A fine day for horseback riding. ((For i_paladin))

[chiron_survivor]

Adia is full of nervous energy as she waits outside of the Nexus inn for Paladin. She is mostly excited, but it has been a long time since she has ridden a horse. Her riding boots and helmet are long gone, lost along with everything else when Leonis was destroyed. She is wearing her regular boots and jeans, along with a sweater and her heavy wool coat. She didn't bother with a scarf, worried the fluttering might startle or distract the horse. Paladin did say that he was sassy.

Shifting her weight from foot to foot, she pulls out her PINpoint for the hundredth time and checks for messages. The innkeeper was happy enough to play go-between, printing out Adia's electronic messages and transcribing anything that Paladin wanted to write back in return. It's how they were able to plan their get-together. But Adia checks anyway. Plans can change, after all.

Comments

[chiron_survivor]

"I wouldn't want that," Adia says with a small grin. "Is the giant beehive near your town? I'd love to see it." She smiles at the hand touch, perhaps a little confused by Paladin pulling away just as quickly. She's pretty hesitant herself at gauging how much physical friendliness other people want, though, so it's sort of understandable. "But, you really should get a PINpoint before you head back home. You'll want to set your home coordinates. I can show you how to do that, it's very easy."

"What's the Margrave? Is that a title?" She takes a long sip of coffee while Paladin answers. "Start with the simply flavored kind, if you can. There's stuff called pop, but a lot of it is artificially flavored. They started originally as tonics for indigestion, but then people started making them with more and more sugar. I don't really have a taste for them."

[i_paladin]

"It is a few days ride from Rensford, I would be happy to take you out there." All of the real dangers were cleaned away, well, except for the ants, but that's easy enough to deal with. Paladin isn't actually sure if the ants are dangerous anyway, it just seemed like a shame to kill them. "I would be much obliged if you did, Adia, thank you!" That should make things much, much easier.

As for touch it's an odd thing for Paladin. Historically, the Tiefling hasn't been the subject of hugs or physical signs of affection unless she paid for it. So when it comes to reassuring gestures she doesn't exactly know how to handle them but assumes that most people wouldn't want to even brush against her. As a keen observer it's become clear that there are those moments where a touch is just that, a touch, and a powerful means of reassurance, support, or sympathy. With people Paladin is comfortable with it comes a little easier but with hesitancy.

"Indeed, think: hereditary title, a ruler of territories, generally under an empire. Despite the empire falling, old titles still stick around. From the interactions I have had with her she is a worthy leader, strong and very dedicated to her people. A good person, which is why I have no qualms working for her," generally authority figures get Paladin to make a rude gesture but the Margrave is different as is her captain of the guard.

"After this dessert I will have met my sugar quota for the day at least, so I will go with what you recommend."

[chiron_survivor]

A few days... that might be longer than Adia can spare, on her world. But she won't say no, outright. Things may change, or time may run differently there. "It's no trouble. You'll be able to do it yourself in no time."

Adia's hang-ups about physical touch are rooted in her own social insecurities, but a friendly touch from a person she trusts is always welcome. "Oh, that's good, that she's a good leader." She sounds a little like former President Roslin, but unfortunately she did not get enough time to prove herself before being voted out of office.

She finishes her cheesecake and starts to work on her pie, but it's slower going. "I think I'm reaching my sugar quota, too," she laughs. "This was a wonderful meal, Paladin. Thank you so much for treating me."

[i_paladin]

"It helps that I have a very fine teacher," it's really very, very nice that Adia takes time to show and explain things to Paladin. The Tiefling is deeply indebted to her.

It's hard to judge, some people are very welcoming of social touches and others not so much. Since Adia didn't recoil in horror friendly hand pats might happen again. And indeed, she's very much like Roslin, younger, a little more hardened though.

"It is my pleasure," Paladin assures her with a broad smile. "You are excellent company and have been so very helpful for me it is literally the least I could do."

[chiron_survivor]

Adia would do it for anyone. Well, anyone who befriended her, which Paladin has done. "Have you read the pamphlet yet? Someone took the trouble of making a pamphlet for Nexus newcomers. When I first found the Nexus, all I had was an ugly neon sign telling me to ask a question." And she had to walk barefoot in the snow both ways to get to the Plaza... just kidding. She's glad that people have an easier time of it these days.

She blushes a little at the praise, a smile on her face while she finishes her pie. "You're wonderful company, too, Paladin. I'm lucky to have met you."

[i_paladin]

"Ah, there was something on the nightstand in my bedroom, I have not had time to read it yet. I didn't realize it was anything important, and I was obsessed with the shower and bath." Running water? Running hot water? Next to the people she has met it's the best thing so far in the Nexus.

Paladin's skin doesn't allow for an obvious blush, but Adia might catch the effect of the compliment by the way the usually gregarious Tiefling is silent, staring at the plate in front of her, poking at the remaining crust of her pie. There is such a strong feeling gripping at her chest and at the moment it is hard to tell if it is a good feeling or bad. "Well then," looking up from the plate Adia is given a smile. "We shall have to do this again some time."

[chiron_survivor]

"I don't think the pamphlet will tell you anything that you don't already know now. But it wouldn't hurt to take a look." At the least, it will tell Paladin what she is expected to know after her first visit. But with Adia's assistance, she's already beyond Nexus 101 material.

She doesn't quite know what to make of Paladin's reaction. Bashful? Or something else? Adia worries for a moment that she said something wrong, but relaxes once Paladin smiles at her again. "That'd be nice." She sets aside her plate and carefully wipes her mouth with a napkin. Between the blueberry filling and the coffee, her teeth are going to need a good brushing. Luckily toothpaste is still available in the settlement. No one has resorted to trying to eat it yet. "I can show you how to use one of the Nexus terminals, too. So you can look stuff up on your own, too."

[i_paladin]

"Well then, I will read it before bed." Until her eyelids get too heavy and she just passes out with the pamphlet still in hand.

A satisfied sigh and Paladin rests back in the chair, legs stretching out under the table as if that would give some relief to the waistband of her pants. The waitress returns and begins to gather up the dishes after refilling their mugs. "Ah, the machines I have seen around that say 'welcome' on their face? Could you show me briefly before we part for the day?"

[chiron_survivor]

"Absolutely," Adia says without a second thought. While the waitress is still at their table, she asks if the inn has a terminal that guests may use. Obviously the innkeeper has one for his own use, or else he wouldn't have been able to play messenger, but it would be pushing it to ask to borrow his. Fortunately, the waitress confirms that there is an alcove in the inn's lobby that has a Nexus terminal.

Adia thanks the waitress before turning to Paladin. "That's good news. You won't have to walk back to the Plaza every time you want to look up something."

[i_paladin]

"That is very good news!" Slender hands clap together in agreement and satisfaction. "Now, what will I be able to do on these machines? I can ask it questions and it will give me answers?" That's actually pretty important to her especially since, as their time together has shown, Paladin has a lot of questions.

The Tiefling is itching to get to this machine and figure it all out, the only thing is the bill, which she will sign to the room. It was explained to her earlier that gold and silver is not accepted at the table but at the front desk, which makes sense to her. It's the same way at the inns in Rensford, just will less paper to sign.

[chiron_survivor]

"Sort of. It's more like a librarian that you can ask for help. You give it a topic, and it will pull up lots of resources that can explain that topic. But, like books, these resources are all written by different authors. The first few resources are usually the most accurate." Not always, but if Paladin is going to be looking up concrete things as opposed to philosophical questions, the first link should be fine.

She'll wait for Paladin to sign off on the bill have a bit more coffee, but not finish the mug. Already refilled once, she's had enough caffeine.

[i_paladin]

The little slip of paper was signed and all taken care of, a painless experience. "Shall we go?"

Standing, Paladin puts the napkin back on the table and gives a gentle brush of clothes in order to keep appearance neat and tidy, no stains, no crumbs - all good. One last look around to make sure there is nothing forgotten, and the Tiefling waits for Adia before heading out to the lobby, that's where the waitress said there was a terminal if Paladin isn't mistaken.

[chiron_survivor]

"Sure." Adia stands up and takes her coat from the back of her chair, but drapes it over her arm instead of slipping back into it. The temperature of the lobby is comfortable, despite the large, welcoming doors that lead out into the Nexus.

Near the check-in desk, past a small sitting area, there is a little sign that says TERMINAL and has a picture of a computer. There are two computers available for use, as well as a charging station for electronic devices. Both of the screens say "welcome" in a pleasing font. Adia giggles the mouse attached to one of the terminals, and the screen changes to a blue background with a row of small icons along the side. "So, there's something called an internet browser, and there's where you can look up most things. You use this thing -- it's called a mouse -- to move the little arrow symbol to this thing, and then click on it."

She clicks the mouse button and the screen changes once again, a generic-looking search browser appearing like an open window. Adia clicks it closed and then steps aside so Paladin can sit down. "Would you like to try?"

[i_paladin]

Very dutifully Paladin follows along and steps back when Adia steps forward to use the terminal. Paladin spotted these before but had no idea what they were even used to until Adia told her about them.

It's so very interesting and the Tiefling finds it endlessly fascinating as the screen glows and she is sucked into what looks like a glass window that somehow reacts to what is going on outside of it. Because Adia moves the mouse and it takes a moment but Paladin catches the little arrow moving across the screen till another picture opens on the screen.

"Wizardry," Paladin breathes at the sight and then looks up at the human next to her, inky blue eyes wide. A bit uncertain, she looks down at the seat and the monitor and finally sits. Hand resting lightly on the mouse she gives it a little wiggle and tracks the arrow on the screen. It takes some time for her to get a hold of this skill, moving one thing and tracking the results of it somewhere else.

Mimicking Adia's actions, the other worldly creature almost gets it except instead of left clicking she right clicks and a list pops up from the action. Startled, Paladin lets go of the mouse and looks up with serious concern and worry.

[chiron_survivor]

"Technology," Adia corrects gently. Even if Paladin was being facetious, it's an important distinction to make, especially because the tiefling hasn't had the greatest track record with actual wizards.

She wheels over the other computer chair and sits down next to Paladin, not wanting to hover over her, watching her in silent encouragement. This is a novel experience for her, too, teaching someone to use a machine that is ubiquitous in her daily life. Even while struggling on New Caprica, she still has access to her ship's computers for research purposes.

"It's okay!" Adia says reassuringly. "You right-clicked instead of left-clicked, it's no big deal." She points out the two buttons on the mouse. "All you did was bring up a little list of other options." Move the arrow key off the box and click again. It'll disappear."

[i_paladin]

"Technology," Paladin echos dutifully. Yes, wizards didn't make this, this is something outside of her world and realm of expertise and so the same rules don't necessarily apply. It runs off an energy that seems mundane compared to what happens in her world, almost everyone has the power to harness it here through little buttons or switches.

There is a bit of relaxing when Adia says it's okay and with the instructions the Tiefling moves the cursor from the list and makes sure to left click to make it go away. There is a moment of doubt and double checking, looking over at the hand on the mouse and making sure the correct click is made. Once the list has gone away Paladin is rather pleased and returns the arrow back to the icon that Adia showed her before and clicks again, this time with the correct button it seems.

The internet browser window opens and her tail sways happily. "Right, yes? This is the portal?"

[chiron_survivor]

It's rewarding for Adia to help others, doubly so when that help pays off immediately. She smiles a bit at the tail sway, at least until she starts worrying that it might be inappropriate or racist to find such a reaction cute. "Yes, that's right. You're doing great." She points at the screen. "This is the internet browser. It's not the same program I have on my world, but they're all kind of the same. You type in what you want to search for in this space, here, and then a bunch of links will pop up that you can use the mouse to click on."

Whoops, wait. Adia looks at the keyboard with a mild frown, having forgotten about its necessity. "Umm, hmm. You probably don't know how to type? You can spell out what you want to search for by pressing the letter keys on this. It's called a keyboard. Then you hit the button labeled 'enter'. Or you can use the mouse to click here on the screen." She points out the search button underneath the search bar.

[i_paladin]

If Paladin knew Adia's fear, she would reassure the woman fully that it was neither racist or inappropriate to find the tail thing cute. At least not in Paladin's mind and the tail does belong to her.

All these words, all this information! Internet browser, yes, yes, all you need to do is type in what you want to know. Interesting. "It would be very helpful if you could just speak to it and it would speak back, like you do with people." It would also be more familiar to the technologically illiterate. It doesn't seem as intimidating as it was before with proper coaching and encouragement.

Looking down at the keyboard Paladin's eyebrows raise, that's a lot of stuff right there. Pressing lips together Paladin clicks in the search bar and then looks down at the keyboard. With infinite care and slowness the Tiefling hunts and pecks like every single over 50 on the planet.

P-A-L-A-D-I-N

Then reads, as slowly as the pecking: "any of the twelve peers of..." and this is a word that Paladin must concentrate and stumble over as she sounds it out. "Charlemagne's court, of whom the count palatine was the chief. A knight renowned for heroism and chivalry. Ha!" A tail flick.

"Who is Ch-ar-lee-main? I have not heard of this person." A look at the woman sitting next to her and then at the computer screen. "What if this is not correct? I feel very strongly about this, Adia."

[chiron_survivor]

"You can do that with some computers. I had something like that on my phone. Um, that's a communications device, but it has a tiny screen, too. Like a miniature version of this. I haven't figured out if the computers here can do that or not. I prefer to type, anyway." You never know when you might need to ask something embarrassing.

It's interesting that Paladin's first internet search was Paladin. Adia has been tempted to search her name, on occasion, but she always chickens out at the last second, not sure she wants to know what she'll find. "Oh..." She reads over the description herself and frowns thoughtfully. "They're probably someone from Earth history. The internet searches tend to default to information about Earth. But the knight part sounds like you. It must mean the same thing."

[i_paladin]

"It seems like a reasonable thing to learn, typing, I mean, it just might mean that I take longer to ask a question. Can I ask any question?" Because that's kind of exciting, except when the realization comes based on Adia's next comment.

"Ah, yes," that's a little disappointing but not unexpected. "It makes sense that it should default to information not found in my world but in the world for which it is based. This of course means that it might not be terribly helpful for the things that are relevant to my world." Frowning slightly, Paladin rubs at her chin reading the blue words on the page and then carefully moves the arrow to the Wikipedia page and misclicks like before but fixes it easily enough to actually open the link.

Her teacher explained on clicking links, Paladin remembers these things.

"What else can I do? May I add information to this technology?"

[chiron_survivor]

Adia is relieved that she doesn't have to explain to Paladin the limitations of the search browser, although she feels bad that her friend won't be able to look up information about her own world. "It is a little annoying... for a place that is a crossroads for all realities, Earth seems to be the predominant one. But at least you'll be able to learn about the technology you find here."

"Um... in theory? Anyone can create content for the internet. I'm not sure how to go about that, though." The colonies had something similar to Wikipedia, but Adia never tried editing an article. Anything that Paladin adds about her world would likely get her banned for trolling, sadly. "Close out of the browser by clicking on that little red x there in the corner and I can show you what some of the other programs do."

[i_paladin]

Alternative reality theory: all the banned content on Wikipedia is actually beings from a different plane trying to fix what they see as complete inaccuracies.

Nodding, Paladin inches the arrow to the little X and closes out the program so the original background screen with all the icons comes back up. Taking her hand from the mouse, Paladin leans back slightly so Adia can take control if she wishes to.

[chiron_survivor]

Alternate reality theory accepted and approved!

Adia hesitates a moment before reaching across Paladin and taking control of the mouse. Paladin has already shown competence at moving the arrow key and clicking, it'll be faster for Adia to open the other important programs herself. "This one is called email. That's electronic mail. You can write letters and send them to anyone else who has an email account. This one is a chat program. It's a little like email, except you are sending short messages back and forth. It's more useful when both you and the other person are on a computer at the same time. You can get these messages on your PINpoint, too. You'll need a user name and password for both programs, and you'll sign in and out of them each time that you use them."

She looks over the other programs, to see if there are any worth noting. "This one is if you want to draw anything, or change something on a photograph, and this one is a card game." She squints at the screen. "I think the rest of these are games, actually."

[i_paladin]

Excellent!

That makes sense, it's like sending letters or quick magical messages but without the magic. This isn't wizardry this is technology! "How long does it take for the letters to get to their recipient? It looks fast..." But that's not to say there isn't some delay in getting a message to a person.

"Can I make a username and password now? I do not know how good I will be at giving myself a username." Paladin is fully aware that her naming abilities are - well lacking. "Once I get a username and password," a phrase the Tiefling appears to enjoy saying a lot. "I will get a PINpoint."

A card game? All of a sudden Paladin is very interested, Paladin is all about the card games. "Oh, it is solitaire," the disappointment is obvious. "For a number of years I made my living playing cards, I'm quite good at it." Playing might be a loose interpretation of what the Tiefling was doing with those cards.

[chiron_survivor]

"It's not instantaneous, but it's fast enough that it seems that way. The other person has to check their email to read what you wrote, though. The chat messages are more or less in real time."

"Sure, we can get you set up. You can even make one account for everything, so you don't have to memorize a bunch of passwords." She looks at Paladin thoughtfully. "Well, you want something you can remember, for both the username and password. It helps if you choose a descriptive username so people know who is emailing them. Mine is my name, but, um... well, you can try Paladin and see if it's taken. The computer will tell you if that name is already taken by someone else."

"You can find other card games online... I don't play games on the Nexus terminals, but I used to play some games at work, to kill time while I was waiting for an analysis to finish."