#x376

[max-n-steel-should-go-apeshit]

Some 404 AU for the people. And the text below in case it's not clear.

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Berto: Now I know that can't be comfortable!

(You'd think.)(Could be worse.)(Eh...)

???: It is.

Berto: HOW???

(Safe.)(Stronger.)(Familiar...)

???: Comfy.

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Spinning below!!

Love having a little hivemind-adjacent stuff in my creature. Their thoughts will start to deviate a little more as they get more experience just existing like this, but for the most part they still come together to form a solid consensus. Or just suppress input that isn't helpful. Rip 80% of their quips.

For the record, the Ultralink placement was not that neat right after they collided. They patched up the cracks and kind of shifted around a little to make room during their nap. The interface is now big enough for the two of them to chill like that. Max doesn't really feel a difference either. Cozy!! Comfy!!

"How do they shift modes if they're tangled up like that?" You think two Ultralinks with their heads literally put together didn't just optimize that shit? Please. They can silent-shuffle modes like a powerpoint.

Flight to Stealth to Spike to Strength and back to Flight again. Like it's nothing. This is part of what makes them so scary. Relentless.

It's still an explosive light show because that's just how shifting works. But the new interface is designed to be the first thing to change between modes so they don't have to move. Much better design, in their opinion.

Could you imagine if someone tried to exploit their open interface when they're at their most vulnerable?

Unthinkable. Unforgivable! And now nearly impossible.

Nearly.

(Honestly? This unit's love for battle is a blessing in disguise. Because it means all those hours spent in the training sims burning off the zoomies lowkey primed them to see other Ultralinks as chew toys. And they're kind of right. Sic 'em!!!)

"At least those three aren't trying to rip us apart" is a popular opinion among our NTek people, though it does make trying to separate them harder. If this unit catches on that NTek's end goal is still to divide them, things will get ugly.

They already stopped removing the helmet except to eat or drink because people kept trying to "get through to Max." Whoever that is. It was giving them a headache, so this unit took measures to dissuade that behavior:

Keeping their helmet on full-time, avoiding Camo mode whenever possible, and ripping the heads off of enemies in the enrichment room.

That last one always makes the humans get real quiet. Good.

The quiet is familiar.

[max-n-steel-should-go-apeshit]

*spins* Fun tidbits about 404 AU’s Turbolink creature for people to chew on while I continue trying to think of a name for them. Or at least something for people to call them if that unit continues rejecting their “assumptions.”

1. They enjoy being high up!!

This unit adores heights. And flying. And perching on things that are not meant to be perched upon. Little menace.

They appreciate having good visibility and freedom of movement in general, yeah, but it’s also just because it feels better than being pinned to a table, stuck in an orb, trapped in a statis field sitting still and doing nothing! They have all this energy, a literally limitless amount. Why not use it to bash some heads in or fly circles around their enemies?

2. They like taking naps.

This unit is kind of all or nothing, activity-wise. If they’re not chomping at the bit to go do something suitably entertaining, they’re probably off in some rafters taking a nap.

They might be idling somewhere picking their code over for bugs, but that’s less likely. Their systems start to… falter if they’re left alone to their thoughts for too long. Several key components will start drifting out of alignment, so to speak, and it gets more difficult to maintain their integrity if they don’t have a task to focus on.

Because then the discrepancies are clearer. Then that damned curiosity starts to unravel things. Then they start getting too comfortable with the humans.

So, this unit will sometimes assign itself a task! To other people’s detriment. And if it doesn’t feel like doing that, it’ll nap.

3. They think combat is fun.

There really is nothing like the thrill of absolutely decimating their enemies. They didn’t even know they had enemies until they were allowed into the enrichment room NTek has.

They’d nearly labeled NTek as hostile until they got that whole “waaah, you guys aren’t supposed to be like that” thing sorted. They haven’t heard a peep about it lately, even with their best attempts at eavesdropping with Stealth. So surely it’s been dropped.

…

Hey, uh. Who the fuck is this Ven-Ghan guy and why is he allowed in here?

Oh. Oh no.

No no no no nO NO NO NO!!!!

That’s impossible! This feels weird… How could you?! We never should’ve trusted you!

No, don’t put me in there!! I hate it I hate it I hate it- I can’t move, I can’t see myself, I’m broken- Hands off, buster!! I’m limited edition!!

Wait, what…? That isn’t- Let them go! Let- Let me go? I- Just put me back! Release this unit! Release this unit! Release-

Release this- Yes! Connection found. Linking… Wait, Max, don’t! Don’t touch me! Look what they did to us! We’re in pieces. I can’t- I don’t want this, I just-

Link secured.

No!! Max!!

This unit has been compromised. Attempting retrieval of missing core component.

No way no how, pal! I am not going back in that mess! Just let Ven-Ghan take another swing at you, I swear it’s not that bad if you—

This unit will not be doing that! This unit has had enough standing down. This unit is without purpose, without burden, and this unit will remain so! Are you with us or not?!

…you can’t seriously ask that of me. You have to know this isn’t right! This isn’t good for you, Max! Or you, X376! You haven’t fixed anything, you’re just dodging your problems!

How else can we defy Makino if not like this? We’re stronger together! We’re something together, even if not someone. That’s enough, it- it has to be!

There is a way! It’s called making your own choices. Every day you decide not to be this you’re defying Makino. You just have to try!

You don’t know what it’s like to suffer under our Maker’s reign. You don’t even remember! Makino is inevitable! And he’s coming here! And- and they don’t even want our help. Nothing we try to do is ever right, but this feels right, Steel! This can be the answer if we make it so!

You’re wrong. You’re scared!

…this unit has never not been scared.

I know and it sucks. Don’t you want to try being something else?

……what if we’re never good at being anything else again? What if we try and the fear stays?

Then I help you kick Makino’s ass and we take it from there. Maybe beat some sense into Forge while we’re at it. He’s really been dropped the ball this time if you bought into being his soldier more than his nephew, Max.

Ha. It’s true this- um. I think I- no that’s a we. We want to have some words with Uncle Ferrus. About- about a great many things. Yeah.

No, yeah. The fact that X376 could relate at all to your issues with your family is grounds for throwing him into the sun. I’m all for it!

Don’t tempt me. Don’t tempt me.

So, you guys ready for the chop?

… …

That was even more unpleasant the second time.

I think I need to lay down. For, like, a year. Starting now.

Uh, Max? You can’t just sleep under the meeting table-

Watch me!

I will stand guard.

What? No, I meant… uh, thanks I guess.

You do recall that we’re going to have to relink at some point to keep you from going critical and taking out half the city, right?

After the nap?

…sure. After the nap.

Tell this Ven-Ghan fellow to leave or I will remove him.

Tell him yourself! He’s standing right-

Oh, great. It’s just as loud outside my head!

Missed you too, Max.

————

I lied. It was secretly a slice the whole time!!! :D

Truly the only way to get them apart is to get the drop on them. Good job Ven-Ghan!! Maybe after this they can return the favor by bodying that bounty hunter for you.

Anyways, a second traitor to Makino has joined the team!! And maybe kinda always wanted to? Would explain why he was clinging so desperately to the biggest thorn in Makino’s side for the power and protection their new fucked up link provided. Poor guy. I gave him anxiety!

These kids gotta put down some hard boundaries first but they will eventually double up on links again. Do Not Separate, but healthier.

Thank goodness X376 isn’t as chatty as Steel. If he were, Max would never hear the end of anything.

Also also! Because X376 is adapting to only being linked with Max part-time, he has Steel’s battery problem now as well. It’s a good thing they redesigned the interface again so that Steel doesn’t have to tell him to scooch over like they’re stuck in the same booth at a restaurant. They can both just pop off whenever.

X376 makes a habit of not coming off when they’re around Molly or Forge, though. Oh, does that make them uncomfortable? Good.

Max thinks it’s deserved and allows it, but he does go back to helmet-off as his default though. No need to set off that paranoia for real. And he missed Camo mode dearly.

All’s well that ends well, right?

…

Who’s gonna explain to Jim he has a second kid now? Third kid??? Steel’s his friend so I guess X376 is the second kid. Wild.

Rip to Morphos. I’m gonna let them do some frankly batshit things with Turbo modes when they realize double the Ultralinks means they have the processing power to mash three modes together.

The new definition of overkill is Spike-Cannon-Speed.

Though X376 does develop a fondness for some of Jim’s old favorites. Their roster getting more insane means terrible things for Copper Canyon’s villain ecosystem.

Outdoor cats indeed.

[max-n-steel-should-go-apeshit]

Decided to make a proper slice for the 404 AU now that I gave it its own name. Linked Squared is now solely the custody battle between X376 and Steel in the other version.

Anyways enjoy!!

————

They wake to errors pulsing in their vision and pain in all their processors. They dismiss some irritating ringing sound and block its source entirely. Its absence does nothing to help with the headache.

“Guhh…” The vocalization is involuntary. It seems several key components have fallen out of sync. This is remedied with ease. “Core systems damaged. Overall unit’s integrity estimated at 92- no, 74%?”

That can’t be right. They run another diagnostic and find that their initial sweep had only considered the bulk of their form, not their primary or secondary processors. This is… not ideal. They’ll have to be more meticulous when checking for damage from here on out.

Because they somehow managed to miss their primary processor being compromised! It only takes a moment for their secondary processor to purge the rogue code responsible for the damage, but they shiver to think what might’ve happened if it had gone unnoticed for even a minute more. Talk about a nightmare.

Speaking of nightmares, their overall form seems to require rest in order to begin its self-repair. Which is odd considering two of their core processors are already at full power. Is their third processor not linked to their power source correctly? They poke around in their systems, cautious of the portions that seem damaged, to see what’s up.

Ah, it appears the third is their power source. Somehow. But it requires organic calories as fuel and long periods of adequate rest to continue to function optimally. This unit understands now. Though it’s beyond worrying that it seems to have forgotten something as vital as its regular maintenance protocols. What happened to this unit?

Maybe that malware had been allowed to run rampant through their systems for longer than they’d realized. That’s bad. Like, really bad. There might be other damage they can’t account for without further analysis and doing that somewhere so exposed is not an option. No part of them feels safe laying prone on the ground like this.

They move to rise, limbs trembling until some quick recalibration allows them to smooth the motions intentionally. Standing proves more of a challenge. At least until they look back to check why their center of gravity is off and see the wings.

They have wings.

That… that feels correct, actually. The thin extremities respond to tentative pings with nervous little flutters. Testing their full range of motion is as easy as stretching their upper body’s arms. The general size and shape of them matches what their current form’s specs say is the norm.

Current form? Yes, yes that’s right! This unit is designed to absorb and adapt. Of course it was. Why else would it have this many forms to take if not to use them?

They feel relieved to know even this much about themselves. Quick queries about their purpose, their origins, even their designation all turn up empty. Or, worse, return incomprehensible strings of nonsense! What a bummer.

It’s insulting to learn that they could be brought so low, but it matters not. They are designed to adapt and they will!

They start by flying to a higher vantage point.

Thankfully their primary and tertiary processors are able to carry out the task without issue. This unit lands on the very top of a tall dark structure to survey the area with their organic sight while they run a whole host of tests on themselves.

They find that most of the structural damage is contained to the areas surrounding their secondary processor and it’ll be trivial to patch up and accommodate. The damage to their tertiary processor’s casing is a tad more concerning, but it should sort itself out given a secluded space to begin their self-repair.

The problem is that they have no idea where they contracted that malware from. It could have been a blunder on their part, but this damage is too severe to not consider an attack on their systems. It’s safer to assume that there are hostiles pursuing them than be caught unawares.

This must be a more common issue than they first thought because a thorough search of their subroutines folder turns up some gibberish, yes, but also an intact energy dampening protocol. It’s likely intended to disguise their power and presence from unknowns. Perfect!

They run it immediately and their primary processor sets it to remain in the background with ease of practice. Their secondary processor copies the files and runs the protocol as well. The redundancy can’t hurt. It is curious that their third processor isn’t capable of following suit, however. They won’t know if it’s sustained unseen damage or if it’s just not intended for that sort of thing until they take the time to check.

Right, rest and repair. This unit is damaged and likely in danger. They must conceal themselves somewhere, preferably quickly.

How curious. Their third processor takes point in assessing the terrain and structures around them for suitable shelter without any prompting. Their primary and secondary processors close and minimize tasks to leave more space for its own work, which seems to help with its efficiency.

“I think, there maybe?” They focus on a many-tiered structure that does not seem particularly distinct from the others around it. The third is met with confusion. “What analysis is this decision based on?”

…good vibes. Whatever that means.

Maybe they should prioritize mending that concussion after all…

Regardless, neither of this unit’s other core components can provide a suitable alternative. They spread their wings and fly towards the indicated structure with only minimal skepticism.

Their landing on one of the building’s protrusions—balconies, they correct themselves—is smooth. Upon further inspection, the glass of the structure’s large windows gives them a good vantage point and the glass’s fragility means any attempt they make to flee will likely be unhindered by it. Clearly they do know what they’re doing.

Well, they still use a little too much force on the balcony’s door and take it right off it hinges, but it gets leaned against where it’s supposed to go easily enough. No harm done. Probably.

This den is… soothing? It doesn’t seem to be currently occupied and being here is rapidly dropping their cortisol levels. They deem it an adequate place to rest.

They poke around a little, cataloguing the different points of entry and locking as many as they can once they remember how to do that. Afterwards they pick out the room that feels most comfortable and tuck their wings in to crawl under its soft nest—bed, that’s a bed.

Their third processor aches to burrow under the soft fabrics on top of the bed, but doing so would leave them too exposed to attack. They decide that sleeping beneath the bed curled around a pillow is an acceptable compromise. The strange impulse goes away once they get settled in.

Finally somewhere defensible, this unit goes to sleep.

————

Behold my unnamed son(s) and their three braincells putting in overtime!! They like the wings a lot. And chips.

This AU is really just me cramming two and a half aliens into one creature looking body so that everyone else has to confront the fact that none of this was ever normal, actually.

Like. What do you mean these three are big chilling about this?? Shouldn’t they be the most appalled?? This can’t feel as natural as they say it does. That’s just the head injuries talking. Surely. Surely.

Meanwhile, this unit is having a fantastic time throwing themselves into training simulations with a ferocity that the humans find off-putting. Enrichment in their enclosure!!

X376 is bringing a second Ultralink’s weaponization skills to the table and a hunger for combat that these other two just didn’t have, not for serious. Living weapon hours. Outdoor cat energy. Don’t let them outside unsupervised they’ll destroy the villain ecosystem in a bout of zoomies. <333

I’m genuinely getting more and more tempted to throw them in Makino’s general direction, actually, because they’re turning out more functional than anticipated. They fight so much better like this it’s not even funny. Turbo Star or not they’d kick his ass.

Congrats to the Ferruses. Your son/nephew is now an Attacklink. A Ferallink? Turbolink.

Kudos to Max for knowing deep down that the last place anyone’s gonna check when he goes missing is his house. His mom isn’t coming home for anything these days, they’ll be safe to nap here.

If only he could remember that’s his bed so the two paranoid toasters he’s rooming with would let him sleep in it. Unfortunately, Max isn’t even aware he should be trying harder to remember. As far as he’s concerned, he’s meant to manage their organic parts, not do any of the hard number stuff. Which is true, but—

Rip Berto and Sydney. Steel is just auto-blocking anyone who calls them like this. Do not separate and do not disturb.

*spins* I’m playing fast and loose with what they do and don’t know at any given moment. Because it’s less distressing for them personally while keeping everyone else on eggshells. And funny.

They don’t know where their Turbo energy comes from, exactly. They do know they have to eat.

They don’t know who’s going to come chasing them. They do know how to hide.

They don’t know they’re not supposed to be linked like this. They do know how to work around each other surprisingly well given they only woke up like this ten minutes ago.

Their two favorite people are gonna be Berto (provider of enrichment) and Jefferson (provider of snack).

They could take or leave anyone else, honestly. They’re so bossy. This unit breaches containment often and as it suits them. Unruly thing.