driftfleet | the word of the day is "paranoia"

Who: Kirito / OTA
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: Hiding out in engineering on the Paisley, if you so desire
When: Now!

[So, this is something he's been wondering - and eventually, seriously considering - for the last couple of months, mostly when they landed on Arslae and he realized how ill-equipped he is to deal with conflict. For most people, it would simply be a matter of avoiding fights. But for him... well. It's kind of all he's ever been good for.

Getting told that, hey, one of your crewmates is a murderer is more or less the last straw to break through his indecisive camel back.]

I have a question, mostly for whoever's gotten personal those personal augment upgrades you can buy, or at least thought about it. I'd really like to know- what's it like? Which did you choose? Why would you choose to get one- or why not? I mean, the people offering them up aren't exactly trustworthy, but they all sound pretty useful, too.

Basically, I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons. I'd appreciate the help.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ He asks a lot of other technical questions that can probably be skipped over because like who really cares - it's a faux lightsaber, deal with Anakin!

He holds a hand after the maybe 45 minute Q&A. ]

May I?

[Thankfully Kirito is more than happy to be grilled, since he loves talking about this stuff, and he's been starved for the company of someone who gets it.

Thus, the only time he actually hesitates is when Anakin asks to see it. He still has plenty of lingering trust issues, and. Well. Asking someone like him to hand over his sword is a hefty request. Hrngh.

Anakin does seem like he knows how to handle it, though, and he doesn't seem like the sort to run off or attack, so finally Kirito offers it out. His reluctance is pretty obvious, but if he gets to the point where he can't trust any of his crew, he's going to have some serious problems.]

[ He almost says that he doesn't have to, no pressure or anything. Because that hesitation is telling. And he doesn't quite mind. But he had such a good feeling about it, confident in his well, confidence.

When Kirito offers it, he smirks. He takes the handle of the sword and while he doesn't feel the same connection he has with any other lightsaber, it's a thrill to have something even remotely alike it in his hand again. ]

It's lighter than a typical lightsaber. [ He doesn't like that. Still, a photon-sword! ] But it's something you can work with. Have you fought with this before?

Yeah, I fought some monsters- er, giant snow beasts on the last planet we visited. It cuts just fine, though I'd like it if the damage output was better. The downside is I'd have to sacrifice battery life for that, and the internal recharge is slow enough as it is.

[He steps back to give Anakin proper space to swing if he wants.]

It's too light even for me, too. I was thinking of adding some weight to the hilt, but I haven't picked a material yet.

Why don't you just substitute the battery with higher power and no recharge? Or have another power input so it can handle two power sources? That would handle your weight and power problem.

[ He takes a step back from Kirito as well and ignites the sword. The power from it feels strangely empty but it's as well as it gets, he suppose.

He tries for a couple of test swings, going through the simplest katas and rotations. ]

Not bad, though. This is good work, kid.

Hah, thanks. All that's easier said than done, though- we have limited material and equipment, here. All the best power sourcing goes into the ship, and it wouldn't be fair to the rest of the crew to cut into certain supplies just to supplement my own weapon. I'm working on alternatives.

[Hence the scattering of parts and tools. It's a work-in-progress, for certain.]

This is just the first working prototype anyway, so it isn't perfect.

[ No, a true lightsaber would be a perfect weapon. A perfect weapon for a Jedi, anyway. He takes a few more swings before turning it off. Reluctantly, he hands it back to Kirito. ]

It's better than nothing. This is really good work. I'm pretty handy with tools when I was in my own universe but it seems like everything I touch here doesn't quite work. It's ... incredibly frustrating.

[ A beat before he asks. ] If I can find a better power source, can you make another, for me?

[He'd be lying if he said he wasn't relieved to have the saber back in his own hands, though it's not out of lack of trust for Anakin anymore, just an itchy need to be properly armed. Thanks for not cutting my head off, dude!]

If you can get me a better power source somehow, I'll make whatever you want.

[He could use a new project, anyway.]

That's that then.

[ He holds a hand out, customary hand-shake and all. ]

I might need an advance on a sword though. [ A shrug ] You never know what they'll have in store for us.

I hear you.

[Kirito accepts the hand with a nod and a faint smile.]

If you bring me one of the security guns, I can get started on it. We can just upgrade it later, if you ever get that power source.

Great! I'll get one right now.

[ He practically runs off to get one of the guns from security. He's just that excited. ]

[Really, really not sure what to make of all this unexpected enthusiasm. It certainly gives a different impression of the guy.

It's fine, though. Kirito just smiles and starts setting his work desk up for another round of gun calibrations. It'll be nice to have another project, even if it is the same one as before.]

the word of the day is "paranoia"

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