Put a Name to Fear - Part 3
Posted on Sun 10th Jan, 2021 @ 12:00pm by Commander Paul Graves PsyD & Renato Solis
1,668 words; about a 8 minute read
Mission:
Denouement
Location: Refugee Center Midnight (Renato PI office)
Timeline: MD-22, 2310 hours
{Sector 221-B "Midnight" 23:30}
Previously, in Ranato's Office:
"A mechanical player? I don't understand how that's possible. There is so much love in you," Paul said.
Renato felt a lump in his throat, "A worthy comment, thank you. In this, perhaps there only needs to be a connection made to that source and my music will benefit. Is this piano something you enjoy, not just for Jazz but do you play for pleasure?" Paul was a very important figure to Renato, but what did he know of Paul's life? A slight guilt over never having visited or gotten to know the man came to him.
"I play it for pleasure, but I'm not an extremely dedicated player," Paul said. "I met a guy once who practices on his instrument for two and three hours a night. I would call him concert level. I'm nowhere near that."
"So long as you enjoy it, the spirit of music is fulfilled. I'll find time to practice a bit myself. Does piano accompany saxophone?"
"It can," Paul said. "On Earth, piano is usually the instrument of choice for accompanists. What other jazz pieces do you like, or are you more familiar with the music by sound than by name?"
"A passing familiarity with the style, but a good range of pieces, I think. There was a String Concerto for... Chirstmas? a few year ago as well, different but also lovely. Ullian music lacks any improvisation, we trained our senses to appreciate nuance, so untrained ears think we are mechanical when really we just follow the notes precisely. Deviations are sometimes appreciated, but defying expectations is a dangerous choice in our culture. So maybe they assess correctly, and our culture needs a revolution lest we remain flaccid to the ear." He chuckled through a nibble, "At least, this is what that Jazz makes me think of."
"Corelli's Christmas Concerto? Oh, yes! So does your jazz playing sound good to other Ullians?" Paul asked. "Essentially, you're playing music the way you were taught to play. And what about harmonizing? Does your culture permit impromptu harmonizations, or is that frowned upon unless they are written into the music?"
He took a moment to consider, "We tend to like things the way we remember them. Harmonics are a field unto themselves, so yes, there is a good cross over there, but if I had to place my finger on it, that's the difference. I can recall the first sensation when I first heard it, and the 100th since the playing is mnemonic. I suppose I don't share that aesthetic."
Paul's eyes widened. "I'm guessing jazz improvisation does not appeal to your people at all, then. How does creativity work among Ullians?"
"Well there is a reward to being correct. And we can allow for variations, but they must also be a thematic and expected event. New combinations, inversions... Challenges... we had musicians perform complex pieces whilst performing complex physical feats, or showcasing unique talents. Improvisation however, seems to wash away my thoughts better than anything I've known. The lack of decision is thrilling. Making mistakes with no stakes is also therapeutic in some regard."
Paul chuckled. "I can certainly sympathize with that last. I don't know how stand-up comedians, for example, have the nerve to perform, not knowing for certain if their audience will laugh at the right times."
"I hear that. I know of a Denobulan raconteur who performs here from time to time, "Ca'lil Toph." I swear I could listen to him talk all day. Such a marvelous gift to know what to say. Trial and error, knowing your crowd, testing the waters and retreating from lost causes in a single glance or gauged silence. It is a skill I envy as well. Have you heard of him, or the 'driver genius' bit that he does?"
"Oh! I think I do sort of remember it, but not the punch line," Paul said. "How does it go?"
"I can't do it justice... but let me try here... One day,... oh who is a famous Earth scientist... Cochrane! He has to speak at an important science conference." Renato paused, recalling the timing of the comic who told this so well.
"On the way there, he tells his pilot that he looks a bit like him. They share some similarities sure enough, and share a laugh.
However Cochrane says to the pilot, "I'm sick of all these conferences. I always say the same things over and over!"
The pilot agreed "You're right sir. I've attended all of them, and even though I don't know anything about science, I could give the conference in your place."
He paused again, trying to milk the theater, "That's a great idea!" says Cochrane. "Let's switch places, then!"
So they switch clothes and as soon as they arrive, the pilot dressed as Zephram Cochrane goes on stage and starts giving the usual speech, while the real man, dressed as the pilot, attends it. They get away with it for a little while, but in the crowd, there is one scientist who wants to impress everyone and thinks of a very difficult question to ask, hoping Cochrane won't be able to respond. So this guy stands up and interrupts the conference by posing his very difficult question. The whole room goes silent, holding their breath, waiting for the response.
Cochrane is wide eyed, certain they will be found out, but the pilot looks at his challenger dead in the eye, and says,
"Sir, your question is so easy to answer that I'm going to let my pilot reply to it for me."
Paul laughed. "Quick thinking! And from what I recall from reading his memoirs, Cochrane was the sort of guy who'd do exactly that."
Renato had laughed a bit too, as he came down from it he stammered out, "Humans in general, great comic timing, one of the unsung virtues of your people." A breath occurred and melancholy returned. "Oh there it is. Hard to stay mirthful when I can still feel the danger on board. Thank you for indulging my escapism."
"You say that as if I didn't want to indulge in it, too," Paul countered. He paused. "We were talking about you funneling information earlier. It might be best for you to send your information to the person actually working on that case. He's in Intelligence, a Lt. Ildaran. I think he would be interested in any information you have to share about leads to Oblivion. Shall I introduce you?"
Corin Durant had already made contact. "Please, and thanks. Though I've met him and his doppleganger self. Mr. Durant drops off produce to Kya and she makes him robust meals. However, I encourage your discussion with him; I want to be of service to both of you."
Paul blinked. "He what?" Clearly, Ildaran got around. "Er, well, I'm glad he's being helpful. I'd heard he likes to garden, but I didn't realize he did so much of it that he could make donations. That's great."
"I was startled as well. He knew of my talents, openly shook my hand, I even showed him a bit of my own memory. I haven't been sure how to use his alliance yet, but I am glad for the acquaintance. He has a connection to Elizabeth Andersen down here, who I've also made acquaintance with. There's a whole network of double lives and deception afoot down here."
"Dr. Anderson? Oh, yes. He's mentioned her to me before. I like Dr. Anderson; she's wonderfully level headed and pulled me out of a rough spot once," Paul said. "As for knowing your talents, I'd guess Ildaran recognized you as an Ullian. I'm extremely surprised he shook your hand."
"Twice. I showed him more of my past than I think you may be aware of when I offered my hand purposefully a second time. The man is a steel trap I got no secrets except what he wanted me to see. I'd like to collaborate with anyone who will help the people of this station, so if we can pool our efforts I feel it serves us all."
Paul gave Renato a wry smile. "I'm sure he will accept any information you care to share with him. Whether he'll be happy to have it or will want to pull his hair out, instead, I'll leave you to find out."
Returning the smile Renato relaxed into his chair. "I feel better, knowing there's others on this. Thank you, Paul."
"And thank you," Paul said. "You've told me things tonight that I didn't know before, and you've told me things about you that I didn't know before but am glad to know. Would you consider coming to my house in Tivoli Gardens sometime? I'm always imposing on your hospitality; I'd like to return the favor a lot more often."
An unbidden anxiety wormed in Renato's gut, the man he once was would have felt intimidated by a sterling and impressive figure such as Paul to invite him into his home. Those who felt lower, debased or ruined couldn't bear to see a successful and strong example of what could have been. Tivoli gardens was the beautiful thing he saw from across the divide, and would never feel at home with. However, time had given Renato a strength and perspective to understand poisoned thinking. He could now recognize how Paul was reaching out, not as a caregiver but as a genuine friend.
And so he outwardly replied to Paul with, "That sounds splendid. I will take you up on that soon. I would enjoy learning more about your life as well. Perhaps we can make music?"
Paul felt his friend's anxiety but waited to hear what Renato would say. He grinned when Renato accepted the invitation. "A musical evening? That would be fun! Yes, let's do it--and don't you dare think of backing out. I want to hear you play your violin."
RSS Feed