"Any sufficiently advanced technology is-"

[Indistinguishable from magic, yeah, I know. How many times are you gonna say that, or, ya gonna say it every time something new that you don't understand yet shows up?] my semi-mechanical companion would, oh so rudely, interrupt. The modulator for his voice still set to that 'square' sound wave version he seems to like, but I get it, it reeks havoc on recording devices.

Huffing indignantly a moment before stopping the snappy retort, I'd shake my head some to clear it. "Maybe if it wasn't so true half the time I wouldn't say it so much. Also, if you'd let me finish, I was gonna add something on this time."

[Oh, and what would it be hmm, finally getting more clever for once there, Azeban?] he'd respond in his flat, emotionless cadence.

"Oi shut it Flywheel, you know clever is my game, even if I'm not a super mechanic like you. What I was going to say was 'Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic, but, any magic can also be indistinguishable from advanced technology.' which is true you know. Most folks see magic being done and assume some one's got some sort of hyper-tech or something, even if it's actually more mystical." I'd respond with a nod.

[Color me impressed. That was actually a clever addition. Now, why are you at my chop shop, you don't come around for just chatter, and, if that is why you are here, please leave I am running a business here.]

"Ah, such a charmer as always. That said, I am here for business. I need you to build something for me based of some schematics I've got. I want a new set of 'wheels' as it were." I'd respond pulling out a usb. Sure, it's old school and not nearly as fast as a data crystal or some of the more exotic methods of data storage, but, they are one of the most robust options on the cheap.

[I assume you are not going to ask me to build this vehicle for you, for free, correct?]

"Of course not my ol' chum. I think you'll like what I'm willing to give you for it." Watching as he plug the usb into a terminal, for safety purposes, one couldn't help but smirk, seeing his eyebrows raise in surprise.

[These are the schematics for a turbine car engine from a version of Earth from a company called Chrysler. How did you get this?] he'd ask in surprise which only makes my grin all the wider.

"Remember that trip I took to the south for a week or two? Got in touch with some folks there that had ties to an old country called Mexico, traded a half dozen of my carry tokens for it. I did let them know the limits on both space, weight, and number of uses but they seemed super happy with the trade. I didn't ask how, or where, the got that data, but, it's what I wanted. I need you to make me a good ol' half track truck with that for the engine, and the 'bed' being like a canvas covered truck, don't worry about the canvas though, I just need the framework in place for it. The big thing with that as an engine means fuel is a hell of a lot less of a problem for me."

[I can certainly see that. One of the documents her says it can even run on perfume if it's flammable. I can certainly see the appeal there. Now, what's my payment?]

"Well, on top of giving you that info on how to build that engine properly which, well, I know you can work plenty out of that, I'll also give you my baby."

Watching him stop and look carefully at me, one eye, and one optic sensor makes me grin all the more. After all, I know just how much he's been pining for that set of wheels. Suddenly jumping into action he'd pull out a piece of paper, writing down the terms, signing it himself then sliding it across his counter for me to sign.

[After all these years. An original, non recreated, 'muscle car'. I can't believe you are willing to part with it for so little. So many collectors would pay dearly for that thing.]

"Oh, I know, but, I'd rather it go to some one I can trust to take proper care of it, and who will appreciate it, not just use it as a conversational piece. Plus, I can't just keep hiding out here in New Meshia, now can I?"

[That is...you've put thought into this. Thank you. I am not one to usually show emotion, but I do appreciate it, even if this is also a deal, I still make out much better in it I think.]

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Thinking on it, he's not wrong so one can't help but shrug and smile. "Well, if that's the case, how about tossing in some self repair features. I know those are pretty premium, but man would it save me a lot of head ache later, especially with the engine."

[Deal. With that I also don't feel like I owe you anything either. What about the ownership documents, I know we've never really gone by real names, but, if you don't want to have to worry about every single officer, cop, bounty hunter, or what have you trying to seize your new ride it does need to have real documentation so I can file it.]

"Too true, and that'd be a hassle to deal with. A'right then, but you gotta tell me what you used to be called also there Flywheel. Put down the name Haruki."

[Haruki, no last name then. Understood, and my designation was F1x17, or Fixit, by the people that did...this...to me, but before that my name was Alejandro. Personally, I much prefer my new moniker of Flywheel since I was a mechanic even before this and going by my old name just feels...wrong as that's now who, or what, I am anymore. What about your status, want that to be the truth or should I list you as a pure since you easily pass as one?]

"Since this is an official document kinda thing, list it accurately, if folks need my paperwork I'd rather not have a falsification on it that can land me in hot water super easy. You know how the pencil pushers can be. Thankfully, since I'm a stable Meshy though, I get special protections to my identity due to the...various companies out there."

[Color me even more surprised. No secrets or falsehoods here, who are you and what have you done to Azeban?] the cyborg would respond with a forced, and monotone, laugh.

"Oh shut it, and, I mean, I'm also not being entirely truthful. Omission if used right is better than any lie, isn't it?"

[Fair enough. Now then, give me...a week to get things made for you, I'll contact you when it's ready. You still using that same frequency on you CB?]

"Yep, I've got some packing and prep work to do myself but I'll keep my nose down, don't worry. I'll see you again soon enough."

With business concluded it'd be time to head out, quickly pulling up the hood on my raincoat, I'd head out, weaving the simple illusions and transformations I'm fond of to drastically change the look of my face, and hide some other features as I pad out of the mechanic's shop. Thankfully this isn't a rainy area, but, the wind does leave a lot to be desired with how biting it can be and one can't go wrong without a jacket of some sort to be a wind break. Heading up the street and hopping on a beast drawn wagon that serves as the free form of mass transit in New Meshia, it wouldn't take long to get to the residential district.

Looking at the, almost printed out, shape of the mass housing here one would sigh if folks hadn't spent some effort decorating things. Each of the, once identical, buildings definitely has it's own personality now. Hell, we've even taken to naming the buildings on that characteristic. No more, building 1, 2 or 3. Now it's 'The Whicker Basket' 'The Kennel' and 'The Coop', and many more to boot. Heading to my own building 'The Smokestack' from the constant smoke rising from it due to the sheer amounts of incense that are burned in the various rooms. Thankfully a mud mage was able to set up specific incense spots so the smoke COULD vent out and not choke people in the upper floors. Walking up the stairs to the second floor, it wouldn't take long for me to reach the door to my own abode, heading inside and looking at the rather meager amount of belongings that are out for regular use I'd finally start going over my REAL supplies.

Taking out one of my transport tokens it wouldn't take long for me to have a number of small arms laid out on the ground for me to do a once over on. The tokens may store things in a near perfect state from when they were put in, but it doesn't fully stop time for stored items, so some tlc is still a good thing. As I start breaking down my side by side 20 gauge and settling into a calm state HE would start talking.

"Why are we cleaning these, again, you did this two months ago."

"These are our partners, you know that. They'll help keep us safe when we head out."

"But it's booooring and it's woooork. Why do we have to leave anyway, it's easy going here."

"Oh shut it lazy bones, you agreed to let me have full control at almost all times so you didn't have to worry about, or do anything. Go back to sleep or something or just watch some of the movies I remember or the like."

"I wanna listen to music, something...fun and zippy."

Heaving an exasperated sigh and setting the parts in my hands down I'd get up, walking over to the kitchen sink only to wash my hands before turning on the radio to one of the 'pop' style stations before fixing myself up a quick snack.

"There, music, and, I'll let you take over to eat, I know you like that a lot, after that though, no more whining for a while, deal?"

"Deal"

Getting up and making sure the doors are properly locked, both to the hallway, and the balcony, with the curtains drawn as ballistics like I have are considered collectors items, and contraband, depending on where you are. I'd finally sit and let myself relax as my body starts to move on it's own, I'd, mentally, take a nap, I'll have at least a few hours before this sloth finishes that snack with how he goes about eating, and honestly, I'm mentally drained after doing so much leg work and paper work this morning to get ready to leave in a few weeks.

"Have a good rest, and thanks for the snacks!"