Love Lost mask

She adjusted the components of the mask, then put it on. It wasn't anything as complex as a new setting- only ensuring that everything kept working when she made it more comfortable to wear. New components made for a tight fit, and it was already sufficiently tight enough that she couldn't open her mouth a fraction, her voice silenced.

The air filtered through the mask, and more feedback beamed into her eye indicated that the air quality was good. In a pinch she'd have the ability to breathe for at least two minutes before the filters gave out. She made sure to bring more, slipping them into her belt.

But the new components- she adjusted the dial at the side, claw-tips finding niche grooves, rotating. In her reflection she saw the mask's external change. Roar, snarl, mouth clamped shut, teeth meshed. With each one, she felt out with her emotion power- felt the people downstairs.

Anger and hostility? Not much, all considered, but it was crystal clear in her mind's eye where it existed. Tension? More than a little, and very clear, like a thrum of a guitar string. Overall? The setting with teeth meshed was more focused on range than a specific flavor of emotion. It worked just fine.

The sub-settings to focus that range in a cone or a line in front of her, with corresponding increases of range as she widened her blind spot were all operational.

It would do.

- Interlude 12.e