01

[ahumanfirst.livejournal.com]

So, this is a "computer." I think I've mastered its basic functions, but its purpose is for the most part beyond me. I'm sure it'll prove to be a very useful, if not unusual resource. Nevermind that there are more pressing matters at hand.

All I've gathered about this city thus far has been through word of mouth, thanks to its other inhabitants, so I see no need to recount it. All the same, I can't help but feel like there is something more to this "Babylon." That information is being withheld like this is... unsettling, to say the least.

Well, information does not just make itself known. I'll revisit this at a later date; in the meantime, I should make myself useful.

Comments

[reversebladed.livejournal.com]

Much of the technology here is strange, but quite useful when one becomes used to using it!

[ahumanfirst.livejournal.com]

So it seems. The information one can find here is helpful, to say the least.

[reversebladed.livejournal.com]

This "Googlepedia" of theirs has been a tremendous help in getting myself oriented here, although sometimes the terms it uses to explain things are also unfamiliar, and suddenly I realize I have spent three hours working my way backwards.

[ahumanfirst.livejournal.com]

... "Googlepedia?"

[reversebladed.livejournal.com]

It is an exceptionally useful repository of information, though learning to use it was a bit strange. I am not sure if I will ever be truly used to these computers.

[qinglongweiji.livejournal.com]

Oh? "Something more"?

[ahumanfirst.livejournal.com]

Yes, "something more." As in, there's something about this city I don't know yet.

[qinglongweiji.livejournal.com]

I assure you that it's a perfectly normal post apocalyptic metropolis.

[ahumanfirst.livejournal.com]

That hardly sounds normal.

[qinglongweiji.livejournal.com]

You don't think so? Why, may I ask, is that?

[ahumanfirst.livejournal.com]

Unless you come from a post-apocalyptic metropolis, then no. It's not normal.

[qinglongweiji.livejournal.com]

Perhaps I'm desensitized.

[ahumanfirst.livejournal.com]

So it would seem.

[yourmagician.livejournal.com]

Dude, you don't know what a computer is?

[ahumanfirst.livejournal.com]

Am I supposed to? ... "dude?"

[yourmagician.livejournal.com]

Don't tell me you're one of those Amish people.

[ahumanfirst.livejournal.com]

Of course not.

Your world must be different from mine; we don't have things like this where I am from.

[yourmagician.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah?

I can't really imagine a world without computers. They've been around as long as I've been here. Well, sorta. What kind of things do you have in your world?

[ahumanfirst.livejournal.com]

Yes.

Nothing like this. The technology here makes information readily available to whoever wants it; things in my world aren't so... automatic. For one thing, our journals require pen and paper.

[yourmagician.livejournal.com]

Dude... That's-- hardcore. Well not to say that we don't use pen and paper where I come from but at least we don't have to solely depend on it.

[ahumanfirst.livejournal.com]

You could say that. Though to be honest, this method is much more convenient.

What else does your world have, if I may ask?

[yourmagician.livejournal.com]

Well that's technology for you. Convenience.

Uhh... A lot of other things, I guess. We have movies, video games, comic books, TV, cellphones, electricity, running water, an indoor toilet, automatic doors, books online, online stores, online games, central air...

[ahumanfirst.livejournal.com]

...

I see.

[yourmagician.livejournal.com]

A bit overwhelming?

[ahumanfirst.livejournal.com]

Just a bit.

[yourmagician.livejournal.com]

Then I bet telling you that we've put man on the moon would be a bit mind blowing as well.

[ahumanfirst.livejournal.com]

...

[yourmagician.livejournal.com]

You okay there? Brain's not melting is it?

I hear that's bad for you.

[reversebladed.livejournal.com]

[yourmagician.livejournal.com]

H-hey, I don't need a collection of mind blown people now.

[reversebladed.livejournal.com]

Ah, my apologies!

[yourmagician.livejournal.com]

So you're not from the age of technology either, I take it?

[reversebladed.livejournal.com]

You are correct! I am from Japan, during the Meiji Restoration.

[yourmagician.livejournal.com]

Meiji Restoration?

That's... quite some time ago.

[reversebladed.livejournal.com]

I seem to be in the minority here. Most people I have talked to come from much later.

[yourmagician.livejournal.com]

Man, I wish I'd have met you sooner. I bet you could have helped me with my history homework.

By the way, what's your name exactly?

[reversebladed.livejournal.com]

I doubt I would be much help for anything beyond Meiji politics, but that much, at least, I know well!

My name is Himura Kenshin. It is a pleasure to meet you.

[yourmagician.livejournal.com]

You'd be surprised at the weird questions that teachers ask.

Himura... I can't say that I've heard of you but it's really nice to meet you too. I'm Tomochika Kenji.