i_speak_softly | Sixty-Ninth Theory [Voice]

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Sixty-Ninth Theory [Voice]

[Yesterday the village grew quiet, as many villagers were called on a draft, and many others began the anxious wait to see if their friends and loved ones would return to the village safely.]

[Also yesterday, a breath of warm weather arrived in Luceti. Don has been out enjoying it, trying not to dwell on those who are fighting on a flying island right now. He has enough other things on his mind, and around midday he does something about one of them.]

Filtered to Beast || Unhackable

Beast... I haven't thanked you properly for what you did for Robert and me. For everything you've done for us.

End Filter

[Later, he leaves a brief, unfiltered message:]

Would anyone be interested in learning how to program computers and fix cars?

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[And so many people were called for this draft...]

You can always call me if you need extra help at the clinic.

I seem to be more in your debt the more we speak. [She says this good-naturedly, however.] You'll be instructing me, and also willing to help if we need extra personnel.

Don't worry about it. Let's look at some cars.

[Nothing else would have Ami in clothes that, while they're not exactly torn and stained, are definitely designed for the possibility of both without any complaint of ruining a favorite or a new or an expensive piece of clothing.]

Right. [She flashes a quick smile.] You'll have to show me everything; I've never really done this before.

[Problems Don doesn't have.]

[He boots the sim and leads Ami into the Garage, letting her look around at the wide variety of vehicles.]

We'll start at the beginning. Do you know how to drive?

[Well.... yes.... mostly.... Luckily, she's had more practice since back then, though she hasn't exactly had opportunities to drive much in Luceti.]

Mm. I have my license. I can drive.

[She answers Don before letting herself take a full look around.]

[Yeah, that's kind of how Don learned to drive too.]

[He'll wait for her to examine his "fleet".]

Which one do you want to know about?

[She pauses by what seems to be, at least by appearance, a fast model. A part of her, it seems, has never given up that need to escape and go at top speed.]

What about this one?

This one tops out at close to two hundred miles per hour. It has a powerful engine, but other than that doesn't carry much weight. No missiles or anything.

I don't normally think about weaponry or missiles when I look at cars...

[Behind the evident surprise, she's thinking quickly - that type of capacity would, after all, change a great deal in terms of weight, handling, fuel consumption; she doesn't need to know 'cars' to know those things.

It's probably best that this car isn't going to add those complications.]

[Don leans casually against the roof of the car, a sort of invitation for Ami to poke around it herself.]

To each their own.

[She does look more; but half distractedly now that the idea has been put in her head.]

Do you think a vehicle, if one was available outside of the simulations, could be modified to be useful in a battle against the Third Party?

[Don narrows his eyes, wondering how hypothetical this question is, and whether it's safe to talk here.]

Undoubtedly.

[She takes the hint, at least enough to change the subject. If there's something on his mind he wants to share with her, she's sure there'll be an opportunity to do so.]

We should start more simply, maybe. With the basic components of the engine.

Sure.

[He pops the hood and begins slowly explaining the parts of an engine: the fuel injector, the drive train, the various reservoirs, and everything else that makes a car go.]

[She takes mental notes, listens with a sort of intense attention. But after awhile of this, she looks up and back to Don.]

I'm sure I could learn it quickly with a diagram to study from. Have you seen one, maybe at the library?

I have some at home. Or I could draw you one.

If I can borrow them for awhile, I'd appreciate that a lot. I'd return them quickly.

Sure.

[He hesitates there - did Ami want to go get the books right now, or should they finish their lesson here?]

We can get them when we're finished. [First things first. And she's eager to learn more about this anyway - straight from the turtle's mouth.]

[Okay then. Don calls up a virtual keyboard, and uses it to create a simulation of a chalkboard, like he's seen in Luceti's school. He uses this to draw abstract diagrams of engines as he continues explaining the various parts to Ami, so she can see how they all fit together.]

[For once, Ami is caught unprepared.]

Just a moment, please. Do you have any paper and pen to take notes with?

[Leave it to her to decide to take notes.]

Er... [He searches his belt-pouches and comes up empty.] No, sorry.

It's alright; I'll do my best to remember - and I'll bring them next time.

['Next time' has a nice ring to it, really. It's nice to at least try to plan for the future.]

[Don smiles at this.]

There's a next time?

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