Perfection Personified

I am DWN-019, also called Gemini Man. I was a bot designed for mining, but was upgraded into the perfect combat robot you see before you. Look, but don't touch. (( Part of AMR))

[geminimandwn019]

Oh hey, when'd you get back, Gem? I just woke up from one of my infamous naps. Maker knows how long I was out this time, jeez.

>I have been out for 3 years, 6 months and 24 days. However, I remained connected to the network, so I know all about your “nap”. Your inactivity has been noted. 

>Its not like I needed your help with anything. Other then possibly keeping Top away from Lightbots. But apparently, I am the only one around here that has to work! Once again, I have to take responsibility onto my shoulders, and carry the burdens of our Line. 

>I walk out of my room and instantly the storm hits, again. Honestly. You are not that much younger then me, Hard, you should be leading, not me. And you should not be napping!!!!! Elecman is in the Fortress, did you know that? 

>Apparently he’s on our side, this is good news. Maybe it means we’ll have purpose again. Goodness knows that my good looks, charm and scathing wit can only get us so far. I already have 2nd Gens breathing down my neck for status reports, and field assessments. 

>I’ve also learned that Flashman runs the repair bay now? Apparently it used to be automated, but thanks to no money or parts everything has been stolen or hocked for spares!! This place is a dump! Its dirty!! I hate it!! 

>You can’t possibly expect me to be the soul entertainment for Top! You know how hyper and excited her gets!? I do not do skating, I do not do roads. Get off your backside and go spend time with him this instant!!!! 

[hadoman]

>One-up me why don’tcha, wow. Good to see you’re still as naggy as ever though, heh.

>Seriously though? I really don’t think anyone wants me leading, Gem. I’ve sat on Top by accident more times than I can count. I’ve been napping just to stay out of the way of everybody.

>I mean there’s that and I also don’t wanna move more than I gotta. You little guys don’t understand how much effort it takes just to get up onto my feet these days. I’m surprised my joints haven’t seized up again like last time.

[geminimandwn019]

>Then perhaps you should go to the repair bay. I’m sure you are over due on your maintenance. Me and Top discovered plenty of scrap metal and parts recently, so I’m certain Dr. Wily will repair you. 

>No excuses. You are no good to us sitting. What if Air man, Maker forbid, decides to do more then just send annoying messages?! I’m certainly not combat efficient enough to stand up to him, I will need you and your very angry fists. 

>Maker knows I can’t rely on Snake. To do anything. Ever. 

[takeitfromthetop]

The last thing I need is more reasons for him to be on my case. Now will you shut up and come open the door? You could use the exercise.

[hadoman]

Can’t you open it? I’m comfy here, c’mon.

[geminimandwn019]

If any of you nincompoops so much as set a foot in my room I will kill you both. Do I make myself clear? Top, it is not my job to entertain you the moment you become “bored”, only boring people become bored. Figure it out yourself, you are not a fresh of the assembly line bot! 

[geminimandwn019]

Oh hey, when'd you get back, Gem? I just woke up from one of my infamous naps. Maker knows how long I was out this time, jeez.

>I have been out for 3 years, 6 months and 24 days. However, I remained connected to the network, so I know all about your “nap”. Your inactivity has been noted. 

>Its not like I needed your help with anything. Other then possibly keeping Top away from Lightbots. But apparently, I am the only one around here that has to work! Once again, I have to take responsibility onto my shoulders, and carry the burdens of our Line. 

>I walk out of my room and instantly the storm hits, again. Honestly. You are not that much younger then me, Hard, you should be leading, not me. And you should not be napping!!!!! Elecman is in the Fortress, did you know that? 

>Apparently he’s on our side, this is good news. Maybe it means we’ll have purpose again. Goodness knows that my good looks, charm and scathing wit can only get us so far. I already have 2nd Gens breathing down my neck for status reports, and field assessments. 

>I’ve also learned that Flashman runs the repair bay now? Apparently it used to be automated, but thanks to no money or parts everything has been stolen or hocked for spares!! This place is a dump! Its dirty!! I hate it!! 

>You can’t possibly expect me to be the soul entertainment for Top! You know how hyper and excited her gets!? I do not do skating, I do not do roads. Get off your backside and go spend time with him this instant!!!! 

[airofsuperiority]

geminimandwn019:

>As I stated in my previous message. None of your business what any of us have been doing. I do not acknowledge your authority.

>Please kindly leave me alone. Or I will be forced to terminate this open line. Your petty insults only reinforce how completely pointless this action is, and your own pointlessness.

>If you would like to talk about something that is not you attempting to establish a baseless dominance then perhaps I would be willing to continue this dialog. Until then, you can simply stuff it.

>Hah. >There’s nothing to establish–I already run this cesspool with Flash. I’ll inspect the wing myself once more. I was saving us time but if your victim complex means so much more, then so be it. >Shame I actually rank you higher than your brothers. Godless earth forbid I ever have to hold a future combination with the large one or stupid one.

>The 5th line’s representative isn’t nearly this mouthy. *Click*

[geminimandwn019]

>Oh please? That overgrown disco ball? You have me trembling in my heels. 

“Good riddance.” He grumbles as he suns himself at the top of the Skull Fortress. Head back and legs crossed. “Ah, nothing like a nice solar charge.” His clone puts a grape in his mouth. “Thank you.” 

[geminimandwn019]

>You know I hate doing this as much as you hate reading it, but I need an updated report on your line: DWN-017 through 023 still doing nothing, I presume? Think of it as less as an insult and more as a praise for getting in our way the least.

>Oh boy, look whats lumbered into my inbox. Another pointless relic of a lost glory age. I do not answer to you, nor does my Line. Keep your nose out of my business. DWN-010, kindly take your nosey business out into a field, and sit on it. 

[airofsuperiority]

>Sigh, three years of lying in cobwebs and you have the audacity to think you’re funny. Close that tawdry little mouth of yours and send me the damn report. It can be blank or full of little cheeky quips for all I care.

>What exactly has your line done that’s so much more productive? Sad some alien technology proved more useful than the seven useless robots the doctor wasted his time on. Lying in stasis isn’t exactly useful for anything besides rightfully staying out of my way.

[geminimandwn019]

>As I stated in my previous message. None of your business what any of us have been doing. I do not acknowledge your authority. 

>Please kindly leave me alone. Or I will be forced to terminate this open line. Your petty insults only reinforce how completely pointless this action is, and your own pointlessness. 

>If you would like to talk about something that is not you attempting to establish a baseless dominance then perhaps I would be willing to continue this dialog. Until then, you can simply stuff it. 

[geminimandwn019]

>You know I hate doing this as much as you hate reading it, but I need an updated report on your line: DWN-017 through 023 still doing nothing, I presume? Think of it as less as an insult and more as a praise for getting in our way the least.

>Oh boy, look whats lumbered into my inbox. Another pointless relic of a lost glory age. I do not answer to you, nor does my Line. Keep your nose out of my business. DWN-010, kindly take your nosey business out into a field, and sit on it. 

[geminimandwn019]

Waking Up.

[geminimandwn019]

Gemini gives a smirk. “That is a good idea. I bet this place is filled with old forgotten levels, robots, parts. Perhaps if we scavenge, we can return them to Flash or the Doctor. Goodness knows DWN’s are in constant need of repairs….hmm that would be rather useful of us. Wouldn’t you say, brother?”

“Perhaps there might even be a reward.” His blue eyes flash with dark greed at the idea. “Its settled then!!!!” He holds out his arms, his armor flashing like light around him as it snaps into place on his arms and chest, his helmet flashing last to cover his hair. “The fortress is in need of DIRE repairs, Topman. Clearly, this is a job for the 3rd generation. We are the best at excavation, scouting, requisition! I know I am perfect for the job. hmhmhmhm!” 

[takeitfromthetop]

Top’s bright eyes fill with awe and excitement like it’s his birthday. (Still somehow caring about those.) “Yaaay, that’s the spirit! I better gear up myself. Ahem…” Taking a step back, he stands up straight with poise. With a single clap of his hands, the missing upper half of his armor regenerates in a soft, yellow light. “There, much better. Come now, this way!”

He beckons Gemini to follow, eagerly leading him towards one of the many elevator shafts in the fortress. Pushing the outside button, they wait. The bubbly smaller bot fidgets a bit. “I think there’s floors underground not even the 2nd gens will touch. You know these places and the doc’s affinity for long, endless tunnels down. With my scouting and your excavating, it’s the perfect task! Now fingers cross this lift doesn’t get stuck! They, uh, teeeend to do that! Haha…” 

Air promised he would fix the shafts, but of-fucking-course he meant the private ones that only the 2nd gens had access to. Luckily, this one responds with a slight “ping” as the doors open.

[geminimandwn019]

Gemini follows Top, trying his best not to look amused. Top wasn’t amusing. He wasn’t enjoying this. But he looks at the elevator with a critical eye, will it even take their combined weight? Well, that is the point of adventure. He finally shrugs and steps on. “Lead on, Top.” 

He stands in the elevator as the door closes and feels it lurch downwards. “This is a huge floating island correct? Do you think anything is flooded?” He was water tight, sure, but salt could easily wreck havoc on his crystalline layers. “I wonder if any of the other generations are down here...hidden away in the dark. Keep your guard up, Top. Not all DWN’s see us as their own.” 

[geminimandwn019]

Waking Up.

[geminimandwn019]

“Ew, Jewelman? That overgrown pink rock?” Gemini cringes, Top makes a friend and of all the robots it had to be that one. “Nevermind.” He waves it off. 

“Do not think my disinterest in your hobbies to mean I would not stand for you if threatened, Top. But I don’t like Doofy the cat and spinning is not high on my list as worthwhile activities.” He points out. “But I’m glad you didn’t forget the world is full of bastards. No one cares about us.” 

He pushes his hair out of his face again, looking thoughtful. “Well, anyways, I have’t actually explored this Fortress yet. I’ve heard its rather large, perhaps it will be something to do. Maybe it has some sort of deep depths to discover, wouldn’t that be exciting?” 

[takeitfromthetop]

“He didn’t choose to be designed that way…” he mutters but walks quietly as Gemini chatters, nodding a couple times. 

“I know… I haven’t forgotten. No one has, look where we are…” Having seen the world and what his brothers have seen, he knew better they were alone. 

…But couldn’t there exceptions? He couldn’t afford to drive Jewel and the others away too. It seems to be all he was good at anymore–what a lousy, miserable way to protect himself.

But he turns around, surprised by his brother’s request. He smirks, finally something the scout wanted to hear. “If you wanted to explore the fortress, why didn’t you say so? I’d LOVE to!” Pushing his back heels, his wheels spin place just for show. “Why don’t I be your guide? There’s places I haven’t even explored yet in this dump! Sounds like an adventure, so shall we?”

[geminimandwn019]

Gemini gives a smirk. “That is a good idea. I bet this place is filled with old forgotten levels, robots, parts. Perhaps if we scavenge, we can return them to Flash or the Doctor. Goodness knows DWN’s are in constant need of repairs....hmm that would be rather useful of us. Wouldn’t you say, brother?”

“Perhaps there might even be a reward.” His blue eyes flash with dark greed at the idea. “Its settled then!!!!” He holds out his arms, his armor flashing like light around him as it snaps into place on his arms and chest, his helmet flashing last to cover his hair. “The fortress is in need of DIRE repairs, Topman. Clearly, this is a job for the 3rd generation. We are the best at excavation, scouting, requisition! I know I am perfect for the job. hmhmhmhm!” 

[geminimandwn019]

Waking Up.

[geminimandwn019]

“I see a plethora of planned progress all around me.” Gemini says sarcastically. But while Snake might annoy him beyond words, Top was harmless, eager to please. “If you want to see the world, Top. The Fortress has teleporters. No one is stopping you.”

He motions back in some vague direction some teleporters were located on their level. “You could easily go see it all yourself, or simply download a National Geographic magazine.” But he knew how Top felt in that department honestly. Gemini, despite his current driftlessness, loved caves, and mines and gemstones and crystals. And nothing would be more exciting them pushing through thick jungle to find the hidden cracks in the world. But humans populated it, they were everywhere, it was awful. 

[takeitfromthetop]

Top walks ahead of him and stops, blocking the  path. “I said, ‘What good is it if I go all by myself?’ If I wanted to be alone, I would have gone back to space.” Sighing, he realizes Gemini would never understand. Longing for company and acceptance seemed alien to the stuck up jerk.

“If you really knew anything about me or what I was up to, you’d know I do leave. I… I have friends now! …I’ve been seeing Jewel Man for a quite a while. He’s a Lightbot… but he likes gems and crystals just like you, and it feels like his line understands us! I just don’t know how long it’ll last, though.” His face and body sag. They were “only” friend” but friends were hard to come by. The thought of losing Jewel felt like an oncoming lowpoint, but he shrugs.

“I mean… After all, nothing good ever lasts. You know the world is an awful, backstabbing place for people like us. You guys are supposed to be the ones that will always be there when everything else goes wrong. I will always do the same for you.” 

[geminimandwn019]

“Ew, Jewelman? That overgrown pink rock?” Gemini cringes, Top makes a friend and of all the robots it had to be that one. “Nevermind.” He waves it off. 

“Do not think my disinterest in your hobbies to mean I would not stand for you if threatened, Top. But I don’t like Doofy the cat and spinning is not high on my list as worthwhile activities.” He points out. “But I’m glad you didn’t forget the world is full of bastards. No one cares about us.” 

He pushes his hair out of his face again, looking thoughtful. “Well, anyways, I have’t actually explored this Fortress yet. I’ve heard its rather large, perhaps it will be something to do. Maybe it has some sort of deep depths to discover, wouldn’t that be exciting?” 

[geminimandwn019]

Waking Up.

[geminimandwn019]

Gemini frowns only a little. “Nothing will happen. Just as nothing happens now. You forget that we aren’t human, you don’t need to physically move your body to remain in contact.” He points out. “But I suppose as a scout you might get restless. But that is besides the point, I don’t plan to shut down any more for the time being. Elecman is in the base.” He brightens up a bit. 

“He is a revolutionary. Perhaps he will give us a reason to keep plodding forward.” He pushes hair out of his face as they walk. “Honestly, I haven’t had any good reasons to show off how amazing I am to humans in such a long time. Doing so /while/ putting them in their place, well, it would certainly be entertaining.” He muses. 

[takeitfromthetop]

“That’s not what I meant!” he pouts defensively. “We’re not humans, but we’re not plugged in 1984 Macintoshs either. We have senses, we have physical reactions to our environment! There’s so much I can’t do in stasis. I still want to see the world, and what good is that if I’m all alone because my brothers are all stuffy cynics! Hmmph, I haaaave feelings tooooooo.”

But he’s willing to drop it for now. He pushes his glasses up, “Is he really that amazing? He seems more preoccupied being Flash’s new ‘best friend.’” He chuckles, “You’re forgetting that plans are my specialty too, I just… haven’t felt like it lately.” Truthfully he didn’t want to admit to Gem’s face that he never actually cared one way or the other about helping Wily or the Wilybots.

[geminimandwn019]

“I see a plethora of planned progress all around me.” Gemini says sarcastically. But while Snake might annoy him beyond words, Top was harmless, eager to please. “If you want to see the world, Top. The Fortress has teleporters. No one is stopping you.”

He motions back in some vague direction some teleporters were located on their level. “You could easily go see it all yourself, or simply download a National Geographic magazine.” But he knew how Top felt in that department honestly. Gemini, despite his current driftlessness, loved caves, and mines and gemstones and crystals. And nothing would be more exciting them pushing through thick jungle to find the hidden cracks in the world. But humans populated it, they were everywhere, it was awful. 

[geminimandwn019]

Waking Up.

[geminimandwn019]

takeitfromthetop

“Oh…” He trailed off quietly, “Sorry…” Smiling sheepishly he jerked away from Gemini with both hands in the air not touching him. They weren’t even missed, typical. Why did he expect different, like 3 years would somehow change anything? Before Top could even open his mouth to speak, he’s already silenced. “But–” And with a dismissive headpat, the older bot already walked away from him.

Even without Gem’s invitation, the smaller bot trailed behind anyway. Top could only take so many orders, the persistent little pest and they both knew it. Again, same as always.

He kept slower than usual as to not outwalk his brother, arms folded together in thought. “You know, normally I’d be pretty pissed, but sleeping seems to be popular lately.” Hard was already heading that direction, the hulking machine too large and stubborn to move anymore.

He laughed it off, “I tried, but it got boring. I can’t do it!” He shook his head, but got right to the point. “I can’t think what will happen when all of you stop coming outside.”

His tone was joking, but inside his chest was rattling. He wouldn’t say it, but he was honestly, sincerely afraid of Gemini going back.

“Haha, well… You know! I’m just saying!”

Gemini frowns only a little. “Nothing will happen. Just as nothing happens now. You forget that we aren’t human, you don’t need to physically move your body to remain in contact.” He points out. “But I suppose as a scout you might get restless. But that is besides the point, I don’t plan to shut down any more for the time being. Elecman is in the base.” He brightens up a bit. 

“He is a revolutionary. Perhaps he will give us a reason to keep plodding forward.” He pushes hair out of his face as they walk. “Honestly, I haven’t had any good reasons to show off how amazing I am to humans in such a long time. Doing so /while/ putting them in their place, well, it would certainly be entertaining.” He muses. 

[geminimandwn019]

Waking Up.

Gemini opened his eyes, lost in a daze as systems long shut down, powered on. A surge in the Fortress’s power had forced him to shift out of low power mod. So he slowly sat up out of his dusty bed. Ugh, his logs show he’d been inactive for 3 years, 49 days, 15 hours, 22 minutes.

A scan of the slow network revealed nothing had changed since last he was up. His fellow DWN’s had tapered off the main stream network, perhaps the fact that purposeless had finally set in. But he would admit, lack of activity on the network was worrisome. 

The only messages he saw on the boards were Snake and Top. The same useless arguments, the same platitudes. Gem put his feet off his pile of old mattresses he called a bed and dropped them onto the cold metal floor, a flash of light and his armored boots wrapped around his feet. 

He’d been asleep long enough, he needed to clean his room. Everything was dusty and he couldn’t stand that. So as soon as finished cleaning up, he walked out of his room to stretch his joints. Brushing a hand through his short, white hair to fluff it up just right he strode out to see if maybe the day would be less dull then the last one he’d ventured out on. 

[takeitfromthetop]

It would take more than purposelessness to drive Top off the network and back into his pod. In fact, he was strolling outside the halls more than ever. Today he was humming tunes, Snake reminding him of his vintage albums stashed away. 

Everything felt fine. Boring, yes, but fine. The steel flooring beneath his boots clicked like it always did. Everyday felt the same, and that he, too, would never change. He plateaued years ago–this silly, pointless life of his was all he had to hold on to. And he did, with fists tight. 

He was going to argue, tease, and live happily alongside his brothers until one day something happens, and they never come back online again. Unlike some robots, he just tried to think about it less. It was pretty easy for someone with an empty head and busy feet.

But something changed about today. 

Around the corner, he saw someone coming and curiously peaked over. At first he thought it was going to be a random 5th gen or, god help him, an 8th gen. Both were equally forgettable, to tell the truth.

But a flash of crystalline armor and platinum hair brought him to a halt–suddenly staring straight into the face of the 3rd gens. “…Gem?” He croaks out weakly, startled. “Gemini?! Oh my god, GEMINI, is that you?!” 

Their “””leader””” looked unkept and exhausted, a sight betraying Top’s eyes. Unsure what to do, panic struck and he was losing control of his nerves. (Something he knew Gem always HATED about him.) 

“How long have you been up?! Do you know how long you’ve been gone?! Everyone scrambled away!” He frantically grabbed onto his big brother, trying reeaaAALLY HARD not to shriek so much. (And to not shake Gemini’s shoulders so much.) “Gem?! Gem, answer me! Are you okay?! What happened to you!?!”

[geminimandwn019]

Gemini heard the first screeches of his name and almost turned around and went back to his room. But something in him told him not to. And soon Top man was grappling him, giving him a shake in his excitement. Gemini finally reached up and removed his brothers grip. Giving a small smile. 

“Top.” He acknowledges his brother. “I am fine. Thank you, your concern is noted. But I am fine, I assure you. As to what happened to me....I just hadn’t felt the need to move...in awhile.” It was difficult, Robots really didn’t suffer from depression. But Purposelessness, seemed rather close to the mark. 

“I was happy asleep. So I stayed asleep, but I woke up. End of the story, wasn’t that fun?” He tilts his head. “It is nice to see you too, Top. And you do not need to get into a description of what you’ve been doing, I’ve been unmoving, not offline.” He pats his brothers hair. 

“I was just going for a nice walk.” He watches Top for a moment longer. “Alone.” He adds the last part. But he seriously wondered if Top would even catch that last part. He gives a sigh. “If we continue to move, we can keep talking.” He offers. 

[geminimandwn019]

Waking Up.

Gemini opened his eyes, lost in a daze as systems long shut down, powered on. A surge in the Fortress’s power had forced him to shift out of low power mod. So he slowly sat up out of his dusty bed. Ugh, his logs show he’d been inactive for 3 years, 49 days, 15 hours, 22 minutes.

A scan of the slow network revealed nothing had changed since last he was up. His fellow DWN’s had tapered off the main stream network, perhaps the fact that purposeless had finally set in. But he would admit, lack of activity on the network was worrisome. 

The only messages he saw on the boards were Snake and Top. The same useless arguments, the same platitudes. Gem put his feet off his pile of old mattresses he called a bed and dropped them onto the cold metal floor, a flash of light and his armored boots wrapped around his feet. 

He’d been asleep long enough, he needed to clean his room. Everything was dusty and he couldn’t stand that. So as soon as finished cleaning up, he walked out of his room to stretch his joints. Brushing a hand through his short, white hair to fluff it up just right he strode out to see if maybe the day would be less dull then the last one he’d ventured out on.