Back at it again ladies and gents. My break is almost over, and I burned it away on SCP SL and Nier Automata grinds.
This chapter's kinda...wonky. It's sort of meh.
Reviews answering! Man where are the reviews this chapter, me sad.
Reasonable man: I'd conjure a guess that there would be quite a bit of uproar regarding that matter if it happened.
BenRG: I love confusing you guys by irrelevant bits of information. No, V6 is not based on Jack's sister. They never talked much due to age difference and his later life. And the doctor to me is a strange character. He's either a genius, or he's completely nuts. The line that separates the two is rather blurry. And I don't know the body structure of core machine units. I don't think they are human, but of course, they greatly resemble humans. The doctor did noticed V6 isn't human, and even if he can't, I'm not...certain what this plague is. Some people just...randomly has it. Although doctors often do not (?) have them. Again, either genius or absolutely nuts.
Regarding A2, it's just kind of seen as a "yeah, human asked, and we comply" thing. They gossip about it, but most really just treat A2 following the cover story, an old YoRHa model Jack repaired and reactivated.
Death Watcher: I mean it's not difficult to understand the relationship between 21O and 9S, specially when you have the benefit of the whole story. As far as 2B and A2, I was definitely influenced by some of the fics in this Nier section. I figured a 2B that felt emotion and strong motivation would not spare words for the things that mattered to her.
Ice cream sisterly bonding. What can I say. Then I started to see White as a sort of strict mother figure, then when you see what Jack has done, I slapped myself to get rid of the thought.
Doctor was rather calm and cordial with 2B and 9S as well, all towards the end, where he felt the need to experiment.
Peanuckle: I hate this reference, but...Twilight. That scene where the girl wakes up and the whole room is completely trashed. That's how much. As much as I like to think how funny such unusual consequence would be, yeah let's not...
Also I won't actually write this "collaborative work". Just...know that it happened.
Alright! Reviews are in order, so let's start the chapter!
Fav and follow, review, all that stuff if you guys enjoyed it!
I really hope Route C begins soon...
[Top Secret]
This document is reserved for Level 5 access only, and can only be viewed by the YoRHa Commander. Any attempt of viewing this this report outside of correct security clearance will resulted in memory data wipe or decommission.
Discussion between YoRHa Commander White and Council of Humanity Inspector Jack.
Observed by YoRHa Unit A2, recorded by Pod 079.
"Jack, how are you feeling?"
"Better, I suppose."
"Did you enjoy your gift?"
"...I did. It was an unexpected, but welcomed surprise."
"I'm glad to hear it. Let's get to the main subject."
"Very well. Where do we start?"
"Let's start with your...abilities. 9S has provided data regarding this matter. I understand it is something you dislike, but can you answer what this...thing inside of you is?"
"Does it matter?"
"If it's malicious, then we have to be aware."
"Oh trust me, it's very much malicious. It wants chaos. More pain, more suffering, more darkness."
"But you...managed to suppress it. Control it."
"To say I controlled it is untrue. It's still around, doing it's thing. What matters is that I'm the strongest manifestation of it's power. The best vessel it'll find, period."
"How so? Surely there are better host for it to inhabit?"
"No. The best host it could find...is always a human."
"...I see. But you are not controlled by it in any way?"
"Not directly, and rarely indirectly. Thanks to the efforts of...a brilliant girl. Now I have this form that possesses a power many wouldn't be wrong to say is a manifestation of a dark god, but the thing itself can't control me."
"This...girl. Is she V6?"
Note: While his expression remains unchanged Jack didn't respond positively to the question. One of the anomalous, eel like entity appeared from behind him, threatening Commander White.
Alert: Safety of YoRHa Commander White compromised. Alerting security.
Security alert cancelled by Commander White.
"...V6...She's...not her. She's not."
"...Mn. I understand. Could you...tell us more about this person then?"
"What's there to say? She's long gone."
"From your response, I understand that she matters very much to you. And the Machine Network is likely using this information to it's advantage. So we need to know what to expect.
"...I don't know how much V6 resembles her. Appearance wise...she's incredibly accurate. Her voice, her tone, her stance. Everything matches. The rest, I have no idea."
"...From what we gathered from Adam and Eve, Core Machine Units are machines with high processing power and intellect."
"Adam, yes, Eve...well maybe if he uses it, yes."
"...The Machine Network seems to be in disarray after the death of Adam and Eve. Which strikes to us as odd, because to our knowledge, there's still V6."
"...The girl she resembles...is incredibly cunning and smart as a researcher and tactician. It's not past them to feign to be disorganized."
"Yes, which brings us to here. Our Scanner models are hard at work searching for anything that suggested this. So far there is none. in fact, one of our Scanners brought in a legitimate report that there's currently no unit presiding over the Network. V6 may have been built for a much more experimental purpose."
"..."
"Do not worry, we understand the risk of V6. But the machines are scattered. Perhaps this fragmentation of their forces have a different meaning. Regardless...all androids are seizing this opportunity to launch an attack. We're planning to take back more territory in other sectors as well as taking out key bases and servers for the machines."
"...It's not a decision I fully trust."
"YoRHa has no choice in the matter. Resistance androids will launch this attack. The best we could do is aid them. I agree, it does sound suspicious, but we all information we obtained is clear. The machines are scattered. They will put up fierce resistance, yes, but...androids are willing to take those odds."
"Memories and consciousness transfer, huh..."
"Yes. I understand you don't think of us as expendable resources...but it's true that we have the means to do this."
"...During the attack...finding V6 should be YoRHa's top priority."
"Understood. We'll dedicate our best units to this task. On top of other mission objectives, all units will be "
"By that. You mean 2B and 9S?"
"Yes. The exact plan isn't worked out yet, but we intend to have them search for V6."
"...Do so."
"Do you wish to kill her?"
"..."
Note: There was a long pause as Council Inspector Jack contemplated.
"...If she wish to speak, I will hear her out. But if she doesn't...Then it's better safe than sorry on this subject on core units."
"Understood. We're...finally seeing a chance to end this war, Jack. If this works..."
"Heh. Start thinking about what the future will bring?"
"Sometimes, I dread the idea. Glory to mankind, Jack."
Note: Discussion ended.
"Glory...to mankind."
"You..."-V6 doesn't personally knew this person. But she saw him in the memories. Briefly.
The girl V6 was based from was rather distrusting of him.
"How peculiar. A machine posing to be her? Do you understand how he would react to you?"
"...I do. It's not like I was created by choice."
"Hm...I see. You speak very much like her as well. I wasn't aware machines can be this...intelligent."-V6 felt his eyes staring her up and down-"The choice of garments could use some help though."
"And you? Why are you here, and still alive?"-V6 raised her sword up, nearly reaching the doctor's neck.
"Oh, I was just going for a stroll. I have been traveling a great deal, but I stopped by here to visit him. He didn't follow when I left."
"..."
"Hmm...well, you have no sign of the Pestilence. So, young lady, do you need me for anything? Or are we going to waste time standing here?"
"...You are his...friend. Correct?"
"He had closer friends than I, but yes. You intend to inquire me about him?"
"I...look like someone he knew, but I'm not her. I...my AI is designed to copy her behavior and thought patterns."
"...You seek to imitate her. Replicate her."
"Not consciously, but yes."
"Intriguing indeed."-The doctor contemplated.-"If you have been replicating her thought process, then you must know it's little more than a futile effort."
V6 nodded lightly, her face slightly troubled.
"I'll never be her. No matter how close I may be to 100%, I'll never be her."
"...Well, don't put your worth up to her, girl. She accomplished great things. With Jack at her side, yes, but the girl's brilliance was sure to be admired. A shame she was taken by that disease..."
"...Is it the Pestilence you talk so much about?"
"Oh, no. The Pestilence is another, different matter. But the disease that afflicted her...even I can't cure."
"...Will Jack...really seeks to destroy me?"-V6 asked.
"I wonder."-The reply was fast and uncaring.
"I don't intend to trick him into believing anything! I'm not her. That's...simply not okay to say. But...I...care for him. Even if it's just my personality AI seeking him out..."
"Why do you ask me on this subject? I'm a man of science, not of morality."
"Because...there's a chance he might lose control due to his rage. He'll lose control of that which is inside him."
"..."-The doctor went quiet.
"...?"
"You know exactly what to do."-He spoke with a sigh.-"Admittedly, I am a doctor, but such isn't my field of expertise. If you so accurately replicate her, then I believe you'll figure those out on your own."
"..."
At that moment, both of them heard a noise coming from the side.
To V6, that's the now rather familiar sound of Emil's scooter.
"Heya V6!"-And there the strange mask was, greeting V6 as his scooter landed after a short jump, drifting slightly to stop right infront of her.
"Emil, hey..."-V6 forced a smile.
"Are you alright, V6, you look sad! Did this guy said bad things to you?"
"...How peculiar."-The plague doctor mused as he turned to Emil-"What are you, boy?"
Seeing the doctor reaching out to Emil, V6 responded, pushing that arm away with her sword.
"No."
"I'm only curious. I see now. You are rather special, boy, but sadly...you won't be able to aid my research."
"Research? Research for what?"-Emil didn't like this guy. He's shady in speech and appearance.
"..."-The doctor only quietly left, his slim form disappearing into the woods.
"Who is that guy?"-Emil asked, curious but also cautious.
"He...he won't cause harm to us, I think."-V6 answered-"But do keep away from him."
"Got it. I guess all sorts of people are around, huh V6?"
"Yeah. Why are you here though? There's nobody to sell anything to."
"You said you found a flower."
"I haven't even contacted you yet!"
"Jack, you're home?"
"Yeah, I'm home, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine Jack. You are worrying too much. *cough* *cough*"
"Doesn't sound like I'm worrying too much. Did you take your medicine? And ate?"
"I did Jack, don't worry."
"Sir. I'd like to have a word with you."
"Hm? Alright."
...
"Sir...we have no idea what's going on with her. She's perfectly healthy to our understanding, but..."
"But what?"
"I don't get it. Usually, when a person is so gravely ill, you'd start to see the patient loosing weight, pale skin color or something. Yet she retains her healthy and youthful appearance. I don't...want to say it, but this isn't a normal disease."
"Is there a cure?"
"We can't cure something we can't even understand."
...
"You're still reading, _ _ _?"
"Shush, Jack, it's not like I can do anything around the house anymore. I can't believe how little I've progressed. There's so little records and information about it."
"...You don't have to worry about it."
"I know, but still...I know many considers immortality a blessing, but...I think it's just as much a curse."
"..."
"What do you think, Jack? Is what you have a curse, or a blessing?"
"...Look, _ _ _. I'm going on an expedition. I need to find something on this sickness of yours."
"...Mn. Be safe, okay?"
"...I will."
"Bring me back books! Anything I might find interesting."
"I'll have to bring back the entire library if that's the case."
"*giggles* you may have to indeed. When do you leave?"
"The ship leaves first thing in the morning."
"So soon?"
"...I know. But I need to find out as much as I can about...this sickness of yours."
"..Don't push yourself too hard, okay?"
"...I'm near unkillable, _ _ _."
A2 woke up again, looking around.
Her head buzzed as it readjust after last night's session.
She's in her room this time.
But the arm wrapped up around her said she wasn't alone.
Next to her, Jack was sleeping soundly, a rare sight for her. The human often needed very little sleep, and he usually just doze off just a couple of hours in days.
Noting their state of dress, A2 recalled the events last night.
They had some ice cream like she wanted, and the white haired android was just about to rest for the day, but when they got to her room, Jack just embraced her from behind, and led her in.
If A2 have to make a comparison, he was much more slow and tender to her compared to their first night.
It still lasted a hell of a long time, but she figures he's trying to make up for her. Not that she minded the first night.
And now, here she is, in the arms of the last human on earth, cared for and loved by him. Sounds like every android's dream.
If somebody told her 3 years ago, this is where she'll be, A2 would have scoffed.
Right at that moment, the hold he has on her tightens just that little bit more.
"Mn..."
Jack groaned into her ears, tickling her senses.
A2 wasn't much of a loving person, though to be fair this is probably the first time she felt this level of affection. But her response was to lightly touch his chest and neck, absentmindedly running her finger across his skin, which she is familiarizing with at a rapid rate. She watches as Jack let out even, controlled breaths, before one breath became really deep, as she is then pulled in close, her newly upgraded parts pressing up against him.
They remained there for a while, the white haired android soundly caressing his face and and shoulder, almost...curious to see his response. Among the upgrades was also the depth of her sensations and accuracy. She can now be much more tender and soft with her touches.
His body is...rigid. And she says that as an android. His muscles are lean, tight and defined. From what she understood of him, this is his appearance at the time he received this...thing inside of him.
Pressing herself closer, A2 leaned in on his chest.
Humans have heartbeats. He was no exception. The beat was in a calm rhythm, proof that he is asleep.
However, her action caused her own predicament, as Jack had lifted one leg over her, tugging her in closer. They were snuggling now, A2 felt her cheeks heat up as the human's grip on her made it impossible to escape. At least, not without waking him.
A2 took this moment to have a look around her room. It's boring just like every other room, she can't see her clothes from here, but last she remembered, they were discarded on the floor.
Without much to do, A2 began thinking up about random subjects, as she watches Jack's toned chest heaved lightly, taunting her.
Being on the Bunker was boring, for the most part. She had little to do, and not a lot of people to talk to. Her old friends room are vacated long ago, and it's not like they had any form of keepsake.
On the table there, A2's eyes landed on the visor. She was given one after the upgrades, but really, felt no need to wear them.
Yet some how, Jack managed out a use for them in bed.
A2 can't say she disliked that.
What time was it? If it's early perhaps she'll go back to sleep mode. She has a sparring session with 2B soon...
Wait. If 2B comes in and sees this...
Maybe this is enough cuddling for today.
Looking at the clock, 2B is about to arrive.
A2 tried to pry herself out of Jack's arms quietly and slowly, but the human was a relatively light sleeper. He groaned lightly, signalling that he's about to wake up.
And slowly, his purple eyes opened.
"Morning, A2."
"...Morning."
"Damn, almost let it slip."-He chuckled to himself.
"Slip? Slip what?"
"I almost called you babe."
"..."-A2 has conflicted thoughts on that. Half of her would probably slap him, and half would probably kiss him.
Speaking of which, Jack had pulled her in for another kiss.
"Feeling good?"
"The day just started and I feel exhausted and burned out already, thanks to you."
"Well...get use to it?"-Jack chuckled lightly
"Ngh..."-A2 sulked cutely as she buried her face into his chest.
"Didn't like it?"
"No, that's not it."-She nibbled his shoulder as she spoke.
Maybe she likes it a bit rougher. Like the first day.
She's getting even friskier now. And now isn't the time.
"2B's waiting for me. We have a sparring session."
"I see. In how long?"
"About...an hour."
"We've still got time."-A2 felt a hand on her hips and shuddered.
"You're still not done?"-She breathes out a hot breath.
"..."
A2 pulled him in and whispered something.
Whatever it was, Pod 079 didn't catch it.
But it made sure to record the next hour, seeing the grin on the human's face.
Diary Entry No.5 by V6
Emil was rather taken back by my attire. Not because it'd be scandalous in most of human times to be wearing these...enticing nightware outdoors, but rather, he...recognize the outfit. It belonged to a dear friend of his. A person named Kainé.
Emil and I...are somewhat alike.
This "Emil" is actually only one of the millions of copies of Emil he created to fight the aliens.
He fought so hard, lost so much.
But that means he's also a human. Perhaps not a human with a body, but his soul that resides in that mask, he's human.
Emil was raised to become a weapon. Just like Jack. But from what I see of him, Jack adored his parents. Emil was...less fortunate.
So...this Emil isn't actually the real Emil. He's just a copy.
Just like me...
But he inherited these memories. The memories that pushed the original Emil on.
The memories of the time he spent here, with his friends and loved ones.
He understood my plight, to a level. He's really a good kid.
Emil said that I'm free to stay here, in this old shack Kainé stayed in. Among this lovely flower field. It's quiet, secluded, few would check here, and...there's a lovely scene. I couldn't refuse.
For now, I'm staying here.
A memory came to me. A memory where Jack gave the girl a Lunar Tear from his trips to far away lands.
He traveled the world for her. His thoughts of her fueled his steps. The desire for a cure...A non-existent cure.
He wished she could have come and see everything he saw on his journey. His bitterness and sorrow at the sight of her slowly wilting away, yet still beautiful like a preserved flower.
The irony of him gifting her a preserved flower.
And...through his memories...I'm watching them now.
But unlike Emil...I have even less to my existence as a copy.
...For now, I'll lay low. YoRHa has been scouting and surveying the area. The Resistance androids are gathering supplies, mustering up forces.
They are observing the machine network's behavior.
My deduction is that they are planning an attack, due to Adam and Eve's destruction. And I haven't found any information myself on the network that suggest they have another core unit right now.
What is N-1 planning?
...Jack was so good at this. He's always been the right hand man for her.
But he's not with me, so I...I have to do this myself.
I need to figure out what's going on in the network.
-V-i-c- V6.