[voice] it had been strange, even in a dream

[abidinglaw]

[While over the past few days the draft has been threatening the lives of cast-mates and strangers and acquaintances alike Admiral Norrington has been fighting a battle of his own. He chose the evening of the fourth to investigate the purpose of that odd little bump on his wall. Flick.

At once he murmured a quick curse to himself and spun around. All alone in his apartment he stepped back and drew his sword. There was no-one at the door, of course, no army of pranksters could have simultaneously lit up each and every one of the candles on all the tables and counters in the room. The light was coming from above. He narrowed his eyes at the brilliant bulb and tentatively flicked the light-switch back with the tip of his blade. Darkness. Light. Darkness. Light.

It was quite enough excitement for one evening.

On the morning of the fifth he tried all of the lights in his apartment, and then a few on the landing outside. Buoyed by his success, he then investigated the electrical devices in his residence and the kitchen beyond - strange boxes with nobs and things which he had ignored up until now. Unlike the light these made horrendous droning noises, or else they glowed in unearthly shades of red and gave off uncanny amounts of heat. He aborted his efforts for fear of them.

Today he sits at a table in the kitchen and opens his journal.]

Might I request that someone explain by what force the light above my head is being generated? And, since I hardly believe that mine are the only quarters to be granted them, what on earth is the function of all of these peculiar boxes?

Comments

[abidinglaw.livejournal.com]

[To think that this would be common anywhere..]

It must truly be a fascinating place.

[crytearsofjoy.livejournal.com]

Maybe, but my world seems to be behind compared to a lot of others. Yours just might have not caught up yet.

[abidinglaw.livejournal.com]

[Well she certainly seems to have a head on her shoulders. If he can overlook the fact that she may have just insulted his entire world, she might even be considered polite.]

My name is Admiral James Norrington. It is a pleasure to meet you.

[crytearsofjoy.livejournal.com]

Winry Rockbell, and the pleasure is mine. Judging by your questions you're new to Luceti, aren't you?

[abidinglaw.livejournal.com]

I came in on the last boat, yes. Have you been here long?

[crytearsofjoy.livejournal.com]

At the end of this month it will be two years.

[abidinglaw.livejournal.com]

That long? I am sorry.

[crytearsofjoy.livejournal.com]

Don't be. It's not constantly bad here.

[abidinglaw.livejournal.com]

Certainly not, no. There are, for example, all manner of people to talk to.

[If one enjoys that sort of thing. Still, this girl seems an honest enough sort and he'd hate to sour her mood with his countenance.]

And these bulbs - I can imagine that they might have their charm. Once one has adapted to them.

[crytearsofjoy.livejournal.com]

Yes, and the other electronic devices. Once you learn how to use them they become very convenient.

[abidinglaw.livejournal.com]

Is that their purpose, then? Your people trap lightening in the walls for your convenience -- and now mine?

[crytearsofjoy.livejournal.com]

Yes. They're all technological developments to make daily operations easier for people.

[abidinglaw.livejournal.com]

And what of the virtues of a hard, honest day's work? What of men's duty to serve?

[Perhaps this - this 'convenience' - has some part in the responsibility for the more irksome differences between this place and his home world.]

[crytearsofjoy.livejournal.com]

These appliances don't affect job performance. At least they've never hindered mine.

[abidinglaw.livejournal.com]

May I be so bold as to ask, then, what your job might be?

[crytearsofjoy.livejournal.com]

In Luceti I work on commissions at the smithy. Back home I was an engineer and technician for prosthetic limbs - er, replacements for arms and legs lost in accidents and battles.