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

[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?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You had anyone explain electricity yet?

Not as such, no.

[He knows that electricity is what is powering the lights and the fridge and the microwave, but not a great deal more than that. It hadn't seemed important at the time.]

You want the long version or the short version, then?

Just how long is the long version?

Full history of the development of electricity, long.

The short version, please.

It's harnessed lightning, basically. Runs along wires inside the walls.

[So magic then. As he expected. But hang on a moment ...]

That... is preposterous. There is a box in here that turns water to ice -- an ice-box. Lightening is hot, loud, and bright. Frankly I imagine few forces with less in common than these two.

Edited 2011-06-11 00:52 (UTC)

Actually, it's not the lightning that's loud. That's the thunder. But aaaanyway, the electricity's giving the ice-box power. It's not actually cooling the water.

[Ignoring that remark about the thunder.]

A ship is powered by wind, yes? The wind catches the sails and propels it forward. A candle is fueled by the wax and a fuse of sorts. These kindle the flame and ensure light. Similarly a bullet is fired from a gun by the application of a powder charge. The charge is ignited and propels the bullet forward. In each of these cases fuel, power and consequence go hand in hand. How then can it be that the lightening 'powers' this ice-box, but another force entirely is responsible for cooling its contents?

Because the electricity is powering a motor that sucks the heat out.

[He expects that he should feel foolish here, but he doesn't. The existence of a motor wasn't obvious, nor does he know what a motor even is. He can assume, however, that it works on principals of 'motion'.]

Perhaps I shall understand these devices better in time. Meanwhile, I thank you. You have done me a service.

Edited 2011-06-13 21:40 (UTC)

Hey, no problem. I mean, I'd be confused too if I were in your shoes.