audio; @Qubit [early in the cold snap]

[superposition]

Qubit here. Obviously we're having some hiccups with the climate control, but I'm working to get that back in order.

In the meantime, talk to me if you need a space heater or electric blanket. Preferably the latter, unless there's a pressing need for the former - less chance of blowing a fuse that way. Thank you.

Comments

@lazarus | audio

[benhargreeves]

Hey, Qubit. I would really love an electric blanket but only if you have enough to go around to everybody who really needs them.

Is there anything I can do to help out with the repair efforts? I mean, I don't know shit about climate control but I can turn wrenches and hold stuff and run errands or whatever.

[ This isn't the first time Ben's gone out of his way to volunteer help in a crisis. Clearly, he has pretty strong ideas about doing the right thing and solving problems. ]

[superposition]

Oh, quantity isn't an issue. I can always make more. [ He actually had to dial up the features a bit to make it easier for himself, that's how simple it is. ]

[ As for how Ben can help, though...? Initially nothing springs to mind, but the man's clearly champing at the bit to make himself useful, as always, and it doesn't take Qubit long to come up with an idea. ]

As a matter of fact, I might just have something for you. Are you up for some plumbing?

[benhargreeves]

Okay, in that case I'll absolutely take one, thanks. I'm freezing my ass off.

[ Then Qubit asks if he is up for some plumbing and Ben just frowns at the device for several moments. He thinks back over their conversations. Had he implied at any point that he was a competent plumber? That he'd been trained at a trade school or... wherever it is plumbers learn to plumb? Ben knows a lot of things but his range of skills don't really encompass fixing stuff.

Voice full of skepticism, and a decent amount of amusement, he asks: ]

Um, maybe? Is that... a euphemism for something?

[ Look he's covering all his bases here. ]

[superposition]

[ deadpan ] It is not a euphemism. [ C'mon, Ben. ]

The primary heating system is hydronic - it cycles heat via water pipes, like a home radiator but on a larger scale. Now, the heating to the Agricultural Zone is still operational, thank God, but as we're only using a small fraction of that level, I'm planning to reroute some of the excess back into the system.

[ So yeah, literal plumbing. ]

But in order to do that, I have to be there, and I don't know what this disruption may have drawn out of the woodwork. So to clarify, I'd be doing all the actual plumbing - you'd be there watching my back.

[benhargreeves]

[ All of that sounds perfectly plausible, to Ben, though he's grateful when Qubit reveals he's not expecting any actual plumbing skills from Ben, himself. Watching Qubit's back? That's easy. That's right in his wheelhouse. ]

Oh, sure. That I can do no problem.

[ He says it with a complete reassured confidence, as if Qubit had asked him to add 2 + 2. Protecting people, watching their backs in situations way more dangerous than this one, is pretty much second nature to Ben. ]

Bodyguard duty is a piece of cake. Happy to help. Just let me know the details and I'll be there whenever.

[ Ben Hagreeves, as mission-ready as ever... ]