video; un: youradhere

[buildingcastles]

Hi, guys.

[The man on the other end of the network smiles awkwardly. He's gearing up for a conversation, but drawing attention to himself is a new experience. The way he draws a breath and fidgets makes it obvious that he's still feeling out the network.]

So, this is definitely on the list of moments that make you think you might be dreaming. It sounds like we have people from just about everywhere here. Someone tell me this isn't the weirdest thing you've ever had happen to you. It'll make me feel better.

Before you got here, did any of you have strange things happen? You know, things out of fantasy movies or fever dreams for everyone else? What's the weirdest thing that you've ever seen?

[He laughs, mixing an exhale into it as he ducks his head.]

Sorry, I'm trying out the whole coaching thing. My name's Christian. Apparently I'm working with the Gramarye Magic Research people as a life coach, so if anyone wants to get a drink sometime and discuss tragic life choices, I have a really open schedule. I'd say we can do lunch too, but is that weird? I don't want to be weird.

Comments

[howlongiwonder]

We did know each other, very well in fact. Her departure is... fine, though. It's her choice after all.

[2B nods, a slight smile of awkward sympathy on her face. A2 was always doing things her own way, and that never changed.

But her own expression is what changes now, into a far more solemn one.]

The place I'm from?

No, it's not nice. It really isn't. Compared to it, the Riverview Quarantine seems like paradise.

[buildingcastles]

[It sounds like they might have been friends, which makes Christian's expression fall slightly into a subdued smile. He knows at least what it's like to lose friends. Even though 2B doesn't appear sad, he thinks it's hard not to miss people you know when they leave suddenly.]

I... can relate to that. I mean, this place seems pretty nice compared to home, too. What are you going to do now that you're here?

[howlongiwonder]

I have an opportunity to learn more about humans, their everyday lives, and work alongside them. So this is what I'm going to do for a time.

Eventually...

[A small breath's pause.]

I will follow in the other android's steps. I'm going to leave, and return where I came from.

[It was no secret to everyone, as far as 2B is concerned.]

[buildingcastles]

Do you want to leave?

[That seems like the obvious question to him.]

If you could, would you stay here? You said it's a nicer place.

[howlongiwonder]

Don't get me wrong. I'm glad to be here, I feel like I have a great opportunity - one that was given to very few.

But I need to go back. Even if my own world is in a far worse shape...

[With hesitation, a small smile of nostalgia appears on the android's lips.]

I have important things to return back to. Especially now, that I know they are still there.

[buildingcastles]

You have to go back for your friends?

[ Okay, he does understand that. The obligation to others because she cares what happens to them or feels responsible -- that is a feeling he relates to. ]

Yeah. But it's nice here... Maybe you can put off going back for a while.