#progman

Name of fic: Repairs, Retrofits and Upgrades

Author of fic: Progman aka @progmanx

Url: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2807429/chapters/6301253

Length: 221,005 Words - 27 Chapters Rating: Mature Canon: Canon Compliant - No Turf Wars Genre: Romance, Angst, Action/Adventure, Fluff, Humor Tags: Korrasami, Canon Queer Relationship, Post-Series, Developing Relationship, Spirit Vines, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Politics, Terrorism, Romance, Action/Adventure, Conspiracy, Angst and Humor, Happy Ending, Grief/Mourning

Status: Complete - February 2016

Author’s Blurb: Asami Sato can say no. She can refuse to believe that the world is on the edge of something beyond terror and comprehension. She can reject the possibility that grieving for the death of her father is necessary, as he was already dead to her once before. She can close your eyes, cover her ears and convince herself that everything is fine. That she’s fine. Through grinding teeth and a belly full of rage, she's fine.

All of these problems, these impossible problems with no solution that involve science humanity was never meant to understand, are manageable. Spirit weapons are a terrifying threat, yes, and the fuel for them literally grows on trees, but she can fix it.

She's Asami Sato, the Engineer. She can fix anything.

It's in her blood.

What makes this fic stand out? Why should people read it? This fic is the finale and highlight of the Spin the Rails series, by Ficsandmusings and Progman. The entire thing is Canon Compliant with regards to the show (Pre-Turf Wars). The first six stories in this series are comprised of missing moments and gap-fillers that really delve into Asami’s experience of events. Hell, the authors themselves have said about the story: “Unofficially known as Project ASS, short for "Asami Sato Saga". Because we're 12.” - which I LOVE. Because obviously I’m also 12.

Once you get to the finale though, things really heat up. Repairs, Retrofits, and Upgrades is a complete 5th book in the LoK universe. It still centers around Asami like the rest of the series, but it’s a fully fleeted-out reality. What has always struck me as funny about this fic is how it literally starts out with a cup of Flameo Instant Noodles. Haha funny, not that’s weird funny. Some people may have trouble with the metaphor, but I love it and I especially love how it circles back and pops up again during the course of the fic.

You can’t talk about this fic without mentioning one of the most complex and well-conceived OC I’ve seen in LoK fan fiction - Artana. She’s an extremely sharp engineer/scientist who’s also an earth bender. Having someone there who can keep up with Asami’s intellect is HUGE for Asami’s personal growth. Sadly, saying much more falls into the “spoilers” category, so I’ll just zip it.

To wrap this up, I’ll just leave one more tidbit - globetrotting sword fight. That got your attention, eh? While I sincerely recommend reading the entire series to properly put you into Asami’s headspace, you don’t have to to enjoy Repairs, Retrofits, and Upgrades. Also, check out this commissioned piece by @willoghby that perfectly depicts a specific scene from this fic! See it here: 

The Way Things Work - 1994