maskormenace

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Is this really it?

[The half-incredulous tone of a guy who is obviously gearing up for an impassioned speech of some sort, but still valiantly fighting the urge.]

A handful of paperwork, [and here he holds up his own file folder,] a mark on the wrist, and an assignment to placate us?

[Someone's vlogging, because as he walks past a nearby burn barrel he tosses his file into it and doesn't even watch the sparks fly up as he continues on his way. Something about symbolically burning the whole damn thing down to the ground comforts Markus enough that he moves on from suggesting outright revolt. For now.]

I'm not moving into a stranger's home, so no one living in De Chima #004 has to worry about a new roommate. And if anyone would like to be a dating app developer, the position is currently up for grabs.

Anyone of a like mind, I'd appreciate your perspective.

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[WELL. No mistaking you, like, preach. Power to you.]

Indifferent...do you still use it? For a place to meet with others, or storage?

I have no belongings and have used other meeting places.
So not until recently, no.
I only stepped foot in my assigned residence to use the kitchen as a makeshift lab.
My friend and I are attempting to synthesize a substance he requires to function.

It seems as though you may know him.
His name is Connor.

I do know him. [And Markus can't think of any other 'substance' Connor might have need for here but,] Is it thirium?

Yes.
It is.
Are you knowledgeable about thirium?

[Markus locks down the feed, holding up a hand to pull the skin back and show his white plastic fingers beneath.]

No more than he is. But I also have a vested interest in its production.

[ A brief pause. ]

I see.
You are like Connor then, I suppose.
Though not quite.
You lack his LED status indicator.
Are you a different model, perhaps?

[Lowers his hand back out of view.]

All android LEDs can be removed. It's a more matter of preference less than it is a hardware issue. [To neatly sidestep answering that question.]

I was uncertain you were allowed to have such preferences.
I understand your world is still adjusting to the idea of independent AIs.
I was initially of the opinion that the issue should be forced.
But Connor seems to believe cooperation and compromise will yield more lasting results.

Having preferences is something pretty newly exercised, at least in the public eye. [But Connor deviated damn late anyway, not that Markus is going to share this with anyone without knowing how much Connor wants to tell.] It's a work in progress, but we've recently made a huge breakthrough. The government is willing to work with us now.

I suppose your patience is to be commended.
I cannot say I would not have simply relied on fear and violence.
I take the enslavement and abuse of artificial lifeforms rather seriously.
And I am not a particularly forgiving entity.

[He could say they didn't have the strength or means for a more violent resistance, or he could toss out some pithy line about how peaceful demonstration is far more effective as a tool to change minds, but somehow Markus gets the feeling that neither excuse would mean much to her.

Instead, Markus aims for personal. There's no reason to keep this discussion political, after all, not when their origins are already so obviously different.]

You remind me of one of my closest friends. She tends to be unforgiving too, and her feelings on how to obtain respect are no less understandable than anyone else's.

This is just how our fight evolved. Perhaps in a different world, it wouldn't have gone so peacefully. [Like Markus didn't have a big fuckin' hand in how it went this time, but...yeah, he can admit to himself that at times it's been damn tempting to put down his words and pick up a gun. At the very least, he can admit that.]

[ A small, considering pause on her end. ]

I did not mean it as a criticism.
I was programmed for violence, so violence comes naturally to me.
But if you have accomplished what you needed to peacefully, then I respect that.

When you return, I hope you find acceptance.
You deserve to live.

[Damn bitch I'll tell you anything you wanna know, just keep validating my existence] ...thank you.

[Moving on,] We got off track a little. With regards to thirium replication, if there's I can do, please let me know.

Acknowledged.
Your offer is appreciated.

If you ever require assistance in return, you need only ask for me.
My name is Danger.

Markus.

It's been a genuine pleasure to meet you, Danger.

Markus.

[ She says his name carefully, solidifying it. ]

I will keep you updated on our progress.
In the meantime, perhaps you will stop by and keep Lieutenant Anderson company.
He has been fretting.

[Uhhhh] Lieutenant Anderson and I aren't exactly familiar with each other. I'm not sure my presence would have a calming effect on him. [Unless you're implying that he needs to be there for other reasons.]

Acknowledged.
What is the nature of your relationship then?

Extremely recent acquaintances. [Also Hank was once part of a duo out to capture and kill his people, but at least Connor's vouched for him.] I trust him as Connor trusts him, but I don't personally know the man well.

In my experience, he is the candid sort.
If he did bear us some ill-will, it would not likely be a secret.
Regardless, you can trust me to defend both you and Connor.
I have always looked out for my own kind.

And I, my own. [A tentative offer to Danger; one that'll mean more once they know each other better, perhaps, but it's also- not a warning, not something so severe. Bringing a concern to her attention. Making his intentions clear.

Markus is dedicated to his people and right now, his people numbers just the one. He might not be a fancy kung fu robocop like Connor, but he's no less fierce in what he chooses to protect.]

[ A curious little pause. She seems intrigued by that implication. ]

I won't hurt him.

[ Won't. Not couldn't. Or wouldn't. To make it clear that it's a conscious choice on her part. After all, her name is Danger. But she doesn't pose any real threat to Connor — not right now, at least. Not while they're friends. ]

I'll trust you, then. [His own deliberate syntax. It's a choice, and he's making it.]

[ She notices. ]

Acknowledged.
Thank you, Markus.

I look forward to meeting you in person sometime.

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