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Who: Takakage Kobayakawa

thirdarrow & Abe no Sousei

deontology
When: Some time before the intro log
Where: An appliance store at the shopping district
What: Senpai teaches Kouhai all about technology.
Rating/Warning: Not yet. No robots have started maiming people.

The colony still felt foreign to him, even after he was introduced to it a second time. For some reason, the pervasiveness of electronics is unsettling - even though the droids are built to be humanlike, they somehow lacked the spark of life in their eyes that would have marked them out as true flesh and blood. As humanoid as they are, they are not humans. They lacked emotion. And after a full day dealing with robots, he needed some actual human company.

He summons Awanagi before leaving the workplace, careful to do it discreetly and out of the way of anyone who might find it alarming. The Persona trailed him like a shadow, occasionally holding things while he placated transport readers with cards and other identification. He couldn't return to his apartment just yet, though - the microwave needed replacing. For some reason, it had vanished during his absence.

The shopping district is more crowded than usual, given that it is now after office hours. It takes him a while to navigate through its streets, finally locating a more reputable store for appliances and actually getting to its entrance. Fending off a welcome droid, he casts his eyes around the huge department floor - and his gaze falls on one of the people he would least expect to come here.

From what body language he could perceive at this distance, there seems to be some confusion in Sousei's countenance. The strategist quickly makes his way over - if Sousei hasn't noticed him in his approach, he would call for the other's attention politely.

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He really doesn't mean to be as confused as he is, but Sousei can't deny that he stopped and paused for a reason, and that's because...

Well, it's impossible for someone from the 1800's to be particularly adept at deciding the merits of various rice cookers. He didn't even know rice cookers were a thing like this. It sounds like a pretty convenient thing in concept (especially since neither him nor Tenka can cook), but in execution... There's a whole shelf of them, and he doesn't even necessarily understand the jargon already present on one single box.

This is a Conundrum if ever he's seen one.

That said, despite his concentration, he does notice when someone comes closer to him, and he looks up--he can't help but be tense here even now, because there's a lot he doesn't trust about the place--but he does relax fractionally at the familiar face.

He nods, a short, succinct greeting. "Kobayakawa."

"Master Abe." He returns the greeting in a similar fashion, noting the tension in Sousei's movements. However, he doesn't comment on it straight away.

From the looks of his surroundings, Sousei seems to be perusing some rice cookers. An attendant hovers some distance away, its LED eyes a clear indication of its non-human nature. It doesn't come any closer, even when Takakage arrives - and it's probably for the best, too. Being capable of only rote information, it probably yielded little useful information.

"Have you had your eye on anything?" He says this evenly, as an opener. If Sousei needed help, he could provide it, but if not he could just passively observe.

Honestly, aside from the general use of all of these appliances, they're not strictly necessary for Sousei or Tenka's living situation. But holing themselves up and living the way they did back home would not help in getting used to this place, or dealing with the things that so many people here took for granted.

Sousei inclines his head slightly, more an acknowledgement of Takakage and the conversation than an actual 'yes'.

"Not as such. I was attempting to gain a better understanding of the technology here."

It's...slow going, as could be imagined, even as he returns his gaze to the boxes and all of that information on them. Some of these words he has never heard of before... how complicated.

That is to be expected. He had experienced a similar issue himself when he first came to Hinoto-Ri. Luckily, some of the residents and visitors were kind enough to give him guidance.

"I see." Rice cookers are useful inventions, yes. Especially given that Japanese cuisine relied quite heavily on the ingredient.

"I could help you, if you'd like. I have some knowledge of them."

Okay, perhaps 'some' is an understatement, at this point, but he is confident of his ability to explain things thoroughly.

As he'd expected, Takakage can at least explain these sorts of things...which is odd in and of itself, honestly, because Sousei knows Takakage should be from even earlier back than him, but...well, nothing really makes sense here anyway. That's one of those things he just has to accept at this point.

And so he nods once, slowly, and responds with, "I would appreciate the assistance."

He slides his gaze back to the shelf then, frowning lightly, before glancing back at Takakage.

"What technology would you consider indispensable?"

That... depends.

"It would vary according to what level of comfort, or dependence, you wish to have on them." He replies after a short pause. "Most vital devices have already been installed in our homes, such as networking, air conditioning, and sanitary appliances. Cooking and the like can be done without much technology, only a gas hob or an induction cooker - but devices such as these -" he indicates the rice cookers "- can save a lot of time. They are generally quite reliable."

Generally being a relative term, of course. These had more basic circuitry, and would only fail in case of a city-wide error or grid problem.

It's not a bad answer, at least; it's informative--though also rather oddly deflective. Sousei tilts his head slightly, acknowledging Takakage's answer.

But then, after glancing over the rice cooker, he turns back to Takakage, responding simply, "What would you yourself consider indispensable?"

Perhaps he was unclear--but to Sousei, having the opinion of someone who comes from a similar world, if an even earlier time, should help him come to his own conclusions.

That is a difficult question to answer.

"Personally, I try to rely as little on technology as possible. Most of the basic necessities are already installed in our apartments. I only purchased an induction cooker and one of these -" he indicates the rice cookers "- as well as an oven. Nothing else." These are mostly basic appliances, those that would be used on modern day Earth, and he knows how exactly they work. If they malfunctioned, he would know how to repair them.

"But of course, using some of their other specialized devices can help too. Clothes driers, vacuum cleaners, the like." He had no use for the former, seeing that he can dry his garments with magic, and his meticulous cleaning made the latter obsolete.

It's the answer he was expecting, in a way. And it's reassuring too. Relying on as little technology as possible seems like a wise choice, especially in a place like this, and if they don't need more than the basics... then Sousei can adapt to that more easily.

He nods simply at that. "I see. That is helpful."

It's good to know. And he's honestly used to dealing with clothing and keeping places clean, even without fancy modern inventions. That much is fine. ...And a pause, and he hesitates, looking back at the rice cookers.

... okay so maybe one of these then, but...? He still has no idea which, even if that doesn't show on his face so much as in his hesitation.

They are on the same page, then. That makes things much easier.

"It is. But again, I would advise as little reliance as possible. It may prove to be troublesome when they fail." And seeing how the city had done so far, failing not once but twice - he is starting to feel that this lack of reliance is something necessary rather than by choice.

Noting Sousei's expression, he moves a little closer to the cookers.

"Do you intend to purchase one? I can do some basic recommendations, if you would prefer. Do you only need plain rice, or are you interested in making sushi or other food items?"

That doesn't bother Sousei much at all. He doesn't need a lot of technology, coming from what time he did. Still...with how useless both he and Tenka are at cooking. Which...also answers that question for him, too.

He simply shakes his head, responding quietly, "Simpler is better. I don't need much more than that."

But yes, he supposes he may as well buy one. They're not hurting for money, and maybe he can use it to help him adapt. Maybe.

That makes sense, yes. Sousei may be confused by more complex devices.

"Alright." There seem to be more varieties of these things, since the last time he checked. With more functions, too. He himself used one that could cook rice fit for sushi, but its additional functions might be too troublesome for the other man. "Just a moment, please."

He looks through the various boxes stacked around... oh dear. Most of them come with steamers, which he supposes Sousei can handle, but they lack clear identifying buttons or explanations. A good minute's search turns out none of the simplistic model he remembers seeing. Perhaps the brand he uses can suffice.

"This is the one I purchased." He indicates the three-tiered model on display. "It has steaming functions, but it can be used without said functions. So far, it has been reliable."

Sousei is a patient person; he certainly doesn't mind waiting while Takakage tries to figure out which rice cooker is best. It seems like such a simple, pointless diversion, but in all honesty, this is what their life is going to be like from now on here. And so Sousei watches him carefully, looking for any patterns or explanations as to where Takakage gravitates to.

But then, that works just fine too. One that he will figure out, somehow, because he is certainly determined to do that. ~~And it's red, Tenka will like that~~.

So he nods simply, picking up the box and inspecting it carefully--not because he distrusts Takakage's choice, but because he's trying to figure out the symbols and vague explanations himself. Hm. This is going to take some work, but at least he can do that.

Probably.

"I see. Thank you for your assistance; I will give them a try, then." And hopefully they can make rice, though that is a test almost more of their cooking skills than their ability to understand technology...sadly.

Men usually do not cook. At least, that was the customs of his time, and it should be the customs of Sousei's time as well. But there are always exceptions to every rule, and if Sousei was lucky he could use it effectively without much mishap.

"No need to thank me, it's the least I can do." He says this with a slight shake of his head. "There should be an instruction manual packaged within the box, but I suppose you would need some sort of explanation on how it works."

And of course he doesn't wait for Sousei to reply before launching into said explanation.

"These devices rely on generating steam to cook food. I have not investigated the inner workings of this particular piece, but devices of this sort usually employ some sort of pressurizing phase as well. When you use it, please ensure that your hands are dry, and that no water comes into contact with the plugs or inner walls. Water conducts electricity, and electrical shorts are quite harmful. Also, remember to close the lid tightly when you turn it on. Sometimes, if you do not, the device goes ahead and starts attempting to generate steam anyway. It can be quite alarming."

Truly, with the Yamainu's living situation, they should have all tried harder to learn how to cook--but they'd never really had the time, and there had always been more important things, and...well, there was always sauce to mask the taste of the food none of them had ever gotten the hang of making.

Still. Sousei's not quite disciplined enough to not wistfully think of Soramaru's cooking for a moment.

"I understand." Honestly, even though he doesn't entirely understand, it's the only proper response he can give. He suspects that the rest he won't understand until he actually gives it an attempt on his lonesome. Commence operation: learn how to use a rice cooker... he supposes....

He tucks the box under his arm, somehow managing to make shopping for appliances look as official as everything else he does. "Have you come here for a purpose?" He didn't mean to hold Takakage up, after all, but maybe he can help in return somehow.

Back in their homeland, cooking was definitely not something expected of daimyo. It was a task assigned to the servants and perfected by them, seeing that it was a way of honouring their lord and brushing up on their hospitality. However, living for three years alone at a nexus city has made the necessity of cooking skills all too apparent, and Takakage's meticulous nature gave him a head-start on learning how to acquire said skills. At this point he is definitely no gourmet, but he can make food if it was needed.

As they say, necessity is the mother of invention. And now that even the very world around them has become unreliable, this fact has become all the more important.

But back to Sousei's question.

"Ah, not exactly. I came out for a walk. Exercise is good for an office worker's health, after all." Though he had another motive in mind - to see if this place could yield anymore information. "And perhaps a little research, too. But so far, no luck."

A walk...? Not exactly the answer he was expecting, quite honestly, though he supposes he can see the purpose behind it. Keeping an eye on things around the city was only possible via walking, truthfully. It wasn't as if they could trust anything else but their own eyes at this point, despite (or maybe especially due to) the prevalence of technology.

"I see." Sousei nods simply in response to that, glancing around the shop for a moment longer before deciding this purchase is more than enough to begin with. They can walk and talk, he presumes.

...So Takakage is an office worker. In a way, it seems sacrilegious. Daimyo of historical fame, working in an office and shuffling papers...

"That is one of the careers they offered you?"

After his two years in Hinoto-Ri, Takakage has learned how easily technology can be fooled. Or perhaps, used to fool others. Even his own two eyes may not be safe from tampering, but he would rather trust it than news transmitted over the network.

He accompanies Sousei as the man heads in the direction of the cashier. There is a sign overhead, but it seems to be quite a long way. At the question of careers, he chuckles a little - though it's more of an awkward laugh than anything.

"Well, yes. And it was, ah, the least embarrassing one. The other two were of... let's just say dubious nature."

Granted, he is very good looking, but those offers were certainly unnecessary.

But anyway.

"What about you?"

Edited 2014-12-11 13:37 (UTC)

That...sounds just like this place, honestly. Sousei pauses for a moment at that, though none of his shock (if he even is shocked) bleeds through to his face or in his tone. Instead, he nods simply, steadily making his way towards the front of the store.

"I understand." Mostly. He understands for certain that he doesn't want to know what "dubious" means in this context, or he might actually get irritated all over again by this place.

"As for myself... I currently act as a kendo instructor." Yep. It's not exactly that it's degrading so much as that he hasn't found students worth taking on here, but nonetheless-- "It is something more familiar in a place like this."

Sousei's lack of surprise is something commendable. It has been quite a while since he has met someone else so capable of keeping his calm. Given the tumult of this world they were in, it is definitely a benefit. Who knew what threats CERES would throw at them?

He inclines his head at the other's explanation. Sousei's lack of familiarity with technology would explain him not receiving an offer for office work, and given the trends of this realm being a Kendo Instructor could be considered one of the luckier options.

"How are you with familiarizing yourself with the technology here?" It's quite important to be up to speed, just in case. "I can help you with the more complicated machinery. Of course, it isn't necessary to use them, but a knowledge of their intended functions and inner workings might come in handy."

In case they mutinied, or something similar.

Edited 2014-12-12 14:56 (UTC)

So far he hasn't seen anything that would contend with the Orochi, though it's certainly getting close. Regardless, Sousei simply nods quietly in response to that, glancing around the store. Assistance isn't necessarily a bad thing, and he certainly appreciates the offer, as much as he wishes that he was able to be completely independent in this. He's too used to being lone wolf, or working solely with his team, to find it easy to have to depend on others now--even someone as clearly trustworthy as Takakage.

But none of that shows on his face, and he doesn't hesitate when he responds, saying simply, "I've familiarized myself with the technology in the apartment buildings." If it was going to be something he was going to be living with, he was definitely going to understand it, even if it took him all day of messing with it to figure it out. The library, too, has been invaluable.

"Otherwise, I have taken to learning about things as I come across them." It's hardly the most efficient way, but...well, there are other things to worry about, too.

Takakage nods as Sousei speaks. The man's practicality and attentiveness have always come in handy, and it would hopefully last throughout their possible stay here.

"There are other machines about as well, not only those in the apartment buildings. This colony employs robots in almost every sector." He replies after a short pause. "If you are to use public facilities, I would advise checking them before operating them. They have failed once before."

And it was... not just inconvenient.

"For the record, the restroom cleaning droids rebelled and came out from the sewers. If it was a large-scale mutiny, it would be a colony-wide problem, but the defective code from a previous event may still be retained in some models."

... Robots. Robots rebelling from the restrooms. Robot assassins coming after them as newcomers. Sousei is rapidly deciding that he doesn't like robots. But much more pressing than just his own likes or dislikes are things like "colony-wide problems", which would definitely put a dampener on anyone's day.

He wants to ask 'why do they use these robots if they can't control them?', but he knows it's not the right question. Either they can control them and choose not to, or they're really that incompetent. Instead--

"Are there any among us who can...fix robots like those?" If they can find people who can deal with the bots at the bots' level, it would be better than just trying to hack them to bits if it did happen.

Robots can be useful, but only in the correct hands. Right now, Takakage shares Sousei's distaste. They are certainly not deployed in the correct manner in this colony - he has definitely seen better in Hinoto-Ri.

"Currently, no. I have asked around, but it seems most of us are more proficient with magic than with metal." Which is interesting. He has met quite a few capable engineers, but they did not come over from the nexus city. "Perhaps we may have more luck once the next wave arrives." If they did.

Or this may be a sign that it was time they should look into it themselves. "I have conducted some studies in my spare time, but my knowledge is not at a level where I can tinker safely with them."

Which means he should... brush up on that soon.

Magic users... he hadn't expected that, though Sousei supposes that is something he's going to have to get used to. Not that magic is a completely foreign subject, not in the least with his bloodline as it is, but the fact that there are quite a few people with magic is going to require getting used to.

Along the same vein as how vampire Shinsengumi is going to take getting used to. Nobody mentioned that one back home.

Still, even if they were to have more luck with the next wave of captives, Sousei's of the same mind as Takakage; he shakes his head simply, answering, "There is no guarantee if we do that. It would be more logical for all of us present to try to learn as much as we can ourselves."

Maybe someone will have a talent for robot dismantling... you never know. Regardless, by this point they've reached the registers; he's at least gotten used to shopping in this fashion, so it's only a matter of moments before he's purchased the rice cooker. After all, it's not like he's hurting for money, even if he still keeps a pretty close watch on it.

Magic is something very sparse in their world. Takakage himself had the potential to channel a few simple spells, but it was only after years of study that he could produce something more than mere light shows. Arcane arts seem to have died out in the era of modernity - perhaps for the greater good. It could be devastating in the wrong hands.

It did come as a surprise to him as well, when the existence of other planes became known. Many of them carried individuals with far more spellcasting power, often unmatchable even if he tried to learn their craft. If anything, this has taught him about the dangers of superhuman abilities, and the importance of intellect to counter what his magic cannot.

"Of course." He inclines his head at Sousei's words. "Internal mechanisms aside, robots have a rather regular operating system, dictated by their code. This is often what malfunctions, I find." Interference and hacking are the two biggest causes.

Well, magic or not, it seemed technological savvy was what was going to win the day here. Shame he wasn't better at it, but Sousei knew very well that he'd have to take it a little at a time and simply do his best with what he could manage. If they all did so, perhaps they would be better prepared in the future.

And if not, at least he knew that smashing through them with a sword was still viable, even if more difficult than with a human opponent.

"...Their competence with their own machinery matters little if it is purposeful interference." Sousei doesn't say if he means purposeful interference from others, as they'd claimed with the clowns, or purposeful interference from the city itself, with how undependable they all seem to be. He figures he doesn't really need to, and better to not say too much than to regret half-understood conjecture now.

The mechanical nature of robots made them more difficult to combat than human opponents, but it also gave them new weaknesses. It would be something they could exploit.

"That is true. Then that would bring into question the reliability of everything." Not that it wasn't already questioned, but if they were fighting some other unseen third party other than the supposed Flamines... it could greatly complicate things.

"For now, what we can do is learn more about everything and keep our friends safe." Sousei has people he knows from home here, yes?

Friends.... Right. One partner, one acquaintance, two ancestors. However that...works...

Nonetheless, the point is well-made, and he understands what Takakage is getting at. It gets a simple nod in response from Sousei, even as he considers the city around them. Even now, it's easy for him to get turned around here, due to the sheer size and quantity of the buildings. Even Tokyo is nothing like this--

From his time, anyway. He's suspecting it'll change.

Right. This way. This is the way he'll have to go. "Yes, that's correct. I will be cautious." Sousei shakes his head a moment later, continuing simply, "For now, it is enough to not become complacent."

And it will change. Tokyo will eventually become the largest city in the world, at least in population - a dense network of streets and buildings that even a Persona probably could not map. Sure, there are problems that arise with density, but Takakage is optimistic. Their people have always picked themselves up after disasters, whether natural or by man's folly - and there is no reason that they will not continue to do so.

The strategist follows Sousei as they make their way down the streets. He is content to let silence sit between them for a while, simply looking around and taking in their location.

But he does speak up after a while, to ask something that had been on his mind ever since they were introduced to each other.

"Pardon the abrupt question, but - I have not heard of the organization you lead, not even in my readings." And he does read up a lot about the future - now history - of their land. "Can you tell me about it, or is it something that is not meant to be public?"

He takes care to give Sousei an opening in case it is the latter.

It is a curious thing, to know that someone who has studied history still does not know about them. Granted, Sousei's not particularly bothered by it, because that had always been their intention--to be the nameless heroes protecting the nation behind the scenes, unknown and unthanked. But to know that they succeeded...

Well, that's good enough for him.

Still, in a place like this, speaking to a historical figure from times long past, it's pretty obvious to Sousei that extra secrecy is unnecessary. There are things he will keep to himself still, of course; he's the cautious, close-lipped sort. But the Yamainu...?

"We, the Yamainu, are the hounds created to protect the nation." That much is easy, Sousei knows. It's what they are to everyone back home. The Orochi, on the other hand...the fact that they were created to deal with that threat in particular? That's to be kept secret. "We are intended to remain an unknown organization. I am relieved to hear that it is so."

That explains a lot. Which also meant that he probably should not pry - but as someone who had watched over the land in his time, assisting with keeping the peace of Western Japan - he cannot help but feel that he would be entitled to know about it as well.

But no matter. It probably was not relevant during his time, and in his current state that knowledge would be worthless. He cannot go back, after all.

"I see." He inclines his head slightly, looking thoughtful. "Your task has been done well, then. The land is at peace, even after our time." Again, time traveling and reading shenanigans. "Our people are lucky to have you."

He says this with little shame. It is the truth, after all.

It's...more praise than they've ever gotten, and more than he ever expected, too. Sousei had lived his early life being told that his entire purpose was to live until the Orochi appeared--and then, if necessary, to die. Tenka had given him more than that, and had given him the dream he clings to even now, all of those years ago.

To be the nameless heroes that would be able to protect people. To give his life meaning. So to hear praise like this...well, it gives him pause. It's...strange. Certainly not bad, and surely Takakage knows that that's not why he's doing this, but...

Not bad, no. If only the other Yamainu were here, to properly receive that praise. "...Thank you. I would not be able to do it alone. My team is not here, and so I will accept the praise on their behalf."

There's the heavy implication there that if his team ever does show up, they deserve to hear it in person, admittedly. The Yamainu are important, okay. It's basically his life.

That, too, is something Takakage can understand. Teamwork is important, after all, and it is how humans could achieve what they could not as individuals. Just as an army depended on its strategist, a strategist also depends on his allies. He would be defenseless without warriors to protect him, and he needed their strength to get things done.

"If they do arrive, I will be sure to thank them as well, then." On behalf of his generation, he means. He knows all too well the importance of passing the baton to the right people. His son being a very good negative example.

Which meant it was all the more important that they return home as soon as they can. It would be something that needed working towards.

Sousei is pleased that Takakage understood his underlying meaning, at least. The Yamainu were formed not for praise and acknowledgement, but...there is nothing wrong with receiving praise and acknowledgement. They deserve it, for the hard work they do, and it means more from someone else from the country than from their own captain, at the very least.

But aside from that, he simply nods.

The country has been entrusted to them, and they won't allow it to fall into ruin, whether by the Orochi or these apparent extraterrestrial threats. Unfortunately, it also means he doesn't have much to say in response to that, being as naturally taciturn as he is. Hope you weren't expecting an enthralling conversation, Takakage...

The strategist himself is content with the silence - unnecessary words let slip too many things, after all. Perhaps they would discuss some of the more important issues at hand on their way home, but for now there is no need to speak.

And off they go, navigating the grids of this colony, two small dots out of place on the street.

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