7. [BBS] (open to action)

[rewritethis]

Need a good mechanic. Probably a quick job, but don't quote me on that. Knowing something about anatomy might help.

I can pay a little, or we can negotiate. Let me know.

- Edward E.

[Unusually, this post is signed; it's that or risk attracting someone he's antagonised in the past. Okay, there are other kinds of awkwardness it might not ward off - questions like "what would you need a mechanic for?" or "hey, did you ever find that crown a brave GFC member left in your dorm while you weren't looking?", just for example - but he can live with those.

On the other hand, anyone expressing scepticism that he has grown at all since arriving at Garden is going to get punched through a computer screen. He'll figure out a way.]

Comments

[rewritethis]

And then tell me how much you want for it? Well, okay. [He still isn't entirely convinced, and it shows on his face.

Since somewhere to sit doesn't appear to be forthcoming, he just bends down and hikes his left trouser leg up above his knee - which, like everything below it, is steel. Chances are Billy might be able to guess where the name comes from, if he hadn't already; it resembles nothing more than a heavily armoured normal leg.

Something else that should be obvious as Ed straightens up: although he's strenuously avoided describing the adjustment he needs as "minor" so far, the adjective definitely applies. Calling it a couple of inches shorter than his other leg would be a bit of a stretch.]

There. That's all there is. Unless I need to take my shoes off, too.

[morphitudinous]

No---oh, I'm so sorry. Wait a minute.

[Billy dashes out the door without a further word of explanation, making a ruckus as he rummages through a nearby room. He returns a minute later with two stools in hand, one for Ed and one for his leg. It's cramped, but Billy can shove the desk with his shoulder and make it work.]

I should be able to extend this. And don't worry about a price. Parts and labor cost shouldn't be a serious concern here.

[Billy adjusts his glasses, swings his toolbox beside him on the floor, and starts by whipping out the tape measure to confirm leg lengths.]

[rewritethis]

[It's with a mixture of surprise at the sudden flurry of activity and mild exasperation that he eyes Billy for a second or two before flopping down onto one of the stools. (Good thing cramped spaces still aren't much of a problem for him, huh?)]

But they cost something, right? Or it wouldn't be an equivalent exchange. Just tell me what it is. I've got enough to keep up with around here without owing you as well.

[Looking on as Billy starts to measure his legs, he tugs his coat aside to make sure it's out of the way. Not that it was particularly in the way to begin with.]

[morphitudinous]

[Billy shakes his head lightly, pausing for a moment as he works out the steps of applying the extension in his head.]

Trust me it's an equivalent exchange. You don't owe me.

[rewritethis]

...Just because you never worked with automail before? [He pulls a face. It's not really his place to object, but...] Sheesh. All you machine freaks are the same.

[The frown's gone when he looks back up at Billy, though.] Seriously, though, are you sure? I don't mind paying. Kinda been saving up for this. [He reaches into one of his pockets, extracts a small drawstring bag and waves it in front of him for emphasis.]

[morphitudinous]

I'm sure. Really, this won't take long.

[Billy pulls on his safety gloves now that he has a plan. He gets to work, though it's done far more slowly and gently than usual.]

Tell me if something hurts.

[rewritethis]

[Ed shrugs and stows the bag away - still largely uncomprehending, and he has half a mind to start lecturing the guy about equivalent exchange just to make sure they're on the same page, but hey, it's not his loss.

The next thing Billy says interrupts him as he's staring at the ceiling and impatiently drumming his fingers on the side of the stool. He blinks.] Hurts? [But his confusion soon clears, replaced by a slightly sheepish grin.] Oh, right. Nah, don't worry about that - there aren't any real nerves in there. And everything's already hooked up, anyway. Unless you suddenly want to try switching it off and back on again, I won't feel a thing. [Which he says perfectly casually, but then he pauses.] Just don't, okay?

[morphitudinous]

[Billy listens carefully to the whole set of instructions, nodding at the end. He wasn't going to try that anyway.]

I understand. It should just take a little more---

[He works a little faster, measuring pieces just to be sure they were all being extended in the proper ratio---perhaps with a minute adjustment for a growing body. Soon enough, he seals the work off.]

Test it?

[rewritethis]

Already, huh?

[Gingerly, peering over with the air of an explorer about to take their first step onto an unknown shore, he wiggles his foot up and down. Then, with considerably less drama (and, it has to be said, less care), he swings his leg off the stool and kicks a couple of times, narrowly missing Billy. Finally, he rolls his trouser leg back down and pulls himself to his feet.]

Not bad. If I didn't know any better, I'd almost think you've done this before. [Despite himself, he beams, practically bouncing on his heels. It's a far cry from his usual grouchiness.] Hey, maybe I should introduce you if that girl I know ever turns up somewhere in this world. Keep you out of the way of normal people. You could learn a few things.

[But then it fades slightly, and his hand moves towards his pocket again. He's never talked to Billy long enough to be sure what the best way to convince him is...]

You're... still serious about doing this for free, right? You aren't gonna change your mind the minute I'm out the door?

[morphitudinous]

[Billy looks down at his work, obviously pleased. So it's all right. Ed's not having a problem anymore. That's almost enough payment on its own.]

Like I've said, you've already paid me. But...there might be one thing you can do for me.

[He brought his hand up, tapping his chin in thought.]

Could you send me any information about your world's technology? I know it's a big and broad request, and a single person's not likely to have much of it. But anything would be a delight to learn from.

[rewritethis]

My world's technology? [He puts that hand to his own chin. He doesn't want to refuse, of course.] Well, sure, I guess I could write a little about it at some point. Just don't get your hopes up for any detail. I'm an alchemist, not a mechanic. [Otherwise he wouldn't be here. In fact, he probably wouldn't be on this world.

For a second or two, he looks distant.] To be honest, chances are you don't have a whole lot to learn. Hate to say it [although he isn't saying that with much conviction], but from what I've seen on Earth and around here, we're a long way behind on that front.

[morphitudinous]

I'm not too sure about that. There are subtle differences in the path of technological progress in every world, and there are things we can learn from methods of the past. Don't treat it too seriously, I'm just curious.

[rewritethis]

[Shrug.] If you say so. All I know is, most of the stuff I used to think was cutting edge gets filed under History here... if it shows up in their books at all. And everyone treats alchemy like it's either magic or some kind of ancient joke, when they've even heard of it. Doesn't seem too subtle to me. [A tinge of resignation creeps into his voice there, but he at least says it with an airy smile. And while blatantly standing there with two pretty much cyborg limbs. Totally backward.

He eases the door open. It's more challenging than it looks, with those stools and Billy in the way.]

But yeah, I can write something up for you. Make up your own mind. [He quickly salutes.] Guess I'll see you later.

[morphitudinous]

I wouldn't say that.

[Billy quite awkwardly clears a path back to his desk, waving back.] Thanks. See you!