![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
theexdisgracedacademic posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
benthic_universityThough still moderately charred, the classroom door this week bore no suspicious marks. Students could be forgiven for muttering to themselves as they entered the class, but thankfully, all letters and sounds were free to speak.
The Ex-Disgraced Academic was at the lectern, having completed preparing several diagrams on the blackboards behind them.
“Let’s begin a crucial part of crafting proper Correspondence symbols: layering. You may have noticed two weeks ago, the way that the simple greeting was composed of the radicals for the pronoun “You,” as well as the verb “to like.” It does in fact translate as the base reassurance “you are liked.” Not a bad way to greet someone. It is, however, very formal. You see how the two radicals don’t touch? In the improper context, it could possibly be read as ‘The idea of “you” and “being liked” don’t belong within five-thousand light-years of each other.’ Hm. Not half as nice. A more casual way would look like this…” and here, they crossed the tip of To Like through the tail of You, “…there. A gentle light approaches. The meaning of this symbol will change, as the two bisect each other more closely.” The Academic wrote one across the other. “Beloved.” They raised an eyebrow. “No doubt several of you have your hearts aflutter, ready to stamp this on your next note to your latest beau. But might I offer a moment of pause before you attempt it on paper…”
The Academic erased the board. “To explain, let us turn our attention to the use of adjectives. Similarly to the prior example, the position of the adjective will denote the relationship of the adjective to the noun. An adjective which does not touch a noun can be inferred to have a weak, or even negative meaning.” The Academic pulled down a blank board, inscribed the symbol for fire, then encircled it with an odd shape. “The adjective for great, mighty. With no lines touching or intersecting, the meaning could be translated as: A fire lacking in fortitude or greatness.”
Next, The Academic picked up an atomizer, and next to the first symbol, inscribed a similar one. This time, the circle crossed through all four lines in fire. The chalk had scarcely completed its revolution, whereupon the lines blazed, and smoke billowed up from the stone.
Almost bored, The Academic doused the offending symbol, and turned back toward the class. “As you have seen, the nearer and adjective draws to a noun- here even overlapping the center of it- the more it indicates a strong correlation. A conflagration of devastating proportions/The thunderclap death of the mighty.” They gave the board another spray from over their shoulder, for good measure. “Adjectives are where we begin to cross from statements of relatively objective fact into the world of opinion, passion, and coercion. This is how it becomes a weapon.”
“Perception shapes reality, and language is a means of communicating that reality. It’s also a means of making a case that your perceived reality is the true one. And when enough people agree with you, it’s not impossible to say that reality itself can change.”
“The Correspondence is a means of arguing your case with the laws of physics itself. You’re shining a dim light into your own perspective, and allowing others to see it. Other opinions are capable of making a much stronger argument, especially those who are more fluent in the Correspondence. Eloquent folks are like that. And your only option is to become more learned and eloquent.”
“Today you will be practicing how to write the symbol for A small but merry warmth. This symbol is difficult, and can be found somewhere between the two extremes I’ve demonstrated on the board today.” The Academic went to the lectern, flipped open their own notebook, wrote something, and then placed their teacup atop it. “If you do it correctly, it will be sufficient to keep a cup of tea warm for several hours. The eternal tragedy of forgetting your cup until long after it’s gone cold? A thing of the past, if you can pull this off.” The Academic dipped from their cup, pleased with the results. “I haven’t given you a perfect example, because I want you to be careful. Mis-writing this symbol will have immediate consequences, as will most unnecessary hyperbole. Be judicious in the emphasis you place on your thoughts in The Correspondence. Be…” The Academic thought for a beat, then snapped their claws, “…temperate.”
“Allez.”
The Ex-Disgraced Academic was at the lectern, having completed preparing several diagrams on the blackboards behind them.
“Let’s begin a crucial part of crafting proper Correspondence symbols: layering. You may have noticed two weeks ago, the way that the simple greeting was composed of the radicals for the pronoun “You,” as well as the verb “to like.” It does in fact translate as the base reassurance “you are liked.” Not a bad way to greet someone. It is, however, very formal. You see how the two radicals don’t touch? In the improper context, it could possibly be read as ‘The idea of “you” and “being liked” don’t belong within five-thousand light-years of each other.’ Hm. Not half as nice. A more casual way would look like this…” and here, they crossed the tip of To Like through the tail of You, “…there. A gentle light approaches. The meaning of this symbol will change, as the two bisect each other more closely.” The Academic wrote one across the other. “Beloved.” They raised an eyebrow. “No doubt several of you have your hearts aflutter, ready to stamp this on your next note to your latest beau. But might I offer a moment of pause before you attempt it on paper…”
The Academic erased the board. “To explain, let us turn our attention to the use of adjectives. Similarly to the prior example, the position of the adjective will denote the relationship of the adjective to the noun. An adjective which does not touch a noun can be inferred to have a weak, or even negative meaning.” The Academic pulled down a blank board, inscribed the symbol for fire, then encircled it with an odd shape. “The adjective for great, mighty. With no lines touching or intersecting, the meaning could be translated as: A fire lacking in fortitude or greatness.”
Next, The Academic picked up an atomizer, and next to the first symbol, inscribed a similar one. This time, the circle crossed through all four lines in fire. The chalk had scarcely completed its revolution, whereupon the lines blazed, and smoke billowed up from the stone.
Almost bored, The Academic doused the offending symbol, and turned back toward the class. “As you have seen, the nearer and adjective draws to a noun- here even overlapping the center of it- the more it indicates a strong correlation. A conflagration of devastating proportions/The thunderclap death of the mighty.” They gave the board another spray from over their shoulder, for good measure. “Adjectives are where we begin to cross from statements of relatively objective fact into the world of opinion, passion, and coercion. This is how it becomes a weapon.”
“Perception shapes reality, and language is a means of communicating that reality. It’s also a means of making a case that your perceived reality is the true one. And when enough people agree with you, it’s not impossible to say that reality itself can change.”
“The Correspondence is a means of arguing your case with the laws of physics itself. You’re shining a dim light into your own perspective, and allowing others to see it. Other opinions are capable of making a much stronger argument, especially those who are more fluent in the Correspondence. Eloquent folks are like that. And your only option is to become more learned and eloquent.”
“Today you will be practicing how to write the symbol for A small but merry warmth. This symbol is difficult, and can be found somewhere between the two extremes I’ve demonstrated on the board today.” The Academic went to the lectern, flipped open their own notebook, wrote something, and then placed their teacup atop it. “If you do it correctly, it will be sufficient to keep a cup of tea warm for several hours. The eternal tragedy of forgetting your cup until long after it’s gone cold? A thing of the past, if you can pull this off.” The Academic dipped from their cup, pleased with the results. “I haven’t given you a perfect example, because I want you to be careful. Mis-writing this symbol will have immediate consequences, as will most unnecessary hyperbole. Be judicious in the emphasis you place on your thoughts in The Correspondence. Be…” The Academic thought for a beat, then snapped their claws, “…temperate.”
“Allez.”
Re: After Class
Date: 2025-07-15 09:39 pm (UTC)"I've been modifying my personal Neathoscope and laboratory to better focus on the task at hand, and I've acquired some materials to make some preliminary tests. For instance, see how much the Correspondence concept of 'Love' gets distorted when projected in Apocyan light from the Sea of Spines..." This comment coupled with an empathetic gesture towards the whole Axile ordeal. "Or metal plaques once graven with Correspondence symbols, then made blank again, but which still project the once-present symbol when traversed by Gant beams. I'm also thinking on commissioning several lenses, some of them containing Correspondence drawings, and dyes of different natures..."
"It's revealing itself as a quite ambitious project, indeed... Expensive as well. Which leads to a little request. You already generously offered the usage of a Neathoscope, which luckily wasn't required. But perhaps could I ask for something else? Not charity, of course. But maybe trustworthy contacts to guarantee a quick enough result of the necessary quality and at an agreeable price?"
Re: After Class
Date: 2025-07-15 10:25 pm (UTC)Solidly done; an honest discussion of high-level Red Science study was a more than generous distraction.
Re: After Class
Date: 2025-07-15 10:45 pm (UTC)"That will be delightful, a thousand thank yous. I do have a list, in my laboratory. Could I leave it in your laboratory's mail? It's mostly optics work: Precise lenses, mirrors, and of course monochromators, some of which will need specific Correspondence symbology or the capability of it being added a posteriori... Neathbow dyes are easy enough to find if one knows where to look, but if I want to cover it all... I'm afraid I'll require sunlight. Could pass without it, though, if given access to extensive enough bibliography on the matter, which of course doesn't officially exist..."
Now they're outright risking it with such illegal requests, but now, was this course legal even? They'd prefer to have the Academic rebuke them right here face to face than have a more advanced stage turned down entirely and placed on the Ministry's hands, or worse.
Re: After Class
Date: 2025-07-16 02:01 am (UTC)“Nothing is impossible. I mightn’t be able to secure you a license for it, but so long as you’re willing to be discreet about your findings until well after the course ends, and you’re content with not asking after my source…” They lowered their voice. “I may be able to procure a half-filled mirrorcatch box on short notice. Submit your full materials list on your personal university stationary to my office- sunlight included -and I stand a better chance of obtaining every item. Seeing the other research materials and that you’re a credentialed professor should convince my- eh, source that you can be trusted not to weaponize such a dangerous substance.”
The Academic sighed. “Seal that letter well, though. I’ve no assistants or students in my laboratory at the moment- The Dean made sure of that when he corrected me into taking this position- but it wouldn’t do to skimp on the precautions.”
No doubt about it; this conversation and the course itself were highly illegal.
Re: After Class
Date: 2025-07-16 04:15 am (UTC)Letter obtained, you were able to discern that it was written in a spidery, messy hand; one concerned chiefly with penning down these words as quickly as possible, and not with penmanship.
My Academic Friend,
Your last letter included several unwarranted words, and several more unwarranted explosives. But I was unaware of any recent alterations to your classroom. As deeply as I wish I could take responsibility for such a delightnificent little prank, you'll find that I am without motive. Fair fortune in your educational endeavors! Do not lose too many of those valuable little minds!
Expect my revenge when you are at your most unsuspecting and comfortable,
-Your Eloquent Friend
Re: After Class
Date: 2025-07-16 05:48 am (UTC)All it takes is two gloved fingers buried around the tip of the paper, and the sheaf is out as if at the command of the magician.
The Mycologist doesn't bother reading or comprehending the words. He looks at the paper for a few blinks of an eye as the apocyan-tinted glass works its magic on his memory. He checks the other side just to be sure, and then returns the letter to its original resting place.
After this detour only a few seconds long he switches back to his original pince-nez and what was most certainly his original goal of getting up: Examining more closely the artistic masterpiece that he hasn't yet properly paid attention to.
Once he is entirely sick of art, he sits back down and carefully pens down a few words for the Chimeric Professor. That those words are the exact copy of those he has read a few moments ago from someone's private belongings is entirely coincidental. Once done, he folds the paper in quarts and begins to pack his... let's call it field office, yes.
Re: After Class
Date: 2025-07-16 10:41 am (UTC)"Thank you so much for your help. The insight provided is unexpected, but quite welcome indeed. How about we gather and go have that talk at the exit?"
Re: After Class
Date: 2025-07-16 11:06 am (UTC)You know, the fun thing about layering is that it doesn’t work just for the Correspondence. Take English, for example. You put two sentences - two closed meanings - and put them next to each other… and people will perceive them as related. Nifty feature, isn’t it?
The Mycologist rubs the bridge of his nose and his eyes, which has most certainly nothing to do with trying to banish the afterimage of letters still stuck in his left retina. (At least he feels particularly better about the quality of his handwriting.)
He rises up from his seat once all his belongings are safely stuffed into the briefcase and heads for the door.
However, he stop short two steps away from exiting, and runs his eyes back to the Chineric Professor. A tilt of his head says Well, then?
Re: After Class
Date: 2025-07-16 11:45 am (UTC)Such a wonderful thing, layering. And such useful classes these, they have provided so many gifts already... But yes, the time to go, and thus the conversation, draw near. It was easier to think about it when it was a whole class away. But now... Oh well, there it goes.
"I... I am afraid I've met your dear, sweet, better, kinder half in tonight's dream..." Why did it come out like that? The words were echoing behind one specific eye, itching to go out, along with some more. "He... Helped me." Surprised at not needing to stretch the truth as much, he truly helped. "In a way." Unable to put it precisely into words, the Professor makes an emphatic gesture of jabbing some invisible thing through their eye. "And I have questions, so many questions if you'd like to answer, but..."
After a pause, their expression stops being so akin to helpless and becomes more serious, worried. "I could feel cold, one biting at the hollows within my very bones, for a moment after I woke up. And the certainty I had to ask you about it, help you if I can. I knew something was happening to you, about it, but now I'm compelled to think it's something far more serious than you made it seem. Are you up to discuss it?"
At the end of the sentence the Professor almost deflates. This wasn't meant to be so difficult, the words weren't getting out quite as easily as they should. Maybe they should have waited? No. There's a certainty about it. And now it is said, let's see where it goes.
Re: After Class
Date: 2025-07-16 02:21 pm (UTC)But he patiently waits for the Professor to finish, to the very end. For a moment, he is quiet. Then he sucks in a breath through grit teeth. It is a very ungentle and not at all soft expression. It looks out of place on his face, although come to think of it, what is and is not out of place on a man's face is just the observer's force of habit.
"I am absolutely not up to 'discuss' it. But if thou desirest to, we might retreat to a more private area where I will have both a supply of serviceable tea at hand as well as means of... demonstration, I suppose, might be the prudent word. 'Tis a place in which my illusion of uncompromised safety still holds. More or less. And I believe thou hastn't visited yet; what a poorly agreeable partner have I been so far to thee. This shall rectify that. At the leisure of thy time, of course."
Re: After Class
Date: 2025-07-16 03:22 pm (UTC)Their expression starts worried, becoming slightly calmer as it aadvances.
"It will be an honor, truly. Thank you. And I didn't want to..." Stop, taking air, ordering the thoughts. "I look for no imposition nor reproach towards you. Just some clarification... Talking to you is always a delight, no matter the subject."
"Can it be now, or a better moment lays in the future?"
Re: After Class
Date: 2025-07-16 04:02 pm (UTC)Run. Run, run, run, run, run. Like always.
If a confrontation cannot be avoided, it can be leveraged. If it cannot be leveraged, it can be deflected. If it cannot be deflected, it can be passed on. Preferably to someone whose silence is easy to ensure. Preferably to someone who won’t need help disposing of a body.
But the Mycologist is a deeply rational man, a fact which he currently hates. An absence from class would be noted. The Chimeric Professor has literally just expounded excitement to the Emissary. And the Mycologist, of course, has always took care to be seen; it always makes it that much easier not to be seen later.
So he smiles: “There is no time like the present, or so I believe the saying goes. And my afternoon is comfortably devoid of appointments and errands.”
Re: After Class
Date: 2025-07-16 04:43 pm (UTC)"I'll gladly follow your lead. Hand by hand?" They gently offer, together with a hand. After all, if this threatens to be an end, at least be it a sweet close one.
Re: After Class
Date: 2025-07-16 10:30 am (UTC)"I assure my full temperance and discretion about this subject." Their tone said all, experienced in having private conversations even in crowded rooms, while their own obvious eccentricities talk about what they could find easier to hide if they so wished.
"And of course you have my deepest gratitude, for this specific help you offer, and the impressive chance this course means for personal growth."
This is the farewell, coupled with a respectful bow before stepping back towards their desk, where the Mycologist awaits, having taken honestly to their joint proof-reading progress.