Steeljaw36
Inactive Member
- RP Date
- YE 40
- RP Location
- Obsidian City
It had almost been three months now since the people of New Dusk Conclave began to settle in on their new world. A new race of local people had even been discovered, having been forced to live underground and inside the mountains due to the large local predatory animals. Upon landing, construction had began, but all was not peaceful......
Incidents had already occured, with a few being rather small yet impactful. Kyle Dee was kidnapped and subjugated to abusive treatment while in captivity. He was later rescued and returned home where he proposed to his future wife Ceilia. But that was not all, as it revealed a new threat to the growing nation. One that showed it's danger during a suicide bombing, and later again when the same group kidnapped him again at the end of his wedding.
This lead to an increase of pirate activity, as the group only known as Crimson began to act in the shadows. S.A.B.E.R. units have been dispatched to track down the missing young man, as well as eliminate any Crimson elements they encounter. An endeavor also conducted by Kessler Ryzka, the only member of W.R.A.I.T.H.S.
As unseen struggles and skirmishes continue, the people of NDC enjoy the peace their new home has afforded them. A chance for others to explore then just their new home, but the new possibilities open to them.
Obsidian City, the capital and home city settlement of the NDC and it's people. A place where those long bound by the struggles of their previous life, now search for purpose in their freedom. One of them being a woman with long flowing hair of snow white, her eyes a crimson red. Her face carries an expression of someone who cannot express emotion, a bleak slate in a crowd of happy faces.
Jane F-35 did not know what to do with this abundant "free time" that she had acquired like her siblings. Her brother and mother had said to "live and be happy", but she did not know how to achieve this objective. A goal she wandered around aimlessly to find an answer to. Her feet cared her to the intersection just before the central park area that was the very center of the city. She stopped and watched as people bustled, walking along asphalt streets on sidewalks of metal, and crossing the intersection to go to other places. More however seemed to be headed to the park.
The distinctive sound of his hooves on the metal sidewalk made many turn, then double take as he walked by, greeting them with either a nod of his equine like head, or a spoken word or two. Despite everything, Aztec mused, it was him that caused more than a bit of confusion among some of the civilians, many of which had seen far more confusing things than an anthropomorphic horse!
Aztec aimlessly made his way through the streets of Obsidian City, enjoying an off day, one of the rare few he’d had recently. From assisting in building this place, to patrols scouting for Crimson activity, to his familiarization with his new body, the past couple months were busy, to put it simply. And so, today found him in the city center, dressed simply in a pair of S6 camo pants and black utility shirt, a striking contrast to his golden fur and pale mane and tail. He‘d partially taken Doctor Vanth’s advice, eschewing boots and trying to wear less restrichive clothing during his off time. According to hir, it was better for his coat to get some air. Aztec grinned slightly, as the doctor had suggested wearing nothing at all; he wasn’t exactly ready to head out in public like that just yet!
It was the shock of while hair that caught his attention first, the crimson eyes registering a moment later, the woman standing off to the side of the intersection was a member of Fenrir division, all clones of Jack Pine himself. Still...
“Morning miss!” Aztec called out, approaching her with a wave. “You look a little lost there. While impressive, Obsidian City isn’t exactly a sprawling Nepleslian metropolis!”
Jane at first didn't turn towards the man addressing her, but did once it was clear he was addressing her. The white haired woman face Aztec with an almost blank stare. "I am not currently misplaced. The gps function of the G1-NI is operating at optimal functionality.", she said simply in a monotone voice, a default with her conditioning. After all, she was made to be a soldier, not a door greeter.
Jane tilted her head slightly as she examined the man, "I am unfamiliar with your species. Please inform this unit of it."
“It’s got nothing to do with the gps. You look lost there, like you’re not sure what to do.” Aztec replied, leaning back against the walkway railing. “I’m a horse.” He started “Name’s Jay Travers, but most just call me Aztec“
She re-tilts her head, "I currently have no objective. Free roam is engaged. To say one is lost, implies they have a set destination."
“Not necessarily. While that may be the literal definition of lost, saying someone is “lost” means that they don’t know what to do with themselve, be it in their lives, work, social and everything else.” Aztec watched Jane. “So, you may not have an objective, but you’ve no idea what to do with your free time. Hence, you’re lost.”
Jane blinked at the horseman before looking down in thought for a moment. She looked back up to him, no longer with a tilt, "This is correct. I have no objective, and no purpose. I....am lost."
Her brow furrowed slightly, the first bit of character she had shown in her drone like interactions.
Aztec nodded. “Yeah, it was pretty easy to tell. Given your history, I’m not entirely surprise. Fortunately, that might not be difficult to remedy. For a start, where were you heading just before I stopped you? Surely, you were looking for something?”
"I was not heading to any set coordinates, as I am not looking for anything. This unit was simply roaming, destination unknown.", Jane says her tone neutral, yet still somehow conveying confusion.
Aztec shrugged. “Were you looking for anything? I‘ve heard the park there is nice, if a bit crowded. Also, why do you call yourself, “this unit”? Do you have a name?”
"This unit was indeed headed to the park. It is the focal point of the city's layout, and therefore the most optimal grid to begin from. Yes, I am Jane F-35.", Jane replied almost robotically.
“Begin exactly what, Jane?” Aztec replied. “Seems like you did have a plan after all”
"To find a goal. Or at least find an objective related to this "day off" that I have been given.", She said with a tilt of the head.
Aztec grinned. “You’ll be looking for a long time then, Jane. There is no objective to a day off, you do what you want to with it. I‘ve know some guys who just sleep the whole day, though that’s usually preceded by a night of drinking” he finished. “How about taking a walk through Founder’s Park? I’ve yet to see it myself.”
"I do not know what I want. This objective of "a walk", seems adequate enough. I shall escort then as we traverse the park area.", Jane said turning to look at the park after giving a moment of thought. She looked up to him after a moment, "query, what is the point of giving such a task, that it has no objective?"
Aztec glanced at Jane. “Wait, you’re actually serious? Oooookkkkaayyy......” <She’s never heard of a day off?> he thought. “Right, I suppose you wouldn’t know why you’d have off days. Well...” Aztec started, pushing off the rail and indicating to Jane to follow him. “....I can explain the idea behind it and it should make sense to you then. It’s not so much that there’s no objective, it’s more a way of preventing burno- I mean inefficiency. Say you’re told to do something repeatedly every day during your shift. There’s a point fatigue sets in, the longer you keep trying to do that task, the less you’ll be able to effectively do it. A day or two where you don’t need to accomplish said task usually lets someone recover, so that when they go back to that task, they can perform effectively at it again. Does that make more sense now?” Aztec asked, the sound of his hooves echoing off the sidewalk muffling as they moved into the boundaries of Founder’s Park.
She thought about this as she followed the equestrian man, and spoke after a period of silence, "So it is to stay within safety parameters. This however, still ceases to explain the lack of objevtive. If the purpose is to recover, then what does one do on a day off to do so?"
“You do whatever you like to do. Hobbies, interests....there’s no objective because no one tells you what to do with a day off; you decide what to do with it.” Aztec looked at Jane for a moment as they walked, trying to determine if she was getting his meaning. “Isn’t there anything you like doing, anything that interests you outside of being a soldier?”
"A Jane does not have interest, or preference. We were made to serve and fight, this is a foreign concept to this unit.", Jane answered, not so much not understanding, but not able to connect with the idea. "Adjustments are still in progress since the Commander freed us, yet already two of the other units have...connected with this concept. Jane F-22, the one you call Sparks, found it because she is defective, diagnosed with autism. Jack M-12, or Talos, broke the mental barriers that were placed on all of us. He has shown to be ample in his capabilities as an commanding unit. Therefore it leads this unit to one conclusion.....this unit is inadequate."
”I wouldn’t say inadequate. I’ve seen you fight, so no, not inadequate, maybe just....limited? Or inexperienced, that might be a better word.“ Aztec replied. “Though if you’ve already come to that conclusion yourself, then it shows you do have an interest, otherwise you wouldn’t be concerned. You just don’t know how to go about expressing that, is all. Also, why do you keep referring to yourself as “this unit”? Even if you all are clones, you aren’t the same, so why refer to yourself that way? I don’t know the specifics of the mental barriers, but as you’ve said, they can indeed be broken.” Aztec thought a moment, as the amount of other people around them thinned. “If you can’t break them all at once, try smaller steps. A bunch of little things can eventually lead to the same outcome as one big one, and they tend to be easier as well. So, try one then; instead of saying “this unit” or “Jane F-35” , how about giving yourself a name and using that from now on? Certainly whatever mental conditioning that’s been done included encouraging all of you to think alike, so by calling yourself an individual, you’d be starting to overcome it. Small steps, remember?”
"Why would a product not be refered to as a unit?" Jane asked as she processed the idea, pausing as the logic set in, "A name.......?"
She was quiet for a long moment and her pace slowed. It was true, both Talos and Sparks had found names, and were the ones to have broken free. "I....don't know."
“First step’s never an easy one, but it’s always worth it in the end“ Aztec replied, slowing and shortening his pace to match Jane’s. “Look at it this way, if you wanted to program someone to not think of themselves as an individual, making them refer to themselves as a number or a unit would be an ideal way to do it, wouldn’t you agree?”
"I..do not fault that logic,...b-but I am....a product.", She said not sure as her thoughts became unorganized, logic beginning to fight itself.
Aztec just watched Jane, tilting his head slightly. “That you talking, or the program in your head?” He asked, knowing full well what the answer was, but not able to do anything else for her at the moment. This was going to be her fight, for now.
"I don't deserve a n-name....I'm a product...but your..l-logic proves I'm a i-individual. This...this...this....I can't understand. How does a product,...and a c-copy...", Jane said trailing off as she put a hand to her head, a pain in her temple. A trickle of blood began to run from her nose, as something inside her broke, "..become human?" she managed just before falling over.
“Whoa!” Aztec reached out, stopping Jane from falling to the ground. Laying her down, he shook her shoulders gently. “Hey, you still with us?”
Jane wouldn't respond, his stirrings having brought her back to conciousness, but she was heavily dazed. mumbling she strained to form a sentence, her mind reeling as it still adjusted to this change. As she laid on her back a tear ran from her eye, and with it, it was if a sudden clarity had fallen over her understanding.
Reverting to calm and collected, Jane slowly sat up, "I feel discomfort, approximate time of malfunction?" she asked.
“That wasn’t a ”malfunction“, Jane. You passed out. You’re also bleeding” Aztec replied, tapping the spot on his own long face to indicate where on her. “You alright? I stopped you from droping to the ground, but I can’t see internal injuries, even with the better hearing and sense of smell I now have!” He joked.
"My...head hurts. Dizziness seems to also be a symptom.", She said sitting up, placing a hand to her forehead. As she wipe off the blood under her nose, she paused, and anomolus thought coming to mind. Jane looked down at the blood smeared on the back of her hand for a moment before looking up to him, "Why are we called Jane?"
“Why? If memory serves correctly, you all were cloned from Jack Pine, so they called you all Jane because it was the female equivalent to Jack.” Aztec replied, a little confused by the odd question.
Thinking for a moment she replied, "I do not wish to keep this designation, it has too many negative connatations. I request a redactment to my records for a new one."
“Then choose a new one. I’ll make sure everyone else knows” Aztec replied, offering his hand to help her up off the ground.
She accepted the hand up and pulled herself up with his assistance. "That is why I have asked for one. I do not have enough data to formulate a new designation.", Jane said simply as if this was a matter of fact thing that should be easily known. Surely he had enough insight to provide the missing data on the name conventions of individuals.
“There isn‘t much data needed for a name. Sometimes one is chosen simply because someone likes the sound of it, or it reminds them of something significant in their lives.” Aztec replied, helping the woman up. “At this point, you’re the one who’d be choosing your name, as it’s relevant to you”
She lowered her head as she began to search available databases, a feature of the Geist hooked up to the city's network. Her eyes rapidly shifted as she looked through data, finally pausing after searching through synonmous terms of cultural significance. "....ar..a-armora....That is my new designation."
”Armora it is then!” Aztec grinned. “So, two things then. One, are you still interested in walking through the park? It is one of the less orange areas of the planet, after all. Second, any particular reason for the name, Armora? Call it idle curiosity“
"Armora is based in a ancient term Armour, which translates to love. This word seems to have a significant and uverarching influence in most cultures. As for this walk, yes that seems like an appropriate objective.", She stated simply as if this was common fact. However, something was different, her expression, her stance, the tone of her voice, all were not as stiff as they had been before. There was now a hint of something else behind it all.
“Huh. Interesting choice, that” Aztec replied, looking over Armora for a moment or two. “You sure you’re alright? You seem a little....different than before you passed out.”
"I have not detected anything anomolous, by what do you mean "different"?", Armora asked with the usual tilt of the head that followed her question. Yet....there was more there this time. The hints of a curiosity, in her expression, and as a subtle glint in the eyes.
“It’s nothing overtly so, likely no one else would really notice the difference“ Aztec replied. “However, me being what I am, I can tell you’re not quite the same as before. What that means, right now, who can tell? It’ll sort itself out in due time...”
"Understood. Shall we continue the "walk" then?", She asked understanding he had not the answer, and instead continuing with the pseudo objective she had been given.
”Sure, as long as you’re not planning on passing out again!” Aztec joked with a grin, his tail swishing idly behind him as the pair continued walking. He turned his neck from side to side, streching out the muscles in it. “Gotta say, it does feel good being out of armor for more than a few hours at a time, doesn’t it?”
"I do not understand, the S6-R1-SPA Mk I is sufficient. Sleep cycles have been completed without difficulty. Perhaps Aztec's unit is flawed due to the expedited process of modification?", Armora asked, confused as to why being in, or out of armor made any difference. She had spent hours, even days in her own during operations.
“It isn’t the suit, Armora, in this case, it’s me. Or this body, anyway. It seems anthro bodies require a bit more maintenance than most, mainly due to thier fur. Also, it’s not good for someone with a tail to have it stuffed into armor for long periods of time. I do have it a bit easier in that regard, as my own tail...” Aztec indicated his own pale haired horse tail. “...is mostly hair, so all I have to do is keep it braided and I usually don’t have a problem. I’ve not noticed anything myself, so I believe it would only become a problem if you had to wear the Revenant armor for weeks at a time.” He shrugged. “Maybe it’s a subjective thing then, but I certianly feel difference between wearing it and not. Guess you can say it’s all the little things...”
"I have gone an entiretly of 30 days as the longest recorded extended time I have spent in my suit. There is a difference, either you are donned in your issued armor, or you are not dressed in it......braid...hair?", Armora said as if this was a trivial matter, but slowed her tone as the one part of his last statement seemed perplexing. "I do not understand the concept of braiding hair."
Aztec started laughing. “You’re joking, right?” He managed, and glanced at Armor, the tilt of her head and look on her face saying saying she wasn’t joking. “You are serious, aren’t you?” He brought his laughter under contro. “Sorry, I just find that funny, but I forget you weren’t raised the same way most people are. Anyway, braiding. Two main reasons people with long hair do it. One is to make a fashion statement. The other, and why I do it, is that it makes long hair more manageable, especially if you need to tuck it away, like under armor or a helmet for example. Again, take my tail, it would be rather time consuming to try to stuff it the way it is right now in my suit, but by braiding it, that reduces both the time it takes to get into the undersuit, and also keeps the hairs from getting all tangled and possibly damaged. You follow what I’m saying?”
"This is not a skill I have learned, and it seems I have yet to learn means of increasing efficiency. I must research this function further, in the current state, can Aztec braid my hair?", Armora stated before making her request. To her it only seemed logical after all, as it made more efficient management of one of her features.
“What, you mean here? Now? I suppose....” Aztec started, caught a bit off guard by Armora’s response. “....though my ability is rather limited in doing that. Braiding is another one of those areas where there‘s a great deal of freedom in expressing yourself. If you really wanted to go down that route, you’d want to find a hairdresser, Armora”
"But Aztec has the skill learned already, can you not perform this task? It would be highly inefficient to consume time to find someone else with this skill.", Armora said simply as if so matter of factly obvious.
“I can, yes, and I suppose that’s true. Still, there are a lot of ways you can braid hair, so in your case, you’d want to choose some style that suits you, Armora”
"Plain, generic, neutral....these are all terms that describe my person and current personality. Is this the correct data that you wanted?", she replied with another tilt of the head.
“Yes......that was kind of my point, Armora” Aztec started, scratching the back of his head with one hand. “While those terms do currently describe you, are they really the way you want to be?”
"I currently at this time am uncertain of what, or how, I "want" to be. My current data is insufficient to formulate wants, desires, or a strategy for self identity development. This requires more analysis.", Armora replied.
“I-huh. Actually, that’s a good point...” Aztec replied, after thinking about what Armora said. “Well, I can’t add anything else to that. Still, I can braid your hair if you want.” His voice sounding amused.
"I have indeed requested such....please.", Armora asked staring at him.
”Here? Well ok, have a seat then, Armora” Aztec said, indicating a nearby park bench. “I should be able to do this here.”
She did as requested and sat herself on the end of the bench, her well defined back to to the man. Armora let her hair hang behind her and kept still with her hands in her lap. This was a new experience and it felt...odd? Plus the woman realized she had just said please, something she never did before, but she did not voice her realization of these changes and differences.
“Hmm” Aztec took a knee behind Armora, running a hand through her hair, judging where to start the braid. At least this would be easier to do than usual, as to get his own tail done, he had to reach behind himself with both hands while looking into a mirror. He started on her braid, amused at this odd turn of events, and in a few minutes he’d finished. “There we go, all done. Did your hair up into a single braid, that’ll make it easier to tuck up under your helmet and keep it manageable. Also started it an inch or so out from the roots, as going right up against them can end up pulling a few strands out if they do happen to get caught up in your armor” Something Aztec had learned the hard way, unfortunately. It was going to take a long time for him to ever get used to having a tail....
After a moment, she pulled the braid over her shoulder and examined it, taking in the weaved hair that was her's. "I believe the phrase is "Thank You"? I shall endeavor to learn this skill, but...thank you for doing this function for me.", she said turning back after another moment, the hair still pulled over her shoulder.
Aztec made a little bow. “You’re welcome, Armora. Gotta admit, that was something I never expected to do! Still, if I may make a suggestion; it’s a lot easier to braid if you have some help.”
"Do you have any solutions for this short coming then? Where would I acquire this help?", She queried after his statement. She wanted to get what she needed to do this new function herself, and Aztec was he best source of information right now on the matter. Her eyes watched him waiting for an answer with a glint of acute curiousity.
“It’d still be possible to do it yourself, your hair is easier to reach than my tail, but.....I guess you could just ask me?” Aztec replied, then realized what he’d said. <Well, that’s just akward and creepy sounding, isn’t it?>
"I will note to do so then. It would certainly make the process more expedient and efficient. May I have your contact data, so that I may reach you when this function is needed?", were the next words out of Armora's mouth, having missed any oddity in how the statement was phrased. She honestly was oblivious to the idea of creepy things, or how awkward suddenly asking for someone's number was. This clone had a long way to go still, and that would be abundantly clear to Aztec.
”Ah....I....Sure you can, but I think you may want to consider a couple things, Armora” Aztec replied, then explained how and why it was considered socially awkward to offer one’s number immediately to someone they hardly know.
"I understand, but this seems like a flawed misconception on the use of communications. Why does individuality cause so many paradoxes and inefficienties?" This truly was confusing, and her head was starting to feel sore again from the idea, that being a person meant giving up perfection and efficiency. The poor Jane clone was just having a hard time dealing with this, and it manifested as she placed a hand to her temple.
Aztec snorted in laughter. “Hahaha, Armora, you’ve figured out more about the nature of individuality in that statement than most people do in their lives! That’s exactly what individuality does. No person is perfect, but it is our imperfections and oddities that make us who we are, they help define us from one another.”
"But I don't understand, why why why. So much functionality wasted. What gain could prove so valuable to deny the excels in other areas.", She questioned the other hand going to the other temple as she held her forehead. This was making her head hurt again, and it only left confusion, as the answer couldn't be found.
“Honestly, I’ve no answer for you, Armora. Looking at it from your perspective, I can see why it makes no sense, but to most everyone, we expect it. To say there’s a simple answer out there would be a lie.” Aztec said, coming around the bench and kneeling before the troubled clone. He wisely decided not to mention that not only were people not perfect, they ridiculed the idea, calling those supposed people Gary or Mary Sue, depending on their gender. He wasn’t certain how she’d react to that particular revelation. “All I can say is, individuality is a strange path to walk, but it’s worth every bit of confusion!”
"But why, what do they gain from such an illogical choice? What is it they acquire that leads to this choice.....why should I acquire it?", a confused look washed over her features, but was replaced by the usual blank one, only to have confusion bleed through again.
“Armora, most of us aren’t given a choice. It’s just the way we’re born. I know it-are you alright?” Aztec stopped suddenly, seeing confusion rapidly struggling with the clone’s usual neutral look, the way it was happening concerning him.
"That doesn't explain why they stay with such illogical choices. If this is how people are born to be, why were we created to be the opposite, certainly they wouldn't have effected performance values. What is it? Want, desire,....emotion?", She seemed shaken by this train of thought, having almost seemed to ignore his query of concern. Her mind was programmed to not think on these things, to keep her "perfect", and to stay the obedient drone they wanted for a product.
Aztec sighed. This wasn’t going to go over well. “Because people want to be that way, Armora. That, and the way you all were created, specifically, the controls that were put on all of you, are considered a horrific violation of someone’s privacy...”
Armora clutched at her head, the pain growing worse, a tear for once rolling down her cheek. Her programming was fighting as she struggled to understand all this. A trickle of blood lef ther nose yet again, "H-help, can't...a-analyse, past the p-pain."
“Armora, look at me, listen to me!” Aztec put one of his hands on her shoulder, looking her in the eyes. “Take a breath, and stop thinking about this for now, otherwise you’re going to hurt yourself! You hear me?”
"I...don't, feel.....well...", was what she said before slumping against him. Her mind just couldn't take it, something else snapping in it's place, but something else was quick to take it's place. A movement began in her thoughts and subconscious, as things were changing.
“Aw dammit, Not again!” Aztec again catching the falling clone , only this time, he picked her up entirely, carrying her in his arms as he stood. That was it, Armora had to get to a hospital, no way in hell this hadn’t affected her somehow. Looking up into the mountain range the city was sprawled below, <Anvil is closest and likely to be equipped to handle whatever’s happening to her.> Aztec thought, heading in that direction, Armora’s weight hardly affecting his pace. Major Talos was going to be pissed at him....
Armora was still conscious, but felt dizzy and weak, something not feeling right.....her body wasn't responding like it should. It was as if the mortal shell has suddenly become estranged from it's hosted mind, like it no longer recognized the one it looked in and saw. Hospital seemed like a logical stop, was the only thing that passed her mind,yet she realized something. Anvil was too far, they were in the center of the city, so the city hospital would be closest. The Anvil sat on the mountain that curved around one side of the natural walls that made the bay. That would require a trip through half the diameter of the city, and more, then a elevator ride to boot.
"No,...city...hospital.....due 9 miles.....West from current...l-location.....Helen Blvd.", she managed weakly, as a hand attempted to point in the correct direction, "Anvil...too far."
“I don’t know if they have the right equipment to treat what’s happening with you Armora, otherwise I would take you there.” Aztec replied, concern evident in his voice. “Just stay with me, try not to think too hard and I’ll have us there in a bit!”
The strangest thing happened after he said that, she actually.....giggled. It was certainly girlish, yet very unlike her, and it brought a weak yet small smile. "That was.....amusing.......but I don't understand why."
Aztec glanced down, one golden eye focusing on Armora. “It was a joke. Specifically what we call “gallows humor” Who knows where the term comes from, but it’s when someone makes a joke of a bad situation, hoping to lighten the mood. It’s something you hear a lot from soldiers, mercenaries and the like.” He gave her a small smile. “Glad you liked it, though I’ve never heard any of you laugh before.”
"Neither have I til now.....this is....concerning.", Armora admitted before trying to understand why, but only causing a fresh wave of pain. It was beginning to feel like her mind was tearing itself apart inside. A few more tears streamed down her cheek as she flinched and whined from the sensation. What was happening to her?
“I was serious about that, Armora. Don’t think about that right now, we’ll get to a hospital soon!” Aztec said, picking up his pace to a run. Eventually, Aztec made it to the Anvil, rather surprisingly, much less fatigued than he was expecting. Still, he was more concerned for Armora. “We’re here Armora, they’ll get this sorted!” He said to her, before calling for a doctor.
Don't think about it he says, well that was far easier said then done. Between the pain, and the feeling of jostled movement, it was hard to focus on her surroundings. Finding it rather disorienting in fact, and for some odd reason confused as Aztec declared they, to her what seemed like had made an immediate arrival. Voices could soon be heard as faces passed the view of her unfocused eyes. She started to wonder why she was here, and why she was made the way she was, and who was she. Even though it seemd like an odd time for existential thoughts, it is what the thoughts from earlier bled into. Making the pain only worse, Aztec would feel Armora go limp in his arms as she passed out yet again.
"What seems to be the matter?", came the rushed voice of a doctor as he saw Aztec arrive a short while later.
“Passed out, now twice.” Aztec started, having felt Armora go limp again. “She was also complaining about severe headaches and I saw her nose bleeding. She was fighting her programming, and given who she is, I wasn’t certain the general hospital was capable of treating her” Aztec finished, laying Armora onto an empty gurney.
Doctors rushed to take the woman from the man, "This is the first case of this happening. Never have we seen such a violent reaction to how a clone breaks their mental limiters. We need to get some cranial scans ASAP. Are you staying or going Tavers?" The doctor was quick to get Armora put on a stretcher and moved towards the appropriate wing, before turning to horse man and asking if he was hanging around.
The Jane clone's head swam with thoughts, confusion, other things never felt, and worry at what was happening. Even in her semi-conscious state thanks to a few drug doses, Armora was in a deal of pain. Voices could be heard around her, but could not focus on the world around her. It was as if it was out of phase, blurry like a camera set to minimal depth. Streaks of shapes darted around as the world shifted color, and the sound of some machine began. Trying to move, she found herself strapped to the stretcher.
In the other room, the scanning machine reported back it's gathered data on the female clone, and what was happening in her head,
“Suppose I might as well stay” Aztec replied to the doc. “Likely going to be asked about what happened anyway, and I do feel kinda responsible for that, so yeah...Is there a waiting room or something nearby?” He refrained from making a joke about waiting in the morgue, as he didn’t feel the doctors would be very appreciative of it, despite the possibility of the morgue thing becoming a reality, certainly either Commanders Talos or Spark might find issue with their sister having ended up in the ER...
"Yes, it's just down the hall to the left. A nurse will be by shortly to get your statement on the possible cause of injury. We'll get her taken care of, relax big guy, your girl is in safe hands.", the doctor said with a firm tone, but gave a feint chuckle at the end as he pointed down the correct hall.
“Alright, sounds good. I hope so, Doc. It was a bit of a run to get her here from across the city...” Aztec replied, heading the indicated direction to the currently unoccupied waiting room, taking a chair, leaning his head back into the wall, he settled in to wait.
It would be around a half hour later, a nurse gently shaking the equestrian man's shoulder to wake him. "Excuse me.....Mr. Tavers? You're free to go see her now. She's awake, and is doing well."
Aztec opened his eyes, the nurse having woken him, the old military habit of getting sleep whenever and wherever you can having long since been learned. “She is? That’s good to hear, Ma’am. Have you figured out what caused her programming to react that way?” He asked, getting to his hooves, as the nurse took a step or so back, letting him stand.
"Well as the doctor simpliefied it......she thought herself into a line of thought that was a paradox in the programming." the nurse replied as she gave him a puzzled look, not quite understanding it either. "She's actually asked for you."
“She has? Oh...” Aztec said, not quite sure what to think of that. “Where is she now?”
"A hospital bed, resting, where else would she be big guy. Room 11C, just down the hall, and 7th door on the right. Stay safe, I must attend to other patients now." said the nurse with a giggle before walking off to take care of other duties.
“Thanks, you too.” Aztec replied, as the nurse left the waiting room. He followed the signs in the opposite direction, shortly finding Armora’s room. He stood in the doorway, not sure of her reception of him, despite the nurse’s assurance. “Hey Armora. How are you holding up?”
The room was quiet other then the soft hum of the device Armora was hooked up to that looked like it was tracking brain patterns. Her white haired head turned to set her eyes on the figure of the equestrian man standing in the doorway. "Hello Aztec...I am...well. The doctors have reported that I am in nominal health, and that the mental locks in my mind have had their integrity compromised." Armora reported rather with a slow start as she searched for the words she wanted, and for once not the ones she necessarily needed.
“Ah yeah. About that....” Aztec took a moment to collect his thoughts. “I’m sorry about that, I didn’t think you’d end up reacting like that to what I thought were some simple questions. I wasn’t expecting to compromise your mental locks that fast...”
Armora looked him in the eyes, "You have no need to apologize. I am still functional and you have done me no harm. As I understand it, I should be....grateful." As she finished, a feint smile and something akin to happy flashed in eyes for but a brief moment. A flash of the kind of person buried in their own mind, that Armora could possibly be given time.
“Well, that’s being positive about it, at least. Still though, I don’t like having caused you that much pain, even if it was unintentional and....ultimately beneficial?” Aztec said, then cocked his head to a side. “That sounds incredibly weird saying that...”
"I can agree to that, it sounds paradoxical, however it is indeed a positive outcome. One that I am grateful for. "There is never a gain without a price" my brother has told us on countless occassions. I do believe I finally understand what he meant. I am also now more acutely aware of the journey ahead if I am to fully break the conditioning. For that, I may ask for you help with in the future."
“Well, any help you need, I’ll offer what I can, though there are likely those better qualified than myself, but you only have to ask, Armora. Like I said before, it’s a long journey, but one worth making.”
The clone thought on that for a moment, wondering where this journey would lead. Wherever it did, she had the instinctual urge to take Aztec with her. The logic for such a choice was fuzzy at best, the only one she could come up from the many hazy ones was simple. He had positive effects when present, some of which she did not understand yet.
"That is correct I believe, and one I much appreciate the assistance offered on."
"Anytime, Armora" Aztec said, before the nurse making rounds came to Armora's room, informing them that visiting hours were over. Saying good night to Armora, he left the hospital, musing on the day's events. He didn't know where things would ultimatly go, but he was willing to find out.
Incidents had already occured, with a few being rather small yet impactful. Kyle Dee was kidnapped and subjugated to abusive treatment while in captivity. He was later rescued and returned home where he proposed to his future wife Ceilia. But that was not all, as it revealed a new threat to the growing nation. One that showed it's danger during a suicide bombing, and later again when the same group kidnapped him again at the end of his wedding.
This lead to an increase of pirate activity, as the group only known as Crimson began to act in the shadows. S.A.B.E.R. units have been dispatched to track down the missing young man, as well as eliminate any Crimson elements they encounter. An endeavor also conducted by Kessler Ryzka, the only member of W.R.A.I.T.H.S.
As unseen struggles and skirmishes continue, the people of NDC enjoy the peace their new home has afforded them. A chance for others to explore then just their new home, but the new possibilities open to them.
Obsidian City, the capital and home city settlement of the NDC and it's people. A place where those long bound by the struggles of their previous life, now search for purpose in their freedom. One of them being a woman with long flowing hair of snow white, her eyes a crimson red. Her face carries an expression of someone who cannot express emotion, a bleak slate in a crowd of happy faces.
Jane F-35 did not know what to do with this abundant "free time" that she had acquired like her siblings. Her brother and mother had said to "live and be happy", but she did not know how to achieve this objective. A goal she wandered around aimlessly to find an answer to. Her feet cared her to the intersection just before the central park area that was the very center of the city. She stopped and watched as people bustled, walking along asphalt streets on sidewalks of metal, and crossing the intersection to go to other places. More however seemed to be headed to the park.
The distinctive sound of his hooves on the metal sidewalk made many turn, then double take as he walked by, greeting them with either a nod of his equine like head, or a spoken word or two. Despite everything, Aztec mused, it was him that caused more than a bit of confusion among some of the civilians, many of which had seen far more confusing things than an anthropomorphic horse!
Aztec aimlessly made his way through the streets of Obsidian City, enjoying an off day, one of the rare few he’d had recently. From assisting in building this place, to patrols scouting for Crimson activity, to his familiarization with his new body, the past couple months were busy, to put it simply. And so, today found him in the city center, dressed simply in a pair of S6 camo pants and black utility shirt, a striking contrast to his golden fur and pale mane and tail. He‘d partially taken Doctor Vanth’s advice, eschewing boots and trying to wear less restrichive clothing during his off time. According to hir, it was better for his coat to get some air. Aztec grinned slightly, as the doctor had suggested wearing nothing at all; he wasn’t exactly ready to head out in public like that just yet!
It was the shock of while hair that caught his attention first, the crimson eyes registering a moment later, the woman standing off to the side of the intersection was a member of Fenrir division, all clones of Jack Pine himself. Still...
“Morning miss!” Aztec called out, approaching her with a wave. “You look a little lost there. While impressive, Obsidian City isn’t exactly a sprawling Nepleslian metropolis!”
Jane at first didn't turn towards the man addressing her, but did once it was clear he was addressing her. The white haired woman face Aztec with an almost blank stare. "I am not currently misplaced. The gps function of the G1-NI is operating at optimal functionality.", she said simply in a monotone voice, a default with her conditioning. After all, she was made to be a soldier, not a door greeter.
Jane tilted her head slightly as she examined the man, "I am unfamiliar with your species. Please inform this unit of it."
“It’s got nothing to do with the gps. You look lost there, like you’re not sure what to do.” Aztec replied, leaning back against the walkway railing. “I’m a horse.” He started “Name’s Jay Travers, but most just call me Aztec“
She re-tilts her head, "I currently have no objective. Free roam is engaged. To say one is lost, implies they have a set destination."
“Not necessarily. While that may be the literal definition of lost, saying someone is “lost” means that they don’t know what to do with themselve, be it in their lives, work, social and everything else.” Aztec watched Jane. “So, you may not have an objective, but you’ve no idea what to do with your free time. Hence, you’re lost.”
Jane blinked at the horseman before looking down in thought for a moment. She looked back up to him, no longer with a tilt, "This is correct. I have no objective, and no purpose. I....am lost."
Her brow furrowed slightly, the first bit of character she had shown in her drone like interactions.
Aztec nodded. “Yeah, it was pretty easy to tell. Given your history, I’m not entirely surprise. Fortunately, that might not be difficult to remedy. For a start, where were you heading just before I stopped you? Surely, you were looking for something?”
"I was not heading to any set coordinates, as I am not looking for anything. This unit was simply roaming, destination unknown.", Jane says her tone neutral, yet still somehow conveying confusion.
Aztec shrugged. “Were you looking for anything? I‘ve heard the park there is nice, if a bit crowded. Also, why do you call yourself, “this unit”? Do you have a name?”
"This unit was indeed headed to the park. It is the focal point of the city's layout, and therefore the most optimal grid to begin from. Yes, I am Jane F-35.", Jane replied almost robotically.
“Begin exactly what, Jane?” Aztec replied. “Seems like you did have a plan after all”
"To find a goal. Or at least find an objective related to this "day off" that I have been given.", She said with a tilt of the head.
Aztec grinned. “You’ll be looking for a long time then, Jane. There is no objective to a day off, you do what you want to with it. I‘ve know some guys who just sleep the whole day, though that’s usually preceded by a night of drinking” he finished. “How about taking a walk through Founder’s Park? I’ve yet to see it myself.”
"I do not know what I want. This objective of "a walk", seems adequate enough. I shall escort then as we traverse the park area.", Jane said turning to look at the park after giving a moment of thought. She looked up to him after a moment, "query, what is the point of giving such a task, that it has no objective?"
Aztec glanced at Jane. “Wait, you’re actually serious? Oooookkkkaayyy......” <She’s never heard of a day off?> he thought. “Right, I suppose you wouldn’t know why you’d have off days. Well...” Aztec started, pushing off the rail and indicating to Jane to follow him. “....I can explain the idea behind it and it should make sense to you then. It’s not so much that there’s no objective, it’s more a way of preventing burno- I mean inefficiency. Say you’re told to do something repeatedly every day during your shift. There’s a point fatigue sets in, the longer you keep trying to do that task, the less you’ll be able to effectively do it. A day or two where you don’t need to accomplish said task usually lets someone recover, so that when they go back to that task, they can perform effectively at it again. Does that make more sense now?” Aztec asked, the sound of his hooves echoing off the sidewalk muffling as they moved into the boundaries of Founder’s Park.
She thought about this as she followed the equestrian man, and spoke after a period of silence, "So it is to stay within safety parameters. This however, still ceases to explain the lack of objevtive. If the purpose is to recover, then what does one do on a day off to do so?"
“You do whatever you like to do. Hobbies, interests....there’s no objective because no one tells you what to do with a day off; you decide what to do with it.” Aztec looked at Jane for a moment as they walked, trying to determine if she was getting his meaning. “Isn’t there anything you like doing, anything that interests you outside of being a soldier?”
"A Jane does not have interest, or preference. We were made to serve and fight, this is a foreign concept to this unit.", Jane answered, not so much not understanding, but not able to connect with the idea. "Adjustments are still in progress since the Commander freed us, yet already two of the other units have...connected with this concept. Jane F-22, the one you call Sparks, found it because she is defective, diagnosed with autism. Jack M-12, or Talos, broke the mental barriers that were placed on all of us. He has shown to be ample in his capabilities as an commanding unit. Therefore it leads this unit to one conclusion.....this unit is inadequate."
”I wouldn’t say inadequate. I’ve seen you fight, so no, not inadequate, maybe just....limited? Or inexperienced, that might be a better word.“ Aztec replied. “Though if you’ve already come to that conclusion yourself, then it shows you do have an interest, otherwise you wouldn’t be concerned. You just don’t know how to go about expressing that, is all. Also, why do you keep referring to yourself as “this unit”? Even if you all are clones, you aren’t the same, so why refer to yourself that way? I don’t know the specifics of the mental barriers, but as you’ve said, they can indeed be broken.” Aztec thought a moment, as the amount of other people around them thinned. “If you can’t break them all at once, try smaller steps. A bunch of little things can eventually lead to the same outcome as one big one, and they tend to be easier as well. So, try one then; instead of saying “this unit” or “Jane F-35” , how about giving yourself a name and using that from now on? Certainly whatever mental conditioning that’s been done included encouraging all of you to think alike, so by calling yourself an individual, you’d be starting to overcome it. Small steps, remember?”
"Why would a product not be refered to as a unit?" Jane asked as she processed the idea, pausing as the logic set in, "A name.......?"
She was quiet for a long moment and her pace slowed. It was true, both Talos and Sparks had found names, and were the ones to have broken free. "I....don't know."
“First step’s never an easy one, but it’s always worth it in the end“ Aztec replied, slowing and shortening his pace to match Jane’s. “Look at it this way, if you wanted to program someone to not think of themselves as an individual, making them refer to themselves as a number or a unit would be an ideal way to do it, wouldn’t you agree?”
"I..do not fault that logic,...b-but I am....a product.", She said not sure as her thoughts became unorganized, logic beginning to fight itself.
Aztec just watched Jane, tilting his head slightly. “That you talking, or the program in your head?” He asked, knowing full well what the answer was, but not able to do anything else for her at the moment. This was going to be her fight, for now.
"I don't deserve a n-name....I'm a product...but your..l-logic proves I'm a i-individual. This...this...this....I can't understand. How does a product,...and a c-copy...", Jane said trailing off as she put a hand to her head, a pain in her temple. A trickle of blood began to run from her nose, as something inside her broke, "..become human?" she managed just before falling over.
“Whoa!” Aztec reached out, stopping Jane from falling to the ground. Laying her down, he shook her shoulders gently. “Hey, you still with us?”
Jane wouldn't respond, his stirrings having brought her back to conciousness, but she was heavily dazed. mumbling she strained to form a sentence, her mind reeling as it still adjusted to this change. As she laid on her back a tear ran from her eye, and with it, it was if a sudden clarity had fallen over her understanding.
Reverting to calm and collected, Jane slowly sat up, "I feel discomfort, approximate time of malfunction?" she asked.
“That wasn’t a ”malfunction“, Jane. You passed out. You’re also bleeding” Aztec replied, tapping the spot on his own long face to indicate where on her. “You alright? I stopped you from droping to the ground, but I can’t see internal injuries, even with the better hearing and sense of smell I now have!” He joked.
"My...head hurts. Dizziness seems to also be a symptom.", She said sitting up, placing a hand to her forehead. As she wipe off the blood under her nose, she paused, and anomolus thought coming to mind. Jane looked down at the blood smeared on the back of her hand for a moment before looking up to him, "Why are we called Jane?"
“Why? If memory serves correctly, you all were cloned from Jack Pine, so they called you all Jane because it was the female equivalent to Jack.” Aztec replied, a little confused by the odd question.
Thinking for a moment she replied, "I do not wish to keep this designation, it has too many negative connatations. I request a redactment to my records for a new one."
“Then choose a new one. I’ll make sure everyone else knows” Aztec replied, offering his hand to help her up off the ground.
She accepted the hand up and pulled herself up with his assistance. "That is why I have asked for one. I do not have enough data to formulate a new designation.", Jane said simply as if this was a matter of fact thing that should be easily known. Surely he had enough insight to provide the missing data on the name conventions of individuals.
“There isn‘t much data needed for a name. Sometimes one is chosen simply because someone likes the sound of it, or it reminds them of something significant in their lives.” Aztec replied, helping the woman up. “At this point, you’re the one who’d be choosing your name, as it’s relevant to you”
She lowered her head as she began to search available databases, a feature of the Geist hooked up to the city's network. Her eyes rapidly shifted as she looked through data, finally pausing after searching through synonmous terms of cultural significance. "....ar..a-armora....That is my new designation."
”Armora it is then!” Aztec grinned. “So, two things then. One, are you still interested in walking through the park? It is one of the less orange areas of the planet, after all. Second, any particular reason for the name, Armora? Call it idle curiosity“
"Armora is based in a ancient term Armour, which translates to love. This word seems to have a significant and uverarching influence in most cultures. As for this walk, yes that seems like an appropriate objective.", She stated simply as if this was common fact. However, something was different, her expression, her stance, the tone of her voice, all were not as stiff as they had been before. There was now a hint of something else behind it all.
“Huh. Interesting choice, that” Aztec replied, looking over Armora for a moment or two. “You sure you’re alright? You seem a little....different than before you passed out.”
"I have not detected anything anomolous, by what do you mean "different"?", Armora asked with the usual tilt of the head that followed her question. Yet....there was more there this time. The hints of a curiosity, in her expression, and as a subtle glint in the eyes.
“It’s nothing overtly so, likely no one else would really notice the difference“ Aztec replied. “However, me being what I am, I can tell you’re not quite the same as before. What that means, right now, who can tell? It’ll sort itself out in due time...”
"Understood. Shall we continue the "walk" then?", She asked understanding he had not the answer, and instead continuing with the pseudo objective she had been given.
”Sure, as long as you’re not planning on passing out again!” Aztec joked with a grin, his tail swishing idly behind him as the pair continued walking. He turned his neck from side to side, streching out the muscles in it. “Gotta say, it does feel good being out of armor for more than a few hours at a time, doesn’t it?”
"I do not understand, the S6-R1-SPA Mk I is sufficient. Sleep cycles have been completed without difficulty. Perhaps Aztec's unit is flawed due to the expedited process of modification?", Armora asked, confused as to why being in, or out of armor made any difference. She had spent hours, even days in her own during operations.
“It isn’t the suit, Armora, in this case, it’s me. Or this body, anyway. It seems anthro bodies require a bit more maintenance than most, mainly due to thier fur. Also, it’s not good for someone with a tail to have it stuffed into armor for long periods of time. I do have it a bit easier in that regard, as my own tail...” Aztec indicated his own pale haired horse tail. “...is mostly hair, so all I have to do is keep it braided and I usually don’t have a problem. I’ve not noticed anything myself, so I believe it would only become a problem if you had to wear the Revenant armor for weeks at a time.” He shrugged. “Maybe it’s a subjective thing then, but I certianly feel difference between wearing it and not. Guess you can say it’s all the little things...”
"I have gone an entiretly of 30 days as the longest recorded extended time I have spent in my suit. There is a difference, either you are donned in your issued armor, or you are not dressed in it......braid...hair?", Armora said as if this was a trivial matter, but slowed her tone as the one part of his last statement seemed perplexing. "I do not understand the concept of braiding hair."
Aztec started laughing. “You’re joking, right?” He managed, and glanced at Armor, the tilt of her head and look on her face saying saying she wasn’t joking. “You are serious, aren’t you?” He brought his laughter under contro. “Sorry, I just find that funny, but I forget you weren’t raised the same way most people are. Anyway, braiding. Two main reasons people with long hair do it. One is to make a fashion statement. The other, and why I do it, is that it makes long hair more manageable, especially if you need to tuck it away, like under armor or a helmet for example. Again, take my tail, it would be rather time consuming to try to stuff it the way it is right now in my suit, but by braiding it, that reduces both the time it takes to get into the undersuit, and also keeps the hairs from getting all tangled and possibly damaged. You follow what I’m saying?”
"This is not a skill I have learned, and it seems I have yet to learn means of increasing efficiency. I must research this function further, in the current state, can Aztec braid my hair?", Armora stated before making her request. To her it only seemed logical after all, as it made more efficient management of one of her features.
“What, you mean here? Now? I suppose....” Aztec started, caught a bit off guard by Armora’s response. “....though my ability is rather limited in doing that. Braiding is another one of those areas where there‘s a great deal of freedom in expressing yourself. If you really wanted to go down that route, you’d want to find a hairdresser, Armora”
"But Aztec has the skill learned already, can you not perform this task? It would be highly inefficient to consume time to find someone else with this skill.", Armora said simply as if so matter of factly obvious.
“I can, yes, and I suppose that’s true. Still, there are a lot of ways you can braid hair, so in your case, you’d want to choose some style that suits you, Armora”
"Plain, generic, neutral....these are all terms that describe my person and current personality. Is this the correct data that you wanted?", she replied with another tilt of the head.
“Yes......that was kind of my point, Armora” Aztec started, scratching the back of his head with one hand. “While those terms do currently describe you, are they really the way you want to be?”
"I currently at this time am uncertain of what, or how, I "want" to be. My current data is insufficient to formulate wants, desires, or a strategy for self identity development. This requires more analysis.", Armora replied.
“I-huh. Actually, that’s a good point...” Aztec replied, after thinking about what Armora said. “Well, I can’t add anything else to that. Still, I can braid your hair if you want.” His voice sounding amused.
"I have indeed requested such....please.", Armora asked staring at him.
”Here? Well ok, have a seat then, Armora” Aztec said, indicating a nearby park bench. “I should be able to do this here.”
She did as requested and sat herself on the end of the bench, her well defined back to to the man. Armora let her hair hang behind her and kept still with her hands in her lap. This was a new experience and it felt...odd? Plus the woman realized she had just said please, something she never did before, but she did not voice her realization of these changes and differences.
“Hmm” Aztec took a knee behind Armora, running a hand through her hair, judging where to start the braid. At least this would be easier to do than usual, as to get his own tail done, he had to reach behind himself with both hands while looking into a mirror. He started on her braid, amused at this odd turn of events, and in a few minutes he’d finished. “There we go, all done. Did your hair up into a single braid, that’ll make it easier to tuck up under your helmet and keep it manageable. Also started it an inch or so out from the roots, as going right up against them can end up pulling a few strands out if they do happen to get caught up in your armor” Something Aztec had learned the hard way, unfortunately. It was going to take a long time for him to ever get used to having a tail....
After a moment, she pulled the braid over her shoulder and examined it, taking in the weaved hair that was her's. "I believe the phrase is "Thank You"? I shall endeavor to learn this skill, but...thank you for doing this function for me.", she said turning back after another moment, the hair still pulled over her shoulder.
Aztec made a little bow. “You’re welcome, Armora. Gotta admit, that was something I never expected to do! Still, if I may make a suggestion; it’s a lot easier to braid if you have some help.”
"Do you have any solutions for this short coming then? Where would I acquire this help?", She queried after his statement. She wanted to get what she needed to do this new function herself, and Aztec was he best source of information right now on the matter. Her eyes watched him waiting for an answer with a glint of acute curiousity.
“It’d still be possible to do it yourself, your hair is easier to reach than my tail, but.....I guess you could just ask me?” Aztec replied, then realized what he’d said. <Well, that’s just akward and creepy sounding, isn’t it?>
"I will note to do so then. It would certainly make the process more expedient and efficient. May I have your contact data, so that I may reach you when this function is needed?", were the next words out of Armora's mouth, having missed any oddity in how the statement was phrased. She honestly was oblivious to the idea of creepy things, or how awkward suddenly asking for someone's number was. This clone had a long way to go still, and that would be abundantly clear to Aztec.
”Ah....I....Sure you can, but I think you may want to consider a couple things, Armora” Aztec replied, then explained how and why it was considered socially awkward to offer one’s number immediately to someone they hardly know.
"I understand, but this seems like a flawed misconception on the use of communications. Why does individuality cause so many paradoxes and inefficienties?" This truly was confusing, and her head was starting to feel sore again from the idea, that being a person meant giving up perfection and efficiency. The poor Jane clone was just having a hard time dealing with this, and it manifested as she placed a hand to her temple.
Aztec snorted in laughter. “Hahaha, Armora, you’ve figured out more about the nature of individuality in that statement than most people do in their lives! That’s exactly what individuality does. No person is perfect, but it is our imperfections and oddities that make us who we are, they help define us from one another.”
"But I don't understand, why why why. So much functionality wasted. What gain could prove so valuable to deny the excels in other areas.", She questioned the other hand going to the other temple as she held her forehead. This was making her head hurt again, and it only left confusion, as the answer couldn't be found.
“Honestly, I’ve no answer for you, Armora. Looking at it from your perspective, I can see why it makes no sense, but to most everyone, we expect it. To say there’s a simple answer out there would be a lie.” Aztec said, coming around the bench and kneeling before the troubled clone. He wisely decided not to mention that not only were people not perfect, they ridiculed the idea, calling those supposed people Gary or Mary Sue, depending on their gender. He wasn’t certain how she’d react to that particular revelation. “All I can say is, individuality is a strange path to walk, but it’s worth every bit of confusion!”
"But why, what do they gain from such an illogical choice? What is it they acquire that leads to this choice.....why should I acquire it?", a confused look washed over her features, but was replaced by the usual blank one, only to have confusion bleed through again.
“Armora, most of us aren’t given a choice. It’s just the way we’re born. I know it-are you alright?” Aztec stopped suddenly, seeing confusion rapidly struggling with the clone’s usual neutral look, the way it was happening concerning him.
"That doesn't explain why they stay with such illogical choices. If this is how people are born to be, why were we created to be the opposite, certainly they wouldn't have effected performance values. What is it? Want, desire,....emotion?", She seemed shaken by this train of thought, having almost seemed to ignore his query of concern. Her mind was programmed to not think on these things, to keep her "perfect", and to stay the obedient drone they wanted for a product.
Aztec sighed. This wasn’t going to go over well. “Because people want to be that way, Armora. That, and the way you all were created, specifically, the controls that were put on all of you, are considered a horrific violation of someone’s privacy...”
Armora clutched at her head, the pain growing worse, a tear for once rolling down her cheek. Her programming was fighting as she struggled to understand all this. A trickle of blood lef ther nose yet again, "H-help, can't...a-analyse, past the p-pain."
“Armora, look at me, listen to me!” Aztec put one of his hands on her shoulder, looking her in the eyes. “Take a breath, and stop thinking about this for now, otherwise you’re going to hurt yourself! You hear me?”
"I...don't, feel.....well...", was what she said before slumping against him. Her mind just couldn't take it, something else snapping in it's place, but something else was quick to take it's place. A movement began in her thoughts and subconscious, as things were changing.
“Aw dammit, Not again!” Aztec again catching the falling clone , only this time, he picked her up entirely, carrying her in his arms as he stood. That was it, Armora had to get to a hospital, no way in hell this hadn’t affected her somehow. Looking up into the mountain range the city was sprawled below, <Anvil is closest and likely to be equipped to handle whatever’s happening to her.> Aztec thought, heading in that direction, Armora’s weight hardly affecting his pace. Major Talos was going to be pissed at him....
Armora was still conscious, but felt dizzy and weak, something not feeling right.....her body wasn't responding like it should. It was as if the mortal shell has suddenly become estranged from it's hosted mind, like it no longer recognized the one it looked in and saw. Hospital seemed like a logical stop, was the only thing that passed her mind,yet she realized something. Anvil was too far, they were in the center of the city, so the city hospital would be closest. The Anvil sat on the mountain that curved around one side of the natural walls that made the bay. That would require a trip through half the diameter of the city, and more, then a elevator ride to boot.
"No,...city...hospital.....due 9 miles.....West from current...l-location.....Helen Blvd.", she managed weakly, as a hand attempted to point in the correct direction, "Anvil...too far."
“I don’t know if they have the right equipment to treat what’s happening with you Armora, otherwise I would take you there.” Aztec replied, concern evident in his voice. “Just stay with me, try not to think too hard and I’ll have us there in a bit!”
The strangest thing happened after he said that, she actually.....giggled. It was certainly girlish, yet very unlike her, and it brought a weak yet small smile. "That was.....amusing.......but I don't understand why."
Aztec glanced down, one golden eye focusing on Armora. “It was a joke. Specifically what we call “gallows humor” Who knows where the term comes from, but it’s when someone makes a joke of a bad situation, hoping to lighten the mood. It’s something you hear a lot from soldiers, mercenaries and the like.” He gave her a small smile. “Glad you liked it, though I’ve never heard any of you laugh before.”
"Neither have I til now.....this is....concerning.", Armora admitted before trying to understand why, but only causing a fresh wave of pain. It was beginning to feel like her mind was tearing itself apart inside. A few more tears streamed down her cheek as she flinched and whined from the sensation. What was happening to her?
“I was serious about that, Armora. Don’t think about that right now, we’ll get to a hospital soon!” Aztec said, picking up his pace to a run. Eventually, Aztec made it to the Anvil, rather surprisingly, much less fatigued than he was expecting. Still, he was more concerned for Armora. “We’re here Armora, they’ll get this sorted!” He said to her, before calling for a doctor.
Don't think about it he says, well that was far easier said then done. Between the pain, and the feeling of jostled movement, it was hard to focus on her surroundings. Finding it rather disorienting in fact, and for some odd reason confused as Aztec declared they, to her what seemed like had made an immediate arrival. Voices could soon be heard as faces passed the view of her unfocused eyes. She started to wonder why she was here, and why she was made the way she was, and who was she. Even though it seemd like an odd time for existential thoughts, it is what the thoughts from earlier bled into. Making the pain only worse, Aztec would feel Armora go limp in his arms as she passed out yet again.
"What seems to be the matter?", came the rushed voice of a doctor as he saw Aztec arrive a short while later.
“Passed out, now twice.” Aztec started, having felt Armora go limp again. “She was also complaining about severe headaches and I saw her nose bleeding. She was fighting her programming, and given who she is, I wasn’t certain the general hospital was capable of treating her” Aztec finished, laying Armora onto an empty gurney.
Doctors rushed to take the woman from the man, "This is the first case of this happening. Never have we seen such a violent reaction to how a clone breaks their mental limiters. We need to get some cranial scans ASAP. Are you staying or going Tavers?" The doctor was quick to get Armora put on a stretcher and moved towards the appropriate wing, before turning to horse man and asking if he was hanging around.
The Jane clone's head swam with thoughts, confusion, other things never felt, and worry at what was happening. Even in her semi-conscious state thanks to a few drug doses, Armora was in a deal of pain. Voices could be heard around her, but could not focus on the world around her. It was as if it was out of phase, blurry like a camera set to minimal depth. Streaks of shapes darted around as the world shifted color, and the sound of some machine began. Trying to move, she found herself strapped to the stretcher.
In the other room, the scanning machine reported back it's gathered data on the female clone, and what was happening in her head,
“Suppose I might as well stay” Aztec replied to the doc. “Likely going to be asked about what happened anyway, and I do feel kinda responsible for that, so yeah...Is there a waiting room or something nearby?” He refrained from making a joke about waiting in the morgue, as he didn’t feel the doctors would be very appreciative of it, despite the possibility of the morgue thing becoming a reality, certainly either Commanders Talos or Spark might find issue with their sister having ended up in the ER...
"Yes, it's just down the hall to the left. A nurse will be by shortly to get your statement on the possible cause of injury. We'll get her taken care of, relax big guy, your girl is in safe hands.", the doctor said with a firm tone, but gave a feint chuckle at the end as he pointed down the correct hall.
“Alright, sounds good. I hope so, Doc. It was a bit of a run to get her here from across the city...” Aztec replied, heading the indicated direction to the currently unoccupied waiting room, taking a chair, leaning his head back into the wall, he settled in to wait.
It would be around a half hour later, a nurse gently shaking the equestrian man's shoulder to wake him. "Excuse me.....Mr. Tavers? You're free to go see her now. She's awake, and is doing well."
Aztec opened his eyes, the nurse having woken him, the old military habit of getting sleep whenever and wherever you can having long since been learned. “She is? That’s good to hear, Ma’am. Have you figured out what caused her programming to react that way?” He asked, getting to his hooves, as the nurse took a step or so back, letting him stand.
"Well as the doctor simpliefied it......she thought herself into a line of thought that was a paradox in the programming." the nurse replied as she gave him a puzzled look, not quite understanding it either. "She's actually asked for you."
“She has? Oh...” Aztec said, not quite sure what to think of that. “Where is she now?”
"A hospital bed, resting, where else would she be big guy. Room 11C, just down the hall, and 7th door on the right. Stay safe, I must attend to other patients now." said the nurse with a giggle before walking off to take care of other duties.
“Thanks, you too.” Aztec replied, as the nurse left the waiting room. He followed the signs in the opposite direction, shortly finding Armora’s room. He stood in the doorway, not sure of her reception of him, despite the nurse’s assurance. “Hey Armora. How are you holding up?”
The room was quiet other then the soft hum of the device Armora was hooked up to that looked like it was tracking brain patterns. Her white haired head turned to set her eyes on the figure of the equestrian man standing in the doorway. "Hello Aztec...I am...well. The doctors have reported that I am in nominal health, and that the mental locks in my mind have had their integrity compromised." Armora reported rather with a slow start as she searched for the words she wanted, and for once not the ones she necessarily needed.
“Ah yeah. About that....” Aztec took a moment to collect his thoughts. “I’m sorry about that, I didn’t think you’d end up reacting like that to what I thought were some simple questions. I wasn’t expecting to compromise your mental locks that fast...”
Armora looked him in the eyes, "You have no need to apologize. I am still functional and you have done me no harm. As I understand it, I should be....grateful." As she finished, a feint smile and something akin to happy flashed in eyes for but a brief moment. A flash of the kind of person buried in their own mind, that Armora could possibly be given time.
“Well, that’s being positive about it, at least. Still though, I don’t like having caused you that much pain, even if it was unintentional and....ultimately beneficial?” Aztec said, then cocked his head to a side. “That sounds incredibly weird saying that...”
"I can agree to that, it sounds paradoxical, however it is indeed a positive outcome. One that I am grateful for. "There is never a gain without a price" my brother has told us on countless occassions. I do believe I finally understand what he meant. I am also now more acutely aware of the journey ahead if I am to fully break the conditioning. For that, I may ask for you help with in the future."
“Well, any help you need, I’ll offer what I can, though there are likely those better qualified than myself, but you only have to ask, Armora. Like I said before, it’s a long journey, but one worth making.”
The clone thought on that for a moment, wondering where this journey would lead. Wherever it did, she had the instinctual urge to take Aztec with her. The logic for such a choice was fuzzy at best, the only one she could come up from the many hazy ones was simple. He had positive effects when present, some of which she did not understand yet.
"That is correct I believe, and one I much appreciate the assistance offered on."
"Anytime, Armora" Aztec said, before the nurse making rounds came to Armora's room, informing them that visiting hours were over. Saying good night to Armora, he left the hospital, musing on the day's events. He didn't know where things would ultimatly go, but he was willing to find out.
