|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 9:30 pm
"Ah-- n-no. My responsibility is to my master-- I'm not sure if you're aware of him, but he's often called the Plague Doctor," he smiled blearily, "I tend to just call him the doctor, but it doesn't seem quite right in a university setting. I'm not sure if you know of him." Georgie's knowledge of how well the doctor was known was limited to only Grimms. He knew of the doctor's affluence in the Fellowship, but was leery to assume the same in Trisica.
Georgie nodded enthusiastically to Amory. "I'm well aware of your contributions to Plagueology field, professor Kempe. It made me very happy when I first came to Trisica, and I've tried my hardest to keep up with psychological works. It's really helped me on my meetings with Grimms and Plagues elsewhere," he frowned, "Though the science wing professors here recommended that I don't veer from the usual courses my second year. B-but-- because of that, I was hoping what I could share what I've gathered of Plagues and Grimms since the start of my apprenticeship. It may help you... ah, here," Georgie rummaged through his satchel, and pulled out a leather-bound book.
"I've recently finished using this book, of Grimms and Plagues I've met this past term. There are around 60 in total, if you'd like to look."
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 10:35 pm
"I know many plague doctors," Amory replied in good humour, "But I think I know of the particular one you refer to." He cast a long shadow in the Council, certainly, a man of learning who seemed to know what he was doing, and, terrifyingly, was not a member of their ranks. Were he to cure the Plague before all the brilliant minds in Trisica managed to, it would be a humilitation beyond even that of Diefendorf's hanging. Had he come around to Council membership after all, then, to send his servant to Trisica? The one did not necessarily denote the other. More's the pity, thought Amory, who had seen the slump in Doctor Kirkaldy's tired shoulders lately. The man could have used some good news.
"Excellent, then you'll be well informed when I offer you a position," Amory decided. He took the book Georgie offered gratefully, and began to look through it, remarking upon its tidiness, which was something Doctor Kempe himself obviously lacked. "Would you mind if I transcribe this book's contents for my own notes?" he asked, distracted from his train of thought until a stunted coughed.
"Ah, yes! My apologies, your generous offer waylaid my thoughts, but it only proves further that my offer is perfectly suitable for everyone." He smiled beatifically, continuing, "Professors at Trisica are all allowed to hire a ressearch assistant, someone to help them with their work while they teach classes and attend to their duties as Council members. As the Representative, I've been in dire need of an assistant for quite some time now, but due to the, ah, eccentric qualities of my research, I've yet to find anyone with the right kind of experience to be of real use to me. If you help me, I would be more than glad to give you room in my lodgings, and your meals would be provided. Of course, since you are already an apprentice to the Plague Doctor, I'd be willing to consider the arrangement to be temporary, and you can terminate it whenever the need arises." He paused, letting the offer sink in. "What do you think of that?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 11:55 pm
Georgie furrowed his brows inquisitively. "A new position? And o-oh-- of course! I have several more volumes, as well, though there are quite a lot, and a few of them are still in the caravan... I-if you'd like, professor, I can get those for you as well."
He apologized to the stunted and waited eagerly for the professor to continue. The more professor Kempe revealed the details of the position, however, the more bewildered and oddly worried the boy became. By the end of the details pertaining to Amory's offer, Georgie looked as if someone had stabbed him again.
"U-uh-- professor Kempe," Georgie stammered, laughing, "I-i would be honored to be your research assistant, truly! B-but-- you don't have to be so generous! I-i would still provide you the research material I have either way, I've been meaning to since the start of the year. I promise!"
Georgie realized he was in no position to deny such a generous offer, but it seemed that the conditions were too good to be true, but Professor Kempe seemed like a truly kind man. "Aren't there other students who wish to be your research assistant, Professor Kempe? I'm not even a philosophy student... should... should I ask Trisica for a change in major? Will the other professors be okay with this," Georgie grimaced, "Are... are you really sure?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2013 4:14 pm
At the mention of several more volumes, Amory's expression was almost like a child's on Bretherens' Day. "Several! No, if you give me that sort of resource, it's only decent that I do something for you, especially something which I'd do for you anyway as well. And if you kept those records yourself, you've more than enough experience to be a research assistance. Panyma, most research assistants have barely worked on their own theses, let alone kept such extensive information organized."
He looked startled when Georgie asked about switching majors, until clarity struck. "Oh, no! I don't actually study Philosophy. I teach it, yes, but I study Psychology and Plagueology. It's a bit of a hassle, really. I don't belong in this department at all, but the University didn't quite know where to stick me back when I wasn't important, and now that I am important, it's too much bother to change things around. And making a Psychology department is apparently out of the question." A brief cloud of unhappiness besmirched the otherwise joyful occasion, but Amory didn't let it linger. "At any rate, no one will argue. Being the research assistant for the Representative is a good enough position regardless of your major, even if the rest of the Council thinks the project itself is a waste of time."
He paused, and added, "Oh! But of course, if you want to major in Psychology, we can make arrangements, certainly. It's not a waste of time, actually. And I'm sure one day we'll have a department. We just need to get results. Well, we've got results already. We just need to make someone care."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2013 7:12 pm
Georgie beamed at Amory and nodded enthusiastically along. "You're sure, professor Kempe? Everyone at Trisica seems to ambitious, even the wealthier students--" he stifled, then slouched his back, "--N-not to say anything poor of my fellow colleagues, o-of course, but thank you for the opportunity, professor Kempe," he brightened, "I'll work very hard, I promise you."
The brunette hummed at the professor's news, though, and scratched his chin. Was this offer even allowed under Trisica law? Was there some intrinsic, unwritten rule that denounced professors of this level of kindness? He was no overtly foolish or thankless boy, so Georgie made sure not to question his good fortune to Amory overmuch. If he were to begin his role as research assistant, he would begin now, though the only thing Georgie had to offer at the immediate moment was some foresight.
"I-- I do believe my main interest at Trisica is its Plagueology and Psychology departments, surely, but it may help your case, Professor Kempe, if I were to remain in the science wing." He smiled, "If so, I can continue to speak to the professors in the wing and influence their opinions on your work. As the largest focus, I'm sure they would have some sway on the university board."
He leaned forward, "It would take some work on my part, but I swear I'll try my hardest. Especially since it will benefit my master's work, as well," he smiled wide, "I hope you two will meet one day. May I ask, Professor Kempe, how many Grimms and Plagues you've met so far?"
Georige stared sheepishly at the lavender stunteds, "Not counting the stunted Plagues, though I mean no offense to the parties present."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
