fandomhigh | Library, 1/27

Cameron headed into the library after class. He needed some space to think before going back to Vala, she'd be able to read him way too easily. He probably could bring her some books on England to keep busy while he was here.

Archie saw Cam on his way into the stacks and waved before disappearing on his ongoing quest to Learn More About Automobiles.

"Hello, Cameron," he said as he returned loaded down with books. "I haven't seen you in a while."

"No, things tend to get busy." Cameron replied a bit evasively. "How's it going?"

By way of reply, Archie pointed to The Idiot's Guide to Automobiles with a grimace. "I'm certainly having a very eye-opening semester so far. Advanced Criminal Justice is easy as a wink compared to Driver's Education. I'm completely lost in that class. And I'm not looking forward to having to play muscle for the beautification committee. Other than that, though, things are well enough."

"Right, I heard you were on the beautification committee." Cameron shook his head. "I guess it's weird having to learn to drive when you don't have cars where you're from. Need a hand with anything?"

"Yes. Convince me the damned thing's not going to explode on me?" Archie shook his head. "I don't understand how it works. It's so different from sailing a ship. I know it sounds stupid, but I'm a bit apprehensive about steering something when I can't understand how it runs."

"It won't, not unless you dump your cigar in the fuel tank," Cameron grinned. "I can get that, but it is pretty safe unless you drive like a maniac."

Archie laughed. "It doesn't help that all my classmates started talking about piloting vehicles even more beyond my comprehension yesterday. Jet fuel and something called A.I., and spacecraft? And I had the most unnerving sensation from the empty seat beside me in last week's class. A voice asked me if, and I quote, 'yelping' helped the car go faster."

He looked almost pitifully at Cameron. "And the bloody thing wasn't even moving."

"I'm sorry, man." Cameron patted Archie on the shoulder, trying not to laugh. "If we were in Memphis, I'd have my dad..." He stopped abruptly realising his dad wasn't going to be driving a car any time soon. "I'd have my mom show you her car."

"That would be a real one, not whatever safe simulacrum they have us use in class. I'm not sure if that would make things better or worse." Archie smiled crookedly and paged through one of the books. "Oh God, this isn't any help."

"Ah, right. I was wondering where the hell you were keeping a car here." Cameron frowned. "Maybe you're looking at it wrong." He sat down and picked up a book. "Okay, tell me what you like about your ships?"

Archie shrugged. "Being able to tell direction by the stars? The way the decking moves beneath my feet? The music of the wind in the rigging? It takes a whole crew to make a ship run. With these automobiles, everything relies on the one person behind the wheel. That's a bit daunting. I know how a ship feels. Here, I have to learn all over again."

"A car's got his own feel," Cameron replied. "You don't get to drive by the stars, but we have road maps. You got to imagine taking a road trip with some close friends. Jaye's in the passenger's seat beside you and you got the whole wide world before you."

Re: Second period

actingltcrumpet.livejournal.com - 2006-01-27 23:35 (UTC) - Expand

Re: Second period

cameronmitchell.livejournal.com - 2006-01-28 00:03 (UTC) - Expand

"Hey, Cam. How are you doing? How's Vala?"

"Resting in bed if she knows what's good for her," Cameron replied. "I thought I'd keep out of her hair for just a while before I really start working on her nerves." That and if he went back right now, she'd see right through him.

"Probably smart. She'll only put up with so much, I think." Parker cocked her head at him. "And how are you doing?"

Cameron shrugged. "I didn't get attacked. I thought I'd pick her up some books on England, she's been having troubles with the subject. And maybe one on aquamarine life? Or is that too informational? Do you have faerie tales or something about pirates?"

"Aside from Peter Pan? Sure, let me look." She looked through the card catalog and said, without looking at him, "So you're basically doing rotten, I'm guessing."

Cameron let out a burst of laughter. "Yeah, pretty much."

"Figured." Parker grabbed two cards, and said, "The Pirate Queen (http://www.piratequeen.org/) and Jack the Giant Killer (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312869592/002-7761963-4343237?v=glance&n=283155). She ought to like those, they're right up her alley." She handed over the cards, and asked, "Tell me you're not planning something stupid. Or tell me I can help make it less stupid."

"Thanks, she'll like them. I'm sure," Cameron replied, silently cursing that he was so easy to read. He sighed. "I got back up."

"Back up puts you ahead of the last idiot who tried to go after those two," Parker said evenly. "How many people are you taking with?"

"Four and let's just say I'm the weakest link?" He sighed. "Don't tell Vala."

"Four's not a lot. I can add three, maybe four more onto that. Who are your four?" Parker asked, folding her arms.

Cameron copied her movement, feeling brave. "Who are your three?"