If you are not uncomfortable with the idea, I can send you my address--much faster than having me come to you, trust me. I am not currently busy today, either.
It is an institution with a long list of terms and conditions, shall we say. I would give full disclosure that I have worked for them for several years, so perhaps the perspective of 'things have been worse' would carry some weight--things could certainly stand to be better as well. In other words, your problem would no doubt be solved but at an inconvenient (often financial) price.
I'm not, no. But it also depends on how you feel about nonhumans.
[TO BE FAIR the guy made legs for a wolf man, but it's better to ask than assume! Especially when you're a giant dinosaur man.]
I appreciate the head's up. I'm not exactly financially well off, here... and corporations have never been all that great, even where I'm from. Noveria's a planet run by them, and I never want to set foot there again.
Humans are not the sole sapient lifeform on my own world, and frankly I have seen so many unusual things in my time here that I do not think anything can surprise me. I assure you, as long as you can fit in my house there is no cause for concern.
[Attached was an address and a map, just to make it easier.]
Zodiac is not the worst thing in the world by far. But even so, one would do well to avoid being in their debt. If I can help you with that, either myself or by directing you to someone who can, I would be only too happy to.
... I might have an issue with a door or two, but so far, haven't had a problem fitting inside. I'll be there.
[He's so tall, Viktor.]
You know, saying that just makes me wonder what the "worst" thing in this world is. But I get the feeling that's going to be a story that needs a history book.
A history book, or perhaps just an abundance of poor luck. The city's weathered plenty of things well enough, however. So I would not say we have seen the hypothetical 'worst', if that helps.
[When Garrus arrived, the front door would be opened by a slight and pale man leaning on a white metal crutch matching the archaic brace around his right leg--and to his credit, Viktor looked more startled by his height than anything else.]
You would be Garrus, I take it. I do see your point about the door.
[Completely unfazed.]
Please, come in and make yourself comfortable--tell me a bit more detail of the issue at hand and I will see what I can do to rectify it.
[One of these days, once the immediate survival issues are out of the way, he's going to have to look into clothes that aren't his armor. He ducks his head a bit, in greeting.]
I need to learn to duck better, I hear.
[This man is the funniest son of a bitch--]
Thanks. I appreciate even hearing me out. [He'll do just that and yes, he ducks under the doorframe.] I don't know the exact details, just enough as the average turian. The problem goes all the way down to DNA.
[Viktor let out a sound that might have been a brief snort of laughter, unfortunate appreciator of bad jokes as he was.]
Unfortunately, you've come to a mechanical engineer with a biology quandary, but let's start with the basics and see if we can devise a method to synthesize what you require. For example, and forgive me if this is impolite--does your genetic composition resemble avian, reptilian, both, or neither? More to the point, what can you tell me of the specifics of the necessary sustenance involved?
[He grimaces, and scratches at the scarred side of his face, idly. It's more of an uncertain gesture than it looks like.]
And there's my problem, too. I know weapons, tech, and the occasional rover. This is way beyond me.
[Right, moving on--] I don't think it's any of those, to be honest with you. Humans compare us to birds, but. [He rolls his head from side to side.] I don't see it. They're fluffy. Anyway, it's something to do with the makeup of our DNA - us and quarians are the only species where the amino acids in it are a different protein than the rest of the galaxy.
Worst case scenario, anaphylactic shock. Best case? Anything I tried to eat here would be about the same as ingesting cardboard. I've got some standard issue supplies, but that's not going to last forever.
Fascinating--and narrowing the biological difference down that much is already helpful, I should think. If you would part with a minimal sample of your current supplies, replicating it should prove entirely possible. [Viktor frowned slightly, eyes darting around without really seeing anything as he almost immediately lost himself in a train of thought.] Analyzing a chemical structure is a little beyond the rudimentary lab I have here, I'm afraid, but rest assured reverse-engineering such a thing should not be a serious obstacle to surmount one way or another.
A month? [He seemed to visibly relax, taking the protein bar with a small sigh.] You had me worried we were operating on a much shorter timeframe. I can, eh...'borrow' a couple of resources at work to break down the chemical composition and have a resolution for you within a couple weeks. I'm afraid I'll be out of the country for a short time after that, but I will make this a priority first.
[His head pulls back, his mandible flaring off his jaw. It's clearly an expression of surprise. Even on an alien.] That's - damn, I thought it'd take a lot longer.
[But apparently he's run into this world's version of Mordin.]
I appreciate it. Can't say that enough - if there's anything I can do, tell me.
We have a very wide range of specialties in this city, Garrus. [The smile that flickered across Viktor's face was pleasant, with just the smallest edge of pride to it.] I think something as minor as determining the necessary composition can be done underneath the table with Zodiac resources, so to speak--if that proves an unnecessary risk, I can just as easily ask my friend Varian if he has the necessary equipment. Regardless of method, this is not a difficult task to see accomplished with help.
And there is no need to worry for compensation, if that was indeed a concern. I owe Lycaon more than can be repaid with prosthetics, and if he sent you to me then it is my sincere pleasure to assist in solving whatever problems you may have.
[Viktor paused briefly, with a slight tilt of his head in thought.]
...But if it would set your mind more at ease, I would gladly accept payment in the form of hearing about your technology. Spacefaring travel seems in its scientific infancy on this world, and a complete nonfactor in my own.
Minor, he says... [It comes with a shake of his head, and a definite hum of humor in the echos under his words.] You remind me of someone, talking like that. And it's a good thing. He was probably the best scientist I ever ran into. Maybe best in the galaxy.
[Viktor is a lot more intelligible than Mordin, though. But the intelligence, and the apparent ease he says he'll have solving this problem stands.]
He did. Said I should talk to you, and Varian, actually. I'd just feel better contributing something. [Then Viktor says that about tech and space travel, and Garrus' eyes brighten.] Then it's a deal. You're talking to a tech guy. More specifically, weaponry, but I've been known to handle a rover or small craft too.
You do not have to flatter me, I already agreed to help. [That time his smile carried the hint of a joke as Viktor set aside the protein bar for the moment.]
You have only just arrived, no one would ask much of you in return. But I admit I am incredibly curious. [Adjusting the grip on his crutch, Viktor turned towards a door down the hallway.] As I said, my laboratory is rudimentary at best, but it's over here in the garage if you would like to speak there.
[Viktor opened the door and stepped into the garage; as implied it held all the carefully organized chaos of an engineer's workspace, tools arranged on a wall and shelves over an expansive workbench covered with blueprints and and various half-built or half-dismantled metal frames. Against the far wall, a large and ominous shape some five feet tall and nearly as long stood covered by a cloth. Which was probably nothing.]
[Viktor made a slight gesture with his hand that seemed to cause a chair and a rolling stool to shuffle over to them; he took the latter, leaning his crutch against the workbench.]
I am sure it is unimpressive, considering the level of technology I imagine you have. But by all means, make yourself comfortable.
[He glances around, taking it all in. Sure, it's kind of humble. But given the rest of this world, it's nothing to sneeze at. As the saying goes. The blueprints are definitely interesting. His fingers practically itch to take a look at them. The ominous shape is definitely fine - he's more interested in what's being built.]
[Can he calibrate them-]
Considering the level of technology in this city in general, I don't think you're doing half bad here. I - [What. Did that. Did the furniture just move. Gesture controlled?] - am actually interested in what you've got working.
Anyway. [He'll take the stool because lol his anatomy.] What do you want to hear about?
Eh, well, electrical engineering took a while to comprehend. But once I managed a rudimentary understanding of the field, the rest fell into place rather easily. This is just where I keep my personal projects; things to keep my hands busy, designs I may or may not find uses for, that manner of thing.
[The fact that he'd also learned to manipulate metal through magic was left out, for now.]
If you do not mind, I would like to hear about your world--eh, universe, I suppose--your methods of space travel. The idea has always proven a little hard for me to even conceptualize, I have to confess.
I can understand that. I've never really had the space for projects... but if I ever do? [He shakes his head. He's going to go crazy with tools and gadgets. He'll make his own things to calibrate.]
Well... for the most part, space travel's about as common as it gets. Regular transit between certain hub worlds, FTL drives, Mass Relays. Makes it pretty easy to get from one place to another. Other planets, colonies. Even major space stations.
Give it a little while here, I do not doubt you will find yourself with space and time alike once the initial acclimation begins to settle.
[Viktor listened with clear interest in bright gold eyes, quietly processing what he didn't quite understand (FTL was easy enough to grasp after a second of thought given the context, albeit a dizzying concept) and lingering on the few that completely escaped him.]
Standard travel on a planetary scale...incredible. Faster than light travel would surely be a necessity, but what exactly are Mass Relays?
[His mandible flexes on one side. It's as close to a smirk as he's really capable of, physically.]
We'll see. Survival first, though, right?
[They just need Tali here for this ultimate nerd circle.]
Travel and colonization. From what I've seen on the internet here, that's not in the cards just yet either. Your people have a whole research facility on Mars where I'm from, for example. [Not to mention the prothean archives there-]
A Mass Relay is... how do I put this. They're gateways, essentially, between star systems - a ship enters one, and they're transported to another. Almost instantly. I think the one for the Sol System is out by - what's it called. Pluto? The Charon Relay.
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hexcrafter) wrote2028-01-12 07:37 pm![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
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[THE SPACE IN THE FUCKING SKY, MY GUY.]
I'd be in your debt. Even if it's just taking a look - more ideas are better than none. Happy to drop off a sample or something, just let me know.
No one trusts that Zodiac much, do they?
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It is an institution with a long list of terms and conditions, shall we say. I would give full disclosure that I have worked for them for several years, so perhaps the perspective of 'things have been worse' would carry some weight--things could certainly stand to be better as well. In other words, your problem would no doubt be solved but at an inconvenient (often financial) price.
no subject
[TO BE FAIR the guy made legs for a wolf man, but it's better to ask than assume! Especially when you're a giant dinosaur man.]
I appreciate the head's up. I'm not exactly financially well off, here... and corporations have never been all that great, even where I'm from. Noveria's a planet run by them, and I never want to set foot there again.
[... mostly because it's a snow planet.]
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[Attached was an address and a map, just to make it easier.]
Zodiac is not the worst thing in the world by far. But even so, one would do well to avoid being in their debt. If I can help you with that, either myself or by directing you to someone who can, I would be only too happy to.
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[He's so tall, Viktor.]
You know, saying that just makes me wonder what the "worst" thing in this world is. But I get the feeling that's going to be a story that needs a history book.
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A history book, or perhaps just an abundance of poor luck. The city's weathered plenty of things well enough, however. So I would not say we have seen the hypothetical 'worst', if that helps.
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I'm not sure if that's ominous or reassuring, to be honest with you.
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[When Garrus arrived, the front door would be opened by a slight and pale man leaning on a white metal crutch matching the archaic brace around his right leg--and to his credit, Viktor looked more startled by his height than anything else.]
You would be Garrus, I take it. I do see your point about the door.
[Completely unfazed.]
Please, come in and make yourself comfortable--tell me a bit more detail of the issue at hand and I will see what I can do to rectify it.
no subject
I need to learn to duck better, I hear.
[This man is the funniest son of a bitch--]
Thanks. I appreciate even hearing me out. [He'll do just that and yes, he ducks under the doorframe.] I don't know the exact details, just enough as the average turian. The problem goes all the way down to DNA.
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Unfortunately, you've come to a mechanical engineer with a biology quandary, but let's start with the basics and see if we can devise a method to synthesize what you require. For example, and forgive me if this is impolite--does your genetic composition resemble avian, reptilian, both, or neither? More to the point, what can you tell me of the specifics of the necessary sustenance involved?
no subject
And there's my problem, too. I know weapons, tech, and the occasional rover. This is way beyond me.
[Right, moving on--] I don't think it's any of those, to be honest with you. Humans compare us to birds, but. [He rolls his head from side to side.] I don't see it. They're fluffy. Anyway, it's something to do with the makeup of our DNA - us and quarians are the only species where the amino acids in it are a different protein than the rest of the galaxy.
Worst case scenario, anaphylactic shock. Best case? Anything I tried to eat here would be about the same as ingesting cardboard. I've got some standard issue supplies, but that's not going to last forever.
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[He'll even grab what looks like a space-age protein bar out of a compartment in his armor.]
Here. It's basic as hell, but it's what I've got. Supply should last - a month, if I'm careful.
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[His head pulls back, his mandible flaring off his jaw. It's clearly an expression of surprise. Even on an alien.] That's - damn, I thought it'd take a lot longer.
[But apparently he's run into this world's version of Mordin.]
I appreciate it. Can't say that enough - if there's anything I can do, tell me.
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And there is no need to worry for compensation, if that was indeed a concern. I owe Lycaon more than can be repaid with prosthetics, and if he sent you to me then it is my sincere pleasure to assist in solving whatever problems you may have.
[Viktor paused briefly, with a slight tilt of his head in thought.]
...But if it would set your mind more at ease, I would gladly accept payment in the form of hearing about your technology. Spacefaring travel seems in its scientific infancy on this world, and a complete nonfactor in my own.
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[Viktor is a lot more intelligible than Mordin, though. But the intelligence, and the apparent ease he says he'll have solving this problem stands.]
He did. Said I should talk to you, and Varian, actually. I'd just feel better contributing something. [Then Viktor says that about tech and space travel, and Garrus' eyes brighten.] Then it's a deal. You're talking to a tech guy. More specifically, weaponry, but I've been known to handle a rover or small craft too.
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You have only just arrived, no one would ask much of you in return. But I admit I am incredibly curious. [Adjusting the grip on his crutch, Viktor turned towards a door down the hallway.] As I said, my laboratory is rudimentary at best, but it's over here in the garage if you would like to speak there.
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[He's so good at this talk thing, isn't he. He is great at general conversation.]
Good thing I'm always willing to talk tech. [He inclines his head, with a little, "after you" sort of motion.] Sure. Right behind you.
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[Viktor made a slight gesture with his hand that seemed to cause a chair and a rolling stool to shuffle over to them; he took the latter, leaning his crutch against the workbench.]
I am sure it is unimpressive, considering the level of technology I imagine you have. But by all means, make yourself comfortable.
no subject
[Can he calibrate them-]
Considering the level of technology in this city in general, I don't think you're doing half bad here. I - [What. Did that. Did the furniture just move. Gesture controlled?] - am actually interested in what you've got working.
Anyway. [He'll take the stool because lol his anatomy.] What do you want to hear about?
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[The fact that he'd also learned to manipulate metal through magic was left out, for now.]
If you do not mind, I would like to hear about your world--eh, universe, I suppose--your methods of space travel. The idea has always proven a little hard for me to even conceptualize, I have to confess.
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Well... for the most part, space travel's about as common as it gets. Regular transit between certain hub worlds, FTL drives, Mass Relays. Makes it pretty easy to get from one place to another. Other planets, colonies. Even major space stations.
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[Viktor listened with clear interest in bright gold eyes, quietly processing what he didn't quite understand (FTL was easy enough to grasp after a second of thought given the context, albeit a dizzying concept) and lingering on the few that completely escaped him.]
Standard travel on a planetary scale...incredible. Faster than light travel would surely be a necessity, but what exactly are Mass Relays?
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We'll see. Survival first, though, right?
[They just need Tali here for this ultimate nerd circle.]
Travel and colonization. From what I've seen on the internet here, that's not in the cards just yet either. Your people have a whole research facility on Mars where I'm from, for example. [Not to mention the prothean archives there-]
A Mass Relay is... how do I put this. They're gateways, essentially, between star systems - a ship enters one, and they're transported to another. Almost instantly. I think the one for the Sol System is out by - what's it called. Pluto? The Charon Relay.
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