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[ 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?

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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?

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?

...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. ]

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?

[ 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? ]

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?

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 ]

… 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?

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.

[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.]

[ 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...?

[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.]

...Improbable. Most likely, there was a charge left over from before it broke that far.

[ Whoops sorry G'raha you have the creepy robot back, who's inspecting the automation. And then, he says: ] You're lucky two were brought. That one has a broken right side, and the other left. Systems were not finished before the time system glitched.

Is that what it was? [oh yikes. But that's some useful information, at least…]

One all left, and one all right…? We can work with that. Let me just mark them.

[he reaches out to tap Nero's shoulder- trying to remind him, before marking them for the side that're good on the automatons.]

[ It doesn't seem to bring him back, though - as he does move...

To place his hand on G'raha, to steady him. ] Be careful. We do not want to have to destroy more of Ser Amons' assistants.

[Ugh, dammit. He knows there's a way, but…

He stiffens a little- hadn't expected that, but he turns to look at Nero.]

All right- I'll keep that in mind. That'd be more wasteful than we need, anyhow.

So what do I need to know about attaching this leg…?

Once you give it to me, it will need to be aligned - the two crystals will need to fuse their energy signatures. It is a simple process - the Scaeva model were made to be easily recycled and re-appropriated.
Much more efficient then other robots created by the decadent and lazy.

[ ...well. there's some of that nero snark. but it's really not him, is it? ]

Were they? [ahaha. oh, gods- he's not sure if Nero's hearing this or not, but if he is, G'raha can only assume he's not enjoying it.]

And we both know you'd never stand for anything like that.

[he's gonna choose to hope it's a good sign, still.]

[ he's looking at him with a 'you don't know this look'. Even when struggling, it seems this Scaeva still has personality. ] Yes. We were not meant to be discarded. Those who could not be recovered were recycled into the construction of the Dalamud Containment Project.

[ ...oh. ] It's simple principle. Those who do not do their part of the work deserve nothing. Emperor Xande will show them the follies of their ways.

[well- he doesn't?? sass him all you like, that's not gonna change without help. And that's a good sign, as far as he's concerned- or better, at any rate.]

Hah… Well, that seems sensible, in all honesty. No sense in just wasting good material.

[he pauses for a moment, ears flicking.] …well. Let's make sure this work is worth it, then. Let's see… [does he need to just hold the leg there, or more?]

Especially when Scaeva use the finest material Amon has invented to date.

[ pride pride pride

As it's held there, there's an odd spark. And... it feels like it's connected, yes. One out of two done! And for a moment, Nero seems to return, a flicker of him looking afraid. ]

Begin the other, regulus. [ Nero says, though. ]

Finest, is it…? Well- I have to say I feel honoured.

[…probably ever, considering what happened.

He reaches for Nero's shoulder for a moment, squeezing. It's fine. It'll be fine- including his legs, hey! Though he goes still for a moment at 'regulus'- that's. Allagan? Garlean? Uh.]

… Right. […either way- that word alone won't change what he's doing. He's going to take the other automaton's leg first, though- that might save them a few moments, right?]

[ As the robot watched, though, there were a few soft beeps. It was thinking.

Wait, no, those soft beeps were from elsewhere. ]

...We should be careful. There's intruders.

[ i r o n y ]

But they are heading though the main halls - they will be stopped by the many organics and clones who protect the Tower.

[he glances up for the beeps, ears flicking- and then to Nero. Intruders… but it's not recognising him? Huh…]

Not anywhere near here? We're fine. [would be in any case]

Of course. […no they probably won't but it'll be a good try.

He's got the leg now, coming but to make the cut on Nero.] Let's see… This shouldn't be more than a few moments. [as he goes to make the cut]

[ Nero seems to remain relaxed, though, in the care of this one.

But he's a little quiet, as he admits: ] If Lord Amon is defeated, all soldiers will be required to report to protect Emperor Xande. You are not garbed like one, you will not need to.

What is your role in the Crystal Tower?

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