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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"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.

......???

"...Basketball?"

"Nope. This is Haro. Haro, this is Windows 95."

"Good to meet you, 95! Good to meet you, 95!"

"Haro's my copilot," Neil explains, leaning back against Dynames. "I thought you guys might get along."

"Ah! Kawaiiiii!" Eee she's going to wallow in the adorable for a moment.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Haro-chan! Are you a program as well?"

"Haro's the closest thing to artificial intelligence my world has."

Neil grins. Haro hops out from under his elbow and crosses the distance to 95, flapping its ear-flaps at her from ground level.

"When we first met I was told he wasn't very sophisticated, but the little guy keeps surprising me. He watches Dynames when I'm not around. Right, buddy?"

"Haro! Guard! Haro! Guard!"

She kneels to get closer. "My! What a helpful person you must be! And you can pilot Dynamenes-san as well! How very impressive!" Also he is cute as a button. This is not quite as impressive, but definitely good.

Haro wiggles its ear-flaps in a way that somehow manages to suggest a blush.

"95-- very nice! 95-- very nice!"

Neil is fascinated. He's never seen Haro get embarrassed before. Also, this conversation is criminally adorable.

HARO IS GETTING HUGGED NOW.

"Oh my! Aren't you sweet!"

The player is giggling and flailing.

Haro raises its ear-flaps, reels out its hands from underneath them, and hugs back.

Neil covers his mouth to hide the grin.