IC Inbox

[scarletengineering]

You rang?

Comments

i said i'd do it and so here's some action.

[magitrap]

[ It's an early morning when Cid has come to knock on Neros' door - by this point, he knew he lived in the farm next to him. But it's far earlier then he'd usually be awake, because... well... he's got a desized Ultima Weapon following him. Around the size of a large Mount, and letting out a constant string of beeps.

Of course, Cid blames Nero. So, with his now-powered-by-electricity-arm, Cid is pounding on his door. Only a little afraid. ]

Scaeva.

[scarletengineering]

[It may be early but Nero is awake. If you can catch sight of the house through the trees you'd see the light never goes out. Upon arrival Nero rushed to put his metaphorical flag in the dirt and carve his name into this town.

It's not necessarily to get the best of Cid, though that's certainly a small part of it, but to get his hands on all sorts of technology. And he's already hit quite the payload withe a few clients. That also means that he has to work and work hard.

This isn't the grind the Empire demanded but it's still a lot to do because it requires dabbling in more advanced technology than he's used to. So his first days here have been filled with research and work. It's honestly been quite thrilling. But the days are long and sleep in a place like this is lacking. He's a snippish at best and insufferable at worst. A Garlond at his door is not about to make this a chipper morning.

Nero pushes up his own goggles as he answers the door huffing just a bit at having a visitor at this hour, despite the fact that he's up.]

I told you, I wouldn't have it ready till-- Oh. [He lets out a dramatic sigh.] It's you. [ Oh.. but wait a moment. Tired as he is it would be impossible not to notice the Ultima Weapon beeping nonsensically behind Cid.]

Did that take the bus too? [He gestures to the shrunk down Weapon.] Did you take a swing at it as well when it got off? Is that why it's beeping uncontrollably? You really need to control yourself. You've gone and broken it.

[He may be tired and grumpy but this certainly is one way to improve a mood.]

[magitrap]

No. It was in that overgrown lot I'm meant to tend - I've done nothing to it! I thought you dumped it there. [ But now he's here, he's going to try and stand as tall as he can - even as the large machine tries to push past Cid, to try and scan Nero.

Cid, for his part, had been resting a lot - there's been barely any movement from his so-called farm. Letting his injuries finally heal up, then he can begin working. Seeking his own way, but not working for others - not like Nero has begun to do. He'll find a way to use this world without needing to work on others. He doesn't need them. (He does, but he's still so damed afraid.) Perhaps he could fade away, become another face in the crowd, only appearing to help.

Still, he couldn't help but let the next bit slip out. In his mind, Cid thinks this was sent as a warning. Why else would the weapons be deactivated? ] What's next - Lord Gaius finally tracks us down?

[scarletengineering]

Really? [He should see if he has one in his yard too. But that would mean actually tending the yard and he's not really interested in doing that.] I promise you that if I found an Ultima Weapon I wouldn't give it to you. That's a sincere promise from me to you.

[Nero is just as interested in small Ultima Weapon as it is in him. And it takes him a moment to really process Cid's insane statement.] Track us down? I haven't done anything worthy of being tracked down for... not by him anyway. You however? Send me a postcard from under whatever rock you choose to hide under upon his arrival.

[And if Gaius does come? While annoying as that would be he can easily slip going back to being a good soldier and dutiful general. Obediently continuing his engineering and doing what he does best. And while Gaius never appreciated him as much as Cid he thinks it'll be fine if he shows. At least one general is alive, yes? That counts for something. And it's not as if he's been doing nothing this whole time. He has... well. Not a whole lot to show for it but his notes are solid. World of Darkness. Omega. He's been trying at the very least.]

[magitrap]

So you don't want me out of your hair that badly. [ Cid says, his expression barely shifting - but it's almost a joke, the way he says it. ] And of course you haven't. [ But which you was Cid talking about - the Nero he knew, or the Nero in front of him? Either way, his fears seemed to vanish a little. Not because of what Nero said, honestly. But because of his tone.

Out of all the worlds out there, perhaps there were less threatening Gaius. (My Gaius Muse laughs at all of this, both of them are wrong.) However, he can't help but put a hand to the over-curious Eikonslayer machine, as it begins to beep in an angry, but rhythm-esque manner. Snorting, Cid looked to it. ] Whatever it's doing, it's trying to communicate - and not like Omega would.

[ At the mention of the word Omega, though, Ultima Weapon let out two long beeps. ]

[scarletengineering]

I don't believe I said anything close to that, Garlond. [Nero can't help but scoff.] The Garlond I know... He once said to me that he didn't mind having me around. That it was fun. The man was a damn liar. I'll do you the courtesy and kindness of being honest about your presence and truthfully... I don't particularly care for it. Of things I could do without you're certainly near the top of the list. However-- [Nero gestures to the beeping technology.] --you have brought an Ultima Weapon onto my doorstep and that's a certainly putting things on a much more tolerable standing.

[Against his better judgement he moves out of the way of the entrance and allows Cid entrance into what can only be described as a workshop because there's nothing else in here but tools and work tables that have hastily been tossed together.

There's not even a bed which begs the question of where Nero has been sleeping. (He's been asking the same question recently.)]

You can come in just try not to touch anything.

[magitrap]

It's not a gift for you, Nero. Still...

[ Clearly, Cid seems to almost feel this place is familiar, as he enters. It's what he'd be doing - except his is a lot more cramped, a lot more useless goods scattered around. However, at least Ultima Weapon seems... pleased to be entering, soft vibrations coming from the machine. It seems curious, at least!

Putting a hand to it - the robotic one, of course - Cid shook his head. ] Like it or not, it'll be faster if we both interrogate this thing.

[scarletengineering]

[Nero begins to put some things away. Slide blueprints out of sight. Put a cover on this project. No need for someone poking their nose where it doesn't belong.

He also sets Mjolnir back against the wall next to his armor. He'd been rewriting the blueprints for it to give to Sombra. The price of friendship is steep indeed... But with all the tech she's given him it's well worth it.]

I assume this is your Ultima Weapon. Not the one I put back together? You should start then... I couldn't begin to know where to start with your beeping creation.

[Wait... actually...]

Though I must ask... Do you know how functional it is? Are its weapons online?

[magitrap]

I doubt they were crafted too differently. [ Cid replied, as the Ultima Weapon seems to be looking between both of them. Seemed to be a little on edge - moreso as Cid reaches into his equipment bag. He's got - of course - tools forged in Garlemald. ] All I know is that mine wasn't... downsized.

[ But as he tries to search for a way to deactivate for now, the machine lets out a longer warning beep... before flashing a few times. ] And there's your answer about weapons. They're-- gone. Not even any of those Bits you created.

[scarletengineering]

[Nero would beg to differ. His was, obviously, crafted better. But... sometimes it does well to hold your tongue.]

Nor was mine. It doesn't seem like it's going to be crushing any primals in that state. Maybe it can tip over one of those spotted beasts but...

[Another shrug. Before he lets out a disappointed hum. No weapons.]

If that's the case. Let's get it functional again. It's too small to do any serious damage. [Maybe.] And it'll be fun.

[It's actually like a toy now.]

[magitrap]

Who knows, it could rip apart a Sylph. That's useful for something. [ He's looking the beast over, who's settled down again. Before breaking out into a laugh. ]

--Bloody hells, Scaeva! You invite us inside and then suggest that? [ Cid then says, staring. Before... a slight spark in his eyes seems to appear. It won't be any risk to his objects - for what he has. Only Nero. Let's get to it, then. Cid found it - the button that won't deactivate, but will allow them access to the inside. It's around the same size as it was when the Weapon was full sized, but since everything else has been altered... well. Pressing it, the back of Ultimas' neck opens.

The weapons are still packed in there, tightly. The aether manipulation devices seem to be trying to move, but can't. ]

[scarletengineering]

As if that's hard to do...

[They're like paper. Or leaves really. Either way... very tear apartable]

Don't get carried away, Garlond. You think I'm going to let you "accidentally" destroy every thing I own in one fell swoop? You take it outside and do this.

[This was not an invitation to destroy his shack. Cid, please.

Thankfully it seems to be jammed or something akin to that since Garlond just took at as an invitation anyway. Sighing slightly in relief, Nero hovers over both Weapon and Cid, peering at the crammed up weapons.]

Is this how you built your Ultima Weapon?

[Judgement is palpable in his words. He would never build his like this. Shoving the weapons in there like that. Tsk tsk. No wonder it beeps like this.]

[magitrap]

Of course not! [ Cid snapped back, as he began to fiddle with it. ] I did cram a lot of weapons in there, of course - Lord Gaius insisted. Those savages didn't deserve mercy. They didn't...
But there was a lot more room, when he was bigger.

[ The Weapon has stepped back outside, however, seeming to listen to Nero a bit more then the man beginning to mess around with him. Cid, for his part, seemed to be tapping at some of his metal fingers--

--oh, wow. There's small tools in those fingers, but not big enough to play around much with the Weapon. There. He's found one of the Magitek Bits the Weapon can summon, and... it's dulled. ]

[scarletengineering]

[Savages. Savages. Cid has quite the mouth on him for someone who has also had to take refuge in Eorzea. Even he knows when to count your blessings. Better this than dead, right?

Maybe that's not how this particular Cid feels. He is an oddity compared to what he begrudgingly knows.]

What a mess...

[Nero can't help but sigh. But Ultima is not any worse than when it was originally found. Just... smaller. And certainly salvageable but the dull summon is a touch disheartening. Well. Maybe that's actually for the best. Destroying this town is not actually high on his priority list.]

If we can get these weapons working... it might be a good tool to clear out these overgrown farmlands. If that could be done I could build something much larger. Something that won't fit in this shack.

[Can you imagine? He certainly can. He has so much land to work with. Hell... one might be able to build their own airship. Or some sort of fun side project that isn't restricted by space and the Empire. It would be good for this Cid as well. Something to take his mind off of... everything. Help him be less paranoid.]

Speaking of projects... I have not failed to notice you got your arm working. With something less flammable and explosive, I presume?

[magitrap]

[ This Cid seems to pause, frowning - until that spark enters his eyes, at that final question. He's still moving to manipulate the Weapon, but far slower then could be expected. ]

Yeah. I played with some of the machines in town - from Jojamart. They sell robots and market them as for children, but they've got engines. Only have enough power for around a bell or two. [ In other words, an hour or so. But that's long enough, as Ultima whines. And goes silent, as his weapons are released. Magitek bits, but different then the ones Nero had created. No, these ones were more streamlined, but seemed to have their guns made for spread damage.

Of course Cid would make them fire at crowds, not just at one or two people. But he touches one, before turning to Nero. ] This damned weapon still has power. And that artifact - the Heart of Sabik. Had to make sure.

[ ...Why? ]

action;

[aneyeonthepast]

[G'raha's sort of aware the jPads have a text function, but it seems as though it'd be better to try and track Nero down in person- even if it's just to see what he's like, here. It's still something of a surprise to see the other man when he does, but he raises a hand in greeting- just a little bit of concern in red eyes.]

Ah- Nero! Hello.

[scarletengineering]

[Look, he's not here to tell Cid how to be an engineer. No wait... He is.]

The engines are all well and good but short lived. Why not use the batteries they have here. They're absurdly easy to wire together, actual child's play, and have a much longer life. And if you wire it proper you can recharge it at night when you're not using it. May not last the whole day but anything is better than a handful of bells.

[Oh... this weapon. It certainly is different from what he put together. And really? The Heart of Sabik is still inside it?]

Why does it matter? It won't do us any good in a place lacking primals.

[Or one has to hope there are no primals here.]

Honestly... the less functional this thing is the better. I have no interest in creating a crater in the ground. I, for one, am enjoying my time here and would hate for my vacation to be cut short because your pet project went on a rampage. If I were you, I'd take the artifact out of it.

[scarletengineering]

[Nero has been living a life of hermit like qualities. Only because he's hard at work with all this new technology. He's having a good time away from everyone and creating new toys and playthings.

But despite his best efforts people are always at his door. The little goddess. Cid. But this new face is actually on the side of more welcomed individuals.]

Well, look what the cat dragged in. [That's his greeting as he pushes up his goggles to get a better look at the other.] Don't get your tail in a knot. It's a local phrase, or so I'm told.

[There are a lot of Miquo'tes running around and when he heard some of the locals using that phrase to describe the feline like race he fell in actual love with it. Of course it's borderline, if not full blown crossing the line, offensive but that has never stopped him from doing or saying anything.]

Pray tell, when did you arrive here?

[aneyeonthepast]

[He makes a face, but- well, he's been around Nero long enough to know he does this.] I do drag myself most places! Sometimes I'm even quite enthusiastic about it. It really is a different place, isn't it?

[he does settle, watching Nero.]

Oh- maybe a week ago? Not too long, at any rate. And yourself- long enough to get settled in, I take it?

[scarletengineering]

[Ah. He does like this one. More than he'll ever vocally let on.]

And did you come to my door with the same manner of enthusiasm? I'm touched, really.

[Nero hums, crossing his arms as he considers the days. He may have lost track a little. The days are also a little skewed here. Seven instead of the usual eight day weeks. It takes a moment to put together.]

Two months... ish? Give or take a few days. And yes, settled enough. I've been quite busy. The technology here is quite interesting. But what are your intentions, pray tell? Thinking of taking up farming mayhaps? I didn't peg you the down and dirty type.

[aneyeonthepast]

Ah, now where's the fun in my just telling you? But that I'm glad to hear.

[given time, he's gonna have to figure how to work that out, too.]

Long enough to, I'd think. [he nods!] It runs quite differently- I've been hoping to learn more of it. [he frowns, and gives a little shrug.] I hadn't thought about it before! I don't know if I will, yet- but I'm sure there something I could do. Maybe something to make it easier for those here, even.

[scarletengineering]

Well don't make me guess. Those are far from my favorite games.

[Nero shrugs as well not all that interested in making anyone's life better but sometimes engineering and that do go hand in hand.]

How noble. Well... If you ever get bored of digging holes in the ground you should do some worth with me. The Cid that's here is off his bloody rocker in more ways than one. Why not work with someone you can trust?

[He can't even keep a straight face saying that but it does hold some water... just a little.]

[aneyeonthepast]

Not even once? [he heaves a dramatic sigh.]

It's what we're trying to do! Back home, at least. [even if it's… halfway new still… it's fine. He perks up, tail waving.] Well, I'd be glad to see what you've been working on! And learn a few things, of course. [he does kind of trust Nero! Though he looks very worried by that.] Off his rocker- why do you say that? What's he done?

[scarletengineering]

Not even once.

[Nero confirms with a shrug before quickly sighing at the next inquiry. The less they speak of Garland the better but he is the one that brought him up so...]

There is some parallel world nonsense rooted in this place. So that Garland is certainly not the one I know. In fact... he's worse. Seems some sort of mix up where he stayed loyal to the Empire and I did not. [Nero huffs at the very idea despite the current situation he finds himself in.]

I gave him grief for being a traitor but if it turns him into that perhaps leaving was for the best. And I don't say that lightly.

[The first thing Cid did when he arrived was hit him. But they're not going to talk about that...]