Armor Up?

[the_aunt_general]

[She waves when the camera comes on, immediately pointing downwards to indicate where the subtitles will be as she signs. Her hands start to move, gently, signing her words. The text appears, as it does, at the bottom.]

Greetings, fellow travellers. Or prisoners. Not really sure which we are. Possibly both.

[A slight pause]

I mean, this also seems fairly close to a penal battalion, but that's more philosophy than I'd like today. But in any event, I'm General Amaya, soldier of Katolis, for those who don't know me. As a Knight of the Realm, I'm meant to serve on the front line, as you may have guessed. Which is significantly more difficult without my armor.

[She gestures at tunic she's wearing, which she'd picked up on the last mission.]

And I'm going to apologize in advance for my...take charge nature during missions. I promise that I do know what I'm doing, but I also promise I'll listen to reason when I'm dealing with things I don't know. Which, around here, is a lot.

[She offers a kind smile, pulling her shield and sword into view.]

And while these are my main offence and defence - I'm feeling pretty naked out there - is there anybody on board who can forge armour? I'm not sure how I could repay the favour right now, but it'd definitely be at least a few owed.

Comments

[subcircuits]

I was surprised to learn that teaching sign in school isn't universal, but that ended up being true about a lot of things from my reality.

[the_aunt_general]

It'd make my life a lot easier. Which is probably why they don't do it anywhere in this multiverse, apparently.

[subcircuits]

Well, you'd be welcome on my world, at least. We take accessibility really seriously.

[the_aunt_general]

What's it like? Your world?

[subcircuits]

High tech. [His expression is very wry.] As I've learned about the different realities represented here on the train, I've realized there's a spectrum, with advanced electronics and computer technology on one side and magic on the other. Most folks you talk to you'll find are familiar with one or the other, although there's some worlds where the two overlap and some where neither seem to be strongly present.

My world is way over on the technology end of the spectrum.

[the_aunt_general]

[She shakes her head at that. She's coming to understand what technology is, but it's not easy.]

Well, we're at carts and swords, so. It's all a bit strange to me. By which I mean 'extremely.'

[subcircuits]

[He whistles lowly to himself, which the ICPs may or may not choose to transcribe.]

Do you have magic in your world?

[the_aunt_general]

[She's familiar enough with the idea to know what it is, and simply nods affirmatively in response.]

[subcircuits]

Figured that was the case, since your level of technology is so basic.

[Reaching up, he taps at the device perched on his ear again.] This device that I'm wearing is able to read sign and translate it for me, so even if I wasn't able to speak it I'd still be able to understand and talk to you-- if we were on my world. Almost everyone carries some kind of Interface-- [His gesture for that word once again includes the little electronic wearable.] --which is part of what I mean by accessibility.

[the_aunt_general]

[She arches an eyebrow.]

Well, you could've called it primitive, so I'll take basic. And that is fascinating.

[subcircuits]

I'd only be that rude if you'd pissed me off. [His grin makes it clear he's teasing.]

...Would you like one? I could order you one from the shop.

[the_aunt_general]

[She shakes her head.]

Earpieces aren't of any use to me. And I'm not at home with any sort of technology - I'll start with something smaller, I think, thank you.

[subcircuits]

[He dips his head, accepting her refusal gracefully.] Makes sense. If you need help with anything tech on the train, just let me know? I'd be happy to give you a crash course.

[the_aunt_general]

[She in turn, dips her head in acknowledgement]

Thanks. I will absolutely need it.