InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "there once was..."

helen magnus, m.d. d.t.c.x.b. (lifelines) wrote in marinanova,
@ 2013-08-05 21:09:00

Entry tags:

:4th wall, betty mcrae, eric northman, helen magnus, helix wamtani, jean-luc picard, lyle dylandy, number one, peggy carter, rose tyler, seven of nine

day 231 | video; | ota
[ helen appears on the feed looking composed as usual. she's not yet taking her duty shift at the clinic, so she's actually sitting at her table in her apartment. regardless, she's sitting up straight as usual. ]

As it seems we're to be inundated with new arrivals and familiar and unfamiliar faces, I'd like to remind everyone that the clinic is still operational. We're more than willing to see anyone who may need our help. Don't let anything keep you away if you'd like to stop by.

In the meantime, I'd like to pose a question I find myself curious about. I realize it seems we have little need for differing languages, but I'm curious to know which ones other people know. I'm fluent in a great many of Earth's languages, current as of the year 2011, both regularly used ones and ones that are considered "dead." No real reason for asking. Consider it the scholar in me who's truly curious.

[ she pauses for a moment, obviously on the verge of saying something else before she finally decides to continue. ]

Nikola, if you see this, answer. I'd rather not have you wandering around terrorizing everyone. [ she fully expects him to snap at her for this... if her instincts aren't correct and for once, she hopes they aren't. ]

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lifelines
2013-08-18 06:51 pm UTC (link)

[ her smile warms even more at that, taking small comfort at his words, even as she knows she shouldn't. his companionship is far too great for her, and she too fond of his company, but she can't help it. somehow he has endeared himself to her and that will not change easily. ]

Je serais tout à fait d'accord. Et ils ont contribué à façonner ce que nous sommes, pour le meilleur ou pour le pire. D'une certaine manière, je pense la même chose sera vraie de notre temps ici. Il a certainement pour moi déjà.

[ he's changed her, rebekah has changed her. she may find it slightly easier to trust -- though only slightly, given how hesitant she is to talk about certain topics even now with jean-luc -- and because of that, she's realizing that in her short time here, she's adjusting to not having the pressures of running the sanctuary network here. maybe she can get used to it, relax a little more until she finds a way to return.

part of her files that away for later thought and part of her pushes it well away so she wouldn't ponder it later.

in the middle of her thoughts, she switches back to english, mostly for her own comfort, but also because she wants to offer something in her native language, so he can be sure she means it. ]

It does occur to me, however... if you and I are to enjoy each other's company again, and I would be remiss if I didn't admit I would like that... [ possibly too much, if that slight coloring of her cheekbones is any indication ] Perhaps, in time, we could use slightly less formal terms. If you'd like, you may call me Helen. Or if that's too informal, my staff tends to call me by my surname, Magnus.

[ it's rare that she even has to ask. there are so few people who actually do call her by her given name back home that it's a little strange now to offer it. most people use the full title or simply her surname, but she suspects that jean-luc deserves to at least know that he is on an equal plain with her. she doesn't see herself as residing over him on the chain of command. that's one of the realizations that's been giving her so much trouble lately, but that is, again, another thought for another day. ]

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tea_earlgreyhot
2013-08-21 09:50 am UTC (link)

[ He decides that he likes that warm smile best of all and is glad he had a part of putting it there. While he had already been resolved to do the best with what he could here, and take this stay for what it was, a chance to learn until their inevitable escape, Helen had certainly made the stay more interesting for him, and perhaps more enjoyable as well, as much as he truly did enjoy her company. ]

We've the opportunity to study both past and future, differing worlds and universes. I find the prospect somewhat exciting in spite of the circumstances in which it was presented.

[ Unfortunately, Jean-Luc has always fell back on formalities. It always took him awhile to drop them and become more personal with someone. Relaxing was not his strong suit in any respects, although in recent years he was getting better at it. ] Of course, Doctor... Helen. [ He offers a small smile, and for the first time might seem just a smidge awkward in his otherwise confident demeanor. But he likes the way her name feels on his lips, so he says it again, this time without the awkward. ] Helen. You will forgive a gentleman should he have a tendency to fall back on formalities from time to time, I hope?

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lifelines
2013-08-21 10:47 am UTC (link)

I quite agree. If you'd ever like to discuss anything from 1850 until 2011, I could give you a very accurate description of history.

[ she's aware that her words have now given him an age to work with, as well as a time period, but she doesn't mind. her age isn't any secret anymore, though she is contemplating the eventuality of telling him her true age.

she finds that his slight awkwardness at the idea of dropping formalities with her is just as endearing as everything else, if not more so. it makes him a little more human and reminds her of so many people and things in her past. she decides then that, were it not for the lack of technology and the comforts she's certain his time period would have, he would have done very well in victorian england.

at his question, her smile broadens just a little bit more. ] What sort of Victorian woman would I be if I couldn't appreciate formalities and politeness? [ she's teasing him here, very obviously trying to turn what might be a little uncomfortable for him into something to ease the tension. ] In return, would you prefer that I still refer to you as Captain Picard? [ she just wants to be sure she doesn't call him something informal before he has given her permission. ]

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tea_earlgreyhot
2013-08-21 11:18 am UTC (link)

[ Those dates do give him a time period, and he arches a brow. He leans forward to sip at his tea and stays there with his next statement. ] It might or might not surprise you to know that I'm something of an avocational archaeologist. I've always thought that if we ignore where we've come from, we most certainly cannot move forward in the best way possible. Our history is just as important as our evolution into the future.

[ He speaks most passionately about this topic, as he's passionately interested in it. He settles back in his seat and one index finger drums lightly against the side of his teacup, any nerves over his feelings, which are far too personal on the subject of Helen, are directed into that light tap. This is an offer he doesn't extend to many. ] And I would be remiss not to extend the same courtesy as you have to me. Please, you may call me Jean-Luc. I would like for you to do so.

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lifelines
2013-08-21 01:27 pm UTC (link)

Of course. I quite agree. I assume not everyone in the future takes your standpoint on things, but it's good to know there are a few at least. All I have to offer is history and, as I have visited a great many countries and regions of the world for my work, I'd like to think I have a more rounded outlook on history itself.

[ just from what little they've exchanged so far, she has a feeling he might take her personal history far better than most. perhaps someday, she'll be more willing to go into details. for now, if he asks further about history, she'll stick to the broader facts.

either way, she finally drains her tea cup and smiles again as he gives that permission in return. she hadn't really expected it, knowing full well that she was the one to instigate a less formal feel to their interactions and that he might not be willing to follow her just yet. if he had told her he would be more comfortable with her calling him "captain," she would have gladly done so, but she finds she's liking it better to be on a first-name basis with someone she has become quite good friends with so quickly. ]

Very well, Jean-Luc. Merci. [ she gives his name a french accent, the tone lifting her voice as the language had earlier. her expression is warm and light, tinged with a fondness she can't hide. he's done something to her, changed her, and likely has no idea. perhaps someday she'll tell him that as well, once she's given him a better idea of the woman she truly is. for now, she folds her hands on the table and returns to resting her weight on her arms. ]

As always, it has been an absolute pleasure speaking with you.

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	:: action tea_earlgreyhot 2013-08-24 11:15 am UTC (link)
	The pleasure is absolutely mine, D-... Helen. [ He caught himself before using her formal title. And he seems quite pleased with himself for doing so. After finishing off his own tea, he catches her gaze with his own, intent on conveying how much he's enjoyed this morning. ] I do hope that you will allow for us to meet again, over tea or otherwise. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

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lifelines
2013-08-24 11:38 am UTC (link)

[ her smile warms appreciatively. it seems they're well on their way to becoming a little closer in their friendship and she finds herself looking forward to getting to know him better. ]

Absolutely. Whenever you have the time, I would be more than happy to set aside a few hours.

[ as long as he can keep her intellectually challenged and busy, but from what she's seen of him so far, she isn't worried about being idle with him. ]

Until then, I suppose it's time I made certain the clinic hasn't fallen apart without me. [ not that she thinks martha and any of the volunteers can't handle things without her, but it's definitely a sign to him of the type of workaholic nature she has. she slowly moves to stand, waiting to see if he'll join her outside for their farewells. ]

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tea_earlgreyhot
2013-08-26 11:24 am UTC (link)

I must say that I think any falling apart can be quickly repaired by one such as you.

[ Of course when she stands, so will he. He gives the top of his uniform a slight tug to straighten out any wrinkles and then walks with her outside. He clasps his hands behind his back and looks up to meet her gaze. ]

Cela a été un plaisir, Helen. Je tiens le reste de votre journée remplie d'une grande partie de la même chose.

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lifelines
2013-08-26 12:47 pm UTC (link)

I should hope so or else all of my experience will have been for naught.

[ her smile is bright at his compliment, more so than it has so far and perhaps almost a touch shy, but she doesn't put much thought to that. he is quite a wonderful person and she's finding herself more and more fond of the time they spend with each other. she's hoping they'll have more time in the future, despite her better judgment.

once outside, she turns to face him and takes a deep breath to steady herself. normally, she wouldn't have any trouble bidding her companion farewell, but she's discovered jean-luc picard is a special case in more than one way. ]

Je souhaite la même chose pour vous et j'espère vous revoir bientôt.

[ she's never been a hesitant sort of woman, more of one to just go for it, and often doesn't particularly care if she upsets anyone in her daily work because her work is far more important than anyone's sensitivity. however, here is a different matter. she doesn't have the protection of her name or the sanctuary network to hide behind if she unintentionally offends someone and the last thing she wants is to overstep her bounds with this man. she has come to care too much for him, but there's very little she can do about that now.

so, she resolves to greet him less formally when she sees him again, for she has little doubt that they will cross paths again whether she wants to or not, and simply offers him a smile and a firm nod in parting for now. ]

Until then. [ if he has no reason to call her back, she will turn towards the clinic and take her leave. ]

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tea_earlgreyhot
2013-08-29 09:33 am UTC (link)

Until then. [ Jean-Luc will just watch her go. In fact, he'll watch her until he can't see her anymore and the air that had been momentarily thick and heady between them at their farewell has settled into something resembling normal. These feelings are unsettling, to say the least. Not unpleasant, just unexpected and unsettling. He resolves to study them further at a later date... maybe. ]

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