Scene #413: What Is This Thing Already?

Owner	Pose
Manata	The hangers have been a bit busy, but in one that is mostly kept somewhat darkened and more reserved as well as adding in various overly large medical equipment, there rests what can only be the newest addition to the Confederate arsenal. Hadraniel is currently resting it seems, "seated" as it were on a large reinforced platform with supports under it to make sure it doesn't collapse. The Engel mecha is slightly bowed forward with it's head lowered slightly to give it a view outside. Both arms are rested on arm rests much like a chair. On a platform near the Engel's head, Manata is currently busy playing a harmonica. The tune is a bit more "jazz" than anything, with some "blues" feeling to it as well. To anyone else, it's probably just some noise, but for Manata it seems as if he is trying to relax a bit. That, and he's currently dressed in his pilot uniform as well. The helmet has been detached to leave beside him on a table. The really odd part about this entire scene? The Engel seems to be giving a bit of a rumble and other sounds like it's actually enjoying the music itself. Not to mention the grilled face plate occasionally dims or lights up as if it was blinking or trying to not nod off.
Taro	Taro had offered to lend a hand in seeing to Hadraniel's needs, in part out of duty and in part out of curiousity. It's his duty to assist his allies as an engineer, and this newest addition to the fold is rather unique, or at least very uncommon. That makes both it and its pilot very interesting by default The android's bootsteps echo in the caverous space as he approaches the corner of the hangar in which the Engel has been placed - the acoustics are terrible in here - his head giving a bit of a tilt at the...music? Music. Just not music he often hears. Hadraniel, unsurprisingly, has his attention first, and he's forced to crane his neck to look up at the fantastic machine(?) even while seated. "Mm."
Kari Wolf	Roll, roll, roll. Kari skates along the catwalks, a shinki-scale cart that looks like it was made using the bottoms of some roller blades and a small aluminium cake pan. In the cart is a gift basket, filled with books and movies Kari could find that had 'migou' or 'mi-go' in them. She figures Manata can use them to research more on his enemy. There's also a can of Raid. Or three. And mosquito repellant. And a note saying she couldn't afford to buy enough mosquito repellant to cover Manata's engel, but this would be a start. Skate, skate, skate. It's little hard going on the bumpy catwalk, but eventually she gets up to where Manata is. "Hello!"
Manata	Manata happens to stop playing the harmonica when Hadraniel gives a deeper rumble and moves it's head upwards, then turns to look directly at Taro. The Engel's attention is further grabbed by the small moving cart on the catwalk and the noise it makes. Manata for his part happens to turn to look and then he hears the noise. At first he assumed it might have been some sort of trouble, but then he sees the small cart. And tilts his head to one side before looking over the side. "I'm sure it's pretty safe to come up, Taro. He's usually tame as long as you don't try to pilot him." He turns to look at the shinki and moves to kneel down to get a better look. "Hi. You're... a shinki, right?"
Taro	He's been noticed, and observed. At least until the Engel is distracted by something he himself can't see from where he is. That, plus Manata's words further emphasize that Hadraniel is a living thing. Appropriate care will be taken. Taro climbs up the ladder to the platform with a soft clang of boots on metal rungs. The shinki and her cart are spotted as his head clears the edge, followed by the rest of him as he hauls himself up. "Ah, hello Kari. Manata." A shallow bow to them both, followed by a faint, puzzled glance at the contents of the cart. He doesn't ask, though, as there are other more important things to be said. "Mostly tame...is Hadraniel capable of speaking?"
Kari Wolf	Kari waves at Taro. "Nice to see you again, Taro!" She looks at Manata again. "Yep! I'm a shinki! And I have a welcoming gift basket for you!" She wheels the cart around and indicates the gift basket. "Welcome to the Confederacy, Mr. Manata!"
Manata	The Engel gives a rumble, which sounds like a bit of an annoyed sound. That earns a laugh from Manata. "No. I'm not sure if I wished him to speak, really. He's in my head, so that's almost enough for me." Another rumble is given by the Engel. Manata looks at it. "Hey, you're bad enough when you miss a shot. You being able to complain out loud would just make it worse." Looking back to Kari, he blinks a few times as he spots the bug repellant. "I... appreciate the gift." He glances at Taro, as if to silently say 'WTF?' in not so many words. Then he looks back at the basket. For some reason, despite there being no breeze at all, his hair moves. Then he points a hand at the basket and it raises upwards slowly, moving to beside where his helmet is. Hadraniel, meanwhile, has started to rumble. It sounds almost like a... laugh? Manata just looks up at it, then sighs and shakes his head. "And they say Nazzadi have a weird sense of humor."
Taro	A ghost of a smile twitches at the corners of Taro's lips. Whether it's at Manata's half of the conversation or at Kari's idea of gifts isn't clear, but it may be at both. Either way, it slips away when he shifts his gaze from Manata and Kari back to Hadraniel. "Will you allow me to view schematics, if there are any to be had?" To business already. "Are there power couplings or connectors, or is this a wireless recharging system?"
Kari Wolf	The shinki blinks. "But it was supposed to be helpful, not funny?" She's a bit confused. "They're giant bugs, right? So you could use Raid like pepper spray and hit them in the face with it." She totally doesn't get that even normal humans would not like to get RAID sprayed in their face. Kari thinks for a moment. "Do they curl up like dead spiders when they die?"
Manata	Manata huhs, then moves his hand to move the basket itself off to the side a bit before he calls up to Hadraniel, "Had, enable diagnostics, please. Full schematics, hologram view should be enough." In response, the Engel gives another rumble before a wall monitor lights up showing a schematic, then an emitter puts the hologram over the table near them. "Here you go. The... problem is the D-Engine. It's... well, I'm not an arcanotechnician. I can't tell you how to fix it or anything else." Then comes Kari's questions and the man looks down at the shinki. "Ah... no... there's usually not a lot left to tell if they do or not, though. Most of the time, they stick to their mechs. Or use the assimilated humans to do scouting." Looking back at the schematics, Manata moves the schematics with a push of a few buttons on the table. "Let's see... chest region, opposite the heart... there you go." The D-Engine looks like some weird engine alright. For all intents and purposes, it probably shouldn't even work. With a connection to the back area, the port looks even more weird for the recharging.
Taro	"Thank you." Taro's gaze and attention shift to the hologram when it flickers to life, his usual slightly dour expression reasserting itself in full. Though he continues listening, he doesn't spare any further glances at the others. "Mm. Then I will need to learn." His brow furrows slightly as the image shifts, and he leans in a bit closer to have a better look. "...remarkable. Remarkable indeed." A pause. "I do enjoy a good challenge. The port plug is not a style I've seen before, but fabricating one that will fit properly should not be difficult." Another pause, then, "I think if you expect Hadraniel to use bug spray in battle, he will need a much larger can." In full seriousness or in perfect deadpan.
Kari Wolf	Kari uhs... "No! It was for Mr. Manata! I didn't know they hide in their mecha when I put them in the basket. Maybe you could arm Hadraniel with a giant acid spray gun to wreck their armor! And then it'll get in the joints and wreck those too. Like how master uses carburetor cleaner on the wasp nests on the balcony." The shinki is quiet animated, exaggerating her words with her arms.
Manata	"Actually... he's kinda got something better." Manata grins a bit. He motions over to one of Hadraniel's hands over the side of the platform. "Hadraniel, show your talons, please. I'm sure a bit of the ooze on the floor won't hurt anything." At his request, the Engel waits until it's sure Kari can see the hands before the nails extend into large black talons on the hands. They even seem to drip with some sort of odd ooze that sizzles much like acid when a drop hits the floor way below it. "It's one of four weapons that we have available. The gift is still appreciated, however. It's probably safer than using my cryokinetics to keep bugs off me." Manata notes. He does glance at what else is in the basket for a moment. Then he looks to Taro. "So the plug isn't the problem... what about using a similiar energy? I know recharging's going to be a pain and they said something about the energy being kinda odd compared to what most of the machines use. I'm almost tempted to say we should pay a visit to my world and just rip out a refueling station. I'm sure there's a base somewhere, or a stray ship that can be shot down and we somehow transport the D-Engine off it. Those supposedly don't need recharging."
Taro	"I hope your master is taking porper care with that, Kari. Carburetor cleaner can be toxic to humans." The android's gaze remains fixed on the holographic display, not even glancing over when he hears the sizzle of acid on pasticrete. "Cryokinetics. You're a psychic, then." His tone is not so much question as a statement seeking confirmation. "What sort of energy is usually used?" A full question there. "While comandeering a refueling station would be useful, it would do him no good if he collapses from energy drain in the meantime."
Kari Wolf	Kari watches as the claw comes up and demonstrates acid goo. "But that means getting close. A cannon would help avoid needing to be close!" Then she listens to Taro and Manata talk for a bit, being quiet for once. Finally she says "Sounds like you need an adapter!" cheerily.
Manata	"Para-psychic is what we call it. Telekinetic, cryokinetic, and ESP. The energy... eh... I'm not sure what it's classified as. Some call it orgone, I believe. I know that people usually have it as well, that's about it. It's a weird one." Looking to the shinki, Manata just blinks a few times. "Just a bit. The problem is the port's kinda big and they only were able to rig up something to somewhat recharge. The energy isn't compatible. And... he does have cannons. Three of them." Turning to the Engel, Manata calls up to it. "Had, open the Charge Beam and lasers for her, please?" The Engel rumbles at him. "I'll play some more later. Taro's here to help find a way to recharge you back to full, and the shinki's visiting and curious." After another annoyed sounding rumble, the Engel's stomach area opens revealing a large green-blue lens with some sort of four point prong on top of it. Then both shoulder pieces slide down, revealing a pair of lasers along the upper arms that swivel to point forward for the Engel. Manata looks to Taro. "The only good news is that apparently they've tried different energies and managed to at least find something that's mildly compatible. I think it's old fashioned electricity. I just don't want to know what happens if the D-Engine is filled with it."
Taro	"Orgone." Taro echoes, checking his pronounciation of the unfamiliar word. "Perhaps there is something similar to be found in either Neo Arcadia's or Master SHODAN's research files. I'll need to learn more about it..." He finally shifts his gaze away from the schematics to the Engel as Had displays more of his weaponry. "...for now, however, if standard electicity is compatible enough for now, I will start there." He'd prefer to not witness what happens when an Engel gets hungry first hand. "An adaptor does sound like a good idea." He closes his eyes as he reaches out to interface with the hangar's computer network. "I imagine that the techs experimented with wattage and voltage. Hadraniel, was there a setting of electricity that you liked over the others?"
Kari Wolf	Kari peers at the guns. "Those are really big guns. No wonder you want to get Hadraniel charged up. They look like they take a lot of power to fire." The shinki looks at Manata again. "I've got a gun too! Well, um, more than one. But I have the Boneshaker Bazooka and the mini-machines in this armor, and then there's lots of guns on the Dire Wolf armor."
Manata	Manata gives a nod at the pronounciation of the word. "I think he liked it at around the 15th setting. He sounded annoyed when they changed it to a higher one, so they've kept it roughly at that." "I'm still surprised he's got a taste... at least he's not like the Aral's. Those things are just a bit freaky." Manata gives a bit of a shiver, then pauses. "Oh... sorry... they're uh... basically heads with legs and arms. Main weapon happens to be an overly large mouth and eating stuff." The Engel gives a growl, to which Manata responds, "Oh, stop it. Just 'cause the last Aral we teamed with tried to take a chunk out of a Dagonite you were fighting." Manata shakes his head, then glances to Taro and Kari. "Sorry, he's got a bit of pride... and now I'm curious. Your armor has guns?"
Taro	"I've been meaning to see your new armor," Taro says to Kari, his tone of voice more distant as he rifles through the tech log files. "Perhaps you could provide a demonstration later?" Ah. There. He falls into silence as he reads through the relevent reports and the no doubt interesting commentary. "Setting fifteen. Mm. I've found it. They could have chosen a better voltage converter, but that I can correct. This will still be a temporary measure until I can better research your needs, but this should make you more comfortable." Yes, he's shifted to addressing the Engel now. "I believe a foray into your homeworld will be needed, both to obtain more suitable support equipment for you, and so I can gain a better understanding of how to keep you repaired and maintained. Assuming that and Manata do not mind my further poking my nose into your world's technology?"
Kari Wolf	Kari Wolf grins at Taro and Manata. "Yes! The Boneshaker is a heavy shinki laser, the Barkzooka is a slug thrower, and I got lasers and micro-grenade launchers too." She ohs as she realizes the time. "I've got to get going. Nice to meet you, Manata! And maybe I'll have to spar with one of the other shinki, Taro? NIce to see you again!" And she starts off again, the makeshift cart rattling along behind her as she skates away.
Manata	Manata waits until Kari is gone, then looks to Taro. "... those are some odd ones." The Engel meanwhile, looks at Taro and gives a rumbling sound. Manata raises an eyebrow, "Thank you. And far as I'm concerned, poke around as much as you want. Might be some stuff to help with the war efforts. I noticed there was some interest by the... Borg, was it? They were trying to take some of the technology. Might be helpful in this case." "You're also one of the few that have seen Hadraniel as a living person rather than just a machine. I think he appreciates it." Manata notes.
Taro	"Or we could spar, perhaps," Taro offers. "I could stand to have more practice." Though his eyes remain closed, he gives Kari a deep nod as she begins to take her leave. "It was nice to see you as well. Until later, then." There's a hint of something in his tone when he responds to Manata's remarks. "She means well. From what I've gathered, the shinki live in but aren't fully part of their creators' society back in their own world. Dangerous toys that have become more than that." A longer pause. The work he's doing doesn't carry over far into his expression or his movements, standing still as he is, gloved hands folded, with his eyes shut. "As a living machine, I would be remiss in not treating Hadraniel as one, since he's made plain that he is. As for the Borg, they are endlessly interested in acquiring and assimilating new races and technologies into their collective. I would suggest being cautious in accepting any offers they might make to the both of you directly."
Manata	"I see... I'll have to be careful of that. I might let them look at a Charge Beam if we can find one, however. Or one of the Migou Null Rays. Might be interesting to see what they do with it." Manata mentions. The Engel gives a bit of a growl. Manata looks at it, then towards the weapons that are still open before looking to Taro. "Ah... another thing I wanted to ask. At the moment, I'm kinda stuck as far as weaponry. Even back home, they didn't consider adding more to Hadraniel because they thought we had enough. I was wondering if you might have any thoughts or ideas on stuff to arm him with if we felt the current ones were inadequate by the whole multiverse standards?" Manata asks. He looks slightly annoyed. "I get the feeling we're going to encounter something that'll get us stuck into hand to hand 'cause the Charge Beam or lasers aren't going to do squat to it."
Taro	Taro's eyes half-open, his head tilting to bring the Engel into view. "I've entered the schematics for your power plug into the fabricator and ordered its delivery once it's completed. A volage converter and appropriate power cables are marked for delivery as well." He blinks once, eyes opening more fully. "I believe I could find a few useful weapons to add to both of your arsenals, yes." A few short steps take him closer to the platform's edge, resting his hands on the railing. "Providing non-integrated hand-carried weaponry should be simple enough...Kari's idea for an acid cannon does have some merit, though I think acid mortars would be less messy all around."
Manata	A rub of Manata's chin is given. "Acid mortars... yeah, that could be a good one. I'd have to teach Hadraniel about pulling triggers. I think three's an integration port on the forearms. Perhaps more solid ammo will work as well. I doubt much can conquer the Charge Beam when it comes to firepower." "Maybe something to do with aerial mobility as well?" Manata shrugs. "Anti-gravity propulsion is fun and all, but figure there might be something to make him go faster if needed. Only other thing I can think to modify is maybe the grappling lines if I really want to do it, but that seems... a bit overkill."
Taro	"We use repulsorlift technology in Neo Arcadia. The armor I was wearing while rescuing you is an example of it." Taro casts a glance at Manata, a hint of humor in his voice. "Can Engels fly?"
Manata	"Hm... well, they can, but in cases like Hadraniel, it takes about four A-Pods... short for anti-gravity pods. It allows for a near limitless range. Shoot, I've heard the Seraph Engels happen to enjoy flying more than anything. Had... he's more soldier than anything. A hunter, if you will." If the Engel could swell with pride, it probably would look like that right now. "Actually... that might not be a bad idea. When we use the talons, I tend to give Hadraniel some ideas usually because of my own skills." Manata mentions. "If we can make something like submachine guns or a rifle, I can definitely give pointers on using those. Rifle might be preferred, I think. Too bad an acid mortar is liable to break apart in flight if it's used in a rifle setup, huh?"
Taro	"Mm. Perhaps we could modify an off-the-shelf model SMG for basic testing," Taro muses. "I know there are a number of more standardized mecha in the fleet shose weaponry we could borrow to test suitability, not to mention preference." Another glance, this time back to the holodisplay. "Schematics show only so much. I would both like and need to see how you truly function to make the best recommendations for armaments. For flight as well..." So many ideas. Yes, this will be most interesting... Meanwhile, the parts Taro's ordered begin to arrive - a forklift arrives with a large ceramisteel-plated converter box arrives first, followed by a delivery truck with a spool of heavy electical cable. Needless to say, the techs are going to keep a very respectful distance from the Engel while they start hooking things together.
Manata	Watching the forklift and connections, Manata hms. "Hey, Had, the connection port clear or do we need to move you forward?" The Engel's 'eye' dims for a moment, then a growl of annoyance comes out of it. And the weapon ports all close up, including the talons retracting. Sighing, Manata moves to pick up his helmet. "Excuse me, Taro... I need to move Hadraniel so we can try these hook ups. Sadly, he can only move when I am communing with him. It's a stupid system, but considering if he goes berserk... it's probably warranted. He can over ride it, but it takes a lot."
Taro	"Of course," Taro says with a nod. "I'd like to personally see to the splicing of the cable and making the final connections anyway." He steps aside to move out of Manata's path, then slides down the ladder, the hem of his cassock flaring out as he lands. Another delivery truck arrives shortly after, this one carrying the electrical plug that he designed on the fly. It probably doesn't look exactly like whatever counts for industry-standard in their world, but the connectors are in the proper place and have the proper fit. Splicing it to the cable shouldn't take long.
Manata	Nodding, Manata calls to Hadraniel, "Open up, Had!" He reaches to a line and slides down, carrying his helmet along before putting the thing on. Hadraniel's chest area has moved forward, revealing the control capsule as Manata lands on the edge. "Don't worry, big guy. You'll have a lot more power in a few seconds." Dropping down into the capsule, the chest area closes up and then the Engel moves forward, leaning a bit to give better access to the back port. Manata, meanwhile, doesn't emerge and there is the sound of his harmonica again coming from inside. Apparently he's sticking around to make sure the Engel doesn't try to crush anyone among other things.
Taro	Taro always appreciates not being crushed. It's rather unpleasant, and the reapirs afterwards are inconvenient. The end of the cable is spliced, the work double-checked. Then, a murmur and gesture of prayer are made before Taro steps away so that the forklift can pick up the plug in its tines. The android climbs on after, holding himself steady as the driver pivots and shirts them into position. We're ready if whenever you are," Taro calls, not so much shouting as projecting his voice so that he can be heard over the hum of the warming-up converter.
Manata	The harmonica music stops and the Engel leans back a bit before the plug area ejects the old one, the thing slamming down behind it before it moves into position and leans back. Once the new plug is connected, the entire thing sinks back into the Engel's back to lock in place before twisting. The hum of the cable is heard just as quickly. Whatever is going on in the Engel is kept quiet before one of the monitors comes to life on a wall. "Ah, there we go... let's see... reception levels rising." He is seen pushing a few buttons. "You able to correct the fifth relay's input? Looks like it's off a bit. The graph's showing it's going a bit lower than the others, but otherwise seems like it's good to go."
Taro	Cue ducking from the tech crew as the old plug meets the hangar floor. This should have been expected, but they're understandably nervous. "Mm. Let me see what I can do." Taro hops lightly from the forklift to the ground, then walks over to the control console on the side of the converter. He gently taps one of the slider controls, glances at the readout, then nudges the slider ever so gently a touch further. "Is that better?"
Manata	The Engel gives a bit of a pleased sounding growl. "Looks like it. Everything's level, and the storage level's rising. Hadraniel can control it once it reaches around 75%, and that should leave us more than enough if we have to go into a combat situation." Manata says, his helmeted head turning to look at various things off the screen. "Alright, big guy, back into position. Nice and easy. The plug should fit into the wall area and then we're all set for you to stay here for a bit."
Taro	Taro remains where he is, though he does turn to watch Hadraniel ease back into what he assumes is a comfortable position for the machine. "I've noted in the logs that any techs on duty should follow Lashanna Protocols. They should ask your permission before approaching, and yuo should find that they treat you with the appropriate respect." That Had apparently cannot directly speak to anyone but Manata...well. Surely they will be able to figure something out.
Manata	Once back to the seated position, the chest opens up and Manata comes out, reaching for a repelling line, then pauses and reaches over to put on something that sounds odd. It's definitely music, but some sort of fusion of pop, metal, and apparently classical. All together, it's kinda weird as the control capsule closes up. The Engel's head lays back against the wall and it appears to just kick back and relax. Manata, meanwhile, uses the line to get down to the Engel's knee, then down to the ground. He turns to look up at the Engel as he removes his helmet. "Heh. Glad to see he still likes that data track." He smiles, then turns to look to Taro. "That's probably a good idea. Thank you, Taro."
Taro	...an interesting form of music. Not quite to Taro's tastes, but then it's not as if it's being played for his benefit. "You're welcome," he says to them both. "Self-aware mecha are rare enough that it bears special noting." He cranes his neck to look up at Had once more, and it appears that the Engel is...relaxed? That would be his best assumption from the body language. Then, gaze and attention to Manata. "Is there anything more that either of you need now?"
Manata	There's a rumble from the Engel. Manata looks at it. Then looks at Taro. "Not that I can think of. At least refilling the cartridge to my guns is easier than finding a power supply for Had." The white skinned man looks considerate. "I should probably find some way to mix things and get some more tracks. No telling if he'll stop liking those or what."
Taro	"I'd suggest trying the Pleasure Palace first." Another ghost of a smile from the android. "While the name does not exactly suggest as such, they hold surprisingly wide music collection. I've found a few albums that are to my liking there myself."
Manata	"Got it... and I'm still not sure if he even sleeps." Manata rolls his eyes. "I'll have to ask someone to check that out, I think."
Taro	That off-handed comment elicits a faint, puzzled frown. "You're unsure...?" Taro leaves the statement unfinished, trying to draw out more.
Manata	"There's a lot of stuff I'm not aware of with regards to the Engel Project, Taro. Hadraniel's my friend, but I've been able to get in him at any time of day and sortie easily." Manata responds.
Taro	Taro's brow momentarily furrows further. "Mm. I see. Well. You two are hardly the first secret projects to have found a home here in our ranks, and hardly the first ones to whom I've ministered. I will simply need to remember that 'I don't know' is a valid answer."