(1) Voice

[outofthepast]

[There’s a few minutes of unsure tapping on the communicator’s microphone, accompanied by some quiet mumbling about radio frequencies. A voice with a Chicagoan accent that is just faintly reminiscent of Humphrey Bogart finally makes itself audible.]

Been a long time since I’ve seen one of these. Hope I’m not accidentally talking through somebody’s refrigerator.

Anyway, good afternoon, to everybody listening. Nick Valentine here. Nice to meet all my fellow "Imports," I guess, is what they're calling us. Figured I should get used to the broadcasting life, since that's what they've hired me to do. I always thought I had a face for radio.

[The slightest of pauses while he gathers his thoughts.]

I’ve been to a couple of hardware stores now and I think it’s time to swallow my pride and just ask. You folks wouldn’t happen to make Assaultron circuit boards yet, would you? Anything with titanium wiring and rad-guard circuits would work, though. My last diagnostics didn't look so good and I'd rather fix it before it gets too out-of-hand.

I’m starting to get the suspicion I’m out of luck on that one.

While I’m on the subject, though, anybody know a good mechanic? I’m not half bad myself, but I could probably use a primer on all this old tech. Don’t want to end up turning into a toaster or anything.

Give me a ring if you’ve got anything for me. Thanks, and... hm. I'd better come up with a catchy sign-off, pretty quick here.

Comments

private

[maevelous]

I suppose I am asking the difficult questions. Maybe you're right in that there's no good answer. Maybe I'm simply overthinking things....if thinking is what we do at all. But all that said -- it is nice to meet someone similar. Someone who is aware of what they are.

[ Because Maeve has Teddy here, but Teddy does not know he's a robot. He doesn't even have the capacity to know. ]

It does become a bit daunting walking among the humans and pretending to fit into their world.

[ A pause. ]

But at the same time, I think you'll find this world to be a bit more liberating than your own.

private

[outofthepast]

Hey, it's not an easy thing to wrap your head around, and even worse if you've got nobody to talk to. God knows I don't get to talk to others who understand all that often, either.

If you ever need an ear to listen, or an empathetic shoulder, you just let me know.

[If there's one thing Nick doesn't need to worry about, it's fitting in with humans. Until he figures out those powers of his, oops.]

Maybe you'd like to meet up in person some time. I could always use a tour from somebody who's more familiar with the geography around here.

private

[maevelous]

I believe that would be an agreeable arrangement.

[ Maeve doesn't have any qualms about being seen with him. Perhaps if they were home and she was trying to blend in, she would not want to walk around with someone looking like Nick Valentine. But in this world of imPorts and unusual beings -- it's not entirely out of the ordinary to have someone who stands out the way he does. ]

I've little going on now. Can't say what my plans will be later, though. So now could very well be your only chance.

[ She teases. ]

private

[outofthepast]

Then I'll be sure to enjoy my chance.

[If nothing else, Nick figures she'll feel a lot better about being a synth looking like she does if she spends an evening walking around with a synth who looks like he does.]

So, do you think I could have your name now, Miss?

[I mean, sure, he can see it on the thing there. But he'd like it better from her.]

private

[maevelous]

[ Oh! All of this deep conversation about what they are and how they can become more human -- and Maeve hadn't even given her name yet. Well, he's more than paid his end of the deal, so she won't keep playing coy. ]

It's Maeve.

private

[outofthepast]

Miss Maeve. It's a pleasure.

And you already know mine, but we'll make it a proper introduction. Nick Valentine. You can call me any combination of those you'd prefer.

private

[maevelous]

How generous of you, sweetheart. Perhaps I'll use all combinations as it suits my fancy.

private

[outofthepast]

Whatever you like, ma'am.

Where are you living right now, Miss Maeve? I can come pick you up. I ought to start learning my way around anyway.

private

[maevelous]

Currently Nonah. It's rather dull as far as cities go, but dull isn't so bad when it comes to sleeping at night.

private

[outofthepast]

You got that right.

Well then, you name the time and the place, and I'll get to Nonah to pick you up.