the sweet smell of science

Raising his eyebrows slightly as if the reason should be completely obvious, Everest quickly schools his expression into something much more neutral and studious before answering. [say]"Well, because previously there was nothing for the skyships to fly under, so none of the captains are particularly well-versed in what altitude is safe with respect to the floating city."[/say] He explains, once again seeming to relax if only because of the topic at hand. [say]"Below the city the wind currents change significantly, and the ships can get caught in the upward air rising from the ocean. I'll have to calculate the safest angle of ascent where ships can still safely fly out from under the city."[/say] Had anyone asked Everest to do this? No. Was anyone bound to look at his research? No. Did he seem to mind?

Of course not.

Not understanding the joke for what it was and merely nodding his head agreeably, Everest taps his notebook. [say]'If I see any, I'll be sure to let you know.'[/say] As for his research? [say]"I'll write it up formally and submit it for peer review."[/say] Did Ever have any peers to review this information? Hmmn. [say]"I could always give a flying clinic if anyone was interested."[/say] They both knew no one would be.

[say]"What's it like being a dragoon, now that there's no war to prepare for?"[/say] The question might seem sudden, but actually Ever had a list of questions to ask of dragoons should he ever stumble in to them while out doing research. It made small talk that much easier for him.