accomplishedCHARACTERS
Dr. Timothy Carson (SteveR) - Geologist
Gwendolyn Thorpe (Tammy) - Tour Guide
Dr. Jennifer Dorchester (GM/NPC) - Palaeontologist
Alexander Valentine (GM/NPC) - Media Specialist
Thursday, June 14th, 2007
Over at Central Metropolitan University (CMU), Timothy Carson is meeting with Dr. Oliver Kaiine, the head of the Geological Sciences Department. He wants to start studying towards a degree in Geophysics. Kaiine tells him of all the problems inherent in such a course, and Tim tells him of the research project that he wants to endeavour based on the research paper, "Geomagnetic Changes and Predictors of Natural Disasters", that he gave at the International Conference on Nature and Life Sciences (ICNLS) (see "Feast or Flight"). Dr. Kaiine suggests that he goes into a teaching position, but adds that he wouldn't be able to undertake any research projects until at least the third year of the graduate programme. Tim apologises for wasting Dr. Kaiine's time, and takes his leave.
Back at the British Museum, Stephanie Hamilton ("call me Steph") takes Gwendolyn Thorpe ("call me Gwen") on a tour and down to the exhibit hall, but learns that the Anurognathus are still fossils in plaster jackets in the Museum's lab area, awaiting being brought to the public's eye. She tells Gwen about Jennifer Dorchester's palaeo habits in the field, and that she's a disaster with the palaeo plaster jackets, "but that's why professors tend to have assistants like me!" The two have a good laugh, and they chat amiably as they head for Stephanie's small office. Gwen sees several fossils on the tables and chairs in the office. She asks about the Palaeontology 101 course that Jennifer will be teaching at the Museum, but Stephanie intimidates her with what appears to be a huge tome as the textbook for the three-month course. Gwen considers some myths and legends classes instead; Stephanie says the museum doesn't offer one of those, but she could try Central Metropolitan University (CMU). She mentions that there's a nationally renowned palaeontology professor there, Dr. Nick Cutter, and casually mentions his dreamy Teaching Assistant. Stephanie blushes when she mentions him. She quickly takes Gwen back to Jennifer's office.
Meanwhile, Alexander Valentine is working somewhat busily at his office in the Home Office annex where the characters are stationed. He is interrupted by Claudia Brown, who comes in for a chat. She asks him about his work and how he's enjoying it, and when he tells her that he's right pleased, she suggests that he stop working for Sophtel Marketing, and devote himself full-time to the Home Office work he's doing. Alexander tells her that there hasn't been any "action" in almost two months, and Claudia tells him to be careful what he wishes for. After she leaves, Alexander goes out into the main work area of the section of the annex, where he sees an attractive technician. Approaching her, he learns her name is Angela Harper and he decides to ask her out.
Out on one of London's streets near CMU, Timothy tries to place a call to Franklin Cartwright, his handler at the Home Office. Since he's not on a secure line, he's told to get to the Home Office annex building and get a scrambler device for his mobile. On reaching the Annex building, he meets Claudia Brown, who gives him clearance to enter the building. He drops in on Franklin Cartwright, and inquires about the possibility for doing some research. Cartwright tells him that it would take a government grant, and that could take some time to acquire. He says it's not what he wants. Tim has an epiphany, and says that he wants to do research on and about the Anomalies in order to learn more about their nature so that "we can better predict their appearances and thus prevent creatures from coming through them." Franklin says that he'll talk to Claudia Brown about his proposal, who'll then pass it on to James Lester.
Jennifer Dorchester opens up her database on dinosaurs and prehistoric animals, and shows Gwen the entry on the Anurognathus. She reads it with careful attention. Jennifer also tells her a little bit of what is known about the Jurassic period of history, and they talk some more of Deep Time. Jennifer assures her that she'll update the database on what they learned of the "air piranhas". When they talk about the course on palaeontology, Gwen learns that Stephanie fooled her with the large philosophy tome that she uses to discourage those she doesn't think can handle the course. Gwen talks to Jennifer somewhat about the matter of myths and legends, and learns from the palaeontologist of the courses offered over at University College London (UCL) and Central Metropolitan University (CMU).
As he's preparing to leave the Home Office annex, Timothy comes up Alexander Valentine, who's in the process of asking the tech, Angela Harper, out on a date. She agrees to go out with him Saturday night, and he'll pick her up at 7 pm, and that she should wear something casual. Tim exchanges pleasantries with Alexander, who then moves off, a smile on his face. Tim goes down to the lower level of the annex, where the laboratories are being set up, and finds only two of them are operational, Paleo 1 and Bio 1. He talks to Connor Temple in the computer laboratory which is still under construction, and as he's wandering around, has an encounter with Rex (the Coelurosauravus) that ends with him being shat upon.
Leaving the British Museum, Gwen is greeted by security guard Harry Winston, who asks her if she got everything she needed. After she thanks him for his care and attention, she walks the several blocks over to UCL. At the Registrar's Office, she finds that the course "Anthropology 108: Myths and Legends of the British Isles" has some openings in it. As she muses this over, a young Asian girl, Aisha, tells her it's got labs with making cultural heritage masques. The course starts on July 2nd, and lasts for 3 weeks, and Gwen decides to register for the course and take it, despite the steep fees. She learns that there are three textbooks, that will run around 60 quid each, but Aisha convinces her the course is well worth it.
Sunday's game session of the Primeval RPG campaign was pretty enjoyable as these sessions go. This session was still more about getting the players and their characters back into the feel and swing of things, and also involved what are definitely some potential changes coming to the lives of the characters. Both Tammy and
spross seemed to enjoy themselves and had a good session of it, though Tammy commented on how slow her fellow player tends to do things. Nothing new there.Overall, a fun session of the Primeval RPG game, and I'm looking forward to next week's session.