[handmaiden of unsheathed swords] audio posted:

[darkeststars]

[ There's a businesslike voice on the network that only some of you will recognize -- clearly filtered through the translator, and fortunately not interrupted by too many moans. ]

So I imagine I probably know the answer to this, but hope springs eternal: Did anyone else come here with technology?

Not all of my things are useful at the moment, but they do appear to be working. We should continue to keep proper tabs on our collective supplies.

Comments

[beitangmoran]

It is, yes. I suppose in a pinch, you could use it as a blunt object, but I really would rather not, if at all possible.

[darkeststars]

Yes, throwing instruments at the undead doesn't strike me as an ideal deterrent, though I suppose no one's yet tried talking them into a new hobby of soothing musical performances. [ that same dry drawl in his voice again ]

But I will note you down as a swordfighter then? Seems we're trying to keep a collective tally of that now as well. What do I call you?

[beitangmoran]

That's probably a good idea. And yes, I am a competent sword fighter.

[darkeststars]

Noted. We seem to have an embarrassment of riches in that respect-- And not to repeat myself, but what do I call you? Hope you won't be the second person today to give me a twenty-minute runaround for your name. And here I thought I was cautious.

Are you some kind of... performer back home...? [ he's never personally met anybody who did music, maybe they all go around armed for all he knows. He's certainly witnessed enough live bands in absolute dive cantinas where you probably want a weapon at your side at all times. ]

[beitangmoran]

My apologies, I am still getting used to speaking to people who I cannot see. I am starting to get the knack of it but it's still new.

My name is Beitang Moran. You may call me Chen Wang if that is too hard to say.

[Because, he's found out, a lot of people find it hard to say.]

And no, not at all. I have performed on occasion, but it's not a regular occupation, simply part of the education of any high born gentleman, and I do enjoy it a lot.

so sorry this is late!! I missed the email

[darkeststars]

Beitang, then...? [ He's not sure which name etiquette demands he go with here, but when in doubt, the first one is usually a good guess. His pronunciation isn't flawless, but quite passable for somebody whose words are clearly being filtered through the quartz translator. ]

Call me Archeval. And believe me, you're certainly not the only one struggling with the -- 'technology' here. [ he can't help the sardonic tone of voice. Talking to so many people who don't know what a commlink or a starship is has been a mental adjustment for him just as much as anything else in this place. ]

But I suppose having several melee fighters in our corner is not nothing. Competent units have formed from less.

it's not, I only answered yesterday

[beitangmoran]

One would normally use my full name to address me. Chen Wang is another title and it's shorter, most people find it easier to say.

[And then there's Xunxian who calls him 'Moran', but Xunxian is special.]

We can protect those who cannot defend themselves if need be... although most in our little group seem to be doing alright in that regard. I don't think anyone is totally defenseless.

[darkeststars]

Titles? I see. [ his voice goes a little more dry ] In that case, know that you are speaking to Darth Imperius, Chen Wang. I will try to be polite. [ is that a sentence any other Sith Lord has said ever in the past millennium? Questionable. ]

As a combat unit this group could certainly function -- presuming everyone is willing to fight and capable of taking orders anyway-- [ the words are a sardonic drawl again ] But our ranged and defensive capabilities seem more lacking, at least among those I've talked to thus far. If we're out of here relatively quickly, I suppose with luck it won't come up. [ his tone probably betrays how much he thinks of the idea of 'luck', though. ]

[beitangmoran]

[Moran's voice stays genially pleasant.]

Your effort is very much appreciated, Darth Imperius.

[Is that sarcasm? he said it with a straight face.]

Let us hope we will manage to leave before the deadline that is coming to us.