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[mathemagier]

[Screened calls go straight to voicemail, where an impatient recording answers]

You've reached Dr. Hermann Gottlieb. Leave your name, number, and business if you expect a return call. Thank you.

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audio;

[baetiful]

Dr. Gottlieb, might I pick your brain for a moment?

April 17th

[mathemagier]

Q
What can I do for you, Mr. Baelish?

[baetiful]

I hope this wasn't a bad time. I do know many have been infected by this sleeping sickness. And my inquiries can certainly wait. They aren't of utmost importance. In fact, I'll confess they're a bit selfish in nature.

[mathemagier]

It may not be the best time, but I could do with something else to occupy my thoughts.

[baetiful]

Well, in that event -- I have been thinking for some time about how I could make Maurtia Falls more accessible to the scientists of our population. It seems as though the collective have gathered within De Chima as a whole and I know it's because the city caters to them. But if you had another option, I'm curious -- would you take it up? Or do you, personally, prefer De Chima for reasons other than the scientific atmosphere?

[mathemagier]

It's too late for me, personally. I have a house outside the city, and I'm not likely to leave it for anything short of its utter ruin.

[Which had better never happen, or someone's going to be hunted down by a vengeful mathematician]

Maurtia Falls was actually where we- where I- first called home. However, crime was rather high then and I wasn't overfond of it. And yes, naturally De Chima offered considerably better opportunities. I understand it's improved since, of course.

But I believe you might find success if you cater to a particular breed of scientist, rather than a general outreach. De Chima is a technological center, which greatly appeals to the likes of myself. Far fewer however, are scientists like Newton. Biologists, geneticists, and the like. Not that they don't benefit from De Chima's technological leanings in their fields, but focusing perhaps on fostering a medical community may be better than trying to compete with a well-established reputation.

..In my opinion anyway. Well, and Newton's. He's never shut up about being outnumbered by engineering types.

[baetiful]

And a hearty congratulations to you on that home.

[ So few imPorts ever really get to leave their government housing. Hell, Petyr's still in his! ]

But you do have a fantastic idea. And with Haen living here with me, I believe she could be prudent in creating the path for fellow geneticists. I know she would be glad to see leading research in her field shift to a place closer to home.

I do confess that I am a bit envious of De Chima and its industry and education. Finding ways to bring that sort of thing to Maurtia Falls without losing the essence of our city has proven to be a challenge.

[ With a tinge of amusement. ]

I am also a bit envious that I did not get the chance to meet you before you left my city. I certainly would have tried to convince you to stay.

[mathemagier]

[It's difficult to think about Maurtia Falls' essence beyond its very shady reputation, really. Perhaps a medical community wasn't the best suggestion.

But it's been a difficult day, and he wasn't lying when he'd asked for a distraction. The conversation is interesting enough, and cheers him a bit]

Unfortunate then, that there was never a chance for it. Although I may still have been a difficult sell, given my own technological leanings. But one of Maurtia Falls' hidden strength I believe, is the lack of fuss over imPorts. If I hadn't been so concerned about the crime rate, I think I may have enjoyed the slower pace of life. I can only enjoy that now that I'm 45 minutes outside of De Chima- although it still wasn't so bad as Nonah or Heropa.

[baetiful]

So you've taken to a quiet life in this world? I understand your own was quite dangerous, was it not? Do you find the quiet a welcome reprieve or does it unsettle you in a way as it's not what you're used to?

[mathemagier]

Yes.. Before the Kaiju war, life was plenty peaceful. But after twelve years of stress- the last five of which grew increasingly bleak as we lost our funding to the type of greedy politicians too far-removed from ordinary people to make good decisions.. well, suffice to say I've been ready for retirement for a bit now.

Though it is still a bit jarring at times to think we're at relative peace.

[baetiful]

Relative peace. A good combination of words to describe this place.

[ Spoken with amusement. ]

But being located where you are, you should escape the worst of whatever may come De Chima's way, fortunately. A retirement well-earned.

Although not a true retirement of golf and relaxation, I suppose. Not with your insatiable thirst for knowledge. A trait I highly appreciate, being much the same.

[mathemagier]

I confess that was the idea. It seems the imPort cities are most frequently attacked, and so any potential commute is well worth the effort for the peace of mind that comes with it.

In regards to a thirst for knowledge- well, I am a scientist. I've always thought retirement would afford me time to pursue my interests in Astronomy and Astrophysics. No pressure to publish new discoveries, simply my own notes for my own sake..

It likely shouldn't be a surprise you're an academic type when you've gone through all the trouble of funding a library. What sort of subjects in particular catch your interest, Mr. Baelish?

[baetiful]

Well, admittedly science ranks at the top of my list truth be told. We are so far from those sorts of advancements in my world that I find I have a thirst to know the science behind everything. From why the sky is blue to the genetic makeup of our bodies. Not that I understand half of what I read, mind you. But I greatly enjoy reading it all the same.

History is also another enjoyable topic to indulge. The best way to learn about a world's future is through its past, I always say.

But what of you, my friend? Are there subjects other than science you enjoy?

[mathemagier]

[The part of him that's still part of Newton's brain wants to lead with answers to those queries. But they're just examples of a larger curiosity his own mind asserts, working to ignore the pang in his heart]

..Science is a very broad term covering a great many fields. I consider bits of engineering to be a productive hobby of sorts. Just as watching the stars is a hobby of my own fascination. History is interesting, though often subjective..

Perhaps music, as I don't think it's possible for anyone not to enjoy it on some level. Newton is much more musically inclined of course, and always happy to show off.

[His voice softens, quietly fond and wistful]

He'll play for me sometimes.

[baetiful]

It is true. Music is nearly as broad as science in terms of different styles. But there will always be something someone finds enjoyable. I've never met anyone who absolutely despises music.

What sort does Newton play?

[mathemagier]

Oh, Newton loves a great deal- his parents are both musically inclined so an appreciation for the musical arts is something he grew up with.

He has an odd love of rock for all his talent as a pianist, and tends to show off his skill as a sort of party trick meant to impress. Even requested a baby grand piano from the government when they were granting those sorts of things. Bit of a pain to move into the house, but at least we've room for it now.

[baetiful]

This is when you would need the sort of ability to shrink things to a pocket size and restore them when you've moved them.

[ A chuckle. ]

If only our powers would cater to our own convenience. But I am glad you get the opportunity to listen to his talent rather than having to tolerate his lack of talent. Marriage can be difficult to that end.