themainframe | ✬ 001; video [during the morning of the 6th!]

They say this place is both the Real World and the Digital World-- but I'm wondering what exactly constitutes the "Real World" in this place.

[A loaded statement for a first post, but Hope's got a lot of questions and little answers.]

One would assume it's the world we come from, but it's very obviously not from the looks of this place. I spent my first couple of days searching and researching, though the scripts are unfamiliar to me, thus I'm unable to read the texts at all.

I'm not a philosophical person by any means [actually it was one subject he had trouble wrapping his head around back in school] so I apologize for all the deep thinking. I just have a lot of questions that have no answers-- which I imagine is the norm when arriving here.

My name is Hope Estheim, by the way. Good morning.

You need to stop thinking too much.

[The speaker of that particular line is nowhere to be found, but Hope looks down, somewhere at his feet, and well. His partner is off-screen, obviously.]

I like thinking, actually.

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... [There's a long moment of silence as Armin opens his mouth and then keeps it open, trying to think this through.

He has never heard of a "power source." He can definitely figure out what that must mean, but the power he thinks of are powers like the titans'. But he knows this man must not be talking about political power or titans' powers. What does that mean in this case, then. Electricity is energy?]

I didn't receive it from any one person.

What does it mean to run on something?

[A frown. How in the world is he going to explain basic science classes of his world to someone who has absolutely no idea what electricity even is?]

To "run on" means to work with the assistance of energy.

Have you seen lightning before?

I have. During storms... and some other occasions.

Are they related?

Lightning is electricity. [Or well, one form of it. No need to confuse the kid more.] Lightning is generated-- created-- if the atmosphere is right for it.

It's largely destructive, as you may know, as is electricity itself, but when generated, used and controlled correctly, electricity can be harnessed in a number of ways, most prominently as a power source for machines.

[It's difficult to understand, but he tries to put it into words he understands. He thinks of what he associates lightning with the most as of late, the absolute and dangerous power he feels from them, and thinks of those who had controlled that power. The things they were capable of with that control, how precise and impressive that was even though he thought their actions more than despicable. Great power, though possibly dangerous, when controlled could be a useful tool. Is that what it was? It's strange to associate anything with titans.]

... Do you think electricity is what powers the world that they call the "digital" world, then?

It's not that simple.

My short answer would be a "maybe", as I still need to gather facts about this world, and not just speculation. My long answer... my long answer would be too long. [He is going to hold off on explaining digital space and electronics for now.]

If it isn't an inconvenience to you, I would like to hear your long answer sometime.

My name is Armin Arlert. I come from a society where technology like this, as well as much knowledge considered common sense by most people here, is unfamiliar, even foreign. There is a lot here I have never heard of and shouldn't stay ignorant of.

There would be more you'd need to know before I can give my long answer, considering it's very technical and contains jargon. You may have to learn more, but I'm willing to help, if you'd like.

If that wouldn't be trouble.

I am not the only one from my world, here. There's one more person -- for him too, I want to know as much as I can about what exists here so we'll know how to react when necessary.

This kind of information may be better off learned bit by bit. That's how I've learned-- lessons in school and experience.

... I don't know if schooling is an available option for us. Do you think there will be books on these topics, though?

No, I meant I can tell you what I know, but bit by bit.

... If you do not mind, then I would like that. However, I'm sure I can attempt to do some learning on my own as well.

Of course. Learning is not done just through formal lessons after all, and honestly I would encourage you to discover things on your own.

Thank you, Hope. [He hopes you don't have a title, or that you wouldn't mind even if he didn't call you by one because he doesn't know.]

Are there any times that I may be able to speak to you?

Any time would be fine, even at night. [Considering he doesn't sleep much anymore? Being called up at night would definitely be okay.]

Don't be shy about it-- my schedule is not a regular one.

Thank you, sir.

How about... tomorrow night? Are you in the newcomers' housing building as well?

Edited 2013-10-16 05:23 (UTC)

Tomorrow night would be fine. I'm in that housing as well, so really. Anytime.

Thank you. I will message you tomorrow evening, then.

✬ 001; video [during the morning of the 6th!]

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