expiationnet | (video) club talk and peter ramblings @peterparker

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(video) club talk and peter ramblings @peterparker

Okay, so, uh, first of all, I'm Peter Parker. Hi!

(he shows on camera, a little brief, but with a wave and a smile, but that's not exactly what he wants to show! the camera flips to show a room - a table, several glass containers, a little gas flame, and some random things on the corner: a box full of bark and leaves, a fex tins of paint thinner, rocks, wines, and cleaning products, all tagged and properly stored - anything spider-people related has been cleared and hidden, nothing to see here. they don't have a blackboard yet, so all the math and designing is written and drawn on the walls.)

And this is the STEM club room! Science, Technology, Engineering and Math-- if that isn't a thing in your world, I mean. So, basically, it's a science club. I think a lot of you got some stuff you might want to see fixed, or find stuff to replace other stuff, right? So, bring it here, I'll take a bit of a look and see what I can do, though no promises if you guys have like, insane stuff. Like, I don't know, space stuff that I can't break down from the things from here, then I can't really do a whole lot. I can try, though? That's where I'm going with this.

Ah, another thing, I just got here, so I'm like, super broke. If you guys have anything I can use, like chemicals or things I can break down for chemicals, then that'd be like, great.

(he's just taking the camera around the room because he's pacing to talk, but eventually he turns the camera back to him.)

Oh, and then, another another thing, music club next door. Got a drummer, I'm on the saxophone, got a guitar, so if you play something, you should totally come around to jam.

Uh, that's it, Peter out.

(great smooth transition into an end call.)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ He does so recall that incident. And while Spock would like to consider Mr. Chekov more of an anomaly, he cannot in good faith give a definitive answer without more data. He has only anecdotes, Jim's assertions, and the overarching peculiarity of Terran customs to go on.

Either way, that's all to say that Spock uses the opening provided to him by the extended pleasantries to gather up the questionable pastries of indiscernible origin with a murmur of Jim from his Captain and steps around the pair to place down what goods they've carried in an open (clean) spot. ]

An antique board might prove a useful addition, [ he adds, straightening. Though his voice remains even and unmodulated, there is something that catches at the edge of his syllables. A sort of dryness, perhaps.

He clasps his hands loosely at the small of his back, attention fixing on a handful of half-finished projects and calculations. While most would be tempted to step in to bring equations and speculations to a conclusion, Spock is familiar with the innate need for abstraction in his Human counterparts. Many in his field needed to "move" through the thought, "sketch" through the process. Spock had once done so himself to a lesser extent when he was young, still does, but never among those in his department.

Even so, part of why he says as he does is because of practicality. The walls provide only a finite amount of space and, more importantly, there is no way to quickly cover it. Mess begets mess, as it were. ]

(aside from the bursts of teenage awkwardness, rebellion, impulsiveness, and dorkiness, peter is pretty alright. respectful, polite and gentle, the latter sometimes an issue in the superhero line of work.

with both visitors laying eyes on the work on the wall, peter mutters a thanks once spock takes the goods to a more clean station, and he moves around to fetch three chairs to set next to the one that was chosen.)

Ah, the walls? Yeah, I think decorating them is fine, I know, it just... Feels better to write on something large, but I really really want a board, too, Mr. Spock.

(he finds his place on a chair, a shy smile once he eyes the box of goods.)

I'm getting one, is that okay?-- Also, Mr. Spock, are you... Uh, are you an alien?

(sorry, he's pointing at the ears...)

Edited 2024-05-02 23:47 (UTC)

[ Spock gathers the food to set aside on an available lab bench - no doubt the state of the place is giving him hives, if Vulcans could get hives, that is. Could they? Honestly, it's a good question.

Peter's 'decorating' is more akin to vandalism, but if whomever gave him the space said it was okay...or even if it's not, hell, they could always repaint before anyone became the wiser. Hopefully. Jim takes a step closer, examining one of the formulas (written in crayon, it's kind of endearing). His strong suit is coding and engineering, though he's passable with chemistry and biology. Regardless, he's such they can be of use. ]

Gotta get it all out of your head where you can see it, I get that. [ Jim taps his temple knowingly, circling away from the wall to take the chair Peter provides; he swings over it backwards, propping his arms against the back of it as he faces the group. ] Please, help yourself. Take a smoothie too, unless you want a lecture on youth caloric intake.

[ This is said with a good-natured side-eye towards Spock, before Jim dutifully leans in to grab his own smoothie out of the carton. ]

[ Spock would certainly quip something or other about hives being something that Vulcans can in fact get in some sense, but that's neither here nor there. What's more important is keeping track of the conversation while taking in the contents of the room thus far. He might offer a nod or two, still in that brief way of his, before he's asked what is a rather... Usual question.

Having gone over the pros and cons of this before and landing upon no notable violations due to their unique circumstances, Spock merely takes a moment to flex his fingers about his adjacent wrists as he considers another abandoned prospect drawn along the walls. ]

I believe we all may be to Aldrip, Mr. Parker. [ He says, finally. He tilts a gaze at Peter, his dark eyes unreadable. But, if there is offense taken at the question, there is neither note of it in the line of his shoulders nor the tip of his head. ] Assuming you are referring to my immediate ancestry, you are partially correct by virtue of a purely Human perspective.

[ And, as if the subject had never been broached, he turns his head to Jim with a minor acknowledgement of the seat dragged over to them. He opts to settle in the one nearest his captain, one leg crossing over the other.

His posture barely relaxes. ] As I understand it, excess sucrose consumption correlates to any number adverse outcomes in adolescents. [ At first blush, it would seem he missed the joke entirely. But, there's something to the twitch at the corner of his mouth - the way his eyes seem to soften as Jim acquiesces to his earlier insistence.

He'll take a moment to collect his as well, as green as the tint that seems to overtake his fingers at the chill that permeates the cup it rests in. ]

Moreover, the shelf stability of food in this period would dictate the drinks should be taken first.

[ He's just saying. ]

(the adults in this place are all so... different. from quill's youthful excitement, to spock being the Ultimate Serious Adult - he's actually holding his own finger back as to stop pointing, knowing immediately that his foot-to-mouth disease brings some discomfort, but he can't totally help himself. it just came out! he was just in space! and it's actually pretty awesome, if one is able to disregard the reason and outcome.

not that he could say anything, they're meeting peter parker, not spiderman. why would peter parker, a high school student from earth ever be in space? that'd be crazy, so he's actually zipping his lips for this one.)

Sorry, it's just-- very new to me.

(sort of. this is much of an improvement from his reaction upon seeing other aliens in a non-combative time, mantis is freaking strange by virtue of a purely Human perspective. but either way, he's going to nod respectfully to jim and take that smoothie first, one hand busy with holding a donut and the other bringing the straw to thin lips.

which brings him more questions, with all this conversation. his body is different, it heals different, reacts different, probably he could stand to eat junk more often than not, right? not important, shut up, brain, don't bring that up - maybe to gwen. she'd know.)

... O-okay. That's cool, I'll drink it first, no problem, but, um, Mr. Jim said he's an engineer. Are you one, too? What do you two specialize in?

[ First Contact rules are very, very specific, and violating the Prime Directive - well, there's a reason it's a pain in the ass if you fuck around. Jim's seen no evidence that this place is warp-capable; or at least, it's possible that their captors are, but some of the people within Aldrip hail from unknown places, perhaps even unknown times. Being from the 24th century, it's been a culture shock to say the least - which may account for some of their fish-out-of-water routine.

The other part, of course, is all Jim and Spock; these two can't be normal to save their lives.

But Spock is clearly not fully human, and it's not like they've bothered to put him in a hat to disguise that fact. The Prime Directive was...malleable, at the moment, decidedly in "section 2", as it were. It's also highly possible Federation citizens could end up here, in which case, the cat might be out of the bag anyway.

It seems they all have secrets, but then, that did seem to be the nature of the game. ]

Don't let him scare you. [ Jim shakes his head, taking a pull from the straw before he swipes a donut too, pointing at Spock in mock warning. If anything, hopefully the casual way Jim plays lovable rogue to Spock's straight man is enough to put Peter at ease. ] He's a regular comedian.

[ Very few people would describe Spock as a comedian, but therein lies Jim's own brand of bizarre. ]

Call me Jim, kid. We work together on a ship, back home. [ It's vague enough that if Peter is from a time when starships exist, perhaps he'll assume that; if not, Jim knows Starfleet modeled its ranks after old Earth seafaring vessels; perhaps he'll think they're seamen. The image of Spock on a pontoon boat comes to the front of his mind, unbidden, and Jim tamps down a smile. ] I have a background in engineering and computer technology; Mr. Spock is our Chief Science Officer.

[ Jim turns, making eye contact with Spock, and offers a minute shrug; as covers go, it's not bad, especially for longer term. Then he takes a bite of the donut, lips pulling at a smile. ]

[ It was certainly an extensive conversation, to say the very least. Spock had been able to indicate several oddities, more than a few individuals who appeared to be adjacent to themselves, and more than a handful that were not. Such provisions became blurrier the longer one studied them in such situations (simulations?) and, having already been called more than once upon his "otherness," Section 2 had been where they'd squarely fallen. At the end of the day, either way, Spock had deferred to the Captain's final judgement.

Moreover, Spock suspected he had identified at least one other individual that would fall under the category of "alien" according to the outdated Human-centric perspective of the universe. He had not yet encountered him again, but he'd made a passing mention as part of his data collection efforts.

Anyway, that's all to say: he plays into Jim's narrative without missing a beat. It's an easy one follow. Most here just assume he's quirky, which isn't necessarily incorrect. ]

I would not know how to be one, sir. [ Easy pick from the usual quip that Vulcans don't joke. He offers a minute shrug in return, though its shape is the upward twitch of a brow. He lets his dark eyes settle on Peter again, his hands folding about the body of the cup. So much for drinking the smoothie while it's still cold. ] Your background appears... Eclectic.

[ Which is a nice way to say that he's made some inference based upon the post and what he's seeing now, but he can't quite tell what he specifically leans into. Not that Spock can mention his own specialties beyond a set point. ]

(his mind is definitely going to space, considering, well, uh, the alien. sorry, spock, he doesn't know what a vulcan is yet!! he'd love to learn, but he feels a little awkward, spock has a presence that he can't quite shake yet.)

A ship, like in space? That is awesome! I've seen a couple of ships, the Chitauri attacked Earth a few years ago, right on my city, so I got to see some -- and a huge flying... Well, kind of looked like a donut, actually, came back just before I ended up here.

(so, he's got some stuff to talk about, that doesn't out him. matt murdock #1 can also sign off on this story, considering the attack.)

Computer programming would be really really useful, s- Jim. As my background... Engineering and chemistry, programming is usually my friend Ned's thing, but he isn't here.

[ Spock left unchecked with the poor denizens of this place was surely a thing to watch (hey, Jim had to find his entertainment somewhere), but Jim thinks there's got to be a part of Spock that would rather not engage, some of the time. Spock had the option to continue up the command track, to promote and potentially get his own ship - but he had always been, insofar as Jim is aware, content with his duties as they already were. He can't imagine Spock has much fun at the delegation dinners he's dragged along to, let alone the ones Jim is made to sit through, on his own. ]

Uh huh. [ Jim stifles a snort; Spock's bone-dry sense of humor was hilarious, given half a chance (or maybe that was just Jim, but he'd beg to differ). Peter still looks nervous, that little bit of wide-eyed, mild distress Jim was used to seeing in cadets present in his expression. ]

The...Chitauri? [ It's not a Federation species Jim recognizes, gaze cutting over to Spock briefly before he lands it squarely on Peter again. A time when Earth had space travel, but Peter certainly wasn't talking about an attack that had happened in Jim's lifetime; maybe early 21st Century, 22nd, if Jim had to guess? ] Where are they from?

Glad to be of service. [ Jim takes another bit of his donut, chipmunking it in one side of his mouth while he points to Peter's wall of scribbles. ] What are you working on? How can I help? I noticed some chemical formulas there, Spock could probably offer some insight.

[ It is not something that they (for a definition of they) had discussed in much depth on their particular side of time, but they needn't have. And, perhaps, it needn't yet be. Upon one mission, the answer was placed at their feet. In a time that never could be and in a place that never was, they'd met a woman. Doomed to a flicker of existence, she'd answered Spock's query with an open sincerity. Her eyes bright, she'd said to them both with without hesitation: You? At his side, as if you've always been there and always will.

Spock had never wanted for himself captaincy. He had never wanted to mingle in the middle, to be pushed to the center of the room. He knew his own personality, was content to observe from the sidelines. It allowed him a flexibility, the permission to move and support as he wished and could. From a young age, his mind had been geared toward the stars. For one who was inclined to make discoveries, to touch on all that was untouched, it was a logical position. His record and conduct only compounded the evidence that he should remain where he was. And with results such as theirs? Certainly, it was difficult to argue.

It was no matter then, that he intended to keep it as such.

It doesn't come as much surprise, to see Jim looking when he too looks. As though mirrored, it is confirmation enough that neither know what Peter refers to. If it carries a touch more? It is the suggestion that he has no knowledge of an attack matching that description. But, then the exchange is gone and he is leaning into diversion as though it never were one. ]

Certainly, [ he says, an easy sort of agreement. ] While dependent upon your end goal, I have some specialization in working through more complex chemical formulae.

[ Which is to say, he has certainly helped generate a number solutions that may or may not have been used for medicinal reasons on occasion. Other times? Might have been just for the sake of his own curiosity or the possibilities that could be provided to advance certain discoveries further along through studying chemical makeup.

Point him where you want him, in other words. He's liable to start tinkering on his own if he's not given a specific direction, after all. ]

Edited 2024-05-04 04:25 (UTC)

Well, I don't know. They didn't leave an address, you know, and it's not like a high schooler would have access to that kinda information, that'd, uh, be, um. Crazy-- anyway.

(well, teeeeeechnically. he doesn't, not really, but he certainly knows much more than average - he wonders how the news are being told on earth.

does anyone know? his point of view of events is ridiculously privileged, having been there, facing thanos himself... until he wasn't. until everything around him was debris, and he watched as people one by one were blown away into ashes... until he, too, dusted away. more important than moping, however, is using the skills he has to aid the community that surrounds him, the people that make it living.

good thing he's not alone - while a genius, there are gaps that he simply cannot fill. things that never peaked his interest, that have been secondary to the wonders of physics and geometry that he prefers to dwelve into. he couldn't have been more thankful to these two. at least speaking of this eases him, a smile coming to his lips as he points to each project on the wall as he explains it.)

Well, friend of mine has these jet boots, but they're not going to hold up forever without fuel. Problem is, he doesn't know what it runs on, so we are running some tests to see what we can make as an alternative - good thing is, he did say it was not synthetic, so I got a jumpstart there. Took a good look at the hardware, in case I need to modify anything there. Uh, the other one here, another friend, uh, shoots lasers from his eyes, so he wears these glasses that can withstand the heat. If those break or anything happens to them, we're kinda screwed - and they're, uh, bulky. So I'm redesigning them, trying to see if I can find the material here to build a new one.

Uh, the third one I got going on is a screen reader - but to be honest, I'm not super good at the programming part, I'm going to learn so I can build that for her. I was thinking about accessibility and tone.

So far, that's what I have. Except, uh, I gotta build a lot by hand, the equipment? So it's gonna take a little while.

[ Peter is not subtle about knowing more than he's letting on, and Jim eyes him speculatively, though he opts not to push. The kid is already nervous, already so far from home - Jim's not going to put him through the third degree. No, better to...wait for a better opportunity to ask.

And yet, no matter what secrets he keeps, Peter is already trying to help Aldrip, and that in and of itself is admirable. Jim turns as Peter indicates each project, separating out the information into sections now that he knows what each bit is for; Peter seems to light up when he talks about them, that infectious kind of enthusiasm for learning something new, always reaching for that which remained unknown. It's a feeling that gets harder to find, the older you get, the more you learn; it's why Jim went chasing stars. That only makes it more enticing, to teach, to experience things anew through fresh eyes. ]

I can help with the hardware issue. Might be able to upgrade them to accept other types of fuel, as a secondary mechanism. [ Jim's no Scotty, but he's used to tinkering. The I have a friend who shoots lasers from his eyes, well that's...definitely new, and Jim taps his straw against his mouth thoughtfully, gaze sliding to Peter's notes on the subject. ] That...uh, definitely seems like a priority. Do you know what they're currently made of?

I can teach you. I used to run a study group at the academy. [ 'Study group' is a loose term for a hacker-style tournament bracket; to be fair, it was a fun way to study. ] Shouldn't be too difficult, that sounds like a good first project to cut your teeth on.

There don't seem to be a lot of shops around here with useful parts. We may need to put some ads up, but we can make an initial list of things and see what we can get our hands on.

[ Peter is not a capable liar. It is a conclusion that he too comes to readily, made more apparent by the obvious inflection upon his physiology. Respiration increases, extremities become restless — and while few Humans truly master their suppression, the ability to both evade and deceive comes with age and experience. It comes with confidence of the words that tumble forth, the means to sort whole from part. Vulcans learn to wield verbal obfuscation young.

And Spock? Spock is no stranger to it.

Regardless, Spock observes the proceedings. He had never been one to throw himself into the grand exchanges between Humans. That Jim loosens the tension that Peter bears within his skin is no surprise to him. He is a capable leader, one that any would look to for the warmth and empathy he wears. While most often balanced, those characteristics make an unreserved appearance here.

It is in the middle of taking a measured draw from his own smoothie (finally), that Spock winds his way in. ]

I may be of service, [ he says, drawn as he often is by Jim's insistence. ] Our current arrangement was in part facilitated by my ability to, as you say, "tinker." [ If one could use air quotations without accompanying movement, Spock has certainly mastered the art of it. ] Were I to ask, I believe they would be inclined to provide me their spare components.

[ Peter should see the absolute pile of parts he has from older items his neighbors thought were not worth it to restore. Never mind that he has the ability to access what most cannot without significant strain on the body. It's fine. Spock cocks his head, though only slightly. It is not unlike a Terran cat. ]

Moreover, if you not be able to determine the precise materials used for these glasses, I should have no issue identifying and testing possible alternatives.

[ All he needs is a sample. ]

Edited 2024-05-05 17:59 (UTC)

Uh, yeah, ruby-quartz material. I've been thinking that there's a probability there aren't the same materials, but there has got to be others. Maybe we should start with a list of exclusive elements. Like, I asked the forger if he had any vibranium, and he looked at me like I was crazy.

(nothing hits as technology for a mind like his. it's both a talent and a result of situation, that ability peter has to turn nothing into something, and this place might just be the biggest challenge he has ever had. he's used to it to a certain degree, dumpster diving, scavenging for materials his pocket couldn't pay. this place is not devoid of technology, but in comparison to the suit made of nanites that sits on his belt, well. he's going to need a lot - any and every help is more than welcome.

and that's how jim gets a bright smile out of peter, excited to the moon and back - to learn something that he lacks and apply what he doesn't with people would be awesome.)

You'd teach me? That'd be-- woah, that'd be awesome, I'm more than down for it!

(but there were a lot of things that spock said that, if this were a cartoon, would put a question mark right on top of peter's head.)

What agreement, Mr. Spock-- and what do you mean... No issues? We have no equipment, right? I'm making everything from scratch...

The whole apparatus? Or just the lenses? There may be other materials that could work, too. [ Spock could definitely run through possibilities, Jim's sure. ] If we can bring in your friend to test alternatives, while we work on synthesizing.

[ Peter lights up at the promise of new knowledge, and Jim knows where they've struck kinship. If he's a quick learner - and by the looks of the room, Jim suspects he is - he might be perfect for Spock's project. Let the recruiting begin. ]

Absolutely! The stuff here runs on a specialized system - from what I've been able to identify, it's a bastardized coding language that cribs from a bunch of different sources. Kotlin, TypeScript, Scala - makes it hard to parse out at first, but we'll go through the building blocks and you'll cotton on quick.

Spock's known as a bit of a handyman around town. [ Jim smoothly explains, inclining his head towards Spock. ] We might be able to source some of the things you need.

He's already built some analysis tools. You were conducting research on a few local samples, right Spock? [ Does Jim sound like a proud parent with their kid's refrigerator drawing? Maybe. The contrast with Spock's severe expression is kind of ridiculous. ]

[ He already is. Quite noticeably, if the way his gaze seems to fix away from them both is any indication. It's quiet and distant. He only seems to respond when Jim tilts his head toward him, the golden color of his hair a reminder of where it is they sit.

He clears his throat, albeit gently. ]

I have been assured I have quite the collection of "bits and bobs."

[ A confirmation, dry as it is toward the end. The minute lift of his brow is a tell, the phrasing selected for the Human audience. And still, he sees too the potential of recruitment.

He knows better than to do it himself. He'll leave it to Jim. ]

Affirmative. While flora and fungi featured most prominently, all manner of organic materials have been subject. [ Jim is liable to see he's already a mile ahead. He's come up with potential replacements, sifted through the refractive index and surmised that any other corundum with quartz inclusions might be adequate. According to the Mohs Scale, any such material remains at a 9 regardless of coloration - he pulls back to himself again, eyes flitting once between Peter and Jim. ] At current, the barrier for synthesizing possible alternatives lies only in the absence of raw material.

[ He already has a list of procedures in line for producing their own materials as required, but it may be just a simple matter of cannibalizing older technologies for their contents. ]

Edited 2024-05-06 01:45 (UTC)

I mean, I think we can make a cooler design. He definitely could use one.

(no dissing scott's glasses, but, well. they could be nicer-looking, is all he's saying.)

If we test it out, we should do that in the open. He can't control the thing, so I was thinking maybe-- maybe something that allows for the blasts to come through when needed, and also decrease intensity, that could be cool to work with. Maybe-- we could work on that over these coding classes, too. Take a time after it to see what we can do.

(this meeting is a blast of information, so one thing at a time - first, to code. that would be so good, a lot of what he does has artificial intelligence behind it. if he trusts these two in the future, maybe they can help fix the network in his suit.

one day, he'll say fuck it. it's not like there is school, a future, or anything that he needs to keep peter parker separate from spiderman for.

not today, though.)

Also, woah. You work fast, Mr. Spock. Do we got a list of the chemical compositions available, because that would help me a LOT.

Not much of an artist myself, but I'm sure we can figure it out. [ And actually getting to build something will be nice. Jim's been thinking about this computer system they need to build, but having something else to divide his attention usually makes him work better, actually. ]

Maybe out by the forest, somewhere we won't run into anyone. [ So, not the park, if this eye power was as destructive as it sounded. Jim doesn't seem at all concerned about the fact that they're discussing powers in general - one of his best friends can literally read minds, so. Maybe it's not so strange. ] Absolutely. I'm at your disposal.

[ ~~Don't even get Jim started on how cool the suit is, once he gets to see it.~~

Jim sips his smoothie, takes a bite of donut, rinse, repeat. His gaze wanders back to the wall - they'll need to digitize Peter's notes - or maybe not, actually, maybe that wasn't safe. Not that anything they're working on is top secret, but he still doesn't like the idea of giving their captors any more information on what they're doing than strictly necessary...Hm. Even if he wrote an encryption for it...hm.

Spock's got the biochemical side of all of this covered, and Jim knows he can trust his conclusions 100%. His fingers tap the side of his smoothie cup idly, drumming out a random beat. ] Careful what you ask for, kid, ten credits says he's already got that list memorized.

[ Letting the conversation run as it has been, Spock is already sorting through possibilities. He takes an idle sip of his smoothie, remembering that it exists, and then appends dryly to Jim's gamble: ] While I believe you'll find our currency here is moot, it is as I've suggested: natural materials are not abundant.

[ He pauses, the upward twitch of a dark brow conveying what would have been a playful swat on anyone else. He takes another sip. ]

Depending upon the individual's needs, synthetic alternatives will likely be required. [ Placing his smoothie on a nearby table, he uncrosses his legs and rises. It takes him a few moments to find paper and a suitable utensil, but he's soon returning to take his seat again. ] Assuming ruby quartz is the only effective neutralizer, one would first have to clarify whether it's simply quartz with iron encrustations or a unique fusion of ruby and quartz.

[ He twists about in his seat, lays his paper upon the table. As he continues speaking, he's draws out the chemical composition of rubies (Al203) and quartz (SiO2) - and underneath? He notes the trace elements that typically provide their unique colorations and to what extent. ] While both are without doubt available in many technologies, the amount used is often small. Moreover, based upon the information you have thus provided, I am inclined to believe your companion's eyewear may be a form of leaded glass.

[ After all, rubies are used as a gain medium for lasers. He sketches out the process, which includes the manner in which goes about making leaded glass and grinding it down to fuse with inferior rubies. Theoretically, one could use quartz glass - and down the rabbit hole he goes, sketching out the exact process for that. It's complicated and involves heat, crucibles... Actually, looks like he has a whole schematic. Give him a minute or two, because then he'll add after a particularly long burst of writing: ]

Functionality should prevail over aesthetics, however there is no harm in providing other designs.

[ Never mind that he's drawing out possible shapes for those too. Don't worry too much about it, you two. ]

Well, I'm not either, but I know what will make him look dorky and stuff. I think the forest works fine, that's where he showed me.

(because, well. he knows what scott looks like, and honestly, that's rich coming from a guy in a suit, but he finds the suit awesome, nothing to complain here.

his attention goes to the nerd that is a nerd in the same ways he is a nerd, so this conversation makes him nod, following every step and every drawing. he too needs to draw and write to think, so it's good to have those laid out. his own paper is now taking into the information to provide a drawing of his own as they speak, albeit not as well-done as the image... some of us are in a hurry as the ideas pour in!)

So, this is what I was thinking of. The plates rotate, so he can actually control the intensity of it, so I think we could definitely work on these two. Maybe, if Mr. Spock can deal with the chemistry part of providing the materials, me and Mr. Jim could put it together. It'll be faster like that, and he can have this at hand sooner than me working on my own.

... And, uh, I... I actually wanted to ask if you guys can help me with something else. Something that's not on the walls.

Then I'll bet you ten credits, Spock, you'll appreciate them more. [ Jim just snorts to himself and watches Spock wind up and go - yeah, that was pretty much par for the course. He follows the explanation idly as he finishes his donut - it gets above his paygrade with the chemical compounds, though with the right components, synthesizing them won't be an issue. Even less of an issue if they had a replicator, but they're working on archaic equipment - honestly, it's kind of fun, if not for the fact that progress is hindered by the limitations just as much as creativity is enabled by them.

Peter starts describing his design idea, and Jim leans forward to examine them, tilting his head to the side. It's impressive, to be sure, and if it weren't for the psychic damage hearing Mr. Jim gives him, he'd probably offer a low whistle. ] Please, Pete, just call me Jim.

[ He has a feeling his request is going to go ignored.

Jim reaches over to trace the lines of Peter's schematic, tapping a finger over the solenoid. ] This is good work, you've clearly been thinking a lot about it. I do think you might need a redundancy here, though. This thing craps out, gets broken, whatever, and the rotation will be stuck. I'd recommend adding a backup, and considering whether or not you want the plate mechanism to snap to ninety degrees in the event of a failure. We can definitely work on the construction, make quick work of it; Spock's got the chemistry covered.

[ They may have to do it backyard science style, but based on Spock's sketches, Jim's pretty sure he's excited about the prospect. ]

...Yeah, it's worth a look. Hit us with it. [ Jim manfully resists the urge to glance at Spock; the slow way in which Peter brings it up and the fact that this project isn't on the wall yet tell Jim the others were likely a test. Of proficiency? Or trust? Maybe a bit of both. ]

Affirmative, [ Spock hums, still sketching out possible solutions. If he rounds off the answer to each of these statements neatly with a singular word? Well, he's been known to be efficient. It shouldn't surprise, then, that Spock takes a moment to preview the schematics that Peter works out while continuing to mark out his own. They're solid, but he does find himself agreeing with Jim's assessment. He nods, more with the tip of his chin, and appends: ] Given the nature of your friend's abilities, I would also advise appropriate fail safes.

[ Seems logical enough. Redundant elements make for a more complex set of repairs, but so too makes room for critical failures of the design. It is why Spock himself prefers a certain minimalism; when there is an issue, it can be readily addressed. Even so, Spock knows that a replicator would have been a boon to their assorted projects. The tricorder makes finding materials needed simpler, but the process remains far less streamlined than it could be.

Either way, it is a blessing that Spock cannot hear Jim's assessment of his presumed excitement. A sense of investment may be more accurate, he would say, but they both know better at the end of the day. Admitting such things come at a steep price. He is harder pressed to do so around others that are not Jim. ]

"Hit us with it"? I fail to see how "hitting us" with an additional project would aid in its completion, much less our presumed ability to assist.

[ He follows Jim's lead, knows the shift of Jim's body is more an indication that he requires Spock's focus, but cannot be obvious about it. So, he tips his head in a way that would suggest full concentration, but permits him the upward twitch of a brow at such an angle that relays that he's noticed. His gaze remains upon the task before him, the pencil still moving in his grip, but the joke is a device. He's used this sort of play in many situations, found it increased the comfort of the crew by an average of 37%. Perhaps it will, too, put the boy more at ease. ]

(it works, it makes him giggle a little. quite a different person, this guy, while jim is a bit more used to what peter is used to. okay, no mister will take a moment for him to fully accept, process, integrate.

but, how does he even start this conversation, it's just very weird to open it without being caught first.

well...)

So, where I'm from, there are... These people, they're called the Avengers. You know Thor? The Norse God? Very real, also an Avenger. They deal with everything that may threaten the Earth, or really bad guys, and stuff like that. I'm an Avenger. Well, I was made into one, and then I died with half the life in the universe, and now I'm here, long story, not the point-- I'll just show you.

(the nanites start forming the suit around his silhouette, metallic and imposing, with the pincers out as it was the last configuration he had on. here it is, a spiderman in the flesh, and he shrugs a little behind the mask, the eye shapes following the expression he's making... which is squinting, trying to gauge what they must be thinking.)

... So, uh. It's got a lot of capabilities, but because I'm not home, I'm not connected to a network. That's not great.

Edited 2024-05-16 23:06 (UTC)

[ Jim's not going to call him out on being an excited science nerd, Spock doesn't have to worry about losing Vulcan street cred in front of the Terran teenager. If he smiles to himself about it, well - just chalk it up to one of Jim's inexplicable human quirks. ]

Commander, you are a singularly entertaining individual. Never change, Spock.

[ And thank you, even if they're not quite-the-same-as-usual, their communication methods remain in tact. It works, too, loosening Peter up and segueing into his apparent secret project. Jim listens intently, though his brow does furrow a little in bewilderment - they have nothing akin to what Peter is describing in their worlds besides Starfleet, and Thor the Norse God wouldn't exactly fit in resplendent cadet red. ] Sorry, I'm still stuck on the half the universe thing -

[ But whatever questions Jim was going to lodge are lost to the surprise of the nanite suit that Peter whips out, eyes going wide and bright with fascination. It's intuitive, too, adjusting with Peter's movements, the way the eyes oscillate, how easily it shapes and molds to his skin - Jim leans back, appreciating the technology it in all its glory, still a little gobsmacked.

Whatever he might have been expecting, it certainly wasn't that.

To his credit, Jim recovers quickly enough, hand with his empty smoothie cup dangling over the back of the chair he's sitting backwards in. ] What kind of capabilities? What functions are inhibited by the network disconnect?

[ Which...brings them to the undercover reason they came here, and this time Jim doesn't disguise the look he sends Spock's way. ] ...I wouldn't recommend patching it into Aldrip's network, but we may still be able to help. We've...got a project of our own, actually, and we're looking for extra hands. Might be right up your alley, if you're game, and it might help with your...uh, augmentation? What do you call this?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

(video) club talk and peter ramblings @peterparker

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the fact i knew so much of this already lmao

Re: the fact i knew so much of this already lmao

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