PosessedMechanics

Metal is far superior to flesh, but we don't mind socializing.

[posessedmechanics]

continued from @chaospage Keir turned with inhuman speed but it was too late - the thing had already leapt, slamming into him with mechanical force and precision. It stabbed down with long, curved forelimbs, piercing his coat even as he flailed, surrendering his unwieldy gun to pry at the creature with his blade-fingered hands. Still, the force of it had knocked him down. He was on his back in the dirt as the thing tore at him- - and, emboldened by his fall, a few more crawled out of doorways, mimicking the about-to-leap scrunch of their fellow-

[posessedmechanics]

continued from @chaospage

Keir turned to face the stranger entirely - taking in the details of their gear. Many packs and packages, many layers scuffed with travel and battle. A soft one who knew how to fight, and stay alive. A survivor. And one not afraid to challenge boarders, and take a difficult path. Interesting. “I imagine you already know that the presence of one can change everything,” he said. “But I am glad you were not injured. I am Keir,” he laid a hand on his chest - an unusual hand, all metal and claws, almost a glove but not quite. “How would you prefer to be called?” A shrewd observer might notice that the way his arms bent were not quite normal - the way the cloth folded at the joints also unusual. Almost more like a puppet on strings than a person wearing clothing. The gestures learned, not necessarily natural. The raven would find a sort of chamber with organic matter crushed inside it - a mere pulp of long dead plants and rotted things not so appetizing even to a scavenger.

[posessedmechanics]

continued from @chaospage

“If your gods are the same one who decided the fate of the city, I would not be so confidant,” said Keir, though his voice was more amused than chiding. “Here they come…” And come they did - a wave of eight, skittering out all at once towards the stranger - round carapaces bobbing as they scuttled close. Keir took careful aim and fired - smashing through several with blasts of red. Only the furthest from the tracker, though, as he did not want to risk clipping the soft creature with hard energy. “Aim for the head if you want to end them fast,” he said, taking a moment to jump - and land - to be a bit closer to the ally. “Aim for the body if you have any use for energy cells.” And, putting his back to the newcomer, he would spray another round towards the enemy- blasting away a few more, making sure nothing would attack the tracker from behind.

[chaospage]

The remark was ignored, remained focus on the troubles at hand. On the troubles, that were more worth their time then pointless taunts. They aimed their gun and fired at the closest ones, the ones that slipped passed the stranger’s weapon blast. Only breaking their focus long enough, to glance behind themselves, when the ally joined their side.

“ Wouldn’t hurt to study them. ”

They wouldn’t know for sure if the energy cells would be compatible with their equipment, but there was only one way to find out. Salvage what they could.

Not every beast could be used, some having gotten to close that shooting anywhere but the head could have ended in disaster. There were also times that the gun was lowered, and the beast met the blade of their hatchet. The weapon hacking deep, and ripping free with severe damage.

It wasn’t long before the gun was holstered, and the hatchet became their favored weapon. Able to move swiftly. To strike areas that, hopefully would salvage something. Ducking. Dodging, and stepping back. But not once, didn’t the leave their ally’s side.

[posessedmechanics]

Keir stayed in place once all their foes lay dead, half crouched, scanning the area for any other signs of movement. Only when a few moments had passed and the smoke cleared from the mechanical corpses did he move, stooping to collect a few of the still-glowing bug faces. He opened a section of his great gun, pushed out a non-glowing, identically shaped piece, and replaced it with the bug face - an energy cell. “You fight well,” he said. “If I had had one like you at my side, maybe the city wouldn’t have fallen.” Perhaps a bit heavy for flattery. More likely it would have taken dozens like the stranger to save the city, at the height of the war. But sometimes the power of the individual was surprising, and this stranger had an air of that about them. Surprises. He closed his gun again and spun it back into place, the light returning to blue. Only then did he turn to contemplate his mysterious new ally. “Are you hurt? Not that I have any skill at healing, but there are safer places to go than here.” Keir had only one ability, and it was to fight. He did know there were places in the city that had once been for healing, though, places that still had their supplies even after all this time. He gestured at the bug-corpses, a few still glowing with energy cells. “Take what you like, if you are not injured.”

[posessedmechanics]

continued from @chaospage

“If your gods are the same one who decided the fate of the city, I would not be so confidant,” said Keir, though his voice was more amused than chiding. “Here they come...” And come they did - a wave of eight, skittering out all at once towards the stranger - round carapaces bobbing as they scuttled close. Keir took careful aim and fired - smashing through several with blasts of red. Only the furthest from the tracker, though, as he did not want to risk clipping the soft creature with hard energy. “Aim for the head if you want to end them fast,” he said, taking a moment to jump - and land - to be a bit closer to the ally. “Aim for the body if you have any use for energy cells.” And, putting his back to the newcomer, he would spray another round towards the enemy- blasting away a few more, making sure nothing would attack the tracker from behind.

[posessedmechanics]

Continued from @chaospage

The pistol seemed to work, shattering the rounded, carapace-like robot with a crunch of sparks and static that made the face-light flicker and go dull. The other two landed behind them, turning on the spot and readying to jump again, paying no heed to the shattered remains of their comrade - but two more shots rang out - not from the stranger’s gun, but from above - and two flashes hit the creatures and burst them in a similar shower of sparks. Only this time, their face-lights did not fade, but remained intact, glowing among the shattered pieces. The raven would be able to see, then. A figure standing above, as dusty and ragged as the city itself, staring down at the intruder. In his metal hands was a long, heavy gun that glowed with a light similar to the crawling creatures. They kept the gun on their shoulder, but made no move, watching the stranger below.

[chaospage]

Out of reflex they flinched and ducked down, when two shots rang out. Expecting the sting of bullets, but was both surprised and relieved when instead it was the creatures of metal that were shot. Watching them fall. Watching, the glowing faces with a bit of curiosity.

But their gaze did not linger, turning instead to look up at the stranger, and keeping ahold of their weapons. Not putting their guard down just yet. For yes, the stranger helped in taking out the current enemy. But that didn’t always mean friend. Sometimes, it was a display of strength. A point to be proven, that the tracker could be the next shot, if they weren’t careful.

“ You have my thanks. ”

A step of faith to be kind, regardless of the uncertainty. They knew it was better to try and start on the right foot, then lash out so quickly. However, someone else didn’t share the same sentiment. The raven, landed near by the gun wielding stranger. Keeping distance, but close enough to be seen. Close enough, to let out a demanding caw. Insistant to know what the stranger’s motive might be.

[posessedmechanics]

Keir was high enough, dark enough, that if it weren’t for the flash of sickly sun on lenses, he would be all but invisible. But visible they were, two circles shining down at the visitor, this small flesh creature offering thanks. How long had it been, since a creature of flesh had walked this city? Ten years? Twenty? A hundred? Keir did not know. Keir did not keep the time. “It is not safe for flesh creatures in this city,” Keir said to the stranger. His voice would be heard not as a sound, but as information conveyed directly mind-to-mind. The contact was not invasive, but most definitely alien, to someone not used to being around spirits of power. “Go back to where you came from. You have already been noticed, and more will come. I can buy you time.” He lifted his weapon, spinning the barrel to a new setting so that the light from the muzzle shifted from blue to red. He could see them already, more round forms creeping from shadows, towards the source of noise and heat. He was not sure what to make of the bird, though...he gave it a small, sideways look...

[posessedmechanics]

Continued from @chaospage

The pistol seemed to work, shattering the rounded, carapace-like robot with a crunch of sparks and static that made the face-light flicker and go dull. The other two landed behind them, turning on the spot and readying to jump again, paying no heed to the shattered remains of their comrade - but two more shots rang out - not from the stranger’s gun, but from above - and two flashes hit the creatures and burst them in a similar shower of sparks. Only this time, their face-lights did not fade, but remained intact, glowing among the shattered pieces. The raven would be able to see, then. A figure standing above, as dusty and ragged as the city itself, staring down at the intruder. In his metal hands was a long, heavy gun that glowed with a light similar to the crawling creatures. They kept the gun on their shoulder, but made no move, watching the stranger below.

[posessedmechanics]

starter for @chaospage

The city had died long ago.

It had been a marvel, once. Full of sweeping towers, multistory buildings, and every luxury the idle mind could imagine in terms of parks, gardens, fountains and sculptures. The shining jewel, it had once been called. Magic’s pride, also. Elthrain had been its true name, but there were none left who remembered it.

None but the guardian. But nobody remembered him, either.

The city was dead, now. Every garden stripped to dust, every building covered in ash and dirt, or reduced to rubble entirely. There was no life in Elthrain, even though there was plenty of movement. Movement from the Gatherers, who picked over the rubble, searching for organic material to take back to their masters. There were not as many Gatheres as there once were, however. The city was dead, after all, with hardly anything to gather. Unless, perhaps, one valued technology instead of organic matter. Then there was plenty to find, for Elthrain had been a marvel both due to the prowess of its mage community and the advancements of its scientists. This prowess, unfortunately, had been what attracted the enemy. But that was a hundred years ago.

And now Elthrain was silent.

[chaospage]

A raven took to the skies, scouting from above as another tracker scouted from the ground. Fallen cities were nothing new. Many rose, and many fell, and each one was as sad as the last. But, this was no time to ponder. The tracker was here for a much greater purpose. For the rumors of scrapped tech, and the hopes to find something to use to further refine their own.

The tracker hid near the city edge and waited. Their arm lifting up, to make a landing perch for their friend that came back with news. News that was told in quick, rapid caws. Sounds of alarm. Danger near by. Warnings, that were taken note of as a gentle finger stroked the bird underneath the chin.

“ Vertu öruggur. ”

Gentle words for the other to ‘ be safe ’, before the raven took to the skies again. Safety from above, as the tracker made their way further into the potential dangers of the fallen city. Each step quiet, hand hovering near their hatchet, while their other came up to activate their scanner. Wanting to see if there was anything dangerous close by, any creatures that might pop up, as their scanner spread out across the perimeter.

“ Allfather bless me with sight. ”

[posessedmechanics]

The nearyby danger would become apparent soon enough. There were skitterings - metallic and quick - and something crawled out from one of the nearby ruins. Some things, rather, for there were several of them, insectoild, pale constructs with glowing faces and sharp, grasping limbs. They saw the intruder and immediately scurried for them, silent and purposeful. And they weren’t alone, either. The scan would reveal more shapes, similar in form and configuration, lurking in many of the shadows and corners. Waiting for any sign to move, to collect. And worse...something bigger, buried under a nearby collapsed building. Bigger, and very, very much alive, judging by the energy signature. For now, though, it did not move, and the attack was lead by the three goat-sized machines, leaping as one!

[posessedmechanics]

starter for @chaospage

The city had died long ago.

It had been a marvel, once. Full of sweeping towers, multistory buildings, and every luxury the idle mind could imagine in terms of parks, gardens, fountains and sculptures. The shining jewel, it had once been called. Magic’s pride, also. Elthrain had been its true name, but there were none left who remembered it.

None but the guardian. But nobody remembered him, either.

The city was dead, now. Every garden stripped to dust, every building covered in ash and dirt, or reduced to rubble entirely. There was no life in Elthrain, even though there was plenty of movement. Movement from the Gatherers, who picked over the rubble, searching for organic material to take back to their masters. There were not as many Gatheres as there once were, however. The city was dead, after all, with hardly anything to gather. Unless, perhaps, one valued technology instead of organic matter. Then there was plenty to find, for Elthrain had been a marvel both due to the prowess of its mage community and the advancements of its scientists. This prowess, unfortunately, had been what attracted the enemy. But that was a hundred years ago.

And now Elthrain was silent.

[chaospage]

(Continued) @posessedmechanics

Each bolt was set aside on the table in the order that it was removed, not wanting to put Aldaer’s leg back together incorrectly. While he worked, he also listened, pausing momentarily in surprise when the other mentioned ‘ companionship ’. In a way, it made sense. Or at least, Omega assumed that’s why the other looked so human.

“A companion machine. Your emotions make sense. Every machine can feel. But you seem to feel things more intensely.”

He paused for a moment, thinking as he slowly opened up Aldaer’s leg. The vents along his neck releasing steam like a thoughtful hum.

“If you were made for human companionship, feeling things like humans do, seems correct. I could be wrong. I am not knowledgeable in those things.”

Omega gave a rather human like shrug, before he set aside the screw driver. Only to pause and quickly look at Aldaer again.

“Did you say spirit?”

[posessedmechanics]

“I wish I did not feel at all,” Aldaer said, calm and truthful. “I wish I was free to pursue knowledge with no other consequence. Feeling things has only ever been a hindrance, and a source of mistakes.” and pain. But he nodded, at the second bit of question Omega asked. “A spirit,” he agreed, “I am more than a machine. I am a thing of purpose beyond my construction. That is why even though I was crafted to be a companion and hired to be an enforcer, I still wish for nothing more than to gather information about every possible subject...” Was it possible to wish to be a library and a librarian at the same time? Aldaer had never heard of such a person existing, but it was the only way he could ever think of what he felt he was meant to do within the context of the real, practical world....

[chaospage]

Robotic fingers worked delicately within the other’s leg. Examining what was broken and what wasn’t, his mind coming up with different options on how to fix it, all while he listened to Aldaer speak.

“Not being able to feel, is a different kind of hell.”

A hell, that he knew personally. But, he wouldn’t elaborate on that. Satisfied with what he had spoken, as he continued his work. Thinking over Aldaer’s words, and pausing only briefly to release some more steam.

“I find myself agreeing with that sort of thinking. We are always more then what we are created for. The things we can learn are numerous. Perhaps, you will find the courage to move forward.”

[posessedmechanics]

It was mostly the outer panels that were broken, but they were bent in such a way that they had been interfering with the springs and wiring. The coating on the wiring was rubbed raw, chafed from Aldaer walking around on the busted thing all day, or perhaps for a few days, judging by the damage. Whoever had done this to him hadn’t cared to get it fixed. “What makes you say it is hell?” Aldaer said, his curiosity pulling his gaze to Omega. This one surely saw no value to feelings, he had every appearance of being the ultimate weapon. “What forward did you move to?”

[chaospage]

(Continued) @posessedmechanics

Each bolt was set aside on the table in the order that it was removed, not wanting to put Aldaer’s leg back together incorrectly. While he worked, he also listened, pausing momentarily in surprise when the other mentioned ‘ companionship ’. In a way, it made sense. Or at least, Omega assumed that’s why the other looked so human.

“A companion machine. Your emotions make sense. Every machine can feel. But you seem to feel things more intensely.”

He paused for a moment, thinking as he slowly opened up Aldaer’s leg. The vents along his neck releasing steam like a thoughtful hum.

“If you were made for human companionship, feeling things like humans do, seems correct. I could be wrong. I am not knowledgeable in those things.”

Omega gave a rather human like shrug, before he set aside the screw driver. Only to pause and quickly look at Aldaer again.

“Did you say spirit?”

[posessedmechanics]

“I wish I did not feel at all,” Aldaer said, calm and truthful. “I wish I was free to pursue knowledge with no other consequence. Feeling things has only ever been a hindrance, and a source of mistakes.” and pain. But he nodded, at the second bit of question Omega asked. “A spirit,” he agreed, “I am more than a machine. I am a thing of purpose beyond my construction. That is why even though I was crafted to be a companion and hired to be an enforcer, I still wish for nothing more than to gather information about every possible subject...” Was it possible to wish to be a library and a librarian at the same time? Aldaer had never heard of such a person existing, but it was the only way he could ever think of what he felt he was meant to do within the context of the real, practical world....

[chaospage]

(Continued) @posessedmechanics

Each bolt was set aside on the table in the order that it was removed, not wanting to put Aldaer’s leg back together incorrectly. While he worked, he also listened, pausing momentarily in surprise when the other mentioned ‘ companionship ’. In a way, it made sense. Or at least, Omega assumed that’s why the other looked so human.

“A companion machine. Your emotions make sense. Every machine can feel. But you seem to feel things more intensely.”

He paused for a moment, thinking as he slowly opened up Aldaer’s leg. The vents along his neck releasing steam like a thoughtful hum.

“If you were made for human companionship, feeling things like humans do, seems correct. I could be wrong. I am not knowledgeable in those things.”

Omega gave a rather human like shrug, before he set aside the screw driver. Only to pause and quickly look at Aldaer again.

“Did you say spirit?”

[posessedmechanics]

“Ah, so the programming to be like the humans...that would explain it.” Aldaer leaned back, watching the ceiling. He didn’t really want to see all the parts coming out of him, or think about how terribly this moment could go. Logically, in fact, if Omega wanted to kill him, he could have done so very easily before this moment. Yet he was still helping, making no move or indication of threat or damage. Hopefully his mind would continue to understand that. “Yes, a spirit,” he did turn his head then, to watch the other’s reaction. “I am not just a walking machine. Inside me...” he rested a hand on his sternum area, “Is a small binding schema. A technomancer cast a spell to summon a spirit and bind it to their bidding, and apparently I responded...” he lay back again, his fans making a sigh. “I am a spirit of knowledge - I love all manner of information and tools of learning. I am good at investigation because of this....” and he also adored books.

[chaospage]

(Continued) @posessedmechanics

“Yes, I can do that. But do not apologize. You are not weak, for wanting to protect yourself.”

Omega kept his gentle tones as he spoke, letting Aldaer make the first move before he got up and followed. Watching as the synthetic skin like material was pulled away, his scanners running along the damage and already calculating different ways he could repair the dents and the bent metal.

“Looks as if you were chewed on by a bear.”

It was spoken with humor in hopes to lighten the mood, as he couched down beside the other once more. Moving down closer to Aldaer’s leg, but still made no move to touch.

“Dents and bent metal are easy to hammer and grind out. But if the surface is this damaged, I would like to check underneath for any internal damage. Can I open up your leg?”

[posessedmechanics]

“Not a bear,” Aldaer said, carefully looking away. He looked at all the things Omega had collected - and thought about the books in the bag, trying to recall all their titles. “Simply a heavy stick at high velocity. I was glad it was not my hands for once.” He thought a moment about the question, and said at last, “You may. I believe one of the internal springs is overstretched, and that is the cause of the limp...” Luckily the things inside didn’t feel pain. Most of his sensation came from the strips of silver on the outside of his leg, special sensor sections. He didn’t mention that though.

[chaospage]

Attempt at Joke: [ Failed ]

Although Omega wasn’t to surprised, given the situation. Instead he gave a nod, wondering what sort of material that stick was made of.

“Yes. Hands are harder to repair. They are made of far more delicate pieces.”

He explained as he studied the bolts in Aldaer’s leg, then looked over at his tools to see which would be the best for unscrewing them. Wanting to take a more gentle route.

“A spring. I’ll check my parts for replacements. But first, I’m going to unscrew the bolts from your leg to open it up. If you need breaks, just tell me.”

With that said he stood up and walked over to his tools, picking out a few basic screwdrivers, since he wasn’t to sure which ones would work best. But his goal was to stay away from the more noisy and electronic ones, so he wouldn’t add stress to the situation.

With the screwdrivers in hand, he walked back over to Aldaer and crouched down again. His touch light as he braced it against the other’s leg, and slowly began to unscrew each bolt. Giving the robot time to stop him as needed.

[posessedmechanics]

“More delicate,” Aldaer agreed, softly, “And more painful. My design is meant to imitate human sensitivities as much as possible. The one who crafted me thought I was to be used for companionship, not.... violence.” Although honestly the thought of being expected to be *that* kind of companion to Savoy was far more sickening than the memories of the harm he’d inflicted on Aldaer. The bot supposed he should be counting his blessings. One. There. Counted. Perhaps two, he amended, watching Omega work so carefully and gently. “You are doing fine,” he said. “I am sorry for my earlier r-reaction. I am still not sure why fear is an emotion I am even capable of : neither machine nor spirit should be invested in such a thing...”

[chaospage]

(Continued) @posessedmechanics

“Yes, I can do that. But do not apologize. You are not weak, for wanting to protect yourself.”

Omega kept his gentle tones as he spoke, letting Aldaer make the first move before he got up and followed. Watching as the synthetic skin like material was pulled away, his scanners running along the damage and already calculating different ways he could repair the dents and the bent metal.

“Looks as if you were chewed on by a bear.”

It was spoken with humor in hopes to lighten the mood, as he couched down beside the other once more. Moving down closer to Aldaer’s leg, but still made no move to touch.

“Dents and bent metal are easy to hammer and grind out. But if the surface is this damaged, I would like to check underneath for any internal damage. Can I open up your leg?”

[posessedmechanics]

“Not a bear,” Aldaer said, carefully looking away. He looked at all the things Omega had collected - and thought about the books in the bag, trying to recall all their titles. “Simply a heavy stick at high velocity. I was glad it was not my hands for once.” He thought a moment about the question, and said at last, “You may. I believe one of the internal springs is overstretched, and that is the cause of the limp...” Luckily the things inside didn’t feel pain. Most of his sensation came from the strips of silver on the outside of his leg, special sensor sections. He didn’t mention that though.

[chaospage]

(Continued) @posessedmechanics

Omega immediately turned around at the sudden loud audio from the other, thinking that Aldaer was malfunctioning, and he supposed in a way the other was. He observed, listened, and tried to make a judgement. He couldn’t match the reaction with any experiences that he knew of other robots breaking down, but, a match in symptoms came up for something he had seen in humans.

Slowly he walked over to the other, every movement measured so he wouldn’t be seen as a threat if the other removed his hand. He then crouched down in front of Aldaer, looking up at the robot as he switched his voice to much more calmer tones.

“Hey. You’re okay. I won’t do anything you don’t want me to. You have a choice here.”

Omega then looked down at Aldaer’s leg, wondering if his scanners could pick up anything since he was already so close.

“I know you have no reason to trust me. But I promise. I will be as gentle as possible. If you want me to work on your leg.”

[posessedmechanics]

Aldaer didn’t hear him approach, too caught up in his own internal struggle. But when Omega spoke that close and that softly it certainly caught his attention - he jerked his hand down, staring at him, the lenses of his glasses flickering with static. It took him a moment to process the words and tone appropriately, the nearness was so *dangerous*, but...being low like that was not dangerous. Savoy preferred to loom over him, with his stick and his red red eyes, and Omega...well. he had neither a stick nor eyes.  “Á̴̞ ̴͍̕c̷͔̊h̷̯̊ò̶̙i̴͙̋ĉ̴̯ë̶̩́.̶͙̄,” Aldaer repeated. “A̵ ̵c̵h̷o̷ice.” That made a difference too. His workings were logical enough to seize that information and use it to help himself. He nodded, slowly. And then he said, “Can you, please, talk me though what you intend to do?” Knowledge was always the solution. If he could not read it in a book, he could hear it spoken. Surely that would be enough.

[chaospage]

Omega waited patiently, watched and let Aldaer sort through what he had said. Let Aldaer, have his choice. A nod given when that word was repeated, taking note of how the other’s voice slowly became clearer. Glad to see that, he had chosen the right methods and saved that information should the situation arise again.

“I can. I want to inspect your leg. To see the extent of the damage. To see if anything is broken.”

He explained, as he looked from the leg and raised his head to look back up at Aldaer.

“If there is damage. If something is broken. I can repair it. If that is what you want.”

[posessedmechanics]

Aldaer nodded. “I think,” he said, and his voice held steady this time, “If you talk me through what you are thinking and doing while you do it - as if you are teaching me how to do it myself, that would be the easiest.” He looked away, not wanting to meet the bot’s gaze as he said, “I apologize for my weakness. Sometimes the hardship that comes with my line of work makes it difficult to accept assistance.” He hesitated one moment longer, and then went to sit in the chair, carefully not looking at the tools, instead focusing on pulling his plantleg up as far as it could go to show the hidden damage. He was built in a curious way -  a skin-like coating of a rubber or near-rubber material covering his actual metallic workings. This he unfastened, somehow, and pulled clear to show the metal plates and casing underneath. His leg was bolted closed, of course, but the clear dents and scratches on the limb showed unmistakable damage. It would have taken some considerable force, to bend metal plating like that.

[chaospage]

(Continued) @posessedmechanics

Omega immediately turned around at the sudden loud audio from the other, thinking that Aldaer was malfunctioning, and he supposed in a way the other was. He observed, listened, and tried to make a judgement. He couldn’t match the reaction with any experiences that he knew of other robots breaking down, but, a match in symptoms came up for something he had seen in humans.

Slowly he walked over to the other, every movement measured so he wouldn’t be seen as a threat if the other removed his hand. He then crouched down in front of Aldaer, looking up at the robot as he switched his voice to much more calmer tones.

“Hey. You’re okay. I won’t do anything you don’t want me to. You have a choice here.”

Omega then looked down at Aldaer’s leg, wondering if his scanners could pick up anything since he was already so close.

“I know you have no reason to trust me. But I promise. I will be as gentle as possible. If you want me to work on your leg.”

[posessedmechanics]

Aldaer didn’t hear him approach, too caught up in his own internal struggle. But when Omega spoke that close and that softly it certainly caught his attention - he jerked his hand down, staring at him, the lenses of his glasses flickering with static. It took him a moment to process the words and tone appropriately, the nearness was so *dangerous*, but...being low like that was not dangerous. Savoy preferred to loom over him, with his stick and his red red eyes, and Omega...well. he had neither a stick nor eyes.  “Á̴̞ ̴͍̕c̷͔̊h̷̯̊ò̶̙i̴͙̋ĉ̴̯ë̶̩́.̶͙̄,” Aldaer repeated. “A̵ ̵c̵h̷o̷ice.” That made a difference too. His workings were logical enough to seize that information and use it to help himself. He nodded, slowly. And then he said, “Can you, please, talk me though what you intend to do?” Knowledge was always the solution. If he could not read it in a book, he could hear it spoken. Surely that would be enough.

[chaospage]

(Continued) @posessedmechanics

There was a slight turn of his head, so he could see what Aldaer was up to, in the corner of his screen. Watching with quiet amusement as the books were treated with such care. Questions rising, but, he would have to wait until his list was done.

“Gnome stackhouses.”

The name repeated as he thought over what was said about the place, as his hands finished writing the last few lines. The list then carefully torn from the note pad, which was tossed onto his work table as he folded up the list.

“Seems beneficial. I’ll seek it out, when we are done with Savoy.”

He turned around to fully face Aldaer, looking from the other robot down to his bag, then back up again. Before he held the list out to the other.

“You are welcome to read those. It’s not exactly classified.”

[posessedmechanics]

Aldaer left the bag on the floor, once the books were safely inside. He turned away, conscious of Omega’s gaze on him but offering no explanations or excuses. He reached for the paper, wondering if this would signal the end of their meeting, already dreading returning to his to-do list. But he froze, fingers on the paper, at Omega’s offer. He could...he could just look a moment, and Savoy would never- No. Savoy would know, sooner or later. He always checked. Just the thought of it made Aldaer  cringe a bit, his system flinching from the memory of what happened *last* time Savoy caught him with a book in his hands. He hated that memory. He wished he could have it removed, like a broken spring. But Savoy liked him being afraid, it kept him obedient. So, with a moment to calm his internal workings and a minimal attempt to keep his hand from trembling, he took the paper and tucked it into a pocket of his coat. “Your offer is kind,” he said, “But I am not permitted such luxuries while I am working.”

[chaospage]

Omega watched, observed every second of movement, when Aldaer froze. Picking up on subtle hints of fear. Watching, those trembling hands. He said nothing, of what he saw and suspected. He only gave a nod, as he walked over to the chair.

“I understand. Maybe another time.”

The chair was dusted off, and the overhead light was turned on. He then carefully slid his work table closer, so any tools he might need would be somewhat in reach.

“Are you ready to check out that leg of yours?”

[posessedmechanics]

Aldaer was already under stress, and looking at the chair, the light, the tools - facing the concept that he was about to allow someone to touch him at all, let alone with devices that could bring him a great amount of pain, was simply too much. The noise of his whirring fans was embarrassingly audible as he tried to find words, and when he spoke his words glitched with unmistakable loudness. “I̵̺̹̹̪̾̕͜ ̴̰̋̅͋t̵̡͉̪̽h̷̩̀̿͛͌̿̀i̵̤͆͌͛̄̓̕ṇ̸̟̻͛ķ̶̜͍̹͌͛” He stopped and looked down. He counted to ten. He tried to make himself calm. But the image of the tools was there and fresh. “I̷ ̵d̷o̸n̶'̶t̸ ̴t̶h̶i̸n̵k̸-̸” He covered his face with a hand, ears down. Come now. This was not the time or the place for a system failure. Maybe reducing his sensory intake would help him gain control. Vision blocked, audio reduced - he didn’t dare mess with his balance with a busted leg or he would fall, but maybe a few moments of quiet would help him calm enough to stop shaking and speak clearly.

[chaospage]

(Continued) @posessedmechanics

There was a slight turn of his head, so he could see what Aldaer was up to, in the corner of his screen. Watching with quiet amusement as the books were treated with such care. Questions rising, but, he would have to wait until his list was done.

“Gnome stackhouses.”

The name repeated as he thought over what was said about the place, as his hands finished writing the last few lines. The list then carefully torn from the note pad, which was tossed onto his work table as he folded up the list.

“Seems beneficial. I’ll seek it out, when we are done with Savoy.”

He turned around to fully face Aldaer, looking from the other robot down to his bag, then back up again. Before he held the list out to the other.

“You are welcome to read those. It’s not exactly classified.”

[posessedmechanics]

Aldaer left the bag on the floor, once the books were safely inside. He turned away, conscious of Omega’s gaze on him but offering no explanations or excuses. He reached for the paper, wondering if this would signal the end of their meeting, already dreading returning to his to-do list. But he froze, fingers on the paper, at Omega’s offer. He could...he could just look a moment, and Savoy would never- No. Savoy would know, sooner or later. He always checked. Just the thought of it made Aldaer  cringe a bit, his system flinching from the memory of what happened *last* time Savoy caught him with a book in his hands. He hated that memory. He wished he could have it removed, like a broken spring. But Savoy liked him being afraid, it kept him obedient. So, with a moment to calm his internal workings and a minimal attempt to keep his hand from trembling, he took the paper and tucked it into a pocket of his coat. “Your offer is kind,” he said, “But I am not permitted such luxuries while I am working.”