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Claudia Donovan ([info]clauds) wrote in [info]makebelievelog,
@ 2012-12-02 23:29:00

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Entry tags:claudia donovan, h.g. wells

Who: Claudia Donovan, H.G. Wells
What: Shopping day out
When: Sunday, December 2, 2012 - morning (backdated)
Where: Entrance / trolly / town
Rating/Warnings: PG-13 / Potential for language
Status: Closed / Incomplete

Claudia really wasn't a morning person, but that was part of why she had bought herself a container of paper cups with snap-on travel lids and a travel mug. When she was going to work, she used the travel mug since she could bring it home again. When it was going to be a one-way trip, she used the paper cups and lid. That morning was a paper cup sort of morning. Still, come 9:00, Claudia was down at the entrance to meet H.G. as promised.

Leading up to Christmas, Claudia (herself) personally wanted a decent amount of time spent with friends and family. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew that there would be no more Christmases with Leena around and... well, things would have to change along that route. And how would Artie react, how would he feel, when it came to celebrating the holidays? That was, of course, assuming Artie wouldn't be celebrating in Larp Lariati Bronze... have his memory erased with the Harman Rundfunk Helmet... be shrunk to doll-size and locked in Gottschalk fairy castle dollhouse... left in the Escher Vault without goggles... tossed into a vat of acid... or, worse, banned from the Warehouse and put in regular jail.

Claudia wasn't ready to be sans Artie. But, then again, Artie wasn't there and there wasn't anything she could do about him. Rather, she put on a smile and focused on what she could do. One such thing was pester H.G. Wells on occasion and, on the side, educate her in modern society. "Yo, what's up?" Claudia, rather deliberately, used slang when she spotted H.G.


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[info]indelibleink
2012-12-03 06:21 am UTC (link)
More often than not, Helena was an early riser. She was by no means up at the crack of dawn, but she typically was awake by 8 am, sometimes earlier, sometimes later, depending. But the night previous she hadn't slept as well and had been awake well before 7 am. She'd showered and dressed, left some books out that would hopefully occupy her younger self in her absence, left Myka a note of where she was going, then went down to the kitchen to make herself some tea. Despite the fact she was a well put-together woman, H.G. Wells was, by and large, not a functional human being until after she'd had her morning tea.

As she sat drinking her tea, Helena's thoughts drifted backwards in time. Christmas had been the one time of year when her family, mostly just herself and her mother, set their differences aside and maintained some sort of harmony for the sake of the holiday. The harmony between them was largely a lie, it was known to the entire Wells family that Helena and her mother, Sarah, detested one another and never could stand being in the same room with each other for long. But when Christmas came around, they tolerated each other for the sake of enjoying the company of family. The memories, while good ones, dampened Helena's mood considerably. To her, Christmas was about family and friends, and this was going to be the first Christmas she'd actually be able to celebrate since before she'd been Bronzed. It really meant more to her than she would say that she wanted to have a family dinner. Perhaps it was too much of her to presume they could all cook a meal like she used to, but having takeout didn't exactly appeal to her. But it seemed to be what Myka wanted, so she would relent to keep some sort of harmony for the holiday season. Helena really did try not to fight with those she loved and cared about over Christmas, even if she had to be the one to yield.

Upon finishing her tea, she glanced at the time and made her way to the entrance where she found Claudia all ready waiting. Putting on a smile, though it didn't exactly touch her eyes, she walked up to younger woman. "I am all right, how about yourself?" So all right, there was a lie, but she didn't want to ruin the mood of the day, so she would do her best to not turn the conversation to depressing topics.

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[info]clauds
2012-12-04 08:45 am UTC (link)
Right. No remark about her using slang, no banter, no - anything. After a brief pause to consider that and H.G.'s question, she shrugged. "I'm okay. Little tired, but a bit of cold air and hot coffee mixed together should fix that." She held up her cup for H.G. to see, then nodded toward the door with her head.

"Do you have any Christmas gifts specifically planned, besides the one we kind of talked about?" Claudia asked, wanting to make conversation as much as anything. "I think I know what Steve is getting, but the others are harder - like Anakin. What do you get for someone that hasn't celebrated Christmas before? Oh, and I need to figure out something for Elena." All things she could talk about within the castle and on the trolly; Myka's birthday gift was something to save for topic for once any risk of being in earshot was gone. Former government agent and whatnot; she saw good reason to be cautious. "Who do you need to get gifts for this year, anyhow?"

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[info]indelibleink
2012-12-04 09:19 am UTC (link)
No doubt the fact that Helena hadn't made a comment about the slang or made for any banter was a telltale sign something was bothering her. Even if she did understand, or could at least deduce, the meaning of Claudia's phrasing, she would still at least make some snarky comment on the matter. But as it stood currently, Helena wasn't feeling particularly snarky. At the comment about the hot coffee, Helena nodded in understanding. "I know the feeling. I just finished my morning cup of tea, which helped tremendously."

Heading out to catch the trolly, Helena glanced at Claudia and nodded. "I have a few in mind, yes. As Far as Anakin goes, I am getting both him and his younger self books on Victorian England. I'd thought about building something for them, but anything I could construct would no doubt seem extremely out-dated to them. I figure some measure of learning about history might interest them. At the very least, the younger Anakin can better understand my younger self." At the question of how she needed to get gifts for, Helena briefly ran over the list in her mind. "I all ready have Myka's, I'm debating about Steve's. I know what I'm getting you. Both Anakins are covered. Other than them, I need something for Olive, Tracey and Gwen." She would doubled check things later, but as of the current moment, that was how her Christmas shopping list went.

Once outside, she drew in a deep breath, momentarily closing her eyes and letting the morning air settle into her lungs. As much as she did love Christmas and this was her favorite time of year, it was also dragging up some ghosts. Considering it had been one hundred and ten years since she last celebrated the holiday, it was currently only serving to remind her of everything she'd lost to her hate and anger. Yes, she'd gained much with Myka, Claudia and Steve, but her parents, her siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, Christina. All of them were long since dead, yet she was still alive. It was difficult to say the least on the matter.

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[info]clauds
2012-12-05 06:16 am UTC (link)
"That's a good idea. Knowledge. Considering the Jedi - or the old Jedi - are all... anti-possession and monk-like and stuff, which makes it hard to decide what anyhow. Even if he's kind of not Jedi-esque in ways." Claudia had never really delved into the Jedi with H.G. before and she didn't know what Anakin had covered, but all things considered she figured eventually the Victorian author would find out the details. She didn't need to deal with that right then, though.

"I should get something for Olive, even something small." She mused aloud, then shrugged. "I should make a big list. But -"

After glancing back at the castle and then reaching the trolly stop, Claudia was happy to turn the topic to Myka. "Annnd I have to decide what to get Myka. If not for her birthday, for Christmas. Steve might've given me an idea for her birthday gift, but I'd have to find it."

"And mini you, of course." Oh, that was a task. "How are you doing with having a mini-you around?" Best to check and make sure that whatever was off with H.G. wasn't tied into the kid self. Claudia wasn't sure how having an inner-child become outer would impact things.

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[info]indelibleink
2012-12-05 06:54 am UTC (link)
"I had a feeling they would both appreciate knowledge." Helena had been learning things from Anakin in the way of electronics and robotics, and in that it was obvious he did enjoy learning when it interested him. The details of being a Jedi weren't completely known by Helena, though she was aware of some things about Anakin and his world. She had yet to actually watch the movies that were about his life, but she was getting a vivid picture of his world as it was.

When Claudia turned the topic to Myka's gift, Helena looked at the younger woman, arching a brow upon the mention that Steve had given her an idea. "I feel as though I should inquire about what, precisely, this idea is to ensure it won't result in your getting coal or getting killed." Brushing a hand through her hair, she did wonder just what was going through Claudia's mind on the matter. "I will be purchasing her birthday present today. I presume you can keep that a secret from her?" Helena gave Claudia a slightly pointed look. After all, Claudia had let the thing about takeout for Christmas dinner slip to her.

At the mention of Helena's younger self, she took a breath before responding. "Better than I was. It is still difficult given she is everything I no longer am. I am starting to think I should tell her about everything, but not until after the holidays. I would rather not destroy her worldview during this season. Not to mention it would make Christmas dinner very tense, to say the least." Helena did still have issues with her younger self being there, but that wasn't precisely the root of her current troubles. Perhaps the issue with her younger self played a little into her current troubles, adding to the fact she was still adjusting to that change and she knew she couldn't handle much more change. It was difficult to pinpoint the root of Helena's troubles, though it no doubt stood to reason that Helena not talking about things was the true root because she was just sitting on everything. Separately, the things that were bothering Helena she could have handled in stride, but together, everything was pulling at her and she didn't know where to start. Nor did she really know how to express that she missed the family and friends she'd left behind before she'd been Bronzed in a way that didn't make her current family think she didn't care about them.

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[info]clauds
2012-12-05 10:38 pm UTC (link)
"I'm glad to know how much faith you have in Steve." Claudia joked with a small laugh, though she knew the fears were justified. Steve meant a great deal to her. He hadn't taken Joshua's place, despite a notable gap that her brother's presence had left in her life. Rather, Steve had taken on an entirely new role. Despite being a surrogate brother in every sense of the word, his role was something so unlike Joshua's had been. She loved and missed Joshua, but neither could've replaced the other in their absence. Steve was someone she was thoroughly attached to in a new way. All the same, she knew she had affected him too. "Well - it's a kind of... hey."

Claudia paused and made a face toward H.G.; Even if she hadn't said it, Claudia could guess what she was referring to. "I didn't know the dinner thing was supposed to be a secret, in my defense. I thought that was something underway. I wasn't told not to tell." If she had been unable to keep secrets, her life would've been in severe trouble back home.

Everything H.G. no longer was? Niaviety of the world was a wonderful thing. Claudia could only imagine what she would've felt had a young version of herself shown up in the castle. One of her before Joshua, before foster care and the bout as a mental patient, before the Warehouse, and before her new family and Steve. "I can't imagine. Without Joshua, a mini-me wouldn't - function if she showed up." He had been everything to her after her parents' death and that had started her down the path of having abandonment issues, not that Claudia was necessarily fully aware how deep those sorts of wounds went.

"But you're right, this season isn't one to ruin. This season is one for happiness and family and watching Christmas movies together. We need to have a Christmas movie marathon. That is kind of tradition-like. That and denying me egg nog, but I'm old enough so time to break that tradition." Claudia pointed out with a small smile and a shrug, looking over at H.G. "Are there any other Christmas traditions we should push? Tree decorating, maybe? Or - trees? I wonder how Roan would react to a tree."

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[info]indelibleink
2012-12-06 01:47 am UTC (link)
"Yes well, I rather think it's best err on the side of caution in some matters." That went double where Myka was concerned, especially of late. It was just best to not antagonize Myka whenever possible, really. And the last thing any of them needed was more stress. So really, overseeing the situation and heading it off was for the best, really.

A small smirk curved her lips at Claudia's late pick up of the allusion to the Christmas dinner situation. So all right, she did understand it was one thing if Claudia wasn't told not to tell. Still, it wasn't exactly something one could just unload in one, blunt statement to Helena. She was from a time and place where takeout for Christmas dinner was not the thing. They would spend time making the meal themselves as a family. It had been something that Helena had truly enjoyed about the season. It was also the only way that Helena would not grumble or complain about doing domestic-type things. She loved the holiday, the decorating, the carols, the atmosphere, the people. Even now she remembered her house always smelling like chestnuts during the holiday season, and it was a scent she rather missed. "Well then, I can understand that." Which was about all she had left to say on that particular matter.

"I do find myself suddenly sympathizing with my mother in some regards. I was not exactly the easiest child to put up with." Which really wouldn't be surprising to any of the Warehouse agents who knew her. "Though she does have something that I did not at her age; a friend close to her own age." It was no doubt a bit strange for Claudia to hear that. After all, Helena was rather the social person and had no issue with making friends. But that hadn't always been the case. Through no fault of her own, she'd been graced with an intellect far beyond her years, and thus it had been difficult for her to make friends until she was a teenager and started branching out on her own. She'd always been too bored with those that were her own age and of average intelligence. Then there was the fact she was female and thus unable to truly learn what she wished to, so she'd turned to making her mother's life a living hell by acting out. Silently, Helena hoped that the younger Anakin's friendship would help quell that part of her younger self. But it really remained to be seen whether their friendship would end with the castle exploding or not.

At the question of other Christmas traditions, Helena's mind traveled backwards in time. There was a momentary look of melancholy on her face before she brushed it aside. "If there is no tree decorating, I fear there will be a revolt. There must certainly be a tree. And chestnuts. Even now I still remember the scent of chestnuts filling my home during the season."

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[info]clauds
2012-12-07 06:16 am UTC (link)
"Well, Steve and I were talking - stuffed dragons. Like, little toy ones. One dressed up as you, one dressed up as her. Myka and H.G. dragons." Claudia admitted, biting her lip as she talked and trying to avoid eye contact as not to convey just how amusing she felt this idea was. She was, after all, discussing making a tiny H.G. in dragon form and she was telling H.G. about it. "For Christmas, I'm not quite sure yet."

"I'm glad stuff has worked out for the mini-you with having a friend. And you having a friend. It seems like people are starting to settle in here and find people they care about. I'm really glad." Claudia's enthusiasm and amusement over the earlier dragon admission faded a little when she said that. She hoped, for starters, that no one would move on and forget about the family unit that had been so important to her. She didn't want to feel replaced. More so, she couldn't and wouldn't forget about Artie and Pete, waiting at home. She tried her best to go on as things were. She had a lot of new people she cared about. Still, Artie was a figure that was extremely missed. Claudia was worried about how things would turn out for him. And Pete - Pete was the comic relief. They needed him around. She missed them both. Leena, too, but she couldn't let her mind go there.

"Well, we have your room, Myka's room - complete with her new twin, which is creepy, so maybe not, and then Steve and my room. So we could put up and decorate at least two trees. We might need to put fencing around them to make sure that pets don't do anything to them, but we could decorate at least two trees!" Claudia lightened up again, then looked at H.G. curiously. "And I have no idea how to roast chestnuts. I know they do these roasted almond stands in some malls and those things smell heavenly, but I've never roasted nuts."

"We should do a Christmas movie marathon too. That's kind of a tradition, or as much as anything is a tradition around the Warehouse. 'It's a Wonderful Life,' especially." Claudia paused, then looked over at H.G. with a hint of confusion. "We could re-watch our old Christmas specials. That's -" It was depressing was what it was. "This is going to be the first Christmas with you and Steve, though. That's a huge plus."

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[info]indelibleink
2012-12-08 05:47 am UTC (link)
Upon the admission of the dragon stuffed animals dressed as herself and Myka, Helena blinked. That was...not exactly something she expected to hear. But even in her shock, Helena still managed to pick up on the fact that Claudia was incredibly amused by this prospect. So after quickly regaining her composure, Helena arched her brows and leered at Claudia. "Dragons dressed as Myka and myself. And what, precisely, are you planning to dress them in?" Because clearly this was an extremely important point in matters.

"So am I. It has helped her transition to this place far easier. If she had not met the younger Anakin I fear she would've driven all of us to insanity. And beyond." Even as well as Myka knew her, Helena knew herself best, especially herself before Christina had been taken from her. None of the Warehouse agents knew Helena without the hate and anger and pain within her. None of them knew her with the view she'd once had of the world moving towards a utopia in the future. But Helena noted the way Claudia's enthusiasm and amusement faded at the change of topic. No doubt the younger woman feared people forgetting about her. "I think we both have very good friends and family here." Helena smiled gently at the younger agent, knowing the truth of that statement.

"We could just stick with the two trees. Myka spends most of the time in my room anyway, so we don't need to consider that." It was still strange for Helena to think of there being someone here that looked exactly like Myka. Helena had been pointedly avoiding an encounter with the other woman lest things get awkward, though Helena did know she'd be able to tell the difference between Myka and anyone who looked exactly like her. After all, she was observant in more than one way. "I can teach you how to roast chestnuts. I love scent. My mother always roasted them during the holiday, and the house always carried the scent of roasted chestnuts. In a way, chestnuts are to me what twizzlers are to Myka." Helena could eat chestnuts at any time for any reason, not just under periods of stress.

"I would very much like to partake of a Christmas movie marathon." Helena smiled, liking the sound of that. Motion pictures were still very new to the Victorian woman and she had no knowledge of any Christmas movies. Needless to say, what the others would undoubtedly be watching for the thousandth time, Helena would be seeing for the first time. Though at the mention of the first Christmas with herself and Steve present, the smile faltered a bit. "This will be my first Christmas since before...before I was Bronzed..." Her voice trailed off a bit and she quickly tried to turn the topic in a different direction. "I am looking forward to it." So technically speaking, this wouldn't be Helena's first Christmas considering she had been conscious during her one hundred and ten year stay in the Bronze Sector, but none of those holidays counted because one couldn't exactly celebrate while Bronzed. Nor did one have any concept of time.

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[info]clauds
2012-12-10 10:16 am UTC (link)
"Well, I thought I would find the dragons before I decided what I was going to put them in exactly. Maybe some reading glasses for Myka-dragon. Tiny books. A mini-mini TESLA for H.G.-dragon." Claudia answered with a none-too-sheepish grin. Steve had questioned, or rather voiced his worry, over the fact that she might try to make the mini-mini-TESLA operational. She did hope to make it light up, at least, when the trigger was pulled. Anything less would've felt like slacking. With a far too cheerful attitude, Claudia suggested, "You could always help me pick stuff out so I'm not maimed, killed, or given coal?"

"We should look for Christmas ornaments when we're in town too, then." Claudia pointed out, actually kind of excited by that prospect. She wanted to drag Myka, Steve too, into town at separate points. Requesting shopping time was a practical way to get attention and time where she got to spend time with loved ones. Even if she didn't buy anything, it was starting to become slightly habitual of her to request. But, right then, her focus was on enjoying her time with H.G. and figuring out what was bothering the Victorian. "And cool. We could add roasted chestnuts as a snack during the movie marathon?"

Claudia almost smacked herself in the forehead when H.G. admitted it was her first not-Bronzed Christmas. "I should've known that. Duh. Oh. My brain wasn't thinking with - having been here last Christmas and then going back and all of the - weird involving the timelines, but that's no excuse. We have to make sure this is an awesome Christmas and not just because I want it to be one anyhow."

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[info]indelibleink
2012-12-10 10:59 am UTC (link)
Helena could not contain a smile upon hearing the thought of reading glasses for the Myka-dragon and books. That sounded just right for her bookworm of a girlfriend. And Helena also couldn't help but to love the idea that her dragon got a mini-mini TESLA. Knowing Claudia, she was fairly certain the mini-mini TESLA would not just be for show, that it would have some type of function to it. Seeing the cheerfulness in Claudia, Helena could only chuckle. "I think I should help you pick things out to prevent you being maimed, killed or given coal."

This whole conversation, even dating back to the one they'd had about takeout, and her subsequent conversations with Myka and Olive on the matter, was incredibly strange to her. After all, Helena had been so accustomed to how she celebrated Christmas. To hear how some people celebrated it in this time was a bit jarring, to say the least. But talk of Christmas ornaments did perk Helena up a bit. "I concur with this matter. And perhaps we could get some Christmas decorations? I would like to at the very least decorate my room with some. We can get some for yours as well. Possibly cover Steve's bedroom door with nothing but garland?" Helena smirked a bit, glancing at Claudia. It didn't take a genius to tell that Helena did have a great love for this holiday. She had given much care to the decorating of her house during the holiday season. "I would insist upon its addition as a snack. Though I think I will make two batches. One to be shared by everyone else, and one simply for myself. Really, I eat far too many chestnuts sometimes." At least they were a healthy snack.

Giving Claudia a soft smile, Helena brushed a hand through her hair. "Do not fret about it, darling. Much has happened between then and now." Helena would love to say she was able to forget she'd even been Bronzed, but that was so far from the truth. There were times it slipped to the back of her mind, but it was never there for long as something would always crop up to remind her that she was not from this time, and that she was so far removed from her family and friends that she'd had before. "Christmas is my favourite time of year. I love spending it with those I love." As many of her words tended to do, the last part carried a double meaning. It was as close to admitting out loud that she did miss her family and friends from England as she would get. After all, she wasn't about to ruin the mood by making Claudia think she cared about those lost to her more than she did about the family and friends she had here. The truth was that she did care, but she was being pointedly reminded that she'd left a great many people behind because of her descent into madness.

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[info]clauds
2012-12-12 07:31 am UTC (link)
"You also have to help me figure out what to do for the hair. There's stuff to make dolls at craft stores, so there would be mini-wigs that could be glued or sewed on, but..." Claudia looked, and was, genuinely unsure of what she was about to say. "Should I get a straight haired brown wig for Myka or a curly haired one?"

"Yeah, ornaments and garland and - well, Christmas lights. I'll show you those. We should get some LED ones, at least for Steve and I." Claudia really hoped Steve didn't object to adding a tree into their shared living room. Or that Roan didn't try to pee on it.

Claudia didn't answer the remark that she shouldn't worry about it because, even if it was H.G. and not Steve, she didn't want to be called out for lying. She was going to worry about it because H.G. was family. Family worried about one another. She would have to think on it and figure out how to snitch to Myka. Maybe they could do a few things to cheer her up as a whole.

"We could use this as our start and go from here?" Claudia asked when the trolley pulled to a stop.

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[info]indelibleink
2012-12-12 08:14 am UTC (link)
"Why not compromise and find a wig that's wavy? Even when straightened, Myka's hair does not stay that way very long before it turns wavy." It seemed a good compromise for Helena. It would have both elements of the natural curl Myka's hair had and also the straight aspect for when she straightened her hair. "And I can sew the wigs on, I would only need a needle and thread." Helena eyed Claudia momentarily, a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Is sewing a skill that you do not have?"

"Christmas lights? What is LED?" So Helena wasn't exactly surprised there was something called Christmas lights these days, but the term LED wasn't familiar to her. Yet another thing Claudia needed to explain to her. Though Helena was eager to see how Christmas decorations had evolved from her own time.

The topic of being Bronzed wasn't exactly one that Helena took well to. While it had allowed her to meet Myka, Claudia, Pete and Artie, the events leading up to it were not ones Helena liked to think about. But truthfully, she thought about almost daily. This time of year wasn't exactly helping matters either because now she wouldn't have her brother there to nag her about having too many decorations. She wouldn't see her cousins, her other siblings, nieces, nephews. Somewhere in her mind, she did wonder what they had been led to believe had happened to her when she'd been Bronzed. Died in the line of duty? That was a cover story that would've come one hundred and ten years too soon.

"I do think that sounds like a plan." Helena smiled, the smile being more genuine now than the one she'd forced upon first greeting Claudia. But even with it being more genuine, there was still some undertone of melancholy within it. When the trolley stopped, she got out and glanced around to get her bearings. "Where shall we head first?"

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[info]clauds
2012-12-13 10:29 am UTC (link)
Claudia looked sheepish only for the briefest of moments as she looked away from the almost smirking H.G. Wells. She did the occasional stitch on an item from a second-hand shop but she couldn't sew. Not really. "Uhm. I can make X's with really dark thread and make it look like stitches for a wound! I did that on one of my jackets. So - no, not at all."

"Light-emitting diode. The lights are semiconductor diodes that glow when a voltage is applied. They tend to have way cooler colors in those than regular ol' mini-light Christmas lights and they're excessively energy efficient in comparison." Claudia explained with a small shrug, moving to disembark the trolley once it came to a stop.

"Let's hit the toy store first to look for stuffed dragons? We can go from there." Claudia made a bit of a face as a thought hit her. "And you have to help me with what to get mini-you."

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[info]indelibleink
2012-12-14 12:38 pm UTC (link)
Helena chuckled and shook her head at Claudia's response. "Well then it is a good thing I know how to sew. Despite being a progressive woman for my time and disliking anything domestic-related, there are a few skills that I am appreciative to have." Despite the time Helena had been born into, it was probably a bit shocking to the other agents what she could do in regards to domestic things since she hadn't had to exercise the skills until she'd ended up here.

So the mini lesson in the difference of lights was beyond fascinating to Helena. "Fascinating. So, in essence, the light-emitting diodes are more efficient in projecting the visible light color spectrum than a normal light would?" Because only these two could have such a discussion on the differences between lights and both completely understand and be completely enthralled by it.

"The toy store it shall be. I am also in need of a cat stuffed animal for Tracey." And she had a planned outfit for the cat to wear, so really, Helena could get Tracey's gift done and out of the way at the same time she was helping Claudia with the dragons. "Ah yes, uncertain of what she would like?" No doubt it was a bit strange to have a ten year old Helena who was only at the beginnings of delving into her imagination and the other interests that the elder Helena held.

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[info]clauds
2012-12-15 12:51 am UTC (link)
Claudia flashed a very brief smile, looking down, as a stray thought of her blood brother passed her mind. He had learned to sew for the sake of putting Girl Scout badges on her sash, before he had ended up in his little interdimensional bubble. "Joshua was the Donovan who could sew. I have no idea if he kept up with that, all things considered."

"They were initially high cost to make, which stopped widespread use outside of Chistmas lights or little things like instrument panels or electronics, but some researchers at Purdue University on earth made a process for inexpensive silicon wafers being swapped in for sapphire-based tech... sooo, it ought to get around the same cost as CFLs and incandescent lightbulbs soon. They also last ten times as long as compact florescents and way longer than incandescents. They're kind of like the Warehouse Shelby Bulbs for the general populace. Plus, they don't have heat build-up, there's no mercury in them like the CFLs-" Claudia rattled on, much happier with the topic of light bulbs than of her missing brother. It wasn't that she loved Steve any less, but it was hard to think of a Christmas without Joshua and not even knowing how he was to boot. While she knew they would fix the plague-released-on-world issue, she didn't know if Joshua would be among those infected. She didn't know if they would save everyone and there were worries there. Not to mention her worry for Artie, but she really didn't want to start thinking on that. "CRI - color rendering index - has 100 as ideal. Closest to letting us perceive colors as we know them, right? CFLs hit around 80's to mid-80's with the top of the line; LED can hit 95."

"And I'm uncertain what thing to get her that wouldn't flash, buzz, make annoying noises and - yeah. I don't want to get her a book." Claudia admitted with a laugh, walking toward the toy store.

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[info]indelibleink
2012-12-16 04:31 am UTC (link)
At the mention of Joshua, Helena looked at Claudia, knowing it must be hard for her to not have her brother here with her during the Christmas season. She empathized completely, not having her own siblings there either. As such, she reached out and set her hand on Claudia's shoulder, giving it a little squeeze, conveying that she understood the feeling of being separated from family she was close to. "I think it is a skill that once learned is never forgotten. He is probably still putting it to use in some fashion, even if it is only to mend clothing." Though at least for Claudia, at least her brother was alive. Helena's family were all long since dead, which tugged at her, but she tried to ignore it.

"Sapphire-based? As in the gemstone sapphire? Or is that just a term for some piece of technology that I am not yet familiar with?" It was a silly side question to ask, but Helena was more than curious on the matter. The difference in light bulbs was slightly lost on Helena. Electricity had been in its infancy in her time, and it was a topic she had yet to completely delve into in this time. But she was noting everything Claudia said on the matter. It all went into her memory for later use and reference when she needed it. Though at hearing that LED could hit 95 on the color rendering index, Helena blinked in surprise. "95? By Jove the things modern technology can replicate and achieve. It boggles the mind! No doubt LEDs are more vivid as well in the color they exude?"

Helena chuckled, walking along with Claudia. "I have a few ideas that take your criteria into account. We can look in the toy store and see if they have anything along the lines of what I am thinking of."

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[info]clauds
2012-12-16 06:20 pm UTC (link)
"Sapphire substrates, or wafers. They're like jewels used in old watches. Idustrial purpose for a literal - jewel, in concept. There's ways to make artificial jewels, though I have no idea if they use sapphires. I know there's a way to do diamonds, but even setting up to do that is absurdly expensive. I'm sure you could find out more on your phone." Claudia said with a shrug, skipping over the topic of Joshua. She hadn't talked to anyone about that except H.G. so far and she really didn't know if she would. "And yup. So - all things considered, I say LEDs for trees."

"Then let's go!"

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