text

[deem]

Hey guys, 9S here.

Recent events got me thinking we should have some provisions in place, in case of future attempts to abduct or imprison anybody. Units like 2B, A2, and me have black box signals we could detect, but as for you guys... I've come up with some tracking modules that you can activate in case you get in a tough spot. They just look like little round pins with stars on them, figure nobody'll give them a second look.

They're easy to activate and deactivate. All you do is press on the raised star shape for five seconds. Simple, right? They'll derive energy from your body heat, and don't need direct contact, so I think it'll work. I'd like to enable at least a few people to detect those signals, but you'll need equipment like my goggles or Dirk's uh, shades. So let me know if you're interested.

Also while we've got access to materials, if anybody has equipment or repair needs, just give me the details.

Private: Dirk
Hey, can I ask your help with something? It's...not really a small favor, but I think you're the most capable.

Private: Julius
There's something I'd like to ask you about, when you've got the time.

Private: 2B + A2
After recent events, I think we should make plans in case we sustain heavy or lethal damage. Can we talk about that?

Comments

[deem]

You wouldn't mind? I know you're a mage and all, but it might take some tinkering, especially since we don't know how the signets work to start with.

[teratias]

You don't get to figure this stuff out without experimentation. It's fine, I wouldn't offer if I minded.

[deem]

I see your point. [Both of them] Where would you start, with something like this? It's a bit tough with these signets stuck inside us.

[teratias]

Well, we'd have to have one that's not inside of us. Either request a spare or pull it out. Otherwise we can try and recreate the systems the signet uses and then start to manipulate it.

[deem]

I removed mine once and it disabled my motor functions until it was replaced. But if we need to do it, it's probably safest for someone like me to.

It seemed like an ordinary ring in terms of physical properties, other than the energy it gave off...

[teratias]

...Okay if it's doing that then that actually says a lot about additional hidden functions.

Tell me about the energy readings then.

[deem]

There's not a lot to tell, since I wasn't designed with magic in mind, but I can pick up on the fact that it gives off energy at a consistent rate. It's not very prominent, but I found it distracting at first.

[teratias]

Hm. Does it pick up on any wavelength, spectrum, anything at all?

[deem]

I can show you the data, but to me it just reads as being magic to me, since it's so foreign. Before all this, I had only crossed paths with one being capable of using it.

[teratias]

Maybe I can see something in the data that you can't. Where are you right now?

[deem]

I'm in the commercial district. Want me to meet you somewhere?

[teratias]

Yeah. There's a bookstore that has a quiet reading corner that should work...

[deem]

Okay, I'll head that way then. Shouldn't take me too long.

[teratias]

OK.

[Waver is exactly where he said he would be in the end, making himself as small and easy to ignore as possible in a little corner surrounded by basic science books. It isn't on purpose, but having reference on demand might end up being useful.

When he does see his...friend? Maybe that's the right word now? He perks.]

Hey.

[deem]

[Drop that particular f-word one of these days and see a happy, tiny android. But for now, 9S waves when he spots Waver, nevermind the fact that they're inside a store. His arm shoots right on up regardless]

Hey, Waver!

[It's been a while, of course he's happy to see him in-person]

[teratias]

[Waver is not used to the f word!

At least he waves back, and comes out of his little mage hidey hole.]

C'mon, there's a good spot over here.

[deem]

[That moment when the android is more used to talking friendship than Waver.

He'll know he's leveled up if he's called Nines someday]

Okay, lead the way.

[9S is certainly content to follow]

[teratias]

[Nines that's so cute....

a shame this idiot doesn't do nicknames.]

It's the science section. Kinda pointless, since you probably know all the info here but there's literally no one in this section ever sooooo--

[Waver weaves in and out of stacks, over to the little area that has a few hidden beanbag chairs. Perfect for science, obviously.]

[deem]

[Alas...someone should give him one]

I guess it depends on what direction their research went in, and what rules apply here... [And now he's curious] But quiet's good, right?

[He trails after Waver, glancing around]

[teratias]

Quiet's always useful.

[Waver flops into one of the chairs, quite excited.]

Okay, okay, show me the data.

[deem]

[9S plonks down on the couch adjacent, tapping the air to bring up one of his monitors. A few pokes and sweeps at the screen with his finger, and the relevant data comes up on display]

Here's what I've got. It's...a bit less specific than the data I'm used to collecting, but it's what I could pick up.

[teratias]

It's not bad.

[Waver sits, staring at the screen and muttering to himself.]

Have you ever taken readings on the island? I need some kind of comparison basis.