Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!

[sparkofgenius]

Log Deputy: Ax, Plurk @ AxiomaticGrue
Participating Characters: Lucca, Gilgamesh, Banzu, Taki, and Haruka
Plot Description: SCIENCE OF COURSE! AT HIGH SPEEDS! That is to say: Creating Rotomcycles, testing them out, and all that sort of stuff.
Warnings/Notes: Science, Shenanigans, and probably general silliness. Don't think there's any warning to give but I'll add them as needed.

Comments

[schmott_guy]

"Now remember, it's going to be a lot faster than a bicycle, so you'll need to keep your head down low or the wind resistance could get strong enough to fling you right off the rotomcycle."

Gil passed a safety helmet to the test driver as he spoke.

"But as long as you keep calm and don't get distracted it should be safe. The theory is perfectly sound."

Which is why he was going to be watching from a distance behind a barricade while wearing safety goggles.

[actsmagnificent]

Of course. All very sensible. And yet - Haruka wouldn't be here if it weren't risky. She at least has experience with riding unpredictable objects.

"Just back up and watch," she replies, not trying to be dismissive so much as calmly confident. (She does, however, buckle that helmet securely, and came outfitted with her most-padded racing jumpsuit). "How long do you need me to drive it?"

She's not quite sure what the inventors will be doing while she tests the machine, but she supposes that's their issue. All she has to do is keep it going long enough for them to observe....whatever they're observing, and offer her own impressions of the ride when they're done.

[schmott_guy]

"How long?"

He paused to consider this.

"For now just do a few laps. Just get a feel for it. Stop if it explodes."

[actsmagnificent]

Sound advice. Haruka nods, getting an initial "feel" for the machine while stationary. She shifts her weight from one foot to the other, tests her grip on the handlebars, checks to see if she can tell how the Rotom's doing. She's heard they like possessing machinery in the past, so she's guessing it's happy...

"All right." The last thing she adjusts is her helmet, making sure it's snug. She's ready whenever her audience is.

[schmott_guy]

"Alright. Rotomcycle prototype, first test drive. Conditions couldn't be better."

Gil stepped back behind the barricade. There didn't seem to be anything on his mind other than the excitement of testing a new toy.

"Whenever you're ready, Ms. Tenoh."

[actsmagnificent]

Haruka nods, flexing her fingers. Taking a deep breath, she turns on the machine.

...Oh, this is much nicer than a bicycle already. The sense of freedom she got atop a bicycle was amazing, but this "rotomcycle" - despite a bit of wobbliness in its vibrations - this machine does feel alive.

So the first thing she does is test the acceleration. And from the little squeal of glee from the Pokémon in the engine, both parties involved are excited about this. Off they go!

Haruka rearing the bike back so the front wheel leaves the ground, however, is just her showing off.

[schmott_guy]

Gil blinked at the wheelie, then glanced at one of the other designers.

"Is the frame strong enough to do that without crumpling?"

[outtahere]

Okay that's kind of impressive.

"I wasn't expecting to have to be but it should be. Guess we'll find out."

[schmott_guy]

"Well have to add some more reinforcement for the next version, just in case."

[actsmagnificent]

Haruka's teeth rattle a bit as the front wheel hits the ground again, but she doesn't appear to have broken the prototype right out of the gate. She accelerates as smoothly as possible, waiting to see how fast she can make the Rotomcycle move before it starts feeling unstable. The moment it begins to wobble more, she eases back, switching to trying out the turning radius.

Yes. Yes, this is where machines have Rhyhorn beat. She glances over at the scientists, gauging reactions before trying anything else fancy with their test subject.

How did this comment get down THERE?

[schmott_guy]

"Wobbles at high speeds. We should look into that. Also I can think of a way or two to shrink the turning radius."

Despite the calm observations, the main expression on Gil's face was that of one who wanted to try it out himself.