[video +RAWR encryption away from AM, 120%] Demanding Assistance

[supernova1006]

[It’s Jin’s network ID, but it’s certainly not Jin on the screen. Instead it’s two clockwork cats, whom some people might recognize. They’re shiny and expertly crafted and move as if alive, one with a telescoping eye, one with wickedly long claws, but otherwise twins. They’re seated in front of the wearable, which is propped on the station floor

Comments

video

[memorymodus]

[ GASP ]

I remember you! His cats! Do you know where he's been taken? We could try and go get him back?

video +RAWR encryption 120%

[supernova1006]

[The clockwork cats peer at her, and though it's hard to tell with their inexpressive faces, they look dubious.]

We are Tick--

--and Tock. And you--

[They kilt their heads slightly and speak in unison.]

--are Jade Harley, wielder of guns, owner of a transdimensional canine, and occasional mechanic. [They glance at each other.] Of sorts.

Do you really believe--

--that you can assist us?

You are quite young, and--

--AM is quite dangerous.

video +RAWR encryption 120%

[memorymodus]

[ HOW DID THEY KNOW oh well she knows better than to ignore such knowledge. ]

Yes, I think I can! At least, I'm pretty sure that I can. I've done dangerous things before! And Jin is my friend.

video +RAWR encryption 120%

[supernova1006]

[They seem to consider it for a minute, though they glance at each other when she says that Jin is her friend. They really don't understand why. Finally Tock speaks.]

Your relationship with him--

--is irrelevent, except as it pertains--

--to your willingness to assist us.

[In unison,] Your assistance would be appreciated, but we will not claim responsibility for your safety.

You will be expected--

--to keep up and look after--

--yourself.

[Video]

[chozobloodrites]

[Well, it's not like she can say she didn't expect this.]

Where is he?

[Video]

[supernova1006]

[They study her for a moment, before Tock speaks up.]

Samus.

Human female, and owner of--

--unusually powerful armor.

[They narrow their eyes and speak together.] You have attacked Jin Tian in the past.

[Video]

[chozobloodrites]

I was unaware of his nature of being a dragon. My experience with dragons in the past lead me to believe he was a threat to the station.

The point of the present is that he is in danger. I can save him.

[Video]

[supernova1006]

[They regard her for another moment, then look at each other.]

Indeed, we will need all the help we can get.

We are in agreement.

We are in agreement.

[They look back at her, Tick's eye whirring as he focuses on her. They speak together.] Your assistance will be appreciated.

It seems also that several others--

--are willing to assist.

[ Video ]

[rustigedraak]

Shit. [ Ladon puts down whatever he's doing, which happens to involve the clinking of bottles. ]

Where is he?

[ Video ]

[supernova1006]

[They seem surprised to see Ladon.]

Ladon Ceto.

The other dragon.

We must apologize--

--for Jin Tian's failure to avoid capture.

He is currently being held--

--in a facility in Garden Zone 12.

[ Video ]

[rustigedraak]

Ain't surprised. Lookin' like incapable's that idiot's middle name.

[ Ladon takes a moment to make sure his revolver's ready, grabs his folding knife off one of the boxes he's been hauling and sticks it in his sock, then re-holsters the gun and looks back at his wearable. ] What kinda facility? Guarded, locked, big, small?

[ Video ] oops +RAWR encryption 120%

[supernova1006]

You have no idea of how correct you are.

It is a large, extremely well-guarded--

--facility, controlled by the AI--

--going by the designation of "AM."

[They twitch in nervous irritation.]

AM is exceptionally powerful.

It is therefore not recommended--

--that another dragon, even one not belonging--

--to the star dragon species,--

--sully themselves attempting to rescue--

--a lowly and stupid creature like Jin Tian.

However...we require all the help that is offered.

audio;

[selfkismesis]

Robots.

audio; +RAWR encryption 120%

[supernova1006]

Karkat Vantas, of the troll species,--

--cantankerous and mistrustful of--

--synthetic species. Designating AM as--

--a quote-unquote "robot" is incorrect.

[In unison,] He is an AI.

audio; +RAWRpupcats encryption 120%

[selfkismesis]

My level of caring about technicalities is minimal. Negative, if we're going to quantify it. AIs, robots, whatever. They all do the same fucking thing-- Steal someone, fuck them up with happy, fun mutilation games, and possibly drag other fuckers into it.

So, is that what's happening? Is this AM fucker best rainbow rumpus pals with Shodanbitchtits?

audio; +RAWRpupcats encryption 120%

[supernova1006]

[They sound somewhat amused,] That description was, until recently, completely accurate.

Our partner, Jin Tian,--

--has been taken by AM,--

--a particularly psychotic AI. We are unsure--

--if SHODAN is involved, however it is unlikely.

Text

[traceurmonitor]

[...!]

Last known location of designation: Jin Tian?

[video] +RAWR encryption 120%

[supernova1006]

[Together,] Anon, program from the mainframe known as "the Grid."

Jin Tian's last known location--

--is in a facility controlled by--

--the being known as AM in--

--Garden Zone 12. Others have expressed--

--an interest in assisting us.

[Together,] Your assistance will also be appreciated.

[text] +RAWR encryption 120%

[traceurmonitor]

[AM. In Garden Zone 12. He can do that.]

Correct.

I am a System Monitor. Want to help however I can.

[video] +RAWR encryption 120%

[supernova1006]

Then please meet us here [Location ping for the teleporter nearby AM's facility] as soon as is possible.

It is currently unknown--

--whether an actual attack may be necessary. AM--

--seems perverse enough to release Jin Tian--

--without a fight.

We shall see.