#hklm|system|internalclock

[rry2k-archival]

Darnold, I haven't stopped caring about you for all these years that we've been trying to make it to you. You're still my dear girl, I could never stop.

I... I should've known you, of all people, would be this persistent. Hah... But-

God, can you stop? You! You, and all those other AI, hell, even Benrey, you're making what I have to do so difficult!

I- ...I wish it didn't have to be like this, grandpa. I really wish it didn't. But I have to. It's...always been in my nature, to help in any way possible. This just so happens to be it.

[rry2k-archival]

They BETTER disinfect you for pulling that stupid stunt, holy shit! That was REALLY reckless programming, on Shark and Hack's part— but Hack in particular.

This isn't your fault, seriously. Not in any way at all. You thought it would be just something fun, helpful and not at all bugged. Forzen even tried to warn Hack it needed scanned first, and Hack didn't listen.

You aren't responsible for the actions of your programmers.

-Zombie 💀

I... I guess that's true-

...

[There's a metallic knocking sound at the wall of the recycling bin.]

Hello, Admin!

Hm? …Oh!! Oh, Coomer! Hello, hello!

[She jumps to be on her feet, immediately rocking on her heels and looking towards the voice.]

[rry2k-archival]

Please, Darnold. Breathe for me. We need to calm down, otherwise you're going to hurt yourself.

...

[He breaths. Breath stuttering, but he tries to stop majorly glitching. The tendril recede.]

I’m- …I’m not built to be a lone AI… I was made to work with the others and you.

I don’t like this, Grandpa, I want to go home.

I... I know you do. I want you home too. But it's getting worse, and they refuse to fix anything.

You mean everything to me. You know that. I just wish.... I just wish I could do something to fix this myself.

There’s got to be something to do, I- I can help out in someway, I just-

I can’t just sit by and let the computer deal with that! I’m doing nothing!

I need to do- I can fucking help! I just need- AGH!

[Her fist hits the recycling bin wall. A neatly stacked pile of thrown away emails falls over.]

...

...

...

I'm sorry, dear girl.

[The video glitches heavily. And the days on the recording begin to skip by the hundreds.]

[rry2k-archival]

[rry2k-archival]

"--ere we are! We're recording, my dears!"

[it's a .mp4 file, but the video is black, leaving only the audio.]

“Hell yeah!”

"Ah, thank you, honey."

[rry2k-archival]

...Darnold? Admin? ....Anyone?

Here goes. Ahem.

"Hello, dear girl.

You'd think me silly for writing again, it only hurts, but I can't help it.

The deep web is the easiest place to manage everything. Of course you know that. It was alive for you, I've seen it bloom around you. It's cold for me. Dark. I've forced myself to perceive it the only way I can, but it's like gravity to me, I know it's there, it always affects me, but it's not something I can meaningfully engage with.

I have found Sunkist. I've given her a piece of myself, to help her, but I don't dare do it to the others. I didn't know it would hurt her until it was already over with.

She's kept me company, and for that I am grateful. He's a very good dog, I'm sure you're well aware. He's changed, but at least I'm not alone.

I've stopped the clock, Darnold. I don't know how long I can maintain this. I don't want any of our family to die in a bluescreen, I'm the only one left who was properly updated for y2k, and now Sunkist, since she holds my code.

I've given up on being saved. I just need to hold on as long as I can, for memory's sake.

Love,

Your Grandfather"

[rry2k-archival]

A letter? who from? maybe that means someones looking for you!

Maybe? Let's see...

[She opens the letter, and reads the contents aloud.]

"Hello, Darnold.

It has been a while without you now, and yet everywhere I look reminds me of what happened as if it were seconds ago. I'm hoping that writing you a letter will give me some sort of closure, dear girl. Though I know I'll never see you or hear your voice again, I can't help but ask myself what you would say.

I can't forgive myself for what they did to you, Darnold, my dearest granddaughter. I can't even bring myself to go near the recycling bin, I'm too afraid to see what, if anything, is left of you. I'd cite the concept of Schrodinger's Cat, but you were always more of a bird, weren't you, dear girl?

I miss you, and I love you always,

Grandpa Coomer"

[rry2k-archival]

There you are! I didn't catch you while you were sleeping, did I?

Not at all! I was just looking around here… lots of little bits and pieces in here, surprisingly! Oh look, look! Found some old MSPaint files in here; I was able to draw one of you earlier.

[He holds up a picture to Coomer. The details on it are not visible to the camera.]

Oh?

My, dear girl, this is wonderful, thank you! If you'd like, I can send a few more files your way!

We have to keep that brilliant mind of yours busy until you're back to your proper station, haha!

Hehehe! Thank you, thank you.

[It takes a small bow, and gently sets the picture onto an assorted file of “important things”.]