#debukefarmhold

"Now, see - the air intake in the hood increases the fire efficiency of the turbines..." Oh, now she's started. Rapid-fire descriptions of all her modifications. Whatever this is, it certainly isn't a Nova anymore...

Clem whispers to Jessica "I know you worry about people skiils, but I'm telling you she knows her stuff, and she's surely a lot better at people skills than many a nocker I've met"

But she nods at keypoints to show she's listening to Mara. But she has no earthly idea what the hell half of what she's saying means.

Jessica, perhaps with experience, nods, and waits for the nocker to wind down.

"...and THAT is how you turn bacon grease into biodiesel...."

"Gets you hungry when she drives by in the morning though" a sigh

"Thank you,... sorry, Mara? For showing me your work. It's ... impressive."

"So, whatcha think?" She grins, all sharp teeth and shaky pride.

"It's... I wish I had your talent at our Co-Op, or in Renaissance."

"There's.. like....lots of nockers there?"

"Yes. Some."

"A real forge?"

"Yes. I am told it is a good one."

"So... what would I have to do to use it?"

"I would not speak to that." Jessica addresses the nocker "Come learn of us. We'll see."

"Up to you, Mara. No guarantees in this world, but the county has space faring dreams, drag races, and a co-operative of nockers, boggans, and other kith that craft. Even if it don't go perfect, you'll at least see more of the world and the farm is always here if you decide you wanna come back for good"

"Yeah?" Skeptical.

"You want me to lie and say it'll be easy ?" Clem says

"Clem, can I speak with you for a moment?"

"Sure, be right back, Mara." She nods

"Clem, no disrespect but I am looking for some one who can be both independent and my voice."

Aside clem says "Right. Which part do you think she'll have problems with? Jessica.. I'm not saying she's perfect the job, but I am saying she might just be, and you should get a feel. You're going to want someone who speaks craft if possible, and Mara is a good girl. She might need a little on the job training for some of the person stuff, but I seem to recall you had a pretty fast crash course in becoming a freeholder once. Ain't so different. Give her a chance and let her say what she'd like..maybe she'll fit, maybe she'll just rather sign on with them down there and you still have to, but I'm telling you I have underestimated that girl before." A breath "She is itching to look for more, to see more...do more, than I can give her. Hell, she's at the stage I worry she's gonna change her name and end up in rafters as she tries to prove herself to us by cutting us off. If she wants to go with you, let her. THat's all I'm asking. The rest will work out"