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?

[dethangel]

I built a model robot once, does that 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?

[tequila_sunset]

Are you friends? With Jayce?

[ar_cane]

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

[ar_cane]

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

[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.

[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.

forgive him, Harry!

[ar_cane]

Forgive me, no one should feel like they can't ask questions. I just thought you were... implying something.

[ Viktor is pleased that people have read between the lines of his request even though he didn't do much to hide his intentions. ]

Not quite. Almost the exact opposite, in fact.

[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.]

[ar_cane]

You sound a little more like an artist than a mechanic.

[ Viktor isn't going to say it, but no, is definitely doesn't count. ]

[dethangel]

Yeah... probably, [he admits.] But I can build a really good model airplane too. So if you ever need small stuff glued together, I'm really good at that.

[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.

[hallowedly]

( A hesitant connection: )


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

[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.

[tequila_sunset]

…wait

So…you have a robot arm…you need to remove?

[ar_cane]

Steady hands with small scales is an important skill in robotics. I'd encourage you to pursue the topic if it interests you, but it may be difficult given our... general location.

[ar_cane]

Yes. Technically, I have three, but I only want to remove one since it's currently nonoperational.

[ar_cane]

A fair observation, but I don't bleed.

[ Not in the traditional sense. There might be some... ooze, though, if the cuts are deep enough.

There's a faint mental sigh. ] Yes, that would be me. I didn't know he'd made such a fuss about it.

[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?

[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.