Niomi and Tangent show up to repair the water pump

Uhm…

Niomi, no worries. Everyone I meet makes dog comparisons the first few days.

Some people need to touch me to make sure I'm real. Others make jokes. There was even one guy who wanted to throw sticks for me to chase.

That's terrible!

Not really. Once he learned I prefer Frisbees, we got along just fine.

Niomi and Tangent show up to repair the water pump

It doesn't bother you being compared to a dog?

Not really. I understand that it takes people some time to get used to me.

If it goes on too long, I take that person aside, smile, and politely tell them that I'm not a dog, but a wolf. That usually takes care of the problem.

I can see where it would.

I think it's because wolves are less threatening. Dogs have injured far more people than wolves ever have.

Самый вредный из людей –
Это сказочник-злодей,
Вот уж врун искусный,
Жаль, что он невкусный!
(Tambov)

Niomi and Tangent show up to repair the water pump

Peeled housing. Smoke stains on the ceiling. Did the thermal overloads fail on your pump?

No. Sam and Helix tried repairing some things on their own.

What did they do?

They greased the magnetic bearings.

Ouch.

I think I speak for everyone in saying how glad I am Sam never found a way to get to the nuclear reactors.

Niomi and Tangent show up to repair the water pump

Helix, we need to lift a pump motor. Will you please come down here?

Oh, boy! I get to help! CATCH ME!

YIP!

I noticed this ship has a self destruct device. Is he it?

HI!

Niomi and Tangent show up to repair the water pump

Helix is fine as long as you stay within his capabilities.

Hi! I pick up heavy things, move them, then put them down.

Can you use a clamp on amp meter to measure starting current?

Hi! I pick up heavy things, move them, then put them down.

Okay, I'm starting to get an idea of his capabilities.

Придуряется (Robot Spike)

Niomi and Tangent show up to repair the water pump

Out with the old motor, in with the new.

Tighten the bolts and coupling. Connect power and we'll be ready to test.

I'll get the marshmallows.

Marshmallows?

Sam uses these for all our electrical tests. He likes to toast them over the open flame.

Marshmallow – Первоначально суфле из алтея (Althaea officinalis), ныне изготавливается из кукурузного сиропа [corn syrup], сахара, пищевого крахмала, декстрозы, желатина и других компонентов. Поджаривается на палочке на открытом огне; используется также как кулинарный компонент в салатах, десертах, густых кремах, сладких пастах. Нам более известна его разновидность под названием “Зефир”

Niomi and Tangent show up to repair the water pump

I didn't know they made green marshmallows.

I can't tell if they're green, but I do know they don't make marshmallows that move. Those go to the trash, Helix.

You don't want to eat these green, moving marshmallows?

No.

Then can I keep them as pets?

Trash, Helix.

Niomi and Tangent show up to repair the water pump

Can you see colors?

Some, but not near as many as humans. On the gripping hand, I do have a very good sense of smell.

Well, I guess you never really miss what you've never experienced.

True. I consider that to be a good thing.

Because if you guys knew what you were missing, you'd all want noses as big as Jimmy Durante's.

Jimmy Durante, very popular in America in the 1920s - 1970s distinctive jazz singer with a huge nose that became the source of many jokes

Niomi and Tangent show up to repair the water pump

Does scent really give you anything that vision doesn't? I mean, it might be nice for tracking, but how about when the person is right there?

You have two children, both girls. Their father made oatmeal today, cinnamon and apple flavor. The younger of your children has a runny nose.

With sight, you meet a person. With scent you meet their entire family.

Niomi and Tangent show up to repair the water pump

I think the biggest difference between sight and smell is how we perceive time.

When you leave, your scent lingers, and that you were here is still part of my present. For you, it's in the past.

If our past is your present, does that mean we keep getting paid after we leave?

Nice try, but I learned to see nose to eye with humans about money a long time ago.