/s10/ - Simple10

>>34358
"Good; hopefully we can at least help them get started towards a destination they can feasibly reach within a timely manner."

"Indeed there is much to look forward to; the galaxy is vast and filled with life and mysteries, enough that even if an entire race devoted themselves entirely to exploring it they could not experience it all. Even the Voldra, old as we are, are constantly learning new things- though we admit, recently much of that learning has come from our human friends and how they show us such a different point of view."

We turn away and bashfully rub our horns.

"Becoming their friends has been one of the best decisions we ever made."

>>34359
Joy. Unpaid overtime on top of unpaid overtime. They had better have thawed out more mechanics or so help me…
"Should be big enough, yeah."
I'll give the opening a bit of a test, see if I can squeeze in there to fiddle around.
"I thought you would take it for granted that there's always some hilariously outdated piece of something that pops up whenever you think they're all gone, Civet. There's probably at least six or seven components in the docking bay alone that are probably a good ten or twenty years behind the curve that they figured 'still work fine'."

>>34360
"It's honestly one of the best things that has happened." Eva says, showing herself with a smile to Barbri and the kids.

– Time Skip –

There's loads of activity on the Ankylosaur as Mechs bring some large bags and furniture to the recently modified room. One of the Mechs is giving Barbri a lesson on how to use a DataPad, though it looks like she's a quick learner.

"We'll probably double the population of the Ankylosaur if this keeps up." Pazu says as she walks up to you.
"Not like it's a bad thing. It's how we got here." Zapu adds. "After the meeting we had with their command staff, I'm actually glad we can help them out."

"I never knew a computer could be so small, or thin, or as capable as this." Barbri says, amazed at the DataPad. "How many kilobytes of data can it hold?"

>>34362
"Indeed; not only are we assisting a group in dire need of help, we are also gaining a significant boost in colonists to assist in the initial setup phase, and a potential promise of more depending on how things pan out."

[Tech 1] We tilt our head in confusion at Barbri. "What is a kilobyte?"

>>34361
"Yeah, but they're still recent. Some of the equipment here I only read about in history books." Civet says as she angles her head to see you work.

"Watch out, heavy equipment coming through." A mech pushes some ancient piece of machinery through the hall and even you could see that the thing relies on internal combustion. There's another mech making sure that no one runs up from behind on the equipment.

"Rove said the Printers should have some of the replacement parts coming in soon, but…" Civet looks at where all the cables join up. "Are you going to be able to test all those connections? They look like they'll break even if you just nudge them. Will your sensors even work on them?"

>>34363
"Yeah. It feels good helping people who need it. I remember how bad it felt, I'm glad being aboard this ship now." Pazu says.

"Hmm, a kilobyte was a unit of measuring the total space in a computer, but something like this probably uses something different." Barbri says. "I was told I could access almost all the data they had available. How many encyclopedias have you put in here?"

"I can answer that for you in a bit." Eva interrupts. "I've got a few other people who have questions for you first Barbri. Oh, and Duana is here too." The sound of the children playing and laughing comes up as they bring Duana up to you and the Twins.

"Hey there! Looks like you brought more folks aboard. I hope you're proud of yourself!" Duana shouts out.

>>34365
"From what I understand, all the computers are connected through a 'web,' so… all of them?" We shrug noncommittally, since we just know how to use the datapads, not how they work.

"Friend-Duana!" A smile spreads across our mandibles as we step forward, reach out to pick up Duana- then do a slow (for us at least) spin with her held in our outreached arms, slowing the spin by pulling her considerably-dense weight closer to our center of mass- meaning we pull her against our chest.

"We are indeed very proud! And it looks as though you are getting along with them quite well too! How was your part of the mission, Friend-Duana?"

>>34364
"Well… they worked before. Kinda."
I'll scratch the back of my neck.
"And if not, we can get the people who worked with this before to test them for us. Not that they probably aren't already buried in things to do."
I'll fiddle with a few more components.
"Besides, sometimes you can get ideas from looking at antiques. Like those old skates of yours."
A little joke never hurts.

>>34366
"Happy to see you too!" Duana smiles while the children look on. "My part was boring, just doing the radio thing like Eva, but that was it. Though I guess that's a good thing in this case, no one was hurt."

"Thanks to your help, the biggest such outbreak was stopped." Pazu replies.
"The admin staff is grateful for your restraint and capture of the rebellious elements." Zapu chimes in.
"Though to be fair, we're kind of jealous. Not everyone can generate their own barrier you know." Pazu says.

>>34367
"Hey, they were just well worn." Civet says with a giggle. "At least they work better than ever before."

"Fresh from the Printer, the new cabling and adapters are here." Rove says, bringing his Mech close and opening the hatch to make sure he doesn't hit you as his mech brings the supplies closer. "Having fun you two? I hope so, I haven't been so engrossed in a repair session like this in a while. Just look around and you can see how many different ways they adapted to deal with their troubles."

"Well, I admit it's fun to think about how we'd get this stuff up to code. Doing the work though? Are you having fun Frank?"

>>34369
"Thanks for the supplies, we'll get them in in a bit."
I'll think a second.
"Well, it's a little fun. Like putting a puzzle together. Not that I've had a lot of puzzles to spend time on outside of work."
I'll shrug.
"Seeing it come together and work again is satisfying, though."

>>34368
We smile and lift her up to nuzzle the side of our face against her, like we have seen some species do before to indicate affection, and sit down amid the group of children. "The radio thing was perhaps one of the most important parts in this mission; without you, we would have been stuck with playing charades for communication."

We can't help but quirk one eye-ridge at the news of it being one of the bigger infestations. "There was only, like, three of the guys. Was that truly the largest group of saboteurs aboard?"

"It is more a question of what you're willing to invest to get them," we inform the twins teasingly. "A few fold-crystals inside of you, and you'll be generating barriers all over the place in no time!"

>>34370
"Yeah. I'll give them points for redundancy too." Rove says. "It borders on insane at times, check out their power plant when you get a chance. The Ankylosaur could shoot on it with it's original guns and it would probably keep going."

"Let's not think about that." Civet adds dryly. "I'm sure you're tired of getting shot at. Let me know when to get you need the soldering work done as well. I'll have to go get it, though."

>>34371
"If it helped, than I'm okay just floating there in space." Duana says. "I don't know if I could have done the First Contact thing as well as you." She pets you back as the children follow in sitting down.

"There were only one or two in the other ships." Zapu states as she checks on her own datapad.
"But not all of them took a shrugged off getting shot like you did." Pazu brings up the video. "The other Captains and command crew of theirs seemed relieved when you captured them. That really helped put them at ease.
"Made our jobs easier." Zapu says looking at her sister. "Though when it comes to getting Fold crystals inside of us, maybe Pazu can go first."
"No sister, it's fine if you do instead."

The children don't necessarily understand what the Twins are talking about, but they laugh along with Duana as the Twins bicker for a while.

[PAUSE]

The next destination of the Ankylosaur and its ever expanding crew would soon be near as the ship nears its quantum exit at the edge of the system. Everyone has received a brochure regarding Jomai, what makes it nice, what to avoid, and a large section dedicated to making sure no one causes any trouble because of the many groups bickering on their home world. The Ankylosaur will be docking with one of the larger, hollowed out asteroids that has been converted into a starbase and home to a noticeable population of Tararu outcasts and engineers who couldn't find a clique to join. They're actually on the smaller on end of most of the large species that have been encountered, standing only slightly taller than the Twins Pazu and Zapu. Their thick hides and claws make them stand out, but most clearly spend time making sure that they've been dulled and not a threat to others.

Starbase Maraten is also unusual for how properly developed it has become. Despite being a den of outcasts, its crime rate is low and several groups boast of having buildings there. Several other satellites have been converted to food production, making the base self-sufficient while still being able to bring in what it needs from the planet. Unlike other locations, because this place has been carved out, almost all the homes and walls and surfaces are stone or other metals that were simply not hauled off. Fortunately for the larger species, and even the smaller ones, the starbase is well able to accommodate many species, even though it usually doesn't get many.

The stay here will be shorter than others, only really stopping for minor maintenance and picking up equipment for the true destination. A good idea, since the debris fields make it clear that circumstances here can change rapidly.

>>34373
In contrast to the usual situation the Ankylosaur has found itself in, exiting FTL at the edge of the local solar system, the radar system gives an all-clear signal. All the vessels it can detect are sending out the proper Friend codes, every station and foundry where they said they would be. Several Guard ships approach but each one radios in about the basic boarding and inspection procedures from the local security officers. So while the Ankylosaur prepares to have Tararu officers board, everyone else is allowed to go on through their days.

>Shelly
You've been kept even more busy by the Doctors and helping out Iona and Rupus, on top of your Communications responsibilities. They've fully outfitted a room with Fold sensors and similar equipment that isn't as intrusive as before. Rupus still has the occasional breathing issue, but nowhere near as bad as before and both of them have had improvements in their complexion as they've had a more stable environment with the Humans, who've also provided them with clearly better mobility equipment. Eva and Duana have also been included with your sessions, along with another group of the Fold Girls to test what happens as they are exposed to different Fold energy.

>Frank
As the Ankylosaur has received improvements, you've been moved over to a few other contractual obligations the ship has been picking up along the way on top of the Fold research you've been forcibly volunteered for. While they say there isn't anything dangerous or risky going on, you can sometimes feel the Fold crystal growing ever so slightly.

Today, however, all your issues have been mashed together, with a dash of overbearing inspectors added to the mix. Rove arrives early today, sending you, Civet, and Varan the plans from on high for modifying your Mech to accept Fold Crystal weapons. Behind him, there are two cargo trucks, one full of new parts they want you to fit and test and another to safely store the pieces you remove.

>Latasha
The real Security job starts now. Even with the advent of all remote communications equipment, some deals must be worked out in person and that means getting ready to welcome new strangers to the ship and head out into strange locations so your charges can get their work done. Part of your work is made easier that many of the people you protect are inside very durable metal boxes, but they also happen to be easy to pick up by unsavory sorts.

At least for the moment, you have a new worry: The Humans accidentally stepping on the Aliens about to board the ship for an inspection. Estrella's experience with the Admin staff means she's been assigned as your underling in the mean time.

"Okay, how's my hair look? Is my shirt tucked in right?" Estrella asks from within the machine, which is at least clean and shiny as they can get. "I've done this before, but the last moments before it actually happens are so nerve wracking."

>>34374
At last, the day I've dreaded has come. Making this retarded junk work with a different model.
"Hope you all are ready to essentially disassemble a suit and put it back together, one wire at a time…"

>>34373
>>34374
Ah, a den of outcasts- in other words, potential recruitment grounds! Granted, we are nearly at our final destination, so the need for additional crew is questionable, but you never know when someone might benefit the colony itself!

It is good seeing Iona and Rupus grow more independent and happy as they become healthier and more mobile; not to mention their training with the Fold is progressing admirably! Even the Voldra are learning some new things from these tests and training- minor things like specific frequencies and their effects, but still new knowledge!

Oh, it feels good to be kept busy; this ship becomes more like home every day! The humans don't seem quite as enthusiastic about it though…

>>34375
"It's not like we haven't gotten used to tearing it apart and building it up again." Civet says with a sarcastic smile.

"Well, this will all be new to me still." Varan adds. "I still haven't even learned all the tools yet."

"Well, it's going to get a lot more fun if you look at the file more closely." Rove states as he shows you the Comments section of the file. As he goes through it, you can easily notice that there are more notes, questions, and remarks on the file than there are actual instructions. In fact, there are loads of areas marked with unanswered questions.

"So I'm still learning your language, but it seems that this one part alone has every letter of your alphabet." Varan notes as he lifts one single piece from the pile up.

>>34377
Internally, I'll wail at the absolutely staggering amount of backseat engineering from the suits upstairs.
"It probably does, Varan, but its working name will be a lot simpler. I'm sure."
Let's roll through their educated guesses of a design philosophy.
"And Civet, main difference this time is that we're the ones taking it apart. So, first things first, we're going to compartmentalize this project. One limb at a time, test all of them to see if the energy readings are good, and then we put them back together before a final test."
I just hope I don't get folded out into space.

>>34376
The enthusiasm of the Fold Girls is dampened as they all have to fill out large number of forms before and after each session. Some of them spend more time with those documents than they do with you. At least Eva seems driven to do it, since she's made some progress.

However, the journey has taken its toll on the rest of the crew. Even though the destination is nearer now, having to repeat the same tasks over and over doesn't help with morale. They do take the opportunity to talk much more often with you and ask question about things than before.

"When do you think we'll really be able to use our Fold abilities?" Rupus asks, having returned from the cafeteria in a much cleaner and stronger wheelchair. "I haven't felt this great in maybe forever, and I feel like I'll finally be able to do something with this body."

>>34378
>Let's roll through their educated guesses of a design philosophy.
Going through the document and the comment sections, you can see just how much effort has gone into this and how much of it is literal guesswork. The way comments are written out, the references to numerous employers, orders, and general issues of employment, this document has clearly gone through many corporations and groups before it has filtered down to you.

"Okay, so regarding the compartmentalization, I have another set of, uh, orders for that." Rove says. "These parts don't have the Fold Crystal in them yet. They've got the mounts and stuff, but we'll have to get a third truck in later to get those in properly." He sends you the forms for those as well, so you can call them in as necessary.

"No, not the name. Look, I think these are all the mounting points instead." Varan holds a single piece closer to you and the others. You can see that some letters are being used twice, with arrows and various other marks being used to indicate where they are supposed to go. Some marks are clearly improvised, being chalked or permanent markered on to the equipment.

>>34379
And we are very proud of Eva's dedication and improvement!

"Well, Friend-Rupus, it won't be long before you're ready to start the smaller, less intense tricks, but for perhaps a different reason than you're expecting. You and your sister both have very deep pools of energy to draw from, meaning you will likely be able to sustain very powerful abilities much longer and with more power behind them than most. Which, of course, leads to an obvious problem if you accidentally use a very powerful ability without preparation; we might compare it to someone who's arm has started working again trying to do weightlifting right off the bat.
Put another way, you have always had the power, now you have the healthy body, all that remains to be taught is control."

>>34380
I'll pinch the bridge of my nose for a moment as I let out a small sigh.
"Right, so, most of these plans, as you can guess, are pretty much worthless dreaming by some suit. Which means our first task is turning this gibberish into meaningful design."
I'll pull up the schematic of my suit on a modestly-sized screen (most likely attached to a diagnostic device).
"As I'd like to roughly keep the same frame and silhouette, we're going to have to be working with this in a way that emphasizes versatility over just chucking the fold crystals on there and hoping they stick and don't explode."
I'll start pointing out places in the shoulders, arms, legs, and chest area.
"Ideally, the main fold crystal will go somewhere in the chest region, and energy channeled into it will be relayed through Fold circuits to the appendages, terminating at the output subcrystals located in the hand area. However, as it is a mech than can change shapes, disengaging the gerwalk mode relay system means that energy stays right in the main crystal with no output unless we give it one. So we'll have to account for that too."
I'll swap the image over to the flight mode of the suit, and highlight a couple potential output spots on the nose, wings, and tailfins.
"Relay routing will have to be a definite on/off sort of deal, so I'm not sending that where it doesn't go. Flight fold relay pathing will be autonomous of Gerwalk fold relays."
I'll scratch the back of my neck.
"Now, for those of us who don't have a lot of experience with the Fold suits we already have, this is going to be new territory for you. Civet, you're going to be the second 'in-charge' mechanic for this, as I'm pretty sure you've got the most experience working with these things after me. So expect to answer questions if people have them."

>>34381
Rupus' face glows with happiness and expectation. He's improved internally as a Fold user and physically, as well as externally with the new and clean clothing and the much better wheel chair he has.

"And we'll be there every step of the way." Doctor Zorani says as she steps in with a few DataPads. "So if you have any questions, feel free to call on any of us." She gives him and you a smile. "I was in charge of several other researchers and corralled a lot of the undergranduates before I had my big break. Being called in the middle of the night is something I'm already experienced with. Oh, are you getting ready for your next session?"

>>34383
"Indeed, Friend-Zorani! In fact, we were thinking of having Friend-Rupus attempt something new today; so far, we have been initiating the connection to the Fold energy, then having our students focus on channeling it and controlling its flow. Today, we wish to see if Friend-Rupus has reached the point where he can initiate his connection to the Fold without assistance!"

Which is honestly one of the most basic steps of using the Fold and barely worth bothering with for our own young because they grasp it so intuitively, but we do not judge! Other species advance at their own pace, just as we advance at ours.

>>34382
"Understood!" Without a hint of sarcasm, Civet accepts the position of Number One assistant.

"Well, it's a good thing they kept the Fold crystals out for us. One less thing to worry about as we try to get things together." Rove looks over some of the marked and highlighted areas.

"I've seen those Fold mechs before, but I still haven't worked on them. Are they dangerous when you cut them down to fit the machines, will we be needing any special protective equipment?" Varan asks, not worried but curious as this will be his first time working on it.

>>34385
"Not as long as they're turned off, Varan. Cutting crystals to size, though, requires equipment that I don't think we have in the hangar simply because they're crystals instead of machinery. We'll probably need to bug the fold lab for those at some point, but we can get stuff ready before then."
Speaking of bugging, maybe I should bother that voldra for input on this kind of thing. Even if they don't know robots, they're naturals on Fold pathing and all that. And he (it?) has been pretty much the mascot for the FGs lately, so he's not unrelated. Ah, let's get this taken apart first before worrying about that.
"Alright, let's get the limbs off and the plating as well. It's gonna be a long couple of days."

>>34384
"Interesting." Doctor Zorani brings up one of her datapads and begins opening files. Her speed at the moment rivals that of the fastest Human typers you've witnessed, despite having digits as big as a Human. "I'll be in the other room now that the remote equipment has been set up. I'll leave you be, and you can just call out if you need anything."

Rupus wheels himself more towards the center of the room, then locks the wheels after he's gotten in front of you. You can see him steady himself, adjusting his position in the seat and making sure his tail is secured. His hands hold the wheelchair's padded rests securely.

"I've been trying to imagine what will happen ever since we've started." Rupus' voice is confident. "Part of me has been worried about what might happen, but I'd rather find out much more." A green light turns on behind him indicating Doctor Zorani is at her station and ready, as is Rupus as he nods his head for the session to begin.

>>34387
We assume our own position, directly in front of Rupus but just outside the range of the sensors so that we do not interfere with their readings.

"Feeling is where we will start this session; you have become quite familiar with the sensation of the Fold flowing through you and around you. What you should do is focus on that feeling, the pathways the energy takes, the rhythm of its flow… where it flows out from you and rejoins the rest of the energy just beneath the layer of reality… and where it flows IN, whether it be a specific place on your body or a sensation of it soaking into your skin."

"Then, once you find that place where it first flows inwards, gently and carefully push outwards… then just as carefully pull in."

>>34386
>Roll TECH and WILL

Normally, a teardown of a machine is a 'simple' but lengthy procedure. Parts go where they are meant to go, generally fit only in specific areas, and generally have a physical mass to them that reminds people that they can't really shortcut things like you can in theoretical subjects.

However, right now there are two additional difficulties added. One is that you are clearly being observed. Not by the other Techs, but by the cameras above who might as well be issuing divine proclamations. You and the others are interrupted by questions coming through your ComLinks and Datapads. Even the diagnostic system isn't safe, often asking you why you are doing certain things how you are doing them, followed by instruction to do them differently with different tools.

The second issue is the addition of the Tararu Inspectors, like Inspector Dazy Kapler who has arrived to interrupt you. The Turaru aren't that large in comparison, but they're clearly wider than the Twins and that thick hide of their's would give lots of clawed species you've met trouble.

"That fluid over there, what's the designation in your language and what is it for?" He asks as he points with a stylus towards a barrel of lubricant you use for the ball bearings. While he may be an alien, his expression is clearly that of tried and tired pro who has been at this job for a while.

>>34389
Tech '3d6+4' (keep best two) Will '2d6+1'
God, even the tamper-proof black goo that destructed components was better than this.
Answering while shoulder-deep in a component, I'll try to not sound excessively exasperated.
"It's ball lube. For ball bearings."

Roll #1 4, 2, 6 + 4 = 16 / Roll #2 5, 6 + 1 = 12

>>34390
so that's a 14 for tech.

>>34388
As Rupus closes his eyes and begins to focus, you can see his grip on the wheel chair loosen. The Fold energy in his body starts becoming more pronounced. His breathing slowly intensifies as he raises his arms, letting the Fold energy flow through. His control seems to vary with his breathing at this point, and there's still some trouble in his chest, but he seems to be in control.

He continues to draw out his Fold energy, which circulates around, beginning to physically push the loose equipment that was left behind. Unfortunately, a small piece of roofing material is nudged loose, falling down on Rupus' shoulder and sparking, interrupting him and he looses the control he had.

He puts his hands back on the rests, beginning to breathe heavily as if he had just finished running a marathon.

>>34392
We really should clean up the testing area more often- twice a day clearly isn't enough!

"Very good, Rupus, very good indeed! You have just touched the fold without any outside assistance for the first time! And shown admirable control as well! Now, we have some of our own observations we would like to share, but first you should take a moment to re-center yourself and catch your breath, then try to explain your own observations- how it felt, any details that stood out to you, and so forth."

Our chief observation is how his control is connected to his breathing, implying a further focus on his respiratory system and breath-related allegory could be beneficial for future instructions.

>>34390
The demands of the cameras and the crew behind them, while onerous, aren't too difficult for an experienced crew. While Varan still has questions about specific words and meanings, Civet and Rove were able to clear many of them up. The cameras seemed to have learned as well and generally gave him much more detailed instructions in comparison to the rest of you. Their main issue is how the questions and orders came just as you were about to complete a task, making everything take four times as long.

At the end of a few instructions, you are offered a comments section to send any information and details back to the cameras, adding to your time delays. At least in the end, you've got a well torn down unit and found several places where you could replace a few things. Varan seems to be enjoying himself in the work, while Civet occasionally lifts you and Rove up to work on certain parts.

"Yes, well, I'll need to know what chemicals go into it. There are several banned substances on the station and I will not be the cause of any problems." Dazy asks, writing your response down after taking a picture of it. Looking around, you can see that you aren't the only one being asked questions.

>>34393
"I thought I really had something there." He begins doing a breathing exercise the Human doctors had taught him and moves his arms in circles and breathes in time with their movements. "Honestly, like I was feeling something I had forgotten, something I had held in a dream, but maybe next time." He unlocks his wheel chair and moves around for a moment before locking it down again. "Hmm, what I recall the most was something like water, but not, circling something." He lets out a sigh at the end as he reflects.

>>34394
Well, at least it's shared suffering.
I'm going to have to swallow all the smartass remarks I want to make in the spirit of cooperation with this inspector, though.
"I'm not sure I have the clearance to says what's in the stuff that isn't labeled, but the lubricant should be doable. I would appreciate a list of those banned substances so that if I run across any I can properly remove or secure them before they turn into a problem."
I'll rattle off what's in it.

>>34395
"You did have something there; you may not have reached it yet, but having a destination in mind is an important development, and proof that there is something there to be found."

"That is indeed a good way to describe the Fold; there is a reason why most of our descriptions of it get translated into water-based similes in the languages of other species. As to our own observations, your control appears directly tied to your breathing, which could be a very important discovery, and a potential way to assist you in learning control."

>>34396
The major elements are easy to explain, as a species does not build and maintain spacestations without knowing what Calcium and Lithium are.

"They should have already secured most of the dangerous chemicals, since most of what we ban is just dangerous to have around. However," he looks around quickly before clicking on his DataPad, "the following items tend to cause us trouble down the line. It's not an official list, but if you can look out for these things, it'll make it easier for everyone involved." A message appears on your ComLink to accept the message. "They're not banned substances, but you are aware that things break down or can be broken down and made into other, questionable items, correct?"

>>34397
His eyes and ears perk up as you mention how he can progress. "The doctors said my cut was healing well, and that they were thinking of putting me on an exercise regiment soon, do you think that will help? Could we try again?"

>>34398
"With respects, inspector, I AM a mechanic. Passing familiarity with chemical substances and their explosive or dangerous reactions is necessary, at the least."
I'll accept the message, and skim the list.
"Thank you for the informal list. I'll keep an eye out."

>>34399
Do our Voldra equivalent of raising an eyebrow at him before gently patting him on the head.

"The exercise regimen will probably help, as long as you remember the importance of properly pacing yourself." With the unspoken implication of pacing himself here too.

"Of course, now that you have felt what it is like to touch the fold without assistance, we will do as we do with most sessions and provide some Fold energy for you to channel; once you have the flow in place, you can try and feel for your own connection and pull through it as well. It should be easier, since the Fold is attracted to itself, and help you develop a sense for what energy is yours and what energy is not."

>>34400
"I apologize, but there are other reasons we are not at liberty to disclose." Inspector Kapler mentions. He looks up to the remaining frame of the Mecha, much like Pazu and Zapu have before him. "I do have a question though, if you don't mind indulging me. How comfortable is a machine like that when you use it?"

>>34402
I'll give it a bit of thought.
"Well, comfortable enough, I guess? I can sit in there for a good… five or six hours maybe without feeling like I need to stand up and do literally anything else. Can't make it too comfortable, otherwise a pilot might end up nodding off on a long operation. Civilian models probably have more leisure features, like cup holders or something."

>>34401
Rupus takes a few more deep breaths to control himself as he hangs on every word you said. "Yeah, If I tried again now I might not even get halfway to where I was before." He admits to you and himself. "But, this time I felt really close. I'll just use that for next time."

>"Uhm, Shelly, I have a few questions for you before you leave."
Doctor Zorani says over the intercom.
>"And Rupus, if you feel anything strange, just let us know."

>>34404
"Of course, Friend-Zorani! We will be happy to answer whatever you are curious about!"

Wave cheerily to Rupus as he heads off while we go to meet with Zorani and see what she is wanting to ask about.

>>34403
A ping can be heard coming from his DataPad after you finish.

"Ah, thank you for the answer. I look forward to piloting one of them." Dazy says as he nods his head and begins heading towards the next barrel of chemicals. "Cup holders…"

Though as the Inspector leaves, a group of Human technicians heads towards you. They're discussing something between themselves and Rove as they look over your machine.

"Hey, this one yours, right?" One of them shouts at you.

>>34406
"Until it gets taken out from under me, yeah. What's up?"

>>34405
Doctor Zorani's observation room, while normally clean, has an absurd number of DataPads on its desk. Even the Human walkway is being used to hang more datapads. She's going over videos of Rupus, though a few have images of you in combat. She looks at you and quickly darts to the datapads before coming back to you with a very interested and energetic expression.

"So, I've been going over what just happened with Rupus. I know he has room for improvement, but I think we just witnessed what one of his fold abilities actually *is*." Doctor Zorani turns on a holographic projector, showing Rupus as he was channeling Fold energy. You see the moment the piece of roof material falls and sparks, but Doctor Zorani rewinds it and turns him around. "I thought that he was interrupted, that the spark was caused *after* he was hit, but look." She plays the video again, with the same spark and then Rupus losing his concentration. "Sorry, I'm just excited, but the spark doesn't happen because Rupus lost control or anything, if you notice he doesn't actually react to the debris. He doesn't jerk to the side until after the spark. The Fold Energy *protected* him, then he reacted."

>>34407
"Uh, about that." Your fellow mechanic responds by showing you his datapad orders to fully inspect your machine, followed closely by you receiving instructions to let them do it. "Looks like the top brass are very interested in your machine."

[PAUSE]