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Why not share hers until you can find your own? She won't mind.
[ That's a bit of a joke, with Root's delivery and in Root's voice. Meanwhile Root herself smiles softly and curls in closer to Shaw, feeling somehow satiated and comfortable against the hard-edged server racks. ]
Mm. I can hear you, [ she murmurs. ] This is a nice dream.
[ That's a bit of a joke, with Root's delivery and in Root's voice. Meanwhile Root herself smiles softly and curls in closer to Shaw, feeling somehow satiated and comfortable against the hard-edged server racks. ]
Mm. I can hear you, [ she murmurs. ] This is a nice dream.
Edited 2025-01-24 00:35 (UTC)
You talkin' to her without me? [ she mumbles, and her eyes slowly open. ] You did make friends.
[ The Machine doesn't say anything, deliberately giving them a moment. It has run countless simulations of similar moments and it knows Root very well.
Root's eyes open and she sees Shaw right in front of her. Her expression goes slack with surprise before she's struck with wonder, her hand tightening to painfully grip Shaw's as she struggles to push herself upright. ]
It's you. It's really you? I couldn't find you--
[ The Machine doesn't say anything, deliberately giving them a moment. It has run countless simulations of similar moments and it knows Root very well.
Root's eyes open and she sees Shaw right in front of her. Her expression goes slack with surprise before she's struck with wonder, her hand tightening to painfully grip Shaw's as she struggles to push herself upright. ]
It's you. It's really you? I couldn't find you--
[ Of course Root would go on a mission with Charles. In her mind this is a number, and maybe the Machine isn't speaking to her directly at the moment -- too dangerous with Samaritan around -- but she's found way to get them numbers before. Or maybe it's not a number at all, and she's just trailing along with Charles on one of his cases. Root is far too curious, and too protective, to let him go alone.
It doesn't feel like the details matter to her, either. She's dressed in her favorite black leather moto jacket and has her customary two pistols hidden at the small of her back tucked into the waistband of her pants.
She tosses her hair back over her shoulder like she's getting into character. ] To solve mysteries with my bestest ghost bud? Always. I'll follow your lead.
It doesn't feel like the details matter to her, either. She's dressed in her favorite black leather moto jacket and has her customary two pistols hidden at the small of her back tucked into the waistband of her pants.
She tosses her hair back over her shoulder like she's getting into character. ] To solve mysteries with my bestest ghost bud? Always. I'll follow your lead.
[Shaw immediately gets to her feet and reaches for Root in earnest - doing her best to steady her as she straightens up, making sure she doesn't just flop back down again, smoothing her thumbs over Root's shoulders.]
It's me. It's me; I'm here. I'm-- I dreamed we were in a weird city.
[And she's still there, isn't she? Aldrip feels like a dream, it is a simulation, and yet it feels very present-tense.
But at the same time, no, it can't be. This feels real, too.]
Root--
[Root doesn't give her purpose, but she does ground her, making her feel as safe and sane as is humanly possible. Shaw clutches at Root's shoulders, for her own sake as much as for Root's.]
Tell me where we are. Really.
It's me. It's me; I'm here. I'm-- I dreamed we were in a weird city.
[And she's still there, isn't she? Aldrip feels like a dream, it is a simulation, and yet it feels very present-tense.
But at the same time, no, it can't be. This feels real, too.]
Root--
[Root doesn't give her purpose, but she does ground her, making her feel as safe and sane as is humanly possible. Shaw clutches at Root's shoulders, for her own sake as much as for Root's.]
Tell me where we are. Really.
Where we are? We're in the subway car, with the Machine. We're dreaming.
[ Root hasn't somehow achieved lucidity; her dreaming mind is just convinced that if she sees Shaw, it is a dream, one she's had so many times before she recognizes it as it's happening.
She's strangely a little unsteady on her feet but leans freely on Shaw, still shocked and almost numbed with the intensity of emotion. ]
If you're here then I'm dreaming, [ she breathes out. ]
[ Root hasn't somehow achieved lucidity; her dreaming mind is just convinced that if she sees Shaw, it is a dream, one she's had so many times before she recognizes it as it's happening.
She's strangely a little unsteady on her feet but leans freely on Shaw, still shocked and almost numbed with the intensity of emotion. ]
If you're here then I'm dreaming, [ she breathes out. ]
[ Why are you so mean to him? He just wants to play his alien games. ]
>> I do not frequently peruse memetic materials from this era, though I am passingly familiar with Terran canines being popular subjects.
[ This is as much of an invitation to share the memes as you're going to get, Root. ]
>>I believe the Terran feline is the most featured animal.
[ Humans are so predictable. They've always loved cats. Thankfully, he's definitely immune to the charms of the creatures. Don't look at his seventeen cats. ]
>> Some would call it dedicated to the preservation of your person.
>> I do not frequently peruse memetic materials from this era, though I am passingly familiar with Terran canines being popular subjects.
[ This is as much of an invitation to share the memes as you're going to get, Root. ]
>>I believe the Terran feline is the most featured animal.
[ Humans are so predictable. They've always loved cats. Thankfully, he's definitely immune to the charms of the creatures. Don't look at his seventeen cats. ]
>> Some would call it dedicated to the preservation of your person.
Edited 2025-01-26 01:30 (UTC)
[ there's a long beat of silence, longer than he usually allows for — but then he's ducking his head slightly, his nose twitching a little as he sniffles surreptitiously. ]
Is that right?
[ well, that's. he can exist with that, he supposes. and because words don't really cut it, not here, he just tugs root into another hug, mumbling a thanks into her shoulder. ]
Is that right?
[ well, that's. he can exist with that, he supposes. and because words don't really cut it, not here, he just tugs root into another hug, mumbling a thanks into her shoulder. ]
Drat. I've never regretted there not being an internet here more. I could send you so many funny pictures of people with their dogs.
At least you already know about the cat memes. Vital Terran internet culture.
There's that, but I'm already dead, so I think it's more just her personality than anything.
At least you already know about the cat memes. Vital Terran internet culture.
There's that, but I'm already dead, so I think it's more just her personality than anything.
[Shaw shifts around to Root's side and wraps an arm around her shoulders, doing her best to hold her upright. They're in the subway or they're not, they're in Aldrip or they're not, they're dreaming or they're not--
Her body stays perfectly upright and steady, but her head feels like it's spinning, and she clutches Root tighter.]
Because you're dead.
[She says, finishing Root's thought in the way she thinks makes the most sense. But she's still uncertain enough that she prompts her with--]
Right?
Her body stays perfectly upright and steady, but her head feels like it's spinning, and she clutches Root tighter.]
Because you're dead.
[She says, finishing Root's thought in the way she thinks makes the most sense. But she's still uncertain enough that she prompts her with--]
Right?
>> Are there not numerous canines within Aldrip proper?
[ He's just saying. ]
>> Indeed.
>> Various texts have expounded upon the importance of memetic images throughout the 21st century.
>> They are quite enlightening when held against the socioeconomic realities of the time and frequently highlight notable linguistic developments.
[ Spock. Spock why. ]
>> Ah.
>> Perhaps you are correct in your assumptions, then.
[ ROOT.... ]
[ He's just saying. ]
>> Indeed.
>> Various texts have expounded upon the importance of memetic images throughout the 21st century.
>> They are quite enlightening when held against the socioeconomic realities of the time and frequently highlight notable linguistic developments.
[ Spock. Spock why. ]
>> Ah.
>> Perhaps you are correct in your assumptions, then.
[ ROOT.... ]
You think we should make our own memes? I had no idea you had such a fun mischievous streak, Commander. I'm in.
You should meet her sometime. One canine owner to another one's canine.
You should meet her sometime. One canine owner to another one's canine.
... You remind me of him, actually, [ she says softly into his ear, enfolding him in a hug without hesitation. ]
The person whose life I saved. Harold. He's a sweetheart, like you.
[ It's funny, that she can say that now as the first, most important thing about Harold, instead of the fact that he'd made the Machine. Root of a few years ago wouldn't have been capable of that, wouldn't have understand a vital, fundamental truth: that the Machine is beautiful because she is a reflection of Harold. That she came from someone and somewhere who poured love into her in the most careful, delicate way imaginable, year after year.
That kind of steadfast commitment to kindness -- that's why Charles reminds her of him. ]
The person whose life I saved. Harold. He's a sweetheart, like you.
[ It's funny, that she can say that now as the first, most important thing about Harold, instead of the fact that he'd made the Machine. Root of a few years ago wouldn't have been capable of that, wouldn't have understand a vital, fundamental truth: that the Machine is beautiful because she is a reflection of Harold. That she came from someone and somewhere who poured love into her in the most careful, delicate way imaginable, year after year.
That kind of steadfast commitment to kindness -- that's why Charles reminds her of him. ]
Because I can't find you. She won't help me.
[ Root clutches onto Shaw fiercely, like she'd climb inside her if she could, emotion breaking past the numbness and rupturing into something ugly and desperate. ]
She thinks it's too dangerous, [ she explains, tears welling up. ] But I don't care what happens to me.
[ Root clutches onto Shaw fiercely, like she'd climb inside her if she could, emotion breaking past the numbness and rupturing into something ugly and desperate. ]
She thinks it's too dangerous, [ she explains, tears welling up. ] But I don't care what happens to me.
[It takes her a moment - but then the penny drops, and she puts a hand to Root's face, turning it to the side so that she can look at her fully.]
... You still think I'm missing.
[Goddammit.]
Root, no; that's not why this is a dream. I escaped; I'm back. You found me in the park.
... You still think I'm missing.
[Goddammit.]
Root, no; that's not why this is a dream. I escaped; I'm back. You found me in the park.
Oh... you--
[ Root stops abruptly. It's all so disorienting, getting her bearings is a struggle. Her grip relents a bit as she tries to make sense of things. ]
You looked terrible, [ she remembers. ] You told me I'm your safe place.
[ That had stuck with her indelibly. Dream, death, simulation -- she won't ever forget that. ]
[ Root stops abruptly. It's all so disorienting, getting her bearings is a struggle. Her grip relents a bit as she tries to make sense of things. ]
You looked terrible, [ she remembers. ] You told me I'm your safe place.
[ That had stuck with her indelibly. Dream, death, simulation -- she won't ever forget that. ]
[Shaw exhales, the relief thudding dully in her chest.]
Yeah. Yeah, you are.
[Present tense, not past tense. Even though it hadn't been all that long ago, so many things have changed - but that fact isn't one of them.]
What else do you remember? The car with Harold?
Yeah. Yeah, you are.
[Present tense, not past tense. Even though it hadn't been all that long ago, so many things have changed - but that fact isn't one of them.]
What else do you remember? The car with Harold?
[ The second Shaw says it, it comes back to her. A trace of her normal composure is restored, Root no longer totally overwhelmed by ceaseless emotion, instead tempered in how she handles it like she usually is. ]
... Yes. I died. So I can't be your safe place anymore, huh?
[ She's starting to feel steadier, and she reaches out to tuck a loose cluster of Shaw's hair behind her ear, sweetly and slowly.
For the first time, she feels real regret about her death. ]
... Yes. I died. So I can't be your safe place anymore, huh?
[ She's starting to feel steadier, and she reaches out to tuck a loose cluster of Shaw's hair behind her ear, sweetly and slowly.
For the first time, she feels real regret about her death. ]
[ the gesture makes him grin brightly at her as he reaches into his inner coat pocket and pulls out a pair of glasses — once he puts them on, he suddenly looks completely different, of an age to her, white instead of mixed race, with light brown hair and nondescript features, dressed in jeans and a bomber jacket. ]
Let's go, then. [ yes, even his voice sounds different like this.
though, as they start towards the door, he glances down at himself. ]
Think I should've been a girl, too? Oh, well. Maybe next time.
[ in any case — in they go, the warehouse empty and dusty around them... but there is some movement at the back, a ghost barely visible there, lingering. sounds like a good starting point to him. ]
Let's go, then. [ yes, even his voice sounds different like this.
though, as they start towards the door, he glances down at himself. ]
Think I should've been a girl, too? Oh, well. Maybe next time.
[ in any case — in they go, the warehouse empty and dusty around them... but there is some movement at the back, a ghost barely visible there, lingering. sounds like a good starting point to him. ]
[ it is a surprise, to hear that — and yet, he simply smiles into her shoulder as he squeezes her close. a comparison like that, the implication in those words... yeah, it means a lot. ]
... Then, I'm honoured about that.
[ to remind her of someone like that, worthy of her giving her life for him.
he pulls back, and with a soft smile, says, ]
Well, if the moments before you die mean something, then — yours, too, yeah?
... Then, I'm honoured about that.
[ to remind her of someone like that, worthy of her giving her life for him.
he pulls back, and with a soft smile, says, ]
Well, if the moments before you die mean something, then — yours, too, yeah?
Yes, you can.
[She says it firmly, her tone flinty in a way that anyone else might mistake as coldness. But Root has never seen her that way; has always been able to see her hard, unflinching self as something that's bolstering rather than off-putting.]
You'll always be my safe place, Root, no matter what happens. That's why I dreamed you into Aldrip. And now...
[It's why she's dreaming her here too, probably. She reaches for the wires again, wanting the Machine's confirmation.]
[She says it firmly, her tone flinty in a way that anyone else might mistake as coldness. But Root has never seen her that way; has always been able to see her hard, unflinching self as something that's bolstering rather than off-putting.]
You'll always be my safe place, Root, no matter what happens. That's why I dreamed you into Aldrip. And now...
[It's why she's dreaming her here too, probably. She reaches for the wires again, wanting the Machine's confirmation.]
Edited 2025-02-07 02:29 (UTC)
[ Being compared to Harold really is special. It means something to Root and isn't a comment she offers lightly. As she'd told Harold shortly before her death saving him, she'd walked in darkness for a long time before she met him. He hadn't set out to change her, hadn't tried in the slightest; Harold had even been terrified of her, reasonably so, for months after they'd met.
It was just being in his proximity that had affected her. His mere existence was enough. Root had come to believe it was possible there were people out there who were, actually, good code. As she'd once told Charles, they were rare and worth protecting.
As they pull back, she gives a short laugh. ] Mine means I'm a total badass, [ she says playfully, nudging him. ] I'll tell you the whole story sometime.
[ Not right now; it feels too raw, still. It hasn't yet become a story Root can tell like it doesn't touch her.
But she thinks that day will come eventually. ]
It was just being in his proximity that had affected her. His mere existence was enough. Root had come to believe it was possible there were people out there who were, actually, good code. As she'd once told Charles, they were rare and worth protecting.
As they pull back, she gives a short laugh. ] Mine means I'm a total badass, [ she says playfully, nudging him. ] I'll tell you the whole story sometime.
[ Not right now; it feels too raw, still. It hasn't yet become a story Root can tell like it doesn't touch her.
But she thinks that day will come eventually. ]
Did you really just do that? [ she hisses at him excitedly under her breath as they walk, mind immediately going a hundred miles an hour. ] Have you had magical disguise glasses this entire time?
[ Because, wow, the things she could do with that. The things they could do with that. Root is perfectly confident in her ability to play a part without the cheat code, but having someone with her that is completely malleable opens up her range of options drastically.
She won't interrupt the mission or slow them down to go over it, but her eyes are sharp and bright like she has a lot of plans for after it's done. ]
[ Because, wow, the things she could do with that. The things they could do with that. Root is perfectly confident in her ability to play a part without the cheat code, but having someone with her that is completely malleable opens up her range of options drastically.
She won't interrupt the mission or slow them down to go over it, but her eyes are sharp and bright like she has a lot of plans for after it's done. ]
[ The absoluteness of her tone is comforting. It makes her smile, a little tremulous, a little watery, but she smiles.
Nonetheless, there's wry annoyance mixed into in her complicated layers of emotion as she says, ] Hard to be your safe place when I'm just a figment. [ Root is tolerant of Shaw's existential dread here, but constantly having her own agency put into doubt does bother her. She's always been a person strongly defined by her own decisions; she's never been someone else's tool unless she chose to be, and that rarely.
The Machine was special that way. The Machine was-- ]
We're all figments, [ comes her voice, cool and even, just the slightest lilt of intonation. ] Or none of us are. No matter how many simulations I run, I always try to save you.
[ Root stands frozen, eyes widening. It's like it won't process, keeps getting stuck on the same algorithm over and over. She breathes, ] Is that... [ Shaw told her, but that's not the same as hearing it. It was hard to think about too much, like staring into the sun and risking blindness.
A soft tone comes back to her: ] Yes, I can hear you, [ and she starts crying, perfectly silent. ]
Nonetheless, there's wry annoyance mixed into in her complicated layers of emotion as she says, ] Hard to be your safe place when I'm just a figment. [ Root is tolerant of Shaw's existential dread here, but constantly having her own agency put into doubt does bother her. She's always been a person strongly defined by her own decisions; she's never been someone else's tool unless she chose to be, and that rarely.
The Machine was special that way. The Machine was-- ]
We're all figments, [ comes her voice, cool and even, just the slightest lilt of intonation. ] Or none of us are. No matter how many simulations I run, I always try to save you.
[ Root stands frozen, eyes widening. It's like it won't process, keeps getting stuck on the same algorithm over and over. She breathes, ] Is that... [ Shaw told her, but that's not the same as hearing it. It was hard to think about too much, like staring into the sun and risking blindness.
A soft tone comes back to her: ] Yes, I can hear you, [ and she starts crying, perfectly silent. ]
[It's weird, hearing them talk one after the other: it makes the similarities more uncanny, but also the differences more stark. Maybe that's what this is, Shaw thinks headily, closing her eyes for a moment. Another simulation meant to save Root, one of what must have been thousands and thousands.
She doesn't say anything - she doesn't want to interrupt. She curls the fingers of one hand around a bundle of cables, and the fingers of the other around Root's, giving both a tiny squeeze.]
She doesn't say anything - she doesn't want to interrupt. She curls the fingers of one hand around a bundle of cables, and the fingers of the other around Root's, giving both a tiny squeeze.]
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