01 - video

[fourscience]

[The four-eyed alien on the screen is excitedly typing away on her laptop with two hands, and waving two more in excited ways. Because yes, she has four hands and she is making wild gestures to punctuate each and every word she says. She is not going to stop for anything.]

I can’t believe this! Humans are everywhere, this is the most amazingly perfect opportunity! I have been studying humans, of course, but my sample size has been very limited up until now!

Let me review my notes so far- [She taps a few times on her laptop to bring up said notes, rapidly reading over them a few times before she starts talking again]

Humans are a fairly low-tech pre-spaceflight species, not many of them have made it into space! Which is such a shame, they’re a very attractive species, even though they tend to be a bit hairy and don’t have enough eyes. But I haven’t let things like that get in my way before! [She laughs loudly, then continues]

What else, what else- I wish I had my original notes here, I really did! Oh yes- humans are remarkably stubborn, prone to irrationality...and quite a violent species, too, aren’t they? They certainly do love their wars! Only two sexes too, correct? Isn’t that a shame.

I believe that’s where my data ends! I need more, much more to fill out a proper database file. And if any are up for an examination....well, I am a doctor! I need to know how to treat all of you, don’t I?

Oh, I'm so excited to start working! Tell me where I'm needed, please?

Comments

permavid

[fourscience]

Thank you! I have been informed about the clinic, I think I will be making my way there soon.

[healplz]

I apologize— my news is late. But in any case, I work there myself. [ smile!! ] We may be seeing a lot of one another.

[fourscience]

[And she grins broadly back at him. All teeth, this girl]

I will certainly look forward to that! Doctor Kinna Nananea.

And your name? That is polite, correct? That is the way humans do introductions.

[healplz]

That's... [ god those TEETH....... ] ...Correct. And if you and I were speaking face to face, and not through this network, we might shake hands, as well.

My name is Ashraf Salib. It's a pleasure to meet you, Kinna.

[fourscience]

Please, please! Do not be formal, call me Nananea. Or Nana. I understand humans may have trouble with my name.

Ah. Which hand do I shake?

[healplz]

Nananea, then. I think I can manage that much.

As to which hand... I was wondering that myself, actually. I am not sure we humans have any etiquette for that.

[fourscience]

They would not have had to figure it out! Humans do not encounter four handed people every day!

Is it just one hand? Or both? How do you shake them.

[healplz]

It is just one hand, and most often the right hand. In cases of close familiarity, sometimes it becomes a tight grasp and the left hand is laid overtop.

[ on his list of things he never figured he'd have to explain: handshakes. ]

[fourscience]

[She's currently typing like mad over here. Yes, she is taking down handshake notes. Very important]

Thank you for that explanation.

I hope if we meet, you will provide a demonstration for me.

[healplz]

I will be happy to. It's a customary greeting between humans, after all.

[fourscience]

Then I must learn! I would not want to offend a human by not greeting them properly.

[healplz]

I doubt you would offend anyone. I like to think we are more forgiving than that.

[fourscience]

Better to be safe than sorry. I believe that is the human expression, correct?

[healplz]

You have the right of it.

You seem very familiar with humans— how have you gained your experience?

[fourscience]

I know three. They are my friends! I believe they would consider me a friend. I hope!

I would not consider myself very knowledgeable about them. But I have learned some things.

[healplz]

For having known only three humans, I would have to disagree. Your knowledge is impressive.

[fourscience]

Hm. I am not sure about that! There is much I do not know.

[healplz]

That will change shortly, I don't doubt. And I can help, if you like.

[fourscience]

Thank you, Ashraf! I would enjoy your assistance very much.

[healplz]

It would be my pleasure. Please, feel free to ask me any questions you like, as they occur to you.

[fourscience]

When I am more settled in, I will contact you. And perhaps see you at the clinic.