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[betterthangarlond]

[ It was one of those times where NOAH was still figuring out their way past the Labyrinth of the Ancients, and Nero was still lingering.

Today, though, he had found himself by the side of G'raha, when G'raha was taking a break. Not that Nero had been watching for it, of course not.

With a soft grunt, he flopped down next to him, holding a few of the tomestones that they'd been tasked to decyther. (Nero, honestly, had been asked not to join in this, but. Nero had waited until Rammbroes wasn't paying attention and stolen these ones.) ]

...You're all struggling with these?

Comments

[aneyeonthepast]

[he puts it down to everything they've just seen, patting Nero's elbow a little.]

Upstairs?

[…he's an archer, so that's not great- but he'd rather be as far away from this room as possible.]

Well- let's see what we can do there.

[betterthangarlond]

[ Nero - without words - suddenly went to pick both of the robots up. He seemed to carry them so easily... ]

There might still be patrols here. Don't want you to get decommissioned.

[aneyeonthepast]

[damn!! he's impressed. and feeling a little outclasses, but he nods all the same.]

Haha… Of course not. I appreciate that! I'll take point, then- though you'll need to tell me which way that room is.

[betterthangarlond]

[ As he walks - slowly, these are heavy - Nero can't help but talk. ]

When I close my eye, I see... a map of here. But it's around... two doors forward, there's stairs. At the top of those stairs.

[aneyeonthepast]

[he stays ahead, eyes out for any disturbances, but keeps looking back to make sure he doesn't go too far ahead.]

A map… That's a huge help. Two doors- all right. [he looks ahead, and nods.] They don't go for too long, I hope.

[betterthangarlond]

Hah - of course it's a help. It's me. [ look he's got some ego back. ] But, no. Only a few rooms making different robots, for transfer to Alyz Lla.

...Wherever that is.

[aneyeonthepast]

Of course. [he probably shouldn't actually encourage that, but- it is an improvement.] Different models?

We should find out! After we're done here.

[betterthangarlond]

That's what it reads like to me.

[ As they get to the stairs, though, Nero narrows his eyes. ] You promise? It'd be lonely looking alone.

[aneyeonthepast]

I wonder what kinds… Perhaps we'll look another time.

[G'raha startles for a moment- then nods.] I promise. I've spent… enough time looking for information on my own. Besides- we'll make it further together, don't you think?

[betterthangarlond]

[ Nero then grins. ] We'll work on these, then - if our heroes aren't close to Xande, we'll go back.

[ he looks so very soft as he says it, though - different then expected from Nero. ] You can follow instructions, right? I can't work on myself.

[aneyeonthepast]

Mm! Those automatons aren't about to go anywhere.

[he takes a moment to process- and then nods firmly.] Of course! I'd be pleased to. [that's- hah, gods, that's pretty intimate, isn't it? Of course he'd be.]

[betterthangarlond]

[ And they're at the break room. Once again opening it... the room looks quite relaxed and advanced. Odd devices line the walls, but there seem to be some tables and couches.

Nero, though, seems almost... at ease, as he puts the automations down. ] There should be a button near the door to lock us in. And, Raha? If I begin to... act strange, try and snap me out of it, would you?

[aneyeonthepast]

[A lot more pleasant than downstairs- he's glad he asked to come here.]

I've got it. [after a little bit of trial and error, admittedly! he comes over to look the automatons over again, with a nod.] Of course. That was… very strange to see- I'd be more than happy to avoid a repeat.

[betterthangarlond]

I didn't realize it was happening. [ He said, as he begins to touch them - trying not to look disgusted. Before he lets out a little scoff. ] Seems like a simple process - remove these legs, and replace mine.

I wonder how we'll fuck it up?

[aneyeonthepast]

I'm sure I can notice anything like that, then. [it was kind of distressing.] It sounds so.

[he makes an uncertain sound, shifting.] Whatever we do- hopefully nothing that can't be fixed. How do we start?

[betterthangarlond]

...Thank you. [ And he does mean it! ]

In these rooms, I'd assume there'd be a sort of... magitek first-aid kit?

[ (And there is, in one of the draws. A simple repair kit.) ] As for me? I'll be removing my pants.

[ ...and he does move to - his armour and his underclothes. Under that, though? It's... well, the flesh was ripped off a while ago, only metal is there. And his legs are barely hanging on. ]

[aneyeonthepast]

A first-aid kit for…? Huh.

[he searches, and- oh, there it is. -and there Nero's pants are.

G'raha looks to Nero's legs, though, frowning.] I think this'll just be in time. All right- which am I disconnecting first?

[betterthangarlond]

[ Yup, it really does look that way. Nero thinks for a moment... ] The left one. It's the side I get hit on the most.

[ There's a clear joint where it can be cut though - the metal feels oddly soft when touched with the scalpel in the repair kit. Nero... really doesn't feel pain, does he? ]

[aneyeonthepast]

Got it.

[It's odd- but good; means it's easier to make the cut. He's got a steady hand as he makes it, frowning in concentration.] Right. The same for this automaton, then?

[betterthangarlond]

Yes. But with it - be careful. We don't know if it might activate when damaged.

[ But then, Nero smirks. ] At least I'm all-right for now.

[ nero no did you choose this leg for the pun ]

[aneyeonthepast]

… Well, here's hoping it doesn't. [still- he'll manage one way or another if it does.

G'raha snorts loudly at that, amused, and glances at Nero.]

I suppose you are! Do you make many decisions for their wordplay opportunities?

[betterthangarlond]

Hah. If I were in charge, there'd be a lot more punalties in the Empire.

If I were still with them. Guess what - they couldn't chair less about me. [ He says, as he leans back a little on the couch - trying not to twitch. ] Comes with being a Tol without the weight to throw behind it anymore.

[aneyeonthepast]

[he snorts again- tail waving as he moves to make that cut on the automaton.]

Think we'll have to find you some opportunities here, then. And a space were you can swing that weight. [because that's not getting allowed in the workshop, no.]

[betterthangarlond]

[ Nero seems to be inspecting the cut, though - and touching at his cut off legs. It seemed almost as if they could click together? The wires inside didn't connect to his body. Could it be something between the leg and the hip?

But as he stared, Nero began to sit up stiffer again, expression dropping. ] This shouldn't have been working. Power could barely flow into it. Then how...?

[aneyeonthepast]

[He pauses, hands on the leg he's just taken- he's been wondering how they should connect, honestly…]

It did look as though it was barely hanging on… You think there was something else to it? …willpower?

[he doesn't really know.]