Bloody power converters! (MM, D4)

[Djanik]

Given they weren't wired up to the main generator yet, that was a safe bet.

"True - but I learned more as a commander than a pilot - I had to handle the maintenance team telling me things - demanding things - and learned a lot through them telling me what I was doing to make their jobs harder."

[Elaranu]

"I see. It is good you listened then. Nothing is quite so irritating as a mechanic as someone not listening to your suggestions when you just have their welfare at heart."

[Djanik]

"If someone has power over my ride, I see no reason not to take them seriously."

With a sigh, he added, "Still made them mad when I broke things on missions."

[Elaranu]

"Now that I do not understand. Unless it is obviously through negligence. After all, things get wear and tear. Especially in the military."

[Djanik]

"Still means work."

Djanik shrugged, not that she could see, buried as he was inside the engine block.

"Head mechanic was a bit of a grump. Besalisk."

[Elaranu]

"The grumpy mechanic. Is wild stereotyping used in novels and holoprograms. Like strong silent Wookie or wet between the ears Nautolan. Most mechanics I know are nice, much patient people, like myself. Just... not people people."

[Djanik]

"Duggs was a stereotype."

Djanik pulled a wire loose, and scowled. He'd have to anchor it again.

"Brilliant, but didn't have any use for anyone or anything that weighed less than 30 tons and which couldn't clear atmosphere in under two minutes."

[Elaranu]

"A man of taste."

Ela had some stuff out and was cleaning the inside of the exhaust funnel. With her face in there, it made her voice echo like speaking into a tin can.

"I will admit, I am not happy woman unless machines around. If nothing a good air cycler and refrigeration unit on a day such as the ones this area has been having lately. Makes it almost unbearable to work in heavy mechanic suit."

[Djanik]

"Couldn't agree more on that last count."

Djanik was glad he'd gotten the AC working first.

"It's too bloody hot on Bankor."

[Elaranu]

"Yes yes. Real problem is, not enough good ways to cool down. Someone could make killing if they flew out to ice shelf and gathered, then started big snowcone business. Shaved ice. That kind of thing. Everyone likes frozen treats. Work better than cold drinks too, do not leave people inebriated so often either."

[Djanik]

"That's an entrepreneurial spirit you've got there - not everyone has a ship though."

There was a loud clang as he dropped one of the power shunts, and some grunting and cursing as he tried to get a hold on it.

"Maybe you should offer to supply a local, if they give you a cut."

[Elaranu]

"I could, but I am busy. Scrap King, he has work that needs doing. Not that I could not find time, I am supposing. But that would leave me no time to visit you, no?"

[Djanik]

Djanik thumped his head, trying to reach the shunt, so he wasn't sure if she'd said that, or he'd just hoped she'd say that.

Getting a grip on the shunt, and began slotting the leads into it, before trying to bolt it in, again.

"That is true - I know I enjoy our little talks, so I hope the feeling is mutual."

Pushing himself out of the engine block, he rummaged between tools, looking for a hydro-spanner.

"Maybe we should go get some ice for our own use some time... Hand-made ice cream is sounding really good right now."

[Elaranu]

"Maybe. Maybe the weather will impolrove too, no? If there are polar caps on this planet, surely it does not stay so hot and moist in the tropics the entire year."

[Djanik]

"One... one can hope."

He didn't know his planetary mechanics, so he would take her word for it.

"If not, at least we have a way to get up there now, right?"

Finding the spanner, he ducked back into the engine compartment. "Did you name your ship yet? I know you'd been finishing cleaning up the mess the Scrap king left inside."

[Elaranu]

"Name?"

It was her turn to sound briefly surprised, a pausing in her work apparent before it picked back up, "The manufacturer comes up with names for their ships. At least with most ships I know. Mine is called a Dynamic Class."

[Djanik]

"That's the class."

He pushed himself out of the engine compartment, looking surprised.

"Do Chiss not name their vessels?"

[Elaranu]

Ela stood on tiptoes on a ladder, upper half of her body half inside a thruster with her tush sticking up as she leaned into it, "I still do not understand the question. I thought a class was a name, a class name, as it were."

[Djanik]

Djanik glanced her way, and then had to force himself not to watch.

Dragging his attention back to his tools, he replied, "Yes, butt... I mean uh, my Uncle had an old YT-1000, called it Lady Luck."

A wry grin. Like half the smugglers in the galaxy, seemed like.

"My number 3 in Blizzard Squadron, called his fighter 'Ashtray', had the name drawn up on the side."

He shrugged.

"It just... makes it feel more like it is uniquely yours."

[Elaranu]

"Ah. Well, my ship has a communicator and identification number. That is unique to it. I think. It is 34129BankFRI. Have it memorized already, so I do not need to pull out its licence every time."

Ducking back out she went down onto her feet on the box fully, wiping off her brow. There were a few smudges on her gloves and sleeves.

[Djanik]

"Well... yeah, but..."

He gave a vague motion with hands she couldn't see.

"That number isn't something about you. It's... just a number some computer generated. There's no art or soul in it."

[Elaranu]

"It is a machine, Djanik; The art and aesthetics come from the design and use, not treating it like some sort of pet. Next you will be telling me you talk to your ships too."

[Djanik]

Djanik was quiet for a long moment.

"I mean, I don't expect it to answer, but when you've got got lasers ripping down the side of the hull, you might ask her to hold together."

[Elaranu]

"Fehs, superstitious claptrap. I do not suppose it harms anyone, but it is a very slippery slope from praying for luck and believing one's prayers actually do something."

[Djanik]

Djanik laughed.

"To the Jedi, they do."

Cranking the last bolt into place, "For the rest of us, it just feels nice to have the ship feel... personal. Yours."