[img]https://opimedia.azureedge.net/-/media/images/fcm/editorial/articles/magazine-articles/1985/07-01/the-portable-steam-engine--manufacturing-co-watertown-n-y/ima_v40_i4_jul_1985_11-1.jpg[/img]

As they passed through the various items in states of assembly and disrepair Xavier was like a kid in a candy shop.  He almost had to be pried away from them, a silly boyish grin on his face.  They were primitive, quaint, but he had always loved timepieces and methods of measuring space.

Xavier tried to gauge the handshake and return it in equal measure.  It took a few seconds for the accented speech to sink in.  [color=00aeef]“Suitor?”[/color]  He flushed a little.  It was hardly a disagreeable thought, but he hadn’t seriously considered it.  Sure he had eased a little.  He shook his head to get past that thought and into the present.  [color=00aeef]“From out West.  Xavier Thomas.  And my specialties are theoretical physics and mathematics.”[/color]  He recalled that an understanding of light was the big concern to the world of physics and shortly after the middle of the 19th century spectroscopy became a buzzword to the public.  [color=00aeef]“I am an expert in the field of spectroscopy.  But I doubt that would help here.

“I did study basic vector analysis and mechanics when I was fff … younger.”[/color]  He paused and cleared his throat.  [color=00aeef]“But only theory, very little practical use.  Still, you would find me a very quick study.  I read extremely fast and have a perfect memory.  Most timepieces are mainly a matter gear ratios, torque resistance, or gravity.  Oh, water clocks rely on flow rates which rely on fluid dynamics and viscosity.

“I did look over some of the pieces as we entered.  Some look like they just require cleaning.  Some had some broken teeth on gears that would need to be rebuilt or replaced.”[/color]  He looked thoughtful.  [color=00aeef]"One piece looked okay.  Either you have already fixed it, or if it isn’t keeping proper time it has a bad spring.  The other things in the room … I am afraid I’ll have a bit to learn.  But I could start on the timepieces.

“Some clothes , a place to sleep, and food would be plenty.  I could try to find some extra work as a pianist in town to get the rest and pay you back for the clothing.  Toward that end I might need to borrow a screwdriver and a small pair of pliers in case pianos need tuning.

“I just thought of something.  Is there a music store in town?  One that sells pianos?”[/color]  He didn’t wait for a response.  [color=00aeef]“And … what exactly is that thing over there?”[/color]  He indicated the steam engine.  He found it fascination.  True it could never compete with power sources of the 24th century.  It was an antique.