rolling thunder, chasing the wind

zack banes .. 32 .. spellcaster

[zackbanes]

terminal

TIMING: current PARTIES: Zack & Mateo (for Group 2) SUMMARY: Zack goes to Mateo for help building a battery. CONTENT WARNINGS: None!

If Zack were being honest, he only understood about a third of the email that Henri had sent Rosemary. A lot of it went way, way over his head, but from what he could gather… It would work. All that they had found indicated it would be possible to build a kind of battery that could siphon magic off some source and fuel Wicked’s Rest. There was just one problem with that – and unfortunately it was a rather large problem.

There was no magical source.

That was part of the whole issue, wasn’t it? Wicked’s Rest didn’t have a magical source. Whatever demon thing (Zack’s chest still lipped a little at the mention of demons) had bitten the dust and that’s why they were out in the cold, with the blackouts and the surges. That’s why they were all doing this.

Until, of course, Baz got in touch about the….space worm? Zack had never heard about whatever kind of…bug? it was. Apparently they weren’t even usually supernatural? Whatever it was, exactly, it would be their magical source. And with that question answered, he felt a lot more confident in their battery plan. They just had to build the thing, but luckily that had a solution that was a lot less complicated than a magical tardigrade from space.

In one of his visits to Mateo’s house, Zack had seen the man’s workshop area. Interested in his artistic side, he had asked about all that he built there. He hadn’t said anything about making batteries exactly, obviously, but there was enough overlap in what he did build. Electrical, and metal, and experience with materials that weren’t quite traditional. If anyone he knew could do it, it would be Mateo.

He brought all the research that he and Rosemary had gathered, all the further references and plans from Henri, and laid out the idea. His hands sketched the air between them, making up the words and technical knowledge he didn’t have himself. And then he explained the tardigrade, with a bit of a laugh, like he knew it was ridiculous but, well. They were in Wicked’s Rest, after all. All of this was a little ridiculous. But it was all also their home, and it needed them.

Zack just hoped that Mateo would be able to take all that they had gathered and make it into something that worked.

—

Mateo was surprised to be thought of for a magical issue, but when Zack explained what he needed, it all fell into place. Now, he loved puzzles. He loved when they seemed impossible and he even loved when it frustrated him to the point of nearly giving up. Because nothing tasted sweeter than victory and knowing any doubt Mateo felt in the process was unnecessary. 

With the problem presented to him, his fingers itched to get moving so badly that he nearly glossed over the fact that the magical problem was brought to him by Zack. Mateo was grabbing a notepad to write down the materials he'd need when he realized that. That was a dilemma. Either he put the important problem aside to ask a lot more questions, or he went ham into the issue and didn't get any answers until he was done. 

Unfortunately, Mateo decided to be mature and responsible, and decided on the latter. What they needed to make was going to be bigger than a typical generator. The source was neither kinetic or electric, but magical. Luckily, the principles were the same. 

Mateo could construct the apparatus for the continued conduction of energy. The only problem was that he didn't have a firm grasp on the size or shape of a space thing. God, he felt like he was in some weird movie, but at least he had one of the cooler tasks. So, with a whole lot of enthusiasm, Mateo flipped on his stereo and led Zack into his workspace with his notepad (because he needed the help, it was a good excuse to keep looking at his muscles).

He began to sketch out the battery they would construct on his schematic sheets. They needed several control boards to maintain the energy and a control signal to connect them all so no one board is overused. Converters would be crucial, too. Mateo was in heaven, really. “Hope you're ready for a long night.” He said giddily, while showing Zack his first draft like a child hoping to land their art on the fridge. You know what? If the battery worked, he'd just do that himself. 

[incatsclothing]

I don't think you need to finish high school to know the difference between something being plugged in and using batteries, so you so don't get to use that excuse.

I'm a really kind and generous person. I've gotten awards for it. Who are you making portraits of?

God, that's exactly what I mean. House husband energy.

[zackbanes]

I mean, I wouldn't know. I didn't graduate. Maybe that's what the last day of senior year is: batteries and plugs. Kinda homophobic of you to tell me what excuse I can and can't use.

What awards? I bet you stole 'em from the actually kind people. [...] Friends, mostly. [User realizes something about a majority of the people who have been subjects of the portraits.] People I've lost, in different ways.

[vengeancedemon]

Yeah, and I'm old, too. [...] [user sighs heavily.] Have you heard anything about that?

[zackbanes]

You're old but I'm younger than you and therefore not old. Yeah! Only by one person, though. So you know. Could just be some crazy. But they are a Wicked's Rest native, I think? Those kind of people tend to be a little less weirded out by the [...] everything of this town.

[necrosemancy]

[pm] Eh, your call. He seems like he wants to push through and just focus on the work. I kind of get that. But I’m more the wallow in bed with a pint of häagen-dazs chocolate peanut butter chunk and a bottle of Pinot noir after a breakup type than a “hunker down and solely focus on saving the world” type. […] oh, my sweet summer child. Way more people than you would think.

[zackbanes]

[PM] Oh a break-up that sucks Wait do you think I mean he's probably too young for me to I'm definitely a "rev yourself into a manic episode by keeping so busy you never have to think about it" type. You know I'm rooting for you and Ishan, I am your number one cheerleader, but I'm taking notes on what provisions to bring should you ever break up. [... ...] Well, that's fucked up. They're all idiots, obviously.

[kadavernagh]

[pm] Then I assume you have evidence? Show me the ""demon""" evidence. [user does not believe in ghosts still; user is haunted af] [...] What similarities?

[...] My claims could not be substantiated. My description of the events as they unfolded was not believable enough. And I was the one who called my office and the police. The only thing they may occasionally find suspect is my proclivity for finding my own patients. I'm--of course I'm sure. How am I supposed to just accept that someone is dead because of me? I'm-- I am a doctor. I have experienced loss before, in a professional setting, and the guilt that accompanies it. Infrequently, as luck would have it, but I have. I was not attempting to help Pubik, or triage his (many, many) issues, or heal his wounds. He is not "gone". I murdered him.

Are you referring to a shrink? Because I detest psychology. What is the point? I do not need """"""therapy""""". [...] You are probably referring to something even worse than psychology. Do not say naturopathy. And I will not even type the only thing worse than naturopathy, which begins with homeo. You may explain if it does not involve a useless amount of dilution.

[zackbanes]

[PM] Oh, well he kind of left town. He also probably wouldn't be too crazy about me blabbing that he's a demon, if he were still around. So I don't have any evidence, right now. Oh, well -- contracts, mostly. Fae can bind you to promises and stuff, right? Levi This demon could bind you into deals. And I know there are [...] watery fae. Shaped like fish? Or something? It could do that too. But it was more shapeshifting than a glamour situation, I think. Also sometimes the way it would look at me felt like it was seeing inside

Well, see. You don't have evidence to [User copy and pastes the word] substantiate your claim and neither do I, about demons or ghosts. But we both know they're true. [...] It's gonna sound like a cop out, but only you can learn how to accept it, for yourself.

I meant an exorcist, actually. What's so wrong with therapy? [User definitely needs therapy but has not gone.] [...] What does being gay have to do with anything?

[zackbanes]

@vengeancedemon replied to your post “What would be the theme song of your life?”:

[...] You are not a kid or a girl. You are a grown man.

Thanks for the bid of confidence, Emilio, but I would say that being a kid or a girl could be a kind of state of mind. One that I'm often in.

Wish you would understand what I meant if I said "Let's work it out on the remix"

[vengeancedemon]

This makes no sense to me. Kids are young. You are old.

[zackbanes]

I'm not that old. You're older I think. By the way, have you heard anything about talking crabs trying to take over the town?

[echoingmuse]

[pm] That would be wonderful Zack! It would be wise to not see you Perhaps I could inspire you I am excited to see you work with a different medium, even if it is one as dire as web design.

[zackbanes]

[PM] I'm excited to work on it too! I love getting to dip into some media that I don't work with as much. We'll get your website working and looking good in no time.

[junkyardjoel]

Mmm, see, that there's the real problem, haha. Sure though, I can help. Be glad to. Ah, yeah, I did a bit. Weren't really in the job description, but staffing being what it was... we all had to branch out a bit. And with storms as nasty as them, keeping the power on was both difficult and crucial. And I worked with a bunch of pansy arsed lads who was always bricking it when they got told to get out there in the chaos and fix something.

[zackbanes]

I don't think I can imagine anything scarier than being on some huge, creaky ship in the middle of the ocean and then the power goes out. Thanks for the new nightmare scenario, haha. But that would be great. I got some advice from my landlord friend this guy I friend someone friend who's a firefighter, and some gloves to make sure it's everything is safe.

[zackbanes]

@necrosemancy replied to your post “[pm] so is our grad student battery cohort okay,...”:

[pm] Not anything he wants help with. I got the hot gossip straight from the cranky academia man's mouth. He might be more willing to talk to you. Pretty sure he's not a huge fan of me.

​[PM] Oh. Well, if he doesn't want help with it, maybe we should just leave him alone? I like the guy fine but it's not like we're really friends He might feel like we're being pushy I mean. Maybe I can try talking to him. Do you wanna give me a hint on what's going on? Now, how could anyone not be a fan of you, Rosemary Kane?

[ghostinthehuman]

Dear Mr. Zack,

Yes, I have conversed with many rabbits: they do not speak back, but the quality of conversation is not made less by their lack; it is more preferable than talking to humans. Are you referring to vampires? I meant that I could not tell you what is normal; I am ignorant on that topic.

Creatures hunger on occasion. I understand. I was very hungry once. Now I have pizza.

Yes, the crabs talk much about a plan to dominate the world.

Worried, Cricket Clay.

[zackbanes]

Haha, I know what you mean. I have a pet salamander and sometimes I like talking to him more than any person. Yeah, I did mean vampires. And, I guess, mosquitoes. No, yeah. I guess I just feel like you kinda get a sense of what's normal in a place, especially if you were born here. I've only been here for like two years or so in total not at the same and I feel like I know what to expect from Wicked's Rest.

Yeah. I've been pretty hungry before Glad you have pizza now! From Sal's Slice?

Okay. Well, that's not great. I don't love that. Maybe I'll let my friend, Emilio know about

[loveandluc]

Kinda seems like that's part of the art process haha. It definitely tests your patience, yeah. Which is why my only projects so far have been ones that fit in the palm of my hand heh. Oh, I'm an actor. And model, but most of the props go to the person behind the camera for that haha.

[zackbanes]

Yeah. You're not a real artist if you don't doubt all of your talent and ability at least once a day. Oh, sick! That's awesome. Nah, I think modeling takes more skill than people might think. You put me in front of a camera and I'd say I'm an attractive guy, but I'm not gonna look like all you models.

[debauchfairy]

[pm] Yet you're very eager to argue that you're not actually that helpful. You're soft humble.

That's cute And if I were having trouble, how were you planning to help? Emotional support?

[...] Right, I remember seeing you two being friendly. But yes, I knew him.

[zackbanes]

[PM] Well, I just haven't ever really been good at anything that would be of any real help to anyone. I mean, unless someone needs a logo designed or something.

Yeah, I guess. I could listen. [...] Design you a logo, haha.

I guess we were, yeah. Could've been a better friend to him Oh. Then I'm sorry.

[incatsclothing]

See, now I'm having a hard time trusting you because that first lamp clearly has a plug, and a plug isn't a battery. How do I know all of this isn't plugged in, Zack? You have no credibility.

I bet your art is fine, though. You could show me some of that, if you wanted.

It means you don't have the vibes of someone who works for a living. You're giving "HGTV husband whose job is sharpening crayons but whose budget is $6 million."

[zackbanes]

Okay. Please excuse me, o great battery expert. I didn't finish high school. I was just thinking about electricity in art.

Oh I could? If I wanted to? That's so kind and generous of you. Yeah, I could do that. Next time I see you I could show you some of my portraits.

I'm not sure what that means, but damn I would love to be someone's kept man. Catch me sharpening crayons or whatever the fuck.

[zackbanes]

@vengeancedemon replied to your post “What would be the theme song of your life?”:

[...] You are not a kid or a girl. You are a grown man.

Thanks for the bid of confidence, Emilio, but I would say that being a kid or a girl could be a kind of state of mind. One that I'm often in.

Wish you would understand what I meant if I said "Let's work it out on the remix"

[zackbanes]

@hotbearsawyer replied to your post “What would be the theme song of your life?”:

GIRL it is literally so confusing!!! I'm always saying this.

Right? Like, man, I don't know, I am just a girl.

I'm glad someone understands, and appreciates Charlie's wisdom.

[zackbanes]

[pm] so is our grad student battery cohort okay, or?

[PM] You mean Henri? I don't really know him that well. At least, not well enough to know if he's okay or not [...] You think something's wrong? Something we could help with?

[zackbanes]

What would be the theme song of your life?

Either I'm Just a Kid by Simple Plan or Girl, so confusing by Charlie XCX because like. Girl, it is so confusing.