voice

[deem]

[By now it's not the first time some people have heard 9S' thoughts filter into their minds. The first time, it was something about t-shirts, and quite without his intention to share. This time, however, it's quite by design that he speaks up...well, speaking in a manner of speaking. When he'll get used to this sort of thing, the worlds may never know]

Hey uh...everyone? If I think about everyone, it um, is everyone, right? [A pause, not quite long enough to suggest he's awaiting confirmation, before he presses on] After the recent attack, I'm sure it's occurred to more than a few of us — this place lacks a proper line of defense without us around. And that's a problem. I've been talking with Jude about it, and we've talked with the locals, and they're in support of working with us to create a barrier around the city, using the natives' magic to power it.

The natives we're referring to in particular are the Eltos. For anyone who isn't quite as well versed in Palai just yet, Eltos are a rarer breed of Palai that possess magic involving electricity, energy, power... Ideal for building something like a barrier to protect Aimintas before this tragic situation continues to repeat itself. Needless to say, we don't know how long we'll be here to help out.

We were hoping some of you would have some ideas of your own to toss at us. Feedback, input... Anything, really. We're all in the same position here. Now that we have more information than we did prior to the earlier attack, it'll be best if we work together to prevent another one before it happens.

[9S hums, some quiet sign of his agreement, before he adds something on]

I've collected data on the Uvi we've faced, so I can contribute that along with my technical knowledge. Jude here has more experience with magic than I do, by far, but this is going to take more of us to actually implement. The thing is...they're gonna need a centralized system. Something that lets the Eltos power it without being too drained for their regular activities.

Soooo... any thoughts, guys?

[Before the telepathic message is cut off, Jude decides to tack on one more thing]

I have confidence that we can make this thing work. If what happened during the attack proved anything, it's that no matter the cost, working together to come up with a game plan is always the best shot we have at making some sort of difference. Dirk and Jay organizing a solid defense plan and recon was just the beginning. Let's keep at it, everyone!

[There's some Protagonist Optimism for you before they sign off]


[ooc: Expect replies from 9S or Jude, maybe even both if you're a shortcake magnet, but feel free to threadjack/hop as well! Android-tested, mod-approved]

Comments

[talim]

I'll make it up to you and return the favor somehow. I mean it.

[deem]

What? [Yep, that's shock, pure and simple] That's not— I don't need you to—

[Wait, is objecting bad too? This is hard]

Honestly... I like working on things like that.

"i need to sleep" i said

[talim]

I know you don't need me to. I want to.

I might have gotten a little... overexcited. No rush, okay?

"i have work" i said . . .

[deem]

I don't exactly feel pressured, if that's what you mean.

"i'll get to tags tomorrow" i said...

[talim]

... Yeah, I guess that's sort of on the nose.

"go the heck to sleep" i said...

[deem]

It's not like I had to offer in the first place.

[Sort of. Kind of. The urge to please humans is a tad strong here but still]

alright you win this round

[talim]

Well, I suppose. Now I just need Dirk to teach me the secret handshake.

collects loot...

[deem]

Secret handshake?

[Is this humor...]

[talim]

Yeah. He said he's letting me in on it. I had no idea you guys had one. You must be good at keeping secrets, huh, Nines?

[deem]

[Is it worse to correct him and potentially embarrass him, or worse to let him go on thinking this... Tough call]

...No comment.

[talim]

Don't worry. I get it.

[ no, jude...... not quite... ]

[deem]

[Sorry Jude, he's let you down...]

Be careful about people, alright?

[Dirk seems like a decent guy but someone might take serious advantage one day]

[talim]

Uh... Not sure what's with the sudden warning, but will do?

[deem]

It's important, that's all.

[Weird and out of place it may be, but he's been on the raw end of enough deception to not want to see Jude find the harmless sort one day.

Little does he know...]

[talim]

Can't argue with that.

[deem]

Anyhow, I'll see what I can come up with around here by way of supplies.

[Right back on topic]

[talim]

Got it. Just let me know if I can help you search, alright? It's the least I could do.

[deem]

Okay. I don't know much about this magic business, so I might need a hand in the end.

[talim]

Then I guess that's where I come in!

[deem]

[Collaborating with a nerd equivalent to a Scanner let's be honest human who calls him a friend, what times he lives in]

Would it help to start with studying the Eltos' abilities more closely, you think?

[talim]

Probably. The immediate issue is seeking them out and picking them apart from the rest of the Palai. Do you recall whether or not they have any defining characteristics?

[deem]

They're a different color from the others, so they should be easy to spot.

[talim]

Right, right.

[ a short pause. ]

Sorry. Guess my brain's starting to get a little fried. What do you say we call it a day? We can regroup and go over the details again tomorrow.

You androids might not need sleep, but...

[ he does, and he hasn't been getting much. ]

[deem]

[Alright, that warrants a surprised little laugh, though he doesn't mean to transmit it]

Who says I don't sleep?

[Geez Jude]

[talim]

[ 9s, laughing? jude is rather flustered. ]

W-Well, it seemed like a logical assumption to make!