001 ⚙️ the light of the sunrise

[ar_cane]

[ There's nothing remarkable about Viktor's first thought intentionally shared through the Murmur other than this: JAYCE TALIS AND JINX OF ZAUN CANNOT PERCEIVE THIS MESSAGE. For all others, Viktor's accented voice can be heard, soft but distinctly metallic, resonating through the shared consciousness of all who open their minds to the connection. ]

I'm looking for anyone who has experience in robotic engineering, mechanical maintenance, medical prostheses, or surgery and amputation.

[ While he doesn't offer any context, his tone is even and calm as if he's putting out a general want ad rather than a cry for help. It's a curiosity, but a focused one that is searching for results. ]

Also, if anyone has located a hospital or any other facilities that might have medical supplies, a robotics lab, or any business that requires mechanical tools, I'm looking for some specific equipment.

Oh, and my name is Viktor. Some of you may be familiar with my... friend, Jayce Talis. [ There is a weighty pause before the word friend. ] I'd appreciate no one mentioning this to him.

Comments

[goty]

Are you trying to cut something off?

[ar_cane]

Yes, with the intention of preserving as much of it as possible.

[goty]

Uh, shit. Is it infected?

[ar_cane]

No, I don't even know if it can get infected. It stopped working when I arrived here, and I'd like to get rid of the dead weight.

[dethangel]

I built a model robot once, does that count?

[ar_cane]

That depends on whether or not it was one of your own design and had moving parts.

[dethangel]

Uh... well, it had movable joints! But it was just a kit. Gave it a real cool paintjob though.

[This most certainly does not count.]

[pointedlook]

[ There's a definite spark of recognition when Arthur gets this message across the network. ]

I've done my fair share of mechanical maintenance; mostly on cars and—[ Ah. How does he describe the PASIV, anyway? ]—smaller, somewhat more complicated electronics.

[ Nailed it. ]

This will need some updating, but I've labeled some key spots in the area on this map, if that's any help. Should have the hospitals noted.

[ Curiously: ] What's the occasion? And I suppose the need for the secret?

[ar_cane]

You're a man of many skills, Arthur. If I may ask, did any of the maintenance involve disassembly?

[ Not for the first time, Viktor wishes he had the means to pull an image from his mind and put it onto paper. As things stand now, he dives a little deeper into that portion of Arthur's mind to peruse for some medical facilities while continuing the conversation. ]

I need to make a... modification to my body, and Jayce would protest.

[pointedlook]

I've had reason to accumulate them, mostly. But, yes, in order to thoroughly clean one device in particular, I took it apart about once a month.

[ Something about doing that to the PASIV was really soothing. He kind of misses fiddling with it, honestly. ] Ah, I see. What is it you're trying to do?

[tequila_sunset]

Are you friends? With Jayce?

[ar_cane]

[ Whatever feeling this man may get when eyes are narrowed at him, he's surely feeling that right about now. ]

As I said in my original message: yes.

[tequila_sunset]

Cue IMMEDIATE backpedaling.

Ok. I felt that. Sorry. I won’t pry. I’m just kind of-
I like to ask questions.

Anyway you’re making some kind of robot limb right? Sounds really cool. Very science fiction to me.

[vocalistyodels]

Seems like our little know-it-all got you pointed towards a hospital. Now if you're looking for help with amputation, I'm no doctor-

[There's a smile that spreads through the murmur.]

But I ain't squeamish.

[ar_cane]

[ Though Viktor can sense the smile, he's not sure he can feel the intention behind it. ]

While I appreciate the offer, I'm not sure there's much to be squeamish about. My concern is primarily with a clean separation.

[vocalistyodels]

[Oh just some fun, honest.]

Lotta folks ain't fond of blood, just saying, don't bother me none.

[But more importantly.]

So you're Jayce's fella he was looking for a while back.

[sorte]

I may have some of this equipment, already, depending. Even if it's too large, I may still be able to tell you where it is specifically to make your life a little easier.

...For example, there's a robotics lab on the campus of Columbia University.

[ar_cane]

I would be very grateful either way, travel isn't an issue for me.

[ He makes a mental note of them, recalling the name from a map that had been shared with him previously. ]

A perfect starting point, thank you. I don't believe we've met, are you a roboticist?

[sorte]

[ a friendly laugh echos through the murmur. ]

You know, I wish I could somehow record you saying that so I could somehow the good Doctor back home that indeed I could be mistaken for something of an engineer or scholar, afterall. Please vouch for me if he ever shows up that you said such a thing~.

I don't think we have. I'm Aventurine, just a humble manager that works in a company that specializes in robotics [ like along with a million other things but clearly that's all that matters here—. ] Robots are incredibly common in my world, though, so I immediately recognized some of the equipment and parts when I explored the place, even though the technology is not as advanced as back home. I thought just in case a colleague of mine ever showed up here, I could hopefully keep him preoccupied with the lab for a bit before he gets impatient with our situation. You two sound like you might have a lot of common interests.

It's really a shame he's not here, though. He's an engineer and a doctor, among other things. You two might even get along on top of it.

Anyway, so much for wishful thinking. What would you be needing specifically?

[hallowedly]

( A hesitant connection: )


...animal surgery and amputation. Yes. Extensively.

[ar_cane]

[ Extensively? ]

Considering we don't have any human doctors among us, you may find yourself in high demand.

If you'd be willing, I'd appreciate a second opinion about the connective... tissue.

[hallowedly]

You have to understand I can't ethically take on a case unless you're in dire straits that would imperil your life otherwise. ( The most resigned of sighs: ) But I suppose taking a look isn't picking up a scalpel.

Is it... your situation?

[trashblaze]

[ Well, Caelus is a newcomer, so he's still trying to get to know the streets in more ways than one. He can't contribute to pinpointing specific locations yet, but! ]

Ah, I have decent experience with engineering, robotics, and coding.

[ar_cane]

A very relevant trio of knowledge. [ There's a hint of excitement, as if he's looking forward to have more people around to discuss science with but needs to prioritize his mission first. ] How comfortable would you be with dismantling someone else's work?

[trashblaze]

[ Aw! That's cute. Caelus feels the excitement and equally gets hyped up. ✨ ]

Oh, if I have permission, then it's no problem! I love figuring out things.