There is a junkyard here that I intend to go through to see what might be useful. If you are serious about offering assistance, you can meet me there.
Of course, rust is an issue.
[ Viktor resists the urge to clearly label that as a joke. Chem-treated steel doesn't rust. Ask him about it. He can go on for hours. ]
I do not charge for my work. If you need it, I will make it. We would have to discuss specifications however, and what you can tell me about the nature of your injury.
Course. I do this all the time back home. Umbra can help, too. He's got a good nose. [ Not specifying Umbra is a dog, Noctis? Helpful. ]
What about squeaking?
I got in an accident when I was a kid. Spinal injury. [ That took forever to type. He hates talking about this, but — ] I can explain more when I see you.
You regularly find yourself picking through garbage with your acquaintance with a good nose?
[ He's teasing, but he is curious. Most people don't do good deeds in his experience, but it seems like this young man is possessed of a desire to prove him wrong. ]
I will endeavor to make sure you do not squeak, rattle, or groan.
I see. Have you considered a brace for your spine as well? I used to wear one and am quite familiar with them. I had a twisted spine for most of my life.
I am adjusting well enough. It's nice to not have to pretend to be an elf anymore. And god, getting away from corsets as more than a fashion statement is a blessing.
I haven't have the opportunity, no. But from everything I've heard, she's an improvement. Sending her guests to rescue us is a point in her favor, at any rate.
[ There's a small envelope waiting for Viktor with his name printed on it. Inside is a white feather that shimmers in the light and a card with formal, looping script. ]
Thanks again for helping me out. I know I don't owe you anything, but you should have this. Maybe it'll give you something fun to work with — I heard there's power in it.
Happy holidays, The Swan Prince
[ A doodle of a tiny black swan with a crown accompanies the signature. ]
Yeah. Technically we're hunters, but we travel a lot and help people out with stuff. My Our country's in the middle of a war, so there's lots of places that need support.
[ That text actually makes him smile. Viktor's sense of humor reminds him of Ignis. ]
You're a real pal.
Sorry you had to go through that too. It sucks. [ He hesitates, debating. ] How long did you have to wear it?
You would be the first to accuse me of that in a long time.
It does indeed suck. [ There's something ridiculous about reducing it down to something so simple and yet it is comforting in a way. ] I had to wear it every day until I replaced my entire spine.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text | @noctgar — post-mission
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A lab.
[ A delay. He adds: ]
That was a joke. I doubt you have one in your pocket.
Did you still require a new brace for that knee? Are you certain I cannot convince you to replace it entirely?
[ Another pause. Janna, he hates texting. ]
That was also a joke.
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I always wanted to be a cyborg. Sounds cool. [ Is Noctis the one joking now? Hard to tell. ]
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Do you have a lab laying around?
I am.
It has it's benefits to be sure.
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Not right now, but I wouldn't know what kind of stuff you'd need in it anyway. You need me to find supplies?
I bet. No feeling like ass in the cold or rain, for one. But yeah, I could use a new brace. What are you asking for it?
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There is a junkyard here that I intend to go through to see what might be useful. If you are serious about offering assistance, you can meet me there.
Of course, rust is an issue.
[ Viktor resists the urge to clearly label that as a joke. Chem-treated steel doesn't rust. Ask him about it. He can go on for hours. ]
I do not charge for my work. If you need it, I will make it. We would have to discuss specifications however, and what you can tell me about the nature of your injury.
Text, Oswald - Post Mission
How are you fairing so far? There's been a lot of change lately, and I wanted to check in.
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What about squeaking?
I got in an accident when I was a kid. Spinal injury. [ That took forever to type. He hates talking about this, but — ] I can explain more when I see you.
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[ He's teasing, but he is curious. Most people don't do good deeds in his experience, but it seems like this young man is possessed of a desire to prove him wrong. ]
I will endeavor to make sure you do not squeak, rattle, or groan.
I see. Have you considered a brace for your spine as well? I used to wear one and am quite familiar with them. I had a twisted spine for most of my life.
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I am faring well. How are you adjusting?
I do have a question. Have you had the change to speak with the AI? Aurora, I believe. I have heard she is nothing like the one in Pollux.
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I haven't have the opportunity, no. But from everything I've heard, she's an improvement. Sending her guests to rescue us is a point in her favor, at any rate.
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So it would seem, but I have my doubts. One good deed is not enough to inform an opinion.
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I agree with you there. It's a point in her favor over the other one, but that's all. Her motivations remain to be seen, just like the last one.
I hate being a skeptic but it's the only thing that makes sense in this situation.
action ➤ delivery!
Thanks again for helping me out. I know I don't owe you anything, but you should have this. Maybe it'll give you something fun to work with — I heard there's power in it.
Happy holidays,
The Swan Prince
[ A doodle of a tiny black swan with a crown accompanies the signature. ]
→ text;
He's terrible at texting, but he means well. ]
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A single point, yes. Motivations aside, they both answer to the same entity and their motives are more of a mystery than either of these AI.
Skepticism may impede intellectual curiosity, but willful ignorance is more dangerous. I would rather be a skeptic than a fool.
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MyOur country's in the middle of a war, so there's lots of places that need support.[ That text actually makes him smile. Viktor's sense of humor reminds him of Ignis. ]
You're a real pal.
Sorry you had to go through that too. It sucks. [ He hesitates, debating. ] How long did you have to wear it?
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When should I come around to try it on?
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You would be the first to accuse me of that in a long time.
It does indeed suck. [ There's something ridiculous about reducing it down to something so simple and yet it is comforting in a way. ] I had to wear it every day until I replaced my entire spine.
Not the answer you were hoping for, I assume.
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With the resources I have at hand, it will take me a few weeks to gather the materials necessary for a prototype.
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Bad? I could call you something different if you want.
[ Yeesh. ] Not exactly, but if it worked. What's the recovery time like for that?
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You mean it'll take US a few weeks.
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No. It is just an unfamiliar sentiment.
By then, I had installed a pain inhibitor and had already replaced much of my chest cavity. Even then, it took four months to fully recover.
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Us. Of course.
Holiday stuff, forgive me!
Glad we're on the same page, Vik. I hate looking foolish. And I don't trust 'all powerful overbeings' to be particularly transparent.
Have you got a lab set up, yet?