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

[deem]

Well, the Bunker's gone now, so it's not exactly an option.

[Look at him not answering those questions]

[talim]

[ the mood immediately seems to darken. like the amiable air between them has come to a screeching halt. ]

9S... Don't tell me you'll... ?

[ jude shouldn't be asking; it's a pointless question when he already knows the grim answer. ]

[deem]

All things come to an end someday.

But I have a purpose to fulfill.

[And in that, at least, he is resolved]

[talim]

No.

[ jude knows he's being irrational. he knows his emotions are getting the best of him. he knows 9s won't understand; will probably reject him. he knows.

but after losing milla... jude's accepted it, accepted that she belongs in the spirit realm, but the thought of 9s' body giving out so easily isn't something he can think about. he can't just think about 9s becoming a pile of scrap and metal and shrug his shoulders when he's so, so insistent on the fact that they're equals. ]

I'm on your side. I'm your backup. And that means that as long as I'm here, I'll protect you.

[deem]

That's kind of you to say, but that's not how it works.

I was assigned as 2B's support. We're both YoRHa — we exist to fight for mankind. That's why we were made, and that's a duty we fully intend to carry out. And that means you too.

[Nevermind how much of a lie it all was. It still means something to her, and something to him]

[talim]

Listen. Have you ever thought about mankind's duties? The ideals humans carry with them, the dreams they set out to fulfill?

What about my duty?

[deem]

Androids are the blades that cut down threats to mankind. That's just how it is.

[In other words, no, he doesn't think humanity owes them anything, having given them life and purpose]

[talim]

You're much more than that. Whether you believe it or not.

[deem]

That fact remains though. 2B would tell you the same thing.

We're supposed to protect you, rather than the other way around, and we're built to do it.

[talim]

She has told me the same thing. It's because I've had this same conversation with her.

Why can't we come to a compromise, then? Why can't we protect each other? That's what friends do. Look out for one another.

[deem]

I know you mean well, and that it's a kindness, but...

Those wouldn't be fair terms. Our lives aren't the same, and their weight isn't the same.

[talim]

... We're going to have to agree to disagree, then, because I'm not going to change my mind. 2B and I came to the same resolution.

[deem]

If we're at an impasse there's not much for it.

[Sorry Jude, this die-for-you thing only goes the one way, so far as he's concerned]

[talim]

[ as far as jude's concerned, nobody is dying. he won't let that happen.

all he can do to salvage this is attempt to lighten the mood again. ]

Let's just...

Let's just focus on the plan, alright?

And the goggles. Definitely the goggles.

[deem]

Yeah, we've got work to do.

And I'll be looking into that.

[He doesn't plan on dying anytime soon...

But he won't hesitate when it concerns 2B or a human]