Separation Anxiety? [OPEN]

[morphitudinous]

Blink. Blink. Blinkity-blink.

Why are there three blue lights blinking from a small corner of Obs Deck? The blond kid in the simple blue polo and khaki pants might have an answer for you.

He's surrounded by small blue boxes and various inventions on the table and chairs around him, and if not for the fact that he's fiddling away on yet another invention and acting as if nothing's wrong, he would look just like an ex who'd been thrown out of his former significant other's house.

In between tasks, he lowers the tools and gazes around the deck, almost as if he's looking for something (or someoone) else. Hey, maybe he and his big mess ended up out here for a reason.

Comments

[feelnothinatall.livejournal.com]

"It was, but compared to everything else... in a way it's easier to have something normal to fall back on," Ahava answered with a wry smile. "I mean, it's easier to work on how to do my best as senior science staff than how to deal with the possibility that my entire dimension is just... gone."

As Billy began his explanation, she shifted to get a better look at the orb he was holding. "Sounds like a good system," she said, still looking with interest at the globe. "So I'm assuming those with clearance for the area will have something to activate and deactivate the system?"

[morphitudinous]

"It's definitely easier. I've thrown myself into my work for the same reason." There's too many faces he might never see again haunting the back of his mind. It's a grief that almost everyone here shares, but...somehow, that doesn't make it any more bearable. He'll stop there, though, because he thinks she might not want to dwell on that.

"Yes. I'm still working out a few bugs, but that's the general idea." ---Bugs like the lights turning bright pink and green and flitting on and off, like they're doing at this moment. He hastily fumbles to turn it off, somewhat embarrassed. "I still haven't found the cause of that particular one."

[feelnothinatall.livejournal.com]

Ahava tried not to laugh as the orb started flashing different colours, apparently at random. "I'm sure you'll get it working in the end," she said, smiling in amusement. "Maybe it's just overly sensitive to ambient energy from Stacy or other sources?" It was just a guess, but she was trying to help even if she didn't know exactly how Billy had made the device.

"Actually, since I've also been known to get involved in engineering, should I be worried about setting the system off if I need to borrow something?"

[morphitudinous]

"I thought I'd filtered that energy out, but I'll check again for other sources. Thank you." Billy frowned at the disobedient sensor.

"No, you'll have clearance. I'll program it to recognize the Science department as trusted individuals. I've already spoken to Dr. Sera about sharing resources between our departments." Billy cautiously tapped at the orb, and watched as the lights reset themselves to blue. "While you're here, can you think of anything you need for your lab that we can build or provide?"

[feelnothinatall.livejournal.com]

"It was just a thought, since I don't know how it works in detail, it really could be anything causing the interference," Ahava said, also frowning at the sensor.

It was a relief to hear that she wouldn't have to go to too much trouble to get anything she might need from the other laboratories. It'd no doubt cause problems later if she kept accidentally setting off sensors all the time.

"But it would still log equipment coming and going?" she mused. "To keep track of where everything is?" It seemed like common sense after all.

Ahava shook her head at the question. "At the moment I'm mostly focussed on getting everything set up and working out what it all is. But I'll be sure to get in touch if I need something."

[morphitudinous]

"I haven't finished the equipment logging system yet. That will involve microchips that I've been developing, and with those we'll be able to retrieve a detailed list of which items left the area at which times. We'll probably only be able to implement that on the more valuable and scarce equipment, though."

He smiled. "All right. I check my omnicom messages several times a day, and there's also the comm rings. If I'm not available for some reason, Allen will help you."

[feelnothinatall.livejournal.com]

Ahava nodded. "It'll be a good system when it's up and running," she said. "How long do you think it'll take?" She imagined it wouldn't be that long, considering how scarce their equipment and supplies were. They couldn't really afford to lose too much.

That name was familiar. "Allen... he's the co-chief of your department? I should probably meet with him some time."

[morphitudinous]

"I still need approval from Command and the department, so maybe I'll take a week more to perfect the prototypes. Then I'll present them, and if they're approved I'll begin work."

Billy grinned, then. "Affirmative---uh, yes, he is, as well as the principal of our education program. He's very pleasant to work with, if somewhat enthusiastic at times. I'm sure he'll accommodate you"

[feelnothinatall.livejournal.com]

"Well if you need a hand with it at any point, feel free to ask," Ahava said. "I've enjoyed talking with you, so I wouldn't say no to a chance to do it again in the future."

But for the moment, she thought Billy would probably want to return to his work. "Oh, one last thing: do you have any idea where I might find Allen?"

[morphitudinous]

"I wouldn't either," he said with a friendly smile. "But for now, you can usually find Allen around the Special Weapons lab or media library. If he's not there, try messaging him on the omnicoms---they're his pet project, he checks them frequently."

[feelnothinatall.livejournal.com]

"Thanks," Ahava answered, rising and stretching loosely. "Well, it was a pleasure to meet you, Billy," she said sincerely, offering a hand to the man. "Here's to working together in the future."