shatterverse | (no subject)

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So you might have noticed there's a big ol' robot parked out back of the bunker at the Cooper farm. It's large and green and looks very battered.

Approach it, and one of two things happens.

Either you came during the day, and Val Bell is sitting on its head with a good book and a bowl of apples, or you came during the evening or night and it is apparently deserted. 'Apparently' being the key word.

What'll it be?

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Soft: "Or not. It's up to you."

"...I know it's very different here. I miss my home, but..."

"Yeah. It's not the same. I know."

"Oh, forgive me for talking about such things." SCRUBBING!

"It is very nice, living here."

"Don't worry about it."

He smiles.

"Yes, it is. I thought I'd only be staying here until my repairs were finished, but this place is starting to grow on me."

"Ah, are you normally more of a wandering type?"

Critically, she adds, "It looks like it may take some time. I do hope whatever you were going against did not follow you!"

"I used to travel a lot, yeah."

Faint smile.

"I don't think that will be a problem."

(And if it is, he'll just snipe the bastard again.)

"...I suppose so..." Whatever it was, is was big! Like, bigger-than-she-could-deal-with-using-the-bazooka big.

That's bigger than she wants to see.

"I didn't stick around long enough to know for sure, but I don't think he walked away from that fight."

She gives a satisfied nod. That's always a good feeling.

"Congratulations. I'm glad to hear it."

"Thank you."

It's a good thing it's too dark to tell just how cold that smile really is.

Neil really, really did not like that man.

"By the way, please feel free to let me know if there is anything you need while you're here. I don't know much about large vehicles like this, but I'd be happy to help out however I can."

Neil's smile warms up considerably.

"Everyone here is so helpful. It's-- refreshing. Thanks."

"It is a very pleasant place, yes. In some ways, it's even nicer than when I was with Master..."

"...Master who?"

"Master Toshiaki-sama. My user."

"Hmm. So you're not just named after an archaic operating system, then?"

You totally just called her old, dude.

"--sorry. I'm from 2307. The first few Windows systems are a matter of history in my time. By this world's standards you're still pretty new, aren't you?"

"Oh my! That far in the future?!"

She tilts her head modestly. "I am... not as useful as my younger sisters. But I can still work hard!"

"So I see."

He's talking to an OS. He's talking to an OS.

This fucking world.

"...have I said something wrong?"

"No, not at all."

The wry, easy grin is somewhat artificial, but it's hard to tell.

"I just got distracted for a second there. Excuse me for a minute, would you? I've got somebody I'd like you to meet."

He starts climbing up the side of the mech without waiting for a reply.

...?

Well, she'll just be over here cleaning...

Neil disappears into the cockpit.

About thirty seconds later, he climbs back down with something round, bright, and orange tucked under his arm.