AREA: DORM TD-19

[awakeningwill]

[The video feed turns on. A somewhat familiar face came onscreen, though most would only recognize him as 'that broken robot that Knuckles was keeping on his couch.' Looks like he's fully functional again, and possessing the same emotive range as he did while offline.]

I'm Zero. Starting now, I'll be on security detail.

[There was a pause. It seemed like he was more or less finished with introductions, but there was something else on his mind kept him from turning off the camera. After a beat, he continued.]

The database tells me that Knuckles is no longer here.

...

There's someone else... There was a blue reploid that called himself X. I need to know what happened to him.

...Thanks.

[End transmission.]

Comments

[awakeningwill]

[Zero raised a brow (not that it was visible from underneath his helmet), unsure exactly how to interpret that remark. After a pause, he asked in a flat tone of voice:]

What do you mean?

[bloodycrow]

What I am saying is that it may very well do this academy some good to have someone capable of properly serving as security. Just considering that recently there seems to have been some infiltration that was deemed unexpected.

[In other words, someone isn't doing their job. A lot of someones, rather.]

[awakeningwill]

...

[It rather seemed to likethis man wasn't giving a lot of credit to the civilians here being able to take care of themselves - but Zero knew that wasn't true. In the end, even the most skillful reploid couldn't guard everyone just by himself.]

I can't anticipate everything. But I'll do my best to terminate whatever threatens this school.

[bloodycrow]

It is a position you have taken. As long as you make an attempt, that is really all that is needed. Something is better than nothing. And if you find yourself in need of more, certainly you will find others just as capable and willing to keep things in line.

[awakeningwill]

I'm beginning to discover this.

...Who are you?

[bloodycrow]

An instructor for the academy, but I have been familiar with former members of the security detail, including that Knuckles you were speaking of.

[awakeningwill]

I take it these former members did not perform up to your standard? [What else could he mean with that opening statement?]

[bloodycrow]

I was referring more to events as of recent. Prior to your arrival, it was reported that despite having security members, or those charged with security, there was a 'breach' in the defences of a gala.

Not a personal concern, mind you, but a concern all the same.

[awakeningwill]

Gala? [What the hell was a gala. He was going to assume the breach in question was that giant robot.] You mean this 'prom'...?

I've been informed about the event. Nonetheless, the enemy was stopped... by civilians, no less.

Current mission objectives are to work with them to analyze the nature of this threat. It source seems close... but there are still too many unknowns.

[bloodycrow]

The soiree, yes. [Prom. Gala. Soiree. It's all the same thing.]

The principle of the matter is that the creature that showed itself should not have to begin with. Once, the security team knew what they were doing. They were observant and committed to the cause. They have fallen in their productivity.

[He pauses.] Yet, you could change that.

[awakeningwill]

[Stop using new and confusing words to describe a thing that Zero has never even heard of. There is no time for fancy dances in the totalitarian robot future.]

...I'm glad you have such high hopes.

You still haven't told me your name.

[bloodycrow]

[YOU WILL DANCE AND YOU WILL LIKE IT, SO HELP ME I WILL TURN THIS ACADEMY AROUND.]

Is my name really of such importance? The information is what serves you the greater good.

[awakeningwill]

[YOU'RE NOT MY REAL PAGEANT MOM I DON'T HAVE TO LISTEN TO YOU]

...I'd like to get to know the people I'm here to protect. Everyone I knew from before have already left.

[bloodycrow]

[I WILL BEND YOU OVER MY KNEE.]

I can assure you that you do not need to protect me. I am quite capable of that myself.

[awakeningwill]

[I HAVE ARMOURED ROBO-PANTIES YOU CAN'T DO NOTHING]

I'll remember that.

[There is a slight pause. Zero had to ask, with genuine curiosity:] If you have that kind of strength, why aren't you on security as well?

[bloodycrow]

[Flamethrowers + armoured robo-panties...]

I prefer working alone.

[And his reputation would likely have it that no one would ever put him in a real position of power considering what he's capable of. Not that Caim intends to admit this.]

[awakeningwill]

[Well. He could appreciate that. It was about as far as Zero was willing to pry, anyway.]

Fair enough.

[Guess this man would just have to go nameless... it was a bit annoying to have a gap in his data like that, but in the end he could let it slide. Zero would remember him though... someone strong, huh? Interesting.]