[ action post to Hojo ]

[tracedmemories]

[ Shelke realizes something is wrong the moment Hojo's brainwaves begin to fluctuate erratically, but the change is so sudden and so drastic that she isn't able to react fast enough. Even as she hits the emergency shutoff switch to begin the shut down sequence, she sees Hojo crumple to his knees, and another moment later she sees the trails of

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[tracedmemories]

[ Shelke turns her gaze slightly to glance at the place where his hand previously rested on her shoulder and she frowns at the fact that she feels the absence of it far more than him seizing her to begin with. Slowly, she returns her gaze to him again, letting out her breath in something very close to a scoff. ]

I am not speaking out of sympathy. I am not certain I have any sympathy left in me, least of all for the faceless masses.

[ That much, at least, Deepground has possibly irrevocably trained out of her. The world as a whole she would hate to see end, but casualty reports do not affect her in the least anymore. They are just numbers, and Shelke feels no emotional attachment to statistics. ]

I meant that which you cast away to fuel your madness.

I want my family back, Professor. They were taken from me. My mother. My sister.

But you--

You threw yours away, for science which has brought you nothing but failure and destruction and pain.

I am living testament, am I not?

And yet you intend to chase your fruitless ambitions to the bitter end.

[moralmisconduct]

I don't need a lecture, Shelke. And I hardly expect you to comprehend my reasons and ways.

[She has changed...she has changed beyond all measure. He finds himself wondering for just how long he can handle this new Shelke, this girl who is slowly becoming aware of her own personality, painting her own colours on the white canvass he had made her into.]

...You want your mother and sister back? Then stop with this arguing and do as you're told. You know very well I am trying to manipulate the Lifestream... Is it so fruitless still when applied to your own needs?

And...

I never had a family.

[Brushing past her, he starts toward the door.]