synopsychic | Video

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I have the list for Travelers who have gone out of ambit. I haven't given this list for quite some time, given the extended period between the last two jaunts.

[There's no preamble - he doesn't like doing this and hasn't had a good week. He doesn't have anything to say he thinks people would want to hear, not right now.]

Daniel, Psiioniic, Rosalie, Richelle, Akihiko, *Hyun-ae, Hiroshi, both Marias, Liara, Souji, Istas, Altair, and Kohaku.

...I'm sorry.

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[hmmm. that's hard.]

It won't work if it's you, right? S-should we find someone else...? [she doesn't like that idea much... what if she's not any good?]

We don't need to find them - you can use it to imitate someone who's not around right now. And it can be me, if you want, it'll still work - it's just that it should be someone who has fairly distinctive body language and nonverbal communication. That way we'll know for sure whether or not it's working.

And it would probably be easier if it's someone you know pretty well, too. Can you think of someone like that? [It's up to her if she thinks his body language is distinctive, or if she feels close to him - he's not sure he can properly be the judge of either of those.]

...Can I try to do you...? [She's not sure she knows anyone here super well, not the way she'd be able to mimic Mystic Maya or Mr. Nick. But she's not sure what counts as 'distinctive' either.]

[He nods, his expression gentle. He tries to look reassuring.]

That's okay, if that's what you'd rather try. Can you try to picture some of my body language? Any little motions or quirks you've noticed? [He's not sure exactly what those would be - but she could have easily noted his precise movements and military posture, or the way he moves so he's constantly aware of his surroundings, even if she doesn't really understand them. They're unconscious to him, but probably fairly noticeable to those around him who aren't used to that sort of thing.]

It's easier if you can picture what kinds of things you're trying to imitate, and if you know the person. Once you figure it out and get a little better at it, you'll be able to start doing it without that, but we'll go for something easier on the first try.

Um... you stand kind like.. [She straightens her posture- Pearl doesn't exactly slouch, but she doesn't stand at attention like Armin does either.] this?

[Armin blinks for a moment, surprised, but then smiles warmly, nodding.] Yes, that's right. That'll work for now.

So you know how to use sensory eavesdropping - to use the network to tap into someone's perceptions. This is kind of like that, but you go one step further. When people use the network, over time they leave a sort of impression of themselves - kind of like a shadow. If you know where to find it, and how to recognize it, you can learn to tap into that too.

Does that make sense?

Edited 2018-03-11 08:55 (UTC)

[Pearl nods, biting her thumb.] I-I think so... [It's a little bit complicated, but... it's almost like channeling a part of someone and not their whole spirit. So she thinks she can do it.]

Okay. Well, if you know someone, it's easier to recognize their shadow on the network. It'll feel like them, though it may seem a little off at first because they're not all there.

And once you have that, thinking about their body language will help you find what you want from the shadow.

[Pearl nods.] So it is kind of like their spirit... just, um, when they're alive still.

[Armin stops for a moment to think at that.]

...I don't think I know spirits well enough to say whether that's true, but if it sounds like spirits to you I believe you.

Do you think you're ready to try it?

[Pearl nods.] Yeah. Should I just try?

We'll go slowly. First, find my presence on the network, and then move past to see if you can find the shadow behind it - or the spirit, if that's how you want to think about it.

[Pearl nods, closing her eyes and pressing her hands together in front of her face as if she were channeling. She can find him, she thinks, and... she thinks that's his spirit....]

Um... what should I do now?

Now think about my physical mannerisms - the way I stand, like you said, and how I walk, that kind of thing. And then try to see if you can find something that feels like that in the spirit. [It's not quite an accurate metaphor, but he'll go with it if it's what works for her.]

Ok...

[Pearl feels around in it, trying to see if she can find it. Gradually, her posture changes and her expression becomes more neutral, not nearly as bubbly as the young girl normally is. She still hasn't opened her eyes, though.]

If it working?

I think so. [Armin is happy for her, though the transformation also makes him sad to see. He knows it's an extremely temporary transformation, but even so, it's not one he wants to see on her. It feels like giving up a piece of her innocence.]

...Try opening your eyes and moving around a little. [After all, it's only useful if she can use it while behaving normally.]

Ok...

[She's a little bit unsure, but she does it, and it seems to be working. The way she walks is less bouncy, and in general the way she holds herself is much more like Armin than her.]

It's working! You just need to be a little more confident with it, but that will come with practice.

[He hides his unease at seeing her exhibit his body language, seeing her adjusting so she can see most of the room and is always aware of the exit. No, this should be a proud moment for her, and his demeanor reflects that - serious, but calm and pleased. He strides over to her, putting his hand on her shoulder in a gesture that is meant to be brotherly and encouraging.]

You're doing very well, Pearl. I'm not sure I've had a better student.

[Pearl breaks out of it, back to bouncing on her heels in an instant, clearly pleased by the praise.]

Thank you! And, um, thank you for teaching me...!

[Armin can't help but smile at that.]

You're very welcome. That's probably enough for today, but if you think you can practice that so you're really confident with it, I can teach you the others later. Can you do that for me?

[Pearl nods.] Yes! I'll do my best!

I know you will.

[He glances at what looks sort of like a complicated pocket watch.]

I guess it's getting pretty late. [By 9 year old standards, anyway.] Would you like me to leave so you can go to bed?

I-it's ok! I'm not-- [Pearl pauses, yawning widely.] ...sleepy.

All right. [Armin nods at her seriously, suppressing a smile.]

...Would you like me to read you a story?

O-oh! Um... yes please. If that's ok...

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