video;

[deciphered]

Greetings!

[The picture is a little off center, and the six-fingered wave at the camera is stiff and kind of awkward. For all that he's become used to the level of technology available, Ford still isn't used to speaking without a "face" to speak to. The smile, at least, is genuine, though at times he doesn't seem sure where he should be smiling. Or looking. It's... it's an attempt.]

Normally I wouldn't make such a public request, but I've run into a bit of a roadblock with my latest project. I'm in need of a very specific energy source for the prototype I'm building to run, but the laws and regulations surrounding the possession of radioactive material are a little more... stringent than the ones I remember. I sent a license application, of course, but the response was... well, confusing. I got one envelope that just contained the word "no," and another with a notification that I was no longer allowed to fly in or out of the United States. I'm sure it's just some kind of mix-up, but I keep having trouble getting calls transferred to the right department.

[There's a pause, before he waves his hand and shakes his head. Never mind. Not important.]

More to the point, I was wondering if anyone had, ah... alternate resources I could use until I manage to clear up the misunderstanding. All for even trade, of course, though the arrangement would have to be one of skills or resources in the place of actual funds. Apparently they do stop paying you once you stop showing up to work. You can reach me... I guess it would be here. Any information is appreciated.

[Another pause, a more awkward one this time -- he seems unsure how to end things (do you say goodbye? just shut the camera off?), and one hand moves to turn off the transmission before stopping halfway and dropping back to his side. It takes a moment of thought, and then he reaches forward again, this time with a wide grin.]

This is Ford Pines, signing off.

[And the picture cuts out. Nailed it.]

Comments

video

[hooffaceturn]

[SUP have a unicorn.

she's holding her communicator telekinetically so if things seem a bit disembodied and floaty with the way the camera's moving, that's why.]

How much energy are you looking for?

video;

[deciphered]

[When he sees her, he can't quite repress either the grimace or the annoyed sound that accompanies it. Unicorns. Of course. But the question's a benign one -- at least so far -- so he swallows it down, voice slightly flatter than it was in the original message.]

Ideally, as much as anyone can spare. I have more than a few trials to run.

video;

[hooffaceturn]

[she frowns a little at that grimace, looking a bit hurt because...well, what did she do???]

Uh...well, I was wondering if my magic could be of some use. Depending on what this project is.

video;

[deciphered]

[Ford stays quiet for a second, looking her up and down. She seems genuine enough, sure, but they always do. Well... did. New universe, new rules. Potentially. (Doubtfully.) He heaves a sigh, trying a little harder to maintain a neutral tone.]

Unless your... "magic" can simulate a nuclear fission reaction, I doubt it's going to be of use. But if you have ideas, I'm willing to listen.

video;

[subourbon]

[Someone is looking 1000% disapproving.]

And where exactly are you planning to store this "radioactive material"?

video;

[deciphered]

I suppose it depends on the volume. Once I know the dimensions for the containment unit, I'll know where it can fit.

[subourbon]

As long as that containment unit isn't going to be in the house with the kids.

[deciphered]

Oh, don't worry. They already know the rules.

Video

[justanotherlink]

They think you're a terrorist now.

[Because duh.]

video;

[deciphered]

Oh, no. Nothing like that. I'm sure it just crossed the wrong desk. Or a few of them.

video;

[justanotherlink]

Preeeetty sure if they stick you on that no fly thingie they think you're a terrorist.

video;

[deciphered]

[Oh. Oh, she's serious. There's a moment of thought, before he just shrugs.]

Ah, well. Fair enough.

permatext

[deadtective]

I heard Libya's practically giving that shit away.

[someone's pretty pleased with their oblique Back to the Future reference that can't be directly called out thanks to the canon having been erased from this world.]

[deciphered]

Given the current climate, international trade might prove to be a problem.

[deadtective]

That's what the internet's for, dude. Nobody can stop you there.

[deciphered]

Perhaps not, but the current level of technology suggests they're at least capable of stopping any shipment with a detectable neutron signature.

( text )

[classification]

Why would you just not take what you need?

text;

[deciphered]

The laws and regulations concerning disposal have also become more stringent.

[classification]

And? Perhaps they should have given what was requested in the first place.

text; anon

[nastygram]

why don't u just ask for directions to the black market

text;

[deciphered]

Does this dimension hold it at a physical location?

[nastygram]

seriously?

video

[pandorasboombox]

Whatcha making?

video;

[deciphered]

With this? Nothing. At least, not yet. A few theoretical plans, but... well. Figuring out whether I can even replicate the power source is the first step.

[pandorasboombox]

Aaaaaand then? Robots? Don't say robots. They always runnin' round, making robutts.