† 001.

[klutziness]

[rikku is slouched over her work table, which is actually just two bureaus shoved together and covered in tools and various bits and pieces of metal and paper. the comm itself is propped up against one of those random bits of metal, and has turned on thanks to a stray screwdriver bumping into it. rikku herself is wearing her jumpsuit--well, half of it. it's unzipped and pooled at her waist--she's just got her bikini top on beneath it, along with a pair of goggles over her eyes. for safety.

a couple of spheres (five, to be exact) are rolling around on the table, glowing faintly. she pays no mind to them except when one gets a little too close to the edge of the table--then she gently nudges it back with whatever happens to be in her hand.

she is currently prodding at some sort of device, round and flat and about the size of a medium plate. there are round recesses carved into it, along with a strange design. the skeleton of a small machine is where she directs her words:]

Alrighty, I think I've got it this time. If it works, we're back in business, little buddy.

[she sits up, shoving the goggles away from her face to inspect her work. she grabs a soldering gun, makes a last-minute fix, and then stands, biting her lip a bit, clipping the device to her belt.]

Here goes nothing. Or something. Hopefully a lot of something.

[she closes her eyes and, for a moment, it doesn't seem like anything will happen. then there's a low hum, growing louder by the second. she grins for a brief second, and suddenly panic appears on her face. there's a loud zap sound, she yelps, jumping and lurching into the desk. the comm falls over, focusing on a worn-out piece of paper. rikku herself is not happy.]

Shiva's freezing tits, what now! Sheesh, can't a girl catch a break with anything?

[she's scrabbling around on the desk again, and notices that the comm is on. she picks it up with one hand, rubbing at her forehead with the other.]

So, uh. Man, this shouldn't surprise me anymore. It always happens when I blow something up. Anyway, anybody know much about machina? Or magic. Or both! Both would be good.

Comments

[klutziness]

I'm not against asking them, I just don't know how they'd answer, I guess.

[testgasm]

Worried that they might not have nice things to say?

[klutziness]

Nnnnno, worried that they literally cannot answer. I never figured out the tech to give them speech centers or typing abilities or anything.

[testgasm]

Oh.

[Oh.]

Maybe that's...something...to get on, then.

[klutziness]

If you know anybody who could help out, that'd be cool.

[testgasm]

Oh! Me. I can help. I can talk to them. If you want.

[klutziness]

You can talk to robots?

[SHE'S ON 2 U]

[testgasm]

Me? Sure, do it all the time.

[klutziness]

Is it a power?

[testgasm]

Uh, well...no, not exactly. It's a bit hard to explain.

[klutziness]

Seems like we've got time.

[testgasm]

Okay, um. Remember what I just--what I just said, a little while ago, about AI that were...practically indistinguishable from humans? Ones where you could talk to them for ages and--and the fact that they might possibly be a robot wouldn't even occur to you?

[klutziness]

[give her a minute]

You're a robot, aren't you?

[testgasm]

...Yes.

[klutziness]

You just got like, ten times cooler.

[testgasm]

[SHE THINKS I'M COOL]

Oh, ah.

[cough]

That's...good to hear. I suppose.

[klutziness]

[SHE'LL THINK YOU'RE THE LAMEST ROBOT EVER BUT YOU'LL STILL BE COOL]

Chyeah. So I'll let you know when I get this little dude built, okay? Then you can robo-talk to him and ask if he's happy.

[testgasm]

Sure! Can do. Sounds like--sounds like a plan, that we've got. Plans. Always good to have.

[klutziness]

I'm actually pretty terrible with plans so thanks for helping out with this one.

[testgasm]

No problem at all. Just call me the...planner.

[klutziness]

Alright. Planner.

[testgasm]

Ooh, I like that.