glacus

Hm, tests completed. Everything's running normally.

And we'll be done once I install the Originium battery set. Where did that go...?

Hm?

Professor Millais?

Professor who?

Sorry, I got the wrong person. I thought only Professor Millais would come here around this time.

Oh...

You're the only one here. Is this... Raythean Industries' workshop?

Looks like it. That's what the sign said when I walked in.

You... understand all this high-tech stuff?

Well... A little?

Yo, I got a weapon made by you guys that's broken. Think you can fix it?

You want to get your weapon fixed?

(Why did his tone change all of a sudden?)

Can you do it?

(Not even a third of the time I have for this practical exam has passed. Maybe they noticed I finished early and decided to give me a new test?)

(So aside from design and modification, you also need to know how to make repairs... Becoming a Raythean equipment designer isn't easy, is it?)

What are you spacing out for? Can you do it or not?

I should be able to. What do you need fixed?

(He's even pretending to be a real customer. Is he evaluating my performance, too?)

Here.

The warranty card is in the bag, probably at the bottom, under everything.

It says Gordon... Are you Mr. Gordon?

Yes.

Whoa... I've never seen a weapon like this before.

It looks like a regular crossbow from the outside, but the whole firing mechanism was overhauled. It's connected to... an EMG sensor!

It uses multiple EMG sensors to form a module recognition system that helps users with hand disabilities control the weapon. The design is genius.

When you wield it, you just need to lift the weapon to the right height, and the sensor module on your upper arm will be able to detect your muscles' movements.

So by moving their arm, the user can issue commands to control the crossbow's power and firing mechanism. Once they've gotten the hang of it, they could even fire it with no hands whatsoever.

...With this design, you could definitely factory-produce weapons for disabled soldiers.

Heh.

It's those factories that gave me this dud. The EMG sensor you're talking about's broken.

<i>Is</i> it broken? I just plugged it in for a test. It should be working fine.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. If that's not broken, what is?

But the test signal...

I don't need to know how it goddamn works! All this high tech stuff goes right over my head. Just fix it!

And you better not slack off! I'm telling you I need it back this morning! If I don't get it back...

Don't worry. Debugging is very simple. It won't take all morning. You can watch me tune it.

Or you could sit somewhere. I'll be done in no time.

...Alright.

Uh, about your legs...

Huh? You mean my exoskeleton?

I've got bad legs. It's thanks to these babies that I can walk.

What happened?

It's genetic.

So you need to wear those braces all the time... Isn't it painful?

I mean, it's definitely not the same as using your own legs, but I'm used to it.

Doesn't Raythean have lots of high tech wheelchairs or whatever? They got those ones that can carry people and run around, or even give you a massage...

You could just get one of those. It's gotta be better than putting up with how heavy that metal doohickey is, right?

A wheelchair would be more comfortable, but that only gives you mobility.

Is that not enough?

I like the feeling of being able to stand up.

Don't get me wrong, a good mobility tool is great, but to me, my exoskeleton is irreplaceable.

The solid sensation you get from under your feet... How you get propelled forward by the ground when you run... The winds whispering in your ear...

I was thrilled by all the sensations throughout my body when I first walked on the ground with my own two feet.

It made me truly realize that, instead of floating powerlessly at the mercy of the wind, I'm... actually connected to the land.

Er, sorry for going off on a weird tangent. Pretend I never said that.

...You're goddamn right though.

But... it's too late for me.

Sorry.

For what?

I mean... Sorry for that outburst just now. I got carried away.

Huh? I don't see anything wrong... Hm...

Mr. Gordon.

Huh? What's the matter?

Do you use this weapon yourself?

Yeah.

Your hands are injured, right? May I see them?

...Alright.

He presents a pair of timeworn hands. Under the light, his rough skin appears so dull that it is as if it is covered with a layer of ash.

On the back of each hand is a conspicuous scar resembling a valley in the desert.

I only have my thumbs left. Can't move the others.

These calluses on your fingers... You're an outstanding mercenary, aren't you?

Heh.

A year ago, I got careless on a mission in Rim Billiton. Those bastards drove me into a corner, and they cut the tendons in my hands.

I only have myself to blame for wasting all my money every payday. I had nothing saved up, and when it came time for my treatment, I had to take on an ass load of debt, and this is what I ended up with.

...Can't even pull a trigger. Now I need a toy crossbow like this to make a living and pay off my debts.

A good-for-nothing like me's always gonna be down on his luck. In the end, even this toy is turning its back on me, making me watch, helpless... *spit*.

Hah, but whatever. After today... it'll finally be over. Everything I should've ended a long time ago.

Um... If you don't mind, I have an idea.

I could help you modify your weapon to make it easier to use.

Whatever works. Long as it shoots bolts when I need it to.

Alright.

Ten minutes later...

That should do it. Here.

Is it good to go?

Well, I'm done modding it...

Who on Terra thought to hold a media day? What is even the point of these things? What a bunch of crap!

I have enough to worry about as it is. If it weren't for the recommendation, I wouldn't have even entertained interviewing anyone today.

Is someone coming?!

That's probably Professor Millais.

Quick! Give me the crossbow!

Huh? Wait!

I haven't told you how to use the new module yet—

Miss Glaucus.

Miss Glaucus!

Oh, sorry. You mentioned the practical exam, and it reminded me of what happened back then.

It's fine. My next...

Look at all the snacks you've got in this basket. Do you usually hold back from munching on them during interviews?

I'm... not a fan of snacks.