Companion Powers

POSTED BY: TheRealMe
UPDATED: Sunday, August 8, 2004 07:39
VIEWED: 5623
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THEREALME

Wednesday, August 4, 2004 3:04 AM

Let us examine the powers that Companions seem to have in Firefly. Now, I don’t for a minute believe that Companions have any magic or psychic powers. However, they seem to have a great understanding of human psychology and an uncanny ability to manipulate people. I also think that Companions learn special techniques that are akin to hypnotism.

Who are the Companion-trained individuals we know about? There are three: Inara (fully trained), Nandi (partly trained), and YoSaffBrig (at least some training, according to Inara). So, what things have happened in the series that MIGHT have shown us the use of Companion powers? Let’s see how big a house of cards I can build…

Possibly, in Train Job, when Inara rescues Mal and Zoe from the sheriff, she might have exerted Companion powers. Clearly the sheriff and many of the locals are VERY impressed with her (though not so much that the sheriff doesn’t check her credentials). Probably, this is not a good example.

In Our Mrs Reynolds, YoSaffBrig seems to beguile most of the crew, and (with great difficulty) gets Mal to kiss her. “Most men are on me inside of ten minutes,” she says (quote from memory). She was manipulating those around her through the carefully constructed Saffron personality. It was, of course, something she was very conscious of, wielding a deadly combination of innocence, helplessness, and sexuality like a weapon. Inara, with her own Companion powers, eventually saw through her act. “You’re good!” and “Never play a player.” Later, I think Inara mentions to the crew that Saffron had to be Companion trained, and that it was no wonder that they were taken in by her. To me, this seems that Inara is acknowledging that Companions have great powers of manipulation. At the end of the show when Mal finally catches up to YSB, she is once again trying to seduce him, and he does end up sparing her life. Okay, he probably would have, anyway.

In the flashback in Out of Gas, Inara very forcefully tells Mal that he will rent the shuttle to her for 75% of his asking price. He does so, I have no doubt. Was it merely her good argument, or was he being influenced in other ways?

In Trash, YoSaffBrig confronts her rich Lassiter-owning husband. Even after he knows her to be a crook, he seems more interested in wanting to help YSB than to punish her. He STILL loves her. Is he still partly under the influence of her Companion powers?

In Heart of Gold, Nandi can easily see that Mal is in love with Inara. “I’m not her,” she tells him right when things are about to get serious. Later, with a good look at Inara (but no other communication, and Mal not even in the room), Nandi can see that Inara is in love with Mal. Could she be catching quick glances, subtle facial expressions, body language? Yes, that’s what I think the Companion powers are all about. But I think that they are beyond the ability of most people.

Then there is the episode (not sure which) where Inara invites Mal into her shuttle for tea, and he refuses to sit down and go along, certain that she is about to use “her wiles” on him. Clearly Mal recognizes the power of “her wiles”.

Now, here is the one that really got me thinking about this topic. In Objects in Space, when Early is talking to Inara in her shuttle, she starts saying soothing words to him like, “You don’t have to go through with this. You can walk away.” Things like that. Then Early smacks her across the mouth (does that seem right to you?). He warns her to not examine his intentions, don’t ever (or something similar). Did Early know that Inara was trying to use her Companion powers to convince him to just leave? Could she have actually done something like that, given enough time and tea?

Of course, Companion powers are not foolproof. Inara can’t dissuade either Mal or Ath from having a duel in Shindig. Old man Higgins is still a jerk. And Mal is still calling her a whore.

So, what do the rest of you think? Or am I reading too much into this thing? I’ll be the first to admit that most of th

JAYNEZTOWN

Wednesday, August 4, 2004 3:19 AM

Yes, I agree the companions are well trained highly skilled and have a fantastic ability to manipulate people, they play on people's lust and desires

however I think there are some who will not be played or fooled so easy,

Kaylee - A companion often will try to manipulate someone by playing their bad traits, like greed lust and other weakness, kaylee is just to nice so I would say she's almost immune

Simon- a good heart and totally focused on his sister, I still think no hypnotic companion lure could take him away from river

Zoe - a wonderful women and great soldier and very faithful would have a good chance of not getting swayed by a companion in In Trash Zoe knows companions can't be trusted even if shes's using her companion powers of persuasion on everyone Zoe still knows her game

YT

Wednesday, August 4, 2004 6:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheRealMe:
in Train Job, when Inara rescues Mal and Zoe from the sheriff, she might have exerted Companion powers. Clearly the sheriff and many of the locals are VERY impressed with her (though not so much that the sheriff doesn’t check her credentials)

Sheriff didn't; female deputy did, and cross-checked. When the sheriff asked the deputy if she'd checked credentials, it sounded to me like it was something he expected but hadn't ordered.

Quote:
In the flashback in Out of Gas, Inara very forcefully tells Mal that he will rent the shuttle to her for 75% of his asking price. He does so, I have no doubt. Was it merely her good argument, or was he being influenced in other ways?

I took it as no more than good negotiating.

Quote:
In Trash, YoSaffBrig confronts her rich Lassiter-owning husband. Even after he knows her to be a crook, he seems more interested in wanting to help YSB than to punish her. He STILL loves her. Is he still partly under the influence of her Companion powers?

Maybe. But he does say that he contacted security the instant he saw her. That, of course, might only mean that those "wiles" aren't nearly as effective over long absences.

Quote:
quick glances, subtle facial expressions, body language? Yes, that’s what I think the Companion powers are all about. But I think that they are beyond the ability of most people.

I think they are skills that can be taught & coached. But the training is extensive (practice is continuous, I think Nandi said), and probably beyond the endurance of most.

Quote:
Now, here is the one that really got me thinking about this topic. In Objects in Space, when Early is talking to Inara in her shuttle, she starts saying soothing words to him like, “You don’t have to go through with this. You can walk away.” Things like that. Then Early smacks her across the mouth (does that seem right to you?). He warns her to not examine his intentions, don’t ever (or something similar). Did Early know that Inara was trying to use her Companion powers to convince him to just leave? Could she have actually done something like that, given enough time and tea?

I think Early is stone cold, but I doubt he would have hit Inara if she couldn't influence him.

Quote:
Oh, and most importantly, is Inara using her Companion powers in one or multiple star systems?

One
or two
no more than three
definitely
sometimes.

Keep the Shiny Side Up

Wutzon: Lynyrd Skynyrd, "That Smell", from "Gold & Platinum"

KNIBBLET

Wednesday, August 4, 2004 2:44 PM

I don't think it has the slightest bit to do with hypnotism. That's not to say companions don't learn to do such in the course of ... of serving clients.

It is years of study that enable them to read people. They study body language, vocal inflection, word usage ... communication and every aspect of communication is their forte.

Yes, they manipulate people but it isn't through hypnotism, it's through charm, body language, vocal tones and attitude. It is also important to note that companions are members of the higher ranks of society. This societal ranking in a 'verse which is NOT egalitarian packs a lot of punch when she's dealing with just plain folks.

Inara showed just the right amount of righteous indignation toward Mal's alleged theft - and displayed her 'ownership' of him by slapping him. She set the stage and placed herself in a postion of power but also placed herself in the position of requiring the sherriff's assistance in dealing with her property and claim.

She then turned all contrite with the sherriff (as would a member of royalty who truly doesn't want to cause a stir when they stop for gas in a small town) and apologized for her manner knowing this would make him want to assure her that she did nothing untoward.

He recognizes both her power and her beauty. The sherriff part wants to ensure her that her rights of ownership will be upheld - the male part of him is lost somewhere in that gorgeous creature called Inara.

The deputy also treated her with respect as did every person around. She didn't hypnotize anyone -- unless you can define hypnosis as regal composure, beauty and charm.

Feminine wiles have always been feminine wiles. Knowing how to turn the slightest smile into a negotiating tool is something every daughter's mother should teach her.

"Just keep walkin, preacher man."

CORWYN

Wednesday, August 4, 2004 8:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheRealMe:
Let us examine the powers that Companions seem to have in Firefly.

The problem with your thesis is the word 'powers'. Inara no more has powers than I do. Yet, I can make computers and yes, even _humans_ do what I want them to.

Inara's job is to read and influence people. She has trained continually at it for years. She is as good at it as Simon is at his. Probably better.

You don't need 'powers' to influence people. Every little girl learns it at about 4.

Thank You Kindly.

THEREALME

Thursday, August 5, 2004 5:14 AM

Well, I have both powers of concentration and powers of observation. I bet you do, too.

Really, I think you might be getting hung up on my choice of words. In my second sentence I set out that I do NOT think that "Companion Powers" are supernatural in any way.

If you feel better about it, pretend I used the word "techniques" or "training".

And as far as them being "akin to hypnotism" as I said, I in no way thought that Inara was going to dangle an old pocket watch in front of our eyes and say, "You are feeling VERRRRY SLEEEEEPY."

I was wondering if these Companion TECHNIQUES were more than a really good public speaking class. Do they teach the student how to modulate the tonal qualities of the voice, gesture a certain way, adopt a certain posture... so that the target of these techiques is lulled into being suggestable, or off guard, or malleable. No, not magic or psychic power, but...

Well, something akin to hypnotism. (Sorry, I don't have any other word.)

The Real Me

GRIMLAKIN

Thursday, August 5, 2004 6:43 AM

Ya know... I think River even has a form of companion training. Consider how she handled that irish Git whatshisname. In Shindig. She had him in the palm of her hand as easy as pie by taking on traits he would most expect and most miss in people. Rivers is a bit more of a natural than learned.

As far as inara's abilities or powers. She is very observent, Political, manipulative, and aware. I say aware because it applies to things only women seem to be able to do. That whole tune in to the emotional side of a person ASAP.

being brought up by a single mom I have learned to block that ability. heh.

JAYNEZTOWN

Thursday, August 5, 2004 8:39 AM

yep maybe the companion do have some sort of power or skill

And River, the youg lady River has real talent seems to be something real special with a powerful mind but most of the time she's too crazy. There may be a few things in firefly similar to ol' Ireland but that gangster git Badger ain't one of them, not Irish or Scottish you'll know the difference in dialogue but he's more of an English gangster git or speaker of a cockney geek and his hat. Cockney little gangster and his stupid hat certainly does get impresssed by River she does the Cockney dialect and slang nicely and makes a fool of Badger in Shindig

FREMDFIRMA

Thursday, August 5, 2004 1:32 PM

>>You don't need 'powers' to influence people. Every little girl learns it at about 4.<<

This is soooooo TRUE!!

And they know who the easy marks are too, damn, every convention I get mobbed by all my friends kids...

It's like they learn that Ben Kenobi mind-bending trick ("these aren't the droids you're looking for...") or something, you can't say no to the little bratlings and they KNOW it.

When they grow up it only gets worse, gahhhh!!

-F

CORWYN

Thursday, August 5, 2004 10:24 PM

Quote:
I was wondering if these Companion TECHNIQUES were more than a really good public speaking class.

Nope.

Quote:
Do they teach the student how to modulate the tonal qualities of the voice, gesture a certain way, adopt a certain posture... so that the target of these techiques is lulled into being suggestible, or off guard, or malleable.

Yes. but that IS, in fact, exactly what they teach in a GOOD public (or more appropriately private) speaking class. In the old days they called it "Rhetoric" (as opposed to "Logic"). Only the companion's isn't a three credit, 4-hour per week, one semester class. It is a full time, profession apprenticeship. Years of your life doing nothing but.

But EVERYBODY does this. It is the first thing every baby learns. It is just a difference between professionals and amateurs.

Thank You Kindly.

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