maskormenace | Video: Looking for some help

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Video: Looking for some help

[ Ruby here again, looking just as tired as always. Though, less well-lit than usual as she is clearly laying under a blanket with the lights out and only the screen to illuminate her face - which is somehow a good distance from the camera. ]

I was wondering if anyone could point me to some people who can sew, and give me some advice for fabrics that are good for battle but still convenient to move in? I know, I might as well ask a stone to sprout wings there, but some idea of the pros and cons of various fabrics would be really useful. First priority after movement is probably how good they are at not going up in flames.

Next, uh. So does anyone know of any weapons that are non-fatal to humans, but are useful against robots? My powers don't really do much for robots and I'm getting pretty tired of being mostly useless in those sorts of scenarios. But, at the same time I don't think people are going to feel too comfortable with a sixteen year old running around with a weapon with a high mortality rate when pointed at humans.

And last, uh... So hey what do you guys usually do when you want a pet, but also don't want to leave that pet to your roommates in the event you get ported out?

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I've been sewing since I was a kid, and I know a lot about different fabrics. Including the flame-resistant kind.

As for robots, I'd go with some kind of EMP blast, though it probably wouldn't work across the board, and you'd want to make sure any robots you aren't aiming at aren't caught in it.

Would you be willing to help me with making something suitable to the field? I'm not going to pretend, it's definitely something I plan to wear in an official capacity. I've even got a crude drawing of what I think would be fun.

Oh huh. I have no idea where to look into that sort of thing. Maybe Darin? He seems to know how to make just about anything.

[Her smile tightens, a little bit, before she nods. She's in no position to stop Ruby, and the more protection she has, the better.] I'd love to see it, then.

He seems to have the knowledge and resources, it can't hurt to ask.

[ Ruby doesn't see her smile tighten, or if she does she's immediately overcome by excitement. She quickly turns the video to private and soon has her camera pointed at a piece of lined paper. Alongside what has to be her notes from science class there are two humanoid shapes with an outfit on them. The core of the outfit seems to be a shorts-unitard or bodysuit at its core, a jacket, leggings, boots, and some knee guards making up the rest of it. All of them have scalloped patterns on them. All in all, it's very different from what she wears in day to day, and has been wearing on missions.

Ruby does not turn the camera back to her face as she talks. ] You might be saying to yourself 'That doesn't look like something the Ruby I know would wear!' You might even be adding 'That almost looks like something similar to what a magical girl might transform into!' and you would be right on both parts.

You see, my logic is that this will help me get into the right frame of mind. If it's far enough from what I'd normally wear on a mission it means it will be easier for me to separate occasions, so I'll be less likely to accidentally murder someone! I mean, it's not the biggest worry in the world, but I do sometimes worry that being in clothes too similar to what I'd have worn on mission in the cult is likely to uh... help me get confused.

[ There's a pause and she finally turns the camera back at her face. ]

Also it looks like something a magical girl would wear because I thought it was funny. I don't really have any colours in mind yet though. And I'm still researching what designs of backpacks would be best so I can design one for my size and to carry all my oil and stuff in it.

[It's so easy to go along with Ruby's excitement, and not productive to dwell on her own baggage, so that's what she does.]

You've got the right idea. Costumes aren't just about protecting yourself or shielding your identity; they're about who you want to be, out there on the field. Compartmentalisation is even more important in your case, I'd say. [There's no judgement, there. She's certainly angry about what was done to Ruby in her own world, but the perpetrators aren't here.]

How big are your supplies? We could add a utility belt. Magical girls don't tend to have those, but I could make it fit.

I'm glad to hear this isn't all that weird. The using the costume to compartmentalise, I mean. I only really came up with it because at one point I realised it was easier to get into certain modes of thought based on how I was geared up in the past. [ She gives a little lopsided grin. ] This is going to be pretty flimsy for hiding my identity, but I don't really mind since I figure it's easier to be open about my identity now that I flopped on keeping a low profile.

With my supplies it varies. For the oil it's usually containers of about 10-to-15 ounces of fluid and usually three to four bottles. [ It was originally just two, and then she had to deal with the death worms and learned quickly she needed more. ] I have basic survival supplies at all times, too. I figure most of that could be fit on a utility belt, and I'm actually liking that idea, but I still want to have a backpack for if a mission is going to be a long one and I know ahead of time. Extra water and food, and a few more foil thermal blankets, that sort of thing could be really useful in that sort of situation.

The circumstances here make it trickier, and there are upsides to not bothering. [Not that she ever plans to take advantage of them, beyond "oh yeah I used to vigilante sometimes".]

[She nods, potential designs for both already spinning in her head.] Good call. A backpack like that doesn't really need to be on-theme, they've got very sturdy ones on the market, but...it's more fun of it is. And you'll always know you're picking up the right one.

[ She laughs a little. ] I think that one benefit, for me at least, is that I don't have to put on another metaphorical mask. Well, and a physical one. But the metaphorical one is the one that matters. And honestly, I already failed to hide that I'm an imPort, despite trying really hard at first. [ She shakes her head and sighs. ] I mean. Apparently I didn't think to wear a disguise during the sports stuff on the moon.

It would be way more fun for it to be on theme. And will also keep me from grabbing the wrong backpack in a rush. [ There's a pause, and the look of someone who just had a sudden realisation. ] ... I have more backpacks than I have socks. And I have almost as many backpacks as shirts. [ When you only own two pairs of socks, but own six backpacks, and roughly eight shirts, that's just some math you end up doing, apparently. ]

There's enough variety in imPorts that the label alone doesn't tell people that much about you, at least. [Yeah, she considered trying to hide it too, before figuring it was more trouble than it was worth.]

Well, that means we could probably enhance and stylise one of those. It also means you probably need more shirts.

Well, yeah. But it does make it easier to get to know people if they're not trying to get your autograph. Ah well. not like it mattered much. I stood out even then, just not because I'm an import, but because I will climb just about anything. [ She laughed a bit. ]

Oh that's a good idea. I didn't think about that. And I've gotten one that should be the right balance for what I want to carry in it, too!

[ Beat ] I need to learn how to clothes shop, I think. The guides I've seen boil down to 'buy what you like!' but I don't know what I like. [ Shrug. ] I should probably buy more pants, too, since I only have three, if we don't count the shorts I wear to the beach.

[That gets a wistful smile.] Nothing like clambering up for a good view, is there?

Back when I had a costume, I altered my handbag, so I could turn it inside out into a weapons bag with my symbol on it. [It took some doing.]

As for regular clothes, I think I can help with that, too. I know a few good places in De Chima.

Nothing like it at all! [ She lights up a little. ] I like to be up where I can see everything, and where I know what's going on. Some of my peers were afraid of heights, but I've always thought they were a lot of fun, and there's a sense of security in it.

I'm envious of that skill. All I can really do is patch holes. I'm much better at making stitches in people than I am in cloth.

Do you have any advice on how to pick stuff? I originally just picked the two sets of things I did when I got here because people instinctively don't pay attention to browns, and I was trying to be on the downlow. Low down? I was trying to avoid notice.

It's a strategic vantage point.

[She could blame years of vigilantism for that perspective, but she justified it that way as a kid too.]

It's not so hard once you grasp the basics and get some practice. I could help with that, and you could make costume innovations on the fly.

Down low. Browns and greys are good for that, it's true. Are there any colours you like for their own sake?

Exactly! [ She sounded relieved that someone GETS it. ]

I'd like that! I feel a little weird about it, since, well, I don't have a lot of 'feminine' skills, but... I like knowing useful things, and this is very useful.

Hmm... [ There was a pause. ] I like reds. Not the really bright ones. Back before I dyed my hair it looked really odd though... I also kinda like teals? And greens. Browns actually aren't too bad... Sometimes I like black and white clothes i see, the ones with clean lines? But those are way too classy for someone like me.

I can help some with the costuming. I can dig up some resources as far as proper materials, and also, if you like, help with some enchantments to make them a little more resistant.

[ Her eyes light up, and she becomes more lively as she speaks. ]

That would be a huge help! Barbara is going to help me with the sewing, and knows a bunch of good materials, so you two can work together. If you're both alright with that, I mean. What types of resistances can you enchant, anyway? I know pretty much nothing about magic.

I'd be glad to. I don't know this Barbara, but sure.

And I can add some resistance to force, like impact, as well as fire, cold, and electricity. It wont be a lot, but it will take off the first edge of any of it.

That all sounds amazingly useful. Sometimes taking off the edge is the difference between life and death. When it comes to fire, I just need something that won't burn off of me and leave me naked. [ There's a pause and she looks away from the camera. ] And that won't melt to my skin. I think the gift of flames gives me a little help there, since most of my clothes are only a little singed... But I got a shirt that turned out to be highly flammable. [ She clears her throat. ] It didn't hurt, but it was a surprise.

Oh uh, also, Barbara is one of my roomies. Want me to introduce you? She's cool.

I'll be glad to help. And I think I can help with that.

[ He grins, shaking his head. ]

That's never fun. And I've had that happen. Always so funnnn.

[ He nods, remembering one outfit and having to climb out of the sewers after fighting flame rats in just his boxers and shoes. ]

Sure. I suppose if we are to work together, that would be important.

Electricity is supposed to be generally effective against robots. Perhaps something like a stun gun would be effective?

As for pets, I believe there are a number of animal shelters in the Porter cities. I"m sure they'd be happy for volunteers.

Oh huh! I didn't think about a stun gun. Someone's suggested EMPs, but a stun gun would be more practical in a lot of situations, huh?

Mm, I actually already do help some with shelters, but what I'm looking to do is eventually get a dog here. But I also need something in place so that if I'm ported out for more than a month my dog isn't either left in the care of roommates who didn't sign up for this, or sent to a shelter. I'd like there to be some way I can have something set up to make sure my pet has a good life without me. It just feels like the responsible thing to do.

There's a cat cafe in Heropa. It lets you pet them for munny.

I've been there! The cats there are great. They're really well cared for and everything.

I went once and a cat napped on my foot for almost an hour.

Have you had any of their tiny cakes? Or bought any of the catnip toys for the cats? Because that and a cat on your foot together is basically the best.

Nuh-uh. What's the catnip do?

[ She grinned. ] It makes them high!

I know just the thing!

[Pause for effect.]

It's me. I'm a lethal weapon against metal objects of all kinds.

I don't think it would be a great idea for me to carry you into battle, but that's good to know. What happens when you decide to be lethal to metal stuff?

Why not? I'm offering my services for the sake of "teamwork." That's valued here on this Earth, isn't it? [And she's been launched at enemies! Thanks, Bismuth. Anyway. BRAGGING TIME.]

I'm so glad you asked! On top of being an expert engineer who can take apart and rebuild anything, I can bend anything metal to my will.

Edited 2019-09-11 17:48 (UTC)

[ There is a thoughtful pause. ] Usually teamwork is a little more complicated than 'here, use this sentient creature as a weapon', but you have a fair point for the most part.

All of that's super impressive. I think that as an engineer, you might actually be able to create things to use as weapons and spread the use of your skills wider than if you personally were to be a weapon. Also, the ability to do what you want with metal is the best for fighting robots, and that's probably the coolest.

These are all true. And a combination of all of them make me an unstoppable death machine.

[She shrugs.] I just enjoyed being launched straight into an opponent's face. It was thrilling.

[Abigail sits in her room and gestures to her rifle mounted on the wall.]

When it comes to your protection and others, you shouldn't worry about what other people are comfortable with. Uncomfortable is better than the alternative of dead. I'm not that much older and I've brought my rifle to some of the weird stuff that's happened here.

I hope I don't get portered out. But if I do, I've written down that my pets should go to people that knew their previous owners. Like a will.

Honestly, that phrasing was a politic way of saying 'I think it's illegal for someone my age to own a gun and people would get mad'. I don't care as much as I should about the comfort of others, precisely for the reason you mentioned, but I have to be aware when it would involve breaking a law.

[ She is absolutely not mentioning her handgun that she brought from her world. Though, to be fair she hasn't bought new ammo for it since coming here. ]

How do you find out who knew their previous owners?

I had someone help me, back when I was new, to get licences and permits for my firearms. He's gone now. There must be someone here that could help you in the same way - there has to be some exceptions for imports if we're supposed to be heroes.

For me, it's personal experience. I lived with Kaneki and D33, they were the first owners of most of my pets. They were like family, especially Dee. I could leave my pets to people who were friends of Kaneki and D33.

For you, you could pick someone you think would be a good pet owner if something happened to you. Think of it this way - even a local could get hit by a bus and they don't have nanites to come back from the dead. It doesn't stop them from owning pets. It shouldn't stop us. Just make a plan for when bad things happen.

[Because bad things always happen.]

Oh, and for what it's worth - I saw a movie once where they defeated robots with a really powerful magnet.

That's actually a good point. I should ask Blue Beetle. He's kind of my boss? I don't know of someone counts as your boss if it's a volunteer thing though. Anyway, he may also have some ideas.

That's a good idea. I have some people who I can talk this sort of thing over with, too. And any animal that I have is going to be very well trained by the end of things, so they'd mostly just have material and emotional needs to look after. I mean, that's not a small amount of work, but it makes it a little easier for people.

[ There's a pause, and then she looks away from the camera a moment. ]

I'd really like to get a dog, eventually. I haven't found one yet that I think would work well with my lifestyle, but eventually, one of the dogs I work to get cleaned up and take to a shelter is going to be a perfect fit, and I want everything sorted out ahead of time.

Even the most well trained animal can have problems with transitions. You should make notes, detailed notes so the new owners will have some strategies to keep the animal calm. Oh, and vaccine records, what their favourite food is, and all of that too. I guess that's kind of getting ahead of things, if you don't even have him or her yet.

[Abigail watches her carefully.]

Have you tried keeping a dog a little longer before bringing him to shelter? You never know, you might be surprised by the dog you bond with. I think they choose you as much as you choose them.

[And Abigail thinks she might be able to use a little unexpected fun, like the kind brought on by a playful dog.]

That's a good idea. I'll take notes when the time comes. [ There's a pause. ] I should keep that for the other dogs, too. You learn a lot when you take a dog in for a couple days. Well, you do when you're me.

As for keeping them longer... Well, not yet. I expressly take them in so they can get homes. I work with the ones that have fears and help to rationalise things, so that dogs that would otherwise be afraid of people are more likely to behave within desired range in a house setting. It's probably easier to behave how people want you to when you're not terrified. [ She gives a grin. ] Most misbehaviour is either due to not understanding, or because they're scared. Dogs want to please people, so if they can understand how they will.

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