NETWORK - Help Wanted/Offered

[outofthepast]

Who: Nick Valentine
Username: valentine
Warnings: Discussion of robot parts and the repair thereof, robot existentialism + objectification

Hey folks, it's Valentine here. Now that I've had a taste of nitty gritty fieldwork, I think it'd be prudent of me to take a few precautions. I'm looking for a good mechanic. And I'd prefer not to involve ADI at this point, so please don't suggest I just consult with the Technology department. Let's keep this one on one for now.

The parts are proprietary and you won't have seen them before, so I need a quick learner. Advanced experience is a plus, but I've done just fine with regular Joes and Jills up to this point. The absolute most important qualification, though, is that you let me buy you a drink and have a chat with you first. Amateur transhumanism philosophers need not apply, thanks.

I'm willing to either pay or trade what you think is fair. Favors, errands. Maybe I can teach you something.

You know what, let's make that a general offer. Even if you're not a mechanic, I'm happy to teach what skills I can to anybody interested. Want to learn to shoot a gun? Use a computer? Make a theory corkboard? Swing dance? Hit me up and let's make it a date.

Really, I can't stress enough how much extra time I've got on my hands.

Comments

Text UN Soldier

[worthallthis]

you know how to swing dance?

[It's hard to tell given, y'know, text, but this is Winter's excited face.]

[outofthepast]

Yes indeed. Seems to be kicking around somewhere in my head.

[Heh.]

Text; un: Kruos

[whisperedone]

Do you think you can teach a blind man how to shoot?

[outofthepast]

I can sure give it my best shot.

Now, I can't promise any miracles with marksmanship, but there's certainly weapons you could make effective for your situation. Close range, I'm thinking. Shotguns and maybe pistols, if you feel confident enough to try.

un: jelica

[musicdied]

There is a surprising number of people from other worlds who know how to swing dance.

[outofthepast]

Other worlds than where?

I'm from Earth, surprisingly, but if this is a pattern you've found I'd love to hear about it.

[musicdied]

Than this specific Earth.

We don't have as many people who aren't from some Earth as we used to.

[whisperedone]

I'm not sure you intended that joke, but know it was appreciated all the same.

I am confident enough to try anything once.
I know very little of differences in weapon you just listed, but something closer ranger would be useful; I have a good idea of my surroundings about thirty feet out, anything more gets muddy.

[outofthepast]

Well, they do say that old music is timeless, after all.

Timeless and spaceless, from the looks of it.

[outofthepast]

I did. Glad you liked it.

The most important thing, I think, is making sure you can do it safely. The first rule of firearms is to never point a gun at anything you don't intend to kill. Far be it for me to guess what you're capable of, but we can figure out what works for you as best we can.

[failedpromise]

Hey Nick. Have you met Tony? He's one of my roommates. He's probably your best bet for mechanical help-apparently managed to build a flying suit of power armor in his world, despite being at a technology level similar to this one.

He's helped me out with some issues with my code, so I'd say he's trustworthy ...if also a flirt and a braggart.

[outofthepast]

Well, that's mostly a ringing endorsement.

I haven't met him, no. But I'd be interested to talk with him further for sure.

[musicdied]

They say that about a lot of old things.

What year did you come from?

[whisperedone]

I always appreciate jokes and puns, they make people smile.

That's a very good rule. I would not wish to shoot at an ally having lost them in the movements of a foe, but that is a risk I run in any combat scenario where I'm not out alone. What I don't wish to be is ignorant.

I assume we would make use of ADI's range? Is there anything I should research or bring for this training?

[outofthepast]

It's 2288 back home. Though that probably sounds exciting and futuristic, it comes with a couple of huge asterisks.

Can confirm, though, swing music's still popular.

[outofthepast]

Yeah, their range ought to do nicely. I'll look into borrowing a couple of small calibers and we'll see what we can do for you.

All you need to bring is yourself and a good attitude.

[whisperedone]

Luckily, I have both of those in stock.

If I might ask another question: what is a 'swing' dance?

[failedpromise]

I don't allow just anyone to poke around in my head.

(She doesn't mention that she only trusted him in the first place because she was scared and desperate.)

Our apartment is right next to yours.

[worthallthis]

i do too

so does george and i taught belova some things

i also know a little about how to maintain my arm. i don't know if that would help you but i want to try

[outofthepast]

Hopefully, I won't be needing that level of maintenance myself. Knock on wood.

Could you maybe have him contact me if he's interested? I don't want to impose.

[outofthepast]

Swing is a type of music. It was popular around the 1940s. Lots of brass instruments, big bands, and good beats. There's a certain type of partner dancing that goes along with it, with lots of spins and fancy footwork.

Seems I have a little knowledge of the style floating around in my head. [Apparently, it was still plenty popular in the 2060s and 2070s. He frequented those sorts of clubs, and certainly knew how to cut a rug.]

[outofthepast]

Boy, it really is popular, isn't it?

I'd like to compare them myself sometime. But like I said, drinks first. No exceptions, I'm afraid.

[worthallthis]

[He makes a face on his end.]

does it have to be alcoholic or in public

i dont like crowds or alcohol

[outofthepast]

No. Neither. It's the chatting that's the important part. I'm not handing my maintenance over to anybody I can't have a friendly evening chat with.

[worthallthis]

[There's a several minute long pause before the answer.]

i am not very good at chatting but i will try