Oct 13 02:20:54 109 PA - Bob applies for a job at Uncommon Mechanics
From Chronicles
Being relatively early in the day, the Nut and Bolt is actually fairly quiet. After all, it's only a couple hours past breakfast time and who is going to want to listen to the kind of crap that is found on the stage there at this hour? The food is pretty rotten too, an only the most hard case drunks will be there . . which leaves lots of space for a rather odd looking figure, a silvery skinned man dressed in a hunting jacket and a baseball cap. He is, it seems, eating and drinking his own breakfast. Except . . one would almost swear he has a plate full of rusty scrap metal. As one watches, he picks up a fragment and places it in his mouth -- not seeming to chew, it just disappears.
Tek walks into the club and heads right up to the bar where he seats himself at the first open stool he comes to. He is carrying a portable computer which he opens on the counter. It seems as though he knows the bartender as they don't exchange any words just a couple of obvious nods. She goes and pours some type of liquor into a tall steaming cup of coffee before bringing it and a canister of sugar to him. Though he is already involved in something on his computer the girl says in a friendly voice, "You eatin' taday Tek?" Stopping he looks up with a smile and replies, "You know I am, but you just like me to say it don't you? Fine can I have a bowl of Froo Froo Crunchy Poofs?" he then looks back down to his computer. As she walks away she says, "You know I only buy these cause you eat them right sugar?" If one were to look over his shoulder at the computer screen he is not hiding you would see it flipping between a few screens, some are schematics for some type of machine and the other is some type of programming. His attention for now is on his computer and not at the patrons who are always the same. He seems to have missed the odd looking newcomer.
Does Bob even notice Tek? It's really hard to say, he's enjoying his 'meal' per say. It's especially odd the longer that one watches him, because he really doesn't chew his 'food' at all. He closes his mouth around it and it seems to disappear. In fact, he lowers a piece of the substance to the plate to look at something and the end is bright and silvery as though it had been melted. The newcomer might not have noticed him, but he certainly notices the newcomer. Seemingly, the dialogue interests him as his head is tilted slightly to the side in an attentive posture. Humans -always- interest him, not that the newcomer is going to know this.
Tek smiles to the bartender and slides her a credit stick, "Thanks sweetie." after taking a few bites of his cereal and drinks a little bit more of his spiked coffee before he takes out what looks like a cell phone and begins to talk into it, "Yea ummm Tek for Daryl Watterman... Yea, ok.... ..... ...... Yea hey Daryl, Ummm I thought you said thoughs parts were going to be here yesterday.... Well I am tired of hearing that crap....... No you listen you are not the only robotics supplier in town..... Well my credits spend everywhere is what I am saying...... MmmmHmmm.... Ok..... I would say you get your ass in a vehicle and drive it over to my shop....... right..... yea I don't care..... MmmmHmmm.... Alright, bye." frustrated he puts away his phone and seems to look around the bar for the first time as he is sipping his coffee and he seems to already expect to see a robot like you when he looks that way and keeps his expression normal as he smiles and nods in greeting.
Bob waits, patiently; still minding his own business and keeping to himself. He's polite, one has to hand it that. Or maybe not that polite at all considering that he is pretty obviously eavesdropping. When Tek looks in his direction the other will find Bob looking right back at him, and when he does the realization might come that his green, pupil-less eyes are softly luminescent. Just very slightly though, but obvious during the direct eye contact. "It would seem . . " He says, in perfect English, albeit with a heavy, untraceable accent. "That you are having difficulty with one of your suppliers. Some are complaining that work ethic is a thing of the past." He says nothing else on the subject, as he watches the other. "May I help you? I suppose my appearance is somewhat unusual, to you."
Tek smiles to the silvery man and replies, "It seems that most suppliers these days need prodding all the time or they do not deliver when contracted to do so." after another sip of his coffee he adds, "D-bees are prevalent in this town... I just expected... Well I felt the energy from you and assumed you would be a robot it is nice to be surprised every now and again. Names Tek." he then extends a hand to shake.
Bob frowns, slightly. It's a barely visible thing, but if the other is perceptive it will be caught. "You can call me Bob. That is . . as good as any." He says, eyeing the hand for a moment. He's clearly thinking about weather or not he should actually take it or not. Who is to say what gives him pause? "You'll have to pardon me if I am unfamiliar with cultural rituals of this place. Physical contact is not something I typically enjoy. It still pleases me to meet you, however. Perhaps you will sit, and join me?" He indicates the table. " . . as well, I prefer the term synthetic life form. Robot is . . limiting, and speaks a little too harshly of indentured servitude."
Tek nods with a smile as he takes his hand back seeming to take no offense, "I prefer the bar. But there is plenty of room up here if you care to join me. I have not seen you around before. Are you new to town or just to the Nut & Bolt?"
Bob makes a very human gesture -- a shrug, as he steps back to grasp his plate of scrap metal and moves to sit at the bar beside the other. "I'm relatively . . " He pauses, frowning. Staring off into space for a moment or two, he shakes his head. "I'm sorry, I forget. I think that I'm relatively new to this area, but I have difficulty judging time these days. I think . . yes, I think that I got here two weeks ago. I frequent this place though, because I actually manage to find good conversation here. You see, I am a scientist of sorts."
Tek continues to eat his cereal and orders another drink. Looking over to Bob he says, "Ohh what field of science do you study?"
Bob does not reply for a moment or two, wandering his fingers over the scrap metal before picking up one of the pieces and placing it in his mouth again. As before, he does not seem to chew it at all. "I am a robotics scientist." He explains. "It was my job to . . erm." He frowns again, and places his hand upon his forehead. "Apologies. Where was I? It was my job to augment the capabilities of . . things. I would like to think I am a skilled researcher. I suppose I can fix anything robotic as well, design it, program it, you understand. I have some unique gifts in my physiology that aid with that."
Tek chuckles and says with a smile, "What a small universe. I am also a robotics expert. I have a shop down off the landing strip. Uncommon Mechanics is the name of it, I am actually looking for a robot mechanic to help me with the manufacture of some units I am working on. It is a full function shop capable of all types of repairs. You looking for work?"
"Hmm." Bob has to think about that for a moment, as he rests his hands on the bar's surface. He is certainly like no robot one is likely to have encountered before as he begins to doodle absently in the dust on the top of the bar itself. " . . You have to understand that I lose interest in base mechanical work rather quickly. It had originally been my intention to secure employment with NTI, as it is difficult for a scientist to 'step down' to a base mechanic if you will." He taps the bar top again, while he thinks. " . . I do have some ventures of my own, I would like to do. Perhaps the shop's equipment would be made of use to me? Moreover, do you have any plans for anything more interesting beyond manufacturing 'units'?" His head tilts to his side. " . . interesting enough to capture a scientist's attention?" He's direct, one has to give him that.
Tek nods with a smirk, "Of course I do but such things cost credits. It is these basic bots that I hope bring in enough to move me into more sentient drone type units that can be used in combat. I would be happy to give you a tour of my shop, but understand I will need to see what you know before I can truly offer you a job. But if you want to come take a look we can do that. If you do work for me the shop will be open for you to use on personal projects. Up for a change of venue?"
"I should be able to demonstrate my knowledge without any issues." Bob says, rising. He takes the scrap metal in his hand, whereupon if Tek is actually watching it is shown to begin to slowly disappear.
Tek finishes up his coffee in a swig and stands, giving a wave to the girl behind the counter as he makes his way out, "Sure thing, follow me." with that he leads the way out.
Bob wanders along with the other, concentrating for a moment or two on finishing his meal as he moves along. He doesn't seem to breathe or get winded either, one might notice.
Bob and Tek make their way through the streets to the Landing strip just in front of Uncommon Mechanics. Two tow trucks shine in the front parking lot seeming to have pristine paint jobs that say 'Robo Tek Towing' on the side. A large APC is also parked in the lot. The bay doors are open and a couple mechanics are working on what appear to be city work trucks, diesel if you had to guess.
Eventually, Bob finally says something. He's been silent for most of the trip -- not the most social of creatures it would seem. "What did you plan to have me demonstrate?" He wonders out loud. "Also -- I probably should ask. Did you intend to pay me?"
Tek smiles and nods with a bit of a laugh, "Of course I will pay you. I have a skill assessment program I will have you take to make sure you have the skill knowledge you say you do. Lets go inside so you can check things out." on the way inside Tek waves to the mechanics.
Bob wanders after Tek, for a moment or two. "Skill Assessment Program sounds rather dry." He falls silent while he looks around, studying this and that, taking a minute or two before he offers his opinion: "It is basic in comparison to where I come from, but the clientele is different. It appears to well suit what you are doing with it."
Tek walks him to the back of the shop and shows off an exceptionally technical piece of heavy equipment, "Like I said upgrades take cash. I have only owned the shop for a few months. I have already added the towing side, and am currently working on expanding the robotics side of the business. One thing at a time."
"It would appear that it doesn't matter what world that someone is from, credits are what makes it revolve." He eyes the all in one unit for a moment thoughtfully and then nods twice. "So." He asks. "If you are intending to 'get into robotics' if you will, what did you want to make?"
Tek smiles and waves you over to another area where there are parts scattered about and in the center is a nearly complete Shop Utilibot. It looks like a wheeled robotic shop vacuum, "Well I have many ideas but the first one is a robotic shop vac. I am pretty sure I have the bugs worked out of it and am just waiting on a couple more parts and it will be complete. But I am going to need to replicate it based on orders that come in. I plan to have about six of these robots in the product line though this is the only one I have completed up to now. Here you can get a better perspective with this." walking over to a holo-projector he turns it on and detailed schematics pull up. motioning to the controls, "Feel free to take a look."
Bob steps up beside Tek to the holo-unit, and goes quiet once more to study it. "Perhaps I might be of aid in designing the next generation. This is a little bit more towards what I do." Quietly, he goes over the schematics in detail. "It does not look like construction would be difficult, it is certainly not especially advanced and a good start." He peers at the other, luminescent eyes intensifying slightly. "Do you intend this to be commercially successful, or is it a stepping stone to other models?"
Tek smiles proudly as Bob goes through the schematics, "Well I want simplicity. If this takes off I am going to expand the shop and hire on basic labors to do simple assembly. But that is a ways down the line, for now it is just a small operation. I have many other models in mind for similar applications. For instance I have been thinking the next one will be an industrial robot to vacuum and clean up in restaurants and shops. And then a smaller version for households. I have also been thinking of a lawn care version to cut the grass with a low powered laser. But one thing at a time. So you are also willing to work for me on weapons and armor both on vehicles and personal armor and arms as well as the robotics work?" he motions for you to follow as he leads you to a computer terminal.
Bob continues poking through the schematics for a moment or two and then turns along after the other. "I would probably omit the laser." Bob admits to Tek. "But that is just what I would do, it is less electronic components to fail and less risk of starting combustion if hitting a particularly dry patch or a chemical spill. Standard cable and blade methods have worked for a hundred worlds for centuries, and are simpler. But you, as the earth saying goes I understand, are, or would be the boss." He steps up to the terminal and glances at the other to see what Tek wants. "I am not especially good with vehicle mechanics, but personal arms and armor pose no issue."
Bob adds. "I can do some vehicle work, such as changing armor, mounting weapons and such. But I am not qualified for the inner mechanical repairs."
Tek nods and points to the screen where there is a long list of different skills, "Just click on each one that you are willing to perform for my shop and complete the test. When you finish one it will bring you back to this screen to choose another. This is not a graded testing system it is a simple pass fail and your pay will be base partially on how many of these you have completed. And if you do start working for me and are willing to learn from me I have no issue with teaching you more skills such as automotive and aircraft mechanics." with that Tek walks away to give you some space to work on the testing. He meanders over to a coffee maker and starts preparing himself a cup.
Bob nods, once or twice and turns his full attention to the testing. It takes some time, but he finishes it. These are his results:
Computer Operation: Pass
Electrical Engineer: Pass
Mechanical Engineer: Pass
Robot Mechanics: Pass
Computer Programming: Pass
Basic Mechanics: Pass
Basic Electronics: Pass
Robot Electronics: Pass
Read Sensory Equipment: Pass
Weapons Engineer: Pass
Computer Repair: Pass
He does not pass on Automotive Mechanics, Aircraft Mechanics or Electricity Generation.
What he does pass with flying colors on, though, might be surprising:
Artificial Intelligence.
Either way, he gestures towards it. "I am finished. What do you want me to do next?"
Tek walks back over with a fresh cup of joe, "Well first of all I do have some rules for the shop. You are free to use my tools and equipment for all work you do for me. You can also use my facilities, power tolls etc... for your own personal projects and I will not charge you for the shop time. I have a different view on side work. I do not mind you doing side work and use of my tools and equipment for them but there is a power and wear and tear cost so I expect you to pay the shop ten percent of any profit made from side work. I want to stress that my equipment and tools are not to leave these premises without my express permission." he thinks for a moment, "Any questions?"
Bob thinks about that for a moment or two. "No, that would seem to be standard. There is however, one . . I believe the earth saying is fly in the liniment?" He taps his chin. "It is about my pay. I suppose, there are two flies then. The first is the difficult one. If I am helping you build your own designs, that is fine, you should pay me a base wage. However, if I am aiding you in designing them it becomes somewhat more murky because of my own input into them. Perhaps, since you own the facility, commercial ventures of mutually designed equipment might be split Seventy-Thirty?" He taps his chin and gestures. "I will also require a 'signing bonus' as it will. Two hundred and fifty pounds of the cheapest scrap metal that you might find, thrown into a bin somewhere on the premises." He taps his chin again. " . . as well as your assurance, in writing, that if you know of myself being incapacitated in any venture that if reasonable to do so, you will retrieve my remains and throw them in that bin." It is an odd request, but Tek can probably figure out why.
Bob adds, with a bit of a serious tone. "That means, no monkeying around, as the saying goes, with my remains, or attempt to repair or understand them. Simply place them in the bin. I am somewhat . . private as to my inner workings. You understand?"
Tek shrugs, "Well I think I can accommodate you on most counts. All but the last. I could lie to you and say I would and I might. The truth is more likely this... If I am able to get your body without serious expense to me then I have no problem. This world has a tendency to put us all into particularly hairy situations from time to time. So the best I can say on that issue is that I will try to comply. And I have no problems with your privacy, I can understand your position."
Bob shakes his head slowly. "The reason that I say that, is you are unlikely to get my actual body. If you place it in the bin and nothing happens for twenty four hours, you may dispose of my corpse as you like." He gestures again, with both hands. "When I am rendered unconscious -- which, I assure you, is not a simple or easy task, and my body appears 'destroyed' it is still likely within the limits of my regenerative capabilities. Even if I have more holes than you can count through me, throw me in the bin and when I make contact with metallic objects auto repair and regeneration should begin immediately." He seems to be very serious on this. "So, where most people might think I am dead . . chances are I will not be. I am not asking that you risk your life or materials unduly, simply that if you are able to, do it." He pauses then. " . . there is one other request I have, a very serious one. I understand that you are a . . " He taps his head. "Whatever you call it, you do things with your mind? You don't seem to be a magic user, and commented you could sense me. Do you have any ability to bond with, or read data from or gain information about machines?"
Tek smiles and nods, "I can, it is inherent and continuous. It is not something I can control if a machine gets close to me I know everything about it. It has always been that way for me. But once a machine is merged in a living being like bionics or cybernetics I loose the power to sense it more than just as an electrical source."
Bob continues. "I have a very strong dislike generally towards people who do that sort of thing, usually. I understand there are those who are . . invasive, and I must continually strive against a form of racism. It seems the common believe is that being a machine in nature, some consider me merely an item and as you understand, I value my privacy. It is not that I have anything to hide, but I will have to ask you to . . not disrespect my privacy. I would be upset to find out this was so. You would not approach your human friend and subject him to involuntary mind reading, and it is largely how I would view that action. You have demonstrated that you are relatively nice, and I will take you on your word at this. Does it make sense, though?"
Tek smiles and nods, "I understand. So where are you staying? Or better how might I get a hold of you. I am going to run a background and if you are being honest then everything should be good. I just need a way to reach you is all."
Bob nods, seemingly glad what he said didn't offend the other. " . . Very well. I currently have a room at Cheapo Apartments. It is . . much as the name states, but it will do. I have a few errands to run as well -- I will report here at eight in the morning tomorrow, and you can inform me if you found anything you disliked?"
Tek smiles and gives a nod, "Sounds good."
Bob throws Tek a sort of salute, and disappears into the maze of buildings of the landing strip outside.
