Dreams of the Quill

Reason #104 Flak should never be without internet.

A generic room in a generic cheap apartment in San Francisco, California
You are in your apartment in San Francisco, California. The only furniture of any consequence is your bed. The only other adornment of any consequence at the moment is your computer. There is various other stuff strewn around, but you are only peripherally aware of it. From across the room your computer invites you with the alluring smile of a display and input devices that say, “We can protect you from the discomfort you are sure to feel if you focus anywhere else.” Each pulse of the power LED is like a beckoning wink, tugging at you as you stand transfixed.

There is probably a door leading in some direction, but thanks to your computer you are blissfully unaware of it at the moment.

> i
You are currently in possession of a mild sense of euphoria related to your recent securing of your recently-secured job.

> use euphoria
That doesn’t work here.

> approach computer
You slide across the room towards your target, a glide with a touch of vain strut and euphoric bounce. Your target doesn’t move, waiting coolly for you to get within range.

You are slightly-more-than-peripherally aware of glasses here.

> use computer
That’s a bit hasty, don’t you think?

> slowly use computer
That’s a bit hasty, don’t you think?

> very slowly use computer
You know how to move real suave, but you also know when to use those suave moves, and you know the mood isn’t right yet.

> i
You are currently in possession of a mild sense of euphoria related to your recent securing of your recently-secured job.

> x computer
There are glasses here.

> take glasses
You heft the gargantuan aviator glasses onto your face and are momentarily overcome with self-love. Then you see again the computer screen gazing up at you, and you can’t help but smile. You’re so cool.

—- Aviator glasses added to inventory.

> use computer
Aw yeah! It’s time. You gently set your fingers on the keyboard, applying just a touch of pressure so that it knows you’re there. The screen beams up at you, lighting the whole room.

Your login screen - a screenshot used in your latest blog post - calls for you.
The computer reaches out and touches your wrist with a headphone cable.

> take headphones
There is momentary resistance as you give the headphone cable a little tug, before your computer offers up the two soft hemispheres of the headphones.

—- Headphones added to inventory.
—- You are now tethered to your computer.

Your login screen - a screenshot used in your latest blog post - calls for you.

> login
That’s a bit hasty, don’t you think?

> put on headphones
The headphones clip awkwardly around your ears, holding you warmly. You feel a deeper connection with the computer.

Your login screen - a screenshot used in your latest blog post - calls for you.

> login
(at computer) The login screen - a screenshot used in your latest blog post - has two text fields, for your username and password.

> type username
(at computer) You pound out your username like a homicidal psychopath revving a chainsaw.

> type [tab]
(at computer) You smirk a little as you drive the tab key home.

> type password
(at computer) You pound out your password like a homicidal psychopath revving a lawnmower.

> type [return]
(at computer) You smirk a little as you drive the return key home.

The login screen fades to your desktop, like a submissive nod accompanying the “Welcome home master, I await your command” that the character in your login screen screenshot was squeaking as you captured the screen capture.

> anthropomorphize computer more
You almost lose yourself, drifting into reverie for a moment. But it’s not yet time for that. Besides, you also still have that Aria Christmas Special that you’ve been saving. You patiently nod to yourself, “Later.”

A throbbing pulse in the lower left corner of the screen catches your eye.

> x pulse
(at computer) Your IRC client’s alert widgetamathing is trying to tell you something.

> click pulse
(at computer) With a touch your IRC client springs to life, filling your screen with the records of the days idolatry poured towards you by your fans. As a spinal reflex you run your hand through your hair and readjust the aviators. You’re so cool.

> enter channel
(at computer) You strike a pose as you visualize multicast TCP packets raising the curtain of your stage. The first message is coming through:

“What’s the good word, Jace?” asks Jeff.

It’s time.

> use euphoria
(at computer) With a flourish, you announce in reply,

“The topic is, LAW1 hired me finally! Woot! Party!!”

—- Stage Clear —-

—- Would you like to save your progress so far? (y/n)

> y

—- Progress saved

—- Proceed to the next stage? (y/n)

> y

—- Loading…
—- Loading….
—- Please wait….

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