Dr. Veritas Ratio (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
curingidiocy) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
synnet2024-10-20 09:40 pm
curingidiocy) wrote in synnet2024-10-20 09:40 pm
Audio | @rubber ducky
[ 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.
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.
no subject
[Oh, Ratio... What have you done, inviting a trickster god to play more jokes on you? He's already plotting to start a prank war with another Outsider, he doesn't need encouragement.]
Hmm. So you say. Still, doesn't hurt to ask, yeah? You stoic types like to put a strong front, but that's not always healthy, ya know?
no subject
It's—curious, the feeling that arises in his chest with so many people asking about his well-being. He's not used to being on the receiving end of concern. ]
Then allow me to reassure you and state that I am not putting up a front. And precisely because of that, I wish to assist others through this turbulent time.
no subject
Though he's relieved to hear Ratio isn't just trying to be strong for everyone. So many others were hurt and traumatized back there... It wouldn't have surprised him if more had fallen victim to the kaiju and its followers.]
Glad to hear that's not the case, then. It's really good of you to offer this service. I'm sure there's bound to be plenty of people in need of help sleeping.
[He may even download a couple of those lessons just in case Hiyori needs something soothing to listen to when he's not available.]
no subject
[ There are, after all, deaths among their numbers. The first among the Outsiders' short history here. Would everyone be able to deal with the grief? He's not certain, but he'll do what he can to improve chances. ]
no subject
[He can't say for certain since he doesn't know everyone among them, but if there had been previous deaths, he's fairly sure somebody would've mentioned it, right? He knows Hiyori is going to be heartbroken to hear about Wriothesley. They were friends.]
no subject
[ Especially for those who aren't used to death. ]
LILITH has stated that they may be capable of reviving the individuals we lost, but I cannot place my faith in them.
no subject
not easy losing someone, even if you weren't that close to them.
[Something he knows from experience. Though hearing that LILITH may be able to revive those they lost--]
What? Seriously?! That's just crazy. In a good way. Even gods can't save the dead where I'm from.
no subject
[ He could go into the whole philosophy of identity, particularly the problems revolving around clones and the teletransportation paradox (which, considering they've been using data portals on this planet... let's not before he gives himself an existential crisis. ]
Hence why I do not believe it is within LILITH's capabilities. No—even if it is, it would be prohibitively expensive to do so. They would be better off summoning another version of the same person instead.
[ It may be cold of him to state that plainly, but having worked with corporate executives who only consider cost over benefit, it's just a natural inclination of his at this point. Every action, project and initiative must be considered in cost-benefit terms, otherwise he cannot obtain funding. He is not a Genius who can secure endless sponsors for whatever catches their fancy at that moment. ]
no subject
[Which is why he's terrified of dying, even if he has Hiyori around to believe in him. He would lose the self that he is now, just like if he were to die completely. Fat lot of good THAT does.]
People aren't replaceable, though, Doc. Each one is unique and special. At least to those who know them.
[Can't say the same for LILITH, seeing as how they don't seem to give a damn about pulling people from other worlds in the first place. But still. He gets what Ratio is saying, even if he doesn't care for it. It hurts to think about those they lost being gone for good, or maybe worse still, being replaced by someone who looks, talks, and acts like them, but isn't the person they knew.]
no subject
[ And what of those with amnesia? Are they nothing without their memories? Because that is essentially what a newly summoned version of the deceased would be. ]
Of course not. But I am not under the impression that LILITH cares for such things.
no subject
Though I guess that's a fair question. I would argue, yes, since it's our memories and personalities that make people - gods and mortals alike - who we are.
[One could say those who experience permanent amnesia become someone different, honestly. It's a tough topic to debate, though.]
Yeah, probably not. Which is all the more reason we need to ensure this doesn't happen again.
no subject
What then, if LILITH decides one day to summon another you with all the memories you currently have because they have decided two of you is beneficial for their goals?
...No, that is perhaps not a question I should be asking at this moment. As much as I enjoy the occasional thought experiment, it does not change the fact that deaths have occurred, and psychological harm has been done to those left behind.
[ It's a lot less of a thought experiment when you realize that LILITH might indeed be capable of duplicating people and might not have done it so far because they have enough sense to realize how traumatic it would be to encounter a genuine clone of oneself. ]
no subject
In that case, I'm finding out if having sex with yourself is the same as masturbation first before I worry about the philosophical dilemmas involved. No point in having two lives if you debate them endlessly!
[He's only half kidding, at least?? Some people might find encountering a doppelganger mind-breaking, but Yato would just be amazed. Slightly disappointed at his uniqueness being mildly diminished, but amazed all the same.]
But yeah, unless they bring back someone who's not the friends we knew, then I think it's probably best to just be grateful they can do anything at all for those who were lost.
no subject
[ There's a very noticeable pause in his reply here. That is... certainly one way to view the problem. ]
...that is information you did not have to divulge to me.
That may be the healthiest response to whatever LILITH attempts to do. I shall keep that in mind, once their work comes to fruition.
no subject
[Insert the maniacal laughter of your choice here, Ratio. He's totally messing with you. But on the positive side, it's what he does with those he likes? Hurray?]
Aw, c'mon! Don't tell me you've never thought about it before! It's a classic thought experiment! Say, would YOU screw yourself if you had the chance, Doc?
Let's hope it comes without any side effects though, huh? Wouldn't want anyone to come back bloodthirsty or messed up in the head, that's for sure.
no subject
[ Oh Yato, if only you knew Ruan Mei had attempted to duplicate a monster much, much worse than the kaiju they face only because she wanted to see if she could. Her arrival on this planet could spell the end of it, depending on how interested she is in the kaiju. ]
No. I've never thought of it, and I do not have such desires. I do not see the appeal of such a thought experiment.
[ It is hardly a thought experiment; only a horny idea disguised as something higher-class. How crass. ]
We shall see how reliable LILITH can be. They have not proven themselves so as of recent. Should they succeed, they may well restore a certain amount of goodwill with the Outsiders.
no subject
[Yikes. That would be pretty devastating for everybody then, wouldn't it. If all of Ratio's brainy people are like that, he's glad it's only him who's here.]
Spoilsport. It's totally one of those fun things to talk about over drinks.
[Sorry, Ratio, your local God of Fortune is a bit of a twit at times. (Read: often.)]
Can't argue with you there. I was beginning to think they weren't so bad, but lately... I dunno. They've been pretty snippy and unhelpful.
no subject
[ This is why he suspects he will never earn Nous' gaze, for he is not someone who desires knowledge for the sake of it. But he has long accepted that, and is proud of the path he's carved for himself. ]
Then you will be disappointed to know that I am not one for alcohol either. I dislike substances that impair my reasoning.
[ Stick in the mud. ]
Quite. Even if they were to suddenly become the ideal organization to work for, I would still retain my doubt. It is unwise to trust that LILITH will ever be interested in anything other than its own goals.
no subject
[A bummer, to say the least. They could really use some of those big brained geniuses here when it comes to deal with rifts and the kaiju.]
Disappointed but not surprised, heh. Though I don't blame you for preferring to keep your head clear.
[For him, it's precisely because he likes shutting off his ability to think that he indulges in the occasional booze fest.]
Yeah, an organization like them is bound to put their own interests first, if they even plan on living up to their end of the bargain they've struck with us. It's frustrating that we can only hope they will.
no subject
[ It's something he's been trying to teach researchers and erudites who cling onto the Genius Society, as if any of them cared to help the mediocres at all. And unfortunately, Yato, Ratio is one such 'genius' who could help with the Rifts and kaiju, but LILITH hasn't let him do anything at all. It's been very frustrating trying and failing to get them to share their research with him. ]
They haven't struck any bargain, as far as I'm concerned. We've all been forcefully conscripted into a battle none of us were previously aware of, and chained by their implant. This is no different to slavery, even if we're receiving wages, paltry as they are.
no subject
[The whole situation is just so baffling to him - why bring in the big-brained boffos if not to make use of their skills and information reserves? Seems highly wasteful at best and suspicious at worst. Do they value their secrecy more than solving the issues at hand?]
Yeeeah, that's a fair way of looking at it, it must be said. I try not to look at it like that though or it'll just piss me off and make me wanna go all feral again. And I've heard about what they do to unruly Outsiders who pick fights.
[HMMM. Wonder who he could be talking about...]
no subject
If you've something to say, then say it.
[ No need to beat around the bush Yato. He knows you're talking about him. ]
no subject
Did you two ever kiss and make up?
[Honestly, the last thing everyone needs is their brains and brawn going at each other's throats...]
no subject
No. Unlike the previous time, our disagreement stems from a fundamental change in Godzilla's outlook on humanity. Until that is resolved, I doubt we will reconcile.
no subject
Ugh, yeah, I guess that's going to be a hard hill to climb... Maybe for now it'd be best to just let him cool off and try to see that not all of humanity is so bad.