trans_9 | Distractions [Open]

After helping Kaylee while her arm was hurt, Jamie was curious as to exactly what it would take to try and learn enough about simple repair to try and do the same with the Engineering department. The work in the city wouldn't take forever, after all, and while there were other things he agreed to do, he didn't think they would take a lot of his time. He could volunteer for security, but he wasn't sure if that was something he really wanted to do. And since there wasn't really a 'creeping along corridors' department, maybe this would be some other way he could help.

He had managed to get the information onto one of the data pads and settled down for a good read. Some time later, however, he found himself staring at the screen in dismay. There was a lot more to it than he had expected. Sure, he could push buttons and throw levers when directed - and he had helped fix that one frayed wire. But everything else...

"Och," he muttered, pushing the pad aside in frustration. Maybe later, he'd look at it again. Right now, he needed to do something, anything other than just sit there and stare at a wee little screen and try and figure out what it all meant. Maybe a walk was in order. After some aimless wandering, Jamie found himself in the vehicle bay. It was as good a place as any, he supposed. He'd just have a quick peek around, then get back to work.

It was when he was nosing about that he heard the sound. He was being very careful not to actually touch anything - you never knew when someone would show up and get all upset over some imagined scrape and blame you for it. That meant it wasn't anything he had done...so it was likely someone else was there with him.

Raising his voice so it would carry a bit, he called out, "Hey, anyone there?"

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"Aye, well," Jamie says with a shrug. "If the Doctor was awake, it'd be easy. He needs me to look out for him." But he's not, and Jamie's beginning to think he may never be. So that leaves...what?

"When Kaylee's arm was hurt, I helped her with some repair work. I thought maybe I could do something like that. It's not like I've not helped the Doctor before, but..."
As Billy said, it was a bit overwhelming.

"Medical training?" He almost adds an 'Are ye daft?' to the words, but holds back. Instead, he shakes his head. "I'm not sure that's not more complicated than learning to repair things." Although there are some similar principles. But combat training, on the other hand...that has possibilities. He'll have to think about it.

In the meantime, he smiles, pleased by the compliment on his piping. "Thank ye. I'm glad at least someone likes it."

Billy smiles and nods. That makes sense. "We could always use repair hands, and I trust you more than most of the crew. You're definitely welcome to learn and join us---perhaps we could start with one common repair task, and build from there?"

With that suggestion made, he makes a noise of affirmation. "You're the one who suggested I may have Scottish blood somewhere down the line."

That could work - if he can go at his own pace, and pick up things in the way he's used to doing, it might not be so bad. And if he's not always needed, maybe he can still help with combat training.

"That might be all right," he says thoughtfully. "What do ye think would be a good place to start?" He's not entirely sure what would be considered a common repair. After all, his idea of repairs pretty much focus on fixing his bagpipes - which ties back in with the other part of the discussion.

"And aye, I did mention that." He chuckles, struck by a sudden thought. "Ye know...I need to introduce ye to haggis sometime."

Billy considers this carefully. They could put Jamie's skills to use somewhere, surely. He considered suggesting the piping, but...that would be a terrible pun to make.

Instead, he decides on "Wiring might work. Our wires often fray at the worst times, and it's not too difficult to splice them together. They're usually color coded to prevent mismatches as well."

Haggis? "I've never had the opportunity. The ingredient list usually disturbs most people from my hometown, but I'd be willing to try at least once."

It might have taken a moment or two to get there, but Jamie would have likely appreciated it - After all, a good pun is its own reword.

However, what is suggested is actually the one thing he's actually had some practice on recently, and he perks up when it's mentioned. "Aye - I can do that!" Without frying himself alive, even, so he's of the opinion that's a fine suggestion. "Kaylee showed me," he adds, although he's fairly certain Billy would have believed him without the mention. He's also pretty certain Billy wouldn't be upset with Kaylee for demonstrating, especially since she needed the help at the time.

"It's not just people from your home that are bothered by it, aye?" Jamie says in an aside. He has no idea why that's the case, since it's never bothered him. "But we'll figure out some time to try it." Although it'll likely be in the Sensoriums. Even if he could get the ingredients to make it for real, he doesn't think most of the crew would appreciate the effort.

"Excellent," he cheered. "I'll have to thank Kaylee later. I'm sure she'll be happy to see you around more frequently." Is that why Jamie's joining up? Hmmmm.

"Right! I'll definitely be there. Haggis doesn't exactly have a glowing reputation in my culture, although it's all relative---we're offended when other cultures eat monkey brains, but when my people touch cows we're violating a sacred animal in much of the world." That's how he considers it, anyway. It's all a matter of preference.

He drums on the wheel, pondering. "Well...should we look for a place to park?"

"Well, it could always go the other way. Ye could all get verra sick of seeing me around," Jamie comments dryly. Is it? It could be, in part. But there's more than one person he knows there, so it's likely not the only reason.

There's a nod then - that part about violating cows sounds familiar, although he's not sure if they had discussed it before. It's possible. Sometimes similar conversations happen. It might be good to try and keep that in mind when he's faced with eating something strange and different he doesn't really want to, he thinks.

For now, though, there's the matter of finding someplace to put the Radbug. "That's probably a good idea," he admits. He doesn't know how long the car can hover for, and doesn't want to find out the hard way. He points to a cluster of buildings that look like they haven't been too badly damaged. "Why don't we try over there?"

"I doubt that," he grins.

Then he sees the spot Jamie points out. "That will work!" Waiting a moment to make sure they're ready, he begins the descent. It requires some careful maneuvering around fallen items, but eventually they park in a safe location.

Billy climbs out. "It's not a far walk back, luckily."

"Aye, we'll see," Jamie says, sounding almost doleful. However, after a few seconds, he turns a lopsided grin towards Billy - obviously he thinks he's being funny.

He clambers out of the car and joins Billy on the other side. "I suppose it's not so bad to have to walk back when we got to fly here." He does turn back for a moment to look at the Radbug thoughtfully. "Are ye sure you're comfortable leaving the car here?" Knowing Billy was worried earlier, he wants to be utterly positive his friend is okay with it before they head back.

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