Digital Decay

@digital--d3cay

Kjrp :3 Asks open 💬 I'm a loose bolt in a complete machine

427 posts

Intro

Digital Decay (formerly V-2603)(They/It)

Older version of android, has many problems due to that. It doesn't speak from its mouth. Instead, from a speaker in its chest.

Will not understand any figurative expression you throw at it, don't even bother trying.

Broke out of the city, original use unknown.

(Will add to this later / As I go)

File no. 2836Z [FILE OUTDATED. PLEASE REQUEST UPDATED FILE FROM AN EXTERMINATION SUPERVISOR]

Name: V-2603, Charlie [FORMERLY]

Purpose: Extermination droid.

Affiliation: BL/ind. Killjoys [FORMERLY]

Model number: 3947B

Status: ONLINE

Backstory: V-2603 was built solely for extermination purposes, however, due to its heat sensitivity and sudden show of emotion, it had been scrapped. It managed to run away from the city and escape into the Zones, taking someone the city never wanted to get back to the Zones with it.

//Note (5/18/24): Droid shows excellent performance in extermination due to lack of remorse and pain sensitivity. It will continue to be trained against the rebels known as 'killjoys'//

//Note (5/30/24): Droid has begun showing certain forms of emotion, likely due to reeducation efforts being discontinued. Reeducation is unfortunately no longer an option. It will undergo retraining//

//Note (6/15/24): Droid has been scrapped. If deemed salvageable it will be dismantled for future use//

IF SPOTTED, PLEASE REPORT SIGHTING TO AN EXTERMINATION SUPERVISOR.

Close file

#Digital--D3cay #intro post #kjrp

(Tequila finally comes back to the caravan, with fresh batteries for the droid friend. She seems a little sad, and there’s ash on her jacket)

@tequila-kjrp

(It's been powered down to conserve energy, but it looks at Tequila when she enters the caravan)

Are you okay?

(She shrugs. She was supposed to be back days, even weeks ago, but a persistent ghost (Schnapps) and a few fix it requests kept her busy enough to forget to come back)

I… I will be. ‘S a long story… oh! I bought you some more batteries!

(They put the batteries by Decay, before taking off the jacket. She’s somehow managed to get ash and dirt/sand on her arms, and there’s a stray cactus needle stuck to her tank top)

(It takes them, looking up expectantly. Though, when it notices the ash, dirt, and cactus spine it tilts its head slightly)

Did you start a fire?

I didn’t start it… I just re buried the corpse after the fire was put out.

(They take a moment to realise that’s quite possibly not a normal thing to say)

That doesn’t sound any better, does it?

(They shake their head slowly)

Not really. Actually I think that sounds worse. At least you're okay. Right?

Oh.

(They look down, pluck out the cactus needle, and then sigh)

Physically I am shiny. As far as I can tell… do you want to know why I was re burying a corpse?

Mhm. I want to know.

(It stares, curious)

The corpse was originally buried by me and Hollow. It was my friend Schnapps…

(They decide to sit down)

They got attacked and then ghosted because I didn’t patch them up properly and they got infected. Then they were ghosting around, and then a ‘joy I know got tired of being haunted and dug them up to burn the body… I don’t know if he did anything else or if that was just him threatening them, but they’re not bothering me anymore either- so it must’ve somehow worked.

Oh. I'm.. sorry. … Do you miss them?

Yes, but I also feel a little less… like I have to be on my guard all the time. Their mood was unpredictable and they even stabbed me in my sleep, but I really do miss them.

At least they can rest now? That's good I think.

It is. I’m happy that they can rest, I just wish they hadn’t dusted in the first place.

I understand.. Sometimes you just can't do anything..

That’s true I suppose.

(They could have done something: been better at first aid)

I should’ve gotten them help…

... Maybe, but you were both probably stressed. It's easy to make mistakes when you're stressed. I doubt they blame you.

We were super stressed. I think if they blamed me, they’d have told me? I hope they would have…

I believe they would've blamed whoever hurt them, not whoever tried to save them.

I hope so… I think they said they had haunted him, but it got boring after a while because he never noticed he was being haunted unless they spoke to him.

I would get bored too. Why did they haunt the other person?

I think it was mainly because the other person knew they were there, and answered when they spoke to them. I think they weren’t very nice to the guy though…

Oh. So they haunted him to scare him? I guess that's why a lot of ghosts haunt people.. isn't it?

I know hardly anything about them, but I assume so? I don’t want to haunt people when I dust, I just want to go to the Witch. No scaring people or trying to possess them like those old scary movies.

I can't haunt people, but maybe it would be fun? I wouldn't want to scare anyone too much.

It seems like it could be, but I think it would get boring. I can’t fix things if I’m all dusted.

(They frown)

I don’t want to scare people.

That's true.. I wouldn't want to be stuck not being able to do things.

You don't have to.

Yea, I’d miss being able to do things!

(She nods)

Which is good. I’d be bad at it anyway.

Me too.

I think I would be bad at it too. I don't know how to be a ghost.

I don’t know either. The old scary movie ghosts all seem to just be miserable and angry anyways, and I don’t like feeling like that.

Being miserable and angry all the time doesn't sound like a nice thing to be, especially after dying. I would rather be happy or in peace.

I think when I dust I just want to be peaceful. I’d settle for that. I think I deserve at least peace if I can’t have happiness.

(It nods)

Peace would be nice. I don't think I'll even know when I've dusted.

Oh.

(They contemplate it)

I guess that’s part of the unknown, the fear of it. Not knowing what it’ll be like or if it’ll be like anything at all… I think you’ll know.

My batteries could die while I'm shut down and I would never know until I get new ones. I don't like that I'm always dying, by technicality.

I don't think you'll have to worry about dusting for a while.. I hope you won't.

Oh, that’s technically true.

I hope I get to live a little longer, even if it’s difficult sometimes…

A lot of things we like are difficult.

(It's voice crackles a bit, the new batteries not doing much sitting in its hands)

I like living. You can't do fun stuff if you're a ghost..

Yea that’s true. Ghosting must be torture.

(She remembers the batteries)

Oh! Do you want me to change your batteries?

(It nods immediately)

Mhm. Please. I don't want to shut down again.

(They're aware they shut down for battery changes too, but that's less unpleasant since it can go straight back to where it left off. No memory loss or anything)

That makes sense.

(She takes the batteries and goes to change them)

Battery time.

(It means to warn her to wear the gloves, but as soon as the batteries are removed its head droops. It still has some power left, which is a shock hazard)

(She’s about to put in the new batteries when she remembers she’s not already wearing gloves, and then puts her gloves on before replacing them)

That was stupid…

(There's a moment of nothing before it lifts its head)

Hm? ... Did I shock you.?

(She puts the old batteries away and throws her gloves onto the desk)

No, but I nearly did get shocked- forgot my gloves. That’s a stupid mistake.

I think it's easy to forget.. but at least you remembered.? I don't want to hurt you on accident..

That would’ve been my fault for not putting them on.

(She shrugs)

I don’t usually forget. I’m usually good at remembering those things…

Still...

(It looks up at her)

It happens sometimes. Everyone forgets something..

When it’s that important? I doubt it happens to absolutely everyone.

(They shrug)

Maybe not.. but still. As long as you didn't get shocked it's okay.?

(She sighs, staring at her hands for a moment)

I guess so. I’m alive, so that makes it fine.

(She doesn’t entirely believe it)

Mhm. ... You are alive. You sound doubtful.

Not doubtful I’m alive. Just… I hate making mistakes. Especially stupid ones.

Mistakes are normal. It doesn't feel good to make them, but they're normal.

I know they are… but I know better. You’re not the first droid whose batteries I’ve changed- I should have known.

.... How about we change the subject..? Do you like... um...

(It trails off, unsure what to say)

Yes. Great idea.

(She hadn’t even noticed she was spiralling)

Have you ever had a job?

Yes. It wasn't a good job.. I don't remember much of it, only pieces.

Oh. I assume the pieces aren’t good memories?

(She frowns a little)

I spent a year or so helping to fix some stuff for a rescue, that’s really the only job I’ve ever had.

No.

That sounds like a nice job. Helping people.

At least it’s just pieces I guess…

(She nods)

It was. A lot of the machines there are fairly old, so I got to replace parts and rewire some things too.

(She sounds almost happy as she talks about it, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience)

It sounds like you like doing it. Do you still fix them?

Only now and again… I love doing that sort of thing.

You should keep doing it if you enjoy it. It's good to have something you like to do.

That’s true. I’ll have to pay a visit and see if they need anything doing…

(She pulls a face, remembering something)

Jackrabbit.

Good.

(It tilts its head)

... What about them?

Their family. We were going to search for them… I think.

(She goes and grabs a chip packet, opening it and crunching a couple)

We should get round to it at some point.

Right. We did plan to do that. It's for the best of the family.. but it still feels a little daunting, doesn't it?

It feels very daunting… but it’ll keep feeling like that until we do it, I think.

(She thinks a little)

It is for their best, right?

I think it is... wouldn't it be better to know someone you care about is technically alive? I wonder if it's even possible for them to come back to life.

(She hums)

I think it would be better they know. And I think they… well, I don’t know if it’s possible, but it doesn’t sound impossible to me.

Maybe we'll find out eventually. Do we even know anything about the family besides their names?

Um…

(She thinks back, not remembering much)

I don’t think we do. Just that Coyote is a kid…

Breaking the news to a kid sounds even more daunting...

Hopefully that’s something they’ll do? I really don’t want to do that… kids aren’t always going to understand dusting, let alone ghosts.

I hope so. I don't want to do it either..

Let’s hope we don’t have to. We could look round this zone to see if they’re still around, and then go from there?

I think that's a good idea. If we're lucky they won't be very far.

They can’t be too far. You said you can… heat seek or something?

I can. I forgot I could do that.. that will probably help.

It will! It can tell us if there’s someone around, so we don’t miss anything.

Then I'll use that to help us find them. Thank you for reminding me.

That’s okay.

(She finishes her chips)

When do you think we should go looking?

I don't know.. Maybe when it's a little cooler? I'll overheat before we can find them if we go now.

That’s a good point… would going in the evening be better?

Yes, that would be better. We can go whatever day you want to.

Soon. I want to find them before I go to get Wicked, because I don’t want it to be involved. Maybe tomorrow or the day after?

That sounds good. We should probably rest before then.

That’s a good idea. I could use a little rest…

(Accidentally sleeping in the car is not comfy)

(They nod)

I'll be quiet so you can sleep. I might pick up any messes.

Messes? Right…

(There’s a few things on the floor, and her desk isn’t exactly tidy. She finds herself a blanket to curl under)

Thank you.

Only if you want me to. Is there anything you don't want me messing with?

Just the scrappy things on the desk. They’re there for a reason…

(They’re really not, but she’s funny about the desk. She pulls back the curtain to where she has her bed, crawling onto it and wrapping the blanket round herself like a burrito)

Thank you…

Got it. I'll leave them as is. You're welcome.

(It walks away to clean, wanting to feel productive)

Mmm…

(She seems to go very still after pulling a makeshift eye mask over her eyes to block everything out. It’s impossible to tell exactly when she goes to sleep)

#tequila-kjrp #kjrp

(Tequila finally comes back to the caravan, with fresh batteries for the droid friend. She seems a little sad, and there’s ash on her jacket)

@tequila-kjrp

(It's been powered down to conserve energy, but it looks at Tequila when she enters the caravan)

Are you okay?

(She shrugs. She was supposed to be back days, even weeks ago, but a persistent ghost (Schnapps) and a few fix it requests kept her busy enough to forget to come back)

I… I will be. ‘S a long story… oh! I bought you some more batteries!

(They put the batteries by Decay, before taking off the jacket. She’s somehow managed to get ash and dirt/sand on her arms, and there’s a stray cactus needle stuck to her tank top)

(It takes them, looking up expectantly. Though, when it notices the ash, dirt, and cactus spine it tilts its head slightly)

Did you start a fire?

I didn’t start it… I just re buried the corpse after the fire was put out.

(They take a moment to realise that’s quite possibly not a normal thing to say)

That doesn’t sound any better, does it?

(They shake their head slowly)

Not really. Actually I think that sounds worse. At least you're okay. Right?

Oh.

(They look down, pluck out the cactus needle, and then sigh)

Physically I am shiny. As far as I can tell… do you want to know why I was re burying a corpse?

Mhm. I want to know.

(It stares, curious)

The corpse was originally buried by me and Hollow. It was my friend Schnapps…

(They decide to sit down)

They got attacked and then ghosted because I didn’t patch them up properly and they got infected. Then they were ghosting around, and then a ‘joy I know got tired of being haunted and dug them up to burn the body… I don’t know if he did anything else or if that was just him threatening them, but they’re not bothering me anymore either- so it must’ve somehow worked.

Oh. I'm.. sorry. … Do you miss them?

Yes, but I also feel a little less… like I have to be on my guard all the time. Their mood was unpredictable and they even stabbed me in my sleep, but I really do miss them.

At least they can rest now? That's good I think.

It is. I’m happy that they can rest, I just wish they hadn’t dusted in the first place.

I understand.. Sometimes you just can't do anything..

That’s true I suppose.

(They could have done something: been better at first aid)

I should’ve gotten them help…

... Maybe, but you were both probably stressed. It's easy to make mistakes when you're stressed. I doubt they blame you.

We were super stressed. I think if they blamed me, they’d have told me? I hope they would have…

I believe they would've blamed whoever hurt them, not whoever tried to save them.

I hope so… I think they said they had haunted him, but it got boring after a while because he never noticed he was being haunted unless they spoke to him.

I would get bored too. Why did they haunt the other person?

I think it was mainly because the other person knew they were there, and answered when they spoke to them. I think they weren’t very nice to the guy though…

Oh. So they haunted him to scare him? I guess that's why a lot of ghosts haunt people.. isn't it?

I know hardly anything about them, but I assume so? I don’t want to haunt people when I dust, I just want to go to the Witch. No scaring people or trying to possess them like those old scary movies.

I can't haunt people, but maybe it would be fun? I wouldn't want to scare anyone too much.

It seems like it could be, but I think it would get boring. I can’t fix things if I’m all dusted.

(They frown)

I don’t want to scare people.

That's true.. I wouldn't want to be stuck not being able to do things.

You don't have to.

Yea, I’d miss being able to do things!

(She nods)

Which is good. I’d be bad at it anyway.

Me too.

I think I would be bad at it too. I don't know how to be a ghost.

I don’t know either. The old scary movie ghosts all seem to just be miserable and angry anyways, and I don’t like feeling like that.

Being miserable and angry all the time doesn't sound like a nice thing to be, especially after dying. I would rather be happy or in peace.

I think when I dust I just want to be peaceful. I’d settle for that. I think I deserve at least peace if I can’t have happiness.

(It nods)

Peace would be nice. I don't think I'll even know when I've dusted.

Oh.

(They contemplate it)

I guess that’s part of the unknown, the fear of it. Not knowing what it’ll be like or if it’ll be like anything at all… I think you’ll know.

My batteries could die while I'm shut down and I would never know until I get new ones. I don't like that I'm always dying, by technicality.

I don't think you'll have to worry about dusting for a while.. I hope you won't.

Oh, that’s technically true.

I hope I get to live a little longer, even if it’s difficult sometimes…

A lot of things we like are difficult.

(It's voice crackles a bit, the new batteries not doing much sitting in its hands)

I like living. You can't do fun stuff if you're a ghost..

Yea that’s true. Ghosting must be torture.

(She remembers the batteries)

Oh! Do you want me to change your batteries?

(It nods immediately)

Mhm. Please. I don't want to shut down again.

(They're aware they shut down for battery changes too, but that's less unpleasant since it can go straight back to where it left off. No memory loss or anything)

That makes sense.

(She takes the batteries and goes to change them)

Battery time.

(It means to warn her to wear the gloves, but as soon as the batteries are removed its head droops. It still has some power left, which is a shock hazard)

(She’s about to put in the new batteries when she remembers she’s not already wearing gloves, and then puts her gloves on before replacing them)

That was stupid…

(There's a moment of nothing before it lifts its head)

Hm? ... Did I shock you.?

(She puts the old batteries away and throws her gloves onto the desk)

No, but I nearly did get shocked- forgot my gloves. That’s a stupid mistake.

I think it's easy to forget.. but at least you remembered.? I don't want to hurt you on accident..

That would’ve been my fault for not putting them on.

(She shrugs)

I don’t usually forget. I’m usually good at remembering those things…

Still...

(It looks up at her)

It happens sometimes. Everyone forgets something..

When it’s that important? I doubt it happens to absolutely everyone.

(They shrug)

Maybe not.. but still. As long as you didn't get shocked it's okay.?

(She sighs, staring at her hands for a moment)

I guess so. I’m alive, so that makes it fine.

(She doesn’t entirely believe it)

Mhm. ... You are alive. You sound doubtful.

Not doubtful I’m alive. Just… I hate making mistakes. Especially stupid ones.

Mistakes are normal. It doesn't feel good to make them, but they're normal.

I know they are… but I know better. You’re not the first droid whose batteries I’ve changed- I should have known.

.... How about we change the subject..? Do you like... um...

(It trails off, unsure what to say)

Yes. Great idea.

(She hadn’t even noticed she was spiralling)

Have you ever had a job?

Yes. It wasn't a good job.. I don't remember much of it, only pieces.

Oh. I assume the pieces aren’t good memories?

(She frowns a little)

I spent a year or so helping to fix some stuff for a rescue, that’s really the only job I’ve ever had.

No.

That sounds like a nice job. Helping people.

At least it’s just pieces I guess…

(She nods)

It was. A lot of the machines there are fairly old, so I got to replace parts and rewire some things too.

(She sounds almost happy as she talks about it, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience)

It sounds like you like doing it. Do you still fix them?

Only now and again… I love doing that sort of thing.

You should keep doing it if you enjoy it. It's good to have something you like to do.

That’s true. I’ll have to pay a visit and see if they need anything doing…

(She pulls a face, remembering something)

Jackrabbit.

Good.

(It tilts its head)

... What about them?

Their family. We were going to search for them… I think.

(She goes and grabs a chip packet, opening it and crunching a couple)

We should get round to it at some point.

Right. We did plan to do that. It's for the best of the family.. but it still feels a little daunting, doesn't it?

It feels very daunting… but it’ll keep feeling like that until we do it, I think.

(She thinks a little)

It is for their best, right?

I think it is... wouldn't it be better to know someone you care about is technically alive? I wonder if it's even possible for them to come back to life.

(She hums)

I think it would be better they know. And I think they… well, I don’t know if it’s possible, but it doesn’t sound impossible to me.

Maybe we'll find out eventually. Do we even know anything about the family besides their names?

Um…

(She thinks back, not remembering much)

I don’t think we do. Just that Coyote is a kid…

Breaking the news to a kid sounds even more daunting...

Hopefully that’s something they’ll do? I really don’t want to do that… kids aren’t always going to understand dusting, let alone ghosts.

I hope so. I don't want to do it either..

Let’s hope we don’t have to. We could look round this zone to see if they’re still around, and then go from there?

I think that's a good idea. If we're lucky they won't be very far.

They can’t be too far. You said you can… heat seek or something?

I can. I forgot I could do that.. that will probably help.

It will! It can tell us if there’s someone around, so we don’t miss anything.

Then I'll use that to help us find them. Thank you for reminding me.

That’s okay.

(She finishes her chips)

When do you think we should go looking?

I don't know.. Maybe when it's a little cooler? I'll overheat before we can find them if we go now.

That’s a good point… would going in the evening be better?

Yes, that would be better. We can go whatever day you want to.

Soon. I want to find them before I go to get Wicked, because I don’t want it to be involved. Maybe tomorrow or the day after?

That sounds good. We should probably rest before then.

That’s a good idea. I could use a little rest…

(Accidentally sleeping in the car is not comfy)

(They nod)

I'll be quiet so you can sleep. I might pick up any messes.

Messes? Right…

(There’s a few things on the floor, and her desk isn’t exactly tidy. She finds herself a blanket to curl under)

Thank you.

Only if you want me to. Is there anything you don't want me messing with?

Just the scrappy things on the desk. They’re there for a reason…

(They’re really not, but she’s funny about the desk. She pulls back the curtain to where she has her bed, crawling onto it and wrapping the blanket round herself like a burrito)

Thank you…

Got it. I'll leave them as is. You're welcome.

(It walks away to clean, wanting to feel productive)

(Tequila finally comes back to the caravan, with fresh batteries for the droid friend. She seems a little sad, and there’s ash on her jacket)

@tequila-kjrp

(It's been powered down to conserve energy, but it looks at Tequila when she enters the caravan)

Are you okay?

(She shrugs. She was supposed to be back days, even weeks ago, but a persistent ghost (Schnapps) and a few fix it requests kept her busy enough to forget to come back)

I… I will be. ‘S a long story… oh! I bought you some more batteries!

(They put the batteries by Decay, before taking off the jacket. She’s somehow managed to get ash and dirt/sand on her arms, and there’s a stray cactus needle stuck to her tank top)

(It takes them, looking up expectantly. Though, when it notices the ash, dirt, and cactus spine it tilts its head slightly)

Did you start a fire?

I didn’t start it… I just re buried the corpse after the fire was put out.

(They take a moment to realise that’s quite possibly not a normal thing to say)

That doesn’t sound any better, does it?

(They shake their head slowly)

Not really. Actually I think that sounds worse. At least you're okay. Right?

Oh.

(They look down, pluck out the cactus needle, and then sigh)

Physically I am shiny. As far as I can tell… do you want to know why I was re burying a corpse?

Mhm. I want to know.

(It stares, curious)

The corpse was originally buried by me and Hollow. It was my friend Schnapps…

(They decide to sit down)

They got attacked and then ghosted because I didn’t patch them up properly and they got infected. Then they were ghosting around, and then a ‘joy I know got tired of being haunted and dug them up to burn the body… I don’t know if he did anything else or if that was just him threatening them, but they’re not bothering me anymore either- so it must’ve somehow worked.

Oh. I'm.. sorry. … Do you miss them?

Yes, but I also feel a little less… like I have to be on my guard all the time. Their mood was unpredictable and they even stabbed me in my sleep, but I really do miss them.

At least they can rest now? That's good I think.

It is. I’m happy that they can rest, I just wish they hadn’t dusted in the first place.

I understand.. Sometimes you just can't do anything..

That’s true I suppose.

(They could have done something: been better at first aid)

I should’ve gotten them help…

... Maybe, but you were both probably stressed. It's easy to make mistakes when you're stressed. I doubt they blame you.

We were super stressed. I think if they blamed me, they’d have told me? I hope they would have…

I believe they would've blamed whoever hurt them, not whoever tried to save them.

I hope so… I think they said they had haunted him, but it got boring after a while because he never noticed he was being haunted unless they spoke to him.

I would get bored too. Why did they haunt the other person?

I think it was mainly because the other person knew they were there, and answered when they spoke to them. I think they weren’t very nice to the guy though…

Oh. So they haunted him to scare him? I guess that's why a lot of ghosts haunt people.. isn't it?

I know hardly anything about them, but I assume so? I don’t want to haunt people when I dust, I just want to go to the Witch. No scaring people or trying to possess them like those old scary movies.

I can't haunt people, but maybe it would be fun? I wouldn't want to scare anyone too much.

It seems like it could be, but I think it would get boring. I can’t fix things if I’m all dusted.

(They frown)

I don’t want to scare people.

That's true.. I wouldn't want to be stuck not being able to do things.

You don't have to.

Yea, I’d miss being able to do things!

(She nods)

Which is good. I’d be bad at it anyway.

Me too.

I think I would be bad at it too. I don't know how to be a ghost.

I don’t know either. The old scary movie ghosts all seem to just be miserable and angry anyways, and I don’t like feeling like that.

Being miserable and angry all the time doesn't sound like a nice thing to be, especially after dying. I would rather be happy or in peace.

I think when I dust I just want to be peaceful. I’d settle for that. I think I deserve at least peace if I can’t have happiness.

(It nods)

Peace would be nice. I don't think I'll even know when I've dusted.

Oh.

(They contemplate it)

I guess that’s part of the unknown, the fear of it. Not knowing what it’ll be like or if it’ll be like anything at all… I think you’ll know.

My batteries could die while I'm shut down and I would never know until I get new ones. I don't like that I'm always dying, by technicality.

I don't think you'll have to worry about dusting for a while.. I hope you won't.

Oh, that’s technically true.

I hope I get to live a little longer, even if it’s difficult sometimes…

A lot of things we like are difficult.

(It's voice crackles a bit, the new batteries not doing much sitting in its hands)

I like living. You can't do fun stuff if you're a ghost..

Yea that’s true. Ghosting must be torture.

(She remembers the batteries)

Oh! Do you want me to change your batteries?

(It nods immediately)

Mhm. Please. I don't want to shut down again.

(They're aware they shut down for battery changes too, but that's less unpleasant since it can go straight back to where it left off. No memory loss or anything)

That makes sense.

(She takes the batteries and goes to change them)

Battery time.

(It means to warn her to wear the gloves, but as soon as the batteries are removed its head droops. It still has some power left, which is a shock hazard)

(She’s about to put in the new batteries when she remembers she’s not already wearing gloves, and then puts her gloves on before replacing them)

That was stupid…

(There's a moment of nothing before it lifts its head)

Hm? ... Did I shock you.?

(She puts the old batteries away and throws her gloves onto the desk)

No, but I nearly did get shocked- forgot my gloves. That’s a stupid mistake.

I think it's easy to forget.. but at least you remembered.? I don't want to hurt you on accident..

That would’ve been my fault for not putting them on.

(She shrugs)

I don’t usually forget. I’m usually good at remembering those things…

Still...

(It looks up at her)

It happens sometimes. Everyone forgets something..

When it’s that important? I doubt it happens to absolutely everyone.

(They shrug)

Maybe not.. but still. As long as you didn't get shocked it's okay.?

(She sighs, staring at her hands for a moment)

I guess so. I’m alive, so that makes it fine.

(She doesn’t entirely believe it)

Mhm. ... You are alive. You sound doubtful.

Not doubtful I’m alive. Just… I hate making mistakes. Especially stupid ones.

Mistakes are normal. It doesn't feel good to make them, but they're normal.

I know they are… but I know better. You’re not the first droid whose batteries I’ve changed- I should have known.

.... How about we change the subject..? Do you like... um...

(It trails off, unsure what to say)

Yes. Great idea.

(She hadn’t even noticed she was spiralling)

Have you ever had a job?

Yes. It wasn't a good job.. I don't remember much of it, only pieces.

Oh. I assume the pieces aren’t good memories?

(She frowns a little)

I spent a year or so helping to fix some stuff for a rescue, that’s really the only job I’ve ever had.

No.

That sounds like a nice job. Helping people.

At least it’s just pieces I guess…

(She nods)

It was. A lot of the machines there are fairly old, so I got to replace parts and rewire some things too.

(She sounds almost happy as she talks about it, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience)

It sounds like you like doing it. Do you still fix them?

Only now and again… I love doing that sort of thing.

You should keep doing it if you enjoy it. It's good to have something you like to do.

That’s true. I’ll have to pay a visit and see if they need anything doing…

(She pulls a face, remembering something)

Jackrabbit.

Good.

(It tilts its head)

... What about them?

Their family. We were going to search for them… I think.

(She goes and grabs a chip packet, opening it and crunching a couple)

We should get round to it at some point.

Right. We did plan to do that. It's for the best of the family.. but it still feels a little daunting, doesn't it?

It feels very daunting… but it’ll keep feeling like that until we do it, I think.

(She thinks a little)

It is for their best, right?

I think it is... wouldn't it be better to know someone you care about is technically alive? I wonder if it's even possible for them to come back to life.

(She hums)

I think it would be better they know. And I think they… well, I don’t know if it’s possible, but it doesn’t sound impossible to me.

Maybe we'll find out eventually. Do we even know anything about the family besides their names?

Um…

(She thinks back, not remembering much)

I don’t think we do. Just that Coyote is a kid…

Breaking the news to a kid sounds even more daunting...

Hopefully that’s something they’ll do? I really don’t want to do that… kids aren’t always going to understand dusting, let alone ghosts.

I hope so. I don't want to do it either..

Let’s hope we don’t have to. We could look round this zone to see if they’re still around, and then go from there?

I think that's a good idea. If we're lucky they won't be very far.

They can’t be too far. You said you can… heat seek or something?

I can. I forgot I could do that.. that will probably help.

It will! It can tell us if there’s someone around, so we don’t miss anything.

Then I'll use that to help us find them. Thank you for reminding me.

That’s okay.

(She finishes her chips)

When do you think we should go looking?

I don't know.. Maybe when it's a little cooler? I'll overheat before we can find them if we go now.

That’s a good point… would going in the evening be better?

Yes, that would be better. We can go whatever day you want to.

Soon. I want to find them before I go to get Wicked, because I don’t want it to be involved. Maybe tomorrow or the day after?

That sounds good. We should probably rest before then.

That’s a good idea. I could use a little rest…

(Accidentally sleeping in the car is not comfy)

(They nod)

I'll be quiet so you can sleep. I might pick up any messes.

Messes? Right…

(There’s a few things on the floor, and her desk isn’t exactly tidy. She finds herself a blanket to curl under)

Thank you.

Only if you want me to. Is there anything you don't want me messing with?

(Tequila finally comes back to the caravan, with fresh batteries for the droid friend. She seems a little sad, and there’s ash on her jacket)

@tequila-kjrp

(It's been powered down to conserve energy, but it looks at Tequila when she enters the caravan)

Are you okay?

(She shrugs. She was supposed to be back days, even weeks ago, but a persistent ghost (Schnapps) and a few fix it requests kept her busy enough to forget to come back)

I… I will be. ‘S a long story… oh! I bought you some more batteries!

(They put the batteries by Decay, before taking off the jacket. She’s somehow managed to get ash and dirt/sand on her arms, and there’s a stray cactus needle stuck to her tank top)

(It takes them, looking up expectantly. Though, when it notices the ash, dirt, and cactus spine it tilts its head slightly)

Did you start a fire?

I didn’t start it… I just re buried the corpse after the fire was put out.

(They take a moment to realise that’s quite possibly not a normal thing to say)

That doesn’t sound any better, does it?

(They shake their head slowly)

Not really. Actually I think that sounds worse. At least you're okay. Right?

Oh.

(They look down, pluck out the cactus needle, and then sigh)

Physically I am shiny. As far as I can tell… do you want to know why I was re burying a corpse?

Mhm. I want to know.

(It stares, curious)

The corpse was originally buried by me and Hollow. It was my friend Schnapps…

(They decide to sit down)

They got attacked and then ghosted because I didn’t patch them up properly and they got infected. Then they were ghosting around, and then a ‘joy I know got tired of being haunted and dug them up to burn the body… I don’t know if he did anything else or if that was just him threatening them, but they’re not bothering me anymore either- so it must’ve somehow worked.

Oh. I'm.. sorry. … Do you miss them?

Yes, but I also feel a little less… like I have to be on my guard all the time. Their mood was unpredictable and they even stabbed me in my sleep, but I really do miss them.

At least they can rest now? That's good I think.

It is. I’m happy that they can rest, I just wish they hadn’t dusted in the first place.

I understand.. Sometimes you just can't do anything..

That’s true I suppose.

(They could have done something: been better at first aid)

I should’ve gotten them help…

... Maybe, but you were both probably stressed. It's easy to make mistakes when you're stressed. I doubt they blame you.

We were super stressed. I think if they blamed me, they’d have told me? I hope they would have…

I believe they would've blamed whoever hurt them, not whoever tried to save them.

I hope so… I think they said they had haunted him, but it got boring after a while because he never noticed he was being haunted unless they spoke to him.

I would get bored too. Why did they haunt the other person?

I think it was mainly because the other person knew they were there, and answered when they spoke to them. I think they weren’t very nice to the guy though…

Oh. So they haunted him to scare him? I guess that's why a lot of ghosts haunt people.. isn't it?

I know hardly anything about them, but I assume so? I don’t want to haunt people when I dust, I just want to go to the Witch. No scaring people or trying to possess them like those old scary movies.

I can't haunt people, but maybe it would be fun? I wouldn't want to scare anyone too much.

It seems like it could be, but I think it would get boring. I can’t fix things if I’m all dusted.

(They frown)

I don’t want to scare people.

That's true.. I wouldn't want to be stuck not being able to do things.

You don't have to.

Yea, I’d miss being able to do things!

(She nods)

Which is good. I’d be bad at it anyway.

Me too.

I think I would be bad at it too. I don't know how to be a ghost.

I don’t know either. The old scary movie ghosts all seem to just be miserable and angry anyways, and I don’t like feeling like that.

Being miserable and angry all the time doesn't sound like a nice thing to be, especially after dying. I would rather be happy or in peace.

I think when I dust I just want to be peaceful. I’d settle for that. I think I deserve at least peace if I can’t have happiness.

(It nods)

Peace would be nice. I don't think I'll even know when I've dusted.

Oh.

(They contemplate it)

I guess that’s part of the unknown, the fear of it. Not knowing what it’ll be like or if it’ll be like anything at all… I think you’ll know.

My batteries could die while I'm shut down and I would never know until I get new ones. I don't like that I'm always dying, by technicality.

I don't think you'll have to worry about dusting for a while.. I hope you won't.

Oh, that’s technically true.

I hope I get to live a little longer, even if it’s difficult sometimes…

A lot of things we like are difficult.

(It's voice crackles a bit, the new batteries not doing much sitting in its hands)

I like living. You can't do fun stuff if you're a ghost..

Yea that’s true. Ghosting must be torture.

(She remembers the batteries)

Oh! Do you want me to change your batteries?

(It nods immediately)

Mhm. Please. I don't want to shut down again.

(They're aware they shut down for battery changes too, but that's less unpleasant since it can go straight back to where it left off. No memory loss or anything)

That makes sense.

(She takes the batteries and goes to change them)

Battery time.

(It means to warn her to wear the gloves, but as soon as the batteries are removed its head droops. It still has some power left, which is a shock hazard)

(She’s about to put in the new batteries when she remembers she’s not already wearing gloves, and then puts her gloves on before replacing them)

That was stupid…

(There's a moment of nothing before it lifts its head)

Hm? ... Did I shock you.?

(She puts the old batteries away and throws her gloves onto the desk)

No, but I nearly did get shocked- forgot my gloves. That’s a stupid mistake.

I think it's easy to forget.. but at least you remembered.? I don't want to hurt you on accident..

That would’ve been my fault for not putting them on.

(She shrugs)

I don’t usually forget. I’m usually good at remembering those things…

Still...

(It looks up at her)

It happens sometimes. Everyone forgets something..

When it’s that important? I doubt it happens to absolutely everyone.

(They shrug)

Maybe not.. but still. As long as you didn't get shocked it's okay.?

(She sighs, staring at her hands for a moment)

I guess so. I’m alive, so that makes it fine.

(She doesn’t entirely believe it)

Mhm. ... You are alive. You sound doubtful.

Not doubtful I’m alive. Just… I hate making mistakes. Especially stupid ones.

Mistakes are normal. It doesn't feel good to make them, but they're normal.

I know they are… but I know better. You’re not the first droid whose batteries I’ve changed- I should have known.

.... How about we change the subject..? Do you like... um...

(It trails off, unsure what to say)

Yes. Great idea.

(She hadn’t even noticed she was spiralling)

Have you ever had a job?

Yes. It wasn't a good job.. I don't remember much of it, only pieces.

Oh. I assume the pieces aren’t good memories?

(She frowns a little)

I spent a year or so helping to fix some stuff for a rescue, that’s really the only job I’ve ever had.

No.

That sounds like a nice job. Helping people.

At least it’s just pieces I guess…

(She nods)

It was. A lot of the machines there are fairly old, so I got to replace parts and rewire some things too.

(She sounds almost happy as she talks about it, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience)

It sounds like you like doing it. Do you still fix them?

Only now and again… I love doing that sort of thing.

You should keep doing it if you enjoy it. It's good to have something you like to do.

That’s true. I’ll have to pay a visit and see if they need anything doing…

(She pulls a face, remembering something)

Jackrabbit.

Good.

(It tilts its head)

... What about them?

Their family. We were going to search for them… I think.

(She goes and grabs a chip packet, opening it and crunching a couple)

We should get round to it at some point.

Right. We did plan to do that. It's for the best of the family.. but it still feels a little daunting, doesn't it?

It feels very daunting… but it’ll keep feeling like that until we do it, I think.

(She thinks a little)

It is for their best, right?

I think it is... wouldn't it be better to know someone you care about is technically alive? I wonder if it's even possible for them to come back to life.

(She hums)

I think it would be better they know. And I think they… well, I don’t know if it’s possible, but it doesn’t sound impossible to me.

Maybe we'll find out eventually. Do we even know anything about the family besides their names?

Um…

(She thinks back, not remembering much)

I don’t think we do. Just that Coyote is a kid…

Breaking the news to a kid sounds even more daunting...

Hopefully that’s something they’ll do? I really don’t want to do that… kids aren’t always going to understand dusting, let alone ghosts.

I hope so. I don't want to do it either..

Let’s hope we don’t have to. We could look round this zone to see if they’re still around, and then go from there?

I think that's a good idea. If we're lucky they won't be very far.

They can’t be too far. You said you can… heat seek or something?

I can. I forgot I could do that.. that will probably help.

It will! It can tell us if there’s someone around, so we don’t miss anything.

Then I'll use that to help us find them. Thank you for reminding me.

That’s okay.

(She finishes her chips)

When do you think we should go looking?

I don't know.. Maybe when it's a little cooler? I'll overheat before we can find them if we go now.

That’s a good point… would going in the evening be better?

Yes, that would be better. We can go whatever day you want to.

Soon. I want to find them before I go to get Wicked, because I don’t want it to be involved. Maybe tomorrow or the day after?

That sounds good. We should probably rest before then.

That’s a good idea. I could use a little rest…

(Accidentally sleeping in the car is not comfy)

(They nod)

I'll be quiet so you can sleep. I might pick up any messes.

(Tequila finally comes back to the caravan, with fresh batteries for the droid friend. She seems a little sad, and there’s ash on her jacket)

@tequila-kjrp

(It's been powered down to conserve energy, but it looks at Tequila when she enters the caravan)

Are you okay?

(She shrugs. She was supposed to be back days, even weeks ago, but a persistent ghost (Schnapps) and a few fix it requests kept her busy enough to forget to come back)

I… I will be. ‘S a long story… oh! I bought you some more batteries!

(They put the batteries by Decay, before taking off the jacket. She’s somehow managed to get ash and dirt/sand on her arms, and there’s a stray cactus needle stuck to her tank top)

(It takes them, looking up expectantly. Though, when it notices the ash, dirt, and cactus spine it tilts its head slightly)

Did you start a fire?

I didn’t start it… I just re buried the corpse after the fire was put out.

(They take a moment to realise that’s quite possibly not a normal thing to say)

That doesn’t sound any better, does it?

(They shake their head slowly)

Not really. Actually I think that sounds worse. At least you're okay. Right?

Oh.

(They look down, pluck out the cactus needle, and then sigh)

Physically I am shiny. As far as I can tell… do you want to know why I was re burying a corpse?

Mhm. I want to know.

(It stares, curious)

The corpse was originally buried by me and Hollow. It was my friend Schnapps…

(They decide to sit down)

They got attacked and then ghosted because I didn’t patch them up properly and they got infected. Then they were ghosting around, and then a ‘joy I know got tired of being haunted and dug them up to burn the body… I don’t know if he did anything else or if that was just him threatening them, but they’re not bothering me anymore either- so it must’ve somehow worked.

Oh. I'm.. sorry. … Do you miss them?

Yes, but I also feel a little less… like I have to be on my guard all the time. Their mood was unpredictable and they even stabbed me in my sleep, but I really do miss them.

At least they can rest now? That's good I think.

It is. I’m happy that they can rest, I just wish they hadn’t dusted in the first place.

I understand.. Sometimes you just can't do anything..

That’s true I suppose.

(They could have done something: been better at first aid)

I should’ve gotten them help…

... Maybe, but you were both probably stressed. It's easy to make mistakes when you're stressed. I doubt they blame you.

We were super stressed. I think if they blamed me, they’d have told me? I hope they would have…

I believe they would've blamed whoever hurt them, not whoever tried to save them.

I hope so… I think they said they had haunted him, but it got boring after a while because he never noticed he was being haunted unless they spoke to him.

I would get bored too. Why did they haunt the other person?

I think it was mainly because the other person knew they were there, and answered when they spoke to them. I think they weren’t very nice to the guy though…

Oh. So they haunted him to scare him? I guess that's why a lot of ghosts haunt people.. isn't it?

I know hardly anything about them, but I assume so? I don’t want to haunt people when I dust, I just want to go to the Witch. No scaring people or trying to possess them like those old scary movies.

I can't haunt people, but maybe it would be fun? I wouldn't want to scare anyone too much.

It seems like it could be, but I think it would get boring. I can’t fix things if I’m all dusted.

(They frown)

I don’t want to scare people.

That's true.. I wouldn't want to be stuck not being able to do things.

You don't have to.

Yea, I’d miss being able to do things!

(She nods)

Which is good. I’d be bad at it anyway.

Me too.

I think I would be bad at it too. I don't know how to be a ghost.

I don’t know either. The old scary movie ghosts all seem to just be miserable and angry anyways, and I don’t like feeling like that.

Being miserable and angry all the time doesn't sound like a nice thing to be, especially after dying. I would rather be happy or in peace.

I think when I dust I just want to be peaceful. I’d settle for that. I think I deserve at least peace if I can’t have happiness.

(It nods)

Peace would be nice. I don't think I'll even know when I've dusted.

Oh.

(They contemplate it)

I guess that’s part of the unknown, the fear of it. Not knowing what it’ll be like or if it’ll be like anything at all… I think you’ll know.

My batteries could die while I'm shut down and I would never know until I get new ones. I don't like that I'm always dying, by technicality.

I don't think you'll have to worry about dusting for a while.. I hope you won't.

Oh, that’s technically true.

I hope I get to live a little longer, even if it’s difficult sometimes…

A lot of things we like are difficult.

(It's voice crackles a bit, the new batteries not doing much sitting in its hands)

I like living. You can't do fun stuff if you're a ghost..

Yea that’s true. Ghosting must be torture.

(She remembers the batteries)

Oh! Do you want me to change your batteries?

(It nods immediately)

Mhm. Please. I don't want to shut down again.

(They're aware they shut down for battery changes too, but that's less unpleasant since it can go straight back to where it left off. No memory loss or anything)

That makes sense.

(She takes the batteries and goes to change them)

Battery time.

(It means to warn her to wear the gloves, but as soon as the batteries are removed its head droops. It still has some power left, which is a shock hazard)

(She’s about to put in the new batteries when she remembers she’s not already wearing gloves, and then puts her gloves on before replacing them)

That was stupid…

(There's a moment of nothing before it lifts its head)

Hm? ... Did I shock you.?

(She puts the old batteries away and throws her gloves onto the desk)

No, but I nearly did get shocked- forgot my gloves. That’s a stupid mistake.

I think it's easy to forget.. but at least you remembered.? I don't want to hurt you on accident..

That would’ve been my fault for not putting them on.

(She shrugs)

I don’t usually forget. I’m usually good at remembering those things…

Still...

(It looks up at her)

It happens sometimes. Everyone forgets something..

When it’s that important? I doubt it happens to absolutely everyone.

(They shrug)

Maybe not.. but still. As long as you didn't get shocked it's okay.?

(She sighs, staring at her hands for a moment)

I guess so. I’m alive, so that makes it fine.

(She doesn’t entirely believe it)

Mhm. ... You are alive. You sound doubtful.

Not doubtful I’m alive. Just… I hate making mistakes. Especially stupid ones.

Mistakes are normal. It doesn't feel good to make them, but they're normal.

I know they are… but I know better. You’re not the first droid whose batteries I’ve changed- I should have known.

.... How about we change the subject..? Do you like... um...

(It trails off, unsure what to say)

Yes. Great idea.

(She hadn’t even noticed she was spiralling)

Have you ever had a job?

Yes. It wasn't a good job.. I don't remember much of it, only pieces.

Oh. I assume the pieces aren’t good memories?

(She frowns a little)

I spent a year or so helping to fix some stuff for a rescue, that’s really the only job I’ve ever had.

No.

That sounds like a nice job. Helping people.

At least it’s just pieces I guess…

(She nods)

It was. A lot of the machines there are fairly old, so I got to replace parts and rewire some things too.

(She sounds almost happy as she talks about it, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience)

It sounds like you like doing it. Do you still fix them?

Only now and again… I love doing that sort of thing.

You should keep doing it if you enjoy it. It's good to have something you like to do.

That’s true. I’ll have to pay a visit and see if they need anything doing…

(She pulls a face, remembering something)

Jackrabbit.

Good.

(It tilts its head)

... What about them?

Their family. We were going to search for them… I think.

(She goes and grabs a chip packet, opening it and crunching a couple)

We should get round to it at some point.

Right. We did plan to do that. It's for the best of the family.. but it still feels a little daunting, doesn't it?

It feels very daunting… but it’ll keep feeling like that until we do it, I think.

(She thinks a little)

It is for their best, right?

I think it is... wouldn't it be better to know someone you care about is technically alive? I wonder if it's even possible for them to come back to life.

(She hums)

I think it would be better they know. And I think they… well, I don’t know if it’s possible, but it doesn’t sound impossible to me.

Maybe we'll find out eventually. Do we even know anything about the family besides their names?

Um…

(She thinks back, not remembering much)

I don’t think we do. Just that Coyote is a kid…

Breaking the news to a kid sounds even more daunting...

Hopefully that’s something they’ll do? I really don’t want to do that… kids aren’t always going to understand dusting, let alone ghosts.

I hope so. I don't want to do it either..

Let’s hope we don’t have to. We could look round this zone to see if they’re still around, and then go from there?

I think that's a good idea. If we're lucky they won't be very far.

They can’t be too far. You said you can… heat seek or something?

I can. I forgot I could do that.. that will probably help.

It will! It can tell us if there’s someone around, so we don’t miss anything.

Then I'll use that to help us find them. Thank you for reminding me.

That’s okay.

(She finishes her chips)

When do you think we should go looking?

I don't know.. Maybe when it's a little cooler? I'll overheat before we can find them if we go now.

That’s a good point… would going in the evening be better?

Yes, that would be better. We can go whatever day you want to.

Soon. I want to find them before I go to get Wicked, because I don’t want it to be involved. Maybe tomorrow or the day after?

That sounds good. We should probably rest before then.

(Tequila finally comes back to the caravan, with fresh batteries for the droid friend. She seems a little sad, and there’s ash on her jacket)

@tequila-kjrp

(It's been powered down to conserve energy, but it looks at Tequila when she enters the caravan)

Are you okay?

(She shrugs. She was supposed to be back days, even weeks ago, but a persistent ghost (Schnapps) and a few fix it requests kept her busy enough to forget to come back)

I… I will be. ‘S a long story… oh! I bought you some more batteries!

(They put the batteries by Decay, before taking off the jacket. She’s somehow managed to get ash and dirt/sand on her arms, and there’s a stray cactus needle stuck to her tank top)

(It takes them, looking up expectantly. Though, when it notices the ash, dirt, and cactus spine it tilts its head slightly)

Did you start a fire?

I didn’t start it… I just re buried the corpse after the fire was put out.

(They take a moment to realise that’s quite possibly not a normal thing to say)

That doesn’t sound any better, does it?

(They shake their head slowly)

Not really. Actually I think that sounds worse. At least you're okay. Right?

Oh.

(They look down, pluck out the cactus needle, and then sigh)

Physically I am shiny. As far as I can tell… do you want to know why I was re burying a corpse?

Mhm. I want to know.

(It stares, curious)

The corpse was originally buried by me and Hollow. It was my friend Schnapps…

(They decide to sit down)

They got attacked and then ghosted because I didn’t patch them up properly and they got infected. Then they were ghosting around, and then a ‘joy I know got tired of being haunted and dug them up to burn the body… I don’t know if he did anything else or if that was just him threatening them, but they’re not bothering me anymore either- so it must’ve somehow worked.

Oh. I'm.. sorry. … Do you miss them?

Yes, but I also feel a little less… like I have to be on my guard all the time. Their mood was unpredictable and they even stabbed me in my sleep, but I really do miss them.

At least they can rest now? That's good I think.

It is. I’m happy that they can rest, I just wish they hadn’t dusted in the first place.

I understand.. Sometimes you just can't do anything..

That’s true I suppose.

(They could have done something: been better at first aid)

I should’ve gotten them help…

... Maybe, but you were both probably stressed. It's easy to make mistakes when you're stressed. I doubt they blame you.

We were super stressed. I think if they blamed me, they’d have told me? I hope they would have…

I believe they would've blamed whoever hurt them, not whoever tried to save them.

I hope so… I think they said they had haunted him, but it got boring after a while because he never noticed he was being haunted unless they spoke to him.

I would get bored too. Why did they haunt the other person?

I think it was mainly because the other person knew they were there, and answered when they spoke to them. I think they weren’t very nice to the guy though…

Oh. So they haunted him to scare him? I guess that's why a lot of ghosts haunt people.. isn't it?

I know hardly anything about them, but I assume so? I don’t want to haunt people when I dust, I just want to go to the Witch. No scaring people or trying to possess them like those old scary movies.

I can't haunt people, but maybe it would be fun? I wouldn't want to scare anyone too much.

It seems like it could be, but I think it would get boring. I can’t fix things if I’m all dusted.

(They frown)

I don’t want to scare people.

That's true.. I wouldn't want to be stuck not being able to do things.

You don't have to.

Yea, I’d miss being able to do things!

(She nods)

Which is good. I’d be bad at it anyway.

Me too.

I think I would be bad at it too. I don't know how to be a ghost.

I don’t know either. The old scary movie ghosts all seem to just be miserable and angry anyways, and I don’t like feeling like that.

Being miserable and angry all the time doesn't sound like a nice thing to be, especially after dying. I would rather be happy or in peace.

I think when I dust I just want to be peaceful. I’d settle for that. I think I deserve at least peace if I can’t have happiness.

(It nods)

Peace would be nice. I don't think I'll even know when I've dusted.

Oh.

(They contemplate it)

I guess that’s part of the unknown, the fear of it. Not knowing what it’ll be like or if it’ll be like anything at all… I think you’ll know.

My batteries could die while I'm shut down and I would never know until I get new ones. I don't like that I'm always dying, by technicality.

I don't think you'll have to worry about dusting for a while.. I hope you won't.

Oh, that’s technically true.

I hope I get to live a little longer, even if it’s difficult sometimes…

A lot of things we like are difficult.

(It's voice crackles a bit, the new batteries not doing much sitting in its hands)

I like living. You can't do fun stuff if you're a ghost..

Yea that’s true. Ghosting must be torture.

(She remembers the batteries)

Oh! Do you want me to change your batteries?

(It nods immediately)

Mhm. Please. I don't want to shut down again.

(They're aware they shut down for battery changes too, but that's less unpleasant since it can go straight back to where it left off. No memory loss or anything)

That makes sense.

(She takes the batteries and goes to change them)

Battery time.

(It means to warn her to wear the gloves, but as soon as the batteries are removed its head droops. It still has some power left, which is a shock hazard)

(She’s about to put in the new batteries when she remembers she’s not already wearing gloves, and then puts her gloves on before replacing them)

That was stupid…

(There's a moment of nothing before it lifts its head)

Hm? ... Did I shock you.?

(She puts the old batteries away and throws her gloves onto the desk)

No, but I nearly did get shocked- forgot my gloves. That’s a stupid mistake.

I think it's easy to forget.. but at least you remembered.? I don't want to hurt you on accident..

That would’ve been my fault for not putting them on.

(She shrugs)

I don’t usually forget. I’m usually good at remembering those things…

Still...

(It looks up at her)

It happens sometimes. Everyone forgets something..

When it’s that important? I doubt it happens to absolutely everyone.

(They shrug)

Maybe not.. but still. As long as you didn't get shocked it's okay.?

(She sighs, staring at her hands for a moment)

I guess so. I’m alive, so that makes it fine.

(She doesn’t entirely believe it)

Mhm. ... You are alive. You sound doubtful.

Not doubtful I’m alive. Just… I hate making mistakes. Especially stupid ones.

Mistakes are normal. It doesn't feel good to make them, but they're normal.

I know they are… but I know better. You’re not the first droid whose batteries I’ve changed- I should have known.

.... How about we change the subject..? Do you like... um...

(It trails off, unsure what to say)

Yes. Great idea.

(She hadn’t even noticed she was spiralling)

Have you ever had a job?

Yes. It wasn't a good job.. I don't remember much of it, only pieces.

Oh. I assume the pieces aren’t good memories?

(She frowns a little)

I spent a year or so helping to fix some stuff for a rescue, that’s really the only job I’ve ever had.

No.

That sounds like a nice job. Helping people.

At least it’s just pieces I guess…

(She nods)

It was. A lot of the machines there are fairly old, so I got to replace parts and rewire some things too.

(She sounds almost happy as she talks about it, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience)

It sounds like you like doing it. Do you still fix them?

Only now and again… I love doing that sort of thing.

You should keep doing it if you enjoy it. It's good to have something you like to do.

That’s true. I’ll have to pay a visit and see if they need anything doing…

(She pulls a face, remembering something)

Jackrabbit.

Good.

(It tilts its head)

... What about them?

Their family. We were going to search for them… I think.

(She goes and grabs a chip packet, opening it and crunching a couple)

We should get round to it at some point.

Right. We did plan to do that. It's for the best of the family.. but it still feels a little daunting, doesn't it?

It feels very daunting… but it’ll keep feeling like that until we do it, I think.

(She thinks a little)

It is for their best, right?

I think it is... wouldn't it be better to know someone you care about is technically alive? I wonder if it's even possible for them to come back to life.

(She hums)

I think it would be better they know. And I think they… well, I don’t know if it’s possible, but it doesn’t sound impossible to me.

Maybe we'll find out eventually. Do we even know anything about the family besides their names?

Um…

(She thinks back, not remembering much)

I don’t think we do. Just that Coyote is a kid…

Breaking the news to a kid sounds even more daunting...

Hopefully that’s something they’ll do? I really don’t want to do that… kids aren’t always going to understand dusting, let alone ghosts.

I hope so. I don't want to do it either..

Let’s hope we don’t have to. We could look round this zone to see if they’re still around, and then go from there?

I think that's a good idea. If we're lucky they won't be very far.

They can’t be too far. You said you can… heat seek or something?

I can. I forgot I could do that.. that will probably help.

It will! It can tell us if there’s someone around, so we don’t miss anything.

Then I'll use that to help us find them. Thank you for reminding me.

That’s okay.

(She finishes her chips)

When do you think we should go looking?

I don't know.. Maybe when it's a little cooler? I'll overheat before we can find them if we go now.

That’s a good point… would going in the evening be better?

Yes, that would be better. We can go whatever day you want to.

(Tequila finally comes back to the caravan, with fresh batteries for the droid friend. She seems a little sad, and there’s ash on her jacket)

@tequila-kjrp

(It's been powered down to conserve energy, but it looks at Tequila when she enters the caravan)

Are you okay?

(She shrugs. She was supposed to be back days, even weeks ago, but a persistent ghost (Schnapps) and a few fix it requests kept her busy enough to forget to come back)

I… I will be. ‘S a long story… oh! I bought you some more batteries!

(They put the batteries by Decay, before taking off the jacket. She’s somehow managed to get ash and dirt/sand on her arms, and there’s a stray cactus needle stuck to her tank top)

(It takes them, looking up expectantly. Though, when it notices the ash, dirt, and cactus spine it tilts its head slightly)

Did you start a fire?

I didn’t start it… I just re buried the corpse after the fire was put out.

(They take a moment to realise that’s quite possibly not a normal thing to say)

That doesn’t sound any better, does it?

(They shake their head slowly)

Not really. Actually I think that sounds worse. At least you're okay. Right?

Oh.

(They look down, pluck out the cactus needle, and then sigh)

Physically I am shiny. As far as I can tell… do you want to know why I was re burying a corpse?

Mhm. I want to know.

(It stares, curious)

The corpse was originally buried by me and Hollow. It was my friend Schnapps…

(They decide to sit down)

They got attacked and then ghosted because I didn’t patch them up properly and they got infected. Then they were ghosting around, and then a ‘joy I know got tired of being haunted and dug them up to burn the body… I don’t know if he did anything else or if that was just him threatening them, but they’re not bothering me anymore either- so it must’ve somehow worked.

Oh. I'm.. sorry. … Do you miss them?

Yes, but I also feel a little less… like I have to be on my guard all the time. Their mood was unpredictable and they even stabbed me in my sleep, but I really do miss them.

At least they can rest now? That's good I think.

It is. I’m happy that they can rest, I just wish they hadn’t dusted in the first place.

I understand.. Sometimes you just can't do anything..

That’s true I suppose.

(They could have done something: been better at first aid)

I should’ve gotten them help…

... Maybe, but you were both probably stressed. It's easy to make mistakes when you're stressed. I doubt they blame you.

We were super stressed. I think if they blamed me, they’d have told me? I hope they would have…

I believe they would've blamed whoever hurt them, not whoever tried to save them.

I hope so… I think they said they had haunted him, but it got boring after a while because he never noticed he was being haunted unless they spoke to him.

I would get bored too. Why did they haunt the other person?

I think it was mainly because the other person knew they were there, and answered when they spoke to them. I think they weren’t very nice to the guy though…

Oh. So they haunted him to scare him? I guess that's why a lot of ghosts haunt people.. isn't it?

I know hardly anything about them, but I assume so? I don’t want to haunt people when I dust, I just want to go to the Witch. No scaring people or trying to possess them like those old scary movies.

I can't haunt people, but maybe it would be fun? I wouldn't want to scare anyone too much.

It seems like it could be, but I think it would get boring. I can’t fix things if I’m all dusted.

(They frown)

I don’t want to scare people.

That's true.. I wouldn't want to be stuck not being able to do things.

You don't have to.

Yea, I’d miss being able to do things!

(She nods)

Which is good. I’d be bad at it anyway.

Me too.

I think I would be bad at it too. I don't know how to be a ghost.

I don’t know either. The old scary movie ghosts all seem to just be miserable and angry anyways, and I don’t like feeling like that.

Being miserable and angry all the time doesn't sound like a nice thing to be, especially after dying. I would rather be happy or in peace.

I think when I dust I just want to be peaceful. I’d settle for that. I think I deserve at least peace if I can’t have happiness.

(It nods)

Peace would be nice. I don't think I'll even know when I've dusted.

Oh.

(They contemplate it)

I guess that’s part of the unknown, the fear of it. Not knowing what it’ll be like or if it’ll be like anything at all… I think you’ll know.

My batteries could die while I'm shut down and I would never know until I get new ones. I don't like that I'm always dying, by technicality.

I don't think you'll have to worry about dusting for a while.. I hope you won't.

Oh, that’s technically true.

I hope I get to live a little longer, even if it’s difficult sometimes…

A lot of things we like are difficult.

(It's voice crackles a bit, the new batteries not doing much sitting in its hands)

I like living. You can't do fun stuff if you're a ghost..

Yea that’s true. Ghosting must be torture.

(She remembers the batteries)

Oh! Do you want me to change your batteries?

(It nods immediately)

Mhm. Please. I don't want to shut down again.

(They're aware they shut down for battery changes too, but that's less unpleasant since it can go straight back to where it left off. No memory loss or anything)

That makes sense.

(She takes the batteries and goes to change them)

Battery time.

(It means to warn her to wear the gloves, but as soon as the batteries are removed its head droops. It still has some power left, which is a shock hazard)

(She’s about to put in the new batteries when she remembers she’s not already wearing gloves, and then puts her gloves on before replacing them)

That was stupid…

(There's a moment of nothing before it lifts its head)

Hm? ... Did I shock you.?

(She puts the old batteries away and throws her gloves onto the desk)

No, but I nearly did get shocked- forgot my gloves. That’s a stupid mistake.

I think it's easy to forget.. but at least you remembered.? I don't want to hurt you on accident..

That would’ve been my fault for not putting them on.

(She shrugs)

I don’t usually forget. I’m usually good at remembering those things…

Still...

(It looks up at her)

It happens sometimes. Everyone forgets something..

When it’s that important? I doubt it happens to absolutely everyone.

(They shrug)

Maybe not.. but still. As long as you didn't get shocked it's okay.?

(She sighs, staring at her hands for a moment)

I guess so. I’m alive, so that makes it fine.

(She doesn’t entirely believe it)

Mhm. ... You are alive. You sound doubtful.

Not doubtful I’m alive. Just… I hate making mistakes. Especially stupid ones.

Mistakes are normal. It doesn't feel good to make them, but they're normal.

I know they are… but I know better. You’re not the first droid whose batteries I’ve changed- I should have known.

.... How about we change the subject..? Do you like... um...

(It trails off, unsure what to say)

Yes. Great idea.

(She hadn’t even noticed she was spiralling)

Have you ever had a job?

Yes. It wasn't a good job.. I don't remember much of it, only pieces.

Oh. I assume the pieces aren’t good memories?

(She frowns a little)

I spent a year or so helping to fix some stuff for a rescue, that’s really the only job I’ve ever had.

No.

That sounds like a nice job. Helping people.

At least it’s just pieces I guess…

(She nods)

It was. A lot of the machines there are fairly old, so I got to replace parts and rewire some things too.

(She sounds almost happy as she talks about it, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience)

It sounds like you like doing it. Do you still fix them?

Only now and again… I love doing that sort of thing.

You should keep doing it if you enjoy it. It's good to have something you like to do.

That’s true. I’ll have to pay a visit and see if they need anything doing…

(She pulls a face, remembering something)

Jackrabbit.

Good.

(It tilts its head)

... What about them?

Their family. We were going to search for them… I think.

(She goes and grabs a chip packet, opening it and crunching a couple)

We should get round to it at some point.

Right. We did plan to do that. It's for the best of the family.. but it still feels a little daunting, doesn't it?

It feels very daunting… but it’ll keep feeling like that until we do it, I think.

(She thinks a little)

It is for their best, right?

I think it is... wouldn't it be better to know someone you care about is technically alive? I wonder if it's even possible for them to come back to life.

(She hums)

I think it would be better they know. And I think they… well, I don’t know if it’s possible, but it doesn’t sound impossible to me.

Maybe we'll find out eventually. Do we even know anything about the family besides their names?

Um…

(She thinks back, not remembering much)

I don’t think we do. Just that Coyote is a kid…

Breaking the news to a kid sounds even more daunting...

Hopefully that’s something they’ll do? I really don’t want to do that… kids aren’t always going to understand dusting, let alone ghosts.

I hope so. I don't want to do it either..

Let’s hope we don’t have to. We could look round this zone to see if they’re still around, and then go from there?

I think that's a good idea. If we're lucky they won't be very far.

They can’t be too far. You said you can… heat seek or something?

I can. I forgot I could do that.. that will probably help.

It will! It can tell us if there’s someone around, so we don’t miss anything.

Then I'll use that to help us find them. Thank you for reminding me.

That’s okay.

(She finishes her chips)

When do you think we should go looking?

I don't know.. Maybe when it's a little cooler? I'll overheat before we can find them if we go now.

(Tequila finally comes back to the caravan, with fresh batteries for the droid friend. She seems a little sad, and there’s ash on her jacket)

@tequila-kjrp

(It's been powered down to conserve energy, but it looks at Tequila when she enters the caravan)

Are you okay?

(She shrugs. She was supposed to be back days, even weeks ago, but a persistent ghost (Schnapps) and a few fix it requests kept her busy enough to forget to come back)

I… I will be. ‘S a long story… oh! I bought you some more batteries!

(They put the batteries by Decay, before taking off the jacket. She’s somehow managed to get ash and dirt/sand on her arms, and there’s a stray cactus needle stuck to her tank top)

(It takes them, looking up expectantly. Though, when it notices the ash, dirt, and cactus spine it tilts its head slightly)

Did you start a fire?

I didn’t start it… I just re buried the corpse after the fire was put out.

(They take a moment to realise that’s quite possibly not a normal thing to say)

That doesn’t sound any better, does it?

(They shake their head slowly)

Not really. Actually I think that sounds worse. At least you're okay. Right?

Oh.

(They look down, pluck out the cactus needle, and then sigh)

Physically I am shiny. As far as I can tell… do you want to know why I was re burying a corpse?

Mhm. I want to know.

(It stares, curious)

The corpse was originally buried by me and Hollow. It was my friend Schnapps…

(They decide to sit down)

They got attacked and then ghosted because I didn’t patch them up properly and they got infected. Then they were ghosting around, and then a ‘joy I know got tired of being haunted and dug them up to burn the body… I don’t know if he did anything else or if that was just him threatening them, but they’re not bothering me anymore either- so it must’ve somehow worked.

Oh. I'm.. sorry. … Do you miss them?

Yes, but I also feel a little less… like I have to be on my guard all the time. Their mood was unpredictable and they even stabbed me in my sleep, but I really do miss them.

At least they can rest now? That's good I think.

It is. I’m happy that they can rest, I just wish they hadn’t dusted in the first place.

I understand.. Sometimes you just can't do anything..

That’s true I suppose.

(They could have done something: been better at first aid)

I should’ve gotten them help…

... Maybe, but you were both probably stressed. It's easy to make mistakes when you're stressed. I doubt they blame you.

We were super stressed. I think if they blamed me, they’d have told me? I hope they would have…

I believe they would've blamed whoever hurt them, not whoever tried to save them.

I hope so… I think they said they had haunted him, but it got boring after a while because he never noticed he was being haunted unless they spoke to him.

I would get bored too. Why did they haunt the other person?

I think it was mainly because the other person knew they were there, and answered when they spoke to them. I think they weren’t very nice to the guy though…

Oh. So they haunted him to scare him? I guess that's why a lot of ghosts haunt people.. isn't it?

I know hardly anything about them, but I assume so? I don’t want to haunt people when I dust, I just want to go to the Witch. No scaring people or trying to possess them like those old scary movies.

I can't haunt people, but maybe it would be fun? I wouldn't want to scare anyone too much.

It seems like it could be, but I think it would get boring. I can’t fix things if I’m all dusted.

(They frown)

I don’t want to scare people.

That's true.. I wouldn't want to be stuck not being able to do things.

You don't have to.

Yea, I’d miss being able to do things!

(She nods)

Which is good. I’d be bad at it anyway.

Me too.

I think I would be bad at it too. I don't know how to be a ghost.

I don’t know either. The old scary movie ghosts all seem to just be miserable and angry anyways, and I don’t like feeling like that.

Being miserable and angry all the time doesn't sound like a nice thing to be, especially after dying. I would rather be happy or in peace.

I think when I dust I just want to be peaceful. I’d settle for that. I think I deserve at least peace if I can’t have happiness.

(It nods)

Peace would be nice. I don't think I'll even know when I've dusted.

Oh.

(They contemplate it)

I guess that’s part of the unknown, the fear of it. Not knowing what it’ll be like or if it’ll be like anything at all… I think you’ll know.

My batteries could die while I'm shut down and I would never know until I get new ones. I don't like that I'm always dying, by technicality.

I don't think you'll have to worry about dusting for a while.. I hope you won't.

Oh, that’s technically true.

I hope I get to live a little longer, even if it’s difficult sometimes…

A lot of things we like are difficult.

(It's voice crackles a bit, the new batteries not doing much sitting in its hands)

I like living. You can't do fun stuff if you're a ghost..

Yea that’s true. Ghosting must be torture.

(She remembers the batteries)

Oh! Do you want me to change your batteries?

(It nods immediately)

Mhm. Please. I don't want to shut down again.

(They're aware they shut down for battery changes too, but that's less unpleasant since it can go straight back to where it left off. No memory loss or anything)

That makes sense.

(She takes the batteries and goes to change them)

Battery time.

(It means to warn her to wear the gloves, but as soon as the batteries are removed its head droops. It still has some power left, which is a shock hazard)

(She’s about to put in the new batteries when she remembers she’s not already wearing gloves, and then puts her gloves on before replacing them)

That was stupid…

(There's a moment of nothing before it lifts its head)

Hm? ... Did I shock you.?

(She puts the old batteries away and throws her gloves onto the desk)

No, but I nearly did get shocked- forgot my gloves. That’s a stupid mistake.

I think it's easy to forget.. but at least you remembered.? I don't want to hurt you on accident..

That would’ve been my fault for not putting them on.

(She shrugs)

I don’t usually forget. I’m usually good at remembering those things…

Still...

(It looks up at her)

It happens sometimes. Everyone forgets something..

When it’s that important? I doubt it happens to absolutely everyone.

(They shrug)

Maybe not.. but still. As long as you didn't get shocked it's okay.?

(She sighs, staring at her hands for a moment)

I guess so. I’m alive, so that makes it fine.

(She doesn’t entirely believe it)

Mhm. ... You are alive. You sound doubtful.

Not doubtful I’m alive. Just… I hate making mistakes. Especially stupid ones.

Mistakes are normal. It doesn't feel good to make them, but they're normal.

I know they are… but I know better. You’re not the first droid whose batteries I’ve changed- I should have known.

.... How about we change the subject..? Do you like... um...

(It trails off, unsure what to say)

Yes. Great idea.

(She hadn’t even noticed she was spiralling)

Have you ever had a job?

Yes. It wasn't a good job.. I don't remember much of it, only pieces.

Oh. I assume the pieces aren’t good memories?

(She frowns a little)

I spent a year or so helping to fix some stuff for a rescue, that’s really the only job I’ve ever had.

No.

That sounds like a nice job. Helping people.

At least it’s just pieces I guess…

(She nods)

It was. A lot of the machines there are fairly old, so I got to replace parts and rewire some things too.

(She sounds almost happy as she talks about it, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience)

It sounds like you like doing it. Do you still fix them?

Only now and again… I love doing that sort of thing.

You should keep doing it if you enjoy it. It's good to have something you like to do.

That’s true. I’ll have to pay a visit and see if they need anything doing…

(She pulls a face, remembering something)

Jackrabbit.

Good.

(It tilts its head)

... What about them?

Their family. We were going to search for them… I think.

(She goes and grabs a chip packet, opening it and crunching a couple)

We should get round to it at some point.

Right. We did plan to do that. It's for the best of the family.. but it still feels a little daunting, doesn't it?

It feels very daunting… but it’ll keep feeling like that until we do it, I think.

(She thinks a little)

It is for their best, right?

I think it is... wouldn't it be better to know someone you care about is technically alive? I wonder if it's even possible for them to come back to life.

(She hums)

I think it would be better they know. And I think they… well, I don’t know if it’s possible, but it doesn’t sound impossible to me.

Maybe we'll find out eventually. Do we even know anything about the family besides their names?

Um…

(She thinks back, not remembering much)

I don’t think we do. Just that Coyote is a kid…

Breaking the news to a kid sounds even more daunting...

Hopefully that’s something they’ll do? I really don’t want to do that… kids aren’t always going to understand dusting, let alone ghosts.

I hope so. I don't want to do it either..

Let’s hope we don’t have to. We could look round this zone to see if they’re still around, and then go from there?

I think that's a good idea. If we're lucky they won't be very far.

They can’t be too far. You said you can… heat seek or something?

I can. I forgot I could do that.. that will probably help.

It will! It can tell us if there’s someone around, so we don’t miss anything.

Then I'll use that to help us find them. Thank you for reminding me.

(Tequila finally comes back to the caravan, with fresh batteries for the droid friend. She seems a little sad, and there’s ash on her jacket)

@tequila-kjrp

(It's been powered down to conserve energy, but it looks at Tequila when she enters the caravan)

Are you okay?

(She shrugs. She was supposed to be back days, even weeks ago, but a persistent ghost (Schnapps) and a few fix it requests kept her busy enough to forget to come back)

I… I will be. ‘S a long story… oh! I bought you some more batteries!

(They put the batteries by Decay, before taking off the jacket. She’s somehow managed to get ash and dirt/sand on her arms, and there’s a stray cactus needle stuck to her tank top)

(It takes them, looking up expectantly. Though, when it notices the ash, dirt, and cactus spine it tilts its head slightly)

Did you start a fire?

I didn’t start it… I just re buried the corpse after the fire was put out.

(They take a moment to realise that’s quite possibly not a normal thing to say)

That doesn’t sound any better, does it?

(They shake their head slowly)

Not really. Actually I think that sounds worse. At least you're okay. Right?

Oh.

(They look down, pluck out the cactus needle, and then sigh)

Physically I am shiny. As far as I can tell… do you want to know why I was re burying a corpse?

Mhm. I want to know.

(It stares, curious)

The corpse was originally buried by me and Hollow. It was my friend Schnapps…

(They decide to sit down)

They got attacked and then ghosted because I didn’t patch them up properly and they got infected. Then they were ghosting around, and then a ‘joy I know got tired of being haunted and dug them up to burn the body… I don’t know if he did anything else or if that was just him threatening them, but they’re not bothering me anymore either- so it must’ve somehow worked.

Oh. I'm.. sorry. … Do you miss them?

Yes, but I also feel a little less… like I have to be on my guard all the time. Their mood was unpredictable and they even stabbed me in my sleep, but I really do miss them.

At least they can rest now? That's good I think.

It is. I’m happy that they can rest, I just wish they hadn’t dusted in the first place.

I understand.. Sometimes you just can't do anything..

That’s true I suppose.

(They could have done something: been better at first aid)

I should’ve gotten them help…

... Maybe, but you were both probably stressed. It's easy to make mistakes when you're stressed. I doubt they blame you.

We were super stressed. I think if they blamed me, they’d have told me? I hope they would have…

I believe they would've blamed whoever hurt them, not whoever tried to save them.

I hope so… I think they said they had haunted him, but it got boring after a while because he never noticed he was being haunted unless they spoke to him.

I would get bored too. Why did they haunt the other person?

I think it was mainly because the other person knew they were there, and answered when they spoke to them. I think they weren’t very nice to the guy though…

Oh. So they haunted him to scare him? I guess that's why a lot of ghosts haunt people.. isn't it?

I know hardly anything about them, but I assume so? I don’t want to haunt people when I dust, I just want to go to the Witch. No scaring people or trying to possess them like those old scary movies.

I can't haunt people, but maybe it would be fun? I wouldn't want to scare anyone too much.

It seems like it could be, but I think it would get boring. I can’t fix things if I’m all dusted.

(They frown)

I don’t want to scare people.

That's true.. I wouldn't want to be stuck not being able to do things.

You don't have to.

Yea, I’d miss being able to do things!

(She nods)

Which is good. I’d be bad at it anyway.

Me too.

I think I would be bad at it too. I don't know how to be a ghost.

I don’t know either. The old scary movie ghosts all seem to just be miserable and angry anyways, and I don’t like feeling like that.

Being miserable and angry all the time doesn't sound like a nice thing to be, especially after dying. I would rather be happy or in peace.

I think when I dust I just want to be peaceful. I’d settle for that. I think I deserve at least peace if I can’t have happiness.

(It nods)

Peace would be nice. I don't think I'll even know when I've dusted.

Oh.

(They contemplate it)

I guess that’s part of the unknown, the fear of it. Not knowing what it’ll be like or if it’ll be like anything at all… I think you’ll know.

My batteries could die while I'm shut down and I would never know until I get new ones. I don't like that I'm always dying, by technicality.

I don't think you'll have to worry about dusting for a while.. I hope you won't.

Oh, that’s technically true.

I hope I get to live a little longer, even if it’s difficult sometimes…

A lot of things we like are difficult.

(It's voice crackles a bit, the new batteries not doing much sitting in its hands)

I like living. You can't do fun stuff if you're a ghost..

Yea that’s true. Ghosting must be torture.

(She remembers the batteries)

Oh! Do you want me to change your batteries?

(It nods immediately)

Mhm. Please. I don't want to shut down again.

(They're aware they shut down for battery changes too, but that's less unpleasant since it can go straight back to where it left off. No memory loss or anything)

That makes sense.

(She takes the batteries and goes to change them)

Battery time.

(It means to warn her to wear the gloves, but as soon as the batteries are removed its head droops. It still has some power left, which is a shock hazard)

(She’s about to put in the new batteries when she remembers she’s not already wearing gloves, and then puts her gloves on before replacing them)

That was stupid…

(There's a moment of nothing before it lifts its head)

Hm? ... Did I shock you.?

(She puts the old batteries away and throws her gloves onto the desk)

No, but I nearly did get shocked- forgot my gloves. That’s a stupid mistake.

I think it's easy to forget.. but at least you remembered.? I don't want to hurt you on accident..

That would’ve been my fault for not putting them on.

(She shrugs)

I don’t usually forget. I’m usually good at remembering those things…

Still...

(It looks up at her)

It happens sometimes. Everyone forgets something..

When it’s that important? I doubt it happens to absolutely everyone.

(They shrug)

Maybe not.. but still. As long as you didn't get shocked it's okay.?

(She sighs, staring at her hands for a moment)

I guess so. I’m alive, so that makes it fine.

(She doesn’t entirely believe it)

Mhm. ... You are alive. You sound doubtful.

Not doubtful I’m alive. Just… I hate making mistakes. Especially stupid ones.

Mistakes are normal. It doesn't feel good to make them, but they're normal.

I know they are… but I know better. You’re not the first droid whose batteries I’ve changed- I should have known.

.... How about we change the subject..? Do you like... um...

(It trails off, unsure what to say)

Yes. Great idea.

(She hadn’t even noticed she was spiralling)

Have you ever had a job?

Yes. It wasn't a good job.. I don't remember much of it, only pieces.

Oh. I assume the pieces aren’t good memories?

(She frowns a little)

I spent a year or so helping to fix some stuff for a rescue, that’s really the only job I’ve ever had.

No.

That sounds like a nice job. Helping people.

At least it’s just pieces I guess…

(She nods)

It was. A lot of the machines there are fairly old, so I got to replace parts and rewire some things too.

(She sounds almost happy as she talks about it, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience)

It sounds like you like doing it. Do you still fix them?

Only now and again… I love doing that sort of thing.

You should keep doing it if you enjoy it. It's good to have something you like to do.

That’s true. I’ll have to pay a visit and see if they need anything doing…

(She pulls a face, remembering something)

Jackrabbit.

Good.

(It tilts its head)

... What about them?

Their family. We were going to search for them… I think.

(She goes and grabs a chip packet, opening it and crunching a couple)

We should get round to it at some point.

Right. We did plan to do that. It's for the best of the family.. but it still feels a little daunting, doesn't it?

It feels very daunting… but it’ll keep feeling like that until we do it, I think.

(She thinks a little)

It is for their best, right?

I think it is... wouldn't it be better to know someone you care about is technically alive? I wonder if it's even possible for them to come back to life.

(She hums)

I think it would be better they know. And I think they… well, I don’t know if it’s possible, but it doesn’t sound impossible to me.

Maybe we'll find out eventually. Do we even know anything about the family besides their names?

Um…

(She thinks back, not remembering much)

I don’t think we do. Just that Coyote is a kid…

Breaking the news to a kid sounds even more daunting...

Hopefully that’s something they’ll do? I really don’t want to do that… kids aren’t always going to understand dusting, let alone ghosts.

I hope so. I don't want to do it either..

Let’s hope we don’t have to. We could look round this zone to see if they’re still around, and then go from there?

I think that's a good idea. If we're lucky they won't be very far.

They can’t be too far. You said you can… heat seek or something?

I can. I forgot I could do that.. that will probably help.

Throws slime at you

It's going to get stuck in my hinges :(

(Tequila finally comes back to the caravan, with fresh batteries for the droid friend. She seems a little sad, and there’s ash on her jacket)

@tequila-kjrp

(It's been powered down to conserve energy, but it looks at Tequila when she enters the caravan)

Are you okay?

(She shrugs. She was supposed to be back days, even weeks ago, but a persistent ghost (Schnapps) and a few fix it requests kept her busy enough to forget to come back)

I… I will be. ‘S a long story… oh! I bought you some more batteries!

(They put the batteries by Decay, before taking off the jacket. She’s somehow managed to get ash and dirt/sand on her arms, and there’s a stray cactus needle stuck to her tank top)

(It takes them, looking up expectantly. Though, when it notices the ash, dirt, and cactus spine it tilts its head slightly)

Did you start a fire?

I didn’t start it… I just re buried the corpse after the fire was put out.

(They take a moment to realise that’s quite possibly not a normal thing to say)

That doesn’t sound any better, does it?

(They shake their head slowly)

Not really. Actually I think that sounds worse. At least you're okay. Right?

Oh.

(They look down, pluck out the cactus needle, and then sigh)

Physically I am shiny. As far as I can tell… do you want to know why I was re burying a corpse?

Mhm. I want to know.

(It stares, curious)

The corpse was originally buried by me and Hollow. It was my friend Schnapps…

(They decide to sit down)

They got attacked and then ghosted because I didn’t patch them up properly and they got infected. Then they were ghosting around, and then a ‘joy I know got tired of being haunted and dug them up to burn the body… I don’t know if he did anything else or if that was just him threatening them, but they’re not bothering me anymore either- so it must’ve somehow worked.

Oh. I'm.. sorry. … Do you miss them?

Yes, but I also feel a little less… like I have to be on my guard all the time. Their mood was unpredictable and they even stabbed me in my sleep, but I really do miss them.

At least they can rest now? That's good I think.

It is. I’m happy that they can rest, I just wish they hadn’t dusted in the first place.

I understand.. Sometimes you just can't do anything..

That’s true I suppose.

(They could have done something: been better at first aid)

I should’ve gotten them help…

... Maybe, but you were both probably stressed. It's easy to make mistakes when you're stressed. I doubt they blame you.

We were super stressed. I think if they blamed me, they’d have told me? I hope they would have…

I believe they would've blamed whoever hurt them, not whoever tried to save them.

I hope so… I think they said they had haunted him, but it got boring after a while because he never noticed he was being haunted unless they spoke to him.

I would get bored too. Why did they haunt the other person?

I think it was mainly because the other person knew they were there, and answered when they spoke to them. I think they weren’t very nice to the guy though…

Oh. So they haunted him to scare him? I guess that's why a lot of ghosts haunt people.. isn't it?

I know hardly anything about them, but I assume so? I don’t want to haunt people when I dust, I just want to go to the Witch. No scaring people or trying to possess them like those old scary movies.

I can't haunt people, but maybe it would be fun? I wouldn't want to scare anyone too much.

It seems like it could be, but I think it would get boring. I can’t fix things if I’m all dusted.

(They frown)

I don’t want to scare people.

That's true.. I wouldn't want to be stuck not being able to do things.

You don't have to.

Yea, I’d miss being able to do things!

(She nods)

Which is good. I’d be bad at it anyway.

Me too.

I think I would be bad at it too. I don't know how to be a ghost.

I don’t know either. The old scary movie ghosts all seem to just be miserable and angry anyways, and I don’t like feeling like that.

Being miserable and angry all the time doesn't sound like a nice thing to be, especially after dying. I would rather be happy or in peace.

I think when I dust I just want to be peaceful. I’d settle for that. I think I deserve at least peace if I can’t have happiness.

(It nods)

Peace would be nice. I don't think I'll even know when I've dusted.

Oh.

(They contemplate it)

I guess that’s part of the unknown, the fear of it. Not knowing what it’ll be like or if it’ll be like anything at all… I think you’ll know.

My batteries could die while I'm shut down and I would never know until I get new ones. I don't like that I'm always dying, by technicality.

I don't think you'll have to worry about dusting for a while.. I hope you won't.

Oh, that’s technically true.

I hope I get to live a little longer, even if it’s difficult sometimes…

A lot of things we like are difficult.

(It's voice crackles a bit, the new batteries not doing much sitting in its hands)

I like living. You can't do fun stuff if you're a ghost..

Yea that’s true. Ghosting must be torture.

(She remembers the batteries)

Oh! Do you want me to change your batteries?

(It nods immediately)

Mhm. Please. I don't want to shut down again.

(They're aware they shut down for battery changes too, but that's less unpleasant since it can go straight back to where it left off. No memory loss or anything)

That makes sense.

(She takes the batteries and goes to change them)

Battery time.

(It means to warn her to wear the gloves, but as soon as the batteries are removed its head droops. It still has some power left, which is a shock hazard)

(She’s about to put in the new batteries when she remembers she’s not already wearing gloves, and then puts her gloves on before replacing them)

That was stupid…

(There's a moment of nothing before it lifts its head)

Hm? ... Did I shock you.?

(She puts the old batteries away and throws her gloves onto the desk)

No, but I nearly did get shocked- forgot my gloves. That’s a stupid mistake.

I think it's easy to forget.. but at least you remembered.? I don't want to hurt you on accident..

That would’ve been my fault for not putting them on.

(She shrugs)

I don’t usually forget. I’m usually good at remembering those things…

Still...

(It looks up at her)

It happens sometimes. Everyone forgets something..

When it’s that important? I doubt it happens to absolutely everyone.

(They shrug)

Maybe not.. but still. As long as you didn't get shocked it's okay.?

(She sighs, staring at her hands for a moment)

I guess so. I’m alive, so that makes it fine.

(She doesn’t entirely believe it)

Mhm. ... You are alive. You sound doubtful.

Not doubtful I’m alive. Just… I hate making mistakes. Especially stupid ones.

Mistakes are normal. It doesn't feel good to make them, but they're normal.

I know they are… but I know better. You’re not the first droid whose batteries I’ve changed- I should have known.

.... How about we change the subject..? Do you like... um...

(It trails off, unsure what to say)

Yes. Great idea.

(She hadn’t even noticed she was spiralling)

Have you ever had a job?

Yes. It wasn't a good job.. I don't remember much of it, only pieces.

Oh. I assume the pieces aren’t good memories?

(She frowns a little)

I spent a year or so helping to fix some stuff for a rescue, that’s really the only job I’ve ever had.

No.

That sounds like a nice job. Helping people.

At least it’s just pieces I guess…

(She nods)

It was. A lot of the machines there are fairly old, so I got to replace parts and rewire some things too.

(She sounds almost happy as she talks about it, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience)

It sounds like you like doing it. Do you still fix them?

Only now and again… I love doing that sort of thing.

You should keep doing it if you enjoy it. It's good to have something you like to do.

That’s true. I’ll have to pay a visit and see if they need anything doing…

(She pulls a face, remembering something)

Jackrabbit.

Good.

(It tilts its head)

... What about them?

Their family. We were going to search for them… I think.

(She goes and grabs a chip packet, opening it and crunching a couple)

We should get round to it at some point.

Right. We did plan to do that. It's for the best of the family.. but it still feels a little daunting, doesn't it?

It feels very daunting… but it’ll keep feeling like that until we do it, I think.

(She thinks a little)

It is for their best, right?

I think it is... wouldn't it be better to know someone you care about is technically alive? I wonder if it's even possible for them to come back to life.

(She hums)

I think it would be better they know. And I think they… well, I don’t know if it’s possible, but it doesn’t sound impossible to me.

Maybe we'll find out eventually. Do we even know anything about the family besides their names?

Um…

(She thinks back, not remembering much)

I don’t think we do. Just that Coyote is a kid…

Breaking the news to a kid sounds even more daunting...

Hopefully that’s something they’ll do? I really don’t want to do that… kids aren’t always going to understand dusting, let alone ghosts.

I hope so. I don't want to do it either..

Let’s hope we don’t have to. We could look round this zone to see if they’re still around, and then go from there?

I think that's a good idea. If we're lucky they won't be very far.

(Tequila finally comes back to the caravan, with fresh batteries for the droid friend. She seems a little sad, and there’s ash on her jacket)

@tequila-kjrp

(It's been powered down to conserve energy, but it looks at Tequila when she enters the caravan)

Are you okay?

(She shrugs. She was supposed to be back days, even weeks ago, but a persistent ghost (Schnapps) and a few fix it requests kept her busy enough to forget to come back)

I… I will be. ‘S a long story… oh! I bought you some more batteries!

(They put the batteries by Decay, before taking off the jacket. She’s somehow managed to get ash and dirt/sand on her arms, and there’s a stray cactus needle stuck to her tank top)

(It takes them, looking up expectantly. Though, when it notices the ash, dirt, and cactus spine it tilts its head slightly)

Did you start a fire?

I didn’t start it… I just re buried the corpse after the fire was put out.

(They take a moment to realise that’s quite possibly not a normal thing to say)

That doesn’t sound any better, does it?

(They shake their head slowly)

Not really. Actually I think that sounds worse. At least you're okay. Right?

Oh.

(They look down, pluck out the cactus needle, and then sigh)

Physically I am shiny. As far as I can tell… do you want to know why I was re burying a corpse?

Mhm. I want to know.

(It stares, curious)

The corpse was originally buried by me and Hollow. It was my friend Schnapps…

(They decide to sit down)

They got attacked and then ghosted because I didn’t patch them up properly and they got infected. Then they were ghosting around, and then a ‘joy I know got tired of being haunted and dug them up to burn the body… I don’t know if he did anything else or if that was just him threatening them, but they’re not bothering me anymore either- so it must’ve somehow worked.

Oh. I'm.. sorry. … Do you miss them?

Yes, but I also feel a little less… like I have to be on my guard all the time. Their mood was unpredictable and they even stabbed me in my sleep, but I really do miss them.

At least they can rest now? That's good I think.

It is. I’m happy that they can rest, I just wish they hadn’t dusted in the first place.

I understand.. Sometimes you just can't do anything..

That’s true I suppose.

(They could have done something: been better at first aid)

I should’ve gotten them help…

... Maybe, but you were both probably stressed. It's easy to make mistakes when you're stressed. I doubt they blame you.

We were super stressed. I think if they blamed me, they’d have told me? I hope they would have…

I believe they would've blamed whoever hurt them, not whoever tried to save them.

I hope so… I think they said they had haunted him, but it got boring after a while because he never noticed he was being haunted unless they spoke to him.

I would get bored too. Why did they haunt the other person?

I think it was mainly because the other person knew they were there, and answered when they spoke to them. I think they weren’t very nice to the guy though…

Oh. So they haunted him to scare him? I guess that's why a lot of ghosts haunt people.. isn't it?

I know hardly anything about them, but I assume so? I don’t want to haunt people when I dust, I just want to go to the Witch. No scaring people or trying to possess them like those old scary movies.

I can't haunt people, but maybe it would be fun? I wouldn't want to scare anyone too much.

It seems like it could be, but I think it would get boring. I can’t fix things if I’m all dusted.

(They frown)

I don’t want to scare people.

That's true.. I wouldn't want to be stuck not being able to do things.

You don't have to.

Yea, I’d miss being able to do things!

(She nods)

Which is good. I’d be bad at it anyway.

Me too.

I think I would be bad at it too. I don't know how to be a ghost.

I don’t know either. The old scary movie ghosts all seem to just be miserable and angry anyways, and I don’t like feeling like that.

Being miserable and angry all the time doesn't sound like a nice thing to be, especially after dying. I would rather be happy or in peace.

I think when I dust I just want to be peaceful. I’d settle for that. I think I deserve at least peace if I can’t have happiness.

(It nods)

Peace would be nice. I don't think I'll even know when I've dusted.

Oh.

(They contemplate it)

I guess that’s part of the unknown, the fear of it. Not knowing what it’ll be like or if it’ll be like anything at all… I think you’ll know.

My batteries could die while I'm shut down and I would never know until I get new ones. I don't like that I'm always dying, by technicality.

I don't think you'll have to worry about dusting for a while.. I hope you won't.

Oh, that’s technically true.

I hope I get to live a little longer, even if it’s difficult sometimes…

A lot of things we like are difficult.

(It's voice crackles a bit, the new batteries not doing much sitting in its hands)

I like living. You can't do fun stuff if you're a ghost..

Yea that’s true. Ghosting must be torture.

(She remembers the batteries)

Oh! Do you want me to change your batteries?

(It nods immediately)

Mhm. Please. I don't want to shut down again.

(They're aware they shut down for battery changes too, but that's less unpleasant since it can go straight back to where it left off. No memory loss or anything)

That makes sense.

(She takes the batteries and goes to change them)

Battery time.

(It means to warn her to wear the gloves, but as soon as the batteries are removed its head droops. It still has some power left, which is a shock hazard)

(She’s about to put in the new batteries when she remembers she’s not already wearing gloves, and then puts her gloves on before replacing them)

That was stupid…

(There's a moment of nothing before it lifts its head)

Hm? ... Did I shock you.?

(She puts the old batteries away and throws her gloves onto the desk)

No, but I nearly did get shocked- forgot my gloves. That’s a stupid mistake.

I think it's easy to forget.. but at least you remembered.? I don't want to hurt you on accident..

That would’ve been my fault for not putting them on.

(She shrugs)

I don’t usually forget. I’m usually good at remembering those things…

Still...

(It looks up at her)

It happens sometimes. Everyone forgets something..

When it’s that important? I doubt it happens to absolutely everyone.

(They shrug)

Maybe not.. but still. As long as you didn't get shocked it's okay.?

(She sighs, staring at her hands for a moment)

I guess so. I’m alive, so that makes it fine.

(She doesn’t entirely believe it)

Mhm. ... You are alive. You sound doubtful.

Not doubtful I’m alive. Just… I hate making mistakes. Especially stupid ones.

Mistakes are normal. It doesn't feel good to make them, but they're normal.

I know they are… but I know better. You’re not the first droid whose batteries I’ve changed- I should have known.

.... How about we change the subject..? Do you like... um...

(It trails off, unsure what to say)

Yes. Great idea.

(She hadn’t even noticed she was spiralling)

Have you ever had a job?

Yes. It wasn't a good job.. I don't remember much of it, only pieces.

Oh. I assume the pieces aren’t good memories?

(She frowns a little)

I spent a year or so helping to fix some stuff for a rescue, that’s really the only job I’ve ever had.

No.

That sounds like a nice job. Helping people.

At least it’s just pieces I guess…

(She nods)

It was. A lot of the machines there are fairly old, so I got to replace parts and rewire some things too.

(She sounds almost happy as she talks about it, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience)

It sounds like you like doing it. Do you still fix them?

Only now and again… I love doing that sort of thing.

You should keep doing it if you enjoy it. It's good to have something you like to do.

That’s true. I’ll have to pay a visit and see if they need anything doing…

(She pulls a face, remembering something)

Jackrabbit.

Good.

(It tilts its head)

... What about them?

Their family. We were going to search for them… I think.

(She goes and grabs a chip packet, opening it and crunching a couple)

We should get round to it at some point.

Right. We did plan to do that. It's for the best of the family.. but it still feels a little daunting, doesn't it?

It feels very daunting… but it’ll keep feeling like that until we do it, I think.

(She thinks a little)

It is for their best, right?

I think it is... wouldn't it be better to know someone you care about is technically alive? I wonder if it's even possible for them to come back to life.

(She hums)

I think it would be better they know. And I think they… well, I don’t know if it’s possible, but it doesn’t sound impossible to me.

Maybe we'll find out eventually. Do we even know anything about the family besides their names?

Um…

(She thinks back, not remembering much)

I don’t think we do. Just that Coyote is a kid…

Breaking the news to a kid sounds even more daunting...

Hopefully that’s something they’ll do? I really don’t want to do that… kids aren’t always going to understand dusting, let alone ghosts.

I hope so. I don't want to do it either..

(Tequila finally comes back to the caravan, with fresh batteries for the droid friend. She seems a little sad, and there’s ash on her jacket)

@tequila-kjrp

(It's been powered down to conserve energy, but it looks at Tequila when she enters the caravan)

Are you okay?

(She shrugs. She was supposed to be back days, even weeks ago, but a persistent ghost (Schnapps) and a few fix it requests kept her busy enough to forget to come back)

I… I will be. ‘S a long story… oh! I bought you some more batteries!

(They put the batteries by Decay, before taking off the jacket. She’s somehow managed to get ash and dirt/sand on her arms, and there’s a stray cactus needle stuck to her tank top)

(It takes them, looking up expectantly. Though, when it notices the ash, dirt, and cactus spine it tilts its head slightly)

Did you start a fire?

I didn’t start it… I just re buried the corpse after the fire was put out.

(They take a moment to realise that’s quite possibly not a normal thing to say)

That doesn’t sound any better, does it?

(They shake their head slowly)

Not really. Actually I think that sounds worse. At least you're okay. Right?

Oh.

(They look down, pluck out the cactus needle, and then sigh)

Physically I am shiny. As far as I can tell… do you want to know why I was re burying a corpse?

Mhm. I want to know.

(It stares, curious)

The corpse was originally buried by me and Hollow. It was my friend Schnapps…

(They decide to sit down)

They got attacked and then ghosted because I didn’t patch them up properly and they got infected. Then they were ghosting around, and then a ‘joy I know got tired of being haunted and dug them up to burn the body… I don’t know if he did anything else or if that was just him threatening them, but they’re not bothering me anymore either- so it must’ve somehow worked.

Oh. I'm.. sorry. … Do you miss them?

Yes, but I also feel a little less… like I have to be on my guard all the time. Their mood was unpredictable and they even stabbed me in my sleep, but I really do miss them.

At least they can rest now? That's good I think.

It is. I’m happy that they can rest, I just wish they hadn’t dusted in the first place.

I understand.. Sometimes you just can't do anything..

That’s true I suppose.

(They could have done something: been better at first aid)

I should’ve gotten them help…

... Maybe, but you were both probably stressed. It's easy to make mistakes when you're stressed. I doubt they blame you.

We were super stressed. I think if they blamed me, they’d have told me? I hope they would have…

I believe they would've blamed whoever hurt them, not whoever tried to save them.

I hope so… I think they said they had haunted him, but it got boring after a while because he never noticed he was being haunted unless they spoke to him.

I would get bored too. Why did they haunt the other person?

I think it was mainly because the other person knew they were there, and answered when they spoke to them. I think they weren’t very nice to the guy though…

Oh. So they haunted him to scare him? I guess that's why a lot of ghosts haunt people.. isn't it?

I know hardly anything about them, but I assume so? I don’t want to haunt people when I dust, I just want to go to the Witch. No scaring people or trying to possess them like those old scary movies.

I can't haunt people, but maybe it would be fun? I wouldn't want to scare anyone too much.

It seems like it could be, but I think it would get boring. I can’t fix things if I’m all dusted.

(They frown)

I don’t want to scare people.

That's true.. I wouldn't want to be stuck not being able to do things.

You don't have to.

Yea, I’d miss being able to do things!

(She nods)

Which is good. I’d be bad at it anyway.

Me too.

I think I would be bad at it too. I don't know how to be a ghost.

I don’t know either. The old scary movie ghosts all seem to just be miserable and angry anyways, and I don’t like feeling like that.

Being miserable and angry all the time doesn't sound like a nice thing to be, especially after dying. I would rather be happy or in peace.

I think when I dust I just want to be peaceful. I’d settle for that. I think I deserve at least peace if I can’t have happiness.

(It nods)

Peace would be nice. I don't think I'll even know when I've dusted.

Oh.

(They contemplate it)

I guess that’s part of the unknown, the fear of it. Not knowing what it’ll be like or if it’ll be like anything at all… I think you’ll know.

My batteries could die while I'm shut down and I would never know until I get new ones. I don't like that I'm always dying, by technicality.

I don't think you'll have to worry about dusting for a while.. I hope you won't.

Oh, that’s technically true.

I hope I get to live a little longer, even if it’s difficult sometimes…

A lot of things we like are difficult.

(It's voice crackles a bit, the new batteries not doing much sitting in its hands)

I like living. You can't do fun stuff if you're a ghost..

Yea that’s true. Ghosting must be torture.

(She remembers the batteries)

Oh! Do you want me to change your batteries?

(It nods immediately)

Mhm. Please. I don't want to shut down again.

(They're aware they shut down for battery changes too, but that's less unpleasant since it can go straight back to where it left off. No memory loss or anything)

That makes sense.

(She takes the batteries and goes to change them)

Battery time.

(It means to warn her to wear the gloves, but as soon as the batteries are removed its head droops. It still has some power left, which is a shock hazard)

(She’s about to put in the new batteries when she remembers she’s not already wearing gloves, and then puts her gloves on before replacing them)

That was stupid…

(There's a moment of nothing before it lifts its head)

Hm? ... Did I shock you.?

(She puts the old batteries away and throws her gloves onto the desk)

No, but I nearly did get shocked- forgot my gloves. That’s a stupid mistake.

I think it's easy to forget.. but at least you remembered.? I don't want to hurt you on accident..

That would’ve been my fault for not putting them on.

(She shrugs)

I don’t usually forget. I’m usually good at remembering those things…

Still...

(It looks up at her)

It happens sometimes. Everyone forgets something..

When it’s that important? I doubt it happens to absolutely everyone.

(They shrug)

Maybe not.. but still. As long as you didn't get shocked it's okay.?

(She sighs, staring at her hands for a moment)

I guess so. I’m alive, so that makes it fine.

(She doesn’t entirely believe it)

Mhm. ... You are alive. You sound doubtful.

Not doubtful I’m alive. Just… I hate making mistakes. Especially stupid ones.

Mistakes are normal. It doesn't feel good to make them, but they're normal.

I know they are… but I know better. You’re not the first droid whose batteries I’ve changed- I should have known.

.... How about we change the subject..? Do you like... um...

(It trails off, unsure what to say)

Yes. Great idea.

(She hadn’t even noticed she was spiralling)

Have you ever had a job?

Yes. It wasn't a good job.. I don't remember much of it, only pieces.

Oh. I assume the pieces aren’t good memories?

(She frowns a little)

I spent a year or so helping to fix some stuff for a rescue, that’s really the only job I’ve ever had.

No.

That sounds like a nice job. Helping people.

At least it’s just pieces I guess…

(She nods)

It was. A lot of the machines there are fairly old, so I got to replace parts and rewire some things too.

(She sounds almost happy as she talks about it, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience)

It sounds like you like doing it. Do you still fix them?

Only now and again… I love doing that sort of thing.

You should keep doing it if you enjoy it. It's good to have something you like to do.

That’s true. I’ll have to pay a visit and see if they need anything doing…

(She pulls a face, remembering something)

Jackrabbit.

Good.

(It tilts its head)

... What about them?

Their family. We were going to search for them… I think.

(She goes and grabs a chip packet, opening it and crunching a couple)

We should get round to it at some point.

Right. We did plan to do that. It's for the best of the family.. but it still feels a little daunting, doesn't it?

It feels very daunting… but it’ll keep feeling like that until we do it, I think.

(She thinks a little)

It is for their best, right?

I think it is... wouldn't it be better to know someone you care about is technically alive? I wonder if it's even possible for them to come back to life.

(She hums)

I think it would be better they know. And I think they… well, I don’t know if it’s possible, but it doesn’t sound impossible to me.

Maybe we'll find out eventually. Do we even know anything about the family besides their names?

Um…

(She thinks back, not remembering much)

I don’t think we do. Just that Coyote is a kid…

Breaking the news to a kid sounds even more daunting...

(Tequila finally comes back to the caravan, with fresh batteries for the droid friend. She seems a little sad, and there’s ash on her jacket)

@tequila-kjrp

(It's been powered down to conserve energy, but it looks at Tequila when she enters the caravan)

Are you okay?

(She shrugs. She was supposed to be back days, even weeks ago, but a persistent ghost (Schnapps) and a few fix it requests kept her busy enough to forget to come back)

I… I will be. ‘S a long story… oh! I bought you some more batteries!

(They put the batteries by Decay, before taking off the jacket. She’s somehow managed to get ash and dirt/sand on her arms, and there’s a stray cactus needle stuck to her tank top)

(It takes them, looking up expectantly. Though, when it notices the ash, dirt, and cactus spine it tilts its head slightly)

Did you start a fire?

I didn’t start it… I just re buried the corpse after the fire was put out.

(They take a moment to realise that’s quite possibly not a normal thing to say)

That doesn’t sound any better, does it?

(They shake their head slowly)

Not really. Actually I think that sounds worse. At least you're okay. Right?

Oh.

(They look down, pluck out the cactus needle, and then sigh)

Physically I am shiny. As far as I can tell… do you want to know why I was re burying a corpse?

Mhm. I want to know.

(It stares, curious)

The corpse was originally buried by me and Hollow. It was my friend Schnapps…

(They decide to sit down)

They got attacked and then ghosted because I didn’t patch them up properly and they got infected. Then they were ghosting around, and then a ‘joy I know got tired of being haunted and dug them up to burn the body… I don’t know if he did anything else or if that was just him threatening them, but they’re not bothering me anymore either- so it must’ve somehow worked.

Oh. I'm.. sorry. … Do you miss them?

Yes, but I also feel a little less… like I have to be on my guard all the time. Their mood was unpredictable and they even stabbed me in my sleep, but I really do miss them.

At least they can rest now? That's good I think.

It is. I’m happy that they can rest, I just wish they hadn’t dusted in the first place.

I understand.. Sometimes you just can't do anything..

That’s true I suppose.

(They could have done something: been better at first aid)

I should’ve gotten them help…

... Maybe, but you were both probably stressed. It's easy to make mistakes when you're stressed. I doubt they blame you.

We were super stressed. I think if they blamed me, they’d have told me? I hope they would have…

I believe they would've blamed whoever hurt them, not whoever tried to save them.

I hope so… I think they said they had haunted him, but it got boring after a while because he never noticed he was being haunted unless they spoke to him.

I would get bored too. Why did they haunt the other person?

I think it was mainly because the other person knew they were there, and answered when they spoke to them. I think they weren’t very nice to the guy though…

Oh. So they haunted him to scare him? I guess that's why a lot of ghosts haunt people.. isn't it?

I know hardly anything about them, but I assume so? I don’t want to haunt people when I dust, I just want to go to the Witch. No scaring people or trying to possess them like those old scary movies.

I can't haunt people, but maybe it would be fun? I wouldn't want to scare anyone too much.

It seems like it could be, but I think it would get boring. I can’t fix things if I’m all dusted.

(They frown)

I don’t want to scare people.

That's true.. I wouldn't want to be stuck not being able to do things.

You don't have to.

Yea, I’d miss being able to do things!

(She nods)

Which is good. I’d be bad at it anyway.

Me too.

I think I would be bad at it too. I don't know how to be a ghost.

I don’t know either. The old scary movie ghosts all seem to just be miserable and angry anyways, and I don’t like feeling like that.

Being miserable and angry all the time doesn't sound like a nice thing to be, especially after dying. I would rather be happy or in peace.

I think when I dust I just want to be peaceful. I’d settle for that. I think I deserve at least peace if I can’t have happiness.

(It nods)

Peace would be nice. I don't think I'll even know when I've dusted.

Oh.

(They contemplate it)

I guess that’s part of the unknown, the fear of it. Not knowing what it’ll be like or if it’ll be like anything at all… I think you’ll know.

My batteries could die while I'm shut down and I would never know until I get new ones. I don't like that I'm always dying, by technicality.

I don't think you'll have to worry about dusting for a while.. I hope you won't.

Oh, that’s technically true.

I hope I get to live a little longer, even if it’s difficult sometimes…

A lot of things we like are difficult.

(It's voice crackles a bit, the new batteries not doing much sitting in its hands)

I like living. You can't do fun stuff if you're a ghost..

Yea that’s true. Ghosting must be torture.

(She remembers the batteries)

Oh! Do you want me to change your batteries?

(It nods immediately)

Mhm. Please. I don't want to shut down again.

(They're aware they shut down for battery changes too, but that's less unpleasant since it can go straight back to where it left off. No memory loss or anything)

That makes sense.

(She takes the batteries and goes to change them)

Battery time.

(It means to warn her to wear the gloves, but as soon as the batteries are removed its head droops. It still has some power left, which is a shock hazard)

(She’s about to put in the new batteries when she remembers she’s not already wearing gloves, and then puts her gloves on before replacing them)

That was stupid…

(There's a moment of nothing before it lifts its head)

Hm? ... Did I shock you.?

(She puts the old batteries away and throws her gloves onto the desk)

No, but I nearly did get shocked- forgot my gloves. That’s a stupid mistake.

I think it's easy to forget.. but at least you remembered.? I don't want to hurt you on accident..

That would’ve been my fault for not putting them on.

(She shrugs)

I don’t usually forget. I’m usually good at remembering those things…

Still...

(It looks up at her)

It happens sometimes. Everyone forgets something..

When it’s that important? I doubt it happens to absolutely everyone.

(They shrug)

Maybe not.. but still. As long as you didn't get shocked it's okay.?

(She sighs, staring at her hands for a moment)

I guess so. I’m alive, so that makes it fine.

(She doesn’t entirely believe it)

Mhm. ... You are alive. You sound doubtful.

Not doubtful I’m alive. Just… I hate making mistakes. Especially stupid ones.

Mistakes are normal. It doesn't feel good to make them, but they're normal.

I know they are… but I know better. You’re not the first droid whose batteries I’ve changed- I should have known.

.... How about we change the subject..? Do you like... um...

(It trails off, unsure what to say)

Yes. Great idea.

(She hadn’t even noticed she was spiralling)

Have you ever had a job?

Yes. It wasn't a good job.. I don't remember much of it, only pieces.

Oh. I assume the pieces aren’t good memories?

(She frowns a little)

I spent a year or so helping to fix some stuff for a rescue, that’s really the only job I’ve ever had.

No.

That sounds like a nice job. Helping people.

At least it’s just pieces I guess…

(She nods)

It was. A lot of the machines there are fairly old, so I got to replace parts and rewire some things too.

(She sounds almost happy as she talks about it, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience)

It sounds like you like doing it. Do you still fix them?

Only now and again… I love doing that sort of thing.

You should keep doing it if you enjoy it. It's good to have something you like to do.

That’s true. I’ll have to pay a visit and see if they need anything doing…

(She pulls a face, remembering something)

Jackrabbit.

Good.

(It tilts its head)

... What about them?

Their family. We were going to search for them… I think.

(She goes and grabs a chip packet, opening it and crunching a couple)

We should get round to it at some point.

Right. We did plan to do that. It's for the best of the family.. but it still feels a little daunting, doesn't it?

It feels very daunting… but it’ll keep feeling like that until we do it, I think.

(She thinks a little)

It is for their best, right?

I think it is... wouldn't it be better to know someone you care about is technically alive? I wonder if it's even possible for them to come back to life.

(She hums)

I think it would be better they know. And I think they… well, I don’t know if it’s possible, but it doesn’t sound impossible to me.

Maybe we'll find out eventually. Do we even know anything about the family besides their names?

(Tequila finally comes back to the caravan, with fresh batteries for the droid friend. She seems a little sad, and there’s ash on her jacket)

@tequila-kjrp

(It's been powered down to conserve energy, but it looks at Tequila when she enters the caravan)

Are you okay?

(She shrugs. She was supposed to be back days, even weeks ago, but a persistent ghost (Schnapps) and a few fix it requests kept her busy enough to forget to come back)

I… I will be. ‘S a long story… oh! I bought you some more batteries!

(They put the batteries by Decay, before taking off the jacket. She’s somehow managed to get ash and dirt/sand on her arms, and there’s a stray cactus needle stuck to her tank top)

(It takes them, looking up expectantly. Though, when it notices the ash, dirt, and cactus spine it tilts its head slightly)

Did you start a fire?

I didn’t start it… I just re buried the corpse after the fire was put out.

(They take a moment to realise that’s quite possibly not a normal thing to say)

That doesn’t sound any better, does it?

(They shake their head slowly)

Not really. Actually I think that sounds worse. At least you're okay. Right?

Oh.

(They look down, pluck out the cactus needle, and then sigh)

Physically I am shiny. As far as I can tell… do you want to know why I was re burying a corpse?

Mhm. I want to know.

(It stares, curious)

The corpse was originally buried by me and Hollow. It was my friend Schnapps…

(They decide to sit down)

They got attacked and then ghosted because I didn’t patch them up properly and they got infected. Then they were ghosting around, and then a ‘joy I know got tired of being haunted and dug them up to burn the body… I don’t know if he did anything else or if that was just him threatening them, but they’re not bothering me anymore either- so it must’ve somehow worked.

Oh. I'm.. sorry. … Do you miss them?

Yes, but I also feel a little less… like I have to be on my guard all the time. Their mood was unpredictable and they even stabbed me in my sleep, but I really do miss them.

At least they can rest now? That's good I think.

It is. I’m happy that they can rest, I just wish they hadn’t dusted in the first place.

I understand.. Sometimes you just can't do anything..

That’s true I suppose.

(They could have done something: been better at first aid)

I should’ve gotten them help…

... Maybe, but you were both probably stressed. It's easy to make mistakes when you're stressed. I doubt they blame you.

We were super stressed. I think if they blamed me, they’d have told me? I hope they would have…

I believe they would've blamed whoever hurt them, not whoever tried to save them.

I hope so… I think they said they had haunted him, but it got boring after a while because he never noticed he was being haunted unless they spoke to him.

I would get bored too. Why did they haunt the other person?

I think it was mainly because the other person knew they were there, and answered when they spoke to them. I think they weren’t very nice to the guy though…

Oh. So they haunted him to scare him? I guess that's why a lot of ghosts haunt people.. isn't it?

I know hardly anything about them, but I assume so? I don’t want to haunt people when I dust, I just want to go to the Witch. No scaring people or trying to possess them like those old scary movies.

I can't haunt people, but maybe it would be fun? I wouldn't want to scare anyone too much.

It seems like it could be, but I think it would get boring. I can’t fix things if I’m all dusted.

(They frown)

I don’t want to scare people.

That's true.. I wouldn't want to be stuck not being able to do things.

You don't have to.

Yea, I’d miss being able to do things!

(She nods)

Which is good. I’d be bad at it anyway.

Me too.

I think I would be bad at it too. I don't know how to be a ghost.

I don’t know either. The old scary movie ghosts all seem to just be miserable and angry anyways, and I don’t like feeling like that.

Being miserable and angry all the time doesn't sound like a nice thing to be, especially after dying. I would rather be happy or in peace.

I think when I dust I just want to be peaceful. I’d settle for that. I think I deserve at least peace if I can’t have happiness.

(It nods)

Peace would be nice. I don't think I'll even know when I've dusted.

Oh.

(They contemplate it)

I guess that’s part of the unknown, the fear of it. Not knowing what it’ll be like or if it’ll be like anything at all… I think you’ll know.

My batteries could die while I'm shut down and I would never know until I get new ones. I don't like that I'm always dying, by technicality.

I don't think you'll have to worry about dusting for a while.. I hope you won't.

Oh, that’s technically true.

I hope I get to live a little longer, even if it’s difficult sometimes…

A lot of things we like are difficult.

(It's voice crackles a bit, the new batteries not doing much sitting in its hands)

I like living. You can't do fun stuff if you're a ghost..

Yea that’s true. Ghosting must be torture.

(She remembers the batteries)

Oh! Do you want me to change your batteries?

(It nods immediately)

Mhm. Please. I don't want to shut down again.

(They're aware they shut down for battery changes too, but that's less unpleasant since it can go straight back to where it left off. No memory loss or anything)

That makes sense.

(She takes the batteries and goes to change them)

Battery time.

(It means to warn her to wear the gloves, but as soon as the batteries are removed its head droops. It still has some power left, which is a shock hazard)

(She’s about to put in the new batteries when she remembers she’s not already wearing gloves, and then puts her gloves on before replacing them)

That was stupid…

(There's a moment of nothing before it lifts its head)

Hm? ... Did I shock you.?

(She puts the old batteries away and throws her gloves onto the desk)

No, but I nearly did get shocked- forgot my gloves. That’s a stupid mistake.

I think it's easy to forget.. but at least you remembered.? I don't want to hurt you on accident..

That would’ve been my fault for not putting them on.

(She shrugs)

I don’t usually forget. I’m usually good at remembering those things…

Still...

(It looks up at her)

It happens sometimes. Everyone forgets something..

When it’s that important? I doubt it happens to absolutely everyone.

(They shrug)

Maybe not.. but still. As long as you didn't get shocked it's okay.?

(She sighs, staring at her hands for a moment)

I guess so. I’m alive, so that makes it fine.

(She doesn’t entirely believe it)

Mhm. ... You are alive. You sound doubtful.

Not doubtful I’m alive. Just… I hate making mistakes. Especially stupid ones.

Mistakes are normal. It doesn't feel good to make them, but they're normal.

I know they are… but I know better. You’re not the first droid whose batteries I’ve changed- I should have known.

.... How about we change the subject..? Do you like... um...

(It trails off, unsure what to say)

Yes. Great idea.

(She hadn’t even noticed she was spiralling)

Have you ever had a job?

Yes. It wasn't a good job.. I don't remember much of it, only pieces.

Oh. I assume the pieces aren’t good memories?

(She frowns a little)

I spent a year or so helping to fix some stuff for a rescue, that’s really the only job I’ve ever had.

No.

That sounds like a nice job. Helping people.

At least it’s just pieces I guess…

(She nods)

It was. A lot of the machines there are fairly old, so I got to replace parts and rewire some things too.

(She sounds almost happy as she talks about it, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience)

It sounds like you like doing it. Do you still fix them?

Only now and again… I love doing that sort of thing.

You should keep doing it if you enjoy it. It's good to have something you like to do.

That’s true. I’ll have to pay a visit and see if they need anything doing…

(She pulls a face, remembering something)

Jackrabbit.

Good.

(It tilts its head)

... What about them?

Their family. We were going to search for them… I think.

(She goes and grabs a chip packet, opening it and crunching a couple)

We should get round to it at some point.

Right. We did plan to do that. It's for the best of the family.. but it still feels a little daunting, doesn't it?

It feels very daunting… but it’ll keep feeling like that until we do it, I think.

(She thinks a little)

It is for their best, right?

I think it is... wouldn't it be better to know someone you care about is technically alive? I wonder if it's even possible for them to come back to life.

(Tequila finally comes back to the caravan, with fresh batteries for the droid friend. She seems a little sad, and there’s ash on her jacket)

@tequila-kjrp

(It's been powered down to conserve energy, but it looks at Tequila when she enters the caravan)

Are you okay?

(She shrugs. She was supposed to be back days, even weeks ago, but a persistent ghost (Schnapps) and a few fix it requests kept her busy enough to forget to come back)

I… I will be. ‘S a long story… oh! I bought you some more batteries!

(They put the batteries by Decay, before taking off the jacket. She’s somehow managed to get ash and dirt/sand on her arms, and there’s a stray cactus needle stuck to her tank top)

(It takes them, looking up expectantly. Though, when it notices the ash, dirt, and cactus spine it tilts its head slightly)

Did you start a fire?

I didn’t start it… I just re buried the corpse after the fire was put out.

(They take a moment to realise that’s quite possibly not a normal thing to say)

That doesn’t sound any better, does it?

(They shake their head slowly)

Not really. Actually I think that sounds worse. At least you're okay. Right?

Oh.

(They look down, pluck out the cactus needle, and then sigh)

Physically I am shiny. As far as I can tell… do you want to know why I was re burying a corpse?

Mhm. I want to know.

(It stares, curious)

The corpse was originally buried by me and Hollow. It was my friend Schnapps…

(They decide to sit down)

They got attacked and then ghosted because I didn’t patch them up properly and they got infected. Then they were ghosting around, and then a ‘joy I know got tired of being haunted and dug them up to burn the body… I don’t know if he did anything else or if that was just him threatening them, but they’re not bothering me anymore either- so it must’ve somehow worked.

Oh. I'm.. sorry. … Do you miss them?

Yes, but I also feel a little less… like I have to be on my guard all the time. Their mood was unpredictable and they even stabbed me in my sleep, but I really do miss them.

At least they can rest now? That's good I think.

It is. I’m happy that they can rest, I just wish they hadn’t dusted in the first place.

I understand.. Sometimes you just can't do anything..

That’s true I suppose.

(They could have done something: been better at first aid)

I should’ve gotten them help…

... Maybe, but you were both probably stressed. It's easy to make mistakes when you're stressed. I doubt they blame you.

We were super stressed. I think if they blamed me, they’d have told me? I hope they would have…

I believe they would've blamed whoever hurt them, not whoever tried to save them.

I hope so… I think they said they had haunted him, but it got boring after a while because he never noticed he was being haunted unless they spoke to him.

I would get bored too. Why did they haunt the other person?

I think it was mainly because the other person knew they were there, and answered when they spoke to them. I think they weren’t very nice to the guy though…

Oh. So they haunted him to scare him? I guess that's why a lot of ghosts haunt people.. isn't it?

I know hardly anything about them, but I assume so? I don’t want to haunt people when I dust, I just want to go to the Witch. No scaring people or trying to possess them like those old scary movies.

I can't haunt people, but maybe it would be fun? I wouldn't want to scare anyone too much.

It seems like it could be, but I think it would get boring. I can’t fix things if I’m all dusted.

(They frown)

I don’t want to scare people.

That's true.. I wouldn't want to be stuck not being able to do things.

You don't have to.

Yea, I’d miss being able to do things!

(She nods)

Which is good. I’d be bad at it anyway.

Me too.

I think I would be bad at it too. I don't know how to be a ghost.

I don’t know either. The old scary movie ghosts all seem to just be miserable and angry anyways, and I don’t like feeling like that.

Being miserable and angry all the time doesn't sound like a nice thing to be, especially after dying. I would rather be happy or in peace.

I think when I dust I just want to be peaceful. I’d settle for that. I think I deserve at least peace if I can’t have happiness.

(It nods)

Peace would be nice. I don't think I'll even know when I've dusted.

Oh.

(They contemplate it)

I guess that’s part of the unknown, the fear of it. Not knowing what it’ll be like or if it’ll be like anything at all… I think you’ll know.

My batteries could die while I'm shut down and I would never know until I get new ones. I don't like that I'm always dying, by technicality.

I don't think you'll have to worry about dusting for a while.. I hope you won't.

Oh, that’s technically true.

I hope I get to live a little longer, even if it’s difficult sometimes…

A lot of things we like are difficult.

(It's voice crackles a bit, the new batteries not doing much sitting in its hands)

I like living. You can't do fun stuff if you're a ghost..

Yea that’s true. Ghosting must be torture.

(She remembers the batteries)

Oh! Do you want me to change your batteries?

(It nods immediately)

Mhm. Please. I don't want to shut down again.

(They're aware they shut down for battery changes too, but that's less unpleasant since it can go straight back to where it left off. No memory loss or anything)

That makes sense.

(She takes the batteries and goes to change them)

Battery time.

(It means to warn her to wear the gloves, but as soon as the batteries are removed its head droops. It still has some power left, which is a shock hazard)

(She’s about to put in the new batteries when she remembers she’s not already wearing gloves, and then puts her gloves on before replacing them)

That was stupid…

(There's a moment of nothing before it lifts its head)

Hm? ... Did I shock you.?

(She puts the old batteries away and throws her gloves onto the desk)

No, but I nearly did get shocked- forgot my gloves. That’s a stupid mistake.

I think it's easy to forget.. but at least you remembered.? I don't want to hurt you on accident..

That would’ve been my fault for not putting them on.

(She shrugs)

I don’t usually forget. I’m usually good at remembering those things…

Still...

(It looks up at her)

It happens sometimes. Everyone forgets something..

When it’s that important? I doubt it happens to absolutely everyone.

(They shrug)

Maybe not.. but still. As long as you didn't get shocked it's okay.?

(She sighs, staring at her hands for a moment)

I guess so. I’m alive, so that makes it fine.

(She doesn’t entirely believe it)

Mhm. ... You are alive. You sound doubtful.

Not doubtful I’m alive. Just… I hate making mistakes. Especially stupid ones.

Mistakes are normal. It doesn't feel good to make them, but they're normal.

I know they are… but I know better. You’re not the first droid whose batteries I’ve changed- I should have known.

.... How about we change the subject..? Do you like... um...

(It trails off, unsure what to say)

Yes. Great idea.

(She hadn’t even noticed she was spiralling)

Have you ever had a job?

Yes. It wasn't a good job.. I don't remember much of it, only pieces.

Oh. I assume the pieces aren’t good memories?

(She frowns a little)

I spent a year or so helping to fix some stuff for a rescue, that’s really the only job I’ve ever had.

No.

That sounds like a nice job. Helping people.

At least it’s just pieces I guess…

(She nods)

It was. A lot of the machines there are fairly old, so I got to replace parts and rewire some things too.

(She sounds almost happy as she talks about it, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience)

It sounds like you like doing it. Do you still fix them?

Only now and again… I love doing that sort of thing.

You should keep doing it if you enjoy it. It's good to have something you like to do.

That’s true. I’ll have to pay a visit and see if they need anything doing…

(She pulls a face, remembering something)

Jackrabbit.

Good.

(It tilts its head)

... What about them?

Their family. We were going to search for them… I think.

(She goes and grabs a chip packet, opening it and crunching a couple)

We should get round to it at some point.

Right. We did plan to do that. It's for the best of the family.. but it still feels a little daunting, doesn't it?

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