Technology is Fun - 001 [Audio]

[juniorganymedian]

Good day, my name is Jeeves. I am given to understand this device has some extraordinary broadcasting ability akin to a radio or television, but with multi-way communicative properties. I have been here only a short time and require some assistance, for which I will gladly work in trade.

I have created one of the creatures known as a spirit. I have been led to believe that the animal serves some useful function as protection in this realm against nightmares of a similar build, but alternate coloration. The Komory Bat now in my possession defies all training and disciplinary methods with which I am familiar for service animals. I would deeply appreciate some instruction on their care and control. It has taken to fluttering around me in a highly distracting way. Thank you.

I have also been informed this device has some archival function. If it may be accessed readily, I should like to know how.

Comments

[audio]

[earthshatter]

That is correct. However, proper training of the Spirits is... difficult at best.

[audio]

[juniorganymedian]

A conclusion I have reached myself, sir. May I inquire if this is the typical temperament of Spirits upon their creation?

[One wonders how anyone managed to get anything done with the first of them.]

[audio]

[earthshatter]

For the most part, yes. However, they remain valuable allies.

[audio]

[raisethemoon]

Ah! I have a Komory Bat myself - are they not fantastic creatures? [Bats in general, that is, because bats are super neat okay] Allow me to summon my own, and I shall see what I recall of his training.

[audio]

[juniorganymedian]

Fantastic is a descriptor that might be appropriately applied, yes, madam. [He doesn't mean it the way she likely means it, though.] My thanks for your assistance, Miss...?

[audio] -> [visual]

[raisethemoon]

Princess. But Luna will do.

[There's the sound of movements, a window opening...and what sounds like hooves? "NOCTIS!" she calls out, voice somewhat fainter.]

I believe you shall find that in most cases, a Spirit will instinctively attack any Nightmares present. They can often still benefit from combat training, but I presume you meant training of a more prosaic nature?

Ah, there you are. As you can see - oh.

[The visual flicks on to a vaguely irritated pony princess, one wing slightly unfolded to support the gray-and-blue bat perched on it. Luna huffs a little - honestly, as if she didn't know perfectly well how to work the device!]

My apologies. As you can see, you can dye their fur, if you find their brightness overpowering. Simply avoid colors similar to their Nightmare form, 'twould be dangerous in melees. Now! To begin training, you will likely require treats. Have you obtained any?

[Audio]

[oi_earthgirl]

The spirits aren't always the most...behaved. [There's an indignant squeak...her Pricklemane.] I'm still working on figuring out the details myself.

But, I did just get here myself.

[Audio]

[juniorganymedian]

[Ah, a fellow Englishwoman. Judging by her accent, someone of low standing. But someone new, as well, so she might have more immediately relevant information having recently lived through this nightmare of waking here.]

My sympathies for finding yourself in a similar plight, madam. I trust you have managed to procure suitable lodgings for an extended visit in this realm? Unless you are so new as to have the limited funds provided to remain at the town inn?

[Audio]

[oi_earthgirl]

[Oi, watch that 'low standing' bit, sir. She may smack you one for it.]

Somehow, I ended up here at the same time as two of my friends...we managed to pool funds and get a room for a bit. We're probably going to have to hunt for another place soon enough.

[brodakota]

That usually just means it likes you. If you can give it some food, it might listen for a bit.

[juniorganymedian]

I have presented it with comestibles, though this seems to have had little impact on the animal's temperament or focus. Are there foods these creatures may favor? I confess I have only attempted what I would deem personally edible. In my experience with dogs and cats, they seemed to favor these varieties over the standards designed specifically for their species.

A general attitude of 'preferring what the master has,' at work, I believe.

[brodakota]

Have you come across anything that looks like brightly coloured candy? Like cookies and ice cream and cakes? It's sounds crazy, but that's spirit food.

Usually the nightmares drop them, but you can also get it from the moogles.

They'll still be after regular human food though. Some things don't change.

[text]

[statisticallyterrible]

training tools:
ice cream
balloon toys
patience

[text]

[juniorganymedian]

[It would seem this is some sort of telegram service, as well. Excellent.]

I possess one of those items, sir or madam. Might one inquire as to how balloons might be used in training? I gather the ice cream is meant for reward.

[text]

[statisticallyterrible]

throw balloon
they bounce back
rinse repeat
speed + reflexes + cooperation

audio

[fatemeter]

It's rather more advanced than a radio - as you're learning, no doubt. [The young voice on the other end of this line is unruffled and relatively deep, but there's an audible tinge of something close to affection in it.] Still, on the user's end, the archive is simple enough to...!?

[Until it cuts off with a considerably less androgynous yelp, followed by the faintly leathery noise of flapping and a few excited squeaks. Did someone say another bat?! Let it see, let it see!]

Er, e-excuse me a minute...

[This is why she's not about to offer any advice on the Spirit front...]

[audio]

[juniorganymedian]

It does appear to possess capabilities that are beyond the technology with which I am familiar... miss. [He hopes this is a miss and not a young boy.] Do you require some assistance yourself, though?

[fatemeter]

"Miss"? [Oh, right...] Ah, n-no, that's quite all right! [Her voice fades into the background for a moment.] Sam, please...!

[After several protracted seconds, the flapping at least subsides, although there's still a definite undercurrent of chiropteran chittering as Naoto lets out a very small sigh.]

As I was saying... [She hasn't quite regained all of her composure, but it's close enough.] Oh, um, I apologise for not introducing myself... My name is Naoto Shirogane, private detective. But in any case, would you like me to guide you through it? It's not an involved procedure, I assure you.

[colorbymemory]

[Namine's own very green Komory Bat, Batty, is joining them for this conversation. He can't miss the chance to talk to one of his own kind, can he? He chitters a greeting, before silenced by a look from his Person.]

You can say hello later, okay?

[Then she turns to Jeeves.]

Hello, Jeeves. My name is Namine.

Spirits help fight against Nightmares, yes. They're usually serious then, but they all have their own personalities. Some of them can be more...difficult than others. If you'd like to know more, some of the others wrote a guide to the different kinds of Dream Eaters we might find here.

Looking at old posts isn't difficult once you're used to the device, but that can take a while...

[visual]

[juniorganymedian]

[Jeeves averts his gaze immediately from the young lady as she appears to be dressed in only a slip. He wonders if he might have caught her while sleeping and what would possess her to respond when practically in the all together.]

Ms. Namine, I am only too happy to await further instruction while you dress. Please do not take my message for anything immediately pressing.

[visual]

[colorbymemory]

[Oh dear. As far as Namine is concerned, she's fully dressed-nobody has ever mentioned her usual dress's close resemblance to a slip before. So there is some confusion as to why he would think she was "practically in the all together." Confusion, and a little embarrassment, plus surprise at the unexpected formality.

(It's a little unsettling, feeling all that at once when she used to think she couldn't feel at all.)]

Oh! This is my usual dress, but...

[Jeeves is obviously uncomfortable.]

If it'll help--Please excuse me for a moment.

[And the screen goes black for a short while. When next Namine appears on the screen, she's slightly more composed and wearing a blue, short-sleeved, button down shirt and a knee-length khaki skirt. Hopefully this will make things easier.]

Is this a little better?

[lessabrasive]

[ Have a rather stalwart looking woman with twin scars and a no-nonsense expression, Jeeves. Your tone's a tad more formal than she's inclined to use - not quite like Luna, but formal enough - but Lin can cope with that. ]

There isn't a great deal in the way of trade here, beyond the stores the moogles run. However, some dreamers have managed to run small businesses, like a cafe, if that sort of work is of interest to you.

[ Everyone else seems to already be chiming in regarding spirit training. An odd looking blue owl merely hoots from where it peers briefly over one shoulder, before dropping out of sight again. ]

[visual]

[juniorganymedian]

[That sort of work is not the least bit of interest to Jeeves. He's a valet, not some common waiter. As he currently possesses few options and fewer funds, though, his pride may need to goeth or risk a fall.]

I have never attempted such work, madam, but thank you for the information. Who would I contact with regard to employment at this establishment?

[He's grateful that this person looks relatively normal, at least.]

[visual]

[battleborndr]

I think "useful function" translates to "how can it get in your way."

At least that seems to be my situation.

[Case in point, there's a Hebby Repp perched awkwardly on one of his shoulders, its head wrapped around his neck to lean on the other shoulder. The Hebby Repp looks perfectly pleased. The Doctor does not.]

[visual]

[juniorganymedian]

[Jeeves can't help his lips quirking up in a ghost of a smile at the other man's frustration. It is good to find that he is not the only one apparently troubled by the animals. The fact that it is another Englishman - one of a more working-class breeding by his accent - is comforting in a way.]

I would not phrase it precisely so, sir, but I cannot disagree with the sentiment based on my personal experience thus far with the animals. I suspect my employer would find them 'charming.' [He's not wholly sure if he wants Mr. Wooster here, though, even if he misses the other man's company and trivial problems already.]

You are new to this realm, as well, I take it, Mister...?