Age and Experience

[workthroughit]

Well, here’s someone who hasn’t been around for awhile. Maybe he was just laying low until winter blew over. But here’s Dr. Hill, along with his fine dark wood desk, back in the Nexus Plaza. The surface of said desk has his yellow notepad, a still metronome, and the green glass banker’s lamp.

“You know,” he begins, folding his hands and leaning on his elbows, “age is a great indicator of experience. The older you are, the more you know; that’s the inevitable progression, isn’t it? Barring extraordinary cases of isolation or willful ignorance, of course.” Dr. Hill huffs a short laugh at that before continuing.

“But there’s something to be said for the mindset of youth. When you’re young and your mind is unshaped, you’re so much more open to lessons the world has to offer. You’re willing to view things with an eye unclouded by judgement or bias. When younger, you have yet to cave to cynicism or mistrust.

“So my question to you is: what was the most valuable lesson of your youth?”

((OOC: It’s Dr. Hill, so you know something weird is going on! It’s time for a Nexus LOL!

Should your character answer, or even just have prolonged exposure with the doctor, they’re going to be hit with a de-aging effect. What does that mean? It means you’re going to be reverted to a child or a teenager! The effect of the LOL will wear off whenever you want it to and does not require the doctor’s intervention to revert.

Additionally, if you’d prefer your character to ADVANCE in age, that can happen as well! It’s not the intended effect Dr. Hill is going for and would count as a unexpected side effect, but is still totally viable!))

Comments

[smartass_captain]

After the last time Jim and Dr. Hill interacted left the captain in a horrible state that was quite literally an out of body experience, Jim Kirk would be more than understandably wary to approach the good doctor again.

But since when have Good Sense and James T. Kirk been on speaking terms?

"I dunno, Doc. I've been pretty cynical since I was real young." Broken homes do that though. "That's kind of an idealistic argument, isn't it?"

[workthroughit]

"I suppose one would have to take the additional argument of nature vs. nuture into consideration, were that to be the case. A child doesn't naturally know to mistrust so deeply; they learn it. Not a happy home life, I gather?"

[westfallcorndog]

Doctor Hill. At once alarming and disarming. He speaks so calmly, he moves so precisely, and yet there's always that underlying sensation that something about him is off. But Harrowheart has had good conversations with him in the past, and there's no reason to assume that everything can continue to go well if he behaves himself. But does behaving mean answering or avoiding this question?...

He chooses to take a seat, because it seems rude to walk past once he's seen the doctor.

"I don't think I really learned any lessons when I was a kid. I mean, there was little stuff like... Like family's important, and things like that? But I think I spent most my childhood not tryin' to learn lessons."

He shrugs one shoulder and tries a guilty smile that doesn't last long.

"Sorry if you were hopin' for somethin' deep this time."

[workthroughit]

"Oh no. Everything and anything someone is willing to share is telling. It doesn't have to always be a profound insight. How have you been, Harrowheart? You look well." As well as an undead can be, anyhow.

[icebearforpresident]

[Ice Bear is not oblivious to Dr. Hill's presence in the Nexus, but isn't even going to give the gentleman the time of day. Not after the last time they met, or the doctor's sudden appearance at the movie store. The hatred still burns strong within his cold bear heart. He just walks by quietly, continuing on his merry way, nothing can be said to dissuade him.

However, rage does not go away easily.

About an hour later, the bear has suited up in a black ninja outfit and is keeping a good distance away from Dr Hill's desk. He's perched himself on the roof of a nearby store, keeping to the shadows, and hopefully out of sight. Underneath the fold of his ninja suit is a belt, where a throwing axe and a pouch containing throwing stars. He takes the axe in his paws and waits, hoping to catch the doctor at a moment when he's not talking to someone.]

[workthroughit]

The doctor, after concluding a chat with another hapless citizen of the Nexus, gets up from his desk to stretch his legs. He walks a few paces to pick up a flyer and read it over; advertisements for up-and-coming Nexus sales and markets.

If he's aware in that spooky way of his that he's being watched, he doesn't show it.

[rogueinladysclothing]

The sight of Dr. Hill causes Amelia to shiver as she tries to walk past his desk. But it seems every time she should be past it, she's back to looking at it. With a sigh, she admits that it's a question worth answering, and walks up to the desk.

"Pragmatism."

Of course the Nexus' resident rogue would answer a question from the "good" doctor that way. It makes sense, considering she's dressed as she almost always is - covered from head to toe in linen clothing, leather, and weapons. Seems she doesn't change her style even when as the season inches its way toward Summer.

Her arms are carefully folded in front of her chest as she watches the doctor closely. "The cynicism and mistrust came shortly thereafter."

[workthroughit]

"And hello to you too, Ms. Ronsam! Enjoying the fresh spring air, I hope?" If he feels or harbours any negativity towards the lady, it doesn't show in his face or tone. Perfectly friendly and amiable conversation taking place here.

"And what exactly taught you this less of being pragmatic? It must have been a sorry, though effective, teacher is such unpleasantness came along not long after."

[sellsthneeds]

The Once-ler paused at the question, mulling it over. Lesson from his childhood.....his mother routinely told him he was useless and never going to amount to anything. His brothers enjoyed using him as a punching-bag---but neither of those counted as life lessons.

"I don't know. Dad encouraged us to work hard before he died, so, I guess that's a good lesson."

[workthroughit]

"Ah, the lesson of being productive! Idle hands are the devil's workshop, after all, hahah." He waves a hand for Once-ler to take a seat, should he care to. There's a red wingback chair situated in front of the desk. Was that always there? It must have been...

"Have you taken your father's lesson to heart?"

[potatolion]

Kasa eyed the official looking desk that some older gentleman was sitting at that she'd never seen before. Which she supposed wasn't too weird. She hadn't met a ton of people in the Nexus. The man had this weird mix of...something about him. Like he looked not to extraordinary but there was something weird about him. She decided to take a seat by him and take a whack at his question once one of the other inhabitants of the Nexus had finished answering. Giving the man a small grin and a nod in hello.

Her most valuable lesson of your youth? That was a good question. She tilted her head back as she thought with a hum. "This one had learned many things as child. One could argue all are valuable, yes..." She began, she scratched at the side of her neck. Trying to pull a specific lesson from her mind. "But this one supposes her most valuable lesson is she was told to keep mind open. For one can find answers in most unexpected of places." She said as she looked back the doctor.

[workthroughit]

What could be strange about such a pleasant-looking old man! Nevermind that he and his desk just simple came into existence. No arrival or moving of furniture, which is funny, because you'd think that a desk like this would look pretty obvious being carried in.

"An open mind is very, very valuable when you find yourself in a place as varied as this one! So many walks of life and different cultures and races. And very useful for finding unique solutions, as you said. How did you learn this particular lesson as a child?" Dr. Hill has a fountain pen poised and ready to begin writing on that yellow pad of paper.

[heirtothearcane]

Despite the last time he talked to Doctor Hill, Viatorus neither fears nor holds any ill will against the doctor. Even if he did learn that there was more to him than meets the eye. That shouldn't have been as surprising as it was.

He approaches readily, or as readily as he approaches anything, but the question has him stop and think for a few minutes. His youth was filled with learning, but what lesson it specifically contained for him...

"Ignorance is a terrifying and dangerous thing," he says eventually, with a slow, certain nod.

[workthroughit]

"Well said! Very well said. Willful being the worst sort, I would think." He actually stands when he sees Viatorus, offering a smile and a hand to shake. "It's been some time, hasn't it? I hope you've been well, Mr. Durant."

[pathfromdarknesstogrey]

Unlike some others here, Dia'ndria has absolutely no idea who Dr. Hill is, having missed a previous chance to encounter him. She's not wearing the hood to her robes at the moment, and looks thoughtful before replying.

The answer's obvious, it's mainly how she wants to phrase it. "How to survive. And get into places I probably shouldn't." She replies, shifting her stance and sliding her arms behind her back. She's relaxed, and her body language is as open as it'll probably get.

"Though I can safely say, compared to a great many people I'm vaguely familiar with here, my childhood was... ..different than most."

[workthroughit]

"Different how? Though I have some guesses already with the talk of being a bit of a sneak, I'd like to hear it. If you're willing to share, of course." He flips to a fresh page on his legal pad in preparation of possible note-taking.

[drehnifusbahi]

He's understandably wary of Dr. Hill after his last encounter with the man... but no lasting harm was done, and the experience did prove educational. And, well, it is a good question.

So he approaches, though he stops a few paces away (he's fully aware that he doesn't have to be within arm's reach for Hill to pull another trick like the body swap, but he still feels a bit more secure being out of grabbing range) as he considers his answer.

"That knowledge really is power," he replies at last.

[workthroughit]

If Dr. Hill notices the leery distance being put between them, he certainly doesn't seem bothered by it or feel the need to comment. Instead, he gives the man a pleasant smile as he replies.

"And what cemented this lesson? And at what age, if you don't mind me asking?"

[sumarusfinest]

The question of youth, of family and lessons is a subject that cuts deep to Katsuya's personal struggles. He doesn't fully understand what it means to be a child since he was forced to grow up so young.

He hangs back, not approaching the Doctor. Maybe he'll just sit this one out and listen.

[rekindledtitan]

“Ask me next century.” It’s an easy question for her to brush off, of course. Blaze stops close enough to rest her fingertips on the desk, leaning her weight on the wood as she glares at the doctor. “It’s never good news when you come around asking pointed questions, doctor. What’re you up to this time?”

She’s still a little upset about their last encounter, all right? And Blaze isn’t the type to steer clear of things that frighten trouble her... at least not the ones she can look in the eye and demand answers from.

[workthroughit]

Dr. Hill puts up both hands defensively while still wearing a smile. "I'm never up to something, Blaze. Just keen to offer the Nexus some moments of insight. Fresh perspectives. That's all."

[auspex_caelo]

Perhaps Stratos is yet unaware of who this fellow is, or perhaps he just considers the subject interesting enough to take the risk. Either way he gives the question some genuine consideration before he answers.

“The difference between doing the right thing in theory and the right thing in practice, I would say.” He gives a brief and rueful smile. “Not a lesson to make one’s life simpler, of course, but I think it was worth learning.”

[workthroughit]

"Seems like a harsh lesson as well. Children see the worlds with much simpler values; if someone is cruel, punish them. If someone is kind, reward them. It's only as they grow older that the shades of grey, technicalities and legal limits come into view.

"Do you believe this lesson made you cynical? Or the opposite? It seems it could go either way, depending on what you'd sooner follow; the letter of the law or your own moral compass."

[itmeanstruth]

There were a few lessons in Minoru's childhood that really stood out, words of wisdom that still followed the dimensional traveler to this day.

"If you want something bad enough, no matter the odds, you'll find a way to make it happen."

By his early twenties, he did have to add the caveat, 'and are fully willing to accept the consequences,' but childhood was a simpler time. Before he learned it was actually possible break the fundamental laws of the universe.

[workthroughit]

"Well, that doesn't sound troubling." Dr. Hill snorts a small laugh before continuing. "Don't you think that kind of logic could be applied to a great deal of things for the worse? To the detriment of others?"

[mayfairmonster]

Among some of those others hanging back, is a young gentleman. Thin cigarette balanced elegantly between two fingers, he listens intently to the answers people offer. Some of them interest him, even trigger tiny flashes of recognition in his eyes, and others he takes in with a perfectly neutral indifference.

He's not interested or motivated enough to offer an answer himself, but that's probably for the better. Other days he might have enjoyed this conversation, or answering and presenting himself as an enigma --a young man, seemingly unstained by the world, who yet knew an unusual amount about the ravages of time and the lessons age teaches-- but today?

Today he'd rather sit and watch.

[leaderoftheresistance]

This was the first time John had went to talk with Dr. Hill and a old quote popped into his head.

"There's no fate in what we make.."

This man looked like he could of come from a war somehow.. with how tired his eyes looked.

[workthroughit]

"Meaning to say what exactly? That fate isn't dictated by actions? That our constructions are not engines of destiny? Please, by all means, elaborate." The doctor smiles pleasantly, seemingly unperturbed by the man's weary and war-worn appearances.