Akira "chaotic extra" Kurusu [Jᴏᴋᴇʀ] (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
purrtagonist) wrote2017-09-16 01:25 pm
purrtagonist) wrote2017-09-16 01:25 pm
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[ It's been a few days since they've made it back to Oska, and frankly, 9S couldn't be happier for it. Back home, he always prefered the Earth's surface over the dullness of the Bunker and space itself; similarly rings true for his new surroundings, he finds.
The thing about Oska, however, now that they're not preoccupied with both steering the ship back to ALASTAIR's home base and trying to keep some one thousand enemy agents from revolting, is that they're left with plenty of free time. This generally isn't an issue; there's lots for 9S to see and do... there's also lots of time for him to be lost in his own thoughts, drifting back to that he's left behind.
Coincidentally or otherwise, Akira would find 9S somewhere nearby the greenhouses, kneeling next to a batch of colorful flowers in bloom. Every so often, he'll brush gloved fingers along the stems, but it doesn't seem like he's admiring their beauty so much as he's trying to make some sort of decision.
And as always, Pod floats quietly overhead. ]
The thing about Oska, however, now that they're not preoccupied with both steering the ship back to ALASTAIR's home base and trying to keep some one thousand enemy agents from revolting, is that they're left with plenty of free time. This generally isn't an issue; there's lots for 9S to see and do... there's also lots of time for him to be lost in his own thoughts, drifting back to that he's left behind.
Coincidentally or otherwise, Akira would find 9S somewhere nearby the greenhouses, kneeling next to a batch of colorful flowers in bloom. Every so often, he'll brush gloved fingers along the stems, but it doesn't seem like he's admiring their beauty so much as he's trying to make some sort of decision.
And as always, Pod floats quietly overhead. ]
[at least now they have the proper manpower to keep the prisoners fed, watered, and taken care of. it'd be a lie to say Akira wasn't somewhat baffled that their small group of sixty or so managed to a) commandeer a giant spaceship all by themselves, and b) prevent the some one thousand Zymandis passengers they captured from killing them all during their two week journey back to Oska. but somehow? against all odds, they had done it]
[maybe he should just. revel in their victory, rather than wonder about the mechanics]
[at any rate! Oska doesn't quite feel like home nor a "home base" to Akira just yet. he's too new for that, but he has taken to wandering around the grounds in order to familiarize himself with his surroundings as much as possible. that's what brings him to the greenhouse this fine day, which is just in time for him to catch 9S admiring (?) some of the plant life]
[he hesitates (it sort of looks like 9S is having a moment, and he doesn't want to interrupt) before he thinks "ah, fuck it" and approaches]
It'll grow more if you don't pull it up.
[maybe he should just. revel in their victory, rather than wonder about the mechanics]
[at any rate! Oska doesn't quite feel like home nor a "home base" to Akira just yet. he's too new for that, but he has taken to wandering around the grounds in order to familiarize himself with his surroundings as much as possible. that's what brings him to the greenhouse this fine day, which is just in time for him to catch 9S admiring (?) some of the plant life]
[he hesitates (it sort of looks like 9S is having a moment, and he doesn't want to interrupt) before he thinks "ah, fuck it" and approaches]
It'll grow more if you don't pull it up.
[ He's... having a moment, yeah. Enough that when a voice ventures into the silence, 9S' shoulders jerk, abruptly torn out of how deep in thought he was. He turns to see who it is— ]
—Oh, Akira...
[ His demeanor settles, averting his gaze back toward the flowers. ]
I guess they would, but I was hoping to take a few along with me.
—Oh, Akira...
[ His demeanor settles, averting his gaze back toward the flowers. ]
I guess they would, but I was hoping to take a few along with me.
[the smile he gives is apologetic, but he glances back at the flowers 9S was so intently inspecting earlier]
Eh. If you want to, it's probably fine. I doubt they'll miss a couple of flowers.
Eh. If you want to, it's probably fine. I doubt they'll miss a couple of flowers.
No, I didn't think anyone would.
[ There's so many here, after all... More than any he'd ever seen gathered into one place—different kinds he had never seen, so vibrant and saturated. They're beautiful, and 9S wonders if Earth ever had areas like this. The world must have looked so much differently when humans still roamed it. ]
I... have a question, if you don't mind answering.
[ There's so many here, after all... More than any he'd ever seen gathered into one place—different kinds he had never seen, so vibrant and saturated. They're beautiful, and 9S wonders if Earth ever had areas like this. The world must have looked so much differently when humans still roamed it. ]
I... have a question, if you don't mind answering.
[Akira finds himself drawn towards a few plants with pastel pink petals. flowers were never really Haru's specialty (she grew them, of course, but she loved vegetables and coffee plants the most), but it reminds him of her nonetheless. a slight pang of nostalgia from home]
[he reaches out to pinches one of the petals between his fingers, touch soft, not nearly enough to damage the plant]
Sure. Shoot. I'll answer as best as I can.
[he reaches out to pinches one of the petals between his fingers, touch soft, not nearly enough to damage the plant]
Sure. Shoot. I'll answer as best as I can.
[ He nods once, then, ]
Another android had told me that humans had rituals to mourn the dead. He said they used flowers, sometimes... [ There's a beat, and 9S adds, with a tone less curious and more hopeful: ] Is that true?
Another android had told me that humans had rituals to mourn the dead. He said they used flowers, sometimes... [ There's a beat, and 9S adds, with a tone less curious and more hopeful: ] Is that true?
[that--]
[that is. a surprisingly heavy question? and it brings up so many more, each of which flash briefly at the forefront of Akira's mind. because of that, there's hesitation before he answers]
Yeah. That's true.
[he responds, voice suddenly quiet]
They're called "funerals." Flowers and incense are often placed on the deceased's grave afterwards. [a pause] . . . why?
[that is. a surprisingly heavy question? and it brings up so many more, each of which flash briefly at the forefront of Akira's mind. because of that, there's hesitation before he answers]
Yeah. That's true.
[he responds, voice suddenly quiet]
They're called "funerals." Flowers and incense are often placed on the deceased's grave afterwards. [a pause] . . . why?
[ Akira's hesitation doesn't go unnoticed; it's heavy, for sure, but for some reason 9S didn't expect the question to catch him off guard. In turn, reluctance bubbles up within himself, as well. ]
I... [ Hm. ] There's memories of someone I'd like to keep close to me while I'm here.
[ Because he's so far away from the only world he's ever known—a cruel, harsh one where war rages on even after he's lost everything dear to him. He can't destroy all the machines, so long as he's within ALASTAIR, nor can he kill A2. But at the very least, he can cherish the one thing that gave him light in his life, even if it hurts. Even if he doesn't know how to deal with how much it does.
So this is... a start. ]
It's not much– [ If anything could ever be enough. ] –but I'm not sure what else I could do.
[ So here he is. ]
I... [ Hm. ] There's memories of someone I'd like to keep close to me while I'm here.
[ Because he's so far away from the only world he's ever known—a cruel, harsh one where war rages on even after he's lost everything dear to him. He can't destroy all the machines, so long as he's within ALASTAIR, nor can he kill A2. But at the very least, he can cherish the one thing that gave him light in his life, even if it hurts. Even if he doesn't know how to deal with how much it does.
So this is... a start. ]
It's not much– [ If anything could ever be enough. ] –but I'm not sure what else I could do.
[ So here he is. ]
[memories of someone he'd like to keep close, huh. . . the context isn't that difficult to figure out. they're memories of someone dear that he has lost, likely before coming here. likely soon before coming here]
It might not seem like much, but to humans, even a small gesture like picking flowers in remembrance of a loved one means something.
[so. . . he smiles sympathetically]
It might not be the same, but you could build a memorial for them in your room, if you'd like.
It might not seem like much, but to humans, even a small gesture like picking flowers in remembrance of a loved one means something.
[so. . . he smiles sympathetically]
It might not be the same, but you could build a memorial for them in your room, if you'd like.
[ Slowly, he nods, fingers gently brushing along the petals of lilies clustered together, much like Akira had with the pink flowers beside them. An absentminded imitation, but there was something soothing about it. ]
I think I'll do that. [ After all, if flowers meant something to humans... Maybe, hopefully, it would have meant something to 2B, too. ] Thank you, Akira. That's—all I needed to know.
[ Basically, he wouldn't want to burden him with anything more. Because... yeah, that reaction, still. ]
I think I'll do that. [ After all, if flowers meant something to humans... Maybe, hopefully, it would have meant something to 2B, too. ] Thank you, Akira. That's—all I needed to know.
[ Basically, he wouldn't want to burden him with anything more. Because... yeah, that reaction, still. ]
Don't mention it. If you need help, you know where to find me.
[and then. . . because the question hangs in the air between them, perfectly within grasp]
Can you tell me a little bit about them? Ah-- about the person you want to remember.
[and then. . . because the question hangs in the air between them, perfectly within grasp]
Can you tell me a little bit about them? Ah-- about the person you want to remember.
[ There's no immediate response; frankly, 9S is shocked he inquires about more. He lifts his head toward Akira, mouth hanging slightly open before he turns his gaze back toward the flora.
Eventually, he nods once and complies, voice soft and quiet. ]
She's... [ Was. ] 2B, a YoRHa combat unit. We were assigned on the same mission one day, and stayed partnered up ever since.
[ It's a little more complicated than that, of course. 9S has good reason to believe it isn't the first time they were assigned together, and he can make a pretty good guess as to why. It's all based on memories he no longer has, however, and truth be told... none of it matters anymore. He doesn't think it ever did, and a part of him feels he'd take being killed by her hands over and over if it meant he wouldn't have had to lose her.
That, of course, he keeps to himself. The memories 9S has now mean more now than any of the ones he wouldn't get back. ]
She was always so serious and straight-forward, and maybe a little cold sometimes, but... the more time went on, the more she meant everything in the world to me. She made me happier than I could ever remember being before. As long as she was there, I still had a purpose.
[ For as hard a blow discovering humanity was no more was to his very being, in the end, he was able to push forward because of 2B. Yet, after that... ]
2B was killed not long after the Bunker and the rest of YoRHa had been destroyed.
Eventually, he nods once and complies, voice soft and quiet. ]
She's... [ Was. ] 2B, a YoRHa combat unit. We were assigned on the same mission one day, and stayed partnered up ever since.
[ It's a little more complicated than that, of course. 9S has good reason to believe it isn't the first time they were assigned together, and he can make a pretty good guess as to why. It's all based on memories he no longer has, however, and truth be told... none of it matters anymore. He doesn't think it ever did, and a part of him feels he'd take being killed by her hands over and over if it meant he wouldn't have had to lose her.
That, of course, he keeps to himself. The memories 9S has now mean more now than any of the ones he wouldn't get back. ]
She was always so serious and straight-forward, and maybe a little cold sometimes, but... the more time went on, the more she meant everything in the world to me. She made me happier than I could ever remember being before. As long as she was there, I still had a purpose.
[ For as hard a blow discovering humanity was no more was to his very being, in the end, he was able to push forward because of 2B. Yet, after that... ]
2B was killed not long after the Bunker and the rest of YoRHa had been destroyed.
[if only Akira knew how deep this rabbit hole went. but since 9S doesn't speak up? he takes those words at face value. especially because the meaning behind them isn't lost on him at all]
[emotions were prohibited for androids, his ass]
I'm sorry.
[he offers his condolences, quiet and sincere]
What happened to the bunker? To YoRHa?
[emotions were prohibited for androids, his ass]
I'm sorry.
[he offers his condolences, quiet and sincere]
What happened to the bunker? To YoRHa?
[ 'I'm sorry'—9S takes those words in, lets them settle. It's difficult to express how much it means to him, to get this sympathy from someone whose existence 9S feels, deep down, is more important than his own. ]
To be honest, it's kind of a blur. [ It happened so quick, so suddenly. ] I don't know how, but the machines found a way to get into YoRHa's main server—the one we were all connected on, and plant a virus. And, you know... [ With his other hand, 9S gestures toward himself. ] We're just mechanical parts and data, which isn't hard to take over and corrupt in a matter of seconds. By the time any of us realized what was happening, it was too late to save everyone.
To be honest, it's kind of a blur. [ It happened so quick, so suddenly. ] I don't know how, but the machines found a way to get into YoRHa's main server—the one we were all connected on, and plant a virus. And, you know... [ With his other hand, 9S gestures toward himself. ] We're just mechanical parts and data, which isn't hard to take over and corrupt in a matter of seconds. By the time any of us realized what was happening, it was too late to save everyone.
[jesus christ. Akira's eyes widen]
That's--
[pretty fucking terrible. it's difficult to imagine how 9S must be feeling right now, relaying all of this to someone he's only known for a few short weeks. his base was destroyed by his enemy, along with most of his comrades. . . his friend-- 2B-- likely affected by this "virus" and killed shortly afterwards. and then on top of that, being brought to Oska after all of that to fight in yet another conflict? perhaps not a full-fledged war against machines that 9S had described, but still]
[. . .]
[sometimes, Akira's no good with words. but actions frequently speak much louder than them, anyway. he reaches out, hand settling on 9S's shoulder, and gives a small squeeze]
That's--
[pretty fucking terrible. it's difficult to imagine how 9S must be feeling right now, relaying all of this to someone he's only known for a few short weeks. his base was destroyed by his enemy, along with most of his comrades. . . his friend-- 2B-- likely affected by this "virus" and killed shortly afterwards. and then on top of that, being brought to Oska after all of that to fight in yet another conflict? perhaps not a full-fledged war against machines that 9S had described, but still]
[. . .]
[sometimes, Akira's no good with words. but actions frequently speak much louder than them, anyway. he reaches out, hand settling on 9S's shoulder, and gives a small squeeze]
[ He doesn't move for a long moment. When he finally does, 9S only shifts ever so slightly to lean his shoulder into Akira's hand. For as bewildering as being rifted into Oska was, insane as infiltrating Zymandis' mothership had been, incredible as all the experiences in between had felt... something as simple as a hand on his shoulder and someone to hear him out had been the first real comfort 9S has received since reawakening in the Resistance camp.
Devola and Popola tried in their own way, of course, but perhaps it had been too soon. Maybe he needed some distance from it all, so his burning rage could settle into quiet sorrow.
Whatever it was, in the end, 9S makes another gentle shake of his head. ]
... I'm okay. [ Kind of. He's better now than he had been. But he says these words not because of that; 9S wouldn't want Akira to worry or hurt on his behalf. It didn't feel right to allow that. ] I'm glad that I can be here, too.
Devola and Popola tried in their own way, of course, but perhaps it had been too soon. Maybe he needed some distance from it all, so his burning rage could settle into quiet sorrow.
Whatever it was, in the end, 9S makes another gentle shake of his head. ]
... I'm okay. [ Kind of. He's better now than he had been. But he says these words not because of that; 9S wouldn't want Akira to worry or hurt on his behalf. It didn't feel right to allow that. ] I'm glad that I can be here, too.
You don't have to be okay.
[just. a gentle reminder, a gentle offering that 9S is free to say more if he'd like, that he's free to feel more, too. but Akira doesn't push the subject, and his hand falls from the android's shoulder soon after]
Being here must feel like a vacation, after all of that.
[attempts to interject some lightness into the situation, go?]
[just. a gentle reminder, a gentle offering that 9S is free to say more if he'd like, that he's free to feel more, too. but Akira doesn't push the subject, and his hand falls from the android's shoulder soon after]
Being here must feel like a vacation, after all of that.
[attempts to interject some lightness into the situation, go?]
[ Hmm... ]
I dunno. [ Least he's honest. ] Never had one before, y'know? But it does feel a lot less... pointless.
[ And it's not simply because their team attained victory. ]
I dunno. [ Least he's honest. ] Never had one before, y'know? But it does feel a lot less... pointless.
[ And it's not simply because their team attained victory. ]
[. . . aw. . .]
That's good, although life doesn't have to be filled with mission objectives to have a point.
[just saying!! again]
That's good, although life doesn't have to be filled with mission objectives to have a point.
[just saying!! again]
[ That's so carefree of him to say. ]
I suppose it's different for humans. [ They lived such different lives, after all. What did they do all day? With their entire lives? ] As long as I'm alive, I just want to carry out the purpose I was created for.
I suppose it's different for humans. [ They lived such different lives, after all. What did they do all day? With their entire lives? ] As long as I'm alive, I just want to carry out the purpose I was created for.
[a quirked brow, and Akira lifts a hand to rub the back of his neck]
Why does it have to be different from humans to androids?
[he makes a face]
Why does it have to be different from humans to androids?
[he makes a face]
[ The puzzlement happens on both ends; 9S wrinkles his nose, a lot like he feels this should be obvious. ]
—Why? We're built to serve our human creators. There's no point in me being around if I can't even do that much.
—Why? We're built to serve our human creators. There's no point in me being around if I can't even do that much.
What?
[that answer just deepens Akira's confusion]
Of course there is. Just because you were created to serve humans doesn't mean you can't live your own life, too.
[he's already seen that 9S has thoughts, feelings, emotions of his own. whether they're prohibited by YoRHa or not didn't matter. the fact was they were there, and if 9S had those?]
[then certainly he had the freedom to choose what he wished to do with the life humans gave him]
[that answer just deepens Akira's confusion]
Of course there is. Just because you were created to serve humans doesn't mean you can't live your own life, too.
[he's already seen that 9S has thoughts, feelings, emotions of his own. whether they're prohibited by YoRHa or not didn't matter. the fact was they were there, and if 9S had those?]
[then certainly he had the freedom to choose what he wished to do with the life humans gave him]
[ It's a notion he hadn't considered much before. 9S had always dreamed of what a peaceful existence on Earth would be like, and the things he would do, but he hadn't thought it involved giving up on his duties. He took pride in them, after all. ]
I... I don't know. [ There's still a nagging voice in his head that tells him no, you cannot. ] As long as I can be useful to the people here, it doesn't matter all that much to me.
I... I don't know. [ There's still a nagging voice in his head that tells him no, you cannot. ] As long as I can be useful to the people here, it doesn't matter all that much to me.
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