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The night ended as smoothly as Nyar expected it to. Jane actually fell asleep in the car on the way back home from Cider de' Gal, of where Nyar's wallet was emptied to his expectations. Nyar's estimation of the cost was spot on, but luckily from that, Danny learned how delicate someone's personal economy can be in the real world. After a short moment to the bedrooms, everything else was prepared for the night, and Nyar made sure food and water were abundant for tomorrow morning.
As nothing else had to be done, Nyar caught himself some sleep. The morning afterwards was more exciting than the last one was... No, that's actually just Jane, and her unyielding hyperactive energy. Nyar woke to find everyone eating cereal and milk like normal human beings in the dining room with how early it was. Jane and Danny were actually having whatever talk they were about something, exciting enough to make the three of them laugh together in response. Nyar couldn't complain seeing how much happier Danny was becoming after so long before.
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<02/16/1972 – 07:30 | Manhattan, New York, United States>
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With the sun just rising past the horizon through the obstructed view of the curtains of the living room and the naked blinds of the dining room, Nyar knew it was about thirty minutes past 07:00 hours. While it would be early to set up the workshop of technology, he also recalled having today off work with no current pending cases. That would give him plenty of time to freshen up in the bathroom, set up the laptop, fix the TV, and perhaps plan to go somewhere afterwards on the same day. At least it won't be boring.
As the time shifted forward to 09:00, Nyar came out into the dining room again with a case in his hands. He began unpacking his portable computer, a V-Tech laptop set up with a power cord and a small screen size. The bulky material wasn't ahead of its time, though portable computers were becoming increasingly popular since a few years ago from technological innovation.
Danny and his team gathered their wooden chairs closer by sliding to the edge of the table where Nyar set up the device. Though everyone knew what this was about, there was a large delay due to the time of booting and the loading time of the entire system. Upon waiting, Nyar decided to break down the method for them despite being unable to presently show anyone a demonstration.
"Using online services is not required to apply for a job," Nyar stressed with his arms crossed. "But it does make it easier for us since it cuts the time it takes to go to each place individually. I'll navigate you to the web page of a job finding app, and filter the settings so that it only shows part time jobs only."
Danny wanted a lot more information than this. What kind of jobs are there to apply for in New York? Something also told him that this question would soon be answered by the same online service.
"What kinds of jobs do they have?" Jane wasn't so patient, and Nyar was forced to come up with something since it was Jane asking.
"They have a job position for everything. Jane? I suspect you may be suited for something like pizza delivery, or a babysitting service." Oddly enough, Jane didn't reply. She wasn't as readable today as she was before, and it was impossible to tell if his suggestion offended her or made her ponder what it would be like.
By the time the system booted with everyone now paying close attention, Nyar launched the internet app, and waited for the system to connect online through the Ethernet cable. Since that would take another good minute, he cleared away the dishes of empty bowls on their behalf. When he came back, Concave Browser running from a Linux OS transferred to the home page; the search engine of Aegis Online Indexing.
Naturally, Nyar handled the controls from there. He navigated to the job finding online website known as Asper. When that loaded, it was finally demonstration time for the three of them. "I trust you know how to use a basic keyboard and mouse. So from this website, you can key in any search word to the finder bar and pull up related job postings within a twenty mile radius." Though relatively new to the online community, Nyar understood how it worked completely, trusting Danny to figure it out with haste of his own.
"Say I want to apply to be a host at this restaurant right here." Nyar found a random restaurant posting section. After left clicking it once, the page pulled up the details for the specific business with more options. The drop down menu showed only a few positions, but Nyar chose a host as an example. "I would select host position on the drop menu here, and then click on apply, after of course checking to make sure the area is within travel range." When Nyar hit apply to job, a new page opened up, showing a detailed online application with empty fields that looked similar to the format of standard print paper. "Then they will ask you questions that you answer in the correct boxes scattered around, clicking on next until you're done. And after that, I'll be emailed or called directly if that place is interested in hiring you. Since none of you have any cellphones, you won't be able to provide your own numbers or email accounts on these apps."
"But Nyar?" Danny knew there was already a few problems with this. He's just using an example, but the jobs here in New York could be anything nobody has been trained for. "We don't have any training for these jobs, and I don't know what we will be doing."
"Don't worry about it," Nyar assured. "They train after hiring you on the job. Nobody's going to just hand you a slot and ask you to get straight to work high and dry..." Jane and Taylor were paying well enough attention too, but this moment is where the long process of selection comes in. "I only have this one computer. Please shut it down after everyone has used it - to save energy, and do take turns browsing."
"Where are you going now?"
Nyar realized that his sense wasn't all where it should be, though Danny was addressing how to take care of his one and only laptop computer. Let's face it. Any one of them could break it easily, and Jane would be the most likely. "I'm off today. I've got no important cases to work, so I'm only on call. That said, I want to start seeing some job-hunting right about now. I'll stay here and oversee it all to make sure you three get the hang of it. And in the meantime, I'll plan to pack some stuff for Pride Park, as long as you all put in some applications." Nyar's bait worked quickly, even on Danny who became the first volunteer to search for the online jobs through the Asper app. With as much leisure time as he had, Nyar knew he could squeeze in another outing if not terribly expensive. The park is free of charge, making it the best opportunity to take everyone out to fight their constant boredom. They'll have jobs soon enough that will take care of this anyway.
Danny first had to create a personal account on the app to register Nyar's cellphone and email address. From there, the selection continued on for a couple of hours. It wasn't as easy as it appeared to be, since there was so much detail about each and every job. Nyar had to constantly explain and iterate that the three of them will be limited on which jobs they will be allowed to have, since there are labor laws in place. Fifteen years of age is the minimum age requirement for having most part time jobs, though babysitting isn't technically the same. Only part time jobs of certain fields would be applicable, but Nyar already set the online filter for such positions, making it simpler for him and the others.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
By the time all of them had a good turn of putting in at least two applications, Nyar saw to it that they've become experts on logging into the online service, the browser, and even the computer itself, as well as shutting it off the correct way. And now, if he isn't home, they could search for more jobs securely without his own supervision. After having fulfilled their promises, Nyar congratulated them on putting their first step into the economic world in America, and then prepared to leave for the park.
After everyone got into the car, uncertain of what to expect, Nyar regarded the nice warmer weather today that would allow anyone to walk around without a coat. After driving off to Pride Park, he knew he could relax with the others in a good morning of work.
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<02/16/1972 – 11:57 | Pride Park, Manhattan Outskirts, New York, United States>
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Chapter Theme Shift: MoppySound ~ Nagi (凪) {Alt Version}
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Their excitement peaked as expected when they arrived. Pride Park; a section of natural well-maintained short cut grass in a vast open field set in the outskirts of Manhattan, built simply for a place for people to sit down and relax with minimal city bustle. Nyar knew what he was getting into, but he prepared for everything.
Naturally, Jane's energy for exploring kicked in quickly when she and her friends got a sniff for the entire area. The park itself was sectioned off from the road, and approximately half a kilometer in diameter. The weather was just warm enough not to bother anyone with uncomfortable differentiation, while warding off the sensation of the chilling winter cold. The sun was shining brightly overhead without a cloud in the sky to bother its ray of function.
Though this was everyone's first time here, Jane recalled a minor amount of resemblance between here and Meaj Park in Eldora City. The park here had hedges of darker grass built up like statues. Benches near a few water fountains populated a few of the zones, one right under a comfortable looking oak tree. Other people were moving about having fun of their own. One small swing set near a kiddy slide strengthened the statement due west, and of the most noticeable things, Jane saw quite a few interesting pets she wasn't familiar with. Dogs and cats, though very rarely were there any stray cats compared to the dog population here. People were playing with the dogs by throwing balls and having them fetch.
Taylor knew enough about the common house animals imported into Kalamo not to be too impressed, but she could see it all over Jane's face. She was about ready to explode; the simple thought of exploring a new place is just more exciting for Jane then conducting a Leray battle! Her eyes are totally fixed on everything around her, and Taylor felt a bit excited too. After applying for that part time job, this was a nice reward to get for the day. Since all they had to do was whatever they wanted, this reminded Taylor of previous moments from Kalamo, one park in particular where she first met Danny Mason.
"My one rule is that you all stay where I can see you. I'll be by the fountain." Nyar began walking from the entrance of the park over to the fountain, his cellular phone in hand prepared to make a few long calls to whomever he needed to reach.
Those were easy rules to follow, and Danny knew as much that Nyar would likely leave them be if they leave him to whatever he was about to do. Right now, all he could feel is a sense of happiness and joy despite being away from home. Of all situations, Jane and Taylor are here right now, and they are already having fun just looking at this place. Amidst the muffled roar of car engines wrapping around the buildings, the chirping of birds in the park mixed with the occasional sound of barking dogs and mingling amongst the people - drew a lively aura Danny never felt before until right now. He had been to peaceful places in Sprawn Valley several times, but somehow, this felt different.
"Well come on!" Taylor led the way before Jane, driving the three of them deeper into the park until Jane finally got closer to one of the animals, attracted not to Jane, but to the Frisbee that nearly decked the bottom of her legs a few inches short in flight.
"Sorry!" One of the ladies called out, after realizing she almost hit Jane with the Frisbee, more so for attracting the big puffy creature to the stranger.
Jane didn't address the woman in the distance. She was immediately distracted by the plush animal in front of her. The dog was almost just as curious, sniffing her hand while Jane hunched down to run the top of his head. "Cute doggie!" Jane had never been this close to a cute dog before, let alone this specific breed that was so friendly around people.
Taylor crept up to pet the large animal as well, attracting the owner to their area, though with little concern for how easily everyone was getting along. Danny kept only a slight distance, though chuckled when Taylor's face was licked by her new animal friend slobbering all over her. Jane took plenty of additional time to get better acquainted, after which she let the owner continue her playtime, and then made fun of Taylor for what happened.
"Doggies are so cute!" Jane pointed at Taylor since she was still wiping her face with the bottom of her shirt. "And you got your face licked!"
Taylor knew even by Jane's tone that she was teasing her about the same thing she saw a moment ago. How did Jane not get licked like that? This better not have ruined the light make-up! "Oh whatever! I'll hit you with this Frisbee." Taylor was referring to one of the yellow Frisbees she obtained earlier from Nyar on their way over here. Supposedly, this is what people do for fun in these parks. The idea is to throw the device as far as possible, having someone else in that vicinity catch the floating object if they're fast enough, and Taylor didn't mind trying to give Jane a workout.
Danny joined in as well on the sidelines once this became a thing. Though because of the time it took to have an opportunity to catch anything in the air, he found himself thinking back about home. Kalamo is most certainly a hole compared to America and Sprawn Valley alone... But there were still moments back there, moments he would never forget. It wasn't all bad considering what else there was out here.
Though Jane had a hard time learning to throw the Frisbee for the first two times, she became a professional at getting a good aim and distance the moment she figured out the trick behind it. Contrary to Taylor's earlier threat, Jane was never hit once in the face by that flying object. Jane didn't get too distracted by anything else, not even other dogs getting close nearby. But in the freedom of time it took for Danny and Taylor to throw her back the yellow plastic disk, she could observe Nyar from here. He really is talking on that cellphone. Who knows how long it has been since? Is he working on another case without being in an office?
Taylor couldn't compare this to any other moment she ever shared, even though there were plenty she tried for. The Arragon Forest back in Sprawn Valley did come a bit close, but this one spot right here felt so incredible and uplifting, assisted by the view in front of her. The sun itself was mostly obscured by one of the distant tall buildings, throwing off the hue of the rays just enough to create an incredible mirage in the sky, which Taylor soon associated with the park.
Jane continued passing the Frisbee, but wondered whether it would be any fun to play on the swing sets. It was obvious that they were designated for younger people, but Jane once shared a small swing set and trampoline with an acquaintance living up near Blue Port Town. Could she go somewhere else and have the same amount of fun?
When Danny passed the Frisbee again to Jane, he noticed how close it came to smacking her in the face. Jane literally had a delayed reaction to realizing she was supposed to catch the thing, though she did turn around to pick it back up as if nothing was wrong despite missing the catch. Danny didn't want to consider that anything could be bothering her. But in truth, he knew there were tough thoughts that could get to himself and to Taylor, so why not Jane? If she is thinking about anything at all, how bad could it be?
"Next throw will be better!" Jane promised. She aimed well and threw the circular disk through the air, now taking the newfound time to reflect again. Jane couldn't keep those thoughts away, not like she could before. She felt so liberated right now, prone to how much fun she was having right here. People would play all the time in Sprawn Valley, but it was always the same with Leray magic. This is how people without any magic pass the time. Everything in New York is so different, but at the same time, this is only because magic itself is disabled here. To be more specific, the spot Jane glared at; the top of her hand looked as ordinary as ever. In America, her unique symbol is just as disabled as anything else is, and that means she is not a potential fugitive here. Still, what of Danton and the whole situation back in Sprawn Valley? What of the results on her molecular scan sequence Danton performed a while back? Would there really be a way of removing this permanent curse? Would simply staying here long enough erase the past?
Taylor held the Frisbee while walking over towards Jane, coaxing Danny to come close to figure out what was up. When she was in range, Taylor bumped Jane's right arm and quickly ran off in the other direction. "Now you're it!" she warned.
Danny quickly understood what just happened by that wording alone. Taylor was going to play tag with Jane, and she was no stranger to running long distances. Immediately seeing Jane take off towards him, Danny ran with Taylor in the other direction, getting the unexpected exercise he deserved. Jane won't catch him at all!
Nyar could clearly see how relaxed the three of them were from here. It's amazing how they are all acting like children just by bringing them to Pride Park... But this isn't so bad. They can be hyperactive all they want here with no repercussions, and they'll all have jobs soon enough. Nyar let himself smile that things were finally looking up, but kept enough focus on the conversation he was having on the phone. Though it didn't sound like things were about to go his way from here either. It will be time soon enough to call the next client.