I don't believe I ever got such a description. However, based on what I know of modern single-shot shotguns, and imagining one folded in half, I would be pretty certain it would fit in the inside pocket of a coat. Only a really bad dice roll would mean that it wouldn't. Those kinds of shotguns are relatively narrow and small. What I'm saying is that, if I were the referee, based on my own personal knowledge, I'd probably give it to the player without a roll. But that's just me.
And yes MJ, I'm being absolutely honest about that. If the pocket is large enough so that a man could insert a closed fist inside it (which would almost certainly be the case) then the shotgun would almost certainly fit inside, as far as width of the pocket. Besides, a coat like this would probably be designed to conceal weapons, just by its very nature. A guy wearing a bulletproof coat would be likely to carry weapons.
Oh ya know what? I almost forgot to ask. What are the bad-weather capabilities of the coat? Insulation, waterproof ability, etc. Or is it just a bulletproof plastic raincoat?
Two Posts
Just to clarify, the 9mm carbine would be moderately more powerful than the handguns because of the longer barrel, but not enough to raise the damage category. Probably double all the distances on the handguns, with a maximum range of 100 yards on the carbine rifle would be sufficient.
The MAK 90 is loaded with the 100 round drum, and has the 50 round magazine rubber banded to the stock. So, I've got 150 rounds ready the minute I pick up the gun. The 30 round magazines are all taped together so that when one is empty, flip the clip, and you're good to go. I believe I have 10 of those, so 5 sets of 2 clips taped together.
All the guns and magazines are fully loaded.
Oh yeah, and I'm probably going to be disowning some stuff here soon. Gotta drop the weight. Don't need that survivalist 22 anymore, for example.
Concerning the coat, it is designed to be relatively light. That said, there are a few points that can be noted:
- Because its outer shell is reflective of energy weapons, it gives some protection against solar heat. That is, it does not protect against the heat in atmosphere, but reflects the direct heat of sunlight away from the wearer.
- Because its inner shell is a form of inertial padding, it provides a thin layer of warmth. This is not terribly significant, but if worn over a coat or jacket would create an extra layer that was fairly significant in terms of retaining body heat.
- Because the exterior is of a weave tight enough to deflect needles, rain tends to be shed from it. If you left water sitting on it, it would eventually soak through, but assuming that the water can slide off, it will. Obviously, it affords some protection against hail, and it can withstand any wind in which you can stay on your feet.
O.K., now back to the gun. Unless I'm thinking of a different gun you considered or purchased, I remember describing this, and I remember that my description was based in large part on a toy I think I never had. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. series (which contrary to ads running on USA is actually the drama that has more letters than any other, even N.C.I.S.) produced a line of spy toys that were rather James Bond-ish (after all, that was the inspiration for the series, I'm sure). One was a radio that unfolded into a gun. The barrel slid into the top part and the stock bent around to cover the trigger compartment, leaving a rectangular box with a handle on top that doubled as a scope.
That's the basic concept on which your folding shotgun is designed, in my mind.
It's also what I'm pretty sure I described somewhere. I can hunt for the post, if you like, but it will probably be a few days before I find it.
--M. J. Young
The barrel slid into the top part and the stock bent around to cover the trigger compartment, leaving a rectangular box with a handle on top that doubled as a scope.
You're describing the survivalist 22, not the shotgun. I remember it specifically because I took some manner of objection to how the barrel was designed.
I remember the shotgun design. The shotgun is 18 inches folded, with a 12 inch barrel, and folds in half, 30 inches open, 18 inches closed. The barrel is on a hinge connected to the stock. It holds a single shell when folded up. It folds in half, with the barrel going inside the stock when folded. Folded, it would be the size of the stock, which I assure you would fit into that pocket. You unfold it to extend the barrel which locks in that position. I remember this specifically. Your radio gun design was on the survivalist 22. Remember MJ, I'm psychotic. That gives us an enhanced memory. If it's that important to you to look for the description, have at it, although I am completely certain this is the design.
Two Posts
This is the description the the survivalist 22. As you can see, it matches your radio gun design.
Collapsible .22 rifle with 6-bullet clip, barrel slides into stock, can't fire without extending barrel; rear of stock folds down and up flush over trigger guard, latching in place to either position; clip inserts into rear portion of stock, can be kept in place, but gun will not operate unless fully opened. 0:30 to open gun fully. Uses standard .22 ammo. Barrel does not unscrew but telescopes, slightly wider in diameter in extended end than in stock (shortens range). Think of it in three sections. Center section has trigger mechanism and chamber; stock folds around to cover this, partly hollowed, also has part of feed mechanism to hold bullets and feed them to chamber when in open position. Barrel pops out from other side. Completely collapsed it approaches rectangular, barrel extension flush with side and other side has two relatively flat surfaces (bulge on rear stock meets indentation on the central section, pressure interlocks mechanisms, released by lever on underside). Release button beneath barrel unlatches lower section and allows barrel extension to slide out. It does not store spare ammo. Each section is about fifteen inches in total length, barrel extension shorter (has to stop before the hammer mechanism and have an inch or so inside when fully extended). 48" tip to back. Folded, 15"x~8"x~1.5-2", not perfectly squared in any direction. Floats in water, constructed almost entirely of polymers and plastics with some metal parts, made for survivalist use. lightweight, #3. Does not fire folded because ammo supply is in rear stock, partly intended as safety feature, to prevent weapon from firing when stowed.
Thanks for finding that description; please keep it handy so I can add it to your sheet if you manage to take it with you.
I'll also accept your description of the shotgun; keep that handy, too. My father had a shotgun that broke in half like that, but was not hinged. I'm good with that, and I agree that it should fit in the pocket. The pocket is low enough that you can get away with that, although you have to reach fairly high to get hold of the gun, the stock of which is over your heart.
--M. J. Young
Spend the rest of day 17 cleaning the guns.
Start day 18, meet up with Lauren. Metalworking and psionics lessons.
"I don't know whether to try to teach you this or not. In fact, I'm not even quite exactly sure how to teach it to you. I've only ever done it once; I taught myself how to do it after I got here, because, well--because I did something arrogant and foolish and it gave me a lot of trouble, so I had to find a way to undo it.
"In a few days I'll probably be teaching you how to tamper with other people's memories. The skill I used quite a bit to hide in plain sight is a sort of block memories skill, that prevents people from realizing or remembering that you are there. I created another skill that I've used less often, which enabled me to build a memory wall in someone's mind--keep them from remembering anything about a particular subject or person. Anyway, I used the one skill on someone here, so he wouldn't remember that I had walked into his office, and then later I had to apologize to him and put his memory back, because it seems that I needed him.
"Anyway, the point is that I had to put things right, so I created a skill that would unblock memories, and that seems to me to be the next one to teach you. We could skip it and jump directly to pyrogenesis--a skill I've used for many things over the years--but it will be easier to learn the pyro if you learn this first. On the other hand, I don't know how easy it would be for you to learn a skill I don't know that well, and I don't know how much use you would have for this one."
--M. J. Young
"Ya know, you're absolutely right. If I set the guy on fire, who gives a hoot if he remembers me? Teach me pyrogenesis."
She laughs.
"Well, it will take a lot of practice before you can really set a man on fire with something like this, but I worked hard at it for several months and managed to ignite flammables like gasoline and heating oil pretty effectively. I also managed to flash-freeze my kitchen on a botch once, but I wasn't in the kitchen, and I kept at it."
The pattern appears in your mind, and you copy it. You realize that this helps you grasp the use of mental power a bit better, improving your understanding in everything. It seems to involve telekinesis at a molecular level, causing the atoms within the target object to agitate, moving more quickly.
"I've used it to boil water, cook meat, heat a frying pan, warm my coffee, light a simple fire, heat rocks to keep a shelter warm, and defrost meat, in addition to exploding gas and oil tanks, which is a tricky application. In any case, there are a lot of ways it can be used, even though it heats things rather slowly."
--M. J. Young
I'm assuming we're sitting somewhere public, perhaps a restaurant having lunch or something.
How I would do it is metalworking lesson, then go have something to eat, to learn the psionics. So yes, we are sitting somewhere public like a restaurant.
Use it to heat up the bottom of her chair. Try not to let her know I'm doing it.
Did you honestly expect me to do something different?
"That's pretty cool. I really want to learn the flatline skills. When I was in the Pearl Harbor infirmary, I found out that in some worlds, only mind reading and TK pulse worked. That sucked. I call it a flatline world because I realized it whilst laying in a hospital. You ever been to a world like that?"
"How was your date BTW?"
Just asking conversationally.
"Oh yeah, I got these bulletproof shirts. I'd like to test one of your 50 caliber revolvers on them. They took everything I had without a problem. They're really cheap over at the sporting goods store."
Has Lauren noticed her chair is getting hot yet?
Oh ya know what? I just realized. If those bulletproof shirts are so cheap, then all of the security guys probably wear them. Have I seen any evidence of that? My hope is that they are not armored in any way shape or fashion.
(Doing Therapy)
Two Posts
If the security guys do wear that (better to find out now than when I have to fight them) Then both shotguns are loaded with Shredders. The Mossberg has a 8, with 15 on the shoulder sling, and the single shot is loaded with one, and has 10 shells rubber banded to the stock, or otherwise on my person. The Shredders might not kill the guards, but it will certainly ruin their day....
In fact, find a security guard.
"Excuse me, do you know where the bathroom is?"
On visual inspection, how is he outfitted? Weapons? Armor? Radio? Criminal restraints? What can I tell about the guard's defensive and offensive capabilities?
Check at the gun store.
"Hey, shopkeeper type person, can I order/do you have any non-lethal shotgun shells? (OOC Please note, non-lethal is not synonymous with "painless".) Tear gas rounds? Glue Rounds? Pepper shot? I've seen Taser rounds as well. (OOC Fires a battery pack, sticks to the target, and electrocutes them) I'm looking for a temporary stunning effect."
Non-lethal rounds might be more effective than explosives. I never would have though I'd hear myself say that....
I get it MJ, I didn't ask in character...
Still at the gun store.
"Shopkeeper type person, do you have/can you order anything which would be a weapon/article of clothing? Derringer belt buckles perhaps? Where I'm from, these were highly-prized collectibles" (OOC, and indeed, some of them are)
(Doing Therapy)
Lots-O-Posts
I would also have the 9mm carbine in the VSP so that I could pull it out without taking off the backpack. It's loaded with a 15 round magazine (Shorter magazine, less likely to snag coming out) and has six 30 round magazines rubber banded to the shoulder sling and stock. Probably get a piece of flat cardboard or equivalent, and wrap it around the gun, so it doesn't snag on anything. And I just know you're going to hate me for this. Botching on pulling it out and shooting a hole in the floor would be impossible, as it does not have a round in the chamber. I almost accidentally shot myself in the head keeping a round in the chamber of a gun I was carrying. It's not a mistake I'm going to make again.
(Doing Therapy)
Lauren screams as her face blisters; she grabs water from the table and throws it on the burned area.
She scowls at you and leaves.
The manager wants you to pay the bill for the drinks.
*****
Have you ever seen a security officer here? I don't recall ever mentioning one.
*****
On non-lethal rounds--
"Do you mean like markers, that you can use for games? Or are you thinking of live capture attacks?"
"Most people doing live capture use sonic stunners; they're the most reliable. Gas grenades are also available. It's really a difficult call--you have to figure out what kind of game you're after, and what works for it, specifically. Assuming it breathes, what sort of gas will affect it? If it hears, what's its range, and what will disorient and stun it? If you're using tranq darts, you've got to know the right dosages of the right drugs. So, what are you after?"
--M. J. Young
Lauren screams as her face blisters; she grabs water from the table and throws it on the burned area.
She scowls at you and leaves.
The manager wants you to pay the bill for the drinks.
To the manager "Yeah, sure I'll pay for the drinks. Can you call one of those medical bots down here? She spilled hot coffee on her face or something."
To Lauren:
"Wait, they have these medical robots that can fix you on the spot. The manager is calling for one right now."
For some reason, I just knew that was going to botch..
*****
Have you ever seen a security officer here? I don't recall ever mentioning one.
Well, there were the guys that arrested Derek for hacking. Or do they not patrol the main mall area? A floating city with no cops? I may have found my paradise.
*****
At the gun store
"Never mind"
Lauren does not wait when you call her.
Why would guards have to patrol an entirely enclosed facility which has high-tech communication lines in every area?
--M. J. Young
Why would guards have to patrol an entirely enclosed facility which has high-tech communication lines in every area?
To offer assistance to customers? To give the illusion of safety? There are things that a guard can do that a high-tech security system can't. Given the fact that I don't want there to be guards, I can't believe I'm arguing about it, but you did ask.
Speaking out loud:
"Mr. Hawke, pursuit course, engage." (Know the reference?)
Chase Lauren.
"Hey, it was an accident. You told me about your botches. I was just trying to play a prank on you. I was trying to heat up the bottom of your chair. Are you OK?"
Be on guard to defend against an attack from her, although I'm hoping she isn't THAT pissed off.
Two Posts
Mistake, I think I already did this.
She slows and nods.
"Yes, botches happen. That's one reason why it's important to--well, yes, I've been careless at times myself. Apology accepted. I've got to go get these burns treated. I will see you tomorrow."
--M. J. Young
"Well, if you hang on for just a second, they have these medical robots that will help you right now. I was trying to get that restaurant manager to call for one when you took off. It fixed my nose when I fell and broke it. Just hang on for a second."
Get someone, a store keeper or anyone to call for one of those frigging medical robots.
This, for example, would be something I would expect a human security guard to be responsible for. Calling for help in an emergency like this.
Whilst we're waiting for the medical robot:
"How was your date BTW?"
Just asking conversationally.
"Oh yeah, I got these bulletproof shirts. I'd like to test one of your 50 caliber revolvers on them. They took everything I had without a problem. They're really cheap over at the sporting goods store."
Show off the coat I'm wearing.
When the robot is finished with Lauren:
"Hey medical robot type thing, where do you get your supplies? I want to get some of the stuff you've got to augment my own first-aid kit. What do you have, and where do you get what you've got?"
*****
After the medical robot fixes Lauren, bid her farewell, and go up to the security station. Ask about a possible job with them. What are the requirements? What kinds of training do they get? What kinds of weapons do they carry? What are their responsibilities? I have a very low stress threshold because of the psychosis, but my character isn't psychotic anymore. Perhaps I could get some actual tactical combat training out of it.
Two Posts (It's after 3 AM, if you're not here yet, you're probably not coming. Know that myself and all reading are praying for you.)
What was the law on carrying concealed weapons? I think it boiled down to "Not illegal, but not encouraged." (Kind of the way openly wearing a gun is now) I just wanted to be clear on that.
Well, given the fact that all of mine are rather primitive by their standards, I'd probably get off easily.
(Doing Therapy)
Lots-O-Posts
Go to the hardware store, and get a butane torch. It functions as a low-intensity blowtorch, and has tips to turn it into a soldering iron. In real life, I just bought one of these, so I can give you the details if you need. It runs on compressed butane fuel, not incredibly hot, however, I did melt through a beer can, and burn a piece of plywood without a problem. It gets thin metal red hot almost instantly. The one that I have is in a black, plastic box, and has 4 soldering tips heated by the blowtorch, and a roll of electrical-grade solder. Whole thing weighs less than a half pound. Or do they have something hotter? Perhaps a propane or even acetylene version of this? That would be much preferred, and probably pretty likely given the technology. A propane torch, hammer, and vice grips. That's a portable blacksmithing shop. With the soldering tips and the two Leatherman tools, I would also be able to do very basic electronics repair.
What am I talking about? This is the future. They probably have a torch like this that runs on some futuristic stuff, with a variable temperature range of 500 to 5,000 degrees. And it could be refilled with just about anything else in a pinch. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised.
Let me know about the size. The smaller the better. The torch seems to go for about 2 hours of continuous use from a full load of butane. The bottle would probably refill it at least 100 times. You do the math. However, if they have a propane or acetylene torch of the same small size and weight, it would be much preferred. The butane torch I just got is about the size of a soldering iron. If I could get a propane-or-hotter or equivalent torch/soldering iron of the same size, I'd be happy as a pig in slop.
"Hey hardware store clerk type person, do you have anything like what I am describing?"
Also at the hardware store, get a hammer/hatchet combo. One side is a hammer, the other side is a hatchet, and it has a notch for pulling out nails. I have a hatchet, but it isn't like this.
The flashlight that I have is shake to charge, but it doesn't put out very much light. Do they have a new and improved version of that here? Maybe like a shake to charge which lasts for 8 hours and is as bright as a Maglight? Technology seems like that could be cool.
(Doing Therapy)
"John, is it better to go to the hospital or wait for an ambulance?" But she waits. The robot arrives in under a minute while you are trying to find someone to call one, and treats her burns on the spot. It asked what caused them, and she says that it's rather difficult to explain. It also recommends that she visit a med center soon to prevent scarring, which she says she was planning to do.
"You want to test your shirts by firing my revolvers at them? Well, put it on and I'll shoot you."
It's a joke, but she's not laughing.
The robot apparently is not programmed to answer questions that are not pertinent to its treatment of patients. It ignores your inquiry.
When you find the security office in the administration area, you note that it is comprised largely of monitoring stations of various sorts. You are directed to a terminal for an application process. It asks first for you to identify yourself by placing your hand on the reader (as is done in store terminals), and then asks several questions:
- Where are you from?
- Have you done security work before, and if so where and when?
- What is your background in electronic surveillance systems?
- What is your background in computers?
- Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
- Why did you come to TerraNova Habitat?
- Why are you applying for a job with security?
Your recollection of the concealled weapon law sounds about right.
The hardware store offers you a flameless laser torch which runs at one thousand degrees for two hours on a single power pack, and can reach 4000 for short periods. It's not good for major jobs like spaceship hull repairs, but it's only about half a pound and six inches in length, similar to an aerasol can in size/shape. They also have several fuel-driven torches, but these are harder to use. Direct electrical systems include a cooler solder iron type, and an arc welder about the size of a car battery plus a pair of jumper cables, but you need hand and eye protection to use it. It will cut or weld heavy metals for up to four hours on a charge. There are other options, but these are the most popular.
They have a portable light about the size of a (2 D-cell) flashlight which is as bright as a 150 spotlight/floodlight (the lens adjusts to wide or narrow beam) and gets about eight hours of light from a single charge. It can be recharged in about an hour from a standard electrical supply or in about twelve hours of sunlight. There is a penlight version which puts out the equivalent of a twenty-five watt bulb and requires similar recharging.
If you're looking for something that recharges from movement, they recommend you try a camping goods store. They've seen a gadget that connects to a belt or backpack and uses the bounce of a hiker's pace to recharge power packs.
--M. J. Young
Sorry--forgot the hatchet
He says he doesn't carry them because they're a bad design--using the hammer weakens the connection to the handle, and hammering with the blade up is dangerous. He shows you a hatchet similar to your own, and says that the way to hammer with a hatchet is to use the side of the head, not the back. That way your hatchet lasts longer.
--M. J. Young
"John, is it better to go to the hospital or wait for an ambulance?"
"Well, since the ambulance has a siren and lights, I say wait for the ambulance. Besides, I'd feel bad if you took off without getting checked out.
"You want to test your shirts by firing my revolvers at them? Well, put it on and I'll shoot you."
It's a joke, but she's not laughing.
"Sure, if you really want to. But I need to have all of my stuff nearby in case I don't make it. We can do that tomorrow. But you gotta shoot me square. Plus, I want to see if they have any trauma plates for it first. If it can take a 50 cal at point-blank range, it can take just about anything."
Completely serious.
"Also, I want you to fight me again if I survive. I think you need to get out some frustration for that. This time, you're blindfolded. I want to try to teach you Fighting Blind. I can see and you can't. I'll take it easy on you until you get the hang of it."
When am I going to learn not to freak out like that??? Anyway, I'm wearing gloves, so it's the new use. Give me the new use at the beginning, so I get 2 attacks per turn, and no more mock fights for the rest of the world. That is, provided I survive the gunshot, and am in any condition to fight....
When you find the security office in the administration area, you note that it is comprised largely of monitoring stations of various sorts. You are directed to a terminal for an application process. It asks first for you to identify yourself by placing your hand on the reader (as is done in store terminals), and then asks several questions:
Type in:
"First, can I find out more about the job?"
See what it does.
The hardware store offers you a flameless laser torch which runs at one thousand degrees for two hours on a single power pack, and can reach 4000 for short periods. It's not good for major jobs like spaceship hull repairs, but it's only about half a pound and six inches in length, similar to an aerasol can in size/shape.
"Can these also charge on sunlight? Do you have any that can?"
They also have several fuel-driven torches, but these are harder to use.
"What are the capabilities of these?"
They have a portable light about the size of a (2 D-cell) flashlight which is as bright as a 150 spotlight/floodlight (the lens adjusts to wide or narrow beam) and gets about eight hours of light from a single charge. It can be recharged in about an hour from a standard electrical supply or in about twelve hours of sunlight. There is a penlight version which puts out the equivalent of a twenty-five watt bulb and requires similar recharging.
"The best-known export from Poland. The solar-powered flashlight. I'll take one of each."
If you're looking for something that recharges from movement, they recommend you try a camping goods store. They've seen a gadget that connects to a belt or backpack and uses the bounce of a hiker's pace to recharge power packs.
Get one of these too. I've seen a flashlight that you can wind up to charge, do they have anything like that? It has a spinning dynamo generator in it. Like in my radio. Anything like that?
"Hey Mr. Camping Store type person, what are the capabilities of these?"
I fell back into the old rut of buying guns before buying things which might actually be useful....
He says he doesn't carry them because they're a bad design--using the hammer weakens the connection to the handle, and hammering with the blade up is dangerous. He shows you a hatchet similar to your own, and says that the way to hammer with a hatchet is to use the side of the head, not the back. That way your hatchet lasts longer.
"Well, given the level of technology I've seen here, I would imagine they're made out of some high-tech metal that would never break. If the handle was made out of wood, your concern would be merited, but with this level of technology, are you certain they would be like that? Besides, I seem to recall wood being rather rare and valuable. I bet they're made out of a single piece of incredibly hard metal that never breaks. As far as having the blade up when hammering, a simple covering which also secured it to your belt would take care of that."
You could almost call that an in character, out of character question......
I guess I'm asking "Are you sure he doesn't carry it?" A 19 isn't THAT bad of a roll....
I'm trying to keep the weight down in the VSP, so I want as few things that can do as much as possible. A hatchet/hammer weighs as much as one, and does the job of two. Might as well make the most of the high-tech world I'm in....
(Doing Therapy)
Two Posts
Just for the hoots and hollers of it, can I get a gun like what I described in the Examples thread?
http://gamingoutpost.com/discussions/topic/examples
(Sorry, I don't know how to do the coding for it)
"Hey Mr. Gun Store Clerk type person, do you have anything like that?"
(Doing Therapy)
"John, I'm not going to shoot you. And frankly, I'd rather save my bullets for something genuinely threatening."
"Fighting blind?" She crinkles her face. "John, if you blindfold me, I'll watch you with clairvoyance.
*****
In answer to your question at the security application station, it asks, "which job?"
*****
"Can these also charge on sunlight? Do you have any that can?"
"No, but I can sell you a solar charging station for the power cells. The small ones do up to four at once, weigh about a pound, and fold up to a three inch cube. The panel when open is about two feet square."
As to fuel-driven torches, the majority of them are limited to non-flammable atmospheres with oxygen levels between fifteen and twenty-five percent. There are self-oxygenating versions, but these are considerably more bulky for the second tank, and still dangerous to use in flammable environments. They are all considerably less variable in heat output, since the heat is determined by the nature of the fuel and the rate of oxydation. Also, you need to be able to ignite them; even those with self-igniting systems can be unpredictable in some atmospheric conditions.
*****
Capabilities of the flashlight that recharges on the belt:
"You clip to your belt or backpack, and as you walk it charges. When you need it, you turn it on and point it. What are you asking?"
*****
It is not the handle that matters, but the head. Blows to the back of a hatchet gradually drive the back forward toward the handle and blade. The handle has to be of a different material from the blade and head--the blade must be solid, unyielding, and heavy, but the handle must absorb the shock and so must be flexible. (You actually know all this from your blacksmithing skills). Thus the head wraps around the handle. But thanks to Newton's Law, when you strike something with the blunt back of the head, the shock is absorbed in part by spreading the grip around the handle. In essence, it's the best way to loosen the head of a hatchet.
Wood still makes some of the best handles, although they do have them of other materials; it does not alter the essential problem, that the head must grip the handle.
Certainly I can imagine that in a high tech universe such as this they could find a way to make this stronger. At the same time, they can also make a lot of faster, more efficient tools for doing everything a hatchet does, so they're not too likely to have really superior hatchets. Not that much has been done to improve flint and steel over the past century.
*****
The gun you describe is not something anyone carries, but the clerk promises to see if he can find anything like it.
--M. J. Young
"John, I'm not going to shoot you. And frankly, I'd rather save my bullets for something genuinely threatening."
"So you don't think I'm threatening...." (Maniacal laughter)
"Fighting blind?" She crinkles her face. "John, if you blindfold me, I'll watch you with clairvoyance.
"And what are you going to do when you're in a world where clairvoyance is biased out? That's exactly what I was thinking when I was sitting in that jeep pulsing the MP. 'These idiots don't know who they're messing with.' Man was I surprised when I found out none of my psionic tricks worked anymore. If you had any sense you would learn the fighting blind now before that happens. But of course, if you're not up for the challenge of fighting me when you really can't see......"
(I'm trying to goad her into it)
*******
In answer to your question at the security application station, it asks, "which job?"
And with that, turn around and walk away.
*******
Forget the torch too.
******
Capabilities of the flashlight that recharges on the belt:
"You clip to your belt or backpack, and as you walk it charges. When you need it, you turn it on and point it. What are you asking?"
"I'll take one."
*********
I had to get the one referee who would know that about the hatchet handles. I'm not sure we're understanding each other I thought the concern was that the handle would break, hence not making it out of wood. The concern seems to actually be that the head would come apart from the handle. Well, if the whole thing was made from a single piece of metal, that wouldn't be a problem, now would it? Think outside the box MJ. I used to have a hatchet which was made out of a solid piece of metal. If the whole hatchet, handle, head and everything, were made out of a single piece of metal, all of your concerns would be completely invalid. I know they exist on our world, surely they exist here.
Well, if a hatchet/hammer combo IS completely out of the question, can I get one tool which does both jobs? I need a hammer and a means to chop wood, and if I can get away with carrying one tool instead of two, all the better.
Two Posts
MJ, please, is this important enough to argue over? A hatchet hammer might not be practical in our world but certainly this is a problem this level of technology would have fixed. As you pointed out, flint and steel hasn't changed very much in the last century, but it HAS changed. My magnesium firestarter is a variation on flint and steel, except you're lighting magnesium. (As much camping as you've done, I'm surprised you've never seen one) However, this would still be miles ahead of anything Mr. Smith would have been familiar with. Is it worth arguing over? They've corrected that problem and they exist. Come on pleeeeeeease...
(Doing Therapy)
A hatchet/hammer combination is a demonstrably poor design, and I've already addressed the aspect of making it all of one piece: the shock of the blow goes directly to the hand.
Yes your magnesium starter uses much the same principles as flint and steel, but it isn't flint and steel; neither is the cigarette lighter which uses flint and steel to ignite fuel; neither is the flint-based starter for a propane torch. These all look very different from flint and steel, and although you can still get flint and steel, the concept of improving on a bad design means devising a good design, and a good design means something different.
If you ask the sporting goods dealer, he will tell you that if you want to drive tent stakes into the ground you use the side of your hatchet, and if you want to drive anything else you bring a hammer or find a rock.
If you ask the hardware dealer, he will tell you that the tool you want is a sonic kinetic striker. The device fires a kinetic force directly from the end (it looks something like a flashlight, but with a convex mesh rather than a lens). You can adjust the size and shape of the force from an awl-like point to a knife edge to a round blunt from tack hammer to sledge hammer. Speed and force can also be adjusted, but each limits the other--the faster you strike, the less force you can get from each blow, and the harder you strike the more time it needs between blows to reset, although you can certainly set it for slow soft blows. It does not work in a vacuum, although there is a slightly larger model that has an attachment to create and maintain an atmosphere within a cone, if there is a relatively flat surface against which to place it (such as the hull of a ship). They're expensive, and you've used them at work for hammering, but you can afford it.
--M. J. Young
"Fighting blind?" She crinkles her face. "John, if you blindfold me, I'll watch you with clairvoyance.
"And what are you going to do when you're in a world where clairvoyance is biased out? That's exactly what I was thinking when I was sitting in that jeep pulsing the MP. 'These idiots don't know who they're messing with.' Man was I surprised when I found out none of my psionic tricks worked anymore. If you had any sense you would learn the fighting blind now before that happens. But of course, if you're not up for the challenge of fighting me when you really can't see......"
(I'm trying to goad her into it)
**********
"What kind of power source does that kinetic disruptor thing need, and can it run on solar power? Would that same solar charger for the torch work?"
I might get those, but not keep them on me....
(Doing Therapy)
Two Posts
What's the range on that kinetic hammer? How far will it throw the pulses? Like the US Military, I'm always trying to find a way to turn everything into a weapon.
(Doing Therapy)
The sonic striker is most effective at about six to twelve inches; it dissipates completely between two and three feet.
The power supply is a fairly standard power pack, the same type that the chargers power; it does not recharge itself. So the same power cells for the torch will work for the driver.
Lauren does not take the bait.
--M. J. Young
Looks like all I'm buying are the flashlights then.
Amuse myself for the remainder of the day, and the next day meet up with Lauren for metalworking and psionics, assuming she still wants to.
I believe we are on day 19.
"Lauren, they have 50 caliber ammo down at the gun store I frequent. If I get a box of the ammo, would you let me shoot your revolvers then? I'm just dying to try one."
Wasn't the reason because she didn't want to waste ammo?
(Doing Therapy)
Two Posts
How many worlds am I going to be in where I can get those shredder rounds? Get 500 more rounds of those, if possible.
(Doing Therapy)
Lots-o-posts
MJ, this is said in a kind of confused and curious tone of voice.
Why can't you just give me the hatchet/hammer combo? I mean I realize it's a bad design, but whatever the problem was, surely this level of technology could have corrected it. It has to be two pieces? Well, it's two pieces fused together or something. You could drop a 50 tonne load on it, and it would never break or come apart. Maybe it's made out of some really exotic metal which solves the "It can't be made in one piece" problem. I'm seriously confused why you won't just let me have that. Besides, it would cut a half pound out of the VSP. I think the GE roll was 19 and you said that they would be found, didn't it?
(Doing Therapy)
A whole lotta posting going on....
What am I talking about? It isn't made out of metal at all. That kills all of your knowledge on the subject. It's actually made out of some really high-tech polymer and would survive a nuclear attack and never go dull. I'm seriously confused why you won't just let me have it.
Hey, if it was polymer, it would go through a metal detector too. Come on, this is looking cooler and cooler all the time.
Said in a sort of confused tone of voice.
(Doing Therapy)
I'm pretty sure that I said he didn't carry it and thought it a bad idea. I believe I also said that you can order one and wait for it to be delivered, if it gets there in time.
Next day, day 19, Lauren has a new skill to show you.
"This is something of a mild mental attack. It interrupts someone's chain of thought. I learned it as a way of disrupting a guy who was speaking in public, essentially making him forget what he was going to say next. I counter attacks like this with that blank mind skill I showed you a couple weeks back. Ready for it?"
--M. J. Young
At the gun store:
"I want to get 500 more rounds of the explosive shredder shotgun shells."
Can I get those?
To Lauren"
"Sure, give it to me."
Two Posts
Although he is no longer psychotic, I'm certain my character still talks to himself. It's a habit I think I'll always have. If you need to induce action into the story, have my character get approached by law enforcement for talking to himself in public.... I think it would be a 28-30 GE roll on how a day goes. That would be 9 out of 1,000, which would be about accurate. Three times a year would not be pushing it, although, it's almost November, and I haven't been stopped by the cops for talking to myself yet this year....
Just a suggestion. My mannerisms aren't known to you, MJ, I thought that might be helpful. I don't think I'd be considered for Why-Spy, unless they needed an agent who could infiltrate a mental hospital or something. (Hey, that could be interesting.....) I really do think I'd fight to my death to not get put into a straight jacket though....
(Doing some major therapy.....)