2.0 - The Shiny Cube

The administrator at the other end of the comms asks for a moment to check the schedule. You've the sense that he's also making a point of checking for Malad'oneeta's name in the alumni register and whether or not she's managed to donate with any regularity to her alma mater.

He returns shortly to the comm and says, "Yes? Hello, Ms. Malod'oneeta? We'd love to provide you with a tour. As it turns out, our curator is off with a class in the nearby wilderness for another day or two. Perhaps we could arrange for a time a few days hence?" After a pause he says, "Alumni affairs would also like to welcome you back to Spintir -- perhaps some cocktails tomorrow or the day after?"

There's a pause an Mala can almost imagine the other side grimacing. "Well, we may be able to give you a brief tour beforehand, but it really wouldn't have much material. I'm afraid without the curator present to act as a docent, it's more or less walking through a museum without any... well.. context."

"Well certainly we could set up the virtual tour. It will have everything in the standard collection. If you connect up to the planetary network, I'm certain we could arrange a quick guest account for you. But that's nothing like seeing in person -- what with a curator to discuss each item..."

The voice has swapped from wanting to be solicitous and helpful to trying to ensure they get you in person. The cause is readily transparent to an alumna of the school -- they were always hot to get a nice donation from alumni.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea. I'm sure it's on the museum's list of interesting improvements, but alas, I'm not aware of anything that is available at this time. It's either the somewhat stale encyclopedia or the tour with the curator -- a rare thing, I might add -- for our most honored guests."

There's a pause as he mulls it over. "Perhaps we could have the Malad'oneeta Holodocents at some point in the future..."

The alumni contact agrees to notify you upon the curator's return before you switch off.