1. Bromeo Must Die

[decryptic]

Characters: 9S | The Scholar, Alfyn | Johnny Appleseed, and you!
Campaign: Hollow Christmas Carol, Act II, Scene 5
Format: [ brackets ]
Open!
Summary: Ebegeeser and the Horseman of Christmas Present debate the life and death of Bromfred. Also, 9S kills time around the manor.



[ A: Scene 5 (closed to Alfyn)

9S's journal lights up red, which means it's time to play the part. He straightens from where he's been leaning on the second story banister, watching the couples dance below. He straightens out the coat of his modified outfit before scribbling out a message to Alfyn. His handwriting is uniform, almost text-like. ]

Hey, Alfyn. It looks like you're my Horseman. Can you meet me upstairs or is your horse going to be a problem?

[ Because 9S hated his own pony enough to start feeling prejudiced about all ponies, apparently. ]


[ B: Warming up (open)

Lacking a sword, 9S equips himself with a floor candelabra almost as tall as he is. It hovers a foot off his back, because magnets. Inside the manor, he finds an empty-enough space and practices with his new weapon.

He doesn't swing the candelabra as much as let it flow from him. He moves in staccato bursts, his form a study of some ancient martial art. With his every punch and twist, the candelabra swings out untouched -- a trick of magnetic levitation he adapted to this unintended use. Though his limbs are shorter and weaker than a combat model's, his entire body's momentum goes into the freewheeling spin of the candelabra as it whirls before him, around him, and stabs at imaginary opponents.

He grunts with exertion, making his presence obvious to anyone passing nearby. ]


[ C: Manor defense (open)

9S's interest in song and dance is purely observational, so there's that much less for him to do around the manor. He defaults to standing outside with his not-very-menacing floor candelabra, extremely prepared to clobber any blots who seem a little too rowdy.

If anyone steps out to join him, he'll mutter: ]

Have you seen that old bearded creep wandering around? I just know he's plotting something.


[ D: Cabin fever (open)

Time is doing something strange and messing with his internal clock. It feels like they've been in this manor forever, and 9S can only fiddle with code and practice his candelabra skills for so long before restlessness catches up with him. Desperate, he picks up his medallion and complains at it. ]

I'm starting to go nuts in here! What do you guys do for fun? I'm willing to try anything to beat this boredom.

Comments

[decryptic]

[ "I am sure that those of us humans in your world are especially grateful to you." 9S's mouth tightens there with a thought not worth voicing. Ophilia's sentiment isn't lost on him, though; it's just another example of that singular kindness that humanity possesses. He can't manage to school his expression into something lighter -- he keeps looking out into the night to keep from directing it at her -- but his voice at least is carefully gentle. ]

I don't know if I'm anything as grand as a guardian spirit. [ He gestures widely at his candelabra-turned-spear, and at his self-appointed guard posting. ] None of this is what I was made for. And I'm hardly infallible myself.

But... [ A complicated emotion grips his voice. He can't say if it's his programming or his own willful desire; perhaps they're inseparable. ] I promise to fight for humanity with all my strength. As meager as I am, I'll do all I can to live up to your expectations.

[ He finally turns his head to look at her. ]

Thank you, ma'am.

[starseeing]

[ She can't even begin to guess at the complexity of a programmed personality and intelligence dancing along the line of actual humanity, or if a line even exists in the first place. To her, he is a person just as any other, and one who has abilities clearly beyond that of a normal human in the first place. ]

Well... [ Ophilia clasps her hands in front of her. ] I'm not a 9B or an android, but... [ She tells him softly, smiling kindly at him. The humans of his world must be incredibly intelligent and industrious to be able to create someone like him; should she ever meet one of his creators, she would thank them especially. ]

You won't be alone in that promise-- fighting for humanity, that is. [ Meaning, she'll do what she can, too. Teamwork! ] I will certainly stand by your side to fulfill it.

[decryptic]

[ He smiles, more genuine this time. As strange as humans can be, ones like Ophilia exceed his expectations. ]

Happy to hear it. You're a healer, right?

[starseeing]

I am.

[ She gives him a nod. ] ....But I doubt any of my magic would work on.... metal. [ Machinery, that is. Like. Where would she even begin to start on how to heal him?? ]

--Oh! But if you are willing teach me, I would do my best to learn how to, ah.... repair? [ Is that the correct term. ] Yes; repair you, should you need it.

[decryptic]

Oh! That's kind of you, ma'am. Though even if I teach you everything I know about mechanical engineering, applying it to me in a practical sense would be difficult without the right equipment. The most we usually do on the fly is apply staunching gel to stop any bleeding.

[ ... And a logic-virus vaccine to prevent infection from Machine Lifeforms, but that's obviously moot around here. ]

We're built more for replaceable parts than long-term rehabilitation, if you get my drift. Anything minor, we can usually heal on our own. But... if you still want to know more about android maintenance, I'll be happy to teach you! It wouldn't hurt to have someone knowledgeable around in case of an emergency.