maskormenace | video;

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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[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?

[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.

[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.

[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.

I mean, I don't think it's capable of exactly that.

[Sorry she's still a tiny bit self conscious about the possibility of people not liking her, even if she's over the most of it.

So she's just kind of trying to keep up a chipper, helpful attitude.]

But you're looking for alternate resources, and I know for a fact I can do powerful magical energy beams with my horn. There might be a way to harness that magic without having to go...nuclear.

Again, it depends on what your project is. It's not like, [and she's trying to make a joke, honest, giving an awkward smile.] A doomsday machine or anything, right?

I was hoping to do something a little different with it this time. All in how you apply it, really.

[Is he joking? Is he serious? It's honestly hard to tell. But the idea is interesting enough, and he finds himself leaning forward despite his better judgement.]

How much energy? Can you sustain it? Store it?

I'm not sure of exact measurements or whether it can be stored, but I can sustain for...a bit before it gets tiring. It can be...pretty powerful. But I've found that Equestrian magic in alternate dimensions can be a bit tricky. A bit unpredictable.

But maybe it's something to work with?

[A LONG PAUSE......]

And...you know I was joking about the whole doomsday machine thing, right? And you're playing along...right?

Oh. No. Not that it was intentional, but it was quite dangerous.

[There's a wave of his hand, and that's about all the consideration the answer seems to merit. Ford taps his chin twice, then starts rummaging around on his desk for paper and a pencil.]

Maybe if we start with something smaller scale. Unicorn "magic" [And oh, there's that distaste again.] is unpredictable enough without additional complications. Probably has to do with coming from such an unreliable source. How long before you reach your limit? Minutes? Hours?

[She squints a bit at him. It's hard keeping a positive, friendly attitude when someone is clearly annoyed by something.]

I was one of the top magical students in Equestria. [I mean, before she went Full Power Hungry Asshole on her mentor.] Trust me, I'm not an unreliable source. It's just...these alternate dimensions mess with it.

Probably an hour or so depending on how much power you need but...look, if you don't want my help, I'd understand it if you just told me. You seem annoyed.