video

[samahl]

[When Cyril starts the video he seems to be checking that it's really working before he speaks. Once he does, he smiles at the camera.]

Look at what I found.

[And he changes the angle carefully to show off a display of cybernetic arms and legs. They're all meant as medical prosthetics and he seems utterly thrilled by the whole concept of them. When he brings the view back to himself it's clear why. He's missing one of his arms from the elbow down.]

I've been speaking with the doctor here and they work almost entirely like a real arm. I may even regain some kind of sensation in the fingers.

In order to get one, however, I do need more Chroma. So here I am, seeking volunteers willing to help me. Every little bit will help so even if all you can offer is a handshake or a hug, I'd be more than happy to partake. Though, if you're willing to do even more than that, I'm also always willing to indulge in a bit of physical intimacy. I admit a preference for men, but I've been curious to experiment.

If you would like to help, I will meet you wherever you are most comfortable. Contact me here and we can work it out.

Thank you for your consideration! Hopefully, I'll be able to have enough soon.

Comments

video

[spah]

I remember seein' those around. Not bad lookin'. I'd offer to give ya a hand and install it for ya--

[He holds his hand up, showing his own prosthetic, to explain.]

--but I ain't nearly as familiar with 'em as the doctors here yet. Hope ya get one soon, though.

[samahl]

[He chuckles at the pun because that sort of humor is just always going to be funny to him.]

Oh, and this is the part where I mention I'd be willing to earn Chroma with you even if I didn't have a specific fund in mind.

[spah]

I'm... still gettin' a handle on the "touching people for money" thing. But if ya ever want your new arm upgraded in the future, lemme know.

[... And, after a pause:]

Handshakes I can do, though.

[samahl]

I like handshakes! I may even be tempted into a 'high five.'

[spah]

Heh. I could be convinced into a high five.

Could probably show you how my hand works while I'm at it, if y'need an idea.

[samahl]

I would really like that, yes. The world I come from is so far behind in technology that even the concept of this kind of prosthetic was brand new to me. I'd really love some pointers on what to expect from someone who has been in the same boat.

When would be a good time to meet for you?

[spah]

Sure. I made this hand myself, a long time ago. Probably ain't on the same level of "advanced" these fellas got, but replacin' body parts tends to be a universal experience no matter what you're stickin' on the stump.

I oughta be off work 'round 3 tomorrow. I'd be up on Level 1, 'round Lunatia Scientia's HQ.

[samahl]

Then I shall see you then. I'll bring coffee?

[spah]

Uh, sure. Name's Dell, by the way.

[samahl]

And I'm Cyril. Well met, Dell.

[ooc; want to just switch this to action to do the meeting?]

action: sure!

[spah]

[Dell's not really sure what to expect from this kid, but it's hard to turn down a chance to talk shop. The next day, he hangs around the steps of the Lunatia Scientia Headquarters after work, pouring over a book an some notes while he waits for Cyrus.

He may be a low-level R&D researcher, but damn if they didn't make him hit the books hard.]

[samahl]

[Cyril appears as promised. He has a large thermos tucked under his arm, the promised coffee. He approaches Dell and considers the books with him.]

Why hello Dell. Are you still working?

[spah]

[Coffee's good. This whole moonlancing thing was still awkward for him, but shop talk and coffee were both dam good offers. He looks up from his notes.]

Howdy.

[He grins at Cyril not Cyrus whoops with a quick two-fingered salute with his prosthetic hand. He sets the books and notes aside, sighing as he settles both arms on his knees.]

Homework, more like. You ever wanna get in with these scientist fellas, they make you hit the books. Lucky for them, I done more than enough tech school to know what I'm doin'.

[samahl]

[Cyril is very interested in how the prosthetic moves. It seems almost natural, even as the design appears so mechanical.

He sets the Thermos down between them and sits down with Dell.]

Tech school? They have that sort of thing here? I've been dying to learn more about the technology here. Thedas is so primitive compared to what this world offers, and I want to know how all of it works.

[spah]

Nah, I mean... tech school back home. For me. [He waves the question off.] Bee Cave Tech, specifically. That's where I went to school.

[He beams a little at that, still fairly proud of himself, his school, and his 11 PhDs.]

Can't say I know Thedas, but it sounds like you got a lot of learnin' to do, kiddo. Guess we oughta start with this, though.

[He holds out his prosthetic for Cyril to look at. Hell, he could touch it if he wanted to.]

This here's the Gunslinger. Radigan Conagher, my grandfather, named and designed it himself. I took the blueprints from 'im and made my own.

[samahl]

[Cyril reaches out to touch the hand and takes a moment to examine it. He is careful not to twist or bend his hand uncomfortably, but he can't help but be deeply curious about how it works.]

That's amazing.

You're able to control it fully?

[spah]

[Woof. It's still strange how he can feel things in that hand when someone touches it. There was normally no feeling but here, with Chroma and everything, it sends a contently pleasant tingle up his arm.

Dell looks down at his hand and shifts a little, not uncomfortable, just... awkward. He wanted to at least put an effort into getting used to this Chroma thing, anyway.

Ah well. He tries to shake it off. The merc flashes a small grin, and turns Cyril's hand over in his for a firm handshake. They said they were going to do handshakes!]

Yup. Full range of motion, and nearly every bell 'n whistle. Only downside bein', it ain't exactly equipped to feel anything.

[Dell shrugs as looses his grip. Cyril can still touch it, should he feel like it.]

So, dependin' on what kinda hand you get, you'll have a leg up on me.

[samahl]

Or at least an arm.

[Cyril teases a little. He smiles at the handshake and enjoys the way that Dell is able to control the hand.

He pulls away from Dell just enough to hold up the Thermos.]

Mind pouring this for us? It has two cups screwed in at the top. [He seems to think that's very delightful. He hands it over to Dell.]

Back on Thedas, the very rich will sometimes have teapots that have runes that will keep the tea warm but this is just metal and insulation. And coffee. I'd never even heard of it before coming here.

[spah]

Hah.

[He likes this kid already.

As for the thermos, he nods with a murmured "sure" and takes the thermos. He listens and glances up from pouring their drinks.]

You never heard of coffee?

[samahl]

[He shakes his head in response. He keeps his gaze on Dell's hand to see how it handles this task, still curious about how much control he has over it and how dexterous it is.] I did a bit of reading up on it, and the type of climate that would be required to grow the beans that make it would be up north in Thedas.

That means Tevinter and Par Vollen and there are complicated political reasons that if those who countries had it, it would be difficult to export.

We just barely get cocoa and chocolate from the north, and to even dream about it, you have to be very rich. Elves... tend not to be.

[spah]

[Dell hands the first cup over to Cyril, brow raised.]

Elves, huh.

[Somehow, Engie's not surprised by it. This kid almost looked like something out or a Tolkein story. He's also met a lot of people out of his "realm," so to speak, so he doesn't question it much.

Basically: this is fine.]

Cocoa's... somethin' of a luxury in certain parts of the world where I come from, too. Not where I live, but other places... that's another story. [He shrugs.] Consider yourself a lucky elf either way, kiddo. You're gonna like coffee.

[samahl]

[He chuckles in agreement.]

I do. And supermarkets that make it far too easy for me to purchase it. And chocolate. And other types of sweets and treats.

I'm going to ruin my figure.

[spah]

Don't worry, son.

[Engineer pats his stomach. Despite the good amount of muscle in his arms that add bulk to his stocky figure, he's got something of a beer gut.]

If you ever do, you're in good company.

[samahl]

Oh dear. See, now my natural inclination is to compliment your body and hint that I'd happily see more of it, but I don't wish to make you uncomfortable. [Cyril replies with a gentle smile.]

[spah]

Appreciate it. That WOULD be a lil' uncomfortable.

[No harm meant, though. He lifts up his own cup in a mock toast.]

Anyway. Cheers.