(I refuse your merry making and offer annoyance instead) Voice: TheStrandInstitute

[nobasisinfact]

It seems someone felt it appropriate to put some sort of concoction in my tea. While not completely debilitating I find the results, irritating.

I'd appreciate it if someone happened to know exactly what idiotic concoction of the month is supposed to cause color blindness. Complete color blindness.

[There's a grumble after a few seconds.]

Because of course, this place would do something this stupid.

Comments

[nobasisinfact]

I prefer the term annoying.

[tevinteraltus]

You really have no sense of humor, Richard. At least they haven't turned you into an unsightly beast.

[nobasisinfact]

Of course, I have a sense of humor, Dorian. I just don't find ruining an entire tin of good tea amusing.

[tevinteraltus]

Are you so certain it was the tea? Perhaps it was the water.

[...He might be toying with you at this point, Richard.]

Or the teacup may have been enchanted, for Maker's sake.

[nobasisinfact]

[Ah, but Richard is a scientist.]

We've tested all the variables. It was the tea leaves.

[That's right, he totally subjected Alex to this.]

[tevinteraltus]

I see.

[And, just to cover bases and see if this is, in fact, something he's familiar with...]

Is there anything in color?

[nobasisinfact]

Nothing.

[He will not admit that as soon as he saw Alex everything went back into color.]

[tevinteraltus]

...that can't be right, unless someone was trying to end you rather than subject you to one of the Quarantine's harmless pranks...

[nobasisinfact]

It was one of the potions they're selling. Harmless, but annoying.

[tevinteraltus]

I see. And who do you believe would purchase this for your benefit?

[nobasisinfact]

I'm sure you'd be surprised to know that there are many people who don't like me.

[It's said with amusement since if someone doesn't know that about him, then they don't know him at all. Richard seems to make a point of making enemies wherever he goes. Even if that's to a distant moon.]

The current suspect is a student from one of my lectures.

[tevinteraltus]

You? Unpopular? Perish the thought.

[He and Dorian have that in common. They have opinions, strong ones, and most people don't appreciate them being spoken so candidly.]

Who, most like, thought you needed to relax. On that we can agree. It is merely a harmless bit of magic and should wear off soon.

[nobasisinfact]

Most thought my material was too difficult and wanted to retaliate.

I'm sure they'll enjoy the results of my relaxing.

[tevinteraltus]

Is that right? Retaliation against superior intellect? It certainly sounds like the sort of basic conduct one would expect from such individuals.

What is your material, by the way?

[nobasisinfact]

Retaliation in the form of extensive learning.

[Excessively large papers are impending.]

Philosophy.

[tevinteraltus]

Truly a terror.

[Consider his interest piqued.]

Oh? In what form?

[nobasisinfact]

Currently, we're looking into ancient philosophies from the homeworld with bits of those from my own world mixed in. So far no one has offered anyone from theirs.

[He'd certainly allowed for them to, but there had been no takers as of yet.]

[tevinteraltus]

Are you focusing primarily on religious philosophies or would any suffice?

[nobasisinfact]

One class for each.

[tevinteraltus]

Fascinating. May I sit one of your lectures?

[nobasisinfact]

If you like.