Network: Video

[quintet]

Right, then...

[The view on this video is continuously sliding upwards, very slowly, as if whatever the communicator was propped up on was not quite stable enough for the purpose.]

...I think this is working. What wild art. We could get so much done with this...

I need a favor from someone with crafting ability. This thing is clearly designed for a larger person, and I need some kind of mantle or carrier to keep it with me comfortably. It's more than a mouthful. [There is a pause while she looks upward, and the view slides slowly, steadily off-kilter.] I... don't have any materials, and I don't have any local credit, but I can work off the debt if you need it. I'm a good hunter and as a graduate of the College, I swear I'm good for the time.

Oh— my name's Quintet.

Thanks? I think it's— okay.

[The video blips out just as the communicator flips completely on its back, showing the ceiling above her, and the bottom of Quintet's paw coming in.]

Comments

[Video]

[small_compromise]

Hello- Quintet?

[Is it still transmitting? The girl that appears on screen looks young, her tone accented, head tilted curiously. She can readily see what the problem is. The Agrii hadn't really considered size difference for these tablets, but then they did seem to neglect a lot of things when they brought people here.]

I'm Omega. It's... nice to meet you, so to speak. [Meeting over long range is still meeting, right? She offers a smile.]

I think Lark would know how to outfit you for something like that. Have you met her? I've only learned to sew a little myself, and only simple things so far, but you'd probably need something quite sturdy.

[Audio]

[catchable]

I have good news and bad news, and they're both that nobody in this town is going to accept your money anyway. Which is a shame, because it's really easy to make money here.

Why do you want to carry it around anyway? I just keep mine at the Deep End. That way, I don't have to go anywhere, either. Got everything a man could need. And when I need to run away from my problems, they can't reach me.

You could keep yours there, too. It's with the big book, you can't miss it.

[audio]

[quintet]

Why do you care? It's my possession.

And I don't— that doesn't work. Running away from problems. Besides, I want to be able to use it when I want, not have to walk halfway across the snow to get there. I know it's Cold, but I'm not the kind of person who lays around and hibernates all season.

[catchable]

Oh, I thought all of these messages must have been public. I don't know how to work this thing, they barely let me on the computer at home because of identity theft reasons that I am not at liberty to discuss, and this one doesn't even have a keyboard. I would apologize, but it's not my fault I heard you begging, and I can't promise I won't do it again.

[quintet]

Wow, sarcasm. Never heard that before. What a novel experience.

You know this was a public inquiry, and you know I was asking for something specific. You don't want to help with that, so what do you want?

[Video]

[quintet]

Lark? I met her. She didn't mention— or, maybe she did? I was still pretty turned-around...

[Hell of a name, Omega. The video is still from the floor, with Quintet looking downward into the camera. She tilts her head thoughtfully... Where to get ahold of Lark? She still didn't know her way around this place.]

Thanks, that's a big help. I'll ask her, when I find her.

[Video]

[small_compromise]

[The girl smiles.]

You're welcome. Oh, you can probably contact her through the device. It'll be a lot faster than just trying to look for her. There should be a directory with everyone listed.

[catchable]

Geez, lady, the only thing I know is that you're in dire need of a flea bath. Forget I said anything.

[quintet]

Yeah, yeah and your mother has mange. C'mon guy, grow up.

So you came to talk to me, just to tell me that you don't have anything to say? Seduced by my amazing good looks? You should see me when I'm back in shape.

[quintet]

It can do that too?

This thing is versatile. Did they have something like this where you're from too, or have you just been here long enough to learn it? Are there classes?

[small_compromise]

Yes, it can. I...don't think there's anything that really explains what they do- it's all icons. I can try to tell you what each of them do, but it's not too hard to figure out by trying them out.

But yes, there are similar devices back where I'm from. I used to have a comlink before I got here, but it was only for communicating with my brothers.

[catchable]

You're the one who--Are you trying to catch me in a riddle or something? You know, you're legally required to tell me you're a troll if I ask. Are you a troll?

[quintet]

I've been told this place doesn't have a formal system of law.

But no, I'm not a troll. Whatever that is. I'm a cat. I thought that would be obvious, with the way this thing is supposed to work. It is sending the image, right? I can't see you, myself.

[quintet]

I've been mostly working by trial and error, but the symbology is a little weird. I think I can work it out on my own, but would you mind if I came to you for advice, if I get stuck?

It'd be nice to have an expert available to back me up.

[small_compromise]

Trial and error's probably how most people have managed to work their way around the available options.

[Omega laughs a little.]

I'm hardly an expert but I'll be happy to help explain things as I can if you need it.

[catchable]

You think a lot of things are obvious, but I'd say most things aren't. Sometimes a cat isn't a cat.

[quintet]

If you're telling me that this thing transmits styles too, I'm gonna have to see some proof of that. It's a pretty neat tool, but there are limits.

[To good sense, if nothing else. The mass-transmission of styles would be a nightmare.]

Look, this cat, is a cat. Why, is that a problem?

[catchable]

I told you, I don't really know what this thing is capable of. It is pretty stylish, though.

Don't worry about the cat part, I'm sure whatever your problem is can be worked out with good therapy.

Audio

[stitch_witch]

Ah, Quintet, hello again. I would like to see you soon. If it is alright with you, I would like to knit you a pair of paw gloves, such as I have made Salem, to help with the winter cold. I think I have made them relatively easy to pull on and off for you, as they are kept relatively short mostly to protect your pads. But I would need to reference the size of your paws to make them.

I can also weave you a carrying bag, but I've not done that before so it would take a little longer to figure out.

[Video Message]

[plate_builder]

Well what da ya ken, it's anotha feline! Seems we got more an' more of us these days.

Ah can talk ta Reeve for yah. He's skilled at programmin' the replicator. Could help yah make a sling for yah device. Or maybe ask Tony. Cud be he could make some forwarding device.

[Yep, that's just Mini, stealing Reeve's comm again, to talk to people online. It's a blessing that he hasn't been given a world with the internet, who knew what he'd do.]

[quintet]

....

[What?]

You were serious when you said that? I thought you were just being an ass!

Audio

[quintet]

Lark! I was just going to see if I could find you on this thing. Someone told me you were the one to ask for this kind of thing.

That'd be perfect, thanks. If there's anything you want in return, I'm pleased to provide in trade.

[video]

[quintet]

[Why... is he speaking with a squirrel's accent? But at least this is a more familiar kind of face. Thank god.]

That'd be great, thanks. Lark's offered to weave me something, but if I'm going to start accruing possessions like this, it might be better to have options to choose from.

[catchable]

That's just the way I sound. And because usually I am. It's a double edged sword.

[stitch_witch]

I wonder who suggested me, but I am glad that I can assist.

Nothing is required in return at all, not in this season.

[plate_builder]

[Because he's Scottish, or his world's equivalent, of course.]

It's nay problem. Wasn' expectin tah see another around. There a lot like yah back in yah home? Talkin' felines?

[quintet]

Have you considered the very real possibility. That you might be stupid.

[quintet]

It was a person named Omega.

...That's very society-minded of you. Are you sure? I'm the one putting forth the offer.

[quintet]

Yeah? I mean, I've got my whole family, for one. We're not a rare race. Are you trying to tell me that it's different for you?

[stitch_witch]

Ah, she's a very sweet young woman.

I lived as part of a very 'commune' sort of place. Doing such things is nature to me.

[plate_builder]

In mah world there's only those like me. Mah brothers.

[quintet]

I'm not sure I follow, but...

[She's not going to say 'no' to free things, particularly when they're so needful.]

Your nature, huh?

[quintet]

That's— [Weird. But she's been saying that often enough that the word is starting to lose its meaning.

So, alright, it isn't weird, even if such a thing would be unthinkable in her own world. What is it then? What does it mean to be the only of your kind, except for your own siblings?]

...That must be hard.

[plate_builder]

Ah've neva met them. But they got each other. And Reeve. Ain't lonely.

[stitch_witch]

Indeed. It would be wrong for a Dedicate not to help others.

[quintet]

Sounds more like a duty than a natural force. But I'm not going to argue; I do need the help, or I wouldn't ask.

And I do get it; I wanted to work in government too. Helping people, building society, and directing it responsibly...

[quintet]

You've never met them?

I'm— I'm not sure I follow.

[plate_builder]

No. I was created here.

[Sorry, he's not even a real cat. Just a magical doll.]

[stitch_witch]

Government? No, I am not governance. Well, there's the Magic Council but that's not quite the same.

[quintet]

Uh-huh.

[She can't help the wry tone.]

You know... I must seem like a pretty weird to everybody around here, huh? But you took me in stride. You're a kind person, Lark.

[quintet]

...Created?

Are you a... uh... [Shit, what was the word?] ...Robot?

[Thank you, Felwinter]

[plate_builder]

Nah quite. Firs' ah was a doll. Then Reeve an' Toneh made the machine below that. But ah've always been me.

[stitch_witch]

I had met Salem, so you were not abnormal at that point. And yes, kindness is what I strive to offer.

[quintet]

That's the second time I've heard that name.

[Thank Dustin for the first, even if for nothing else.]

And I've smelled something that's probably him, in places. But who is that guy?

[stitch_witch]

No doubt you will see him around. He's an all black tom cat, and he's... sarcastic. And I am given to understand he was associated with witches.

[quintet]

Alright. Not to sound ignorant, but... What is "witches"?

[stitch_witch]

I think he means women of magic.

[quintet]

...

[Lark. Please.]

Lark. Pretend for just a moment that I've got no idea what you're talking about. Explain it to me like I'm a child.

[stitch_witch]

[Really?]

Forgive me. Even those I have met here who are from worlds that do not possess magic have some traditional lore related to magic existing.