He'll have to hang onto that mantra for a long time, he thinks. 9S feels so damn foggy once everything is said and done, and despite how dire the situation is? He can't bring himself to feel that sense of urgency anymore. It's like he's trying to numb himself to everything, to slow his mentality down so he can try to understand 2B's perspective in all this. He does. So why does this feel so off? So hurtful?
9S had long-since reformatted the Pods to continue their support in lieu of their disconnection to the Bunker. Any protocol to report or recommend reporting desertion is completely removed from their key functions. They both hover close to their androids, as if nothing happened. Even if they're aware of what's occurred.
He has to think of where to go, but he halts at 2B's gentle promise. The evidence of his discovering everything is clear on his face... But repeating that mantra in his head brings an understanding smile. Weak as it may be. He nods. ]
Yeah.
[ She won't. She won't, 9S. This is why they've done what they've done. So this doesn't have to happen anymore and they can just be happy and alone together. He purses his lips as he tries to regain that resolve, his own sword appearing from thin air into his hand. His grip is tight along the handle. 9S swallows thickly before looking to his pod. ]
Pod, locate an area with minimal to no reception. Prioritize areas with no android signals.
Acknowleded. Current location matching search filters supports the Forest Zone as best result. Marking location on map.
[ It's where they had located A2, but he supposes this makes sense. A2 is no longer connected to the Bunker herself, and it's not like they haven't faced her before. 9S says nothing once they leave the area, the two of them seemingly focused on running as quickly as they can. 9S doesn't focus right away on the consequences that may come. As if he's shut down to cope and succeed in their mission before any thoughts can plague him.
His mind still goes back and forth, even after days have passed since their escape.
It's morning. Early. While nearly a week has gone since their decision to sever ties with YoRHa, 9S is surprised they've yet to run into any pursuers. He's forever thankful for Pod 153, who seems to be on top of any warnings as days go by. It's... Strange. Since their cutting off from the Bunker, it's like his Pod has developed a personality of its own. Almost... Caring and concerned. It often does routine scans without request on his behalf, and they're more than just status reports. His Pod checks his mental and physical integrity at least every hour. It would be annoying to him if he hadn't felt that the care put upon him was genuine.
Still, he kindly requests that it tone down on the checks. 9S is on his own for now, just a few clicks outside of Pascal's village where they've taken temporary refuge. Old, tattered leather gloves squeak as his fingers tighten around an old, long-deactivated machine to pry its panel open. He digs for supplies. Parts. Building a collection in case it's necessary. ]
I get why you're prioritizing that, but it's not necessary, Pod. I'm fine.
Acknowledged. Rebuttal: Unit: 9S appears to have had a significant decline in morale in recent days. This Pod prioritizes the integrity and well-being of its assigned Unit. Frequent checks and proposals may increase likelihood of longer activation time, and would alleviate any need for questioning.
[ 9S rises to his feet, staring to his Pod as he places his found parts into his bag. Along the way, they'd obtained suitable clothing for their travel. He dons an outfit vastly different from his uniform, yet just as efficient. Form-fitting, dark jeans tucked into black boots keep him warm during the cold nights and protected in their travels. His top is modest, an old, loose-fitting brown tee that's coupled with a long sleeve shirt beneath. A large, spotted scarf is wrapped loosely around his neck, the ends curtailing behind him. The smallest touch of a thin leather strap is wrapped around his neck in the form of a decorative choker. Seems he'd been adjusted to the one he had before. Fashion isn't necessary, but he couldn't help it.
He purses his lips when his Pod essentially admits to worrying about him. He sighs, reaching up to pat his Pod affectionately along its side panel. ]
I'm not going to argue with hard data. But I promise I'm fine. I'm dealing with it.
[ Honestly, he could stand to be a bit more open with 2B. As the days have passed, he's... Surprisingly been too uncomfortable to bring up what he had found. He's seemed keen on just living with her, in being close because he realizes he still feels happy around her. That he has this never-ending need for her validation and attention. That means he isn't scared of her, right? That he doesn't despise her because she didn't want to suffer through the cycle anymore...
Right? ]
C'mon. Let's head back.
[ Staying out alone isn't the best idea anyway, even if he's still close enough to 2B that he's safe. 9S turns his heel towards the bridge entering the Machine Village without much time passing at all. His boots click along the metal paneling to the walkway, gaze glazed over even as his machine neighbors greet him. He hates staying here, hates being surrounded by machines he's so sure could turn on them any minute, but he's respectful. Because Pascal has provided supplies and shelter, even in knowing YoRHa could find them and target everyone. Surprisingly, that hasn't happened. But they should leave soon.
He says nothing to no one, climbing up into the small little room set aside for them. 9S pulls his bag from over his shoulder, lowering it next to 2B. ]
Some extra parts in case we're in need of replacements. Not exactly keen on the idea, but we'll have to do maintenance in more creative ways if the need arises. No access to the Resistance and all.
no subject
He'll have to hang onto that mantra for a long time, he thinks. 9S feels so damn foggy once everything is said and done, and despite how dire the situation is? He can't bring himself to feel that sense of urgency anymore. It's like he's trying to numb himself to everything, to slow his mentality down so he can try to understand 2B's perspective in all this. He does. So why does this feel so off? So hurtful?
9S had long-since reformatted the Pods to continue their support in lieu of their disconnection to the Bunker. Any protocol to report or recommend reporting desertion is completely removed from their key functions. They both hover close to their androids, as if nothing happened. Even if they're aware of what's occurred.
He has to think of where to go, but he halts at 2B's gentle promise. The evidence of his discovering everything is clear on his face... But repeating that mantra in his head brings an understanding smile. Weak as it may be. He nods. ]
Yeah.
[ She won't. She won't, 9S. This is why they've done what they've done. So this doesn't have to happen anymore and they can just be happy and alone together. He purses his lips as he tries to regain that resolve, his own sword appearing from thin air into his hand. His grip is tight along the handle. 9S swallows thickly before looking to his pod. ]
Pod, locate an area with minimal to no reception. Prioritize areas with no android signals.
Acknowleded. Current location matching search filters supports the Forest Zone as best result. Marking location on map.
[ It's where they had located A2, but he supposes this makes sense. A2 is no longer connected to the Bunker herself, and it's not like they haven't faced her before. 9S says nothing once they leave the area, the two of them seemingly focused on running as quickly as they can. 9S doesn't focus right away on the consequences that may come. As if he's shut down to cope and succeed in their mission before any thoughts can plague him.
His mind still goes back and forth, even after days have passed since their escape.
It's morning. Early. While nearly a week has gone since their decision to sever ties with YoRHa, 9S is surprised they've yet to run into any pursuers. He's forever thankful for Pod 153, who seems to be on top of any warnings as days go by. It's... Strange. Since their cutting off from the Bunker, it's like his Pod has developed a personality of its own. Almost... Caring and concerned. It often does routine scans without request on his behalf, and they're more than just status reports. His Pod checks his mental and physical integrity at least every hour. It would be annoying to him if he hadn't felt that the care put upon him was genuine.
Still, he kindly requests that it tone down on the checks. 9S is on his own for now, just a few clicks outside of Pascal's village where they've taken temporary refuge. Old, tattered leather gloves squeak as his fingers tighten around an old, long-deactivated machine to pry its panel open. He digs for supplies. Parts. Building a collection in case it's necessary. ]
I get why you're prioritizing that, but it's not necessary, Pod. I'm fine.
Acknowledged. Rebuttal: Unit: 9S appears to have had a significant decline in morale in recent days. This Pod prioritizes the integrity and well-being of its assigned Unit. Frequent checks and proposals may increase likelihood of longer activation time, and would alleviate any need for questioning.
[ 9S rises to his feet, staring to his Pod as he places his found parts into his bag. Along the way, they'd obtained suitable clothing for their travel. He dons an outfit vastly different from his uniform, yet just as efficient. Form-fitting, dark jeans tucked into black boots keep him warm during the cold nights and protected in their travels. His top is modest, an old, loose-fitting brown tee that's coupled with a long sleeve shirt beneath. A large, spotted scarf is wrapped loosely around his neck, the ends curtailing behind him. The smallest touch of a thin leather strap is wrapped around his neck in the form of a decorative choker. Seems he'd been adjusted to the one he had before. Fashion isn't necessary, but he couldn't help it.
He purses his lips when his Pod essentially admits to worrying about him. He sighs, reaching up to pat his Pod affectionately along its side panel. ]
I'm not going to argue with hard data. But I promise I'm fine. I'm dealing with it.
[ Honestly, he could stand to be a bit more open with 2B. As the days have passed, he's... Surprisingly been too uncomfortable to bring up what he had found. He's seemed keen on just living with her, in being close because he realizes he still feels happy around her. That he has this never-ending need for her validation and attention. That means he isn't scared of her, right? That he doesn't despise her because she didn't want to suffer through the cycle anymore...
Right? ]
C'mon. Let's head back.
[ Staying out alone isn't the best idea anyway, even if he's still close enough to 2B that he's safe. 9S turns his heel towards the bridge entering the Machine Village without much time passing at all. His boots click along the metal paneling to the walkway, gaze glazed over even as his machine neighbors greet him. He hates staying here, hates being surrounded by machines he's so sure could turn on them any minute, but he's respectful. Because Pascal has provided supplies and shelter, even in knowing YoRHa could find them and target everyone. Surprisingly, that hasn't happened. But they should leave soon.
He says nothing to no one, climbing up into the small little room set aside for them. 9S pulls his bag from over his shoulder, lowering it next to 2B. ]
Some extra parts in case we're in need of replacements. Not exactly keen on the idea, but we'll have to do maintenance in more creative ways if the need arises. No access to the Resistance and all.
[ He should talk to her. About all of this... ]