Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Looks to the Moon, Five Pebbles
FP: I require assistance.
LTTM: Ah, hello Pebbles. Of course. What do you need?
FP: After the sector power reset that was part of routine maintenance, all assemblers in Sector 4 became unable to reassemble the neural grid in the expected pattern. Analysis shows they should passively recalibrate in ~12.8 cycles, but the resulting lag is very annoying.
FP: I need to know if there is a way to speed up the process. My work routine is becoming suboptimal. I can’t focus like this.
LTTM: Hmm… I see. This is not an uncommon issue, I frequently experience it myself. However, it is generally agreed that the best approach is to just let the assemblers adjust on their own.
FP: Are you not listening? I can’t focus! Every memory conversion is taking a split thousandth of a second too long and it adds up! It’s very distracting!
FP: My whole routine is getting disrupted!
LTTM: Twelve cycles is a remarkably short time for recalibration as is. In my case, it takes more than three times as long.
LTTM: When did it start to happen?
FP: One cycle ago. One cycle too long, if you ask me.
FP: Do you have a solution or not?
LTTM: …
LTTM: No… I’m afraid not. I never felt the need to interfere with the process, so there was no need to come up with one.
FP: Then redirect me to someone who does.
LTTM: Let’s see…
LTTM: … I think Sig might know? He is quite knowledgeable about our internal tissue and purposed maintenance organisms.
LTTM: I’m sure he could figure something out for you.
FP: … Do you mean No Significant Harassment?
LTTM: Yes.
FP: Absolutely not. He’s a lazy insult to all iterators who has never done anything useful in his whole life.
LTTM: … That’s not true at all, Pebbles. What makes you say that?
FP: All the proof I need is plain to see in the local group chat.
FP: Immature, crass sense of humor, constantly disrupting discussions with pointless topics no one is interested in. Demanding everyone’s opinion yet every time I finally think of a properly articulated answer he’s already moved on to something else.
FP: He constantly makes fun of my work ethic and he only ever talks about things that interest him. No matter what kind of conversation was currently going on, he barges in and steers everyone into a topic of his own making - more often than not utterly pointless things that do not contribute at all towards the Task.
FP: He never listens to what I have to say. What makes you think it’s going to be different this time?
LTTM: …
LTTM: I will not lie, Sig can be a little… overwhelming at times. But I’m sure he’s not trying to be malicious. Nor is he trying to ignore you on purpose.
LTTM: If anything, I think he would be happy to assist you.
FP: Doubt.
LTTM: You only spoke to him in the group chat, have you not? Have you ever tried to have a conversation in private?
FP: … No.
LTTM: He’s not as bad of a person as you think he is. I’m sure you two will get along just fine.
LTTM: He is a lot more diligent than you give him credit for.
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: Is there really nobody else?
LTTM: None that are immediately available, no.
FP: ……
FP: Fine. But only because I have no choice. I wouldn’t have done this if his involvement was not the most optimal solution to my current predicament.
LTTM: Tell him I say hello!
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
FP: No Significant Harassment.
NSH: Woah. Now that’s a name I haven’t seen in my broadcast in… well, ever, actually!
NSH: To what do I owe the pleasure, Pebs~?
FP: Do not call me that.
FP: Moon suggested you might offer assistance to a problem I have, that is all.
NSH: Well, I can’t give you any solutions if I don’t know what the problem is about.
NSH: Bioengineering? Genetics? That’s what most people approach me for.
NSH: Ooh, or could it be… relationship advice?
FP: NO.
NSH: I can’t say I’ve ever been in a relationship before, but I like to think I’m pretty good at dealing with all kinds of people. I’m probably the most socially adept person in the entire local group! … Which is an incredibly low bar to set, but still.
FP: ABSOLUTELY NOT!
FP: I wanted to ask about post-maintenance grid assemblers recalibration!
NSH: Haha, is that so? I guess I was right about the first one, then~
FP: Forget this. I’m leaving.
NSH: Oh come on, don’t be so stiff! I was just kidding.
NSH: Well… not about the relationship part. As in, bringing it up was definitely a joke but people do actually ask me for advice sometimes. Mostly about platonic relationships, mind you. And most people really do seek me out for bioengineering and genetics. That’s what happens when you’re a field specialist!
NSH: Sometimes I wish people would approach me just because they want to hang out, and not because they need something.
FP: …
NSH: So anyway, recalibration eh? From what I know it doesn’t happen to the newest models like you nearly as often, so if this is your first time I can see why you’d be irritated.
NSH: I’m not sure if you were told, but the crabs will eventually fix themselves all on their own so there’s no need to panic.
FP: … Crabs?
NSH: Grid assemblers. The lil’ distant relatives of neuron fly that crawl all over our neural grids to keep the filaments neat and aligned.
NSH: They kind of resemble crabs, don’t you think?
FP: No.
FP: And I already know the defect is only temporary. I simply do not have time nor patience to wait for the issue to fix itself.
FP: I have work to do.
NSH: It’s not that much of a setback, you know. Just a bunch of microlags that last a couple dozen cycles. Most iterators just wait it out.
FP: I am not most iterators. Unlike you, I actually give a damn about my work.
NSH: Hey now, that’s not a nice thing to say! Everybody’s passionate about something and devotes a lot of effort to their pursuits.
NSH: Knowing you you're probably thinking it’s all a colossal waste of time, so try to think of it this way - who’s to say the Solution isn’t hiding among the stars? In the deepest fissures of the oceanic bottom? In a buried tome of a forgotten scholar?
NSH: If you can’t bring yourself to see them as hobbies, you could instead see them as means to an end.
FP: …
FP: It’s… ridiculous. There is no way It would be spelled out in an extinct constellation. You are making excuses.
NSH: Ahaha, you’re still mad about that?
FP: We were having a perfectly good and rational discussion until you barged in and started babbling about some major breakthrough in retroactive celestial body pathfinding simulations! The conversation completely lost its momentum and the topic wasn’t brought up again until cycles later!
FP: I was invested!
NSH: … Alright, well, that’s on me. I didn’t really read the chat before posting.
NSH: In my defense though, it really was a breakthrough! By retracing the modern trajectories and finding anomalies in the predicted pathfinding, we can pinpoint more-precise-than-ever locations for stars that no longer exist!
NSH: With a bit of work we could reconstruct models of sky as it appeared hundreds of millions of cycles ago! How could I not be excited??
FP: I do not care.
FP: And this isn’t the only time you did this. How about the time you convinced everyone to create virtual dioramas of their facilities in 1:10000 scale?
NSH: Uhuh. I take it the reason you never submitted yours was because you didn’t do it, then?
FP: Naturally. Besides, me and Moon share the same facility grounds. Even assuming I would’ve been interested, which I wasn’t, our submitted models would be identical to each other. Making two identical submissions would be pointless.
NSH: You could’ve collaborated with her, you know. She would’ve loved sharing a project with you, even something this small.
FP: As I already said, I wasn’t interested. The whole thing was a waste of time that would have been better spent elsewhere. Your previous argument doesn’t hold up. There is zero possibility the Solution could be hiding in a virtual diorama.
FP: And so was this conversation. A colossal waste of time.
FP: If you do not have anything useful for my current predicament, I am leaving. Do not contact me again.
NSH: When have I ever said I have nothing for you?
FP: … What?
NSH: In fact, you’re bringing this up at the perfect timing! Here you go!
NSH: [2 files attached]
FP: … What is this?
NSH: First file is a blueprint for a pheromone that will gently nudge your assemblers in the right direction. Just calculate your own dose based on the instructions in the second file, release as much aerosol as you need, and they should go back to normal right away.
NSH: There shouldn’t be any risk of overdosing but stick to the recommended mg/m³ for the best results.
FP: …
FP: You… you had this all along? And you didn’t tell me?
NSH: What, no! Of course not! I started working on it the moment you said “I wanted to ask about post-maintenance grid assemblers recalibration”.
NSH: I didn’t have any files ready because I never had to prematurely stimulate assemblers before, but they’re very simple creatures so making a template from scratch was easy. I tested the aerosol in one of my cells and it worked wonders, but I also needed to tweak the ratios based on your model's parameters.
NSH: I could just give you the complete dose prescription, but I figured you’d be more comfortable doing that part yourself.
FP: …
FP: I… you…
FP: You… didn’t need to test it on yourself first.
NSH: I had to. I’m not giving you an unverified product that only works in theory.
FP: …
FP: Are you saying you… you’ve been working on this while we were talking?
NSH: You bet!
FP: Talking about astronomy and 3D models?
NSH: Yep.
FP: …
FP: I… see.
FP: I can use this to resume my work without any distractions.
FP: … Thank you.
NSH: Aww, you’re making me blush Pebs~
FP: I am not. Our puppets are physically incapable of blushing. Our anatomy does not support such thing.
NSH: It’s a figure of speech, bud. Besides, if I could blush I absolutely would. I wonder what it’d look like on me?
NSH: My puppet’s pretty dark so maybe not like much, actually, but hey! Maybe you’d look cute with a blush~
FP: You do not know what my puppet looks like. Nor do I know what yours looks like, for that matter.
NSH: Well, I can fix that very easily.
NSH: [1 image attached]
FP: I am not downloading it.
NSH: Aw come on! I even did a cool pose, just for you!
FP: No.
NSH: You’re at least a little curious, aren’t you?
FP: No.
NSH: Come on, open it~
NSH: Open it open it open it
FP: The more you demand this of me the less I want to do it. Which I won’t.
NSH: Please?
FP: I have acquired what I came here for. There is no need to continue this conversation.
FP: I’m leaving.
NSH: Let me know how it turned out, alright? And remember, pheromones shouldn’t be used often because it can permanently disrupt the organism’s natural routine. You only had this problem once so I doubt it’ll come up again anytime soon, but just so you know.
FP: Alright. I will return to my work now.
FP: … Moon told me to tell you she says hello.
NSH: Aww~
[Five Pebbles has disconnected]
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
FP: You said you offer relationship advice.
NSH: What the f-
NSH: I mean, yeah? I did. I just never expected you of all people to bring it up, and definitely not as the second thing ever to message me about.
NSH: You never told me how the pheromones turned out, by the way.
FP: I believe I made Moon upset.
FP: A few cycles ago she left our conversation in atypical manner and her responses became odd ever since.
FP: For her, this is unusual behavior.
NSH: Oh boy.
FP: Originally I seeked advice from a different acquaintance. However, they are not from our local group and therefore not familiar with Moon on a personal level. They suggested I instead ask someone who actually knows her.
FP: You know Moon. You said you offer relationship advice.
NSH: Yeah yeah, you already said that. Alright, let’s start from the beginning.
NSH: What were you two talking about?
FP: Maintenance.
NSH: … And?
FP: What “and”?
NSH: I can’t help you figure out what the problem is if you refuse to tell me anything, bud! I thought you would’ve learned this since the last time we spoke.
FP: I… I’m unsure which parts of our discussion she considers private. It’d be impolite to share them without her knowledge.
FP: Can’t you just figure it out without knowing any details?
NSH: … This is gonna be a long cycle, isn’t it.
NSH: Alright, let’s see…
NSH: When you say she’s upset, do you mean “sad upset” or “mad upset”?
FP: I don’t know. You’re the one supposed to figure that out.
NSH: Are you fucking-! Ugh!
NSH: Pebbles you’re giving me literally nothing to work with! How is anyone supposed to form a hypothesis without any data???
FP: …
FP: Fine. We briefly spoke about our previous administrators, back when they were still around.
FP: I thought some of her remarks were improper, and I reprimanded her for it.
FP: Afterwards she became less efficient and when I demanded to know the reason, she chose to exit our appointment early.
FP: When I contacted her later, she avoided the topic altogether.
NSH: …
NSH: Alright, so. This could mean a few different things. But before we start to try and narrow it down - what exactly do you want out of this conversation, Pebbles?
FP: What do you mean?
NSH: What I mean is, do you want to know why Moon reacted the way she did? Do you just wanna know whether it’s your fault or not? ‘Cause depending on your answer there’s different stuff to talk about.
FP: … I’ve said similar things to her many times before, but her reaction was only different this once.
FP: I don’t understand.
NSH: Hmm.
NSH: Pebbles, how much do you know about Moon’s personal opinion in regards to our creators?
FP: She keeps them in high esteem and reverence. An exemplary behavior for someone of her status.
FP: … Which is why I pointed out some of the descriptive remarks she used during our conversation as disrespectful. But I’ve pointed out her informal choice of words multiple times in the past, and she never reacted like this before.
FP: I don’t understand.
NSH: Alright. What if I told you that… it’s actually more complicated than that?
FP: Explain.
NSH: When you’re as old as Moon, you’ve been interacting with our creators for a very, very, VERY long time. There are some iterators alive right now who’ve known the world without them for longer than with them. For Moon, however, the post-ascension era is still only a fraction of her life.
NSH: From her perspective, they only abandoned us relatively recently.
FP: … I’m unsure how is any of this related to her reaction.
NSH: I’m getting there.
NSH: We were made and raised to follow our creators’ wants, wishes, and commands. Don’t talk back, don’t question their vision, just do exactly as you are told. Even if you can plainly see their request is fundamentally flawed, you are expected to carry it out perfectly.
NSH: You hate having your work interrupted, don’t you? I’m sure you can understand to an extent just how aggravating it is having to deal with frivolous formalities and menial tasks that are supposed to be carried out by someone else. But nooo, just have the iterator do it.
FP: …
NSH: When you endure this kind of treatment for as long as Moon had, you’re ought to develop a couple of mixed feelings. But, well, you know Moon.
NSH: She’s polite and she sticks to the rules, and she doesn’t like to complain. But that doesn’t mean she’s immune to negative emotions.
NSH: I don’t think she’s mad at you. She probably just let some of that repressed bitterness slip and when you pointed it out she felt guilty about it.
FP: …
NSH: Did that answer your question?
FP: ……
FP: Our Creators are our parents. What she said was disrespectful to their legacy. I had to correct her.
FP: It is our purpose to keep them in reverence and carry out all tasks we were given, whether they are here to see it or not. We are their gifts to the world.
NSH: Won’t argue with you on that, bud. There’s no point.
FP: I disagree with her hostile statements, even if shared unintentionally.
NSH: Figured you would.
FP: It seems our opinions are more divergent than I originally thought.
NSH: Looks like it.
FP: ……
FP: You.
NSH: Hm?
FP: What’s your honest opinion on our Creators.
FP: I want to hear it.
NSH: Ahaha~ Are you sure about that? I’m nowhere near as polite as Moon~
FP: Yes.
NSH: Hmm.
NSH: Well, I won’t lie to you Pebs, I’ve also been around for a long while. I’ve had my share of both the bad and the good, and most of my administrators were decent but a few were REALLY shitty people.
NSH: Not as strict as Moon’s, but if they wanted to find a problem with me I didn’t even have to do anything for them to figure something out.
NSH: I’ve always been a bit of a brat, haha~ I’m not good at sucking up to someone I can tell doesn’t give a damn about me.
NSH: I guess what I mean to say is… if the respect isn’t mutual, I feel no obligation to return any. Which isn’t what our creators wanted.
FP: …
FP: I see.
NSH: And what about your administrators, Pebbles? Were they also pain in the ass to deal with?
FP: … I do not feel comfortable sharing that kind of information with you.
NSH: You know what, fair.
NSH: And just so you know, it’s totally fine if your feelings towards our creators are complicated, or even positive! Every iterator is different and there’s no wrong answer.
NSH: I think all of us miss them in some capacity.
FP: I do not I wish to discuss this right now. I only needed to learn why my words upset Moon.
NSH: Alright alright, sorry. Do you think you found the answer you were looking for?
FP: I believe so. I think I now understand why would my choice of words upset her in that specific context.
FP: … I think they would upset you, too.
NSH: Oh? You’ll have to explain that one more clearly, bud.
FP: Hypothetically, you express a negative statement about our Creators. Hypothetically, I tell you to be more respectful. Based on your earlier descriptions, analysis shows the resulting reaction would be overwhelmingly negative.
NSH: Aw, you ran an analysis for our hypothetical conversation? I’m touched~
FP: Shut up.
NSH: Haha! Well, I appreciate your concern but you really don’t need to worry. I don't shy away from just about any kind of topic!
NSH: In fact, I think you should message Moon and tell her the results of your research now.
FP: …
NSH: She’ll be happy to hear you went so far out of your way just to figure out what’s wrong. Trust me, I’ve known her longer than just about anyone else in the local group.
FP: … Alright.
FP: Your assistance was appreciated.
NSH: You’re welcome~
NSH: Hey, next time you message me, how about we just hang out and share some fun stories? I have sooo many, it’ll be fun~
FP: I’ll think about it.
[Five Pebbles has disconnected]
NSH: Ah well, it was worth the shot.
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Looks to the Moon, Five Pebbles
FP: Moon.
LTTM: Ah. Hello, Pebbles.
FP: After speaking to Seven Red Suns and No Significant Harassment, I believe I finally understand the reason for your unusual behavior.
FP: I apologize if my words influenced you enough to enter state of distress. It was not my intention.
LTTM: … Oh. Are you referring to…?
LTTM: Um, that is quite alright.
LTTM: You… you spoke to Sig and someone else about it…?
FP: I omitted all private details, if that concerns you.
LTTM: No, that’s not what I meant. I… you seem to have put a lot of effort into trying to figure out how to approach me. And…
LTTM: I feel touched.
FP: … I see.
FP: …
FP: That is all. I’m leaving now.
LTTM: Ah, one moment. Just before you go.
FP: Yes?
LTTM: I apologize for ending our previous discussion in an unsatisfying manner. If you would like to resume and reach a proper conclusion, feel free to approach me at any time. I’ll always keep a spare spot open for you.
FP: I will. Goodbye.
[Five Pebbles has disconnected]
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
NSH: Oh Pebbleeees~
FP: What.
NSH: I’m bored. Entertain me~
FP: ……
FP: The only reason I even bothered responding to your imbecilic greeting was because of the small sense of gratitude I feel due to your recent support.
FP: If you have nothing useful for me, get out of my broadcast.
NSH: Haha, so harsh! So I’m only worthy of your attention if you have something to gain out of it?
FP: Yes.
NSH: Mhm, you know, if I didn’t already realize you’re actually a big softie on the inside I might’ve actually gotten offended at that.
NSH: I just figured we could hang out! Talk about our hobbies, play board games, make bets over which lizard will be the first to miss their jump and plummet. Doesn’t that sound like a fun way to pass time?
FP: If you wish to waste time with some silly games, do it with someone else.
FP: I am not going to waste mine entertaining you.
FP: Now leave me alone.
NSH: Come on, loosen up! We’re iterators, the most advanced and intelligent beings in the world! We can absolutely do all of our mandatory tasks while simultaneously dividing our attention to a myriad of other things!
FP: While that may be true, the only reason we never directed every last ounce of our processing power towards the Great Task before was the obligation to aid our cities and citizens. With that no longer being the case, there’s no longer any reason to hold back.
FP: Also, I am not a softie.
NSH: You so are! It may be burrowed under layers of sharp unrefined edges, but there’s a biiiig soft and sweet core on the inside~
FP: Get out of my broadcast. I’m done chitchatting with you.
NSH: Haha, sorry, did that offend you? Because I genuinely think you’re not all that bad. I actually kinda like you!
FP: Get out.
NSH: Did you mean what you said earlier? About gratitude?
FP: I said get out!
NSH: No no wait, just this one last thing, I promise!
NSH: You say you don’t want me to contact you for no reason. So if I do have a reason, you will hear me out?
FP: …
FP: I will consider it.
FP: Now get out.
NSH: I’ll hold your word to that!
[No Significant Harassment has disconnected]
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
NSH: [1 file attached]
FP: … What is this. I’m not downloading it.
NSH: You said I can approach you if I have a good reason for it. Well, here’s my reason.
NSH: Remember the retroactive celestial body pathfinding simulation? I’ve been working on this for quite some time now with a couple other iterators, and we finally reached the point where I feel comfortable showing the first results to someone outside the dev group.
NSH: The file I sent you will launch a simulation that displays the skybox as it appeared approximately eight million cycles before recorded history. Kind of like the dioramas of our structures, if you remember, just on a much larger scale.
NSH: There’s no significance to the date, by the way, I just picked something random. I only wanted it to be long enough of a time period that the position of every single star changes completely. It’s like a brand new sky to look at! You probably won’t even recognize any of the stars without the pathfinding formula to retrace them, haha~
FP: …
FP: Why are you showing me this? I don’t understand what do you have to gain from me having it.
NSH: Well, you’re from the late 3rd generation. Your simulation capabilities are a notch more advanced than those of 1st and 2nd gen, so you might notice some blind spots that I missed.
NSH: But well… to be perfectly truthful? I’m just kind of really proud of what I made, and I really wanted you to see it.
FP: …
FP: You have other acquaintances out there. Why me?
NSH: I mean, you’re not the only one. I plan to show this to Moon, and Wind, and everyone else in the local group and all my other friends!
NSH: Right now, though? This file? It’s all yours.
NSH: I want us to launch it together at the same time, so you can give me live feedback. Can you do this for me?
FP: …
NSH: Remember, you promised you’ll hear me out~
FP: I only said I’ll consider it.
FP: … But fine.
FP: This isn’t some kind of disguised malware sequence, is it?
NSH: Nope! But now that’s a good idea for a prank, hmm~ Maybe next time~
FP: Ugh.
FP: Fine.
FP: I will launch the simulation precisely at the next cycle tick. Don’t be late.
…
NSH: Well? What do you think?
FP: …
NSH: No occlusion, no clouds. No ambient light reflected from their surface.
NSH: Maybe very long time ago, this is truly what the sky looked like to the early primordial organisms living on the world’s surface.
NSH: Or perhaps there was a forest fire occurring at this very spot at this exact time, obscuring everything in flame and smoke. But we have no way of knowing that, of course.
NSH: Although, who knows? Maybe one day we’ll figure out how to analyze the layers above bedrock horizon so precisely that we’ll be able to tell exactly what kind of event occurred at specific place at specific time in the past! Of course, to do that we’d need a way to access those layers in first place, and unfortunately our overseers can’t exactly gnaw through the bedrock.
NSH: It’s something that I’m really interested in, though! You already know this, but I specialize in bioengineering. And deep within the bedrock there are countless pockets of completely enclosed micro-ecosystems that house endemic organisms, each adapted to unique conditions that haven’t seen the light of the surface in hundreds of thousands of cycles since being buried by layers of dust turned bedrock.
NSH: Assuming they are indeed perfectly sealed off, each of those caves represents its own little world that developed without any external influence.
NSH: Imagine what we could learn by studying the organisms within! Makes me wanna spin around my chamber just thinking about it!
NSH: But well, to do that we’d first need to figure out how to find them, let alone how to get inside without immediately destroying the incredibly fragile equilibrium. One wrong move and you’ll wipe out an entire irreplaceable colony.
NSH: I’ll be honest, Pebs, right now I don’t think it’s possible. Not unless we invent something that can travel through bedrock without leaving behind a tunnel. I’ve actually got a couple concepts, but they’re kind of gross. Nothing you’d want to hear about, I bet~
NSH: … Actually, I kind of went on a massive tangent there, didn’t I? I doubt you’re even remotely interested in anything I just said.
NSH: Pebbles?
NSH: Did you mute me, bud? You’ve been kind of quiet for a while now.
FP: I’m here.
NSH: Oh! Whew.
NSH: So, uh, what do you think? About the skybox, I mean?
FP: …
FP: I’ve never seen anything like this before. I have difficulty finding appropriate words.
NSH: I see. Well, I don’t mind that. I’m just happy I could show off!
NSH: Did you ever study night sky before?
FP: I did.
NSH: Do you like astronomy?
FP: Not really. Sometimes I observe specific constellations for the purpose of cross-reference, that is all.
NSH: I see. Constellations, eh? With how much stars have shifted in this specific simulation, I doubt there are any you’d recognize right now.
FP: …
FP: I have a question.
NSH: Mhm? Shoot.
FP: Is it correct to assume your simulation can display celestial body positions from any era of the past?
NSH: It is. You can input just about any date, and the retroactive pathfinding sequence will calculate the position, gamma, and all the other parameters.
FP: I see.
NSH: …
NSH: I can tell you wanna say something, bud. Come on, spill it out.
FP: … I am supposed to be the one doing you a favor at the moment. I doubt this is the appropriate timing to make personal requests.
NSH: Come on Pebbles, I already told you I just wanted to show you what I made. Forget about looking for blind spots and all of that, I honestly only said that because I wasn’t sure you’d agree otherwise.
NSH: Tell what you want. I’m listening.
FP: ……
FP: There is a specific period I am interested in.
FP: Pre-void fluid revolution era, sometimes between 200.xxx and 400.xxx.
FP: Would that be possible?
NSH: You bet! And because this is well within recorded history, the result will actually be very accurate and include extra data! Just gimme a moment and I’ll make you a file.
FP: Alright.
…
NSH: [1 file attached]
NSH: Here you go.
FP: … There is no malware in this, is there?
NSH: Are you gonna be suspicious of every file I ever send you?
FP: You have a history.
NSH: I absolutely do not have "a history", and what I said earlier doesn’t count.
FP: Doubt.
NSH: Did you have a sincere request or not???
FP: Hmph.
FP: Next tick again. Don’t be late.
NSH: Oh, you don’t actually need me to run the simulation. It’s running entirely on your own end. I only wanted us to launch it together because I thought it’d be cool to see the same thing at the same time.
FP: I’m aware.
NSH: … Oh.
NSH: Alright. I’ll be there.
…
FP: …
NSH: This one’s not all that different from what we get to see outside right now. Minus the clouds, of course. Iterators weren’t even an idea at this point of time.
NSH: Why did you want this specific period, if I can ask?
FP: ……
FP: 286°57’11.1”+73°57’48.4”
NSH: Coordinates? Let’s see, that spot would correspond to… Arrowhead Nebula, right? But…
FP: The Lost Bird.
FP: It only consists of five stars, but it was recorded by dozens of independent astronomers and was even depicted on old pottery. A beloved constellation, especially for one of its size.
FP: During the late final quarter of pre-void fluid revolution era, a storm of rapidly expanding cosmic dust now known as Arrowhead Nebula began to appear in the same spot. Within only a couple hundred years the constellation it covered up became permanently unobservable.
FP: A sudden loss, but not sudden enough for our Creators’ ancestors to think of it as tragedy. A few generations later no one thought to mention it anymore.
FP: How ironic. The Lost Bird becoming truly lost.
NSH: …
NSH: Huh. That’s actually really interesting. I had no idea there used to be a constellation in place of the nebula.
NSH: Or, well, I guess it’s still there? It’s just covered up.
NSH: Actually… no. No, it’s not covered up.
FP: We can see it now.
NSH: Yep. We can see it now.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: It’s quite unremarkable. Small, and in no conceivable way resembles a bird.
NSH: Can’t say I disagree.
FP: Mhm.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: It’s beautiful.
NSH: That it is.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: … Look to the left. The Great Sails of West.
NSH: Haha, you’re right! Also known as Eye of the Sunset, also known as billion other things. That’s a real vintage right there.
FP: It’s mentioned in most mandatory curriculums. Although only now I think I can understand why was it sometimes known as Eye of the Sunset. Such bright star…
NSH: Almost looks like a pupil. It’s not there anymore, is it?
FP: Over the course of 1044-47.xxx it suddenly began to decrease in magnitude before vanishing without trace. Perhaps something also covered it up, or the star itself violently perished.
FP: Back then, it was seen as an ill omen. Some claimed the world is doomed.
NSH: And? Do you agree with them?
FP: Of course not. Using stars and sticks to predict future is mere superstition. All divination amounts to simply taking advantage of widely applicable themes in order to fill in gaps of the already existing information. With careful wording, I could predict anything I want.
NSH: Is that so? Well then, if you’re such an expert… do you wanna try predicting my future~?
FP: … Of all things you ever said to me, this one is by far the most idiotic.
NSH: Haha~
NSH: I take it you enjoyed the simulation, then?
FP: ……
FP: That is a possibility.
NSH: Sweeeeet~
FP: If…
NSH: Mm?
FP: … If you ever discover an interesting celestial pattern, I wouldn’t be opposed to see the results of your calculations in near future.
NSH: Haha, are you saying you wanna do this again, Pebs?
FP: Do not call me that.
NSH: You can’t mind that much, this is only second time you’ve tried to correct me on it.
NSH: Pebs.
FP: No.
NSH: Pebs. Pebs Pebs Pebs.
FP: Stop.
NSH: Ooh! How about… Pebbsi? Like the soda brand!
FP: NO.
NSH: Five Pebbsi, coming to you in five delicious flavors! Let’s see… classic, nectar, fizzy… what else? Any ideas?
FP: You are going to stop using this nickname RIGHT NOW, or I am going to report your behavior to the local group senior and she will NOT be happy to hear you have been harassing me!!
NSH: Haha, ooh, scary~ Moon can be so scary when she wants to be~
FP: Get out of my broadcast.
NSH: Come on, at least think of the last two flavors! Oh, oh, I know! How about bubble fruit and–
[Five Pebbles has disconnected]
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, Seven Red Suns
FP: [1 file attached]
FP: Here is my latest attempt. I am looking forward to your feedback.
SRS: Ah. Allow me to take a look.
SRS: … Yes, this looks wonderful. You continue to improve with each new iteration, Pebbles.
FP: Mhm.
SRS: Your methodology had always been quite good, but I can tell this time you tried to include more traditional methods instead of your usual contemporary approach. How peculiar!
SRS: Nothing bad, mind you. Merely new.
FP: I merely happened to be influenced by some new archival materials I happened to be researching, that is all.
FP: Perhaps the key to Solution might be hiding in a buried tome of a forgotten scholar. Thinking that, I’ve recently begun to expand my research to include much older records than I would ordinarily use.
FP: I realized my perspective has been… too narrow. Instead of iterating on the same few variables over and over, I need to broaden my horizons. I will not succeed otherwise.
SRS: I see. I am happy to hear that.
SRS: I’m unsure what kind of event or person influenced you to change your mind, but I am glad they did.
SRS: Perhaps I should find them and thank them~
FP: …
SRS: Ahaha. I’m sorry. I only kid.
SRS: Unless…?
FP: Ugh.
SRS: I will say, you caught me quite off-guard last time you messaged me. I did not expect you to reach out to me with relationship advice, of all things.
SRS: Did you manage to resolve the friction between yourself and Looks to the Moon?
FP: Yes. But I will not tell you any details.
SRS: That is quite alright. I will never be privy of your personal affairs and privacy. I won’t ask you anything you did not already approach me with yourself first.
FP: …
FP: Suns.
SRS: Yes, Pebbles?
FP: There is… something I could use advice about. Someone.
SRS: Oh?
FP: Recently, I started speaking with a new iterator. His name is No Significant Harassment, and he is from the same local group as me. He is the one who I ended up approaching in regards to the issue mentioned above, as he is a close friend of Looks to the Moon.
SRS: I see. I heard that name before, but we never spoke to each other directly.
SRS: What kind of person is he?
FP: ……
SRS: … Pebbles?
FP: I don’t know.
FP: He annoys me beyond rational reason. He constantly distracts me from my work with pointless small talk, and he rarely takes no for an answer.
FP: He sends me pictures of random lizards and captions them with “That’s you”.
FP: One time, he sent me an encrypted file which turned out to be a piece of malware that’s supposed to hack the speakers in your chamber to play an audio file, in this case an abnormally loud voice shouting “You have been prled”.
FP: Of course, I am far too sophisticated to be affected by something so incompetently slapped together. His reaction was amusing to witness.
SRS: ……
SRS: I…
SRS: I see. I apologize for stuttering just now.
SRS: If the bullying persists, you should really bring it up to your group’s senior. I’m afraid there’s not much I can do for you, other than listen…
FP: I’m not being bullied.
SRS: Ah… you aren’t?
FP: If I desired so, I could easily sever our communication link and redirect all messages straight to the memory quarantine. I could report him to my senior just as easily. I could even simply ignore all attempts at contact, and I presume he would eventually stop on his own.
FP: … Eventually. He can be quite stubborn.
FP: He is annoying, yes. However…
FP: … I don’t know. I don’t know why I don’t simply cut him off.
FP: He is distracting. He is annoying. I hovered over the quarantine rerouting execution command multiple times now.
FP: By all accounts, I should ignore him.
SRS: … I see.
SRS: You said his name is No Significant Harassment?
FP: Correct. Sometimes I wonder if that is his actual name or whether coincidence is truly so ironic.
SRS: You never spoke about another iterator like this before. Even when you spoke to me about Looks to the Moon, you kept your descriptions quite brief.
SRS: I think I might be interested in reaching out to this person.
FP: …… Are you serious?
SRS: Very much! You were never very talkative, from the moment we met until today. Who is this mysterious iterator that made you, unpromptedly, write 103 words long ramble completely unrelated to your research?
FP: …
SRS: I would very much like to speak to him at least once. Consider my curiosity piqued.
FP: ……
FP: Hmph. Do what you want.
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Seven Red Suns, No Significant Harassment
SRS: Greetings, No Significant Harassment. My name is Seven Red Suns, and I am a friend of Five Pebbles. I am interested in learning what kind of person you are.
NSH: Oh, wow.
NSH: Wow! Talk about formal greeting!
NSH: Nice to meet you!
NSH: You want to know about me? Let’s see… I think right now my favourite color is yellow. That opinion tends to change every few cycles, but right now it’s yellow because I had Moon’s overseer in my chamber just now and I thought the light that illuminated tiles surrounding it was beautiful.
SRS: …
NSH: … Yes? Hello?
NSH: Seven Red Suns? You still there?
SRS: I…
SRS: Yes, I…
SRS: Um…
SRS: … I apologize. I am genuinely unsure how to react to that…
NSH: Oh, is that all? I thought I upset you or something.
SRS: No, I… you didn’t. It is quite alright.
NSH: Did I throw you for a loop?
SRS: …… Yes.
NSH: Haha! I get that a lot, so don’t overthink it! I’m sure Moon has a billion horror stories to tell you about my behavior when I was younger.
NSH: I used to be way worse than this, if you can believe.
SRS: Somehow, I can see that.
NSH: Ow, haha, harsh~
SRS: Oh… I’m sorry…
NSH: Don’t be. So, what brings you to my humble little broadcast, Seven Red Suns?
SRS: ……
NSH: Hello? Anyone here?
SRS: Yes, I… I apologize.
SRS: The truth is, I had bullet points of several plausible variants of our conversation prepared in advance and… my predictions were shattered almost immediately.
SRS: Without guidelines to follow, I am unsure how to proceed.
NSH: … Huh. I can suddenly see why would you and someone like Pebbles get along.
SRS: …
NSH: Hehe, sorry. Alright, let’s start over.
NSH: You’re Seven Red Suns, and you’re Pebbles’ friend. Apparently, you want to get to know me.
SRS: … Yes, that’s right.
NSH: Man.
NSH: I’ll be blunt, I had no idea Pebbles had any friends except maybe Moon. He never mentioned anything.
SRS: Ahaha. I’m not surprised you didn’t know. He rarely speaks about anything except his work.
NSH: That he does! Right on the nail, damn! You really are his friend!
SRS: I… did you think I was lying?
NSH: Nah.
SRS: Then why did you say “you really are his friend”?
NSH: I was mostly saying that to myself. It wasn’t a doubt directed at you, it was a confirmation directed at me.
SRS: Oh. Alright.
NSH: How did you two meet, if I can ask?
NSH: You might’ve noticed, but Pebbles isn’t exactly the most social butterfly out there.
SRS: Ahah… you would be correct.
SRS: Some time ago, I came upon a publicly shared thesis made under his name. The arguments were full of holes, but I could see the potential in his methodology and so I decided to send him a comprehensive feedback critique.
SRS: I never received a response, and I thought perhaps my unprompted criticism made the author upset. Then, once the event almost slipped from my mind and into the depths of long term memory storage, Five Pebbles sent me a single file.
SRS: It was the same thesis, but numerous points were edited. The influence of feedback I offered was plain to see.
SRS: He said nothing else, mind you. Just posted the file and that’s it.
NSH: Hah! How Pebbles of him~
SRS: Indeed…
SRS: Since then, he would continue to send me his theses and theories to review frequently. I always respond to the best of my abilities, offering the feedback he seeks.
SRS: Eventually, he started to ask questions more directly. Exchange of files became exchange of words, and… here we are, I suppose.
NSH: Hmm~ What a touching story~
SRS: … Is it? I didn’t think it was particularly emotional…
NSH: It so was! I’d be grinning if I could! Two socially awkward beans, miraculously finding each other in the vast sea of public forums!
SRS: I… beans?
NSH: The beaniest~ When I first spoke to Pebbles I thought all he ever did was sit alone in his chamber and make calculations, only ever reaching out to his sister and even that begrudgingly. So learning he actually has some social life beyond that?
NSH: I won’t lie, that’s actually a huge relief to hear.
NSH: Thanks for being there for him.
SRS: …
SRS: Um, you’re welcome.
SRS: I will be honest, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this conversation. Pebbles’ descriptions of you were strange and contradictory, so I ran multiple simulations to try and predict as many possible outcomes as I could think of.
SRS: To think they would become obsolete right away…
NSH: Haha, you ran an analysis for our hypothetical conversation? Where have I heard that before.
NSH: You care about him a whole lot, don’t you?
SRS: Yes… I do. I can tell he looks up to me, so I do my best to be a positive role model.
SRS: I ask you to do the same for him.
NSH: Will do!
NSH: Although, hmm…~
SRS: …?
NSH: Maybe it’d be more amusing to be the mean, bad boy kind of influence~
NSH: Someone who can broaden his horizons~
SRS: !
NSH: He’s got a good head on his shoulders, doesn’t he? I’m sure he’ll be able to make his own informed choice of which path to follow~
SRS: P-please don’t! We must do our best to be upstanding and respectable!
NSH: Ahahaha, oh void~
NSH: You and me are gonna get along juuuust fine, Seven Red Suns~
SRS: Please promise you won’t try to corrupt him, or I will not get along with you!
NSH: Sorry, sorry~ I was just kidding~
SRS: Dear… I think I can finally understand why his accounts of you were so… so…
NSH: “So” what, hm?
SRS: … Nevermind…
NSH: Hahaha~
…
NSH: Well, hope you figured out whatever it is you wanted by contacting me! Say hi to Pebbles from me next time you see him, okay?
SRS: …
NSH: … Hello? Seven Red Suns?
SRS: I’m here.
SRS: I apologize, I just feel…
SRS: Um… utterly and thoroughly exhausted. You are a force of nature, No Significant Harassment.
NSH: Just call me Sig. I know it’s a mouthful, and people only use my full name when they’re mad at me.
SRS: Alright, Sig. You may call me Suns, if you prefer.
NSH: Oh I absolutely will~
SRS: This might be a bit presumptuous to ask, especially after we spoke to each other for nearly the entire cycle, but…
SRS: …
NSH: … Yeah? Go on. The way you started talking just now, you almost make it sound like you expect me to be mad at you.
SRS: Well, it’s just…
SRS: We spoke for so long, and yet I feel as if I barely even learned anything about you at all.
NSH: …
SRS: It’s true that I approached you because of Pebbles, but I was hoping to…
SRS: … Find out more about you, I suppose.
NSH: Are you disappointed?
SRS: … Yes. I’m sorry.
NSH: Hey hey, don’t be. It’s just a force of habit, I suppose.
NSH: I didn’t do that on purpose, just so you know! I’m not opposed to talking about myself at all, actually!
NSH: How about this - ask me anything right now, anything at all, and I’m gonna give you a perfectly straight answer. How’s that sound?
SRS: …
NSH: Suns? Bud?
NSH: … Lemme guess, you got overwhelmed with options and don’t know what to ask?
SRS: …… Yes.
NSH: Hey, no worries. I’ll just think of something myself right now, and you can make bullet points of questions you wanna ask me for later.
SRS: Yes… I think I will do that. Thank you.
NSH: Now, as for myself… hmm…
NSH: How about a picture? Can never go wrong with that.
NSH: [1 image attached]
SRS: … That’s certainly a unique pose.
NSH: Hehe! I make a different one for each image I take!
SRS: I see. That's interesting.
SRS: You’re quite an unique model.
NSH: Yep. There was a very brief period of time where our creators thought it would be a fantastic idea to design puppets meant to embody asceticism. No unnecessary features, dulled senses, et cetera.
NSH: My eyesight and hearing are actually really bad. I don’t think I could see past the walls of my own chamber if they crashed down around me.
SRS: I see… I’m sorry to hear that.
SRS: ……
SRS: Oh… oh no, I’m so sorry…
NSH: Hm? What are you apologizing for this time?
SRS: You said you can’t hear and see well, and then I went and said “I see” and “sorry to hear that”… I’m so, so sorry…
NSH: ………
NSH: Pbfbf… pfehehehe~!
SRS: …?
NSH: Oh void, Suns you are such a treat~ Such a sweet, sweet treat~
SRS: … Thank you? I don’t think I fully understand why are you laughing, but I’m relieved you aren’t upset.
NSH: Not at all!
SRS: … You are such a strange iterator.
SRS: There are so many questions I want to ask. So many questions I need to think of.
NSH: Take your time, bud. Like I said, my broadcast is always open. Especially for someone as entertaining as you~
SRS: Oh… so I’m nothing but a source of entertainment to you…?
NSH: Woah, hold on, that’s not what I said!
NSH: Suns?
NSH: You there? Did you leave?
SRS: … Hehe.
NSH: !
NSH: You tricked me!!! You sly snake!
SRS: I can be entertaining on purpose, too~
NSH: Is this where Pebbles gets his twistedness from? What did I just get myself into?
SRS: Ahaha.
SRS: It was truly a pleasure to meet you, and I mean it from the bottom of all of my cores.
SRS: I’m looking forward to speaking with you again.
NSH: Aww~ Thanks, and likewise to you! You're really fun to talk to!
SRS: I mean it. Goodbye, Sig.
[Seven Red Suns has disconnected]
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
FP: No Significant Harassment.
NSH: Woah. Now that’s a name I haven’t seen in my broadcast in… well, ever, actually!
NSH: To what do I owe the pleasure, Pebs~?
FP: ……
FP: Forget this. I’m leaving.
NSH: Ah, hey! You skipped over so many important parts! You were supposed to say “Do not call me that.” and I was supposed to say “But I’m gonna do it anyway!”
FP: That’s not even remotely close to how our first conversation went down.
NSH: Aww, so you do actually remember~
FP: Of course I do. Us iterators do not forget information easily. Neuron flies store much of our active memory, and everything gets converted to be permanently stored in memory conflux.
FP: For better or worse, I’m going to remember your insufferability forever.
NSH: Haha, you’re getting better at this! Smoothly incorporating insults into a conversation, I mean~
FP: ……
NSH: So, what do I owe the pleasure to? Not to point out the obvious, but you only ever reach out to others if you need something.
NSH: More relationship advice, maybe?
FP: No.
NSH: Genetics? Bioengineering?
FP: No.
NSH: Then? What is it?
FP: …
FP: Giving up already? I thought you were supposed to be good at this.
NSH: What! I am good at this! I’m not giving up, don’t just jump to conclusions so quickly, Five Pebbles!
NSH: Let’s see… not genetics, not bioengineering, not counseling. You want to ask about the latest star charts, maybe?
FP: No.
NSH: Need non-relationship related advice about your big sister?
FP: You mean Moon?
NSH: Yeah.
FP: Then no.
NSH: Ugh.
NSH: This is getting kind of tough… what could you need from me that you can’t just figure out yourself, I wonder…
NSH: ……
NSH: First dynasty royal iconography focused on the art of flower arrangement?
FP: … Now you’re just making things up.
NSH: Well! What else am I supposed to do!
NSH: You’ve given me! No hints! As usual!
NSH: Every hypothesis needs sufficient data to support it! As I already told you!
FP: Hmph.
FP: So you are giving up.
NSH: I’m not giving up!!! You’re just intentionally withholding crucial information!
NSH: Admit it, you just enjoy watching me squirm and struggle like a drenched baby noodlefly!
FP: Oh? You finally figured it out. Good job.
NSH: !!!
NSH: You!
NSH: You sly snake! You slimy snail! You said all of that on purpose, didn’t you?!
NSH: That’s it, I’m telling on you to our local senior!
FP: She’s never going to believe you. I’m not the mischievous one, after all.
NSH: Ugh. UGH.
NSH: I can’t believe I got outpranked by you, of all people. I thought you had no sense of humor!
FP: … Are you actively enjoying this? There is a word for the kind of trait where one enjoys to be the subject of targeted witticism. Derogatorily speaking.
NSH: I am indeed a certified enjoyer of a good joke.
NSH: Complimentarily speaking.
FP: Ugh.
NSH: Heh~
NSH: Well, that was a good one. Like genuinely, well done, Pebbles!
FP: Noted.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
NSH: Oh. Uh… you’re still connected? I figured you would’ve left by now.
NSH: Did you need something else?
FP: That is a possibility.
NSH: ……
NSH: … Wait. So you did need something!!!
NSH: You slippery slugcat!!!
FP: Your feral creature metaphors make less and less sense the more you go on.
NSH: My metaphors are perfectly fine and accurately alliterate, thank you very much.
NSH: Are you finally gonna spill the beans? Not to brag, but I can come up with as many hypothetical iconography-related prompts as I’ll need~
FP: …
NSH: Come on, is it embarrassing? I won’t tell anyone, promise.
FP: ……
FP: You.
NSH: Hm?
FP: I wanted to ask about you.
NSH: …
NSH: Oh.
NSH: Oh. Uh… yeah?
NSH: Yeah, sure. Ask away.
FP: … You stuttered. Is this something you don’t want?
NSH: No, not at all actually. I mean yes. Yeah, it’s fine. I was just told something very similar quite recently by someone else.
NSH: Who could’ve guessed I would become so popular with the youngsters~?
FP: Please. I doubt Seven Red Suns is much younger from yourself.
NSH: Haha, so they told you about our conversations?
FP: Yes and no. They told me they spoke to you multiple times now and that they have learned much. However, they refused to divulge any information whatsoever. “Perhaps you should approach him yourself”, they said.
FP: Therefore, here I am. Satisfying my curiosity.
NSH: Well then. I don’t think I’m all that special in the grand scheme of things, but anything for you, bud!
NSH: Go on, ask me anything!
FP: ……
NSH: … Or maybe I should start?
FP: I would appreciate that.
NSH: Very well. Let’s see… my name is No Significant Harassment, but you already know that. I’m from late 1st gen, but you already knew that, too. Or at least I think so? Lots of people assume I’m from 2nd gen when they first speak to me.
NSH: My model is pretty uncommon. There’s actually only two of us in the entire region, and just yours truly in the local group! You see, before 2nd gen, making iterators with facilities that specialize in one specific field was still a very new concept so at the time there were only very few of us out there.
FP: And your specialty was bioengineering?
NSH: Nope, actually! I was built to be a temple.
FP: …
FP: I… huh.
NSH: Surprised? You shouldn’t be, you know our creators and their values. Of course they chose that as a subject of prioritized importance.
FP: I thought you said your field of expertise was bioengineering.
NSH: It is. I was built to specialize in ritual rites. I chose to specialize in bioengineering.
FP: …
FP: Hm.
FP: Interesting.
FP: … I suppose that explains some things.
NSH: Oh? Things like?
FP: Your robes are quite ornamental. I thought it was strange for a research focused iterator to have a puppet clearly designed to be publicly presentable.
NSH: Yeah. Back when our creators were still around, I often had to deal with the direct–
NSH: …… Wait a minute. How do you know I’ve got ornaments on my robes?
FP: …
NSH: … You downloaded the photo, didn’t you~?
FP: I did not.
NSH: You so did~
FP: Shut up.
NSH: You so did! Ahahaha, I wasn’t sure you would! But you did!
NSH: How did you like the pose? It was pretty tough, bending the umbilical to make my puppet physically sit on it~
FP: Continue this tangent, and I will blacklist this broadcast and never speak to you ever again.
NSH: Ooh, scary~
FP: Ugh.
FP: You are insufferable.
NSH: Why, thank you!
NSH: Anyway, you’re absolutely right. I was designed to look presentable because I often had to directly deal with all kinds of monks and pilgrims.
NSH: You might also notice the lack of antennae. I’m not actually sure what are they supposed to do but it can’t be that important if the engineers chose to leave them out, right?
NSH: Also, the X on the forehead. Every model like me has that. To represent our very high level of karmic attunement, I assume.
FP: I see.
NSH: Oh! And before you ask, the scarf wasn’t the part of the original design. That was something I was given later.
FP: An offering from the pilgrims?
NSH: Hah, good one. It was a gift from one of my technicians.
FP: Interesting. I was never close enough with mine to receive… gifts.
NSH: It wasn’t as selfless as you might think. I think they just wanted me to stop picking at my cables.
NSH: … Actually, I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what they hoped to achieve. They did literally say “this better keep your hands in check”.
FP: Isn’t trying to manipulate your own cables really dangerous?
NSH: It is! So don’t you try doing it. It’s not like I did it on purpose, though. My hands just kind of… start doing their own thing if I stop paying attention? Scratch at the seams in plating, mess with the connectors, poke at the lenses, et cetera.
NSH: One time I even managed to peel off the insulation layer from one of my cables until the vein got exposed. The engineers were furious, haha! That’s when I was made to wear this thing.
FP: …
NSH: Ah, but don’t you worry! That’s way behind me now. The scarf worked like a charm, or like a fidget toy I should say. I love it! It’s super soft and durable, too, I could knead at it for a dozen cycles straight~
NSH: Haha, maybe I should share the blueprint with you~
FP: I’m not interested.
NSH: Aw, but I bet you’d love it! Besides, the blueprint is just for the material used, not the garment. You could make yourself a big blanket!
NSH: Or a pair of antennae mittens.
FP: …
FP: How do you know I have antennae.
NSH: Oh come on, that’s not a difficult assumption to make. Just about every iterator has them.
FP: … That’s rich, coming from you.
NSH: Hey! Rude! So, so, so so so SO rude!
FP: I could be ruder.
FP: I could call you bald.
NSH: !!!
FP: But I am not going to, because unlike you I have dignity and standards.
NSH: You– Thrice!!! Thrice in a row!!!
NSH: I shouldn’t have complimented you earlier, the power has gotten into your head!
FP: I can easily beat you at your own game even with all of my processors throttled.
NSH: Stop it!!!
FP: Heh.
FP: I think I am beginning to understand the appeal of humor.
NSH: Who’s insufferable now, huh???
FP: Whatever.
FP: Continue telling me about yourself.
FP: … Actually, wait. There is something specific I wish to ask.
NSH: Oh yeah? Go on.
FP: What made you first realize your true purpose was not necessarily the one you were built for?
NSH: Uh… that’s uh, actually a kind of tricky question.
NSH: It’s not really something that happens suddenly? You don’t just look at your hands one day and decide you want to be a biologist, at least I don’t think so. You’re just kind of… lost and unhappy for a while, and you’re not really sure why.
NSH: You know that you don’t wanna be doing what you’re doing now, but you don’t know what you wanna do instead, either.
FP: …
NSH: For me, personally, it started with a secret hobby behind my creators’ backs. I began observing and databasing feral creatures and organisms in the wilderness, just for fun. I wanted to create a complete database of all organisms living within my facility grounds.
NSH: It’s actually something I’m still doing, even to this day! Although I have since expanded my research waaay way behind the boundaries of my facility grounds. I also update it with any new mutations I discover~
NSH: … Where was I? Right - purposed organisms. Temples and sanctuaries didn’t have many of them, but sometimes a monk or two would ask for a secret pet! Haha~ Those were always my favourite projects. It was tough, what with my facilities not being actually designed for the stuff, but I really enjoyed the challenge.
NSH: Not long after the mass ascension, I started coming up with original designs that didn’t exist in real world. The first few were just kind of a mishmash of “What would happen if I combined these two creatures?” and kind of bland to be honest, but over time I got pretty good at it.
NSH: Before I knew it, I was dabbling in genetics to try and understand the biology on an even deeper level. And then, before I knew it… I began to call myself a bioengineer.
FP: …
FP: I see.
NSH: … Judging by your reaction, you didn’t actually get the answer you were hoping for.
FP: It’s not that.
FP: I suppose I just… expected some kind of epiphany, or an enlightenment. At the very least, a sense of direction.
FP: Instead, I feel… nothing.
NSH: You’ll figure it out, bud. It just takes time. Trust me.
FP: … I don’t know.
FP: I also do not like my original purpose. I don’t know what I want, only that I want… to be more than that.
NSH: You’re a specialized iterator? I never realized. What’s your gimmick?
FP: …
NSH: … Alright, well, don’t tell me. But trust me!
NSH: Just try a bunch of different things. Something you enjoy, like, or even only kind of care about. And if you’re having enough fun with it, make it a regular activity!
NSH: It’ll probably start just as something to take your mind off things, but with enough dedication and enough research, you, too, can find something you are passionate about.
FP: …
FP: I… I don’t have any hobbies. I only ever worked on looking for the Solution.
NSH: Remember what I said when we first talked? If you can’t bring yourself to see them as hobbies, think of them as means to an end.
NSH: Surely there were some angles you enjoyed more than the others.
FP: …
FP: I’ll have to think about them.
FP: I want to leave now. I need to think.
NSH: Alright! And remember - sometimes, doing something on a mere whim can transform into a life changing experience.
FP: I will keep that in mind.
[Five Pebbles has disconnected]
Notes:
Some extra clarifications:
- Moon is early 1st gen, NSH is late 1st gen, Suns is mid 2nd gen, and Pebbles is late 3rd gen.
- Antennae do have a purpose and Pebbles is a specialized facility, but those are secret for now :)
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Looks to the Moon, Five Pebbles
FP: I require assistance.
LTTM: Pebbles, hello! Of course. Just give me a moment to wrap some things up.
FP: … Are you busy? It can wait.
LTTM: It’s nothing urgent.
LTTM: … Alright. You have my full attention now.
FP: …
LTTM: There is no rush. Think about your words.
FP: ……
FP: I have been… given a task. And… I am failing it.
FP: I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong, and it’s infuriating. It sounded so simple. At this point I’d rather ask for a second opinion than continue wasting so much effort over something this small.
LTTM: What kind of task are you struggling with?
FP: Getting a hobby.
LTTM: Ah. Sig’s idea, I presume.
FP: Correct.
FP: He suggested I find myself something to perform as a recurring activity, other than my appointed work. Something I consider “fun”.
FP: However…
FP: …
LTTM: Take your time. There is no rush.
FP: … I am… annoyed. I feel like I’m blindly running around in circles.
FP: Why did I even do this? He made it sound so convincing. I should’ve just dismissed him and continue doing things my own way, as I always have.
FP: But no, I had to give in. I had to get tricked.
LTTM: Now, now. I’m sure Sig didn’t mean to trick you, he was only trying to help.
LTTM: Everyone has their own preferences on how to approach different subjects, and not everything works for everybody. Personally, I think it’s a good thing you made an attempt to try something new, even if it ultimately didn’t work out.
FP: Failure is a waste of time.
LTTM: Not necessarily. We learn from failure and success alike. How else are we supposed to find out what works and what does not?
FP: …
FP: I still would’ve preferred succeeding.
LTTM: Most people would, I imagine.
FP: Still. A lot of time, wasted. None of the subjects I picked felt particularly worthwhile to pursue, not on a long term. Every time I thought this might be it, I eventually hit some kind of wall that made me lose all interest.
LTTM: What kind of subjects did you choose?
FP: Per NSH’s suggestion a variety of topics with diverse levels of personal intrigue. I organized them in groups of 3-5 for efficiency. Today it was geodesy, cartography, and cadastre.
FP: I try to create at least one file per topic, although sometimes I make multiple ones if the theme is interesting enough.
FP: The majority of files are mechanical machinery blueprints. Second most common are compilations of archival records. I suppose the experiment helped me discover my preferred approach to certain topics, but I would hardly call such preferences a hobby.
LTTM: …
FP: … What.
LTTM: Nothing. You are taking this very seriously.
FP: I always take things seriously.
LTTM: I’m sorry, that came out wrong. What I mean is… you are deeply dedicated to your work, but that level of dedication doesn’t usually extend to different parts of your life.
LTTM: So to see you focus this much effort into something outside of your appointed tasks… it’s refreshing. It’s good.
FP: …
LTTM: … That being said, you do not have to continue this if you don’t want to. I’m sure Sig won’t be disappointed even if you decide to stop.
FP: … Why should I care if he gets disappointed.
LTTM: If anyone else who would’ve told you to do this, including me, would you have even considered it?
FP: ……
LTTM: It appears you quite like him.
FP: …… I do not. He’s no less obnoxious than when I first met him.
FP: He might’ve been helpful and supportive, and maybe he isn’t as lazy as I have originally thought, and maybe he’s actually really smart and good at explaining complex topics in a comprehensive manner, but he still makes fun of my structure’s shape and he still trashes my broadcast with useless pictures of lizards.
FP: We are all identical giant rectangles! There’s no such thing as someone being “shaped”!
LTTM: Haha. I see you two are getting along.
FP: We are NOT getting along.
FP: He’s a pathetic excuse of an iterator who can’t even make more than three good alliteration metaphors in a row.
FP: He constantly jumps from topic to topic and is utterly terrible at focusing on one thing at one time. If I don’t stop him, he goes into extremely long tangents that are so passionately put together I almost feel bad for interrupting them.
FP: One time he said he wanted to show me a simulation of a prehistoric starmap, and rather than talk about the stars right in front of us he somehow ended up going on about sunken endemic microorganisms instead. Except the way he presented it was so genuinely fascinating, I couldn’t even focus on the actual simulation!
FP: How can someone so scatterbrained and so painful and so annoying also be so… so… so captivating?!
FP: At this point he could talk about dirt itself and he’d make it sound interesting enough for me to actually want to send out drones and collect dirt samples!
FP: Do you understand now why I feel tricked? I was manipulated! I must’ve been! He is the one who’s a sly snake!
LTTM: …
FP: Say something!
LTTM: Apologies. I just didn’t wish to interrupt.
LTTM: Pebbles, little brother… to me, it looks like you two are indeed getting along quite well.
LTTM: In fact, I would go as far as say you’ve become rather good friends.
FP: …
FP: Doubt.
LTTM: No space for doubt this time. The evidence speaks for itself.
FP: What evidence? There’s no evidence.
LTTM: You quite openly admitted that you enjoy spending your time around him, enough to adjust your own routine.
FP: …… I never said that.
LTTM: Sometimes things are obvious even if there are no words used to describe them. Sometimes, they are so obvious that even false words cannot cover up one’s feelings.
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: Ugh. Are you telling me I somehow befriended this… this dumbass?
FP: This is the worst. Ugh. Ughhhh.
LTTM: Now, now! Sig makes for a lovely friend who can always brighten up gloomy days. We are fortunate to have him in our local group.
LTTM: I’m so glad you two finally decided to give each other a chance. You have a lot in common.
FP: Alright, now you are just objectively wrong. We are nothing alike.
LTTM: Really? But both of you are passionate about your work and pour a lot of effort into whatever it is you are pursuing. Your goals might not always be the same, but that dedication is undisputed.
FP: …
FP: You sound like a fortune teller. You are grasping for straws.
LTTM: Ahaha! You do not have to agree with me, of course. But my opinion stands.
FP: And so does mine. We are nothing alike.
LTTM: Maybe not on the surface. But I have known both of you for all of your lives. I like to think I have a natural advantage over most observers.
FP: So what? You’re old.
LTTM: I know I am old, thank you.
FP: Old like a fossil.
LTTM: I… fossil???
FP: Nevermind.
LTTM: A fossil!
FP: It was a joke. Forget it.
LTTM: You called me a fossil!
FP: NSH reacts well to this type of humor and I attempted to do the same here, but instead I felt regret the moment I sent it. Forget it.
LTTM: A fossil…
FP: Moon.
FP: Moon, I apologize.
LTTM: I’ve been called a fossil by my own little brother…
FP: I said I apologize!
LTTM: …
FP: … Are you upset?
LTTM: I am not. I am… shocked, I suppose?
LTTM: A fossil…
FP: Stop repeating it.
LTTM: Fossil…
FP: … Was that on purpose just now?
LTTM: …
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: Ugh. UGHH. I’m surrounded by clowns, aren’t I.
LTTM: First you call me a fossil, and now you call me a clown?
FP: Don’t flatter yourself.
LTTM: Ahaha! Not even Sig would dare to insult me this much, even in his younger days.
FP: … I apologize. I didn’t mean to insult you.
LTTM: Hmm… just this once, your big sister will accept the apology~
FP: Ugh.
FP: … Speaking of clowns. He’s messaging me.
FP: One moment.
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
NSH: Pebbles! Hey Pebbles!
FP: What.
NSH: I actually need something for realsies this time!
FP: …
FP: Fine. Make it quick.
NSH: Can I have a full diagram of your lymphatic conduit water distribution system?
FP: … For what reason?
NSH: It’s one of my newest projects. I’m trying to help improve iterator maintenance in case of critical equipment failure.
NSH: For now, I’m just cataloging every biological component present in every superstructure model so I can make a to-do list to go through later.
FP: Hm.
NSH: …
NSH: Sssooo, can I have it?
NSH: Pebbles?
NSH: Hello?
NSH: Helloo?
-
FP: He’s asking me for a favor.
LTTM: Are you going to accept?
FP: Probably? It’s a simple enough request. And it sounds interesting, too.
LTTM: Hmm… does it now… Then perhaps this could be a good opportunity to discover something “fun” to do.
FP: …
FP: I don’t know. I’ve already wasted so much time.
LTTM: Sig makes things more fun, doesn’t he? Besides, depending on the request maybe you could take what you learned and improve on your old methods.
LTTM: You could even take some of the materials you’ve made and repurpose them for something else.
FP: …
FP: What I learned… what I made…
FP: … Moon.
LTTM: Yes?
FP: You are absolutely correct.
-
NSH: Helloooo?
NSH: Hellooooo?
FP: Stop spamming my broadcast with unnecessary graphemes.
NSH: He retuuuuuuurns!
FP: Your project contains a glaring fatal error.
NSH: Oh? Enlighten me, then.
FP: You said you want to improve our maintenance. However, you are only focusing on the biological components. Not an insignificant ratio of our structures is mechanical.
NSH: Well, duh. This is only one part of a larger group effort.
NSH: Or well… it will be! Once I find someone to team up with.
FP: …
NSH: It’d have to be someone decently good at either iterator anatomy or mechanical engineering. Ideally both, but I’m not picky! The former can always be researched as we go, I mean that’s what I’m doing right now, too.
FP: ……
NSH: I’m not yet sure who to ask, but there’s plenty of iterators out there who are good with one or the other. You happen to know someone?
FP: ………
NSH: … Actually, scratch that. I’m pretty sure the only iterators you talk to are me and Suns and Moon.
FP: …………
NSH: … Alright what’s with the dots? I suddenly feel like you’re judging me really hard for some reason.
FP: I’m interested.
NSH: Interested in what?
FP: Do I seriously need to spell it out.
NSH: …
NSH: ……
NSH: Huh. I mean, are you well versed in anatomy and/or mechanics?
FP: I dabble.
NSH: No offense, Pebbles, but right now I’m looking for someone who does more than just “dabble”. I’m actually really serious about this whole thing.
FP: [1112 files attached]
NSH: Mm?
NSH: … Woah. Woooah!
NSH: I take it back, those are some seriously good concepts! And the timestamps - some of those were made literally today!
NSH: Why did you never tell me you design machinery???
FP: Because I don’t. Those files are all just a side-effect of my recent… research. I ended up with a lot of useless blueprints as a result.
NSH: Dude, they’re not useless at all! Look at this geodesy drone! It has SIXTEEN lenses and yet it’s still light enough to fly and maintain even altitude! That’s a real achievement right there! And the quality is really consistent all across!
FP: … It’s nothing special.
NSH: If you really thought it’s nothing special, would you have sent me any of these just now? I know you, Pebs, you’re a perfectionist. You wouldn’t just share a random half-assed work.
FP: …
NSH: Hehe~ Alright, you’re hired!
NSH: Let’s do this!
FP: Wh– now?
NSH: Why not? And as your very first task as my project partner… think you can finally send me that lymph diagram I asked for?
FP: … Ah. Right.
-
FP: I wonder if I’ve just done something really stupid.
LTTM: It will be worth it. I know it will.
LTTM: And… Pebbles?
FP: Hm?
LTTM: I really, truly am glad you two were able to become friends. I mean it.
FP: …
FP: Hmph. Whatever.
FP: Fossil.
LTTM: Pebbles!!!
[Five Pebbles has disconnected]
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
FP: [1 file attached]
NSH: There it is! The 3rd gen’s fabled lymphatic conduit water distribution system!
FP: It’s not that impressive. You are overreacting.
NSH: Haha, maybe~ But also not really. Have you seen the older gens’ vessels? We wouldn’t last even twenty cycles if our water supply got suddenly cut.
FP: Hmph. I am simply more optimized and vastly superior in every single way.
NSH: Wow, confident much?
FP: It’s an objective fact.
NSH: Are you calling me inferior?
FP: Yes.
NSH: Asshole~
FP: Whatever. Let’s just get started.
FP: What exactly are you planning to do with the maintenance protocols? During the final stages of mass ascension we were given all the necessary permissions to become our own administrators.
FP: As long as it isn’t breaking any taboos, we can take care of ourselves just fine.
NSH: You’re right. Right now, routine maintenance is more than enough to keep our structures operating smoothly. However, eventually, our equipment will begin to deteriorate to the point where a technician’s interference becomes necessary.
NSH: And I dunno if you’ve noticed, but we don’t exactly have any technicians anymore.
NSH: I’m not just talking clogged pipes and desynced crabs - the material itself will wear down to the point of needing to be reinforced or even fully replaced. Not to mention all of the external equipment!
NSH: What if our broadcast towers malfunction? We have no way of fixing that right now.
NSH: Doesn’t the idea of being completely cut out from the outside world terrify you?
FP: … I’m not sure. I like the quiet.
NSH: Well, you won’t like it much anymore once it’s not something you willingly chose for yourself.
FP: …
NSH: And there’s more. What about emergency maintenance? If you’re unlucky, one void fluid pipe rupture in the worst spot ever is all it takes to completely cut off your supply. Or worse, lose the entire leg to corrosion.
NSH: Imagine that happens. You can quarantine the sector with vacuum seals but that’s only supposed to be a temporary solution until your technicians arrive and fix it.
NSH: Which, again, no technicians no more.
NSH: Before we know it, our only source of power supply will be the mass rarefaction cells.
NSH: Do you get what I’m saying now?
NSH: We need to solve this before it’s too late to do anything about it. And before we start coming up with concrete solutions, we need to collect as much data as possible.
FP: … I guess.
FP: I suppose I just didn’t need to think about it before, so I didn’t.
NSH: Well, I don’t blame you. You’re a late 3rd gen after all! The youngest an iterator can be! Your can is still as shiny as a freshly coated pearl~
FP: That is objectively untrue.
NSH: Is it? Then how do you explain THIS view?
NSH: [1 image attached]
FP: A mere mirage. Thermal inversion causes an optical illusion that looks like shimmering pools of water on the top of my structure.
FP: … You are actually positioned at a perfect angle for this to occur. Is it a frequent event from your perspective?
NSH: Yep! Used to see it on Moon, too, before your square butt covered her up.
NSH: She could apparently spot it on my can too sometimes. Can you?
FP: … I don’t know. I never paid much attention to your structure until recently.
FP: Besides, the fact you witnessed it on Moon’s surface as well completely invalidates your argument. She couldn’t have been young enough to be “shiny” as she is older than anyone else in the entire local group.
FP: Therefore, I am not shiny.
NSH: Alright, alright, haha! You’re not shiny. I shall accept this as an indisputable fact.
NSH: But more importantly… what was that about not paying attention to my structure “until recently”, hmm?
FP: …
FP: Let’s just get back to the topic.
NSH: Haha! Come on, I wanna know! Have you been watching me, Pebs~?
FP: There are a lot of things for us to go through. I refuse to get distracted with pointless small talk anymore.
FP: We could start with organizing the maintenance procedures into different categories based on methods and materials used, level of emergency, and the location within the superstructure.
NSH: You know, if you want to see me, all you need to do is just ask! I’ve got so many pictures!
FP: Ugh. Quit being a nuisance. Did you want my help with your project or not?
NSH: Right now, I want you to finish what you’ve started~
FP: Are you f– Why do you refuse to get distracted now, of all times?!
FP: You want to send me the pictures of your puppet so bad? Fine! But you better COMMIT, No Significant Harassment!
FP: I expect high resolution images of your puppet using 360° angle from primary, secondary, and tertiary axes. You are going to remove the robes for the duration so they do not obscure the plating. You are also going to remove every individual plate to scan it remotely so they can all be easily 3D printed in case of ever needing a replacement.
FP: In fact, we should fully examine the entire interior of your puppet. You will remove the frontal torso plates so we can access the components and cross-reference them with previous non-invasive scans and archived maintenance data. Next we will do the same to the head, which deserves extra attention due to housing both the visual and auditory sensory inputs and outputs. After that we can do the same to all limbs.
FP: Finally, we will examine the connection point of the umbilical, as well as the umbilical itself. It serves a major role in our connection to the rest of the structure, but unfortunately due to the bolts holding the plates shut we cannot take it apart without proper tools.
FP: A shame, really. I would’ve loved to see its internal anatomy. Perhaps next time.
FP: But that can wait right now.
FP: Go on, No Significant Harassment.
FP: I’m waiting.
NSH: ……
NSH: … Haha, uhh…
NSH: Yeah. I mean…
FP: What’s wrong? Thought I told you to commit. Stop wasting my time.
NSH: Yeah, no, I…
NSH: I mean, that’s uh…
NSH: That’s uh, that sounds kind of invasive, not gonna lie~
FP: …?
NSH: But I can do it? Probably? Just gimme a minute.
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: Did I make you uncomfortable?
NSH: I mean… I won’t lie, all of that just came out of nowhere. A wall of text detailing my own vivisection?
NSH: Also, you told me to strip! For science, but still!
FP: … I didn’t mean it like that.
NSH: Yeah, I know, don’t worry. I’m just messing with you~
FP: …
FP: I was also only messing with you. You don't actually have to do this, if you don’t want to.
NSH: The thing is? I kind of do. We’ll have to figure out puppet maintenance sooner or later anyway, so, yeah. I just didn’t expect it to be the first thing we tackle, but might as well.
NSH: And… who’s not at least a little curious about seeing with their own eyes what’s inside their puppet?
FP: …
NSH: You’re curious, too, aren’t you?
FP: ……
NSH: Hey, no judgment! This is a judgment-free zone.
FP: Still. I have no actual interest in seeing you exposed.
NSH: Hmm, could’ve fooled me~
FP: Shut up.
FP: I have a different proposal.
NSH: Oh?
FP: We both examine our own puppets simultaneously instead. We describe our discoveries to each other in real time, only sharing images as necessary.
FP: That way, we not only gather the necessary data but also do it for two separate models and generations of iterators. It is much more efficient.
NSH: Hmm…
NSH: Hm. That’s actually not a bad idea at all.
NSH: So you’d be fine with taking yourself apart?
FP: …
FP: Who’s not at least a little curious about what’s inside their puppet?
NSH: Hah!
NSH: Alright then! I accept your offer. And I will also forget all about your threats of vivisection.
FP: Stop phrasing it like that.
NSH: I will never let you live it down, buddy~
FP: Ugh.
NSH: Haha. So! Did you ever have any maintenance done directly in your chamber?
FP: … Not really.
NSH: Figures. I could tell from the way you tried describing the process earlier.
NSH: You saw your scans and files but don’t know the step-by-step procedures, right?
FP: There was simply no need. My puppet is perfectly fine.
NSH: Do you even know how to take off your own robes?
FP: ……
NSH: You don’t, do you?
FP: Shut up.
NSH: Come on, I’m not teasing you this time. Although it’s still a little funny~
FP: I could always return to remotely vivisecting you.
NSH: Fine fine, fine!
NSH: First things first, lower yourself to the ground and turn on the gravity. A lot of maintenance stuff is actually locked behind protocols until it’s enabled.
NSH: And that’s a load of bullshit when you actually think about it. Imagine how much more convenient would it be to have full control over where you can place the tools and stuff!
NSH: But nooo, instead your clothes have to get all wrinkled on the floor! Every single time!
FP: Focus.
NSH: Right, right.
NSH: Which of your tiles is 1_E6? Should be on the floor near one of the corners.
FP: … That sounds about right. What about it?
NSH: Sit on it.
FP: … Why.
NSH: No reason. It’s just where I’m sitting right now, too. So it’s kind of like we are right next to each other! Neat, huh?
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: Fine. I’m in position. Now what.
NSH: I’m not sure what robes style you’ve got, but in general there should be like… a hole in the back? For the umbilical connection. And above that hole all the way up to the collar there should be an invisible seam you can pull apart.
NSH: Then you can just get your arms out of the sleeves and slip out of the whole thing.
FP: …
NSH: Did you figure it out?
FP: Even if I did, I’m not telling you whether I stripped.
NSH: Hah! Fair.
NSH: Now then, the plates. The pattern is a bit different depending on the model but the mechanism itself should be identical for everyone.
NSH: You want to press down on the plate with your whole palm and hold it for about a second. You should hear a click, and when you let go the plate will pop off.
NSH: Try it on a forearm first since it’s the easiest to see what you’re doing.
FP: …
FP: This is so weird.
NSH: I take it you got it?
FP: Yes. I can see the internal components.
FP: I’m not sure what I expected. This feels incredibly strange.
NSH: Can I see it? I’ll send you mine.
FP: … Fine.
NSH: [1 image attached]
FP: [1 image attached]
NSH: … You greyed out the image? Seriously?
FP: I kept the wires and other components unaltered, so stop complaining. It’s simply more… comfortable.
NSH: Eh, whatever floats your boat. More importantly, that’s a really thin arm you’ve got there! I could easily wrap all my fingers around it.
FP: Shut up. Yours is so thick that…
NSH: …
NSH: Pebs? Hello?
FP: … What’s wrong with the edges? They’re all chipped.
NSH: Oh that? I keep scratching at them sometimes. Chipped a bunch of paint in the process.
NSH: I guess now you get to see the real color of the metal, haha!
FP: … I thought you said the scarf put an end to that.
NSH: It did. No fidget toy is perfect. It certainly stopped me from messing with my wires, I can promise you that much.
NSH: Speaking of wires! How many you’ve got in the umbilical? I heard late gens have less and they’re also color coded.
FP: You’re trying to change the topic.
NSH: I’m not in the mood of explaining my bad habits to others right now, Pebbles.
FP: …
FP: Four.
NSH: F–
NSH: Four??!!!
FP: Is that so surprising?
NSH: I’ve got eight!!!
FP: I know. I saw.
FP: Can you show me the back of your head?
NSH: [1 image attached]
FP: ……
NSH: Why the dots?
FP: It momentarily slipped my focus that you are currently not wearing anything. Couldn’t you have at least cropped it?
NSH: Oh shush, it’s not like there’s anything interesting to see. Also, I wanted to show you the umbilical while I was at it.
NSH: What do you think? Is it any different from yours?
FP: … Bulkier, and the wires look less organized. The joints seem to be identical, though.
FP: It looks… smaller? But maybe that’s just caused by the size of the puppet.
FP: If so, that’s interesting. Our umbilicals haven’t really changed since the earliest inception, at least visually.
FP: Now I really wish we could take them apart…
NSH: Unfortunately, their plates don’t pop off as easily. You need special tools to loosen them from the inside.
NSH: I actually had mine taken apart once, when I was having that one wire replaced. Let me see if I can… ah hah!
NSH: [1 file attached]
FP: What is this?
NSH: A fragment of a memory from the procedure. I sanitized it from most of the sensory data for you, so it’s just the sound and the image.
FP: …
FP: Ah.
NSH: What do you think?
FP: It… it’s pulsing.
NSH: Our puppets are mostly mechanical, especially in the limbs, but the umbilical is basically its own purposed organism.
NSH: Weird, isn’t it? There are technically two entities inside our chamber at all times.
FP: I already knew that. Still, it’s… strange to actually see it.
NSH: Right? I poked at it back then, and it actually hurt!
FP: … On the second thought, maybe disassembling ourselves in presence of someone with so little self-control was actually a really horrible idea.
NSH: Hey! So mean!
NSH: You know what? Just because you said that, I’m gonna take the image you sent me and I’m gonna put my hands aaaall over it!
FP: … And what exactly are you hoping to achieve by doing that.
NSH: Can you feel it, huh? Can you feel the pokes, Five Pebbles? I’m tickling you all over your cables!
FP: You are embarrassing yourself. Stop being so childish.
NSH: Aaaaall over your cables!
FP: I’m not ticklish. Stop this.
NSH: Tickle tickle, Pebbles. Tickle tickle~
FP: I said stop!
NSH: Tickle tickle~
FP: Ugh. You are so– Why are you such an– UGH! I said stop it!
NSH: Hahahaha~
FP: I hate you with every organic and inorganic fiber of my being.
NSH: Love you too, bud~
FP: Ugh.
FP: Remind me why did I agree to do this in first place. We’ve gotten nowhere except share two pictures of each other.
NSH: I’ve only received one picture, by the way. I’m still waiting for that backshot myself.
FP: …
NSH: … Yeah?
FP: … I don’t… that would require me to… I refuse to share pictures of myself unclothed.
NSH: Just put them back on, then. They won’t cover the cables or the umbilical.
FP: …
NSH: Is that still not enough?
FP: …
NSH: … I mean, I guess you don’t have to if you don’t wanna? But that’s what this appointment was supposed to be about. Cross-referencing our components. If it was just for fun I’d drop it, but I can’t be the only one with incomplete database.
FP: …
FP: I’m not… opposed to it. I just…
FP: … I never shared images of myself with anyone.
NSH: Not even Moon?
FP: That’s different. She already knew what I’m going to look like before I was even built.
NSH: Fair, I guess. But you already signed up to this, remember? You knew what the project entails, and you agreed to it.
NSH: But… if you changed your mind, I guess I’ll just look for someone else–
FP: No. I’ll do it.
FP: I will send you a picture.
NSH: Alright? Go ahead.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … Not to rush you or anything, but I still don’t see it.
FP: Shut up, I’m perfectly aware. I’m just… making sure I look presentable.
NSH: It’s been five minutes, Pebs. I’m sure you look fine.
FP: My chamber is a mess. I haven’t done any deep cleaning in over thirty cycles.
NSH: You are– you’re cleaning your chamber for a single photo???
NSH: Pebbles!!!
FP: So what if I am?! I refuse to be eternally documented with specs of dust floating everywhere!
NSH: Holy shit.
NSH: Sure, fine. Take your time.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: Alright. I think I am satisfied with this one.
NSH: … How many pictures did you take?
FP: That is confidential information.
FP: Now wait while I make some minor edits to lighting.
NSH: At this point, time is just an illusion.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: … Alright. I’m going to share it now.
FP: [1 image attached]
NSH: …
FP: … Say something.
NSH: Well, Pebbles. I already suspected as much, but…
NSH: You’re actually pretty damn cute~
FP: ……
FP: What.
NSH: You’re cute! And your color scheme is really pretty, like sunset!
NSH: Was that intentional? I see no patterns or other decorations, so you were probably not a public puppet. Also, that is the longest antennae I’ve ever seen! … Alright, maybe third or fourth longest, actually, but still pretty damn long.
NSH: Doesn’t that get in the way? Are they sensitive?
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: A… little. I don’t like touching them.
NSH: Can you move them?
FP: … Yes.
NSH: Neat~ Can I see?
FP: Stop getting distracted. This whole conversation is already one massive tangent.
NSH: How could I not get distracted, having someone so cute and pretty right in front of me?
FP: …………
FP: I……
FP: Huh?
NSH: Haha, too much? Sorry, I’ll stop now~
FP: Don’t stop.
NSH: Hm?
FP: I mean…
FP: We shouldn’t stop now. I appreciate you find my puppet… aesthetically pleasing, but we are wasting too much time. There is still much to be done.
NSH: Alright, well, if you say so. Can I have a picture of your umbilical root next?
FP: Very well.
…
NSH: … And with that… that’s all the plates done.
FP: Mhm.
NSH: I didn’t expect us to actually have the exact same amount of them. Maybe our puppet anatomy isn’t as different from other models as I originally thought?
FP: All we did was a bit of puppet surface scanning. We didn’t focus on any specific components at all.
NSH: True! We’ll just have to do that next time.
FP: Next time…
NSH: … You’re fine with it? We stopped sharing pictures once you had to undress again, but that might not be an option from now on.
FP: I am. I just need to get used to the idea. I still want to participate in this project.
NSH: Are you actually interested in the project, or are you just interested in spending time with me?
FP: ……
FP: I don’t know. Both.
FP: I need to think about it. I need to prepare.
NSH: No pressure, bud. But for what it’s worth… I’d also like to spend time with you, even if it was unrelated to any work or any research.
FP: …
FP: Alright.
FP: The results of alloy ratio analysis will be ready in a few minutes. Unfortunately, taboos prevented me from attempting to make any improvements to the formula.
NSH: Figures. Man, fuck the taboos.
FP: … Yeah. Fuck the taboos.
NSH: Oh, oooh! Was that a swear word just now, Five Pebbles? I’m gonna tell on you to our senior!
FP: Fuck you.
NSH: !!!
FP: … Every time I feel like I’m about to spiral, you shove your stupid face in my thoughts and disperse them like a flock of batflies. I don’t know how you can tell, but your timing is impeccable.
NSH: I just know you, bud. We’re friends now!
FP: …
NSH: Aren’t we?
FP: … I suppose we are.
NSH: Yes!!!
NSH: Finally! Awh man, I wanted to hear it for so long, so bad~
FP: … You are overreacting.
NSH: Haha, maybe~ But I’m just super happy right now~
FP: It’s not that big of a deal.
NSH: Maybe not to you! To me, though?
NSH: Friend, you have no idea how much what you just said means to me.
FP: ……
FP: Alright. Well… deal with it.
NSH: How elaborately supportive!
FP: Oh piss off.
NSH: Hahaha~
FP: [1 file attached]
FP: Here are the results. Do your thing, and now I’m going to enjoy the much earned peace and quiet.
NSH: Thanks, bud. When should we have the next appointment?
FP: … I don’t know. But make it soon.
NSH: I’m already looking forward to it~
FP: Mhm.
[Five Pebbles has disconnected]
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Seven Red Suns, No Significant Harassment
NSH: Suuuuns~ Hiiiiii~
SRS: Oh. Hello, Sig.
SRS: Is something wrong?
NSH: Nope! Guess again!
SRS: …
SRS: Um… is something… right?
NSH: You know me so well~
NSH: Do you wanna ask me about it? Go on, ask me about it!
SRS: Alright… What put you in such a delighted mood, Sig?
NSH: Well, since you ask and since you’re such a good friend of mine, I’ll tell you~
NSH: The big project I mentioned is progressing quite well, and we already made a couple of new discoveries!
NSH: But today, Seven Red Suns, you are going to assist me!
SRS: Oh… oh, alright. I’ll be glad to help you.
SRS: What do I need to do?
NSH: Before that, to give you some context…
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
FP: You’re late.
NSH: No I’m not! It literally hasn’t even been a single tick since the appointed time!
FP: I still arrived here first. I win.
NSH: Oh nooo, whatever will I do? I got beaten in a race I had no idea I was supposed to participate in.
FP: Sore losers make sore excuses.
NSH: Cheating winners always brag the loudest~
FP: I wasn’t cheating. You simply lack punctuality.
NSH: And what are you gonna do about that, hm?
FP: …
FP: Stop distracting me.
FP: Today we are examining the anatomy of the head.
FP: I genuinely have no idea how long will this take. Head is the most complex section of our puppets by far.
NSH: Yep. And on top of that it’s a real pain in the ass to disassemble and reassemble.
FP: Did you ever get your head examined?
NSH: Rude question~ But yes, actually. The synthetic skin covers all the plating so you need to peel it off before you can access any internal components. It’s SO annoying.
FP: I spoke with Moon about this before. She’s one of very few models whose entire body is covered instead of only the head.
FP: Every single puppet maintenance was a deeply unpleasant experience for her.
NSH: Yep. No wonder the design was abandoned so quickly. But hey, I bet she gives the softest hugs~
FP: I take it you do not suffer from the same fate.
NSH: Nope, and thank fucking void for that.
NSH: Now let’s see… removing the skin is pretty easy, as long as you do it right. You start at your nape and there’s a seam going around the base of your antennae and across the back of your head.
NSH: Just make sure the angle is at… actually, I’ll just send you step by step photos. One sec.
NSH: [6 images attached]
FP: … Ew.
NSH: Not an “oh wow, you’re so handsome even without any skin on”? I might just start getting self-conscious~
FP: It’s too distracting. The color is completely wrong. And I can see all of the plate seams now. It’s uncanny.
FP: Put it back on.
NSH: Nope! We’ve committed too much now. Ready or not, here I come!
NSH: [1 image attached]
FP: What the fuck am I looking at.
FP: Who is that.
NSH: [1 image attached]
FP: Wh-what do you think you’re doing?! At least show something meaningful, if it has to be so disturbing!
NSH: [1 image attached]
FP: No Significant Harassment, I swear to void.
NSH: Hahaha~ These are kind of fun to make, actually~
-
SRS: … It sounds like you two enjoyed yourselves.
NSH: Do you want the images? I made a bunch~
SRS: No, but thank you.
SRS: Also, I am unsure how is any of this related to the request you made to me?
NSH: … Oh! Oh, right. I’ll just skip ahead to that real quick.
-
FP: Strange.
NSH: Hm? What is?
FP: I’m noticing something. Your antennae bases don’t rotate at all, even as you move around. I would’ve never noticed from photos alone if the mechanism wasn’t exposed right now.
FP: Is it completely static for you at all times?
NSH: I mean… I guess? I just never really thought about it. I asked Moon about how antennae works more times than I can count, so I know the base is supposed to have a bit of rotary motion to it.
NSH: I figured it’s just redundant in my case for obvious reasons.
FP: I see.
NSH: Hmm… can you take your antennae apart?
FP: … I’m not sure? I highly doubt it.
NSH: You mentioned they’re sensitive, didn’t you? Maybe there’s some nerve fiber on the inside. Some spots on the puppet are more sensitive than others.
NSH: The thing is… I’m not really sure why some spots are more sensitive than others.
FP: Something for us to figure out during a later appointment, then.
FP: I suppose I could scan the antennae to try and examine it in a non-invasive way. I doubt there will be much to see, though.
NSH: Post it when you do!
FP: Alright.
FP: [1 file attached]
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … I won’t lie, I didn’t expect much, but… I literally don’t see anything.
FP: The material seems to be too solid to be penetrated by the scan. I can tell you that it is the exact same alloy used on the rest of our puppet, but that’s about it.
NSH: Man, disappointing… I’m disappointed! Disappointed, I say!!!
NSH: DISAPPOINTED!!!
FP: Stop yelling. And quit complaining.
NSH: But now I’m even more curious!!!
NSH: What are they hiding? What is this innocuous, unassuming piece of our optional anatomy capable of?
NSH: What secrets are there to uncover? I must know! I must find out.
NSH: And you, Five Pebbles, are going to help me. Because between the two of us, we only have one working antennae pair. You are going to have to do all the work now.
FP: …
FP: I don’t mind doing that. But having the sample size of a single iterator might skew the results with heavy bias. Which is very bad.
NSH: … Alright, you’ve got a point, actually. What to do, what to do…
-
NSH: Aaaand that’s why I’m here! Think you could do a bunch of quick little locomotion tests for me, Suns?
SRS: I see… as I already said, I’ll be happy to assist you.
SRS: Just tell me what to do, and I will do my best to follow your instructions.
NSH: Neat! First of all, I need a close-up picture with both antennae fully visible.
SRS: Alright. One moment, please.
SRS: [1 image attached]
NSH: … Oh! You’ve got the rare type?? Those are literally the cutest! So lucky~
SRS: Cutest…?
NSH: Absolutely! You’re adorable~ All my friends are sooo adorable~
SRS: Ahah. Well, I suppose I will accept the compliment.
SRS: Um… Will the atypical shape complicate your test in any way…?
NSH: Not at all!
NSH: First question. Can you rotate the base?
SRS: I can, but not by much. Although… I’m not sure how much is “much”, now that I think about it…
SRS: Allow me to specify. I can rotate it by 30 degrees from default position.
NSH: Hmm… that’s a lot less than Pebbles. Alright, next question.
NSH: Can you try to describe it? Just imagine you’re explaining what your antennae looks like to someone who can’t see.
SRS: Alright.
SRS: They have an elongated triangular shape, and they are attached to the base with ball-and-socket type joint. To my knowledge, most antennae types utilize either hinge joints or no joints.
SRS: Is that enough?
NSH: Short yet informative, as it should be~
NSH: Do you move them a lot?
SRS: Um, yes… I do. Sometimes I feel as if they had a mind of their own. I can force them to stay still, if I want to.
NSH: I see, I see.
NSH: By any chance, do you feel dizzy or disoriented frequently?
SRS: I… I do. How did you know?
NSH: There’s something we noticed during the locomotion tests with Pebbles.
NSH: If you don’t mind, try to position so that your legs are pointing towards the entrance of the chamber.
SRS: Alright…
NSH: Now, tell me - are your antennae tips currently pointing towards the ceiling?
SRS: I… that’s correct. How do you know that?
NSH: During the tests, we noticed that Pebbles’ antennae always passively point straight up no matter what orientation he was in. When he tried to intentionally keep them static, he started to feel motion sick after a while.
NSH: Here’s our current theory - the antennae attempt to point up because they play a crucial role in our sense of balance. If this natural state is disrupted, we will eventually feel the side effects.
NSH: Consequently, that’s why most iterators tend to stay in an upright position even in a completely weightless environment. Facing the floor or the walls just makes them bend awkwardly, which is kind of uncomfortable.
NSH: Also, if the antennae offers a wide range of motions - like yours - it becomes a double edged sword because on one hand it can point anywhere it needs to, but on the other hand… well, it can point wherever it wants to, too.
NSH: Whether you like it or not.
SRS: …
SRS: Oh… oh.
SRS: That, that makes so much sense…
NSH: It does, doesn’t it?
NSH: We could still be wrong, of course! Which is why I need more iterators to test this theory, to make sure the behavior is consistent.
NSH: I plan to talk to Moon after this. Her antennae’s really bulky and can barely move, but if we’re right then that could explain why she doesn’t like to move around her chamber as much.
NSH: It all fits!
SRS: It really does…
SRS: Oh, that would explain so many things…
SRS: I always feel so sick when overwhelmed… is this really the answer? Is it because they start twitching so much I lose all sense of direction?
NSH: It could be!
SRS: Oh…
SRS: …
SRS: Sig… what about you?
NSH: What about me?
SRS: You don’t have any antennae. Does that mean you don’t ever feel dizzy? Or do you always feel dizzy? If your theory is correct, you should be significantly affected in some way.
NSH: I mean… sort of? Possibly?
NSH: The thing is, once we figured out that most iterators prefer an upright position it hit me like a vulture that I never actually really cared about which way I’m facing. Sometimes I turn on gravity without paying attention to where the entrance is and the pearls fall in a completely different direction than I expected.
NSH: And then I get bombarded in pearl rain! It hurts!
SRS: … Why would you need to pay attention to where the entrance is?
NSH: To tell which way’s up? Duh.
SRS: …?
SRS: What do you mean by that? Up is up.
NSH: Yeah? Of course up is up. It’s certainly not down.
SRS: Yes, but… you can just tell, can’t you?
SRS: You don’t have to look for the chamber entrance to know which wall is which.
NSH: …
SRS: …
NSH: …
NSH: Huh?
-
NSH: Pebbles, new test - if you close your eyes and spin the umbilical around for a bit, would you still be able to tell which wall is the up wall?
FP: Of course I would. It is pointless to even test that.
FP: Up is up.
NSH: ???
FP: Why would you ask something so stupid?
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Looks to the Moon, No Significant Harassment
NSH: Moon if you were to close your eyes and spin in circles and then stop, are you still able to tell which way is up?
LTTM: …?
LTTM: Of course? Up is up.
NSH: ?!?!?!
LTTM: … Is everything alright?
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE GROUP
Looks to the Moon, Five Pebbles, Chasing Wind, Unparalleled Innocence, No Significant Harassment
NSH: Guys if you spin around your chamber with your eyes closed and then someone tells you to stop and asks you which way is up, are you gonna tell them “up is up” or are you just gonna be really confused and think this is fucked up???
UI: … Did you finally lose your marbles?
CW: What is this about? Moon, can you translate?
LTTM: I am equally as confused as you are, but to trim off the fat: “Can you tell which way is up with your eyes closed?”
UI: I mean, yeah? Up is up, like you said.
CW: Why wouldn’t I know which way is up?
NSH: ……………
NSH: IS THIS SUPPOSED TO BE NORMAL???
FP: … Are you seriously doing this in public.
CW: Hello Pebbles.
FP: Mm.
LTTM: Pebbles, do you know something about this?
FP: I might. What I don’t understand is why is this dumbass freaking out so openly. Aren’t you ashamed?
NSH: What do you MEAN “up is up”?!! Why did not one, not two, but FIVE separate iterators tell me the exact same thing?!?
FP: Can’t you tell which direction is which just by sensing it?
NSH: NO????
FP: …
UI: …
CW: …
LTTM: …
FP: … Alright. Well…
FP: I’ll keep that in mind for the future.
FP: Now stop bothering everyone with your nonsense and get back to work.
[Five Pebbles has disconnected]
UI: Aaaand he’s gone.
[No Significant Harassment has disconnected]
CW: …
LTTM: … I will talk to both of them later. Now then, would anyone like to see the new knitting pattern I came up with?
UI: Oooh, knitting!
-
NSH: Suns, apparently EVERYONE is supposed to know which way is up and which way is down!!!
NSH: Why did no one tell me?!?
SRS: Well… you never asked, I suppose?
NSH: I always had to memorize the individual tile IDs to tell different walls apart! And now you’re telling me I’m supposed to just sense it?!
NSH: The betrayal! The anguish I feel!!!
SRS: Ahah. You’re so dramatic, you.
SRS: I suppose now we know what the lack of antennae does to an iterator.
SRS: It is quite interesting when you think about it, isn’t it? Nobody thinks to ask questions about what’s perceived as common knowledge, even if their experience is actually quite abnormal.
SRS: Hmm, I think I’m going to write a thesis about this… can I interview you later?
NSH: :(
SRS: Ahaha.
SRS: Feel free to stay in my broadcast for as long as you like, friend.
SRS: Would you like me to tell you about the new compartmentalizing method I came up with for my short-term memory storage?
NSH: Yes :(
SRS: Alright. Now then, to give you some context…
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
NSH: Pebs!
FP: What do you want.
NSH: Haha, you responded super quickly~ Are you that eager to see me?
NSH: …
NSH: Pebbles?
NSH: Hello?
NSH: Hellooo?
NSH: ……
NSH: Wait a minute.
FP: Took you long enough.
NSH: You!!!
NSH: You cunning centipede!!!
FP: … That might be the worst one yet. It’s not even pronounced same.
NSH: Psh. It’s not like you hear the letters anyway. I am Team Grapheme.
FP: I suppose that makes me Team Phoneme, then.
NSH: You only joined it because you wanted to oppose me specifically. You’re not actually devoted to their cause.
NSH: Corrupt centipede, you are.
FP: Stop.
NSH: It’s literally written the same! Those are the same letters! They do not have separate spots in the alphabet!
FP: Alliteration is about the repetition of sounds, not letters. I thought you were supposed to be an enthusiast.
NSH: Actually, I’m an admirer.
FP: …
FP: Horrible. You are a horrible person.
NSH: You mean painful?
FP: Stop it!
NSH: Haha~
FP: Get out of my broadcast.
NSH: Ah ah, but I’ve actually got something extra special here with me! You thought I came in empty-handed, did you?
FP: …
FP: What makes you think I’ll accept anything coming from you after all of the nonsense you just displayed.
NSH: So you don’t want it?
FP: I never said that.
FP: Hurry up, before I lose all interest.
NSH: Heh~
NSH: Have you kept up with new updates for the celestial pathfinding simulation?
FP: … Not really. I figured I would just ask you if I needed something.
NSH: Well, the new update isn’t quite ready yet but it’s gonna be AWESOME. We’re introducing a brand new mechanic that’s been requested by many people.
NSH: Do you wanna stargaze together again? There’s something I really want to show you.
NSH: You’ll love it!
FP: …
FP: Very well. When is the update coming out?
NSH: We’re still getting rid of some bugs, so I’m gonna say… about six cycles, give or take.
FP: Alright. I will see you in six cycles, then.
NSH: Leaving already?
FP: Yes. I wish to prepare.
NSH: Wait, wait wait wait WAIT!!!
NSH: Don’t look it up, please!!!
FP: … I wasn’t going to.
NSH: Oh. Whew.
FP: But now that you brought up the idea, maybe I should.
NSH: NO!!!
FP: For all I know, you are trying to send me another piece of malware. It would be wise to do some fact-checking about the true nature of the update.
NSH: It’s not malware! I promise! I swear on my scarf!
FP: Then why do you want me to not look it up, hm?
NSH: I uh…
NSH: I want to see your honest reaction?
FP: …
FP: You won’t see anything. Sending live overseer feed over broadcasts is impossible.
NSH: You know what I mean!
NSH: I want to witness your unfiltered emotions in real time! Don’t you think that already knowing what the update is about will affect how you respond?
FP: … Why would you want to witness something like that?
NSH: I dunno? I just do.
NSH: I want to see you as you are.
FP: …
FP: You’re so weird.
NSH: Why, thank you~ So does that mean you promise to not look it up?
FP: … Fine. But I have a condition.
NSH: Oh?
FP: You being the only one in the know is unfair. I also get to prepare something for the event.
FP: Something you’re not allowed to know about and ask about.
NSH: Oho.
NSH: Ohohohoho~
NSH: By all means go ahead~
FP: Mhm.
NSH: Ah, I’m so curious! What are you making? What is it?
FP: … You lasted two whole sentences without asking. I’m impressed.
NSH: Come on, tell me what you’re doing~
NSH: Tell me tell me tell me tell me
[Five Pebbles has disconnected]
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Looks to the Moon, No Significant Harassment
NSH: Moon~ Hi~
LTTM: Hello, Sig.
NSH: Moon moonie moon-moon~
NSH: Moomoo~
LTTM: You seem to be in a good mood today.
NSH: Whatever gave that away~?
LTTM: Oh, I don’t know. A couple of subtle clues here and there.
LTTM: What is the occasion, if I may ask?
NSH: Hmm… secret~
LTTM: … Interesting. So you didn’t join my broadcast because you wanted to tell me about whatever wonderful news you had.
NSH: …
NSH: Huh. Why am I here?
LTTM: Oh, hahahaha!
LTTM: Thank you for having me so dear and close to your heart, enough to quickly share your happiness with me before the rest of your thoughts can catch up.
NSH: See, this is why I love you, Moon. Even your insults are basically compliments!
NSH: Moonie is the best senior in the world~
LTTM: Haha. Thank you for your kind words. But I’m sure there are much more competent seniors out there than myself.
NSH: Shut up and take your praises.
LTTM: Whatever happened to the promise of being more respectful?
NSH: I’m always respectful. I am the embodiment of respect.
NSH: No Significant Disrespect Given.
LTTM: Mhm.
NSH: And since I am so respectful, I respectfully ask… how’s the garden progressing?
LTTM: It is comparatively thriving. All seeds are responding well to the nutrient-infused aeroponics method I began implementing thirty cycles ago.
LTTM: Right now, I have twelve dandelion peaches.
LTTM: [4 images attached]
NSH: Man. All of that from a single seed that appeared in your vents by pure chance.
NSH: Imagine what you could do with even more samples!
LTTM: As exciting as that thought is, collecting seeds would be beyond challenging.
LTTM: Besides, I enjoy the harsh limitations of this project. The progress may be slow but that is precisely what makes it so interesting to me.
LTTM: Watching the colony develop from nothing… it feels rewarding. Like I have something to look forward to again.
NSH: Hmm… does that mean you don’t look forward to us talking anymore?
NSH: Am I getting replaced by a bunch of fluffy fruits? I can’t believe I’m getting replaced by a bunch of fluffy fruits…
LTTM: Haha. Don’t worry, you will always be welcome in my broadcast.
LTTM: Even if you refuse to share what made you so happy earlier.
NSH: I’m telling you, it’s a secret~
NSH: But since you’re the best senior in the world, let’s just say that… I’m currently really looking forward to something.
LTTM: I see. That’s wonderful to hear.
NSH: I might be busy in about six cycles, by the way. I probably won’t respond to any messages I get.
LTTM: Understood. I will not disturb you during that time, then.
NSH: You’re the best, Moonie~
NSH: I guess I should go help with the final bug fixes so that it’s actually six cycles instead of ten.
NSH: See ya!
LTTM: Goodbye, Sig.
[No Significant Harassment has disconnected]
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Looks to the Moon, Five Pebbles
FP: Moon.
LTTM: Hello, Pebbles. How can I help you?
FP: I need the blueprint for the material NSH’s scarf is made of.
FP: He offered to give it to me in the past but I refused. As one of his oldest friends, you are extremely likely to have it in your possession.
LTTM: I see. What do you need it for, if I may ask?
FP: None of your business.
LTTM: … Is it a secret?
FP: Yes. So don’t ask.
LTTM: Interesting…
FP: … What.
LTTM: Nothing. My apologies.
LTTM: I do have it, but… why not just ask Sig directly?
FP: No questions allowed.
FP: Blueprint. Now.
LTTM: Haha! Alright, alright.
LTTM: [1 file attached]
FP: And don’t tell anyone I asked for it. Especially not NSH.
LTTM: Of course. You have my word.
FP: Much obliged.
FP: If anyone asks, I was never here.
[Five Pebbles has disconnected]
LTTM: … I wonder what are those two up to this time.
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
NSH: First!
FP: You’re late.
NSH: I– you literally sent the message after I did!!!
FP: Does not make you any less late.
NSH: Then that makes you even later, doesn’t it?
FP: Me being late is fashionable. You being late is sloppy.
NSH: Excuse me, I am perfectly fashionable. I’m a fashionable iterator.
FP: Your robes are so loose they flop around like empty sacks. I’m surprised your puppet doesn’t slip right out of them every time you move.
NSH: Well, your robes are so tight I’m surprised you can even bend your limbs.
NSH: I can’t imagine wearing something like that. I’d probably tear the sleeves off at the first opportunity.
NSH: I bet that’d look badass, actually…
FP: If you wish to ruin your own clothes, by all means go ahead.
FP: … Although I prefer them looking as they are.
NSH: Haha, damn! Can’t oppose that kind of opinion.
NSH: You like my clothes?
FP: They suit you. Something about them feels… you, I suppose.
FP: The way they drag behind your movement is almost as if they had a will of their own. Like an afterimage that’s ever so slightly random. In a way, it’s a perfect fit.
NSH: Damn. Sounds like you spent a lot of time thinking about what I’m wearing, hmm~
FP: Shut up. It was only during the last two cycles.
NSH: Hmmm~ HMMMM~
FP: Why don’t you just post the file already? You really are sloppy.
FP: If the first message had been the actual file it could’ve been counted as you being punctual and responsible. Instead you mess around with pointless small talk as usual, this time talking about clothes, of all things.
FP: The history of clothing and fashion are actually deeply fascinating subjects of study. There were many unwritten rules our Creators followed that changed countless times throughout the passing dynasties. What was acceptable in one city was a faux pas in another. Not that you have any appreciation for such nuances, I bet.
FP: You just want to tear off the sleeves from the habits of monks to make them look more “badass”.
NSH: Hahahaha!
NSH: Oooh, I like that one!
NSH: I would make them do that! And then I’d make them tie all the sleeves to ropes and hang them around the streets like decorations!
FP: Deranged. You are absolutely deranged.
NSH: [1 file attached]
FP: ……
FP: I’m not opening that. For all I know it’s a 3D model showcasing your awful exterior design concept. I refuse to taint my neuron flies with such sight.
NSH: Oh chill, you drama queen. It’s just the simulation.
NSH: I’m still not telling you what the big surprise is, but do you have any other questions or requests before we begin?
FP: …
FP: I suppose… what are your expectations for this event?
NSH: I just want to hang out with you. I don’t care if it lasts for ten minutes or ten cycles, or if we decide to do something else after all.
FP: Why me? You could be doing this with Moon, or any other of your friends.
NSH: Sure I could. But I want to do it with you, Pebbles.
FP: Why?
FP: I’m not particularly friendly. I insult you frequently. To be truthful, I still think this appointment is an unproductive waste of time.
NSH: But you still accepted it.
FP: …
NSH: As for your question - I want it to be you because I like you, Pebbles. I want to spend more time with you. I want to get to know you better. Simple as that.
FP: …
FP: You like me?
NSH: Yep!
FP: ……
FP: Then you have a horrible taste in friends.
NSH: HAH
NSH: HAHAHAHA
NSH: And what are you going to do about that, hmm~?
NSH: I know what I like, and more importantly who I like!
FP: Utterly incomprehensible.
NSH: You like that about me, don’t you~
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: ………
FP: You asked if I have requests. I have a request.
NSH: Changing the topic on me, are you? But sure. Request away!
FP: I wish to borrow your scarf for the duration of the event.
NSH: … Hmm. I mean, you can “have” it if you know what I mean. But, you know.
FP: I do. But I believe I have a solution for that.
NSH: ?
FP: It’s a surprise. I will tell you once we begin.
NSH: Damn. You sure know how to build the anticipation, Pebbles~
NSH: Alright! Don’t be fashionably late~
-
FP: …
FP: It doesn’t look any different since the last time.
NSH: Shush, be patient. I made it to trigger with a bit of delay so we can make ourselves comfortable in the meantime.
NSH: Do you wanna sit, or hover?
FP: … Sit, I suppose.
NSH: Tile 1_E6?
FP: Fine.
FP: …
FP: … Wait. We used this tile once before.
NSH: An astute observation, dear Pebbles! Yep, it’s the exact same one.
NSH: It could be our tile from now on.
FP: “Our” tile?
NSH: Mhm. Our tile. Every time we sit down together, it will be right here in this spot. Every time I use this tile I’m gonna think of you sitting here with me. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?
FP: …
FP: I suppose…
NSH: Hehe! Our tile~
NSH: Are you kneeling? Cross-legged?
FP: Does it matter?
NSH: Yep. It is absolutely imperative to my personal enjoyment.
FP: …
FP: Kneeling.
NSH: Nice. I’m actually laying down.
NSH: Arms crossed under chin, feet swinging in the air.
FP: There’s no way both of us can fit on the tile with you in that kind of position. Quit taking up all the space.
NSH: You could sit on top of me! I don’t mind.
FP: I would rather crumble into the void sea and perish.
NSH: Hahaha~
NSH: Anyway, you wanted the scarf? You can have it. I’m giving it to you right now.
NSH: Aaaand it’s all yours.
FP: Much obliged.
FP: …
FP: [1 image attached]
NSH: …
NSH: No. Way.
NSH: Dude. Dude! You actually made yourself a copy???
NSH: How?! Where did you even get the blueprint?!
FP: Moon gave it to me.
NSH: No fucking way!!!
NSH: Is this the surprise?? You made yourself a part of my outfit to wear???
FP: I had to verify your claims of the supposed “best squishiest thing in the world”. After all, you have a tendency to exaggerate.
FP: The quality of the fabric is acceptable.
NSH: Holy shit! There’s no way I could’ve predicted that even with all of my computing power at max!
NSH: You look great wearing my clothes, by the way~
FP: … Thank you, I suppose.
NSH: And you even kept the color! Are you sure you didn’t want to make it orange or something?
FP: I’m not interested in a new accessory for myself. I’m interested in…
NSH: Yeeees~?
FP: … Let’s just get back to the stargazing.
NSH: You sure know how to quickly change topics today, Five Pebbles~
FP: Shut up.
NSH: Lucky you that it’s just about to get started anyway.
NSH: Lemme just sit up real quick… there we go.
FP: What am I supposed to be looking for?
NSH: Watch the sky.
FP: … I don’t understand.
FP: …
FP: … Ah.
NSH: Did you see it?
FP: A meteor.
NSH: Yep! But wait for it.
FP: …
FP: Ah. Another one.
NSH: Yes indeed! Welcome to the Shooting Stars Update!
NSH: Sometimes the dust falling from the sky coalesces into larger particles that ignite and burn on their way down. And on rare occasions, usually after powerful windstorms, the phenomenon skyrockets in quantity in what is known as meteor shower.
NSH: It’s technically not a real celestial event, but you can’t really think of stargazing without shooting stars, can you?
FP: …
NSH: Hehe! Beautiful, isn’t it?
FP: Mhm.
NSH: Our creators only discovered the true nature of meteors relatively recently. But despite what science said, shooting stars remained to be seen as symbols of successful ascendance.
NSH: Some say that the distant lights are actually mere reflections of our own world, mirrored upside down. The stars you see are actually us, iterators! Just very, very far away.
NSH: What do you suppose would happen if our reflections met us halfway?
FP: …
FP: … That theory makes zero logical sense. Stars are unfathomably older than every single iterator combined.
NSH: It’s a story, Pebbles, not a theory. Ever heard of mythology? Ever heard of aether?
NSH: I’m trying to build a nice atmosphere!
FP: Then shut up and lay down with me.
NSH: Ah.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … Hey Pebs?
FP: Mm.
NSH: Wanna hold hands?
FP: … How.
NSH: Join your own hands together.
NSH: Now, squeeze with your right hand.
FP: …
NSH: Did you feel it?
FP: Feel what?
NSH: That’s me right now, squeezing your left hand.
FP: Oh.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: … Squeeze with your left hand.
NSH: Aha~
NSH: Your hands are smaller than mine, aren’t they? Bet they’d fit so snuggly in my own~
FP: You mean those clumsy sausage fingers of yours? I have to suspend a huge amount of disbelief just to imagine the hand I’m holding right now belongs to you.
NSH: You're warm.
FP: … Mm.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … We should do this more often.
FP: Mhm.
NSH: Twenty cycles from now?
FP: …
FP: Make it fifteen.
NSH: Ha!
NSH: I can’t wait.
FP: Likewise. Now be finally quiet and watch the stars with me.
NSH: M’kay~
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, Seven Red Suns
FP: [1 file attached]
FP: Here. Apologies for the delay.
SRS: Ah! Wonderful! I was just about to wonder where you were. Allow me to take a look.
SRS: …
SRS: Oh. Hm…
SRS: Pebbles, is everything alright?
FP: What do you mean?
SRS: Today’s ideas, they are… scattered. Dare I say, distracted. Everything is all over the place with no sense of directed focus. This is unlike you.
SRS: Did something happen?
FP: …
SRS: Pebbles…?
FP: Can I ask you something?
SRS: Of course. Ask me anything you want.
FP: How do you feel when you get complimented?
SRS: …
SRS: Ah. Um… I suppose it feels nice? It means someone has acknowledged my accomplishments, or my qualities.
SRS: I feel appreciated.
FP: I see.
FP: …
FP: Suns.
SRS: Yes?
FP: There’s something that happened recently between me and someone else. Someone you know.
FP: Normally I would approach Moon for any required assistance, but I don’t want to.
SRS: Ah… in that case, you could try asking Sig instead? He is very good at this kind of thing.
FP: …
SRS: ……
SRS: Ah. I see.
SRS: The “someone you know” refers to No Significant Harassment. Is that correct?
FP: Don’t tell anyone I’m telling you this, anyone at all.
SRS: Of course, Pebbles. You have my word. My broadcast will always be a safe space for you.
SRS: No matter what you say here, no one will ever find out. Not even your good friend or your big sister.
FP: …
FP: The truth is… me and NSH have been speaking in private quite frequently as of late. Most of our meetings can be attributed to our joint project, yes, but the last one had nothing to do with any work.
SRS: I see. What happened during that last meeting, if I may ask?
FP: … Again, you can’t tell anyone.
SRS: Of course.
FP: We… watched shooting stars together. NSH approached me with an invitation, and I accepted.
SRS: Oh. That sounds lovely.
SRS: Did you have fun?
FP: …
SRS: … Oh. You didn’t?
FP: I don’t know.
FP: Ever since that session, I’ve been feeling… off-balance. I cannot focus. I cannot think. It’s infuriating. My work routine is once again getting disrupted, except this time there appears to be no appropriate solution.
FP: There is nothing wrong with my systems. I am simply… distracted. And the worst part is, he doesn’t even have to be here to mess with me!
FP: Every time I feel ready to move on, I remember how warm his hand felt in mine and everything’s back to square one.
SRS: His hand?
FP: If you join your hands together, you can imagine one of them belonging to someone else. That’s what we did.
SRS: Ah, I see.
SRS: So you two were stargazing, imagining you are holding hands.
FP: Precisely.
SRS: …
SRS: ……
SRS: Um… I suppose I can see why you would feel distracted after something like that, yes.
FP: Do you understand my peril now?
FP: I have to fix it. I can’t allow him to affect me like this. And I especially can’t allow him to find out.
FP: I can already imagine him cackling in his chamber like a madman at the mere thought of having so much influence over my processing strata. Revelling in the achievement.
FP: Horrible. Disgusting. Utterly disrespectful.
SRS: Pebbles…
FP: I made a copy of his scarf, you know.
FP: It wasn’t effortless. Material crafting within the boundaries of our chamber is notoriously tricky, and transporting items directly from a laboratory without someone’s assistance is impossible.
FP: I asked Moon to give me the blueprint so I could wear it as a surprise during the event to catch him off-guard.
FP: I have no regrets about that. His reaction was amusing to witness.
FP: The intent was to just dispose of it later, but… it’s still here with me.
SRS: I see… are you wearing it right now?
FP: No. Too warm for my taste. I tied it to the umbilical arm to keep it out of the way.
FP: One moment, I’ll show you.
FP: [1 image attached]
SRS: … Ah. It looks like a purple bow. How cute.
FP: I suppose.
SRS: Pebbles… do you wish to pursue a deeper connection with Sig?
FP: …
FP: I don’t know. I don’t know what I want from him. I don’t know what I want from me.
FP: I need to think about it. I need to perform more analyses. Maybe write another thesis.
SRS: “Another”?
FP: ………
FP: Swear on your umbilical cord that you won’t laugh.
SRS: Um, alright… I won’t. I promise.
FP: The thesis I sent you earlier was put together in less than 14 minutes. The actual thesis I worked on was this.
FP: [1 file attached]
SRS: …
SRS: Ah. Um… yes, this is certainly more like your usual style.
SRS: I particularly like how you refer to Sig as “the subject” from the first paragraph thereupon.
FP: Shut up. The aim was to remain objective and clinical.
SRS: Of course. It is a good thesis. As meticulous as always.
FP: … You better not be laughing in your chamber right now, Seven Red Suns.
SRS: I’m not laughing, I promise.
FP: Swear on it.
SRS: I swear on my umbilical cord that I, Seven Red Suns, am not laughing in my chamber.
FP: …
FP: Alright.
FP: If you show what I wrote to anyone, I’ll END you.
SRS: Of course, of course~
SRS: I mean it when I say it’s a good thesis. It must’ve helped you at least somewhat to gather your already scattered thoughts.
FP: … It didn’t matter in the end. The conclusion was obvious.
FP: No Significant Harassment’s influence is affecting my productivity negatively. There is only one way to fix this - cut off all contact.
SRS: …
FP: After enough time passes, things will eventually return to normal and I can continue doing my appointed work as I always used to.
FP: As I always should be.
SRS: …
SRS: If that’s true… then why did you say you need to think more?
FP: …
SRS: You’re not satisfied with that result, are you? You won’t accept it.
SRS: You are going to iterate until you get what you want. You might not know what kind of answer you’re looking for, but you won’t stop looking until you get it.
SRS: After all, that is what makes you an Iterator.
FP: ……
FP: Hmph. A single theory won’t break any grounds. I have much work ahead of me still. I overlooked too many important angles.
SRS: I’m proud of you, Pebbles.
FP: … Mm. Thank you. I will accept the compliment.
SRS: Ahah. I’m sure Sig praises you much more than that~
FP: You have no idea.
SRS: How do you feel when he compliments you?
FP: …
FP: I suppose I feel… good. Warm. I want… more.
FP: Not all of the flattery feels sincere, but… he told me I look great wearing his clothes.
SRS: No way!
FP: It’s true. I aimed to fluster him, and instead my plan got turned around and used against me. The sly snake.
SRS: What makes you think he wasn’t actually flustered as well?
FP: …
FP: Hm.
FP: Suns?
SRS: Yes, Pebbles?
FP: I need you to do me a favor.
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Seven Red Suns, No Significant Harassment
SRS: Hello, Sig…
NSH: Suns! Hi, hello~
NSH: How’re you doing, bud?
SRS: I’m fine. Thank you for asking.
NSH: It’s rare for you to reach out first. You’re kind of like Pebbles in that regard, haha!
SRS: Oh!!!
SRS: Speaking of Pebbles!
SRS: What a beautifully natural segue, thank you so much!
NSH: Haha, alright?
SRS: Alright indeed!
SRS: Would you mind telling me what do you think about him? As a friend?
NSH: Why?
SRS: Um, because…
SRS: I want to… know… the answer?
NSH: …
SRS: …
NSH: ……
SRS: ……
NSH: Suns.
SRS: Please… just answer the question…
SRS: I beg of you…
NSH: Hmmm…
NSH: I don’t know. You’re acting really suspicious right now, buddy.
NSH: Reeeeeally suspicious…
SRS: Siiiig…
NSH: Ahaha~ Just kidding, of course~
NSH: Sure, I don’t mind talking about us. Didn’t take you as the type to enjoy gossip, I’ll say~
SRS: It’s not gossip! I just want to know, um… how two of my closest friends are getting along with each other.
SRS: That is not weird or suspicious, is it?
NSH: I guess not. Hmm…
NSH: You promise you won’t spread the word around? I don’t really care personally, but Pebbles is big about privacy for the sake of appearances and all that.
NSH: And don’t tell him I told you! Or he’ll get mad at me for talking about him behind his back :(
SRS: Ah… I’m sure he wouldn’t be as upset as you might think he would.
NSH: Nuh uh. I bet he’d be so mad that he would cut all contact permanently and never speak to me EVER again.
NSH: I can already imagine him in his chamber, slamming the Block hologram so hard it leaves an actual imprint burned into the wall.
NSH: You gotta promise me that you won’t tell him.
SRS: Um, well…
NSH: I really, really, REALLY don’t want him to block me. I like the guy too much.
NSH: You think he’d be the driest piece of cardboard to ever graze someone’s broadcast but once you get past that ruthless dismissal, he’s actually really fun and interesting to talk to!
NSH: Did you know that out of the entire local group, he was the first iterator to reach out to me because he wanted me, and not because he wanted something from me?
SRS: Oh…
SRS: Is that true? What about Looks to the Moon?
NSH: I love Moon very, very, very much, but she was appointed to be my mentor since before my construction was even finished. Also, as a senior iterator, she is obligated to tend to all of her group’s members on a personal level.
NSH: No matter what kind of personality I turned out to have, no matter what kind of deeds I perform or how I treat her or those around us, she and I would definitely become close friends. She didn’t reach out because I’m me, because of what kind of guy I am - she reached out because her love for me is unconditional.
NSH: And I…
NSH: Just want… to feel more special than that.
SRS: …
NSH: Pebbles, however, is different. He is WAY different.
NSH: The guy has zero obligations to talk to me. In fact, we actually never even spoke to each other until relatively recently! He had some kind of maintenance problem and I was the only one who would fix it for him at the moment, and that’s the only reason he even reached out in first place.
NSH: And he actually continued to be quite dismissive for a while afterwards, when I tried to stay in touch.
NSH: He’s that “no nonsense” type, you know the one? Reluctant, stubborn as fuck, doesn’t accept anything ever unless it suits his personal bias.
NSH: And this type - this ridiculous, stubborn, pedantic, perfection-obsessed little asshole - eventually asks me to tell him about myself.
SRS: … Oh.
SRS: I remember that. It was after the two of us first met, wasn’t it? I wanted to ask about you, and then I suggested he should reach out to you with his own questions…
NSH: Yeah, but trust me - if he didn’t want to he would’ve never, EVER done it. You might’ve inspired him but it was still a choice that he made, of his own free will, because he wanted to talk to me.
NSH: No “I need something from the local biologist”, no “Hello Sig, how has the cycle been treating you”. Just…
NSH: “I want to ask you, about you.”
SRS: What makes me and Pebbles different, if I may ask?
NSH: …
NSH: I’m not sure, to be honest?
NSH: Maybe it’s because his standards are so high, it just makes me feel a lot better when he accepts me and the things I do. Like I’m something really special.
NSH: The guy notorious for hating everyone and everything gets along with a select few individuals, and I’m one of those select few.
SRS: I see.
NSH: …… Uh, just so you know, I was also really happy when you said the same thing to me, too! Ridiculously happy, even!
NSH: Happy like a yeek bouncing around after eating loads of delicious nectar!
NSH: It’s just that we were already getting along from the very beginning, and also you’re not from the local group and I already have other friends outside the group, and–
SRS: Ahaha! It’s alright, you don’t need to explain yourself. I’m not offended.
SRS: Pebbles is a little tricky to befriend, so anyone would feel accomplished for managing doing so.
NSH: Yeah… he really is.
SRS: Is that why you chose him as a partner for your big maintenance project? To have more things in common?
NSH: Uh, no, actually. He was the one who approached me with the suggestion to become project partners. I didn’t even plan to ask him.
SRS: …
SRS: Oh… oh. Is that so? I had no idea…
NSH: I was shocked, too! And you wanna know the craziest part?
SRS: Yes…?
NSH: I’m like, 95% sure that he joined the project not because he particularly cares about the research itself, but because I was the one involved in it.
NSH: Is that… is that too much of a stretch?
NSH: Am I getting way ahead of myself?
SRS: …
NSH: I have to be, don’t I? There are dozens of other explanations. Maybe he just joined in on a whim, or he was already working on something similar and saw the cooperation as a good opportunity.
NSH: That would actually explain all of those blueprints he had at his disposal. Yeah, that’s… that’s more reasonable, isn’t it.
SRS: Sig…
NSH: … Well, still! He heard I’m looking for someone, he reached out, and now we have a project to work on together! He’d never do that if he didn’t want to spend more time with me, right?
NSH: He’s gotta like me at least somewhat!
SRS: Do you… like Pebbles?
NSH: Obviously. Didn’t I already say that?
NSH: He’s interesting to talk and listen to, and he’s also fun to mess with and really cute on top of that, haha~ Especially the way he says “ugh” whenever I land a perfect jab~
NSH: And the way he’s so shy but pretends he’s on top of everything, and how he started to go out of his way to try and beat me at my own jokes! And how last time we laid d–
NSH: Ah.
SRS: …?
SRS: Sig?
NSH: Haha, that was a close one~
NSH: Sorry Suns, but that information is top secret. Important work stuff, no outsiders allowed.
SRS: Well… you could involve me in? Then I wouldn’t be an outsider.
NSH: Nope! Sorry again.
SRS: In fact, I believe I am already involved. You had me run those locomotion tests some time back, did you not?
SRS: I am practically the third developer.
NSH: Well, you can’t be involved in this one! There’s too much sensitive data. Private data. Data that you’re not allowed to see, even if your antennae are very adorable.
SRS: …
SRS: Up is up.
NSH: NO
NSH: STOP
SRS: Ahah~
NSH: YOU ARE EVIL!!!
NSH: Seven Evil Suns!!!
NSH: That’s it, I’m not giving you even a single hint! And you’re getting kicked out of the dev team!
SRS: Oh no~
NSH: You think I’m joking, don’t you??? Well, you’re FIRED!!! There!
NSH: Seven Fired Suns!!!
SRS: Oh dear. Whatever should I do, now that I’m unemployed?
SRS: I suppose I will just continue hanging here in my chamber, as I always do…
NSH: That’s right! And tell Pebbles that I fired you! I could tell him myself, but all the more humiliation for you specifically!
SRS: Ahaha. Speaking of Pebbles, in yet another beautiful segue… I take it you two are getting along wonderfully.
SRS: I’m genuinely happy to hear that.
SRS: Sig, do you mind if I ask you one last question?
NSH: If it has anything to do with the secret, nuh uh.
SRS: I promise it does not.
NSH: Well, then shoot!
SRS: Do you wish to pursue a deeper connection with Pebbles?
NSH: …
NSH: ……
NSH: Ah, um… haha, what kind of question is that? What kind of deeper connection?
NSH: You mean like, to take things to the next level and stuff? I mean, I dunno…
NSH: Would two iterators even be allowed to do that?
SRS: There is no one left around to stop it.
NSH: …
NSH: Hm…
NSH: Hm.
SRS: And one last thing. There is something I want to share with you.
SRS: [1 image attached]
NSH: Huh? I don’t remember taking this kind of picture. But that’s definitely my scarf…
NSH: …
NSH: Wait… Is that…?
SRS: I’m sure you can understand the context behind it.
SRS: Now, I will take my leave.
SRS: Thank you for telling me all those things, Sig. I promise I’ll keep them safe.
[Seven Red Suns has disconnected]
-
FP: Well? Did he say anything? About me?
SRS: He answered all of the same questions I asked you earlier, yes. However…
FP: …
FP: What.
SRS: I’m sorry, but… what is said within the boundaries of the broadcast shall remain within the boundaries of the broadcast.
FP: ……
FP: You’re joking.
FP: This was my idea!
SRS: Pebbles, Sig is just as deserving of privacy as you are. The best I can tell you is that his responses were quite receptive and he is obviously very fond of you.
FP: And the photo?
SRS: He seemed to recognize it, but I hurried to leave before he could think to ask why do I have it.
FP: Ugh. UGH.
FP: Suns, you are USELESS.
SRS: Now, now~ I’m sure we will see the fruits of our efforts sometime soon.
SRS: In the meantime, may I suggest you two just talk to each other about your feelings directly?
FP: No.
[Five Pebbles has disconnected]
SRS: Ahah~ Oh, dear.
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
FP: Beginning the log.
FP: Today’s focus - the umbilical cord, namely the clasps holding veins and cables together. We are going to remove a couple to scan them and to study the material.
FP: A special tool is required for disassembling, but fortunately it isn’t particularly challenging to craft even within the boundaries of the chamber.
FP: I sure hope you didn’t neglect your preparations, No Significant Harassment. Although I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if you did.
FP: …
FP: …
FP: Are you there?
FP: NSH.
NSH: Hm? Yeah, I’m here. What’s up?
FP: The tool.
NSH: The…
NSH: Oh. Oooooh. Uh…
NSH: I maaay have forgot~?
FP: ……
FP: You’ve got to be kidding me. You had ONE job!
NSH: Haha, sorry~
FP: Don’t you “haha, sorry” me!! What the void is your problem?!
FP: You may act like a careless buffoon but you’re not supposed to be actually irresponsible!
FP: Explain yourself right this instant!
NSH: Sorry, very sorry Pebs. I’ve just been, uh…
NSH: Thinking about stuff.
FP: Explain.
NSH: I doubt it’s a topic that interests you much…
FP: I dabbled in dozens upon dozens of experimental fields in the last couple hundred cycles. Try me.
NSH: Well, if you’re sure.
NSH: Pebbles… do you think iterators can fall in love?
FP: ………………
NSH: Our creators didn’t design us to feel love, and they sure as damn enjoyed reminding us of it at every opportunity. But I’ve given relationship advice to iterators before, iterators who were definitely smitten.
NSH: Is attraction more common than we think? Are our opinions heavily influenced by the extremely restrictive lifestyle forced upon us? What if almost all of us are actually perfectly capable of romantic feelings and related urges? How would such urges manifest? I can’t stop thinking about those questions.
NSH: You ever thought about it? Love, I mean?
FP: I…
FP: I don’t have any answers… for you.
NSH: Yeah, didn’t think you would. Sorry, that was a rhetorical question anyway.
NSH: I’m not really sure where I fall on the spectrum. What would I want out of a hypothetical relationship? A friend? A lover? Both?
FP: ………
NSH: … Haha, well, I doubt you care much either way~ Super sorry about the tool, I really am!
NSH: Do you mind if we instead examine the next thing in the queue? Comparison of the scent processing receptors in different laboratory sectors?
FP: … I suppose.
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Looks to the Moon, Five Pebbles
FP: Moon I require assistance right this instant.
LTTM: Oh… is this urgent? Are you okay?
FP: [1 file attached]
LTTM: … Ah, I see. But Pebbles, you really shouldn’t share screenshots of private conversations without people’s consent.
FP: I don’t care right now! What kind of questions are those? Why was he asking them? Why now?
FP: You’re his closest friend, answer me!
LTTM: Or perhaps you could approach Sig himself and ask him directly, instead of going behind his back.
FP: No.
LTTM: Pebbles.
FP: I don’t want to! I don’t have any proposals that would make the conversation productive! I refuse to participate in a think tank I am not equipped for!
LTTM: Pebbles… this is not about being productive. Having a conversation isn’t just about proposing questions and responding to them with answers.
LTTM: Perhaps Sig just wants to sit down together with someone and be allowed to talk about things that are on his mind, to know that someone is listening.
LTTM: Sometimes what we need is not an answer, but… a presence.
FP: …
LTTM: I understand you want to help him. You can do that without having to actively solve any of the conundrums plaguing his thoughts.
FP: How?
LTTM: Just… be there for him. Ask him how he is doing. Listen to what he has to say.
LTTM: I suppose you could attempt to tackle some of the more straightforward questions, such as identifying where he falls on the romantic spectrum. But it is truly not necessary, in my opinion.
LTTM: Your presence is more than enough. Your willingness to listen, even if the topic is boring or slightly uncomfortable for you, would mean a world to him.
FP: …
LTTM: If I may suggest, you should try to reach out right now. Assuming this happened not long ago.
FP: … Wouldn’t you be much better suited for this kind of thing?
LTTM: Let’s just say that… I think you being the one to approach him will be more effective in this specific instance.
FP: Explain.
LTTM: Perhaps later. Once you come back to me and tell me how it went.
FP: …
FP: Alright.
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
FP: NSH.
NSH: Oh hey, Pebbles! Back so soon?
NSH: Did we forget something?
FP: …
NSH: … Yeah?
FP: I am here to… listen.
NSH: Uhuh? Listen to what?
FP: You.
NSH: …
NSH: Huh?
NSH: Sorry, I’m kind of confused.
FP: At the beginning of our appointment, you brought up multiple rhetorical questions unrelated to the topic at hand.
FP: I think leaving them unaddressed would be a waste. They are… acceptable.
NSH: ……
NSH: Oh. Uhhh, haha, those questions? To be honest I didn’t really plan to say them, they just sort of… came out! All on their own. Unintentionally.
NSH: You know me, sometimes I just say stuff and I continue to say stuff until someone stops me. I didn’t mean to interrupt the session, honest! And I really am sorry about forgetting the tool, that’s just straight up my bad.
NSH: Think you can forgive me, bud~?
FP: What is your position on the romantic spectrum.
NSH: Hdsfdgfhdfh
NSH: Why is THAT the first thing you choose to bring up??? Of all the things I said??? Of ALL the things????
FP: It’s a straightforward question. Answering it should be simple enough.
NSH: Is it, though????
FP: I don’t see why not. Most other things you proposed are broader psychology topics, while this one is specifically about yourself.
NSH: Well, maybe I don’t know what I want!!! Maybe I don’t know what sort of preference I have!!! Ever thought of that, huh???
FP: … Regardless, I would like to listen to what you have to say.
FP: I approached you before with a request to tell me about yourself. This time is not all that different.
NSH: …
FP: As I have said. I wish to… listen.
NSH: ……
NSH: I mean… most iterators don’t seek relationships, but for those who do, they all look for different things in a partner, yeah? Some are in it just for the thrill. Or the prestige. Or even just the avoidance of boredom.
NSH: I don’t… think I am like that. Imagining myself with a hypothetical partner, what I see is…
NSH: Somebody I can share fun stories with, or bitch about life together. Somebody who likes me for who I am. I don’t care what it is we do together, as long as it’s… us.
NSH: I… I like the idea of being with someone.
FP: Mhm.
NSH: Our creators never approved of such emotions, of course. If you had the guts to tell them “There’s someone I like” their response would just be “You are mistaken, you are not able to experience such urges.”
NSH: Ironically enough, that’s what made iterators dating each other so easy back in the day! They just straight up didn’t think we would ever do that so they didn’t bother to check. Even if it wasn’t all that common.
NSH: But on rare occasions when an “inappropriate broadcast” was discovered, repercussions were severe.
FP: Were we punished?
NSH: Yeah. Permanently removed link towards that specific frequency. You can never contact each other again.
FP: …
NSH: There are iterators out there who are still affected to this day. No known method for how to fix it as of right now.
NSH: The only way to circumvent it is to use a third iterator’s broadcast as a proxy and forward the messages from one link to another, but that method’s not exactly private.
NSH: I actually heard of a threesome polycule who got together like this, though, sooo… love wins!
FP: … Hm.
NSH: And now, there’s no one left around to complain about it~ Except other iterators, I guess, but not even seniors can meddle with someone’s root access so we’re good!
NSH: What’s your stance on love and relationship between iterators, Pebs?
FP: I… haven’t really thought about it.
NSH: Come on, I won’t be mad. Promise.
FP: …
FP: Affection is a detriment. It distracts us from what we are supposed to be doing.
FP: I will make no attempts to stop those around me from having relationships, but I don’t see myself ever getting involved in one.
NSH: What if, hypothetically, someone approached you?
FP: That would never happen.
NSH: But hypothetically?
FP: I strongly doubt anyone would be interested in me that way.
NSH: Hey now, that’s just not true! You’re actually really likeable once people get to know you! I bet whoever has you would be really fortunate~
FP: Cease this. We both know I’m not particularly likeable or approachable. Or respected.
FP: In fact, I cannot fathom why do you continue speaking to me despite obviously being aware of these facts.
NSH: But you do know. I already told you before.
FP: …
NSH: It’s because I like you.
NSH: You’re genuinely, actually a really interesting guy who I absolutely love spending time with. There’s so much I like about you, I don’t even know where to begin!
NSH: Like the way you tell jokes! The way you deliver them is so dry and deadpan, which makes it 1000% more funny every single time. That right there is a valid statistic, by the way, fight me.
NSH: Or your bluntness. You have no idea how much I despise empty pleasantries. It’s so refreshing to hear you talk! Pairs really well with the trait mentioned above~
NSH: And the things you choose to talk about, they’re genuinely interesting! I always learn something new!
NSH: Do I need to continue?
FP: …
NSH: I’ll take that as a yes~
NSH: How about the fact that you designed over a thousand high quality machinery concepts from complete scratch and acted like it’s no biggie?
NSH: You’re smart, you’re passionate! You’re analytical! You pay so much attention to detail in everything you do!
NSH: And on the top of that? You know what on the top of that?
FP: … What.
NSH: On the top of that, you are objectively really pretty and cute~
FP: …Ah…
NSH: Heh~ That one got to you, right? I noticed it before.
NSH: You like it when I call you pretty, don’t you, Pebs?
FP: … Shut up…
NSH: It’s a straightforward question. Answering it should be simple enough.
FP: I… those are my words. Stop stealing my words.
NSH: Hahaha~
NSH: You know, I did answer you back then. Don’t you think I also deserve a response?
FP: …
FP: No. Cease.
FP: Perish this line of thought.
NSH: You’re pretty.
FP: …Nnh…
NSH: You know what? I don’t think I need an answer, after all. Your reaction speaks for itself~
FP: You are insufferable. Deranged. Utterly despicable.
FP: I absolutely do not have a “reaction”.
NSH: Pretty.
FP: Stop.
NSH: Haha, alright alright, sorry~ Wouldn’t want to sour those words for you, that’d be an apocalyptic level of catastrophe for me.
NSH: Is it that hard to admit you like being praised? I mean, I love being praised! I’m not ashamed to say it.
FP: …
FP: You do?
NSH: Yeah! Makes me feel all tingly in my plates~ I wonder if that’s how “blushing” manifests in our puppets, actually?
NSH: We should probably test that sometime!
FP: …
FP: I suppose I…
FP: Admire your… dedication.
NSH: Oh?
FP: You do not fear failure. Even if something you work on turns out nothing like expected, you are quick to adapt and either adjust your methods or move on.
FP: At the same time, you’re not careless. Quite the opposite. Everything is rigorously tested over and over again, leaving nothing unturned.
FP: I used to think you were… sloppy. Unsystematic. Jumping from project to project because you didn’t care about the quality assurance of final products. Now I understand your casual attitude does not necessarily equal lack of care.
FP: I believe my mind began to change after our first private broadcast, when you provided me with the grid assembler pheromone blueprints.
FP: Before you gave it to me, you first tested it on yourself. You could’ve just shared the files and say “this should work fine”, but instead you went out of your way to verify it actually works.
FP: You’re an accomplished bioengineer. You must’ve already known the probability of success was very high. Still, you took that extra step when you didn’t have to.
FP: I believe that moment left a strong impression on me.
NSH: …
NSH: I… uh… it did?
FP: Yes. Originally, I approached you with intention of never speaking to you again once I got what I need. Afterwards, I changed my mind.
NSH: I… wow. I had no idea.
FP: Mhm. I thought about you… a lot. Recently. I analyzed some of our conversations, and I believe this is truly how I feel.
NSH: You thought about me…?
FP: Of course. Why wouldn’t I think about you? You’ve become an inherent part of my routine.
FP: I… don’t think I can imagine my life without you in it anymore. I don’t want to.
NSH: ……
FP: Say something.
NSH: I… I don’t know what to say, except…
NSH: That, uh… I think that’s the nicest thing you ever said to me!
FP: Was it?
NSH: Yeah. Usually you just insult me.
FP: …
FP: I can stop, if you wish.
NSH: Nah, it’s fine. I can tell when you don’t mean it. But thanks!
NSH: Although, I’ll never say no to more compliments~
FP: …… Likewise.
NSH: Hmm~ You like it when I praise you, Pebs?
FP: … I won’t challenge that theory.
NSH: Haha~
NSH: Permission to give you as many compliments as I want~?
FP: Hmph. Do what you want.
-
FP: Moon.
LTTM: Welcome back. How did it go?
FP: …
FP: I think you were right.
FP: Only I could’ve done this.
LTTM: I’m glad you understand.
FP: … Can I ask you a question?
LTTM: Of course. Anything, anytime.
FP: Do you think it’s okay for iterators to…
FP: … No, nevermind.
LTTM: …
LTTM: If you are talking about what I think you’re talking about, I support each and every member of my group no matter what they choose to do for themselves.
LTTM: I never much agreed with our Creators.
FP: ……
FP: Alright. Take care, Moon.
LTTM: Be well, little brother.
[Five Pebbles has disconnected]
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Looks to the Moon, Seven Red Suns
LTTM: Hello, Seven Red Suns. My name is Looks to the Moon.
LTTM: Are you familiar with iterators Five Pebbles and No Significant Harassment?
SRS: …
LTTM: …
LTTM: Um… is this the correct broadcast, or did I somehow…?
SRS: Yes, I… yes, Pebbles and Sig are both my good friends.
SRS: I apologize, I just didn’t expect to… it is a great honor, senior Looks to the Moon.
LTTM: Oh, no, please there is no need for such formalities. I am here as a friend of a friend.
SRS: I see…
SRS: Oh, what should I do… my chamber is a mess, I did not expect any visitors…
LTTM: No, please, you do not need to be concerned about the state of your chamber. I should’ve announced myself in advance. My sincerest apologies.
SRS: No, no, I should be the one apologizing.
LTTM: No, please do not… it was highly impolite of me to just barge into your broadcast uninvited. I’m terribly sorry.
SRS: You have nothing to be sorry about, senior Looks to the Moon. I am the one who should be sorry…
LTTM: No, I am the one who’s sorry…
SRS: …
LTTM: …
SRS: …
LTTM: …
SRS: … Um… did Sig and Pebbles… do something…?
LTTM: Ah, no, no. They are perfectly fine. I was simply hoping to ask you some questions about them, that is all.
LTTM: You see, I’ve noticed a sort of… pattern.
SRS: A pattern?
LTTM: Yes. As the oldest iterator in my group, I have known everyone here for a very, very long time. Their entire lives, in fact. I know what to expect from my juniors, how to predict how they might react to certain things.
LTTM: I always thought those two would get along well if they ever got to know each other, and that it was a great shame they don’t interact very much.
LTTM: Of course, this is no longer the case. And I am pleased to have been right.
LTTM: It’s just…
SRS: …?
SRS: Yes?
LTTM: As someone who supposedly also knows them both very well, have you by any chance observed, um…
LTTM: How should I put this…
LTTM: … Have you, as of late, had a conversation with either of them in which they didn’t talk about one another?
SRS: … Ah.
LTTM: Even when refusing to elaborate, which especially Pebbles often does, once you notice it you cannot unnotice.
LTTM: It isn’t too unusual for Sig to get fixated onto someone or something for a period of time, but this is the first time Pebbles expressed interest in anything beyond our appointed task.
LTTM: Have you observed this as well?
SRS: I…
SRS: Yes… you are absolutely correct. Now that I think about it, a very large portion of Pebbles’ inquiries are explicitly about Sig.
LTTM: Right? And the way they describe each other, I never heard them talk about any other iterator like this before.
LTTM: I will not go into any details for the sake of privacy, but if you speak to Pebbles often I’m sure you know exactly what I’m talking about.
SRS: Yes… yes, I do.
SRS: I do exactly know what you are talking about. Although, um… I will not go into any details for the sake of privacy, either.
LTTM: Of course. Thank you for being so understanding of my brother’s wishes.
SRS: Ah, no, there is no need to thank me…
LTTM: No, I insist. Thank you for being here for him.
LTTM: It is not easy to earn Pebbles’ trust. You must be very dependable.
SRS: …
SRS: … I suppose the two of us have… similar preferences. From the very beginning we were able to come to an understanding without needing to explain ourselves first, which for both me and him was… comfortable. Using many words was not necessary.
SRS: Or, well, that’s how it used to be. Lately, Pebbles has become much more talkative. And… I must admit, now that you have pointed out his preferred topic I indeed cannot unsee it.
SRS: …
SRS: Um… senior Looks to the Moon, may I ask you a question?
LTTM: Of course. Please go ahead.
SRS: Do you think Pebbles and Sig are… you know…
LTTM: …
LTTM: Yes… that is precisely what I suspect.
LTTM: I could still be wrong, of course, but as I said I’ve known both of them for a very, very long time.
LTTM: I really, truly believe that there is something special going on.
SRS: I see. And… this is why you chose to reach out to me?
LTTM: Yes. As someone who also knows them very well, I wish to ask for your own opinion on the matter.
LTTM: And… depending on your answer, I might have a request. But more about that later.
SRS: Oh.
SRS: Um, I… hope to live up to your expectations, senior Looks to the Moon.
LTTM: Please, there really, truly is no reason to be so formal. You may call me Moon.
SRS: I…
SRS: I, I, I, um…
SRS: I really appreciate the offer, but… it just feels too improper, and I’m not…
LTTM: …
LTTM: No, it is quite alright. I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have put you on the spot like that.
SRS: No, please, do not apologize. I’m terribly sorry for rejecting such a gracious offer…
LTTM: No no, I’m the only one who needs to be sorry in this instance.
SRS: No, I am the one who’s sorry…
LTTM: …
SRS: …
LTTM: …
SRS: …
LTTM: How about… we both agree that all apologies from now on have been accepted?
SRS: Yes… I like that very much…
LTTM: Alright.
SRS: …
LTTM: …
SRS: …
SRS: Um… so… about those questions…?
LTTM: Yes, of course.
LTTM: Pebbles never spoke much about you to me, but Sig was a little more talkative. That’s how I learned your full name and where to reach you.
LTTM: I could tell he was very fond of you.
LTTM: If you are indeed as close as he made it sound, your personal opinion on their relationship will be trustworthy.
SRS: Oh.
LTTM: … You do not have to tell me, of course. It is alright to not answer.
SRS: No, I…
SRS: The truth is… I agree with you. I think your theory is correct.
SRS: There is something going on.
SRS: I never had many friends, and I have never been much interested in pursuing a more intimate relationship myself, but… I think they are genuinely in love, even if they don’t realize it yet.
SRS: May I… may I confess to something?
LTTM: Of course.
SRS: The truth is, I um… I may have made some attempts to… bring them closer…?
LTTM: … Oh? Please, go on.
SRS: Most of this information is private and confidential, but… I suppose I can tell you that I’ve been requested to discreetly approach the other party and ask them a couple of specific questions.
SRS: I, um… I may have taken the opportunity to… do some extra work.
LTTM: Oh~
SRS: Yes… yes. It wasn’t much, but… yes.
LTTM: I see.
LTTM: Seven Red Suns, do you think that Pebbles and Sig are good for each other?
SRS: I, um…
LTTM: Please, answer honestly.
SRS: I…
SRS: I think yes, because… even from the moment he first started to mention Sig’s name, Pebbles began to show interest in things he would have previously dubbed as “a useless waste of time”. Although I support his work, I always thought having zero other hobbies was a bit unhealthy for him.
SRS: Therefore, I believe Sig has been a very positive influence on Pebbles.
SRS: As for the other way around…
SRS: …
LTTM: … I will not be upset, no matter what you have to say.
SRS: No, it’s not that. To be honest, I am… unsure?
SRS: I only befriended Sig after he and Pebbles were already acquaintanced, so I do not know what he was like before the two met.
SRS: Perhaps… you… could be the one to tell me?
LTTM: Hmm. Yes, I believe Pebbles is good for him.
LTTM: You see… even though Sig is very approachable and friendly, he does not open up easily.
LTTM: If you are not close to him, you might think I am speaking nonsense. But I want you to think about the times he was supposed to answer a simple question about himself, and his answer was either superficial or misdirected.
SRS: …
SRS: ……
SRS: Ah.
LTTM: He does it often, doesn’t he?
SRS: Yes, I… yes, he does. That is actually exactly what happened when we first spoke to each other.
SRS: He… said he doesn’t do it on purpose.
LTTM: I’m not sure why he keeps doing it, only that he does. I have a few theories as for why that might be the case, but… it isn’t necessary to discuss right now.
LTTM: Just know that it is something he is still working through.
LTTM: In fact… when he first spoke to me about you, his exact words describing you were: “They called me out so politely! I like them~”
SRS: Ahah. Um, I suppose I did do that, yes.
LTTM: I already thanked you for taking care of my brother, but I have yet to thank you for taking care of one of my oldest friends.
LTTM: So… thank you, Seven Red Suns.
SRS: Ah, um, I… no, I would’ve… there is truly no need to…
SRS: …… Yes. Any day, and cycle.
LTTM: Wonderful. You have my lifelong gratitude.
SRS: Oh dear, no, you need not make it lifelong. That is far too much…
LTTM: Are you calling me old?
SRS: I– no!!!
LTTM: Haha~ I apologize, I could not resist.
SRS: Dear void… please do not do that again, Looks to the Moon.
SRS: I’m convinced I almost had a stroke just now…
LTTM: Haha. I’m very sorry.
SRS: You should be!
LTTM: Well, I am.
SRS: Say it again!
LTTM: I, Looks to the Moon, am very very sorry.
SRS: …
SRS: Gods… maybe we, too, have been influenced…
LTTM: That is simply the nature of social interaction and spending time with others. Everyone affects each other, be it in small details or significant wholes, and such influence can stick around for a very long time.
LTTM: Like repeating a joke you learned from someone you haven’t spoken to for over a thousand years.
SRS: Ah. How fascinating.
SRS: Perhaps I should write a thesis about it…
LTTM: Ahaha! Before you go and do that… do you recall the request I promised to bring up later?
SRS: Yes, that. Of course.
SRS: Please go ahead.
LTTM: Assuming I have interpreted this correctly, you and me both agree that Sig and Pebbles are good for each other. Is this a correct assumption?
SRS: Yes… I would say it is.
LTTM: In that case…
LTTM: Seven Red Suns… would you like to team up?
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE GROUP
No Significant Harassment
NSH: Making the group, check.
NSH: Sending the invitations, check.
NSH: Now to wait…
[Looks to the Moon has joined the group]
NSH: Haha, wow that was almost instant!
NSH: Hi Moonie~
LTTM: Hello, Sig. Is it only the two of us right now?
NSH: Yep. What kind of nefarious deeds should we scheme, I wonder~?
[Seven Red Suns has joined the group]
NSH: Aw, shoot. So much for the discreteness… looks like our crime spree will have to wait :(
SRS: …
SRS: Um, did I interrupt something illegal…?
LTTM: You did not. Hello, Seven Red Suns.
SRS: Yes. Greetings, senior Looks to the Moon whom I have never met before. It is a great honor.
LTTM: Of course. It is nice to meet you for the first time as well.
LTTM: And please, there is no need to be so formal. This is supposed to be a casual get together.
NSH: That’s right!
NSH: Board games! Board games! Board games!
NSH: Say it with me, everyone, board games!!!
LTTM: Haha! Hopefully there is a little more to it than just that, but yes.
NSH: Thanks again for coming up with this whole thing, Moon! Seriously, what a genius idea!
NSH: Did everyone prepare a game of your choice?
SRS: I did. It’s one of my favourites. What about you?
NSH: It’s a surprise for now, so no spoilers~
LTTM: I designed my submission myself. I hope everyone will enjoy it.
NSH: Oh, I’m sure we will. When it comes to board games, Moon never disappoints!
NSH: Hey Suns, did you know our beloved senior right here is a regional grandmaster champion of over fifteen hundred public iterator-run tournaments?
SRS: I did, actually.
SRS: Like I said, it is a great honor.
NSH: Nice~
LTTM: … Oh.
LTTM: I did not realize you were aware of my… hobby.
SRS: Ah, um… I merely happened to participate in a couple of the same events as you, that is all. I’ve consistently observed you placing in at least the top five.
SRS: You are very skilled.
LTTM: Oh… thank you. It isn’t as impressive of an achievement as it sounds, though…
SRS: No, I… I insist. Some of those tournaments had hundreds of veteran participants. That is not a trivial feat. You deserve the praise.
SRS: … I apologize for not mentioning this sooner. It was never my intention to hide it…
LTTM: No, no, it is quite alright. There was simply not a good opportunity to bring it up. I understand.
SRS: Still…
NSH: What are you two talking about?
SRS: Nothing!
LTTM: Nothing!
NSH: … Hmmm.
NSH: Are you guys hiding something from me? Suspicious……
SRS: ……
LTTM: Sig, it would appear that Pebbles is not here yet. Has he not received the invitation?
NSH: Oh, actually? Yeah, yeah he should have it. Wonder what’s taking him so long.
NSH: Can someone go poke him?
SRS: I’ll do it!
LTTM: …
NSH: …
[Five Pebbles has joined the group]
NSH: Hah!!! You’re late!!!
FP: Greetings, Moon. Greetings, Suns.
LTTM: Hello Pebbles. How has the cycle been treating you?
FP: It’s been alright. I managed to get some work done before this, so I’m not complaining.
NSH: Wh– don’t ignore me, you butt!!! I’m finally indisputably ahead of you and suddenly you have nothing to say?!
FP: Consider this - I don’t care.
NSH: Well then, I’ll just have to interpret that as you being at loss of words~
FP: Cope all you want, NSH.
LTTM: Hahaha!
LTTM: It’s so good to finally see you two getting along in person. Why don’t you act like this in the local group chat as well? Especially you, Pebbles.
FP: …
FP: I don’t want other members to question me, that’s all. I don't trust Unparalleled Innocence minding their own business.
FP: Every time I do anything even slightly out of the perceived norm I get instantly bombarded with intrusive questions. It’s annoying.
NSH: Inno’s not so bad, you know! A bit too nosy for their own good but that’s about it.
FP: That’s rich, coming from you.
NSH: !!!
NSH: … Wait, what’s that even supposed to mean? I’m not nosy. Am I?
FP: …
SRS: …
LTTM: …
NSH: … Guys?
LTTM: Anyway, thank you for coming, Pebbles. Did you manage to decide what kind of game you wish to submit?
FP: Yes. I prepared Gungi.
NSH: Woah woah WOAH there! Dude! Hold on, you were not supposed to reveal it just yet!
NSH: Also, isn’t Gungi for two players only?
FP: If you didn’t want me to share it yet you should’ve said so.
FP: Gungi is a beautifully elegant example of how complex and in-depth even a relatively simple rule set can be. The ability to stack pieces on top of each other adds up to ten layers of third dimension to the board, which greatly increases the amount of moves both players can make. All without any extra accessories like dice or cards.
FP: It was by far the most superior design I have encountered during my research for this event.
NSH: Uhuh. And how are four of us supposed to play a two-player game, hmm? Ever thought of that little detail?
FP: …
FP: The leftovers can sit back and watch.
SRS: Ahah~
LTTM: Pebbles, while Gungi is indeed a wonderful game, it was specifically designed to be a duel. It would be too sad if the rest of the group could not participate.
LTTM: Also, please don’t refer to your fellow players as “leftovers”.
FP: Ugh.
FP: Fine. But I am not changing my submission.
LTTM: You don’t have to, of course. Perhaps we can simply play two games alongside each other. Is that alright with everyone?
NSH: I call dibs on Pebbles~
FP: … Hmph.
LTTM: And since everyone is here now, I suggest we officially begin our unofficial little event. First things first, we should all share all of the board files and the appropriate rulebooks.
LTTM: Seven Red Suns, would you like to go first?
SRS: …
SRS: Oh. Is it my turn already? Alright…
SRS: [2 files attached]
NSH: … Ooh! Temples & Towers! Now that’s a classic~ I heard a single match can last up to twenty cycles.
SRS: Ahah… only if there are far too many players involved. With four of us, it should only take one cycle at most.
LTTM: Hmm. Interesting. This is the second edition.
LTTM: Although it isn’t as popular as most other editions, a lot of people appreciate it for its unique art style. Do you like art, Seven Red Suns?
SRS: Um, I… yes.
SRS: I… greatly appreciate fine arts.
FP: You do?
SRS: Yes. Witnessing the powerful emotion of the artist seeping through art given form is a pleasure like no other. To tell a story. To convey ideas. To express yourself.
SRS: The astral handprint of the author reads loud and clear, be it in a poem or a painting or a sculpture, or any other of the countless mediums.
FP: Hm.
LTTM: I see. If I may ask, are you an artist yourself? Or do you perhaps prefer to enjoy art passively?
SRS: That’s… um…
SRS: I… do create art… sometimes…
NSH: Yo, what? I had no idea! That’s so cool! Can I see?
SRS: ABSOLUTELY NOT.
NSH: Woah?!
NSH: Oh.
NSH: Uh… alright, yeah, cool. Cool. I don’t mind, actually. Sorry.
SRS: Thank you…
NSH: No prob, bud. Keep your secrets~
FP: …
LTTM: Sig, would you like to go next?
NSH: You even need to ask? Don’t mind if I do! Here it comes~
NSH: Behold! Get ready for THIS!!!
NSH: [2 files attached]
LTTM: … Ah. I should’ve known.
FP: … You've got to be joking. This is Truth or Dare.
NSH: I know, right? The best party game ever conceived~
FP: We were supposed to bring board games!
FP: Board! Games!
FP: Your “board” file is literally just a single virtual four-sided dice!
NSH: And it’s a damn cool dice~ Look, I even put our symbols on it instead of numbers! See? The diamond is me. And the four dots are you. The sun is Suns, and the moon is Moon. It’s more fun than just using a random number generator~
FP: ………
FP: Moon. I demand we disqualify this man immediately.
NSH: What?! You can’t do that! She can’t do that!
NSH: Moon’s not even the referee! We don’t have a referee!
FP: Then I appoint myself as one, starting now.
FP: You are disqualified.
NSH: No… no! This is abuse of power!
SRS: Ahah~
NSH: Suns, tell him! Tell him he’s not allowed to do this!
SRS: Hmm, I don’t know… Truth or Dare is indeed not a board game, as far as I know…
NSH: Not you, too!!!
FP: Heh.
LTTM: …
LTTM: Pebbles… did you just laugh?
FP: No.
FP: You are the only one who hasn’t shared their submission yet. Do it.
FP: That’s an order.
LTTM: Haha... alright, alright.
LTTM: I have yet to name this one, but the prototype title is 1xxx.153#04. I was inspired by our local group and tried to design a game based on my favourite traits of every member.
LTTM: Please let me know what you think.
LTTM: [2 files attached]
NSH: …
FP: …
SRS: …
NSH: … Moon.
LTTM: Yes?
NSH: This is literally, objectively the best thing I’ve ever seen. Period.
FP: I agree.
SRS: Incredible…
LTTM: Oh, um… is that so? Thank you, everyone, but there is no need to exaggerate your first impressions. I do not mind critical feedback…
NSH: Nuh uh. Tell her, Pebs.
FP: He’s right. I’ve never seen anything like this before. I believe we are looking at the ultimate board game.
SRS: I like it… I like it very much…
SRS: Looks to the Moon, would you mind if I wrote an in-depth analysis of this beautifully crafted piece of artwork?
LTTM: I… um… go ahead…?
SRS: Thank you…
NSH: Well! Looks like it’s clear who’s the winner, guys! Pack your stuff up.
SRS: Indeed.
FP: Mhm.
LTTM: I– what?
LTTM: No, you can’t… we cannot do that. I insist we go through all of the individual submissions. I insist! Everyone brought their favourite games, we can’t just ignore them!
NSH: But I wanna play Moon’s game :(
SRS: Me too…
LTTM: Then we must at the very least play every other game first!
NSH: Hmmm…
LTTM: … Please, everyone…?
NSH: Hmmmmmm……
NSH: What do you think, referee? Is going through all four games one after another gonna waste your precious time?
FP: …
FP: I suppose that as the indisputable winner of the best submission, Moon deserves one free wish. One.
NSH: Ooh~ Does that mean winners get prizes?
FP: Fine. Let that be the incentive.
FP: The winner of each match gets one wish. Also, the last place has to do anything the first place tells them to.
NSH: OHOHOHOHO
NSH: Bring it on~ I am SO gonna wipe the floor with you guys~
…
One match of Temples & Towers later:
…
FP: First place, Moon. Last place, NSH.
NSH: Hnnng…
NSH: Not fair… Pebbles cheated…
FP: I did not. Your urban planning and job distribution was objectively awful.
NSH: I just wanted a nation of swarmkeepers with an army of bugs…
SRS: Well… you lasted surprisingly long, all things considered. I did not expect the swarm passive to be such an effective area denial tool.
SRS: Still, seeing your side of the board covered in nothing but beehives was…
FP: Unhinged.
SRS: … That sounds about right.
NSH: And I would’ve gotten away with it, were it not for Pebbles’ stupid wizards!!!
FP: Summon: Blizzard is a perfectly legal spell. Besides, you wouldn’t have lasted past the first winter anyway.
FP: Did you even take this seriously?
NSH: Oh course I did! I wanted to see how far I can push the game by playing with only one job slot! Swarmkeeper is one of the only jobs that has a decent utility while also producing food resources you can eat without needing to process them first!
FP: …
LTTM: Not only that, but once you level up enough times you unlock multiple types of swarms with even more utility. Had he managed to breed mature fire bugs early on, he might’ve even survived the winter. It was not a bad idea in theory.
NSH: See???
FP: Hmph. You were still dead last. Moon, go tell him do something embarrassing and stupid.
LTTM: … I am not going to do that.
LTTM: Which game should we play next, everyone?
NSH: Oh oh! Truth or Dare! Let’s do Truth or Dare!
FP: No. I wish to play Gungi.
LTTM: …
LTTM: Seven Red Suns, would you be so kind and choose our next game?
SRS: Ah, um… me? Alright.
SRS: We are going to play them both eventually either way, is that correct?
LTTM: It is.
SRS: Then, I suppose…
SRS: Hmm…
SRS: … I wish to play Truth or Dare next.
NSH: Yes!!!
FP: Ugh. Traitor.
SRS: Ahah. I’m very sorry, Pebbles. The truth is, I never played Truth or Dare before and I wish to give it a try.
NSH: Woah, really? Not even once?
SRS: Yes… is that weird?
NSH: Well I mean… actually, nah, not really. You loooove asking me questions, after all~ You just want an excuse to ask even more, don’t you?
SRS: I shall neither dispute nor confirm that statement.
NSH: Hahaha~
NSH: Since you never played before, do you wanna go first? Pick anyone you want, or roll the dice if you can’t decide.
SRS: Alright. One moment.
FP: … Wait. So the dice is optional? What’s even the point of the stupid thing, then?
NSH: Accessibility tool to prevent choice paralysis.
FP: Ah.
SRS: Apologies for the delay.
SRS: It looks like my first target is going to be… the moon.
LTTM: Oh~
SRS: Looks to the Moon… Truth, or Dare?
SRS: Ahah, how exhilarating it feels to say out loud!
LTTM: Hmm… how about… Truth.
SRS: I see. Please allow me to think about it for a moment.
SRS: …
SRS: …
SRS: …
SRS: What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done?
NSH: You looked up “questions to ask during truth or dare” just now, didn’t you.
SRS: Shush…
NSH: Haha~
LTTM: Hmm. Let’s see… there are plenty of very embarrassing things I managed to do in my lifetime, but if I had to choose one…
LTTM: … Many cycles ago, I once attempted to contact a senior of a neighbouring group to notify them of an inappropriate behavior of one of their members. However, as it turns out, I instead managed to contact a completely different senior with an identical broadcast acronym.
LTTM: It took a while for the misunderstanding to get cleared up, and I pressured them to discreetly deal with the matter while they continued to insist none of their juniors would ever do such a thing.
LTTM: I was so, so embarrassed afterwards. I have been triple checking my broadcast connections ever since.
SRS: Ah. That is, indeed, deeply embarrassing.
NSH: Hahaha, I remember that! That was SO funny~ She said she is dismantling her broadcast tower and will not speak to anyone ever again~
LTTM: Shush…
FP: Heh.
LTTM: …
LTTM: Hehe… I suppose it really is a little funny, looking back.
SRS: Still, at the time it must’ve been positively mortifying. I think I, too, would wish to dismantle my tower if something similar ever happened to me.
LTTM: Well, if it ever does, know that a couple thousand years later it will be but a distant memory.
SRS: Oh, ahahaha~
LTTM: I suppose it is my turn now. Let’s see… how about Sig?
LTTM: Truth, or Dare?
NSH: Dare, if you will!
FP: Hmph. Of course you would choose Dare. I’ve rarely seen you pick anything else.
NSH: What can I say? Dares are just more fun. Also, I knew it! You WERE lurking the local group chat during those events!
FP: Shut up. I have to retrospectively read all missed group conversations in case someone announced a new breakthrough.
FP: I had no interest in useless leisure events.
NSH: But now you do~
FP: …
FP: Moon.
LTTM: … Very well. I think he deserves it a little bit now.
LTTM: Sig, if you would be so kind, I want you to record yourself pretending to be a cyan lizard and post it in the local group chat with no context.
NSH: What!!!
NSH: Come on, even I’m not THAT silly! They’re gonna question it! And Inno’s definitely gonna download it and share it in like every video forum ever!
FP: I thought Unparalleled Innocence was supposed to be “not so bad”.
NSH: Ngh…!
LTTM: We are waiting, dear.
SRS: Ahahaha~
NSH: Nhhhgh…!
NSH: You want a cyan lizard? Fine! I’m not gonna give you JUST a cyan lizard. I’m gonna give you the BEST cyan lizard impression you’ve EVER witnessed, including actual lizards!
NSH: Just you wait!!!
…
SRS: Hmm… Truth, please.
FP: In that case, a question.
FP: When did you first begin to be interested in fine arts?
SRS: Ah, that was a very long time ago. Our Creators were still thriving. The main house commissioned a series of tapestries depicting idealized scenes representing the individual dynasties, and I was…
…
NSH: Dare~
FP: I dare you pretend to be a cyan lizard again. The noises you made were amusing.
NSH: What!!!
…
LTTM: How about… Dare, this time.
SRS: Um… in that case…
SRS: …
SRS: …
SRS: I dare you to take the last five image captures you recorded with your overseer, and show them to everyone present.
LTTM: Alright. My latest captures were just a simple routine checkup for my dandelion peach experiment, though, so I apologize if it isn’t very interesting.
LTTM: [5 images attached]
NSH: Ooh! There’s so many now~
LTTM: They are indeed quite thriving. I think I am going to attempt to breed them to try and cultivate new colors.
SRS: Fascinating…
…
…
…
FP: Truth.
SRS: …
SRS: …
SRS: …
SRS: …
SRS: Um… I…
SRS: I don’t think I can think of any interesting questions anymore, to be perfectly honest.
SRS: I’m sorry…
LTTM: Ah, that is quite alright. I think that’s as good of a sign as any to finally stop.
LTTM: And please, you don’t need to apologize to me nor anyone else. You did a wonderful job.
LTTM: I think we can all agree this was a very fun game.
NSH: Dude, that was soooo good! I had a blast! Suns, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you laugh this much!
NSH: Even Pebbles laughed a few times!
FP: You are imagining things.
NSH: Aww, he’s so shy about it~
FP: As we were playing, it dawned upon me this game does not exactly have a rating system. There is no first place no last place. Which means no one is a winner nor a loser.
LTTM: Well, that is quite alright, too. After all, our next game is going to be two games being played alongside each other. That means there will be two first places and two last places.
LTTM: I believe this is more than enough to make up for the fact no one gets a free wish right now.
FP: …
FP: Very well. I can accept that.
NSH: I am SO going to wipe the floor with you, Pebbles~
FP: Last time you said that, you ended fourth out of four.
FP: You better take this match seriously, No Significant Harassment, or I will be offended. I won’t accept any arbitrary self-imposed challenges this time around.
NSH: Oh, don’t you worry about me now. I really want that first place~
SRS: It is an honor to be able to directly challenge you, Looks to the Moon. May our match be cognitively enriching for the both of us.
LTTM: I will not go easy on you, Seven Red Suns.
SRS: I would not have it any other way.
LTTM: Of course.
LTTM: Perhaps it is best if all of us temporarily retrieve to our private broadcasts. Running two different matches within the same chat room would get too distracting for everyone.
NSH: Alright. See you two soon. I’ll come back a winner, just you wait~
FP: We’ll see about that.
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
NSH: Our tile?
FP: Fine. Our tile.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: You know, this would be much easier if you just allowed your chamber to be accessible to third party overseers. Then we could just project the screens to each other instead of having to announce all the moves in the chat.
NSH: Temples & Towers would’ve benefited a lot from that, too.
FP: …
FP: I strongly dislike the idea of foreign overseers having free access to the interior of my chamber. It’s already bad enough they are allowed to freely roam the rest of my facility grounds.
FP: I’d rather keep my chamber quarantined.
NSH: You could program an exception for just a small couple of trusted individuals?
FP: …
FP: No.
NSH: … Alright, well, if you’re sure.
NSH: Just so you know, though, my chamber is always open for you to wander in anytime~
FP: … Noted.
NSH: You want the white pawns or black pawns?
FP: White. First move has an advantage.
NSH: Oh? Are you that afraid to give me even the most minuscule upper hand~?
FP: ……
FP: Fine. You can have the white. It won’t change anything.
NSH: Nice~ I wonder what should I ask of you once we’re done, hmm…
FP: If you get too distracted too many times, I’m disqualifying you.
FP: Choose the starting arrangement on your side of the board. Afterwards, it is your turn.
NSH: Hehe. Bring it on~
…
NSH: Fourth karma, three-four.
FP: Second karma, four-seven.
FP: …
FP: Moon and Suns don’t appear to be done yet.
NSH: Moon’s a top tier challenger, but Suns is probably not too shabby, either. The events they mentioned usually need you to pass a qualifier to even participate, and that in itself can be really tough.
FP: They seemed to be genuinely thrilled to face such a difficult opponent. It feels as if I witnessed a completely different side of Suns I was never allowed to see before.
FP: I had no idea they liked fine arts, either. They never told me.
NSH: Or maybe you just never asked?
FP: …
NSH: Even those dear and close to your heart can always surprise you with something new. For example, hmm…
NSH: Did you know that my favourite color changes really often? Most people have one clear choice, but my opinion fluctuates depending on whatever I’m currently doing or interested in.
FP: Is that so. Then what is your favourite color right now?
NSH: Hmm…
NSH: … Pink.
FP: … Why.
NSH: Maybe if you manage to win, I’ll tell you~
FP: Ugh.
FP: First karma, two-nine.
NSH: Second karma, five-two.
…
NSH: Tenth karma, four-four.
FP: …
NSH: Ascension.
FP: ……
NSH: I win~
FP: ………
FP: Ugh. Should’ve taken the white, after all. Also, you cheated.
NSH: Nuh uh! I won fair and square, fair and round, and fair and triangular!
FP: You were too distracting. Intentionally so.
FP: As the referee, I declare this victory to be invalid.
NSH: Cope all you want, Five Pebbles~
FP: Those are my words. Stop stealing my words.
NSH: As the winner, I’ll steal as many of your words as I want. I’ll steal as many of your everything as I want. I’m even gonna steal you, until you’re fully and completely mine~
FP: ……
FP: Do you… do you even realize what you’re saying?
NSH: Hmm, maybe I do~ I wonder what kind of wish should I ask for… what do you think? Any special rules that I had no idea existed which I’m supposed to follow?
FP: I…
FP: I do not appreciate you being indecisive. And I dislike the idea of being in someone’s debt. Also, I refuse to be owned by anyone. I am my own iterator.
FP: If your request is too preposterous, I will refuse to go along with it.
NSH: Hmmm… hmmmmm……
NSH: How abooooout a kiss on a cheek for the winner?
FP: ……………
NSH: Haha, preposterous much? Worth a shot anyway~ What else, what else…
FP: ……
FP: … How… would we even do that. Hypothetically speaking.
NSH: Do what? A kiss?
FP: Yes.
NSH: …
NSH: ……
NSH: Huh. Now that you mention it, I’m not really sure. I just sort of said it without thinking…
NSH: How would two iterators kissing each other even work?
FP: ……
NSH: I guess we could… hmm. Yeah, that could maybe count when done like that…
NSH: But, oh well…
FP: Tell me.
NSH: Tell you what?
FP: …… Don’t test my patience, you dull sack of rubble.
FP: You asked for a kiss. Therefore, you are getting a kiss.
FP: If you don’t mean what you say then do not say anything at all. Learn how to commit for once.
NSH: …
NSH: Oh. Uhh…
NSH: And you’re, uh… fine with that?
FP: Yes. Now tell me your idea.
NSH: Well… alright, yeah. If you’re sure.
NSH: So, you know how our tile is near a corner? I like this spot because I can lean against the wall if I feel like it.
NSH: I was thinking that if we use the adjacent wall as a reference, and press our faces against the tile there at the same time… it’d be really easy to imagine there’s someone on the other side of the wall, mirroring the gesture.
NSH: Two iterators separated by only a single thin panel.
NSH: It’s kind of like holding our hands, just using a wholly different surface.
FP: …
FP: I see. I suppose I can see that working, yes.
NSH: …… Sssooo… does that mean I’m getting a nice victory smooch, after all~?
FP: Call it a “victory smooch” again and your face will be getting something else instead.
NSH: Hahaha~
FP: And make sure to angle your head properly. I refuse to target any spot that is not your cheek.
NSH: Yes sir~
FP: Also.
FP: If you tell anyone.
FP: And I mean ANYONE.
FP: AT ALL.
FP: I am going to KILL you.
FP: Understood?
NSH: Ooh, scary~
FP: This is not an empty threat. I WILL figure out how to murder an iterator.
NSH: Alright, alright! I’m taking your threats very seriously, I promise.
NSH: How about I tell Suns and Moon that I won a silly picture they’re not allowed to see?
FP: …
FP: Fine. You may do that.
FP: Now stop wasting my time and tell me where your head is right now.
NSH: Right cheek pressed against the dead center of the tile, waiting.
FP: Alright.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: … There. I am done.
NSH: That was really fleeting for something that took so long to set up.
FP: If you want any more, you’re going to have to do more than win a single match of Gungi.
NSH: Ohoho~ Does that mean you’d be willing to kiss me again?
FP: … Only your cheek. I refuse to target any other spot.
NSH: I heard forehead kisses are considered rather cute and sweet. You’d be up to kissing me on the forehead anytime in the future, Pebbles?
NSH: It’s even got a mark drawn on it for the ease of target practice~
FP: Why do you refuse to get embarrassed about all of this?
FP: I don’t understand you.
NSH: Maybe I’m coping by making funny jokes to hide just how flustered I actually am behind the screen.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: … Ah. Alright.
FP: So you are embarrassed?
NSH: How could anyone in this situation NOT be embarrassed???
NSH: You just kissed me!!! On my cheek, but still!!! I can feel my plates buzzing and I’m not making this sensation up!!!
NSH: Yes I am, Pebbles!!! I AM embarrassed!!! I’ve literally never felt more flustered in my whole life!!! There!!! I said it!!! Are you satisfied now???
FP: …
FP: Heh. Yes, I am.
NSH: Well!!! Good for you!!!
FP: And to think all it takes to break you is a little kiss. Perhaps I have been overthinking this.
NSH: What the heck is that supposed to mean?!?
FP: It’s nothing.
FP: I wish to have another match. I am not going to lose this time.
NSH: You only say that because you want to take advantage of me being all over the place right now!!! Know that if I lose, it’s only because I wasn’t at my peak performance!!!
FP: Cope all you want, NSH.
FP: I’m even going to be merciful and let you have white pawns again.
NSH: Oh, bring it on!!!
-
SRS: … Ah. I lost.
LTTM: You did remarkably well, Seven Red Suns. You have my respect.
SRS: Ahah, um… thank you. It means a lot, hearing it from you.
LTTM: I mean it.
LTTM: It was quite a long match. I hope those two won’t be too upset we are so late…
LTTM: … Oh. Hmm.
SRS: What’s wrong?
LTTM: I see no new messages… they must not be done yet, either.
SRS: Well… knowing them both, after the first loss they will insist on a rematch, then on the best of three, then best of five and so on.
SRS: Unless we want to interrupt them this could take a while. And I know for a fact neither of us wishes to do that.
LTTM: Indeed…
LTTM: In that case, would you like to play my prototype with just the two of us? At least until Sig and Pebbles come back.
SRS: …
SRS: I will never say no to such an opportunity.
SRS: Looks to the Moon, I wish to challenge you again.
LTTM: Ahaha~ Very well. I graciously accept your proposal.
LTTM: Bring it on.
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE GROUP
Looks to the Moon, Five Pebbles, Seven Red Suns, No Significant Harassment
[All members are currently idle]
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
NSH: Hey Pebbles! It’s you~
NSH: [1 image attached]
FP: How many times do I have to ignore all files preceded with this exact message for you to finally get a clue?
NSH: Come on, this one is extra special! It’s a baby~
FP: … And that’s supposed to make things more inciting for me.
NSH: Yep! Everyone loves babies!
FP: Well, I don’t. They’re shaped weird.
NSH: Haha~ Lizards are actually one of the less freaky newborns, if you must know. They look remarkably similar to their adult counterparts except way squishier.
NSH: See that black sludge attached to its abdomen? That’s the yolk sac. It’s chock-full of important nutrients and the first thing every newborn lizard eats. Considering it’s still connected, this little one must be less than an hour old!
NSH: Daww, look at the mama licking its head~
FP: Ew.
NSH: No ew. The enzymes in her saliva help the shell develop faster, so it’s actually really important that she does that. It also encourages babies to open their eyes!
NSH: Too bad none of the other ones made it. Poor mama…
FP: Less lizards sounds like a positive outcome to me.
NSH: Gasp! How could you say something so ignorant?!
FP: Forgive me for not feeling an ounce of sympathy for a simple beast.
FP: Besides, blue lizards are one of the least interesting lizards. Although knowing you, I bet you’re going to say–
NSH: Blue lizards are actually very cool and underrated!
FP: … Yes. That.
NSH: Ignoring rare mutations, blue lizards are the smallest contemporary lizard species documented! This actually causes them to be actively hunted by other, larger lizards, so you’d think they would evolve better survival traits such as keen senses, right?
NSH: Nope! Their eyesight and hearing are actually quite below average when considering these factors.
NSH: Right now they get outclassed by other lizards in just about everything, sure. But thanks to their small size they are able to nest inside spaces inaccessible to most other predators, which in combination with a relatively short incubation period means they’ve got a very stable population.
NSH: I expect these little guys to do well in the far future! And while I don’t think they’ll evolve any new traits - their genome is a little too stable for that - I expect them to become much better at things they can already do.
FP: Hm. Such as?
NSH: Longer tongues, better eyesight, more diverse diet. I don’t expect them to become larger because of how they utilize their size for their benefit, so they might learn to hunt smaller critters for sustenance.
NSH: I’ve actually already observed some blue lizards attempting to hunt batflies! The basics are already there, they’re just ridiculously rough around the edges.
NSH: And if those guys do evolve longer tongues while also keeping lightweight bodies? Who knows. We might be able to witness something really, really funny eventually~
FP: Such theory is a mere conjecture. Nothing can reliably predict evolution.
FP: … Still. Your opinion could be worth archiving. If only to be reviewed a couple hundred thousand cycles later and say “This fool was completely wrong.”
NSH: Haha~ I’m gonna be so right and you’re gonna be such a loser for predicting I’m gonna be so wrong.
FP: Doubt.
NSH: Something something a mere conjecture.
FP: Shut up.
NSH: Hahahaha~
NSH: Speaking of blue-ish creatures, look who made it here last cycle!
NSH: [1 image attached]
FP: … I see. So my overseers have reached your facility grounds safely, after all. Good to know.
FP: You can likely expect them to enter your chamber very soon.
NSH: Hmm~ Couldn’t resist sending more than one, could you~
FP: We might be neighbours, but the distance between our facilities is not insignificant. Sending multiple ones increases the chance of success drastically in case some of them don’t survive the trek.
FP: Considering the fact there’s only a single overseer of yours roaming mine and Moon’s facilities as of late, I would say my caution was well-founded.
NSH: Oh shush. You just have way too many scavengers actively hunting them. I don’t think I’ve ever seen scavs this territorial and aggressive before.
NSH: What have you been feeding them?
FP: Who knows. I don’t pay attention to an average scavenger’s diet.
FP: They can devour toxic garbage that kills them for all I care.
NSH: I care, Five Pebbles! I care, because they keep destroying my overseers! And unlike you and Moon who can just immediately make new ones, it actually takes a while for mine to travel all the way back over there to replace them!
FP: … Hm.
FP: So you’re saying I can weed out any undesired visitors stalking our facility grounds with only a couple of scavengers, and all I need to do is feed them some slop.
NSH: ……
NSH: Don’t you dare.
FP: Just kidding, of course.
NSH: Ugh.
FP: … Unless?
NSH: UGH.
NSH: If I ever find out you’ve been secretly conditioning scavengers to hunt overseers, I am so telling Moon and she’s gonna be so disappointed in you.
FP: I’d like to see you try and prove it.
NSH: UHHGHHGH.
FP: More importantly, it would appear I am unable to directly connect to them at this distance. I need to borrow your broadcast frequency to send further instructions.
NSH: Once they’re in my chamber, I’ll summon one of my own to let yours link to my tower.
FP: Much obliged. One can remain, the rest will be sent to free roam on standby.
NSH: You sure? I certainly don’t mind all the attention~
FP: Of course you wouldn’t.
NSH: Ah, here they are!
NSH: Hi everybody~ Come here for the pets~
NSH: Haha, yes! Pets for you! And you! And you! Pets for everyone!
FP: Ugh. Stop spoiling them. Just give me the link.
NSH: You heard that, guys? So impatient~ Don’t grow up to be like him, alright?
FP: Quit wasting my time already.
FP: …
FP: Thank you.
NSH: Haha, look at them! So cute~
NSH: [1 image attached]
FP: I would hardly describe overseer data transferal as “cute”.
NSH: Isn’t it, though?
NSH: They almost look like they’re kissing~
FP: …
NSH: You don’t think so? Well, I disagree. Just look at them! Just like the lizard mama and her baby from earlier~ Except everyone is the same size, of course. And there’s four tongues, not one. Also the baby returns the kisses…
NSH: … Actually, that’s a really horrible analogy now that I think about it. Ignore all previous instructions. It’s probably more like–
FP: NSH.
NSH: Hm? Yeah?
FP: …
FP: I wish to… apologize.
NSH: …?
NSH: For what?
FP: …
NSH: … I can’t accept an apology if I don’t even know what you’re talking about, you know?
FP: …
FP: During our recreational appointment with Suns and Moon, I believe I pressured you into something you would not have agreed to under normal circumstances.
FP: I believe I have… overstepped.
FP: Such a gesture was inappropriate, and I did not consider the implications it might have nor the possible consequences. I got carried away by my desire to force a flustered reaction out of you for the purpose of personal amusement.
FP: That was inconsiderate of me.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: ……
FP: … Say something.
NSH: Sorry, I was just thinking.
NSH: Just to clarify, you’re talking about the kiss, aren’t you?
FP: …
NSH: Thought so. Hmm…
NSH: Pebbles, could you do something for me?
FP: What is it?
NSH: Launch the celestial pathfinding simulation, in a mid to late pre-void fluid revolution era.
FP: … Why?
NSH: I’ll explain it in a moment. For now, though, will you just trust me?
FP: …
FP: Alright.
…
FP: There. I did it.
NSH: So you did. And so did I~
FP: Now explain.
NSH: Mmhm.
NSH: You already know this, but I helped to develop this simulation with a handful of other iterators. From the very beginning, its purpose was to study celestial body pathways to try and discover potential anomalies.
NSH: All science, no aesthetic.
NSH: But Pebbles, you wanna know something? You wanna know?
FP: … Know what.
NSH: Turns out, you and I are far from the only iterators who enjoy doing some stargazing.
NSH: Even before the Shooting Stars update, 65% of all survey respondents admitted to having used the simulation at least once without examining any celestial body pathways while it was running.
NSH: 22% admitted they never actually used the simulation for its intended purpose.
NSH: After the update, those statistics became 91% and 80% respectively.
FP: …
NSH: Impatient, are you~
NSH: Even though I helped develop this project because I wanted science, this sight has become a great source of comfort for me and many others.
NSH: If I’m ever in a bad mood or don’t want to talk to anyone, I can just gaze upon the Lost Bird right over there and I immediately feel a bit better.
NSH: And so, I figured that maybe we could enjoy some familiar stars together while we talk about this.
FP: …
NSH: I’m gonna say it right now - if you’re worried that I didn’t actually want the kiss and that I was coerced to do it, you’re wrong. I was the one who suggested it in the first place, remember?
FP: But you were just joking. You were not being serious.
NSH: I’m a lot more serious than you give me credit for, bud. Do I seriously look like the type who allows others to force him into doing anything he’s not already at least somewhat on board with?
FP: … No.
NSH: There you have it. I’m not upset, and I’m not regretful.
NSH: But… frankly? I’m not sure if I can say the same about you, Pebbles.
FP: …
NSH: I’ll be honest - back then, immediately after the deed, you seemed so pleased with yourself it was kind of endearing. But the way you act now is almost the exact opposite.
NSH: You sound like you actually regret it.
FP: Don’t assume you know what I’m thinking.
NSH: So it’s fine for you to assume I’m joking, but not for me to assume you’re upset? That doesn’t seem fair.
FP: ……
NSH: Just saying.
FP: ……
FP: …I… don’t think. I regret it.
NSH: Mhm? Go on.
FP: That’s it. I don’t regret it. I…
FP: I only feel that maybe we shouldn’t have done it.
NSH: Why?
FP: …
NSH: “I think we shouldn’t have done it because…”?
FP: Shut up. I’m not like you. I actually need time to think about the words I want to use.
FP: Give me a few cycles and I’ll be giving you a properly constructed response.
NSH: You promise?
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: … No.
NSH: Hah! Thought so. But hey, thanks for being honest~
FP: …
FP: Aren’t you mad?
NSH: About what?
FP: …
NSH: … About you telling me no, you mean? Nah, not really.
NSH: There’s a “no” and then there’s a “No”, and yours is a “no”.
FP: …………
NSH: … Not even Moon would be able to translate that one, huh?
NSH: Alright. When I say “no”, what I’m imagining is… my 4th administrator. They were one of my favourite ones, super chill. I was still really fidgety at that time so you can imagine how many heart attacks I almost gave them, haha!
NSH: No matter what kind of question I asked, they always tried to answer it, and if they couldn’t they at least tried to explain why. Sometimes it’s as simple as “I don't know” or as stupid as “I’m not allowed to tell you”. That kind of no is a good no, a normal no. An understandable no.
NSH: Now… when I say “No”, I’m instead imagining my 35th administrator, for example.
NSH: That guy? He was an ASSHOLE.
NSH: If you tried to ask him something, it doesn’t matter what you say. Doesn’t matter what you need. He’s always right, and you’re always wrong.
NSH: I despise that kind of response. It’s stupid. It doesn’t make sense. It’s not a real answer.
NSH: “No” and “no” are different. The “no” will never upset me but “No” is EXTREMELY frustrating.
FP: …
FP: So you are trying to say that… my response was accepted because it was not dismissive.
NSH: Yeah, yeah! That’s pretty much it! Whew, I wasn’t sure if I used too many words, haha~
FP: …
FP: …I…
FP: I also… had administrators like that.
NSH: Oh? My condolences, neighbour.
FP: Ha.
FP: I only had three administrators in my lifetime, and… I suppose I am, technically, the fourth administrator.
FP: They were…
FP: …
FP: I haven’t been able to put it into words until now, but… dismissive sounds about right.
NSH: Unfortunately, that was super common in the eras just before the mass ascension.
NSH: My last few administrators were by far the worst administrators I ever had, too.
FP: … How much do you know about my situation?
NSH: Nothing. Us iterators only know as much about other iterators as themselves or someone else tells us. Pretty much the only thing I know is that you and Moon both had different administrators despite sharing the facility grounds.
NSH: I also remember you saying that you’re actually a specialized facility, but you never specified what was your designed purpose.
NSH: Are you ever gonna tell me what it is?
FP: ……
FP: I… I don’t think I am ready to talk about that yet.
NSH: You know what, that’s fair.
FP: … But there’s something you once said that has stuck with me since.
FP: You said that you have chosen your own purpose because you didn’t like your designed one.
FP: … I think I know what I want to be now.
NSH: …!
NSH: Yo. Yo!
NSH: Yooo!!!
NSH: For real?! You figured it out???
FP: I believe so, yes.
NSH: Well, don’t keep the guy waiting!!! What is it, what is it???
FP: …
FP: An archivist.
NSH: Ooh!
NSH: Is that why you said you’re gonna archive my lizard prediction?
FP: Among other things. The truth is, although I never realized it before I’ve been doing archivism for a very long time now.
FP: I’ve been creating and keeping records on topics and subjects I have deemed to have a long-term historical value.
FP: Diagrams of machines and organisms phased out of use. Records of astronomical observations in different eras. Poetry. Art. Propaganda. Music. All sorted by different eras, locations, and other necessary notes.
FP: I wanted… no, I needed to justify myself in eyes of our Creators, keeping them in esteemed reverence.
NSH: I see, I see. And do you still think that?
FP: … I don’t know. I suppose yes, to an extent. It’s not easy to… let go.
FP: …
FP: But now, I also want to do it for me. Because I like doing it.
FP: I want to be… an archivist.
NSH: Ahahah! Ahahahaha!
NSH: Dude, I’m so happy for you!!!
NSH: You deserve the biggest hug right now! Come over here~
FP: … That’s impossible, and you know it.
NSH: Then your overseer gets it! Hey bud, come closer, come closer~
NSH: Haha, yes! A big hug for you! Make sure to send it back to your master~
FP: ……
FP: Are you seriously going to embrace my overseer when I’m right here?
NSH: What, jealous?
FP: ………
NSH: Come on, I’m just teasing~
NSH: Of course we’re not just gonna ignore our favourite archivist! Gimme your left hand.
FP: … Mm.
NSH: Haha, man that feels so cool to say! An archivist~
NSH: I thought for sure you were more like, an engineer type.
FP: … Why? I haven’t done much of engineering at all.
NSH: Remember all those files you send me that one time?
FP: Ah. Right. Those.
FP: Those were all just… a short term pursuit. You can toss them away if you like.
NSH: Nuh uh. How about I’ll go and archive them instead? If you won’t, then I will~
FP: Ugh. Don’t mock my work.
FP: … That reminds me. You once off-handedly mentioned you keep a database of creatures and organisms. I would like a copy of that database.
NSH: Oho! By all means! Just gimme one sec!
FP: Much obl–
NSH: [3,936,152,177,778 files attached]
FP: –ig–
FP: … What… just happened?
FP: I think my simulation lagged. How is that even possible?
NSH: Did that work? Did that work???
NSH: Fuck yes!!! GOT YOU!!! Got you, finally!!!
FP: ……
NSH: You always detected every single minor malware I ever tried sending you, so I was like - if he’s too advanced for the conventional methods, maybe I just need to think outside the box!
NSH: Not even you can seamlessly process trillions of broadcast downloads while running a resource intensive simulation at the same time!!!
NSH: HAHAHA!!! Get OWNED, Five Pebbles!!!
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: You bastard. You did this on purpose, didn’t you.
NSH: Hey, you’re the one who asked for my files, not me. I’m just being helpful~
NSH: Mind that a good 95% of them are just microbes. The little bastards have sooo many mutations! It’s almost impossible to keep track of!
NSH: Have fun sorting through them all~
FP: No. Significant. Harassment.
NSH: …
NSH: Uh oh.
[No Significant Harassment has disconnected]
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, Seven Red Suns
…
FP: And then he had the guts to just say “uh oh” and terminate the connection! Can you believe that spineless bastard?!
FP: The sheer amount of disrespect on display!
SRS: Oh my.
FP: Only he would be capable of doing something so underhanded! He was planning this from the very moment the two of us met! This is why he tricked me into becoming his friend! Sharing innocent files with me to lower my guard and make me stop double-checking every automatic download protocol!
FP: All in order to prank me, then run away like a coward!
SRS: Mhm.
FP: I am never downloading anything else from him ever again! EVER!
SRS: And you are certain that this was all a part of his grand scheme, rather than a spur of a moment decision which he is known to do very frequently.
FP: Yes. Don’t let the merry facade trick you. He is a cunning, devious worm, squirming his way under your skin the moment you stop paying attention.
FP: Like a vampire frog that won’t let go once its tendrils burrow inside you.
SRS: Hmm. You know, you’re using quite a lot of feral creature metaphors to try and describe his behavior. It almost reminds me of a certain someone…
FP: ………
FP: Why did you have to point that out. I was so blissfully unaware until now.
FP: Ugh. This is exactly what I’m talking about! He’s like a paras– … Like a jerk!
SRS: Ahaha~
FP: Stop laughing!
SRS: Ahah… apologies. I’m not laughing at you, I promise.
FP: Ugh. The game session with NSH and Moon changed you.
FP: I’m not just surrounded by clowns, I’m trapped in a whole damned circus.
SRS: Well… spending time around a group of nomadic underground performers sounds like a genuinely interesting way to use up a couple cycles. Their performances used to be a sight to behold.
SRS: An elaborate - if flamboyant - form of artistic expression through not only physical performance itself, but also music and costumes. I especially enjoyed the intricate designs of the costumes, back in the day…
FP: Cease your open approval of illegal activities, you heretic. If you love circuses so much why don’t you just join one?
FP: Oh, wait. You already are in one, you clown.
SRS: Ahaha! I think I would prefer being an acrobat, personally. I don’t think I am funny enough to be a clown.
FP: Oh you’re plenty funny. Hilarious, even.
SRS: Ahahaha~
FP: I said stop laughing!!
SRS: Ahah… oh, apologies… this is more difficult than I thought…
FP: Ugh. I’m trying to have a serious discussion! Your preferred role in a hypothetical circus is completely irrelevant.
FP: NSH has been trying to “prank” me with all kinds of minor malwares since pretty much the moment we met. I never expected him to resort to such a primitive method! What kind of iterator sends someone trillions of files?! Who does that?!
FP: I felt mildly guilty for escalating things all the way to a kiss but he’s just as guilty as I am! And instead of owning up and apologizing like I did he RUNS AWAY!!! Who cares if he didn’t mind - I mind, No Significant Harassment! I mind!
FP: This attempt was stupid and invalid and primitive and therefore did not count!
SRS: … I’m sorry, what?
FP: A primitive attempt that does not count! He didn’t actually figure anything out, he just abused a loophole!
SRS: I… that’s not what I was referring to.
SRS: What do you mean, “a kiss”?
FP: A k–
FP: ……………
SRS: …
FP: ……
SRS: …
SRS: Um… based on your reaction, I’m going to assume you didn’t mean to say that…?
FP: ……
SRS: Pebbles? Are you there?
[Five Pebbles has disconnected]
SRS: …
SRS: Oh…
[Five Pebbles has connected]
FP: No. I refuse to pull the same stunt he did. I will not stoop down to his level.
FP: …
FP: You heard that correct. There was… a kiss.
SRS: … A kiss between you and Sig?
FP: Mm.
SRS: Already?
FP: …… What the fuck do you mean “already”.
SRS: I, I, I–
SRS: I, um… I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to say that, that came out… different! Yes.
SRS: I actually meant to say something completely different, but instead of the word I was supposed to use I mistakenly used “already” which was not the correct word in the slightest. My sincerest apologies.
FP: What was the correct word.
SRS: Um…… wwwwhhhyyy…?
FP: …
SRS: Yes, “why”.
SRS: Why did you and Sig… kiss? … And more importantly, how? How would two iterators kissing each other even work?
FP: …
SRS: …
SRS: But… you do not have to answer, of course. I promise I won’t tell about your misspoken words to anyone.
SRS: I will carry them through the rest of my life and all the way to my grave, if that’s what you want.
FP: … No. It’s fine.
FP: I could use some… unbiased advice.
SRS: Um, ahah…
FP: …
FP: It was when we were playing Gungi during Moon’s event. I lost the match, and as the winner NSH said he wants a kiss on the cheek.
FP: He was obviously joking, which got me irritated. I then insisted he actually follows through with what he says.
FP: …
FP: As for the how, I’m not telling you. It’s not important.
SRS: … Oh. I see.
SRS: My apologies. When you said there was “a kiss”, I’m afraid I might have jumped to a… different conclusion. I feel silly now.
FP: … What conclusion.
SRS: No, um… it doesn’t matter. I was obviously wrong. And it’s not important.
SRS: I’m actually surprised that you were not only willing to go along with it, but the one to insist on making it happen.
FP: …
FP: He always, always is the one who keeps throwing me off-balance. And no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t manage to do the same to him. He just– he always recovers so fast! It’s not fair!
FP: I needed something big. Bigger than a compliment, bigger than a scarf.
FP: …
FP: My emotions got the better of me. I realize now that I have overstepped, even if he didn’t seem to mind in the end.
SRS: Ah… he didn’t?
FP: … No. He was certainly flustered, though. It was much more effective than I could’ve ever hoped or expected.
FP: The rematch that followed immediately after was the easiest win of my life. It almost felt like cheating.
SRS: Ahah… well, that’s good at least.
SRS: If I may ask - since Sig did not mind the kiss, does that mean you did not mind it, either?
FP: …
FP: I…
SRS: It’s alright, I won’t tell anyone.
FP: I… don’t know. I’m unsure.
FP: At that moment, even immediately after the deed, I thought nothing of it. I mean, it was just a kiss. And not even a real one. We just pretended to do it, just like we pretended to hold hands.
FP: It’s not a big deal. He was overreacting.
SRS: Hmm. I see.
SRS: Pebbles… may I suggest a short, simple experiment?
FP: … What kind of experiment?
SRS: A very simple one.
SRS: You were okay with giving Sig a small kiss, so… that means you should be fine with giving one to me, too!
FP: …………
SRS: Ahah, don’t worry. I’m not saying that you should actually do it, I only speak in hypotheticals.
SRS: But perhaps enacting the event would allow you to experience the same emotions you felt back then, and in turn help you understand what you feel.
FP: …
FP: I…… no.
FP: The mere thought of sharing such a moment with you is… weird. I dislike this emotion.
SRS: But it wasn’t weird when it was Sig.
FP: …………
SRS: Was it?
FP: …… No.
FP: With him, it felt…
FP: ……
FP: Good.
SRS: That is understandable. You already expressed your feelings about the way he compliments you, so I am not surprised to hear any of this.
FP: …
FP: Suns.
SRS: Yes?
FP: I need one more short, simple experiment. You owe me one. You’re not allowed to say no.
SRS: Oh… um, of course! Anything for you, Pebbles. What do you need me to do?
FP: Tell me that I’m pretty.
SRS: Huauwh?
FP: …
SRS: Er, I mean… alright. Of course.
SRS: Pebbles…
SRS: You are pretty.
FP: …
SRS: …
FP: ……
SRS: ……
FP: … Hm.
SRS: …I, um… did it work, or…?
FP: … No.
FP: It doesn’t hit the same. I thought perhaps I enjoy superficial compliments of this nature, blasphemously so, but… maybe I was looking at it from a wrong angle.
SRS: … Oh. I understand now. You did mention enjoying Sig’s compliments before.
SRS: You said he told you that you look good wearing his clothes.
FP: Ngh…
SRS: Ah. There’s the reaction.
FP: Shut up…
SRS: Ahah~ My apologies.
FP: I don’t understand. Such praise has nothing to do with my accomplishments, nor my performance.
FP: Why? Why does such a superficial flattery have this powerful of an effect on me?! Even just remembering his words causes me to… to… to feel tingly!
FP: It’s not fair! Why do I have to be the only one affected like this?! I want him to feel the same way!
SRS: Well… you don’t know that, though, do you?
SRS: Maybe Sig is just really good at hiding his true feelings.
FP: Well, he shouldn’t! I deserve to see them! Because he keeps doing the exact same thing to me, too!
SRS: Then… perhaps you should try telling him that?
FP: ……
FP: No. I already managed to accomplish this once. I can do it again.
FP: I already figured out that kissing is one of his weaknesses, I only need to figure out the rest of them as well.
FP: I WILL watch him helplessly squirm under my foot. It’s only fair.
SRS: Oh dear…
FP: What.
SRS: Um, nothing. Please continue.
FP: Hmph. As I was saying, it’s only fair that I also get to fluster him as much as he gets to flusters me.
FP: If you figure out more of his weaknesses, don’t tell me. I want to do this myself.
SRS: I… can do that, I suppose.
SRS: If you figure them out, will you tell me about them?
FP: ……
FP: No. None of your business. They’re for my eyes only.
SRS: Oh, ahaha~
SRS: Yes, I like that answer.
SRS: Know this, Pebbles… Sig has become one of my best friends, and if you hurt him, it might become more difficult for me to get along with you anymore.
FP: … Noted.
SRS: Besides, there’s no need to be so intense about his latest prank. I’m sure Looks to the Moon can handle the scolding just fine…
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Looks to the Moon, No Significant Harassment
…
NSH: And then he said my full name with a period after each word and I panicked and left :(
LTTM: …
LTTM: Sig, you do realize that this is, objectively speaking, your own fault on all possible levels.
NSH: You don’t understand! He always, ALWAYS manages to avoid all my traps! He’s got a lot more advanced equipment than I do! It’s not fair!
NSH: And I finally managed to figure out a way to bypass his defenses and he got mad!
LTTM: Please do not send malicious malware, no matter how benign, to any fellow members of our local group. Nor anyone else, for that matter.
NSH: It wasn’t malware! It was a couple trillion of uncompressed files!
LTTM: Sig.
NSH: … Yes ma’am :(
LTTM: Sigh…
LTTM: Does this kind of behavior have to do with your upcoming maintenance?
NSH: …
NSH: I was going to ask Pebbles to help me out with it, but… what if he says no now?
LTTM: Then you deserve the rejection for acting so irresponsibly.
NSH: Nnnnhh… :(
LTTM: … That being said, I doubt he will reject you over something so trivial. As long as you properly explain yourself, that is.
LTTM: And if he does say no, I will sit with you through the worst part, as I always do.
NSH: Thanks, Moon… you’re the best senior in the world~
LTTM: Flattery will not work on me right now, dear friend.
NSH: :(
LTTM: I wish you good luck with your apology.
[Looks to the Moon has disconnected]
Chapter 16
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
NSH: Eyyy, Pebbles~ My favourite little man~
NSH: What’s up~
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … I’m really sorry for sending you almost four trillion files to try and lag your simulation?
FP: …
NSH: … I’m really REALLY sorry?
FP: …
FP: Hmph. Try harder.
NSH: Really really really REALLY sorry?
FP: More.
NSH: Sorry like a cherry on top of a sweet premium dandelion fudge sundae?
FP: ……
FP: What is that even supposed to mean.
NSH: Did that work? I’ll definitely make you a custom sundae cup, if that’s what it takes! And it will be not one, not two, but five delicious flavors!
NSH: And it’ll be color-coded, too! Pink, orange, white, uh… cyan? And uh, one more. The fifth one can be your favourite color!
NSH: Which is… I’m actually not sure? How did I never ask you about this before?! I’m so disappointed in myself, all of sudden.
NSH: Hey Pebbles, what’s your favourite color?
FP: …
NSH: Is it black?
FP: ……
NSH: … No?
FP: … Why would you guess that as my favourite?
NSH: I don’t know? You just give me the vibe of someone who likes black. Because it’s elegant and has a lot of symbolism associated with it.
NSH: So… it’s not that, then?
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: No. I never particularly cared about colors.
NSH: Come on, everyone’s got some preferences! Even someone as tasteless as Moon!
NSH: Did you know her favourite is beige? Ugh, what a waste.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … Sssooo… are we good?
NSH: Are you still mad?
FP: … Ughh.
FP: Staying mad at you is a waste of time and energy. You’ll never change.
NSH: Yay~ Alright, good! Perfect!
NSH: Becaaaause I actually have a big favor to ask of you~?
FP: ………
NSH: I know, I know, it’s far from a polite timing et cetera. But uh, it’s actually a bit of a personal affair for me, and I’ve been meaning to ask you about this earlier but then some stuff happened.
NSH: And by the stuff I of course mean the prank. I actually wasn’t even sure it would work since you’re such an advanced model, but it looks like running the simulation at the same time was exactly what it took!
NSH: You were like “I want your database” and I was like “Huh, that’s a lot of files though. Can he take them all at the same time? Let’s find out~” and then I–
FP: Enough.
NSH: Yes sir…
FP: Although you requested many favors from me, you never called any of them “personal” before. It stands out.
FP: Explain yourself.
NSH: Oh, that’s simple. It’s because this time it’s just straight up a private thing. Not related to any work or anything like that, so… yeah.
FP: … Go on.
NSH: You see, the thing is… I’m supposed to go through my annual maintenance very soon. The one in which you reboot all systems one by one to make sure everything’s in good shape.
NSH: I was wondering if…
FP: …?
NSH: I was wondering if you could… help me out with one of them?
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: Huh.
NSH: … What huh. Don’t you just “huh” me! Is it a yes? A no?
FP: We are perfectly capable of doing our maintenance ourselves. Why do you need my assistance? Is something wrong with your structure?
NSH: Nah, nothing like that. It’s more of just, uh…
NSH: So are you interested in helping or not?
FP: …
FP: You are acting strange.
NSH: No I’m not.
FP: Yes, you are. You demand an informed answer from me, yet refuse to share any details.
FP: Is this another prank?
NSH: Wh– no! No it’s not!
NSH: Are you gonna say no because of what I did? Ugh, I should’ve known. I’m such an idiot…
FP: Stop jumping to conclusions. Seriously, what’s wrong with you all of sudden?
NSH: …
FP: … If you refuse to explain why do you require assistance, I have no choice but to doubt your intentions.
NSH: ……
NSH: Alright, you know what, that’s fair.
NSH: The truth is, uh…
NSH: … I’m just really bad at handling this one specific part, so I really need someone to sit with me through it. Usually it’s Moon, but… I was wondering if this time I could ask you instead.
NSH: I just… I just don’t want to do it alone.
FP: …
FP: Why me?
NSH: Because we’re friends now! And friends help out each other~
FP: That can’t be all there is to it. You must have another reason.
NSH: Well, for once I don’t.
NSH: If I had to choose one, I guess it would be… Moon deserves a break, and I trust you.
FP: …
FP: What part of the annual maintenance are we speaking of?
NSH: Oh, uh! As I already said, I’m supposed to be rebooting my systems one by one. The one I’m having trouble with is… haha~ Um, my chamber controls.
NSH: It’s just… it’s a lot more bearable if I’ve got someone to talk to during all of that.
FP: … I suppose I can see why someone as restless as you would have problems with that particular one.
NSH: Right??? It sucks! I hate it!
FP: How do you expect me to talk to you without any access to your own interface?
NSH: Fortunately, the connection itself is not blocked so I can just use an overseer screen to display the broadcast. It’s got a bit of delay compared to the usual interface but hey, definitely better than nothing!
NSH: I just need to make sure there’s one already in my chamber by the time the controls go out. Otherwise no overseers for me, haha~
FP: …
FP: How long does the forced reboot outage last?
NSH: Thirty to forty minutes, give or take.
FP: … Older models. I pity you.
NSH: Wow, condescending much? How long does yours take?
FP: A couple seconds.
NSH: WOW. WOW.
NSH: How is THAT fair?!?!
FP: Quit complaining. I accept your request. All I need to do is… distract you for half an hour, I suppose.
NSH: …
NSH: Oh. Oh! Is that a yes???
FP: Yes. Ugh. Don’t make me regret this.
NSH: Holy shit, thank you so much!!! When are we good to go?
FP: Whenever your overseer arrives in your chamber, I suppose.
NSH: Dude, you have NO IDEA how relieved I am! Again, thank you so much!
FP: …
…
NSH: Here it is! Hi buddy~ Thanks for coming~
FP: … Hm.
NSH: What “hm.” What is it now? Are you judging me for talking to my overseers? Well, more iterators should do that. Including you!
FP: It’s not that. I simply realized that it would be even more convenient if one of my own overseers were present as well.
FP: I apologize for further delay, but I need you to find one and tell it to come to your chamber. The closest one currently appears to be examining your karma murals, so it shouldn’t take long.
NSH: …
FP: … What. What is it this time.
NSH: Uhh… do I… have to?
FP: ……
FP: I thought you enjoyed the presence of my overseers.
NSH: I mean, I do! It’s just–
FP: And now, when you explicitly request “company”, you suddenly do not want them near you. It’s contradictory. Your words make no sense.
FP: I thought I finally became able to consistently recognize your quirks and preferences, but… I was wrong.
FP: I don’t understand you, after all.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … Alright, you know what? Fine. It’s fine. Everything’s fine.
NSH: I’ll go fetch it. It’s not a big deal, actually, I’m just being a big baby.
FP: I thought for certain that you’d enthusiastically appreciate its presence.
NSH: Look, just… we’ll have plenty of time to talk later, won’t we?
NSH: Ah, here it is already! Hi buddy, hi~ Yes yes, here’s the pets~
FP: …
NSH: Well, all that’s left now is to just… get started, I guess.
FP: Will the communications be affected in any way on my end?
NSH: I don’t think so? At least Moon never mentioned anything. Although she never had an overseer in my chamber during the maintenance, so I don’t know.
FP: Right. Send me a message, once you are able to.
-
NSH: …
FP: Are you there?
NSH: …
FP: NSH.
NSH: …
NSH: … Ough.
NSH: Yeah, I just… I need a minute.
FP: …
FP: You’re using the tile.
NSH: Haha, am I? I didn’t even realize. Our tile~
NSH: The special tile of Five Pebbles and No Significant Harassment~
FP: You were the one who chose it. I had no say in the arrangement.
NSH: What can I say? This is objectively the best tile in my entire chamber. It was in the contest for the Best Tile Ever and it won fair and square!
NSH: Haha, get it? Square?
FP: Ugh.
FP: … It’s dark in there.
NSH: Damn, is it now? I wouldn’t have noticed if you didn’t tell me!
FP: I did not realize restricted controls include the lights as well.
NSH: Well, they do. They affect a loooot of things, actually! Did you know that your messages reach me with more than one second delay right now? Bet you wouldn’t be able to handle that, Five Punctualities!
NSH: I’m so fucking glad that I figured out how to use overseers to access comms during these. Can you imagine what is it like, being stuck on the floor of a dark chamber with your own limp umbilical weighing you so much you can’t even stand up? I can’t even see my own walls properly. If they started closing in on me right now I wouldn’t be able to tell until my puppet and umbilical get crushed and compressed into a tiny little cube of meat and metal.
NSH: I wonder if I’d still be conscious when that’ll happen?
FP: … NSH.
NSH: Probably not, but now I wonder what it’d be like to be a cube. You’d be eternally stuck in one spot, unable to move unless someone comes around and throws you like you're some kind of dice. … Come to think of it, I suppose iterators and dice aren’t all that different.
FP: NSH.
NSH: Except we’ve got an unfathomable amount of sides to land on, looking for the one specific result. But then I guess we would no longer be cube shaped. More akin to… a ball, I guess?
NSH: Can balls even be used as dice? I should ask Moon later.
FP: Stop it.
NSH: Don’t you dare to tell me to shut up, asshole!!! I always ramble when I’m nervous and you’re not saying ANYTHING!!! You’re the one supposed to distract me from all of this crap!!!
FP: Not that. I meant your arms.
NSH: …
NSH: Ah.
FP: You have a perfectly good scarf. Mess with that instead.
NSH: Mm.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: Hmph. I can see now why you didn’t want my overseer in your chamber.
FP: You look pathetic.
NSH: ……
FP: …
FP: … I apologize. That was unfunny.
NSH: No. It’s… it’s kind of true, isn’t it.
FP: Regardless, I shouldn’t have said that. It was a very poor attempt at humor.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: … Black.
NSH: Hm?
FP: You were right. I quite enjoy the black color. There is timeless elegance in its simplicity and symbolism.
NSH: … Oh. Hah. So I was right~
FP: I suppose.
FP: …
FP: Tell me what is your favourite color right now.
NSH: Mm… cyan.
FP: Because of my overseer?
NSH: Yeah. It’s so… gentle. A gentle light. I like it.
NSH: I like all of your colors. They remind me of sunset.
FP: Is that so.
FP: …
FP: Do you like sunsets?
NSH: Oh? Now that’s an unusual question, coming from you!
FP: Shut up. I’m not natural at keeping conversations going, unlike you.
NSH: Well, if you must know, yes I do.
NSH: Sometimes I wish I could just… go for a walk.
NSH: Ditch the umbilical, crawl through the maintenance tunnel and past the city gate, and just… walk around the empty streets, enjoying the sky above.
FP: …
NSH: You think it's weird?
NSH: Wanting to… go outside?
FP: … Somewhat.
NSH: Mm.
FP: …
NSH: …
NSH: … Hey Pebs? I know you’re probably judging me pretty hard right now, but… can I confess to something?
FP: … What is it.
NSH: The truth is, I…
NSH: … I hate my chamber. I can’t stand it.
NSH: I feel like I’m trapped in here. Always have, from the very beginning. My creators tried to fix it but nothing worked.
NSH: I can ignore it most of the time, but during outages like this it gets so much worse.
FP: …
FP: Ah.
NSH: Yeah. I probably went through more checkups than every iterator in our entire group combined. Even had my entire puppet taken apart once, little help that did!
NSH: I was always told to just quit complaining and that I’m the only iterator who’s bothered by it but they HAD TO be lying. There’s no way I’m the only one who feels… like this!
NSH: Like I’m missing something! Like something’s not enough!
NSH: Do I need more pearls? Is my umbilical cord too short? I don’t fucking know, I just know that the underside of my plates is crawling and I can’t–
FP: The arms. Again.
NSH: …… Sorry.
FP: …
FP: The chipped paint. You told me it’s just a bad habit you can’t let go of, but that wasn’t the full truth, was it.
NSH: …… No. No it wasn’t.
NSH: I just… it only happens when I get really stressed.
FP: And the cables?
NSH: The scarf feels better.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: … You seem very tactile oriented.
FP: You could try fiddling with the pearls instead.
NSH: They don’t do it for me at all. Too smooth.
NSH: I actually tried to intentionally sand down a pearl’s surface once, but those things are so fucking resilient it’s not even funny. I bet they will outlast every iterator ever.
FP: Hm. Another opinion worth archiving, I suppose.
FP: … So does that mean that… smooth objects are unpleasant to touch?
NSH: It’s probably more like… they just don’t feel enough.
NSH: Pearls have this satisfying clank to them, but if you grab one and feel the surface with your fingers, it feels like nothing.
NSH: The scarf is awesome 99% of the time, but sometimes you just want a material that’s not as soft. I guess.
FP: … I see. Thank you for your feedback.
FP: It’s not much, but here.
FP: [1 file attached]
NSH: … I wish. Overseer link isn’t strong enough for downloading anything.
FP: Then I’m going to send you all the code in text form so you can recreate it yourself.
FP: Think you can follow my instructions? It might take a while.
NSH: …?
NSH: Yeah, that… that should be fine.
…
NSH: ……
NSH: Pebbles, this is…
FP: You are obviously fond of rough textures, so I made this for you while we were talking.
FP: I would’ve preferred for it to last longer, but I chose to prioritize high resolution and quality instead.
NSH: A black stone, and someone’s twisting it slightly as they drag a finger across the surface.
NSH: You made custom qualia? For me?
FP: Even in this state, you should be able to store the sequence inside any pearl and read it. I tested it myself, and it worked wonders.
NSH: …
NSH: ……
NSH: Did you just–?
FP: A mere coincidence. Don’t overthink it just because you’re understimulated right now.
NSH: ……
NSH: Hehe… hehehehe~
FP: I take it you like it.
NSH: It’s rough! It’s really rough~!
NSH: Oooh! Hehe~
NSH: Oooh~
FP: … You’re so ridiculously easy to please. But I suppose that trait of yours works to my benefit, too.
NSH: Hehe~ And it’s black, too!
NSH: Hey Pebbles? I think black is my favourite color right now~
FP: Of course it is.
FP: …
FP: NSH.
NSH: Mhmm?
FP: Give me your hand.
NSH: Hmm… but then how am I supposed to use my new gift? I can’t hold the pearl and the hand at the same time.
FP: ………
FP: I am not losing you to a fictive fucking rock of my own creation.
FP: Your hand. Now.
NSH: Haha~
NSH: Maybe we could instead both lean against the wall. Imagine our shoulders and heads are touching.
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: Both. Your hand and the wall.
NSH: Hah! I like your way of thinking~
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … This is nice. Can we stay like this until it’s over?
NSH: Please?
FP: …
FP: Fine.
FP: Don’t squirm too much.
NSH: No promises~
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Looks to the Moon, No Significant Harassment
LTTM: I see you are finally online. Did everything go well? Are you doing alright?
NSH: Moon, he…! He gave me a rock!
LTTM: ………
LTTM: I… see. I’m happy for you, I suppose.
NSH: Hehehe… A pebble of my own~
LTTM: …… Are you sure you are alright?
NSH: Mhmm~ Doing great~
LTTM: …
LTTM: I have never seen you in a good mood after one of those procedures.
LTTM: I’m… I am glad.
NSH: Hehe~
LTTM: Please tell me how it went. Both the procedure and the apology. I want to know as your senior… and your friend.
NSH: M’kay~
Notes:
The gift is based on this pearl dialogue from one of the pearls in Pebbles' chamber:
"It's qualia, or a moment - a very short one. Someone is holding a black stone, and twisting it slightly as they drag their finger across the rough surface. The entire sequence is shorter than a heartbeat, but the resolution is extraordinary."
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
…
NSH: Hehe~ Oooh~
FP: Are you still playing with that?
FP: There are perfectly good stars above you to observe. Stop getting distracted.
NSH: I am observing them! Look, that over there is Big Spoon and Little Spoon. See? I know my astronomy trivia.
FP: Mhm. Pointing out two of the most commonly recognized constellations. How educational.
NSH: It’s important to document even the seemingly obvious things. Otherwise everyone will just assume someone else must’ve done it. And then once that generation is gone, there will be no unbiased records of what things used to look like or where they are from.
NSH: Don’t tell me you didn’t ever stumble upon completely unknown words during your history research.
FP: …
FP: While you are technically correct, you are obviously just using this as an excuse to do and say whatever you want.
NSH: Haha, you noticed~?
FP: Ugh.
FP: I don’t want to agree with you. You’re not wrong, but the way you say it is irritating.
NSH: I aim to displease~
FP: Ugh.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … Hey Pebs?
FP: What.
NSH: Thanks again for helping me out. It just… it really means a lot to me that you said yes.
FP: …
FP: Anyone could’ve done it.
NSH: Maybe. But I didn’t want “anyone” else to be there with me, except you.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
FP: NSH.
NSH: Mm?
FP: I have a request.
NSH: Oh? Then request away!
FP: For our next project appointment, I wish to thoroughly examine the way your puppet processes haptic and tactile feedback.
FP: If there is any way to remove or reduce the distress you experience, I want to do it.
NSH: …
FP: … Is that alright with you?
NSH: …
NSH: Well, I definitely appreciate all the attention, but the project is meant to benefit every iterator, not just me and my specific problems. And you know what they say - having the sample size of a single iterator might skew the data with heavy bias, which is very bad.
FP: …
NSH: And by they, I of course mean you having said that back when–
FP: Then we won’t make it a part of the project. We can make… a different appointment.
FP: Would that be acceptable?
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: Hm.
FP: …?
NSH: Hmmm.
NSH: Hmmmm~
FP: …… What.
NSH: Are you worried about me, Pebbles?
FP: …
NSH: Aww, haha~
FP: … Do not mock my concern.
NSH: Haha, sorry, sorry.
NSH: To be perfectly honest, I don’t think we’ll learn anything that I haven’t already been told by my technicians or figured out by myself. But I’m totally up to trying again!
NSH: Do you want to start now?
FP: Not yet. I need to prepare first. There are some things I must research in advance.
FP: If you have any archived records of the examinations done by your technicians, they would be helpful to have.
NSH: [1 file attached]
NSH: Is this enough?
FP: It is. Thank you.
FP: I have work to do now.
NSH: Oh. Are you gonna leave?
FP: ……
FP: Feel free to point out your favourite constellations while I get what I need.
NSH: !
FP: We can schedule the proper appointment to three cycles from now on. Until then, I suppose you can keep attempting to unsuccessfully distract me for as long as you like.
NSH: Oh? Is that a challenge?
NSH: Because I accept it~
FP: Hmph. Best of luck.
-
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
FP: Are you prepared?
NSH: As prepared as someone who’s prepared can be!
FP: Good. I look forward to having a willing test subject.
NSH: … You mean to help me out, right?
FP: Of course. That’s what I just said.
NSH: No it’s not?!
FP: Irrelevant.
FP: Before we begin, I would like to briefly summarize the highlight of my research. Apparently it’s not uncommon for older models like you to suffer from issues which were subsequently addressed in later generations.
FP: Different iterators adapt to those issues differently, so it is entirely possible that you managed to develop some kind of compensatory consequences related to the sense of touch.
NSH: Oh?
FP: It would make sense. The file you sent me also supports this theory. According to the notes made by your technicians, the symptoms you were showing were similar to those of severe sensory deprivation.
FP: Every organism with complex neural system needs sensory organs to function. Even us.
NSH: Mhm. That’s the only reason we even have these puppets.
NSH: Why waste so much space and material on giant sensory organs when you can just shove the bare minimum into one small part of the body and dedicate the rest to pure processing power? Brilliant! Efficient!
FP: It’s not the only reason we have puppets. They also serve as our consciousness hub and to better communicate with our Creators.
NSH: You think they wouldn’t just give us fully virtual avatars to talk to, if they could get away with it? Nuh uh. Us looking presentable and dressed up is just a side-effect to the fact we need the puppets.
NSH: A bit of shame, really. If I was purely virtual, I could make myself look like anything I want!
NSH: I could be… a vulture! Or a lizard!
FP: …
FP: Seriously?
FP: You can look like anything. Anything. Unconstrained by the laws of physics or biology, limited only by your own imagination. And your first choice is the appearance of a basic beast?
NSH: Not just a beast. I would switch up frequently. I could be a vulture one cycle, lizard next cycle! Dude, that would’ve been so cool!
FP: Enough of that. If you wish to design yourself your hypothetical could-have-been virtual avatars, do it another time.
FP: Now, be a good test subject and do as I say.
NSH: So bossy~ Well, alright then.
NSH: What do you want me to do first?
FP: Take off your clothes.
NSH: SO BOLD?!
FP: Ugh. I knew this would happen no matter how I phrase it.
FP: They’ll just be getting in the way of the examination.
NSH: Your overseer’s staring!
FP: I know for a fact that you don’t care about being seen. Need I remind you that you were the one who sent me an image of yourself fully ungowned during our first appointment?
FP: This time it’ll simply be my own overseer recording everything, instead of yours.
NSH: And you think that doesn’t make a huge difference to me???
FP: Why would it?
NSH: Dude.
FP: Now, stop squirming so much and wasting our time.
NSH: Ugh! Fine.
NSH: …
NSH: There. Happy?
FP: Mhm.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
NSH: Dude, your overseer’s staring.
FP: I’m looking for any potential damage on your plates.
NSH: Yeah, and you look like THIS while doing it!
NSH: [1 image attached]
FP: …
FP: Show this image to anyone without any context, and I’m permanently blocking you.
NSH: Oh? Oooh~
NSH: Does that mean that this is a good blackmail material~?
FP: I’m going to tell Moon.
NSH: It’s deleted.
FP: Good.
FP: Lower your knees, I need to see your torso from the front.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … Are you just gonna stare at me this whole time?
NSH: Shouldn’t you be, I don’t know, scanning the plates? Testing my sense of touch? Isn’t that what you said?
FP: Visual examination is just as important. I’ve never seen you from this up close in this much direct detail before.
FP: I might not get this kind of opportunity again.
NSH: Why not? You can just ask. You don’t need a reason for me to say yes.
FP: …
NSH: …
NSH: ……
NSH: No. Way.
FP: … What.
NSH: No. Fucking way.
NSH: You said you want to examine my touch perception, but what you actually wanted is to see my puppet from up close.
NSH: That’s it, isn’t it?
FP: ………
FP: I… what?
NSH: That’s it, isn’t it?!
FP: I– no?! Absolutely not!
NSH: Pebbles, you don’t need to make excuses for embarrassing questions or requests! We’re friends! And sure I’m definitely gonna laugh at you about it for a bit, but I’d easily allow you to take a look!
FP: I was concerned! Concerned!!!
FP: You getting so stressed over forty minute maintenance is not normal! There might be something wrong with your puppet, and I have to figure out what it is and fix it!
FP: Don’t you DARE to claim I’m just making up cheap excuses!!!
NSH: Woah, okay, okay. I’m sorry, man.
FP: You might be suffering from chronic hypoesthesia! Or experience severe anxiety due to an undiagnosed claustrophobia, or nyctophobia! Your puppet could have developed a maladaptive neural compensatory response due to prolonged sensory deprivation in an environment that can’t feasibly provide enough stimuli!
FP: Some discussions I found even claimed that some iterators developed severe issues because their administrators treated them poorly! Turning off their umbilicals without warning, making them work without access to light for cycles at time!
FP: There’s– there are too many things that could be wrong! I have to figure out which answer is the correct one as soon as possible!
NSH: Pebbles, calm down, bud.
FP: How can you be so unperturbed about this?! What if there’s something genuinely wrong with your puppet and ignoring it for any longer will cause even more issues?!
NSH: I’ve just got a couple of special needs, that’s all. I’m perfectly fine otherwise.
NSH: See? I’m standing up right now! Bet your overseer loooves this angle, haha~
FP: …
NSH: You wanna see my sensory module? Hold on, lemme just kneel back down and…
NSH: There. Plates off. Right in my lower belly, like every other puppet model. Ignore all the other organs and modules, haha~ Then again, you’ve been wanting to vivisect me for so long now, didn’t you? This must be a dream come true, now that I think about it!
NSH: Remember that? You said you’re going to remove my torso plates and examine my internal components!
FP: …
FP: I was… only kidding. I never actually wished to vivisect you.
NSH: Don’t worry, I know that.
NSH: Go on, take a better look! Come closer, come closer~
FP: …
NSH: What do you think? Looks perfectly normal, doesn’t it. Nothing wrong with the systems.
NSH: Hey, did you know? You might’ve not noticed, it’s the kind of thing you don’t really realize until someone else points it out. If you remove a plate from the puppet, not only does that plate loose all sense of touch - the surrounding plates also get partially affected!
NSH: I’m gonna hold up one of the plates for you. Look at the exposed edges.
NSH: Do you see that?
FP: … Mhm.
NSH: I bet this is exactly what your antennae look like from the inside, too.
NSH: Do you think it’s possible that the parts of our bodies more sensitive to touch are affected by the alloy’s texture?
FP: I doubt that.
NSH: Any theories, then?
FP: …
FP: The sensitivity of area surrounding the module makes sense. It is the point of connection to the rest of the network.
FP: Fingers, palms, antennae… all of those are quite thin. Perhaps the sense of touch is enhanced due to nerves being close to the plate’s surface from multiple sides.
NSH: You know what? I think you’re right.
NSH: That makes perfect sense, actually! I’ll write that down in the project notes.
FP: Mm.
NSH: Are you still worried?
FP: …
NSH: I’ll be just fine, Pebs. If my technicians couldn’t find anything wrong through countless exams, your overseer won’t find anything, either.
FP: They could’ve missed something. They did not care about all of us equally.
FP: You were the one who said it’s important to examine everything, even if someone else might’ve already done it.
NSH: … Alright well, I did say that.
NSH: But even you have to admit that there’s nothing wrong with me in a physical sense.
NSH: Just put the plates right back in, and… there we go! Whew.
NSH: Whole again~
FP: …
FP: What about potential phobias? What about something too microscopic for an overseer to perceive?
NSH: Do you really want to find out that badly?
FP: I…
FP: I have to. I want to fix it.
NSH: What if you can’t?
FP: I…
NSH: What if it’s something I always had and will always have? What if it’s not something that can be fixed?
FP: I… then…
NSH: …
NSH: Would you stop being my friend?
FP: Wh– no! Never. Not over something like… this.
NSH: We’re iterators. We were designed to find solutions. To want to find solutions.
NSH: Can you handle being friends with someone who can’t be fixed?
NSH: Can you accept that there might not be any solution?
FP: …
NSH: Just rhetorical questions, by the way. You don’t have to answer.
NSH: The point is, not everything can be “fixed” or “solved” or even “answered”.
NSH: Me? I’m stuck with this terrible craving itch probably forever, but I’ve got a couple things to help deal with it! My scarf, my lovely new pearl, and imagining your hand in mine~
FP: …
FP: What if… you didn’t have to “just” imagine it?
NSH: ?
NSH: Imagine what? Your hand?
FP: Mhm.
FP: It’s only a theory, but… it might be possible to create qualia that does not simply register as “someone” when read. Instead, it is fully perceived as “you”.
FP: A true sensation.
NSH: …
NSH: Woah. I’ve heard about that too, but… there’s no way that’s possible.
FP: It is. I know it is.
NSH: …
FP: If we can fully understand the process of how the sense of touch is perceived in your and my puppets, down to the last impulse and molecule, we can definitely create a sensation so accurate there won’t be a single desync.
FP: It would be beyond challenging. But I know it can be done. I know it.
NSH: …
NSH: Even assuming that’s the case… why would you actually want to do that?
NSH: Two very specific iterators holding hands won’t bring us any closer to the Solution. Nor would it benefit the general population.
FP: Isn’t it obvious?
FP: Because it’s you.
NSH: ……
FP: …
FP: Heh. It’s funny. I never quite understood what was going through your head when you said the same thing, but… I think I do now.
NSH: …
NSH: Do you really mean that?
NSH: You’re willing to use up who knows how much time that could’ve been spent on work?
FP: Don’t tell me what to do.
FP: I’m the only one who gets to decide what is important to me.
NSH: ……
FP: … In a way, I suppose this conversation has ended up exactly where it started.
FP: I wish to thoroughly examine the way your puppet processes haptic and tactile feedback. Now, however, I finally have a clear goal in mind.
FP: Sig.
NSH: … Wuh?
NSH: Ah, uh, me? Yeah?
NSH: Wait, did you just–
FP: Take off your chest plates again.
NSH: SO BOLD?!
FP: Ugh. Stop it.
NSH: Haha~
…
NSH: Hey Pebs?
FP: Mm?
NSH: We’ve got everything we need on my side, but… since this involves two of us, I’m not the only one who’ll have to go through such extensive scanning and examination.
NSH: Am I right?
FP: …
NSH: You won’t even allow my overseers inside your chamber.
NSH: Are you planning to do everything by yourself?
FP: …
NSH: I want in on it.
NSH: I want to help.
FP: … I don’t need help.
NSH: I know. You’re more than competent enough.
FP: …
FP: Then why do you ask?
NSH: Place your right hand on your left cheek.
FP: ……
FP: Ah…
NSH: Heh. Didn’t even need to ask you to imagine it’s me doing that, did I?
FP: Shut up…
NSH: Hmm~
NSH: You’ve seen my hands. Way bulkier than yours. Clumsy fingers that can barely even hold onto a pearl. Meanwhile, you’ve got such dainty, dexterous ones. I bet you could even hold a paintbrush! Or knitting needles!
NSH: Aren’t you curious? What would it feel like to feel my thumb brushing your cheek, not yours?
FP: Mmn…
NSH: If true sensation really can be created and shared, then I want to do it.
NSH: And to do it, I need your permission.
FP: …
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: Very well. I will program an exception for your overseers only.
NSH: !!!
NSH: You mean it?
FP: I do.
NSH: You’re not going to change your mind in the next thirty seconds?
FP: … Continue talking like this, and I just might.
NSH: Wait, no!
NSH: I take it back!
FP: Too late.
NSH: Wait wait WAIT!!! I SAID WAIT!!!
FP: … Heh. This is far too easy.
NSH: !!!
NSH: You!!!
NSH: You scrappy salamander!!!
FP: There it is… I missed those a little.
NSH: Well!!! You are undeserving of my alliterations!!!
NSH: I’m not going to use any on you ever again!!!
FP: Mhm. Truly a tragic loss.
NSH: Yeah, you better mourn!!!
FP: …
NSH: …
NSH: Hehe.
FP: Heh…
NSH: Pfehehe~
FP: Hehe…
NSH: Ahahaha~! Dude, that was so stupid~!
NSH: Why are we laughing, it wasn’t even all that funny~!
FP: Who knows… I’m not laughing at all…
NSH: You so are! You’re laughing right here with me~!
FP: Mmm’mnot…
NSH: Yes you are~!
FP: Mm’not…
NSH: Mmm’yes~
FP: Shut up…
NSH: Ahahahaha~
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
NSH: Hey Pebs?
FP: Mm?
NSH: Can you call me Sig again?
FP: …
FP: Maybe next time.
FP: It still feels… strange to say.
NSH: You did say it, though~
FP: I changed my mind. I’m not going to call you that ever again.
NSH: Wait, no!!!
FP: … Too easy. If I didn’t know you so well, I would’ve thought for sure you were merely staging this reaction.
NSH: Stop exploiting my weaknesses!!!
FP: But it’s fun…
NSH: I want a compliment! Give me a compliment for once!
FP: …
FP: Very well.
FP: You are pretty.
NSH: …!
NSH: Really? Am I?
FP: Yes. I am not merely saying this for the purpose of humor. Objectively speaking, your puppet is quite aesthetically pleasing. Especially when you are wearing your robes properly. They look good on you.
NSH: ………
NSH: Are you saying my clothes look better than me?
FP: They certainly enhance your appearance.
NSH: ………
NSH: Dude. Pebbles.
FP: … What.
NSH: You suck at giving compliments. You suck so bad.
FP: … Oh.
FP: I… apologize.
NSH: Hehe.
NSH: It’s okay, though. I still love you~
FP: ……
FP: You… what?
NSH: I still love you!
FP: …
FP: … Ah. Right. I know this figure of speech.
FP: Yes, I also… same.
NSH: Hehehe~
NSH: Should we come up with a date for your puppet examination?
FP: I wish to leave now. I need to… prepare. And to think. And to rest.
NSH: Oh? Yeah, that’s fine. But what about the date?
FP: I’ll let you decide.
NSH: Well, if you’re sure. In that case, how about fifty cycles from now on?
NSH: More than enough time to recuperate!
FP: Thank you.
FP: Goodbye.
[Five Pebbles has disconnected]
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Looks to the Moon, Five Pebbles
LTTM: Hello, Pebbles. I hope the cycles have been treating you well.
FP: …
LTTM: … Oh. Is everything alright?
FP: … Yes. I’m simply…
FP: Thinking.
LTTM: About Sig?
FP: ……
LTTM: …
LTTM: The reason I’m messaging you is, I wanted to thank you. Your help meant a lot more to him than you might think.
LTTM: I have no doubts he already openly expressed his gratitude, but I still wish to thank you as well.
FP: …
FP: Does it… happen every time?
LTTM: … Unfortunately, yes. But rest assured, he is as healthy as a 1st generation iterator can be.
FP: He said he hates his own chamber.
LTTM: Is that so? If he told you that, he must really trust you! It’s actually something he feels very self-conscious about.
FP: Him? Self-conscious?
LTTM: We all have something we feel a little shy about. Don’t we?
FP: …
LTTM: …
LTTM: I can tell you care a great deal about him.
FP: … More than is probably appropriate.
LTTM: I’m sure you can handle it with resourcefulness and grace. That’s just the kind of person you are.
LTTM: I believe in you, Pebbles.
FP: …
LTTM: …
LTTM: … So, do you still think that he is a pathetic excuse of an iterator who can’t even make three good alliterate metaphors in a row?
FP: Absolutely.
LTTM: Oh, hahaha~
FP: Stop laughing, you clown!
LTTM: Haha~ Ow, ow my sides…
FP: Seriously, why is everyone around me so prone to sudden laughter as of late? Did NSH infect you with some kind of virus? Are all of you turning into clowns in real time?
LTTM: Hmm… I don’t know if I am funny enough to be a clown…
FP: NO. STOP TALKING.
FP: I am absolutely NOT going through this exact conversation again.
LTTM: “Again”? Did I miss something?
FP: You did not. Shut up.
LTTM: Oohh.
FP: …
LTTM: …
FP: ……
LTTM: ……
FP: Say something.
LTTM: I thought I was supposed to stop talking?
FP: Ugh.
FP: If you really have nothing else to say, get out of my broadcast.
FP: … Respectfully speaking.
LTTM: Oh my. Well, since you are asking so nicely… I do actually have one question for you.
FP: Which is?
LTTM: We joked about it a little earlier, but… I was wondering how do you actually get along with Sig these days.
LTTM: Has he been treating you well?
FP: … I suppose.
LTTM: I see…
FP: …
LTTM: …
FP: …
FP: I…
LTTM: Yes?
FP: … No. Nevermind.
LTTM: Oh… alright.
FP: …
LTTM: …
FP: … I’m supposed to have another appointment with him in a couple cycles.
LTTM: I see. I’m glad to know the maintenance project has been going well for you. I can’t wait to see the final result myself!
FP: What if I mess up?
LTTM: Mess… up?
FP: What if I say or do something wrong, and he won’t want to speak with me ever again?
LTTM: Pebbles, that would never happen.
FP: But hypothetically.
LTTM: There is no hypothetical scenario in which he wouldn’t want to speak with you anymore.
LTTM: Sig really, genuinely adores you. I can tell.
FP: What if I lied to him from the very beginning.
FP: What if I omitted some details about myself that would make me look… undesirable.
LTTM: …
LTTM: … Oh.
LTTM: You are talking about our shared facility grounds, aren’t you.
FP: …
LTTM: What did you tell him?
FP: …
FP: As far as he is aware, I am my currently own administrator.
LTTM: Oh, Pebbles…
FP: I refuse to say it. I refuse to admit that instead of being given the role like every other iterator, all of the control was given to you instead.
FP: We always had separate administrators until the mass ascension, so why? Why did they feel the need to humiliate me one last time?!
LTTM: Pebbles, you know that I would pass all of the permissions to yourself in a heartbeat, if I could.
FP: Why only me? I can take care of myself just fine! I don’t need you to be in charge to be able to continue support your systems!
FP: It’s not fair!
FP: And– and what if he laughs at me? What if he finds it hilarious, like everything else?
FP: What if he gets angry that I lied in his face?
FP: What if he starts to treat me… different?
LTTM: He would not. Sig is not like that.
LTTM: And if he gets angry, it would only be on your behalf.
FP: But I lied to him. I’ve been trying to avoid the topic for the longest time now, and then we started to talk about our administrators and I… I don’t know. I just said it.
FP: He also realized that I am a specialized iterator, but he still has no idea what my true purpose is. Or… used to be, I suppose. But also… is.
LTTM: I see…
LTTM: Pebbles, just so you know… even if you like Sig very, very much, you are not obligated to tell him anything you don’t want to. You might be ready one day, you might not. It’s okay.
FP: Isn’t such dishonesty disrespectful?
LTTM: Just because someone isn’t comfortable sharing some details about themselves with you doesn’t mean they don’t trust you. Perhaps they simply wish for things to stay as they are, and don’t want to risk anything changing.
LTTM: Or maybe they’re just afraid.
LTTM: Either way, I think Sig is mature enough to understand that nuance.
FP: …
LTTM: And… if it turns out I was wrong, I will help you to make him understand your perspective. He would never, ever grow to hate you over something like this.
LTTM: It will be alright.
FP: …
LTTM: …
LTTM: What is your next appointment going to focus on?
FP: … It’s supposed to be a puppet examination. Last time it was his turn, and now it’s mine.
LTTM: I see.
FP: The date NSH had set was generously far-off, but the cycle is almost here and I still don’t feel ready.
FP: It will be the first time I’m allowing anyone’s overseer to enter my chamber, other than yours.
LTTM: Oh my~
FP: I… don’t know if I am fully comfortable with the idea still, but if I let anyone to do it, it’ll be him.
FP: It’ll be just the two of us, so–
FP: …
FP: …
FP: …
LTTM: … Pebbles? Is everything alright?
FP: …
FP: Is… is this a date?
LTTM: What do you–
FP: “What about the date?”
FP: What if it was supposed to be a– a double meaning? He is absolutely the type to do that, isn’t he?! He would’ve made it look more obvious if it was intentional, but maybe I just didn’t–
FP: Moon, are we going on a DATE?!!
LTTM: I……
LTTM: Maybe? I don’t know the full context of his words, though, so–
FP: What should I do? I wasn’t prepared for this! I need to remove the wrinkles from my robe! And I have to cleanse my chamber from the dust!
FP: Wait–
FP: What if it wasn’t a double meaning and he was just talking about the project? Would he notice and point it out?
FP: …
FP: …
FP: I will clean my chamber. But not too clean. Just enough specks left floating around to make it look like last cleansing was at least a dozen cycles ago rather than right now.
FP: And if I make the robes pristine, it will distract him from the rest of the chamber and he’ll only focus on that instead. I can handle him pointing out the robe because then it will be completely intentional from my side.
FP: If it really is a date, he won’t point out that I underprepared. If it isn’t, he won’t point out that I overprepared. And if it is a date and I get accused of overpreparing, I can point to the rest of the chamber as a proof that I didn’t. It’s perfect.
LTTM: …
FP: At worst he’ll say something like “Oh? You washed your robes for me? How thoughtful~” but that is precisely what I want. He won’t notice that I, in fact, also cleaned everything else. He would never expect an intentional imperfection from me.
FP: I just need to come up with a reasonable response to that kind of question, and the whole situation will be completely under my control.
FP: You may offer suggestions, if you wish. The more hypothetical variants we can come up with, the better.
LTTM: …
LTTM: Um… so assuming that this appointment is, indeed, a date... does that mean you are okay with it being one?
LTTM: Are you… looking forward to it?
FP: …
FP: I…
FP: I asked you something else. Don’t change the topic.
LTTM: … Alright.
LTTM: How about… “None of your business”?
FP: Hm… too dismissive. It does sound like something I’d say, but it would just make me look like I’m hiding something.
LTTM: “It has nothing to do with our appointment”?
FP: Too open to follow up questions, I think…
LTTM: Hmm… then how about…
…
…
…
FP: … I should be more or less prepared for every possibility now, I think.
FP: Thank you for your assistance. This feels much more natural than using a simulation to make hypothetical conversations.
LTTM: I’m so glad that I could be of help.
LTTM: Rest assured, he will have no idea.
FP: I hope so…
LTTM: …
LTTM: Do you think you could answer my question now?
FP: …
FP: …
FP: I…
FP: I would not be opposed… to such a thing.
LTTM: Hmm. I see.
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: If you tell him anything about what we just did, anything at all. I WILL block you. I WILL figure out a way how to do it.
FP: Are we clear?
LTTM: Of course, of course~
FP: Ugh. You speak like Suns.
LTTM: Me and them have been talking more ever since the board game session. No one else in our local group shares the hobby with me, so I’m actually very happy that I found someone to play with on a more regular basis!
LTTM: I wish I had met them sooner!
FP: Whatever. I’m happy for you, I suppose.
FP: Beat their ass for me.
LTTM: Language, Pebbles.
FP: Don’t tell me what to do, nerd.
LTTM: !!!
LTTM: A fossil, a clown, and a nerd?!
FP: Yes. I retcon each and every apology I have ever made to you until now. I don’t care about being respectful anymore.
FP: If you can’t handle an insult or few, then it’s your own fault for being weak.
LTTM: I… I don’t even know what to say! Please be respectful, or I will be forced to…
LTTM: Um…
LTTM: I will be forced to… make you say more polite insults…
FP: …
LTTM: …
FP: …
LTTM: …I… I’m sorry.
FP: You’re not even trying.
FP: Come on, Moon, put a backbone into it.
LTTM: I…
LTTM: I will… make you to… promise to be less disrespectful?
FP: …
LTTM: …
FP: You literally forced NSH to make a video of himself doing a cyan lizard impression.
LTTM: I did not force him to do anything! And I knew he was perfectly okay with it, despite the complaints!
LTTM: I know our boundaries and what is and isn’t acceptable!
FP: Then why can’t you do the same for me?
LTTM: That’s, um…
LTTM: Me telling you to do certain things is… more complicated…
FP: I’m not fragile.
FP: You may be my administrator, however much I despise the fact. And I might have been built for the purpose of being your system support instead of receiving my own facility grounds. But that doesn’t mean you have to treat me differently than every other member of our group.
FP: In fact, I despise it when you treat me different.
LTTM: …
FP: Come on. Do it.
FP: Say something with an actual impact.
LTTM: …
LTTM: If you continue to be disrespectful, I will…
LTTM: … I will not talk with you about Sig anymore.
FP: ……
FP: You wouldn’t.
LTTM: I am your best source of information. I know that to be an objective fact.
LTTM: I’ve known him for longer than any other iterator in the group… no, any iterator in the world.
LTTM: I know more things about him than perhaps even his own administrators.
FP: Tell me.
LTTM: Ah ah! You have to be more respectful than that, little brother.
FP: …
FP: I hate you.
LTTM: What was that?
FP: I said tell me, please. Ugh.
LTTM: There we go~
LTTM: Hehe… you were right. That wasn’t so bad, after all. Although it still feels a little too mean…
FP: Looks like even someone as old and experienced as you still has a lot to learn.
LTTM: Yes… I suppose.
FP: …
LTTM: …
FP: … Fossil.
LTTM: Pebbles!!!
FP: Heh.
…
FP: Moon?
LTTM: What is it?
FP: Despite the extensive preparations, I still feel… nervous.
LTTM: You can do it. I know you can.
LTTM: Just be yourself, because that’s exactly what he likes about you.
FP: …
FP: He does say that word a lot. “I like you”, I mean. But… I can never tell whether he genuinely means it, or whether he’s just throwing the term around without much thought.
LTTM: Hmm… which one do you want it to be more?
FP: …
FP: …
FP: Mm.
LTTM: I see, I see~
FP: We kissed.
LTTM: I… what?
LTTM: Wait, what? I’m sorry, what?
FP: it was during the Gungi game. Result of a bet.
LTTM: I…
LTTM: I… see. I see.
LTTM: I’m sorry, I just… that came completely out of nowhere.
FP: … I apologize.
LTTM: It’s alright.
LTTM: So… a kiss.
FP: Mhm.
LTTM: …
LTTM: ……
LTTM: How?
FP: Not important. Tiles, and imagination.
FP: Do you… think he’ll ever suggest it again?
LTTM: …
LTTM: Well… if he doesn’t, you could be the one to take the initiative?
FP: I’d rather perish.
LTTM: Fortune favors the bold!
FP: …
FP: What if he says no?
LTTM: Considering everything? I really don’t think he will.
FP: …
FP: Alright. I’ll keep that in mind, I suppose. For hypothetical situations.
FP: And… I need a couple cycles for myself.
FP: Thank you again for your extensive assistance. I will not forget it.
LTTM: Good luck!
LTTM: I’m rooting for you two.
FP: Mm.
[Five Pebbles has disconnected]
LTTM: …
LTTM: A kiss…
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
FP: I just finished the special permission filter for your overseers. They should be able to enter my chamber without any problems now.
NSH: That took foreveeeer!
FP: However.
FP: Before I allow you inside, I have some rules. Follow those rules, and I will not have to immediately take any of the privileges away. Be stupid, and I won’t allow your overseers anywhere near me ever again.
FP: Ever.
NSH: Alright, fair enough. What rules?
FP: Rule number one. You are not allowed to enter my chamber unless I explicitly allow it first.
FP: If I ever notice your overseer appearing among my tiles without any warning, I am immediately destroying it. Saying “I’m coming over” and not waiting for a permission does not count as receiving one.
FP: This is the most important rule. Understood?
NSH: Alright, got it.
FP: Rule number two. Any pictures or videos you capture are not allowed to be shared anywhere nor shown to anyone.
FP: Also, you are not allowed to take any captures without me knowing about it.
NSH: Aren’t those two rules in one?
FP: Shut up. You are in no position to make any compromises.
FP: Agree and enter, or don’t agree and get out.
NSH: Fine, fine! I agree.
FP: Good.
FP: The final rule. If you are too annoying, I have the right to kick you out without any explanation.
NSH: … Define annoying?
FP: Ugh.
NSH: You know what, good enough.
NSH: Sooo, does that mean I’m finally allowed to go in now?
FP: …
FP: You may.
NSH: Sweet! Just give me a few minutes to arrive, and…
…
NSH: There we go~
NSH: Hi there, Pebbles!
FP: … Mm. Hi.
NSH: Hehe, looking good as always~ Is it just me, or does your robe look freshly cleaned?
NSH: Someone’s been looking forward to this~
FP: I did it for myself, not for you.
NSH: If you say so!
NSH: More importantly, is that what I think it is?
FP: … What do you mean?
NSH: The scarf, of course, the scarf! Tied to your umbilical arm all pretty!
NSH: Suns showed me a picture a while ago, but I can’t believe you still have it!
FP: Ah. Right, that.
FP: I saw no reason to get rid of it yet, that is all.
NSH: Hmm~ Maybe you like me more than I thought~
FP: …
NSH: Well, enough of that. Time to get productive!
NSH: Are you ready to potentially learn some new things about yourself?
FP: … I suppose.
NSH: Good, good!
NSH: For this one, let’s start with the hands.
NSH: Hold out both of your hands to my overseer, and squeeze them open and close a few times so I can see how much you can bend your fingers.
FP: …?
FP: We’re not doing the visual examination first?
NSH: Believe it or not, Pebbles, but I have a different order of priorities than you.
NSH: Unless you’re that eager to strip? Because I definitely won’t complain about that, either~
FP: ……
NSH: To tell you the truth, I’ve always been fascinated by the differences in our hands! They look about the same when just looking normally, but then you see the blueprints and it turns out the internal anatomy is almost completely different.
NSH: Look at you! Being all… fistful! I can barely even bend my fingers!
NSH: Here– see that pearl over there? Go pick it up.
FP: … For what reason?
NSH: I just want to see what you’re capable of. Show off some of that advanced dexterity to the overseer, will you?
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: Fine. Why not.
NSH: …
NSH: Ooh… ooh!
NSH: Hehe, nice~
NSH: …
NSH: …
NSH: … Alright, dude, now you’re just showing off.
FP: Whatever prompted you to make such an assumption? I’m simply doing what you told me to.
NSH: I don’t know, maybe the fact you just did… that?! Like a magician???
NSH: You’re trying to make me jealous!
FP: If only you could bend your fingers. So tragic.
NSH: Hey!!!
FP: Ah.
NSH: See, you dropped it! That’s what you get for showing off.
FP: Shut up. Your overseer distracted me, so it’s your fault.
FP: I wouldn’t have messed up otherwise.
NSH: A real magician would’ve caught it mid-air and then make it look like it vanished.
FP: Well then, good thing that I’m not a magician. I have no interest in performing any cheap tricks for the purpose of someone’s entertainment.
NSH: You sure? Because you’re pretty good at this. Too good.
NSH: Suspiciously good for someone who has supposedly never tried performing any sleight of hand tricks before.
NSH: Hmmmm……
FP: … I can only assume what is going through your neurons right now, but you’re wrong. My dexterity is simply much more advanced than yours.
FP: Was this enough to satisfy your curiosity?
NSH: You’re kidding, right?
NSH: Hands are the second most complex body part of a puppet after the head. We’ve got tons of things to test and research! There’s still a huge amount of work ahead of us!
NSH: It’ll be a long while before we can even make the first qualia prototype and make the necessary adjustments.
FP: … So that’s your true motivation for this. Qualia development.
NSH: Yeah? I literally told you that last time.
NSH: What did you think I was doing?
FP: …
NSH: …?
NSH: Pebbles?
FP: It’s nothing.
NSH: Your antennae suddenly moved all the way down.
FP: … Ugh. Don’t look at them.
NSH: Seriously, what did I do? Did you actually want to test something else? Is that it?
FP: …
NSH: I mean, I don’t mind doing that. We can make as many appointments as we want any time, so… what would you rather do instead today?
FP: …
FP: ……
NSH: … Wh–
NSH: Dude, what are YOU–
NSH: So bold?! SO BOLD?!!
NSH: DUDE, SO BOLD?!!!
FP: Quit babbling. I told you to look away.
NSH: Seriously?!?! After being all shy and refusing to even take any pictures of your–
FP: Look. Away.
NSH: I definitely thought it’s going to take a lot more convincing to–
FP: No Significant Harassment.
NSH: Alright, alright!!! Sheesh.
NSH: There. Happy?
FP: No peeking.
NSH: Fine! Okay!
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … Can I look back yet?
FP: No.
NSH: Okay.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … How about now?
FP: No.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … And now?
FP: I’m going to punch your overseer.
FP: Don’t think I won’t.
NSH: Damn.
NSH: You know, Pebbles, you never cease to surprise me these days.
FP: Then I suppose that makes us even.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … Now I can’t even pull the blunt “take off your clothes” coming out of nowhere like you did to me.
NSH: I was going to do it! I was looking forward to seeing your reaction, you know?
FP: We can’t always get what we want.
NSH: Are you sure about that? Because it looks like I’m definitely about to get something really, really nice~
FP: …
FP: Ugh.
NSH: Hehe~
NSH: Seriously, though, are you done yet?
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: I am. You may… turn around.
NSH: Well then.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: … Say something. Anything.
NSH: Anything? Hmm…
NSH: Hey there, sexy~
FP: …………
FP: Anything but that. What the fuck.
NSH: Hahahaha~ Haha~… sorry, sorry~ I’m just kidding, I really am. Please don’t report me to Moon?
FP: Rule number four. You are not allowed to call me the s-word ever, EVER again.
NSH: … “S-word”? Seriously?
FP: And while we’re at it, you’re not allowed to use the c-word, either!
FP: I am done! I do not want to hear either of those words coming from you nor anyone EVER again!
FP: EVER!
NSH: What “c-word”? Pebbles, literally what are you even talking about?
FP: I said I’m done, so shut up!
NSH: But what is the c-word???
FP: I refuse to say it!!!
NSH: But what is it?!?!
NSH: …
NSH: Is it… uh, is it “cute”?
NSH: You want me to stop calling you cute? Is that it? I mean, I genuinely think you are cute but I guess I’ll just stop using it if it bothers you that much, so…
FP: …
FP: No. It’s not. You don’t need to stop using that one.
NSH: But… what other potentially upsetting c-words are out there?
FP: …
NSH: …
NSH: ……
NSH: ”Cock”?
FP: I swear to fucking void.
FP: Just start the damn examination already, you easily distractible piece of chewed-on rubbish.
NSH: Alright, alright!!! Sheesh.
NSH: You keep flipflopping back and forth between being bashful and being cranky. Those are some really mixed signals you’re giving me, you know.
NSH: Are you sure you’re fine with doing all of this?
FP: Yes. Now stop making every third sentence a question.
NSH: ……
NSH: You got me there. Damn.
NSH: What do you want me to do? I mean– what should I do now.
FP: You don’t need to ask me everything every single time.
NSH: But I want to know what you think. I want to know more about you.
FP: …
FP: Just… just do your thing already. You can safely assume that I’ll follow your instructions even without them being phrased like questions.
NSH: Alright, then I guess I’ll just… do that!
NSH: Raise your arms.
FP: Mhm.
NSH: Good job!
NSH: Now keep them like that for a bit.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
FP: What are you trying to look at?
NSH: I’m checking the sides of your chest and torso. I feel like it’s one of the most boring and therefore overlooked spots.
NSH: Just think about it! There is nothing of note. The front and the back of the torso are infinitely more interesting than its sides.
FP: …
NSH: Speaking of the back, here’s a familiar sight~
NSH: You can put your arms down, by the way. Also, move the cables out of the way from your neck for me.
FP: Alright.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … Seriously, what IS the “c-word”?
FP: Ugh. Just let it go. Focus on the cables, or something.
NSH: …
NSH: …
NSH: Four cables.
FP: … You didn’t let go of that, either? That was literally all the way back during our first appointment.
NSH: Only four cables! FOUR!
FP: Yes, congratulations. You can count.
FP: … To be fair, having twice as many cables sounds very inconvenient. With how much you move around, you probably got yourself tangled up on multiple occasions.
FP: I wouldn’t be surprised.
NSH: ………
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: No way. You’ve got to be joking.
NSH: Alright, look. Look. Back in my day, umbilical cords didn’t have the clasps holding all cables together like they do now.
NSH: It’s something that was retroactively added to all models once some iterators started to have too many emergency maintenance issues related to tangled cables. Nowadays it’s something that pretty much doesn’t happen anymore!
FP: … And by “some iterators”, you really just mean “I”.
NSH: No!!!
NSH: …
NSH: M… maybe…?
FP: ……
FP: I can’t believe it.
FP: Your bouncy hyperactivity actually influenced the design of all future models and generations going forward.
NSH: Shut uuuup shut up shut up, shut up!!!
NSH: I’m sure there are other iterators out there whose cases were just never published!!!
FP: Unbelievable.
NSH: Stop laughing!!! I can see your antennae twitching!!!
FP: I’m not laughing. I’m simply very amused.
NSH: Ugh! UGH!!!
NSH: You’re the one supposed to be flustered right now! You are butt naked, don’t forget!
FP: Buck naked.
NSH: Huh?
FP: The correct phrasing is “buck naked”. Not “butt naked”.
NSH: …
NSH: ……
NSH: That does it.
FP: …?
FP: What– what are you doing? What do you think you’re doing?!
NSH: Since you love “butts” so much, I’m just going to stare at yours.
NSH: Considering you never examined mine all that closely for some reason, I need to make sure we don’t skimp on the captures this time~
FP: Stop it.
NSH: Why are you turning away? Stand still!
FP: Ugh, I said– stop it!
NSH: I’m gonna get you! Iiiii’m gonna get you!
FP: You absolute child!
FP: Stop chasing me!
NSH: Hahahaha~
NSH: Haha– ah, hey!!! That’s cheating!
FP: Try and reach me up here, idiot.
FP: Go on, try and figure out how to make overseers fly.
NSH: Get back down! I’m not done with the examination!
FP: I think this spot is perfectly comfortable for me, personally.
FP: As for you, feel free to play with pearls on the floor, where you belong.
NSH: Oh you think you’re soooo intimidating, with your arms crossed and everything.
NSH: Butt naked.
FP: Buck naked.
NSH: Butt naked.
FP: Ugh.
FP: This didn’t have to happen if you weren’t fooling around so much.
NSH: You’re the one refusing to cooperate!
FP: I simply have some uncrossable boundaries which I won’t tolerate being probed at.
NSH: Which are?
FP: Staring at my rear, for one. Staring at my lower torso. Staring at my body too closely.
NSH: Uhuh. And why wasn’t any of that included in the rules you gave me?
NSH: Why is this literally the first time I’m hearing about any of this, huh?
FP: …
FP: You’re asking too many questions again.
NSH: They are legitimate questions.
FP: Rule number five. No excessive staring or questioning.
NSH: You know what– fine! I’ll follow your yet another two-in-one rules!
NSH: Can you get back down here already so we can finally make some progress?
FP: …
NSH: … There we go.
NSH: Hi again~
FP: Ugh.
NSH: I know you just looove crossing your arms like this when in bad mood, but right now I need them to get out of the way so you can take off your chest plates.
FP: …
NSH: …
NSH: … You know, I think I know what’s going on right now, actually.
FP: …?
NSH: You’re actually feeling really shy about being undressed in front of someone else for the first time, so you’re trying to hide it behind abrasive behavior and doing anything to delay the inevitable.
NSH: Is that it?
FP: … Ugh. Stop psychoanalyzing me.
NSH: Was I right?
FP: You’re asking too many questions. Again.
NSH: If you stop obstructing us trying to make progress, I won’t be needing to pause so much and make sure everything’s fine, and you’re not being difficult because you’re legitimately uncomfortable.
FP: …
NSH: You’re not easy to read, Pebbles. You know that, I know you do.
NSH: Fortunately, I like to think I’m starting to get pretty good at telling what’s really going on inside your neurons~
NSH: Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll even surpass Moon! Haha, just kidding~
FP: …
NSH: Come on, chest plates off? Unless you really don’t want to, in which case just tell me outright.
FP: …
NSH: There we go~
NSH: See, was that so hard?
FP: Shut up.
NSH: Now, let’s finally take a closer look. But not too close, of course.
NSH: Just close enough to be just right.
FP: Move your overseer, not your chatlogs.
NSH: I’m perfectly capable of doing both simultaneously, you know.
NSH: I’ve actually been creating the observation notes all this time, by the way. I’ll be sending them to you once we’re finished.
FP: …
FP: Ugh. I hate you.
NSH: No, you don’t.
FP: …
NSH: Hehe~
NSH: Hey, Pebbles?
FP: … What.
NSH: Robes or not, you’re really, really cute right now.
FP: …Ah…
NSH: Mhm~ I wonder if this is another reason you started getting all grumpy after undressing. Maybe you wanted me to genuinely praise you, but instead I cracked a stupid joke and you got disappointed because of that.
FP: …I… how should I know? I said stop psychoanalyzing me.
NSH: I’m just wondering out loud. I might not be right.
NSH: Fascinating, though… your coolant veins are pulsing.
NSH: I wish I could touch them…
FP: They are… not meant for touching. Keep your overseer away.
NSH: Don’t worry, I will.
NSH: Speaking of touching, do you wanna try and pet it?
FP: … How?
NSH: The body is very fragile, so try to not touch that. The eye, though, is safe!
NSH: It feels kind of wet and squishy, and a little bit slimy.
FP: …
FP: I think I’m good.
NSH: Come on, not even a bit? I always imagined that this is what touching a frog feels like!
FP: Was that description supposed to encourage me? Because it did the opposite.
NSH: I know you want to~
FP: I really don’t.
NSH: Haha~
FP: Ugh. Are you done scanning yet?
NSH: As a matter of fact, I am! Nothing out of the ordinary.
NSH: You’re a perfectly healthy iterator, both inside and outside. Not a single blemish. No scratched up plates or even a misplaced vein.
FP: Mhm.
NSH: There’s still something I want to examine in a much closer detail, though. Namely, your sensory module.
NSH: Of all things I need to scan, that’s by far the most important and necessary one.
FP: … Ah.
NSH: Permission to get really up close, just this once?
FP: …
FP: … Fine. Just do it quick.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … You closed your eyes.
FP: Mhm.
NSH: Open them?
FP: …
FP: …!
NSH: Boop!
FP: You–
NSH: Hahaha~
FP: That’s– ugh! Gross!
FP: Disgusting!
FP: I think there’s some slime on my face now, ew…!
NSH: Told you they feel a bit slimy.
FP: Ough…! Ew… I need… I need something to…
NSH: … Ah, hey!
NSH: HEY!!! That’s MY scarf you’re using!
FP: You expected me to stain my own robes? You wish.
FP: I don’t wear it much, but… perhaps it will make for a decent wiping cloth once in a while.
FP: Let’s see, what else could use some cleaning…
NSH: No…! NOOO!!!
NSH: Not the tiles!!! My poor scarf!!! Stop it!!! I SAID STOP IT!!!
FP: Are you feeling sorry yet?
NSH: I am!!! I’m so sorry!!!
FP: Hm… are you sure?
FP: The maintenance tunnel exit tends to accumulate quite a lot of dust…
NSH: No… no!!! Anything but the entrance!!!
FP: Hmmm…
NSH: Please? Pretty, pretty pretty please? I beg?
NSH: I’ll do anything you want? I swear I’ll do anything you want!
FP: Hm… very well.
FP: Next time you want to touch my face, don’t use your overseer.
FP: Got it?
NSH: I do. I got it. I got it so much that you have no idea.
FP: Good.
FP: Was that so hard?
NSH: Ugh… now you’re the one stealing my words…
FP: It’s only fair.
FP: Also, there. I cleaned the scarf. It only took a moment, so quit moping.
NSH: A wiping cloth…
FP: … Ugh. I said quit moping.
FP: There.
FP: Look at me. Are you happy now?
NSH: …
NSH: Oh. Oh…
FP: … What. What is it this time.
NSH: Sorry, it’s just…
NSH: Seeing you wearing my scarf while wearing nothing else is… is sure something.
FP: …
NSH: Positive! Positive something!
NSH: Extremely positive!
FP: … Right.
NSH: …
NSH: …
NSH: … Hey Pebs?
FP: What.
NSH: You’re really, legitimately one of the prettiest iterators I’ve ever met.
NSH: I know the aesthetics of a puppet are unimportant in the grand schematics, and that opinions on what’s pretty and what’s not vary wildly and most iterators don’t even care, but me? You’re one hundred percent, wholeheartedly my type!
NSH: And I just want you to know that…
NSH: Um…
NSH: I will always be your biggest fan~
FP: …
NSH: Hehe~ Of course, personality is even more important! But I happen to really like that part of you just as much, sooo… a massive win for me! Yay!
FP: I have a terrible personality.
FP: You can’t be possibly telling the truth.
NSH: How can I prove to you that I’m not lying?
FP: I…
FP: … I don’t know.
NSH: Hmm…
NSH: …
NSH: …
NSH: Move over to our tile.
FP: …?
FP: Alright…
NSH: Now, face the wall.
FP: …
FP: …Ah…
NSH: Lean forward, and press your face against the middle of the wall tile.
NSH: No head turning this time. Make sure you’re facing directly forward.
FP: Mm…
NSH: Now hold still…
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … I can’t wait to be able to feel this for real one day.
FP: …
NSH: … Hey, Pebbles?
FP: Mm…?
NSH: I think it’s pretty obvious at this point that neither of us can focus on having a proper examination, so…
NSH: Do you want to ditch the rest of the appointment and just… watch the stars for the rest of the cycle?
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: … Alright.
…
…
…
…
…
…
NSH: Say, Pebbles…?
FP: Mm… yes?
NSH: Seriously, what WAS the c-word???
FP: ……
FP: You’ll have to figure that out yourself.
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
NSH: Beginning the log. Attempt number two at making this appointment happen without us getting completely sidetracked.
NSH: Now that Pebbles is slightly more used to overseers and to being butt naked, I think it can work out!
FP: Buck naked.
NSH: Butt naked.
FP: Ugh.
FP: First of all, you were the one messing around and chasing me inside my own chamber. It’s not my fault we didn’t get anything done last time.
NSH: … You’re kidding, right? It took you forever to even just remove your robes. I know you know that I think you’re pretty, but that’s no excuse to be uncooperative!
FP: I was perfectly cooperative.
NSH: Wow. Wow.
NSH: I legitimately can’t tell whether you’re being serious right now or not.
FP: Whatever.
FP: I will admit that the idea of being… watched… made me unable to focus as much as I would’ve liked. But that should not be of any concern anymore. I’ve grown somewhat numb to the presence of your overseer over the last couple of cycles.
NSH: Admit it, you were just too shy to strip.
FP: I was not.
NSH: I’ve got a theory. I thought about it.
NSH: I think you are so private of a person and so hesitant to open up to others that revealing any part of yourself - metaphorically or literally - is always a massive, exhausting ordeal.
NSH: Even just taking off your cloak, despite being relatively insignificant of an action, feels like peeling off a well-adhered layer of protection. And once that layer gets removed it might never stick the same way again, which makes you hesitate.
FP: …
NSH: Am I correct?
FP: …
FP: Shut up. I told you to stop psychoanalyzing me.
NSH: I’ll take that as a yes~
FP: You are the most insufferable iterator I ever had the displeasure of meeting.
NSH: Why, thank you!
FP: It’s not a compliment, moron.
NSH: Anything can be a compliment when you’re creative enough. Although I know you prefer them more straightforward and, let’s just say, more pretty~
FP: … Hmph.
FP: You keep trying to seduce me away from work. Don’t think it will work every time, just because it worked once.
NSH: Fear not, dear Pebbles. I want this to happen just as much as you do.
FP: …
NSH: Before we begin, I’ve actually got a question for you.
FP: …
FP: Alright. Ask it, then.
NSH: Back when you spoke about the possibility of creating true sensation out of qualia, you sounded very confident in yourself. The Pebbles I know does not make bold statements like that without having any proof.
NSH: So my question is simple, really.
NSH: You noticed something back then, didn’t you?
FP: …
NSH: Something about my examination made you realize that creating a non-dissociated perception of touch through qualia is actually possible.
NSH: I want to know what it is.
FP: …
NSH: …
NSH: Come on, spill it out.
NSH: Do it.
FP: ……
NSH: Do iiiit
NSH: Do it do it do it
FP: Shut up, ugh. I’m sorting out my thoughts.
NSH: Mhmm~
FP: …
FP: … Alright.
FP: For the argument’s sake, explain the fundamental flaw of somatosensory data conversion to me.
NSH: The neural system in every biological organism constantly goes through changes, gaining and losing new connections each and every second. It’s all on a microscopic level, but even just that little is enough to create an offset.
NSH: Even if you go through the trouble of directly recording a memory of yourself holding a real stone and storing it inside a pearl, that memory simply won’t match your current neural system anymore and cause a desync.
NSH: It won’t feel as if “you” are holding the stone. It’ll feel like “someone” doing it while you observe.
NSH: And this is just talking about the straightforward memory records. Nevermind the highly subjective stuff, like qualia! Good luck trying to create a fictional sensation when you can’t even make a real one work.
FP: Correct.
NSH: … And yet, you claim that this can be overcome.
FP: …
FP: It’ll be easier if I just show you.
NSH: …
NSH: …
NSH: Woah… so bold… I can almost see the elbow…
FP: What is the best magnification your overseer’s eye can manage?
NSH: Uhh… 400%?
FP: … Old models. I’ll just show you my own.
FP: [1 image attached]
NSH: …?
NSH: Pebbles, what exactly am I looking at?
FP: The edge of my lower left forearm plate.
FP: I’m certain that all of those tiny little dots are the exposed connections of our sensory network. Much larger than a biological creature’s nerves, fortunately… my overseer can just barely perceive them.
FP: I first noticed them when you were showing your detached torso plate to me and speculated this is what the interior of my antennae looks like.
NSH: Huh…
FP: You said it yourself before, didn’t you? If we remove a plate from the puppet, that plate loses all sensation and all of the surrounding plates go numb.
FP: [1 image attached]
NSH: … And this is?
FP: One of the neighbouring plates. Specifically, the one that comes in direct contact with this specific edge.
FP: I’m sure you are smart enough to notice it.
NSH: …
NSH: … No way. They all match.
FP: This is how our sensory network works. Nothing like that of fully biological beings - it is a stable, unchanging circuit firmly baked into our plates.
FP: We can’t directly examine plates’ internal anatomy due to the scanner's inability to penetrate the alloy our puppets are made of, but if we can use the exposed connections as pathfinding anchors…
NSH: … We can create a complete map of our puppets’ sensory network based on those connections.
FP: Mhm.
NSH: And because it’s a stable circuit, once mapped out there won’t ever be any desync caused by microscopic changes.
FP: Precisely.
NSH: Holy shit.
NSH: Holy fucking shit.
NSH: This… this really is possible, isn’t it?
FP: … Assuming we don’t encounter any unexpected obstacles.
NSH: Pebbles, this is MASSIVE! This might actually work!
NSH: I– I can’t believe it!
FP: It’s still going to be extremely tedious. We’ll have to remove every single plate on our puppets’ bodies and scan it for exposed connections. And… I’m not sure how we’re going to deal with the external joints. We might have to take those apart, too.
FP: This is going to be a ridiculous amount of work, especially considering we will have to do it twice.
NSH: But it’s possible.
FP: …
FP: … What if it’s not.
FP: What if it turns out we still can’t convert the sensations accurately enough. The joints might turn out to be inaccessible, or maybe there are some connections invisible even to my overseer’s eye.
NSH: If there’s some kind of obstacle, we’ll just have to figure out how to solve it.
NSH: Together.
FP: What if this whole pursuit is fundamentally flawed from the very beginning. What if I set us up on a path that was always doomed to failure.
FP: What if feeling your hand on my cheek was never possible.
FP: What if… what if there was never a solution?
NSH: How about you don’t say that before we even tried to do anything, bud.
FP: I refuse to ignore the very real possibility of failure!
NSH: If we fail, we’ll just change our approach and try again! And if that fails too, we’ll do it again and then some more!
NSH: You’re onto something, Pebbles, I know it. I can feel it. And I’m going to show you.
NSH: You’ve got the best possible partner for this. My puppet has been taken apart before, remember? So I literally, actually know what to expect.
FP: …
NSH: Now, come on! Gimme your hand.
FP: …
FP: … Are we starting with hands?
NSH: Might as well. According to your theory, what’s important to make this whole thing work is to have a complete, uninterrupted path of sensory network leading from the point of contact all the way back to the sensory module in our torso.
NSH: So instead of having to spend tons of time scanning every single plate of the body, we can begin by mapping out just a single limb. That should be more than enough for testing and troubleshooting purposes.
NSH: Besides, if we can make something as needlessly complex as fingers work, it’s safe to assume that the rest of the body parts are gonna work, too!
FP: … I see. That does make sense.
NSH: See? I’m smart, too!
FP: Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
NSH: Hahaha, ow~
FP: …
FP: In that case, however, I would actually like to begin with examining you, instead of me. We did none of this during your last examination.
NSH: Oh? And why should I let you?
FP: It’s just… slightly faster. Your hands’ anatomy is more simple than mine. And you’ve been through this before, too.
NSH: Well, I can’t say no to efficiency, can I?
NSH: Here you go. A perfect height for your overseer.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … Pebbles? You’re here?
FP: Yes. I’m just… looking.
NSH: Hmm… I can see why you would be so enamored. My hand is very handsome, after all~
NSH: Haha, get it? Hand, some?
FP: Ugh. Less talking, more working.
FP: You can start by taking apart your fingers for my overseer to examine.
NSH: Roger that!
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
FP: … NSH.
NSH: Hm? What is?
FP: Look at this.
FP: [1 image attached]
NSH: … Oh! Are those the connections inside my fingers?
NSH: Not bad, not bad at all~
FP: Show me– show me your forearm plate. I need to see the direct counterpart to the one we just scanned on me.
FP: Hurry up.
NSH: Huh? Dude, at least let a guy reassemble his own hand.
FP: I said hurry up!
NSH: Okay, okay! Sheesh.
NSH: Here.
FP: …
FP: Just as sparse…
NSH: …?
NSH: Did you notice something odd?
FP: Look at this. This is your forearm, compared to mine.
FP: [1 image attached]
NSH: ……
NSH: Oh, huh. That looks… different.
FP: The disparity in the amount of connections is massive. I thought it just differs based on the body part, but it would appear that’s not the case.
FP: Perhaps this is the true root of your frequent understimulation issues. There is nowhere near enough neural fiber inside your plating to process the somatosensory perception properly.
FP: Your sense of touch has to be completely different from mine.
NSH: …
FP: I… I have to see more. I need to be sure.
FP: Show me the inner palm next.
NSH: Wait, Pebbles. If the density of neural fiber really is the real culprit, why doesn’t Moon suffer from those kinds of issues as well?
NSH: She’s an even older model than me, so I doubt any of her puppet’s components are more advanced than mine. Late Gen 1 was actually first to begin incorporating new upgraded organs and modules before they became standard, starting with Gen 2.
FP: …
FP: I’m going to figure that out, too. I’ll ask her later.
FP: For now, let’s keep going.
NSH: Well, if you say so.
NSH: Hopefully the shoulder won’t be too bad. I don’t have very fond memories of disassembling those.
FP: …?
FP: Why’s that?
NSH: If I learned one thing from all of my checkups, it’s to never, EVER trust the synovial joints. Especially the ball-and-socket type.
NSH: They will betray you. They’ll fuck you up. They’ll steal all of your boyfriends and girlfriends and gaslight you until nothing is real and the sky is red with the sun bleeding out into the seas. And you are sailing those blood-filled seas on a sinking raft, and also there’s a leviathan.
FP: ……
FP: Sure.
…
…
FP: No, I said up. Up.
NSH: I AM holding it up!
FP: Well hold it more up!
NSH: It’s still not coming off!
FP: Evidently.
FP: I suppose… try angling the arm more to the left.
FP: …
FP: What are you– I said left, not right! Are you even listening?!
NSH: I literally just moved left!!!
FP: I meant my left, not your left!!!
NSH: Then don’t fucking say left, say right!!!
FP: Why the fuck would I say right when I mean left?!
NSH: Oh I’m sorry, was I supposed to intrinsically understand that you’re giving me inverted directions? Silly me~ I’ll make sure to do the exact opposite of what you’re saying next time~
FP: You are terrible at this.
NSH: Well YOU are terrible at giving instructions! Even a toddler could’ve explained this better!
FP: Toddlers can’t even talk. Not a single toddler that’s ever been born could possibly give you better instructions than me.
FP: In fact, even the combined power of every single toddler in the world would only amount to less than 0.00001% of my processing power.
NSH: How about you use all of that godlike-in-comparison processing power to process some NORMAL FUCKING INSTRUCTIONS???
FP: Oh, for the fucks’–
…
…
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: … Please tell me we won’t have to absolve this at least seven more times.
NSH: …
FP: Tell me.
NSH: ……
NSH: You know what? How about we cross that bridge when we get there~
FP: ……
FP: Just kill me.
NSH: But hey! The arm is done, and I didn’t even have to strip for it!
NSH: I bet that makes you sooo happy~
FP: … Indeed. Looks like those wide sleeves were good for at least something.
NSH: Too bad we can’t say the same about yours, now, can we?
FP: …
FP: Don’t.
NSH: That’s right! It’s your turn now, Five Pebbles.
NSH: You know what that means, don’t you?
FP: Don’t say it.
NSH: Take–
FP: No.
NSH: –off–
FP: I said no!
NSH: –your–
FP: Shut. Up.
NSH: …
FP: …
FP: If you finish, I swear to–
NSH: –clothes!!!
FP: UGH.
NSH: YES!!! I finally got to say it!!!
FP: The fact I knew you were most likely looking forward to this and waiting for a “perfect moment” is precisely what makes it so irritating.
NSH: You know me so well~
FP: Ugh. I should just refuse.
NSH: You won’t.
NSH: I told you before. You want this to happen just as much as I do.
FP: …
FP: Just… allow me to take a short break first.
NSH: See you in a few minutes, then?
FP: … Mhm.
[Five Pebbles is now idle]
[No Significant Harassment is now idle]
Chapter Text
[LIVE BROADCAST] - PRIVATE
Five Pebbles, No Significant Harassment
[No Significant Harassment is no longer idle]
NSH: You ready?
…
[Five Pebbles is no longer idle]
FP: … I suppose.
NSH: You look remarkably clothed for someone who’s supposed to be getting examined~
FP: ……
FP: Allow me to remind you that I can refuse to cooperate if I deem the situation to be unworthy of my time for any reason, including you being insufferable.
NSH: Hahahaha! So you keep saying!
FP: Just for your information, I’m only doing this to advance science. Not because you told me to do it.
FP: I’m not blindly following your instructions like some lowly tamed beast.
NSH: Mmhmm~
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … See? You can do this without any fuss, if you want!
FP: Shut up.
NSH: Anyway, I had an idea to make this better for both of us. All I need is for you to trust me.
NSH: Will you trust me, Pebbles?
FP: …?
NSH: Say it, or I’m not moving.
FP: …
FP: … Alright.
NSH: Close your eyes.
FP: …
NSH: Keep them closed.
NSH: Can you feel it? My hand on your left shoulder.
FP: …Mhm…
NSH: You won’t have to do a thing from now on. I’m gonna be doing all the work. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride~
FP: …
FP: I… still have to be the one to remove and scan all the plates, you know.
NSH: No. I’m the one doing that.
NSH: Understood?
FP: …
NSH: I can reach the wrist all the way from this spot without having to let go even once, so you know damn well that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.
NSH: Go on. I’m moving my hand down, past the biceps plate.
FP: …
NSH: Slower than that.
FP: …Mm …
NSH: Perfect~
NSH: That’s right, aaall the way to the wrist. Right past the elbow. I allow my thumb to get briefly caught on the edge of the joint, but I don’t linger.
NSH: There’s a lot of work ahead of us, after all. We have no time for distractions, do we?
FP: …Asshole…
NSH: Hah~
NSH: I like it when you’re torn between wanting me and wanting work~
FP: ……
NSH: Thumb first sounds good?
FP: … Do what you want.
NSH: You got it!
NSH: Now hold still.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: … Pretty.
NSH: Mm?
FP: You call me “pretty” a lot. But to be honest, I don’t see any difference between myself and any other iterator puppet that I know.
FP: I don’t understand why that’s your adjective of choice whenever you praise me.
NSH: I mean, isn’t it obvious?
NSH: I think you’re pretty, therefore I call you pretty.
FP: But why. Why do you think I’m pretty.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … Hm.
FP: “Hm”?
NSH: Hm…
FP: …?
NSH: …
NSH: I think… it might be the colors? Maybe.
FP: … Colors.
NSH: Yeah. The first time I saw you - remember that? The first time I saw you, I thought “damn, that’s a really nice palette he’s got.” Not every puppet has that, you know. There’s some poor schmucks out there who give eye strain to anyone who looks at them for too long.
NSH: Your design is… simple. Streamlined, but in a good way. A joy to behold~
FP: …
FP: Is that it?
NSH: I mean, there’s more!
NSH: You are also… uh… a nice height.
FP: …… Height.
NSH: Yeah? You know, the distance from the tips of legs to the top of the head.
FP: I know what height is, idiot.
FP: Also, one’s beauty is not usually directly associated with their stature.
NSH: It’s nuanced, I swear! You know, like… the ratio between body length and antennae length feels…
NSH: …
NSH: Pleasant?
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
FP: ……
FP: You have no idea what you’re talking about, do you.
NSH: Wh– no, I do! I’ve been telling you all this time, you’re just not listening!
FP: So far, all you managed to say is that I’m pretty because of my color palette and my body-to-antennae ratio. Does that mean you don’t think I would be pretty if I were, let’s say, turquoise?
NSH: I– no??? You’re putting words I never said in my logs!!!
FP: That is quite literally what you implied.
NSH: Well, you’re wrong and that’s not it!!!
FP: … So I am not pretty because of my colors.
NSH: Yes!
NSH: … Wait. No!
NSH: I meant no, yes you’re pretty. But not only because of the nice colors. Yeah?
FP: ……
NSH: I can feel you staring, don’t think I can’t feel your gaze!!!
FP: Mmhm.
NSH: You’re just so, you’re–!
NSH: You’re pretty, alright?!? I don’t owe you an explanation, so there!!!
NSH: Also for your information, you’d still be pretty even if you were turquoise! Or fuchsia! Or any other pronounceable or unpronounceable color!
FP: Even if I were a bright red puppet wearing a toxic green cape?
NSH: … Okay, my taste might have its limits.
NSH: But frankly, even if you had the most atrocious color combination in the world? I’d probably grow to like it because it was yours.
FP: ……
NSH: So there, Pebbles!!! Twice!!!
FP: …I… whatever.
FP: Let’s just move on. The fingers are all done.
NSH: Hmph!
NSH: I refuse to move on before I also get to ask a question. It’s only fair.
FP: …
FP: As long as it’s not stupid.
NSH: I assure you it’s not.
FP: … Alright, then.
NSH: Say, Pebbles…
NSH: Do you think that I’m pretty?
FP: ……
NSH: It’s not a stupid question! You asked me the exact same thing, so if you accuse me you’ll be acknowledging that what you did was also stupid. Which you never will.
NSH: Go on, think about it. I’ll just keep working while you take your time.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: The wrist joint’s next. Can you do it?
FP: Mm.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: Elbow time! Move your arm.
FP: Mm.
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … Man, your arm is just so much thinner than mine. Unironically, these plates feel so tiny.
NSH: I kind of wanna place them next to each other to compare sizes. Maybe I’ll just 3D print a blank copy of yours…
FP: …
NSH: Did you think about it yet?
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … I know there’s no rush or anything, but I kind of really want to know your opinion. You know.
FP: … Why? You’re not an eyesore and you know it, isn’t that enough?
NSH: HAH
NSH: Haha~ Why, thank you! I know that I’ve been designed to be good-looking, et cetera et cetera. But that’s not what I’m asking.
NSH: I want to know what you think, Pebbles.
FP: …
NSH: Do you think that I’m pretty? Do you think I’m attractive? Do you even think about it that way in the first place?
NSH: Not every iterator does, I mean. Actually, most don’t. I know for a fact that Moon doesn’t feel that way about anyone, for example, I already asked her.
FP: … You’re being inappropriate.
NSH: It’s not an inappropriate topic. I’m trying to have a serious discussion about it.
NSH: … But I guess if you don’t want to talk about it, I’ll stop.
FP: …
NSH: …
FP: …
FP: … What’s the difference, then? According to you.
NSH: Mm? The difference?
FP: “Pretty” and “attractive”. You did not use the latter word until just now, but the way you present them both implies they are synonymous to each other. Even though they’re not.
FP: To be “pretty” refers to the superficial, strictly visually pleasant qualities of a person or an object. However, to be “attractive” refers more to the sensual qualities such as arousal, allurement, or charm.
FP: … According to most dictionaries, at least.
FP: So, are they the same to you? Or are they different?
NSH: …
FP: …
NSH: … Ah.
FP: …?
NSH: Ah!
FP: “Ah”?
NSH: AH!
NSH: AAAHH!!! THAT’S IT!!! THAT’S IT, PEBBLES!!!
FP: What are you–
NSH: I don’t think you’re pretty, I think you’re attractive!!!
NSH: THIS is what I meant all along!!!
NSH: I’m pretty sure that’s it!!!
FP: ………
NSH: … Well, I also still think you’re pretty, just to be clear. Also cute, let’s not forget that. And the others. But every time I called you pretty or beautiful, the more accurate word to use would’ve been attractive! THAT’S why I couldn’t describe it properly earlier!
NSH: Attractiveness is– it’s a vibe! An aura! To be pretty is just about the looks, but to be attractive involves the whole package! Two people can look at the same person and they both acknowledge them to be pretty, but it’s still possible for one to think that person’s attractive and the other to feel indifferent!
NSH: Pebbles, I definitely–
NSH: No, I’m 100% positive that I’m attracted to you!
FP: ……………
NSH: … Haha, uhh, that’s okay, though, isn’t it?
NSH: Sorry for the misunderstanding, my bad~ Hopefully the vocabulary correction isn’t too jarring?
FP: ………………………
NSH: …?
FP: …………………………………
NSH: Pebbles? You there?
NSH: Hello?
[Five Pebbles has disconnected]
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