A knight's first contact

[stupidhonor]

[Sielje's on leave and she wished to explore a typical human city - Sakihama should suffice. Of course being a prisoner, someone has to escort her. What does she have to say about human civilization?]

[1]

What is this?


What was that?

[You know what draws more attention than a strange woman clad in straps of metal, leather and cloth? The same woman who stares wide eyed at everything, vehicles and crowds in particular. Perhaps it's a good thing her sword and helm are left back at the base.]

[2]
[A little later, Sielje managed to come in terms with the weird surroundings. Somewhat.]


Are all settlements on Earth so loud? I have never seen so many people in one place before... but they all appear unarmed and unprepared for a fight or any kind of danger.

And what is this?

[She gestures at a shop. The city has a lot of them.]

You build solid buildings just to serve as places of trade? Is it so commonplace for you?

Comments

2

[majestic_keiki]

Yes. Shopping is a major part of life here, there are even cities that get visitors just for having really good shopping. We also buy things offline.

[stupidhonor]

Offline...?

Shopping, buying, you say. It sounds as if people here can exist not making anything with their hands, just trading goods crafted by others.

[majestic_keiki]

Most people work in offices or selling things. Not a lot of people really make things, except for a bit of cooking to save money or as a hobby.

[stupidhonor]

...

So it is true? I was not speaking seriously...

[majestic_keiki]

Why wouldn't it be? People don't have time to make everything they need themselves.

1

[reactorhead_russians]

"That is a fire hydrant: it sprays water in case of fire." Alexis rumbles patiently: looks like he and Sasha are staying on as guards. "And that is a dog. If you let him sniff your hand, he might let you pet him."

The golden retriever shakes his tail wildly as you draw near. Dare you?

[stupidhonor]

A beast? No one pays it any mind, is it tamed?

[Sielje keeps her distance.]

[reactorhead_russians]

So they don't have dogs on Sieljie's planet: another black mark for it, then.

"Da, it is tamed." Alexis says. "Dogs were one of the first species on Earth to be tamed by humans. This particular breed–" He nods at the tongue lolling retriever, "–is very friendly towards humans."

Alexis crouched and scratches the dog between its ears. The dog clearly enjoys it, shaking its head and wriggling.

"I'm surprised your ancestors did not bring them to your planet." Alexis remarks.

[stupidhonor]

In ancient times, we could take only people along. This...

[Sielje furrows her brow, focused on a memory. At the same time, her hand subconsciously moves towards the dog's head.]

There was a type of a coffin, or a bed maybe. Humans could rest in it for a long time if possible. But only humans. If my ancestors tamed any beasts, they had to leave them behind.

[reactorhead_russians]

"A cryogenic stasis chamber?" Alexis muses. He nods. "So your ancestors were unable to bring anything from their old lives with? Nothing but stories?"

As Sieljie's hand inches forward, the golden retriever whines and gently licks her hand.

Ah, it tickles!

2

[kill_all_vagans]

Well, they're not supposed to have to worry about fighting. That's what military, and police are also for.

[stupidhonor]

Your people meet many threats, regardless. Earth is a very dangerous place, are they so faithful in your armies and guards to keep them safe?

[kill_all_vagans]

[They're supposed to keep them safe, yes. Doesn't always work out that way though. But no way is he going to admit that to her.]

... We wouldn't still have a job if they didn't.

[stupidhonor]

I did not expect people of Earth to be so dependent on others.

Or perhaps... putting faith in others.

Either way, would it not be better to grow in strength yourself? The strongest have no one to fear, so they do not need anyone to guard them.

[kill_all_vagans]

But they shouldn't have to worry about that. And if the strongest can protect more than just themselves, why shouldn't they?

1)

[sang_av_helten]

Those are motorized vehicles. People use them to travel to places faster than their legs are capable of taking them.

[The words that answered Sielje's query? The cat walking next to her proudly. He gave a somewhat annoyed look at a startled couple that were staring at him.]

Meow. That was what you two heard. Go away.

[stupidhonor]

Ah. I see. Are people of Earth so lazy or do they live in such a hurry, that they cannot afford to use their own two feet?

...

You can talk.

[sang_av_helten]

There are some distances that are too far for them to travel with their own legs. A somewhat pitiable consequence of their advancement. With some it is the former but with most it is the latter.

And yes. I can speak. My comrades and I gained this gift from our father.

[stupidhonor]

Ah. I see.

[And just like that, explanation accepted.]

Are all these vehicles moving out of city, then?

[Sielje decides to stay away from the traffic, just in case.]

[sang_av_helten]

Not all of them. Most are traveling between buildings. The city itself is very large. Even a cat would have difficulty navigating the many twists and turns... though one of my line would have little trouble.

[He puffs up proudly next to Sielje.]

While I understand that time is of the essence with certain matters, they are in too much of a hurry.

2

[a_monetized_mind]

Nah, there's plenty of quieter places. Smaller ones, too, this is a mid-sized city. They work together with the cities around them to form a country with a single military.

[A look up at the store in question.]

Oh, that's...it's a clothing store. Wanna go in?

[stupidhonor]

A smaller place would be perhaps more pleasant. I do not see how people can live here without their heads hurting.

A clothing store? Does it mean, you may buy and trade for clothes in there?

[Sielje glances with renewed curiosity.]

[a_monetized_mind]

Mmm, well you get used to the noise after a while. There's quiet places in the city, too...

...Do you want to see what they have to buy? I've got a bit of pocket money.

[stupidhonor]

For the sake of locals' sanity, I hope you are right.

...

[Sielje glances at the shop's direction a few times.]

No harm in doing so, I suppose.

[a_monetized_mind]

Cool. Just don't go too crazy...

[Inside is a pretty standard mid-range department store...albeit a large one, with more than four floors of clothing on sale. Aisle upon aisle is full of racks of dresses, blouses, shirts and the like under fluorescent light.

Jen waits to see what sort of reaction Sielje has...]