dan Heng's messages are usually very carefully checked for spelling before sending. Since these are from the mind, it's...probably an indication that Ratio's impromptu lecture is successfully soothing. After all, it's much more relaxing to think about oceans and crystals and waters like the Arbor Sea he could have swum in, could possibly explore with his friends...instead of dark, cold prison cells deep below ground.

He hopes those ocean caverns are well lit enough and...warm. Hopefully.]

Do you recal whenn the Stellaron disaster occured? Do you think theres hope for the waterss to return to nnormal once neutrilized? I'd like to see themm...

[curingidiocy]

[ That makes sense. Given that it is currently in the midst of a Stellaron disaster, the Astral Express would be keen to suppress it. ]

A few Amber eras ago. I doubt, at this point, that its inhabitants have any interest in restoring the planet to its original state. They have made plenty of wealth from the changes that have occurred since.

[ Of course, there was a a faction that was interested in restoring the planet, but it would be a long uphill battle for them. And it might perhaps require assistance from the IPC, which they would no doubt be wary of. ]

If you enjoy oceanic scenery, then perhaps you may prefer Lushaka instead. It, too, was subject to a Stellaron disaster, but the disaster increased the water levels and submerged all land on the planet. Its land-dwellers, the Luvians, now permanently live on gigantic ships while its water-dwellers, the aqua sprites, live in the submerged ruins of what used to be the Luvians' homes. The waters of Lushaka are said to be crystal clear and beautiful to behold, especially along its eastern pole, where the currents are warm and tropical reefs have formed in shallower areas.

Goodnight, El fin, etc.

[lunarchivist]

[Dan Heng is indeed more interested in the oceanic world, and would like to know more...

But between the recent surgery recovery and general exhaustion, he falls asleep before he can ask anything.

So Ratio doesn't get any messages back unfortunately. Or fortunate! Lecturing someone to sleep proved indeed effective for at least one. Much appreciated!]