This one's a difficult chapter. I'm trying guys, I'm really trying. But I'm happy with the information I provided in the chapter, and overall it was fun. Now if I can not procrastinate...
Review answering!
Reasonable man: It's a bit of a low blow, but it works. Kinda makes me wonder how android society in peaceful time will be like.
The Hidden Lettuce: Well, some regarded Jack as a demigod. So...hey, someone here did BECAME AS GOD.
thetyrant67: We wouldn't have a story if it didn't. Besides, there's plenty of notes suggesting it's not doing well.
Okay, I hope you enjoy this chapter of Behind Containment Doors (gosh, I actually kinda dislike this name, now that I've looked at it long enough) Please fav and follow if you enjoyed the story, and review if you have any comments or questions! It's the best thing a writer can have.
Have fun!
Recovered Data from Foundation Records regarding Human Entity Jack by Pod 153.
Edits: [REDACTED] has been replaced with [Jack] for reading convenience.
Test Log: [DATA EXPUNGED] Young Girl
For about an hour, [Jack] and [DATA EXPUNGED] had a short conversation surrounding very normal topics for [DATA EXPUNGED]. [Jack] did not require any protective gear not eye-shields. While [DATA EXPUNGED] is scared of [Jack] at first, she quickly warmed up at his ability to sketch her toys and other animals at her requests. [Jack] later expresses that it was a pleasant conversation, although he asked that future contact with [DATA EXPUNGED] to be avoided due to personal reasons, but also asked Foundation personnel to supply him with materials to craft a toy for [DATA EXPUNGED].
However, body language experts noted a clear change in [Jack]'s usual expression and demeanor. He shows signs of confusion, nervousness and display gaps in his expressions, possibly accessing parts of his memory. Near the end of the conversation, [Jack] muttered something. Although not detectable on mic, reading his lips gave this sentence: "You too, huh?"
The toy he crafted for [DATA EXPUNGED] was a miniature model of [DATA EXPUNGED] Hard-to-kill Reptile. No unusual properties have been found in the object. Request for the toy to be delivered has been granted. [DATA EXPUNGED] expresses clear gratitude at the gift, and wishes to gift him one of her doodles and meet him again.
End of report.
Test Log: [DATA EXPUNGED] Double Vision
[DATA EXPUNGED] immediately screamed loudly as soon as she saw [Jack]. She retreated to the nearest wall, clearly afraid. [DATA EXPUNGED] also began looking all around her, as if something is creeping closer to her. [Jack] sighed as he took a seat. After half an hour, [DATA EXPUNGED] cautiously sat down in front of [Jack]. They converse on light topics for about 20 minutes. [DATA EXPUNGED] expresses clear dismay after the conversation. Regarding [Jack]: "He's a very well-spoken guy, but...what are those things around him?" said [DATA EXPUNGED]
When shown video recording of the test which showed an empty room besides them, [DATA EXPUNGED] claimed that the room itself was filled with strange, snake like creatures slithering on the walls and floating in mid air in her vision, and a black, hard substance was beginning to cover the wall.
The description of these creatures matches that of hallucinations created by [Jack] and his real abilities displayed in other tests.
End of report.
Test Log: [DATA EXPUNGED] Desire Camera
Test #1: Activities: Crafting a cane as gift for a senior personnel.
Picture: Talking with an elderly figure. Figure later identified to be the subject's deceased father.
Note: Of course he's deceased. The guy's near immortal.-Researcher Jenny _.
Test #2: Activities: Sitting dormant in his cell.
Picture: Smoking.
Note: He pulled out a smoke 3 minutes later.-Researcher Jenny_.
Test #3: Activities: Smoking.
Picture: A family dinner with an unknown woman and a child.
Note: He wants a family and kids of his own. That's one hell of a beauty though. - Researcher Jenny _.
Test #4: Talking with Foundation personnel.
Picture: Unclear. Picture showed a green, lush grass hill.
Test #5: Smiling lightly for the camera.
Picture: [Removed per O5 request] Researcher Jenny has been notified to stop using [DATA EXPUNGED] on [Jack].
End of report.
"Oi, Pascal. Do you know anything useful about these machines we're seeing?"-A2 asked as they approaches the entrance of the factory.
"I'm not that knowledgeable either."-Pascal admitted. They do come off as...strange, even a little bit shady, but I don't think they meant harm. Still, machines like us can be...unpredictable."
"...Great."-The android pursed her lips as the doors opened, revealing two lines of Machines with burning torches in their hands.
They seem to be wearing some strange hat, and painted themselves purple as well.
"yoU ENteReD THe doMAiN of GOd!"- One of the machines hailed.
"...God?"-It's a form of religion? A2 wasn't very familiar with the concept, but it clearly seems like Jack made the right choice not to come.
"His GRacE wish tO disCuss the PeACe trEaTy with you. DoWn THiS HaLlwaY, if YoU WouLd."-One of the machines, seems to be a sort of priest, told A2 and Pascal, leading them through the area.
"Seems shady enough."-A2 spoke, her eyes still cold and expression still taciturn, but still weary despite to nonchalant attitude.
"It does seems rather shady, yes..."-Pascal agreed as they were led down an elevator.
"Yet you still came?"
"I went through all the trouble of asking you to come with me, right A2? I don't want to just leave now. I have to see it through. It's about peace, after all."
"Peace, huh..."-A2 had a distant look in her eyes. As distant as staring at an elevator door could be.
If this war really comes to an end one day, what would happen? What would she do?
She's a combat android designed to fight and kill. Peace isn't really her work environment.
'And Jack went through all of those changing times...'-There's a touch of admiration that A2 rarely gives out to anyone.
Wait, no.
She shouldn't be thinking about that.
'Remember your goal, A2.'
Her goal...
Her goal in all of this...
"Live for yourself. It's what they'd have wanted."-His voice rang out in her memory data.
"A2?"-Pascal asked, slightly concerned as the elevator has stopped.
"Oh, I'm...fine."-The white haired android smiled at the door opened.
They were greeted with another long corridor with machines holding torches on either sides.
"The door leads to the sanctum of his Grace."-One machine directed them.
As they pass by the corridor, they heard the machines' idle chatter about their beliefs and their Grace.
"..."-A2 kept her hands ready, her arm subtly brushes through the pistol on her hips.
While what they saying is rather calming, there's still this sense of...shadiness.
As the door opens, revealing the sanctum which consists of a large podium in the middle where a throne was placed, and machine followers gathered around, Pascal voiced.
"Uhm...My name is Pascal. I'm here to discuss...the...peace treaty?"
Silence. The machines seated on the throne did not respond.
"Uhm...hello?"
To A2 and Pascal's surprise, the head of his Grace fell from his body, down the podium, and rolled up to A2's feet.
"His wondrous Grace has become a God!"-The machine raised their arms as they chanted, their dormant green eyes threateningly flashes red-"His Grace has become a God!"
A2 immediately drew her sword and the pistol.
"His wondrous Grace has become a God! Become a God! We as well shall become Gods! Become as GODS!"-The machines started marching around A2 and Pascal as they chanted.-"All of you shall become as gods! BECOME AS GODS!"
The android noticed they were shutting the door closed. Wonderful.
"All of you shall become as gods! ALL OF US SHALL DIE AND BECOME AS GODS!"-The march has ended, and the machines turned to A2 and Pascal, eyes red and ready to fight.
"This...is shady!"-Pascal commented.
"Yeah, obviously!"-A2 snapped, as a red outline began forming on her.
Activating B-mode, the android blasted away a good amount of machines near her, and dived into the fight.
She's cutting them down with ease, but they won't stop coming!
Doing a perfect evade, A2 countered, firing a shot from the pistol.
She expected it to maybe stagger one of those machines so she could finish it off, but instead the gun shot out a burst of energy that blew up the machine right away.
"...Hah?"
As she continues to use her Type-40 sword in tandem with the pistol, she noticed the stopping power and damage of this gun is incredible, and clearly not done through simple mechanics.
But back to the matters at hand. A2 has cleared out most of the machines, but they are still trapped inside.
"Pascal, contact Jack!"
"I'm trying, A2, but the signal's unstable!"-The friendly machine replied.
"Can you reach him?"
Jack closed the Foundation data files he was viewing.
"Alert: Communication received from Machine Lifeform Pascal."
"...? Connect me through."
"Signal unstable. Proposal: Move closer in range."
"The factory is on the other side of the city ruins..."-Jack stood up immediately.
"Proposal: This Pod can help Council Inspector Jack traverse quickly. Pods are designed to help androids slow their descent. As humans weighs less, this Pod can carry your weight and allow faster traversal."
"Do it. And loop a connection to Pascal while we go. I want to know what's going on in there as soon as possible."
"Affirmative."
"...A2..."-Jack murmured as he grabbed on to the Pod.
"Grah!"-A2 slashed away at another believer machine.
Their numbers has dwindled. Less are coming in.
"Hmph. Still have fear in their cores, huh."-She flipped her hair, standing on the podium, protecting Pascal behind her.
"A2, we should try to get out of here! Killing all the machines here is..."
"No no no. Jack have been pushing me around and I had to run stupid errands for everyone enough already. I'm not letting this chance to fight pass by. I'll annihilate each and every one of these stupid things."-A2 snapped her head back to Pascal before sitting down on the throne, her Type 40 blade leaning against one of the throne's armrest and she mockingly gestured the cultist machines forward-"Come, I'll make you 'gods'."
As Pascal was staying back as the white haired android smashes through the machines, the communication came through.
"Pascal? What's the situation?!"-He heard Jack's voice, rushed and the rhythm of heavy breaths suggests he's sprinting.
"Jack, you're through, finally! We've met some machines with...rather unique perspectives."
"Unique? As in what?"
"It's...a cult of sorts, I believe that's what the humans called it. It's very interesting how they formed. I wonder if we can collect data samples and-"
"Maybe some other times. I'm getting you two out of there. Where's A2?"
"She's-"-Pascal ducked as half of a Medium Biped flew over him.-"She's fighting against the machines."
"And?"
"She's doing alright, Jack. But please, hurry!"
"I'm at the entrance right now. It's damn locked."-Pascal can hear his frustration leaking.-"These machines. You say they are...like a cult?"
"Yes. I'm sending some visual data I recorded on their behavior."
"Pod! Display reference data. I want to know what I'm dealing with."
The line went silent for a minute.
"...Alright."-Jack spoke, his voice grim.-"Pod, hack in. Subjugate an enemy unit, and find A2."
"Affirmative. Doing so will require visual of a machine life form."
"That's fine. Search for one yourself. I'll search for A2 and Pascal directly."
"Analysis: This Pod lacks hacking powers to seize control of the facility. Doing so would greatly benefit the operation. Proposal: Request a Scanner model to support."
"...Can you get me 9S?"
"Connection to Bunker required to confirm availability of Unit 9S."
There was a large pause.
"...Permission granted. Connect to the Bunker."
A2 heard strange sounds behind the locked elevator door in front of her. Screams and growls, terrifying roars that sends shudders.
"BECOME AS GGGOODDDSSSS!"-She heard before the elevator door opens, and a Small Stubby cultist flew out, and Jack is at the elevator door."
"A2. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."-Berserk mode does usually takes its toll on her, but her recent chip upgrades has greatly helped with that.-"How did you get here?"
"I searched for a way to get in from the top of the facility and worked my way down."-Jack shrugged.
"By yourself?"
"They were pretty annoying. Reminds me of some idiots in the past."-The human's expression went a bit dark-"Hey, they are asking for death anyway. Might as well oblige."
That's so unlike Jack, but so Jack at the same time. A2 resisted a grin.
For once they seem to see eye to eye.
A laser blasted past her and decimated the machine lifeform sneaking up on A2.
"Let's go. I have Pod doing some hacking support. We should at least get enough clearance to get back up."
"What happened to the elevator we went down in?"-Pascal asked. Afterall, if they can get back the way they came down, wouldn't it be faster?
"Uhm...yeah, I...may have trashed it."-Jack scratched his head sheepishly.
"You dumbass..."-A2 pursed her lips as she walked pass him into the elevator, her saunter never fails to captivates Jack's attention.
Damn, she's well designed.
"Right then."-He followed her inside.
Pascal tilted his head strangely.
Humans are strange creatures indeed.
Up the elevator, the android was a bit disturbed at the sight of the large room they were in.
Claw marks, slash marks, indentations filled the area. Machines, or, machine pieces rather strew about the room, ripped, crushed and slashed to pieces.
"Come on. We have to make our way back up. This way."-Jack gestured them towards a door.
The door then opens, revealing a flyer machines.
A2 was about to attack, but stopped as she noticed the green hue of it's eyes.
"Meet up confirmed. YoRHa Unit A2 and Machine Lifeform Pascal located."-It's Pod 079, appearing out from the machine lifeform after it self-detonated.
"Thanks Pod. How's the facility looking?"
"Facility control at 20%. This Pod lacks hacking abilities to go deeper. However, this Pod has eliminated multiple barriers to prepare for YoRHa Unit 9S' intrusion. Unit 9S has been notified, and is initiating remote hack from the Bunker."
"If he has spare time, open a channel to him for me."
"Affirmative. This Pod will continue to provide hacking support while Unit 9S hack into the main facility controls."
"Good. Keep at it, Pod."-Jack nodded, a touch of gratefulness adorn his face.
A2 however, was less than happy.
"You asked White for help?"
"Not really, I didn't call her. Besides, YoRHa wants this place shut down as well."-Jack explained. She's really getting to the possessive part of this, isn't she.
"Tch..."-The white haired android huffed as she headed up the walk way.
Crossing the long walk way was rather easy, but the pressing machines were a bit trickier. Jack doesn't find it much fun to dodge giant flattening presses while on a conveyor belt. He does, however, find fun in throwing machines into them.
"In you go!"-The human wrestled a medium biped holding an axe around him, the machines shook it's head to regain focus, only look up to find the giant press stamping down, crushing it.
"Hurry up, jackass!"-A2 extended her hand from her position, already climbed over and off the conveyor belt.
"Right, right!"-Jack took that hand, and was relatively surprised when A2 easily pulled him up.
Androids, right.
As they were about to keep going, Pod opened a communication channel.
"Jack? Are you alright?"-It's 9S, concerned as always.
"I'm fine, 9S. How goes the hack?"
"I'm doing fine, sir. Facility controls at 53%. I'll continue to monitor your position and provide support."
"Pod will do fine. You should focus on getting the facility under your control."
"Roger that. I'm marking an escape route on your map. It's not heavily guarded, the machines are...fighting each other, but it's still some ways apart."
"Alright. I'm heading through now."
"Be safe, sir."-9S ended the communication.
"Really..."-Jack groaned. A2 has to admit, she's seeing rarely seen expressions on him today.
Something about running away from bomb carrying suicidal robots on a conveyor belt really ticked him.
"That's it. You all are done for!"-Several laser orbs appeared, and the lasers just completely cuts the entire conveyor belt line down, falling down whatever is under that darkness.
A2 heard the screams of...machines? As they fell and apparently hit something. The sounds of familiar monsters growling as flashes of explosions lit the darkness below, sounds of metal being twisted and teared apart.
She thought she saw strange...shadows around the explosions.
"Well, isn't that excessive."-She mocked him. Not just falling, but have to fall into his weird abilities?
"I...don't like cults."-Jack turned to her, sighing with a shrug.
"What, did a cult hailed you as their god?"
His silence was probably both an admission and a sign she shouldn't ask further.
"What...did they do?"
"The classic."-Jack spoke as they walked on-"Sacrificing virgins and all. Just a waste of women."
"What's a virgin?"-Both A2 and Pascal wasn't sure what the term meant.
"...I'll explain later."
"So, what, you didn't stop them?"
"What, you think the soul of the dead girls came to me, smack me on the head and said: 'Hey, you dick. Some people you totally don't know about is sacrificing people to worship you. You better do something about it'? I did my best to clear them out. But murdering people who took joy in death at your hands is...rather distasteful."
"...I see. But don't you find things worse to handle when they are afraid or begging for their lives?"-Pascal was very intrigued.
"It does sound worse, yes. But...at least it gives a sense of...realism. Cultists are insane. They do not think like normal people."
"...I see."-Pascal nodded, understanding.
"Once you starts becoming overzealous, you lose sight of yourself."
A dead giant machine lifeform at the hands of A2 later, and they are finally making progress. Using Wire, it was rather easy to traverse the area, something perhaps A2 should look into using more. Though she'd need a Pod.
Walking in this room, they found a bunch of machines cowering, as other cultist machines attack them with weapons
"Please! No, don't kill me! I don't want to die!"
"Help us! Please, help us!"-One of the machines pleaded to them.
A2 quickly intervened, doing a perfect evade as she did a light spin forward and launched some of the cultist machines into the air, before using his gun to blast the machines away, already in pieces.
Jack raised an eye brow at that. She's actually helping them before he say anything.
"No, I haven't gone soft, jackass."-She landed in front of him, sassing as she uses his pistol and shot behind her, finishing off one of the cultist.
"Right. Sure."-His shit-eating grin is so annoying, A2 groaned.
It just wants to make her dive into him and mash her lips into his to shut him up.
"Thank you so much for saving us! Here, take these."-The remaining, sensible machines offered A2 some money and recovery items.
"Do you mind telling us where's the way out from here?"-Pascal asked.
The machines pointed over at a door.
"Everyone's gone crazy...be careful out there!"-One of the machines warned.
"Noted."-A2 walked off with her usual sass, leaving Jack and Pascal to follow her.
At that point, just outside the door, 9S called through the Pod.
"You're almost at the exit! Just a bit further!"
"Alright. And the facility?"
"Making good grounds, sir! Facility at 76% control."
"Good work."-The group reached another elevator.
"Okay, just go up that elevator, and pass the platform. You should be clear from there on, sir!"
"Okay. Keep it up, 9S. And...thanks."
"It's no problem, sir. I'm happy to help."-The communication closed again.
As the trio went up the elevator, they found dead machines littered the walkway.
"Everyone's dead...how am I supposed to go on living?"-One surviving machine cried.
"..."-Jack and A2 ignored the machine, but Pascal at the very least stopped to give his sympathy.
However, when they reached the large, round platform suspended over a molten metal furnace, the bridge leading out raised itself.
"What the...?"-The android looked around, and noticed a giant Goliath class machine lifeform perching on the wall of the furnace above them, before jumping down, almost crushing them.
"Really..."-Jack stared down the singular eye the Goliath has.
The eye flashes red threateningly as an energy shield envelopes it's body.
"Alert: Energy shield detected over enemy unit"-Pod 079 spoke-"Analysis: Both long and short range combat ineffective."
"Oh, what the hell..."-A2 cussed, as she evaded from the machine.
"God! God! Become as GOD!"-The machine chanted.
"Shut the fuck up already! I'm tired of hearing it!"-A2's attempt at attacking were all deflected.
They can't attack it?
"Pod."-Jack asked with a low voice-"What's the probability of Old World magic getting through it's barrier?"
"Unknown. However, it is highly probable that such an attack may succeed at breaking through the energy shield. Query: Does Council Inspector Jack wish to display his anomalous properties?"
A2 turned around, eyes wide at the realization.
"Yeah."-Jack turned to Pascal.-"Close your eyes."
The peaceful machine complied, his eyes losing it's light.
"Jack?"-A2 asked, her voice questioning.
"...I guess I can't hide it forever."-The kind-of-human shrugged.
The Goliath class machine turned its attention to Jack, almost like it felt the change.
Warning signs began to appear in A2's vision.
...
...
...
From the space behind Jack, a couple...clouds of pitch black smoke formed.
And from those clouds, a strange, snake like creature emerged, floating effortlessly while gnashing its sharp, spike like teeth at her threateningly. Its eyes were glowing a faint blue, and it's body also glow blue under it's strange, black carapace that didn't seem like skin, but as if some molten black material was poured over it.
From other clouds, similar creatures came out, some do not have heads but sharp blades, some have talons, some are full out demonic like arms with sharp claws, all standing by and ready to tear away at whatever it's master commands it to.
A2 felt frozen, surrounded by these demonic creatures, tendrils and limbs, utterly rooted in place.
She snapped out of it when the snake-like thing threateningly growled, exposing all of it's teeth wide, before launching itself past her, striking one of the Goliath's leg, and wrap it's body around it.
The android quickly got back, a bit of a role reversal in the usual situation. Now it's her protecting something while Jack fights ahead.
"GOD! MUST! BECOME GOD!"-The Goliath chanted, almost echoing in a tune.
"..."-Jack remained silent, but the large, demonic arm swiped the machine, pushing it back.
"Alert: Ineffective damage dealt."-Pod 079 supplied.
"That means I'll get through it eventually."-Jack muttered back.
All of these creatures and tendrils began attacking, striking and holding onto the Goliath's limb.
With almost ease, they ripped out two of the Goliath's legs.
"DIE AND BECOME GODS!"
"...Some say I already am."-Jack pursed his lips as he coldly demolishes the machine piece by piece and dent by dent.
While Jack and the Goliath was fighting, Pod pinged another communication from 9S.
"Jac-A2?"-He quickly corrected-"I'm observing the situation, but...what's going on?!"
"I don't know."-A2 admitted, her voice a bit shaky-"This stupid machine's in our way, though."
"Uhm, alright!"-9S seems to be going through the data-"The machine's using the large energy supply in the facility to power it's shield. I'll hack in and shut down the power!"
"..."-A2 didn't reply. Her eyes were still glued to the fight that's going on.
The platform, supported by chains, was beginning to swing side to side due to the battle. The android struggled to maintain balance as it sways.
One of Jack's tendril, the one that has talons at the end, grabbed one of the Goliath's leg and lifted it up, tossing it into the wall. The metal wall dented and the whole place shook lightly, but it didn't punch through.
More tendrils, the snake head and the bladed head also grabbed hold of the machine, tossing it to the other side, ripping off 2 more legs.
"Come on. Out of strength already?"-Jack mocked, his tone dark-"You won't be able to satisfy me with just that."
The Goliath corrected itself on the wall, staring back at Jack and the many binds that it could not break. The creatures gripped and coiled around it's legs, almost completely impossible to break free.
Jack yanked the machine back onto the platform, the chain supported location jerked roughly as it landed.
Immediately retracting it's legs back into a ball, it picked up speed by bouncing then shot toward Jack.
The demon like arm swiped it away, the Goliath shooting off the platform and hitting the wall again, but this time immediately bounces back on the platform.
It realized its legs it's the weak spot that Jack's targeting.
"Okay!"-9S contacted-"I'm in! Shutting down facility power in 3, 2, 1!"
As the machine reared it's red eye at Jack again, the facility went dark, and the shield powering the machine disappeared.
"Guess that's over with. Now-"-Jack was interrupted by the sound of A2's B-mode activating.
"Grah!"-A2 brushed Jack over, completely ignoring the threatening hiss that snake like...thing made at her.-"Don't just hog all the action by yourself while I stand there like some princess. I'm going in too!"
Jack broke his cold demeanor, staring at A2 with a strange, almost incredulous expression, but his eyes softens into a smile.
"I don't want to drag out the fight...but sure."
While A2 didn't trust the creatures to support her, despite the hostile display, they supported her without question, back her up when she's pushed back, support her by hindering the Goliath's legs, and clear out all those pesky exploding bots it creates. Jack himself was also aiding with lasers and Pod also provided fire support for her.
The light from the molten metals below was dim, and visibility was low. Still, A2 easily cuts through the Goliath machines, side to side 3 times, killing machines before landing in front of it and flicking her sword.
The Goliath exploded, the pieces fell into the molten meta below, creating splashes and lighting up the space around them for a few seconds.
It was then that A2 noticed the entire place was creeping with those creatures. Those snakes like things crawled about everywhere. If the Goliath tried to cling to the wall, it'd have been decimated.
It's...unnervingly creepy. It doesn't make any sound, but they are slithering about just slightly above where the dim light reaches.
Turning to look at Jack, the white haired android found those demon things of his gnarling at her and...each other before retreating back into that dark space behind him, and the pitch black smoke dissipated quickly.
Looking up, all of those things on the wall is gone as well.
"Let's go, dear princess."-Jack gestured as the bridge has already been lowered for them.
A2 smacked him lightly on the arm for that.
"Care explaining what those are?"
"It's not something I enjoy explaining."-Jack admitted-"You can just take it as face value. The origin of them...it's not something many understood."
"..."-A2 conceded. Knowing doesn't really change much.
Jack is still Jack. Cheeky, annoying, yet endearing.
...Charming. He's also quite charming. Enough for A2 to just want to ravish and-
White's offer is getting to her.
"Oi, Pascal. It's okay now. You can look."-She turned to the pacifist machine.
Pascal's eyes lit up once more, staring around to see the destroyed machine, now little more than scrap parts.
"It was rather...unnerving to hear such strange noises without being able to see. Jack, what exactly do you have?"-Pascal asked as they were leaving.
"Sorry Pascal. Even the humans couldn't really comprehend me."-Jack shrugged.
"But...do you comprehend?"
"...Sometimes, I think I don't myself."-That's the end of that.
Eve slammed his fist down on the table, grieving and angry.
"Why? WHY did you have to die, brother?! It's not fair...IT'S NOT FAIR! My...only...brother."
"I swear...I'll kill him. I'll destroy him...I'll destroy them all!"
"Thanks, 9S. You really helped us out there."
"Hey, no worries Jack. Androids are happy to be of use to a human."-The young boy looking android sounded proud, yet...his feature, even with the blindfold, showed hesitant concern.-"Hey, Jack?"
"What is it?"
"I...I want to talk with you soon, there's a few things I'd like to ask."
"...About?"
"...It...it has to be in person. Is that okay?"
"Sure. We'll figure out something."
"Thanks."
"...Sorry, 9S..."-Jack's attention drifted-"Something's going on...I'll have to get back to you later."
"Hah? Jack, what is it?"
"A ha hah ha ha ha hah hah ha! It feels good, it feels good!"-There was a crazed sound of machines speaking on the line.
"We're fine, 9S. I'll talk to you later."-The communication ended there.
"..."-The trio looked around as the Pod shone light over all the killing that's happening.
"You say...humans also did this?"-Pascal looked in shock.
"Well, not exactly like this, but...yes. Fanatical beliefs, being overzealous...Humans had many interpretations of the world. Many were wrong. Some are true to a degree. But there are also times and places where humans were just this off the mark."-Jack explained has he walked past-"There's no saving them. And I don't wish to save them anyway."
"Agreed."-A2 followed him.
Pascal only stared at the scene one last time before following.
They passed all the molten metal pools, where fanatical machines all lined up to jump. And they did, happily welcoming their deaths.
Their way of coping with their existence.
As they finally made it out, back to the sunlight, A2 stretches her android body, earning a...questionable look from Jack.
"I had no idea such vast space existed below the factory. I'll need to go back and examine the place further."-Pascal noted-"Would you two be willing to join me?"
"...I'll pass."-A2 shook her head.
"Mn...I'll think about it."-Jack's answer isn't very hopeful either.
"Right...would you like to stay at the village with us for a bit longer?"
"I...think we intruded on your aid enough Pascal."-Jack politely declined.
"Don't be like that, Jack. You have returned our aid greatly, both in the village and in this matter as well. Please, feel free to visit and stay at our village. We'll always welcome you both."-Pascal waved as he was leaving using his jetpack.
"Thanks. We'll come to you if there's anything."-Jack nodded before turning to A2-"Let's...run some maintenance. You have been excessively using B-mode, so I want to make sure everything's alright."
"Tch. You're such a worrywart."-A2 did a 'Hmph' as she folded her arms and looked away, but she didn't protest.
"Alert: Emergency Broadcast from Resistance camp."-Pod 079 spoke, gaining their attention.
"Resistance camp?"-A2 didn't like that.
"Play."
"This...Resistan...camp!"-A familiar voice came through for A2.
"Anemone?! Anemone, can you hear me?!"
"The machines...requesting...backup...forces in range...Please, we can't-"-The transmission was cut there.
"Machines...attacking the Resistance camp?"
"Jack."-A2 voiced clearly-"We have to help her."
"Of course. Let's go."-Jack nodded. His questions can be reserved for later.
Alert: Approximately 51 minutes ago, an intrusion on the Bunker's server was detected. The hacker is identified to be YoRHa Unit 9S. Accessed files includes documents reserved for Level 5 and above authorization only. An automated request for the termination and memory wipe of YoRHa Unit 9S has been submitted.
Update: The request has been denied. Note from YoRHa Commander White: Unit 2E's mission has been put on hold until further notice. I want to try something different.
End of Report.