tabularasa_rp | (no subject)

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(no subject)

Who: Legion and you (+1 closed starter)
What: Early October Shenanigans
Where: Various
When: Early October
Content Warnings: Discussion of racism in the closed starter + alcohol and dick jokes in the open ones.

A) High in the sky

(They'd been curious since the sky first changed as to whether the objects floating there were real, or merely a projection. Could they be touched? Could they be pulled down, or would they hold the weight of whoever latched onto them and lift them away into the sky?

Eventually, they decide to test this. It has become much simpler to make their way through mt silver since the addition of the walkways, though it is still far from easy to make it all the way to the top. They do not possess the necessary chemistry to experience burning muscles, and yet their legs sear as though lit on fire as they climb the steep stairways past the roaring waterfalls. Many times, they are forced to rest, sometimes for extensive periods.

It is possible, by the time they finally make it to the summit, that others have noticed their absence. They rest again at the top for a while, enjoying the feeling of the cold snow.

Resting is not their goal, however. Once their pain has subsided, they return to their objective.

The first object they touch is solid, but they are only able to briefly graze it with their fingertips as it drifts past.

The second, however, is well within their reach. It's smooth, but not quite slippery, and they manage to get a good enough grip to actually pull themselves up and onto this strange, floating shape that is apparently capable of bearing their weight.

It carries them off the mountain and out over the surrounding landscape. And if anyone were to look up ...

Well they might see the tiny figure of a Geth, waving down at them from above.)

B) They still don't understand organic fascination with sex

(Or mushrooms, apparently. The world they have decided to call Proteus is, after all, heavily influenced by the thoughts of its inhabitants.

Why those thoughts would lead to this, however, is puzzling.

They stand there, in front of the ... "altered" statue of david, head tilted and eyebrow flap raised as they contemplate this, seemingly oblivious to anyone else approaching.)

We do not understand organic fascination with mushrooms or genitalia.

(They say, once you get close, whoever you are. Apparently they weren't as oblivious as they first appeared.)

C) 300 is well over the drinking limit

(And while Legion as a whole is only a few years old, most of their programs are close to that age.

It took a while for it to occur to them to try this--inebriation hasn't been a thing they particularly desired, and their one attempt had been a total disaster.

That had been while they were trapped in a human body though.

They wonder: how will it affect them as a Geth?

There's only one way to find out, really, and so they tip the contents of the glass they'd ordered into their chesthole, all at once.

Now they'll just need to wait and see if there's any effect...)

D) (closed to Turing and Kaiba) Fuck racists (obvious cws here)

(The beach is the same as always, and Legion is helping Turing lift a large chest freezer for transfer back to the apartments.

It is not useful at this time, but it is likely to be so in the future, they think. They have transported several large appliances so far today.

It is while doing this that they spot someone they have come to see as an ally.)

Kaiba-Seto.

(They don't know yet that their fellow synth sees him a little differently.)

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[ Legion's help was greatly appreciated; lifting heavy things was one thing, but lifting heavy things that were bigger than they were was another. It was all smooth sailing until Turing heard that name and saw who was there. ]

...

[ Instead of giving a greeting as they might have normally, they stayed silent. Regardless of Turing's feelings on the matter, snapping at one of Legion's acquaintances right off the bat wouldn't be good. ]

[Happening upon the two robots, Kaiba puzzled only briefly over what they were doing. With their elevated strength they were making the task of moving heavy appliances look like child's play.]

Legion.

[Accompanying the greeting with a nod. Courtesy of the now completed cave project, he was aware of Turing's aversion to him, though honestly he didn't fully understand it. ~~Nor did he care~~. The perception of their first encounter varied between both parties.]

Keeping yourself busy, I see.

This item is likely to be of use in the future.

(As spare parts, an insulated chamber, something they can pack a bunch of smaller fiddlier things inside, as an actual freezer should that function become available...

Really, the possibilities were endless.)

(They glance at Turing, and then headtilt, before pinging them wirelessly.)

[ They couldn't really be upset about the lack of a greeting from Kaiba, considering they hadn't given one either. They still didn't plan on giving one, actually.

It was, perhaps, a tiny bit petty from an outsider's point of view.

That ping of Legion was acknowledged, but knowing what to respond with was another issue. They started with the obvious: Turing and Kaiba had met before, and it hadn't gone well. ]

Mm. Freezers generally are.

[Food spoilage didn't seem to be much of an issue now, but it was likely to come into play later as other elements filtered in. Electronics and functionality was an elusive yet highly sought after concept. There were of course the other potential uses but you would have to be careful with those lest something you stored in the freezer shouldn't be exposed to colder temperatures in case it spontaneously fired to life.

Last time, Kaiba had a reason to address Turing. The same was not true in this instance. He couldn't say that he was all torn up over the pleasantries he missed out on.]

Have you been collecting a lot of items? [Raising one eyebrow as another question came to mind] Where have you been storing them all?

Yes.

(They chatter, and send a query to Turing. Didn't go well?)

Currently, we will keep them in the inner lobby, accessible to everyone.

[ They relayed all of the words exchanged with Kaiba on their first meeting. Sure, they didn't usually keep their feelings out of it like that, but they weren't so helpless that they needed to be soothed every time something or someone rubbed them the wrong way! Not only that, but being in the void had forced them to become more independent whether they liked it or not.

They were keeping a straight face through all that too, somehow. On the other hand, it really wasn't like them to be so quiet... ]

Ah, that does explain the- [Clutter. Since this was Legion's current endeavor, he did something rare and amended himself on the fly] -the new decor. [Besides, it would be beneficial in the long run since they might have found something useful]

[Although Kaiba was unaware of the other conversation that was transpiring he did notice the lack of communication from the pint-sized peanut gallery. He just assumed his presence to be the cause, but he couldn't and wouldn't avoid every location the blue robot happened to be occupying at the time over some unspoken hang up.

Turing was going to have to deal]

Acknowledged.

(Their headflaps flare out, flutter, and the little lights on their head flash. They appear distracted. And yet, there doesn't seem to be anything catching their attention.

Turing might have a better idea of what's going on, in that they can detect the sudden churning of Legion's programs, the general sensation of shock, disquiet, distress, the withdrawal from the network as they group together and attempt to form a consensus.

Their headflaps ripple.)

Kaiba-Seto: unit has an inquiry.

[ Oh. Oh dear. Legion was already disconnected from the network by the time Turing thought of a proper response; asking what was upsetting them seemed like it would be a disingenuous question. Their poker face finally broke in favour of a fretful expression. It got no better when Legion spoke aloud.

Trying to tough it out probably wasn't the best idea to begin with, but still. ]

Legion--!

[The subject of the appliances seemed exhausted for the moment. The process from selection of items to the relocation of them seemed pretty straightforward.

Only a moment later all the alarm signals start going off, in a manner that Kaiba has only witnessed once before. It happens suddenly enough to actually catch him off guard. Not perceiving any threat in the area himself, he keeps his focus trained on the taller robot]

Legion!? What is it-? What's going on?

[Then instead of an explanation, Legion mentions their own query. Relaxing, only slightly in his stance he crossed his arms over his chest as was his habit.]

Go on. [His tone decidedly more even than it had been when concern had taken over]

(They ignore Turing, for the moment. This might have been prompted by them, but their presence is only marginally relevant.)

Geth are not created for a specific purpose--we serve no goals or desires other than our own. Does this make our existence a waste?

(Their head tilts only slightly--they aren't asking out of curiosity.

The machine wildlife has been capable of networking for some time. It shouldn't be surprising that machine people have gained this ability now, too.)

[ It was tempting to ping Legion and ask if they were alright. Very tempting. Given that they had been ignored (which, admittedly, Turing was not super happy about), the odds of getting a response probably weren't good. They would have to act as silent support so there was no wriggling out of the conversation, and they also stared Kaiba down in case he tried or said anything funny.

Did they feel bad about him being put on the spot like that? The answer was: uh, no. They weren't about to spend any more clock cycles thinking about whether this was awkward for him or not. ]

[Ignoring Turing- Kaiba could certainly get behind that but he was too baffled by the proceedings to focus on that oversight.]

Come again? [Initially not understanding what prompted this, largely in part because the conversation that was being referenced seemed like eons ago now] Where is this coming from? [Not readily answering the question. His azure-colored eyes shifted briefly to Turing having a nagging suspicion that it was somehow related to the more diminutive robot. Eyes, narrowing but no words leaving his lips until he turned focus back to Legion.]

Heh- considering I've only met one Geth, I can't really answer that accurately... and if you're fishing for compliments I'm not feeling inclined towards doling them out.

[It didn't take much to read between the lines. Kaiba was being accused of something and rather than trying to defend himself he was feeling more put out by it]

Instead of talking in hypotheticals why don't you fill me in on the conversation I clearly wasn't a part of. [Oh.. yeah, he knew by now that the machines could talk amongst themselves and that clearly had happened. Turing had a proverbial chip on his shoulder so it likely wasn't anything good]

Edited 2020-10-16 03:09 (UTC)

We are uninterested in compliments.

(They chatter, headflaps rippling, then play back some of what Turing had sent them.

So you don't have a primary functions, and you're highly adaptable... seems like a waste not to use you for something.

Whether it is inaccurate or not, I would say I am more qualified to speak on the matter than you are.

I cannot say I like the idea of being "used" either.

That wouldn't be difficult to rectify.

Threatening, however subtly, to alter a robot that isn't serving some kind of purpose is more than a little alarming, Kaiba.)

Do you intend to carry out this threat?

(Legion isn't as trusting as they may appear. It ought to not be surprising: they are, after all, the last Geth.)

[ Turing's posture and expression were visibly tense by the end of it. Sending something from their memory and hearing it with every nuance in the intonation still intact were two very different things.

Still, they waited to see what Kaiba's answer would be. ]

That was a private conversation. [ Kaiba expelled a breath, dropping his arms to his sides before taking a step towards the smaller robot. He stopped short when he recalled the protective nature of Legion.] That's what's been bothering you this whole time? .. And instead of addressing it yourself, you've employed the aide of someone else. Pathetic. [Currently not caring if he hurt his own position further] What a cowardly move.

[Then he directed the following to Legion ]

No I don't plan to make good on my threat, because there's obviously a defect with this unit. [Meaning Turing ] .. and I wouldn't want to risk it infecting my own systems.

[Tilting his head he went so far as to sneer at Legion ] .. but in your case you simply won't know since despite my not having lifted a finger to disassemble either one of you, I guess I'm wholly untrustworthy [there was bitterness mixed into his words as if they might well be venomous, the odd sense of betrayal seeping into his response. Did he have any active designs on studying Legion, no. Did it matter? Apparently not, since an implication was enough to erase everything else. Kaiba would be lying if he said he wasn't disappointed ]

At least one of us can keep his mouth shut, I'd hate to think how certain recollections could have been used against you out of spite. [ A not so gentle reminder to Legion, that Kaiba had not shared the personal memory of the robot's with anyone, nor would he. Ie. It was a proverbial twisting of the knife, as he turned in a huff, his audacious coat swirling about him as he did so. ] .. but don't let me interrupt your work, you've clearly made your choice, and now... So have I. [He'd sooner end things himself then leave that option up to the other party. After everything they had been through- worked in cooperation on, well... Kaiba just hadn't foreseen this outcome. It was just one incident in a long list of reminders not to place trust in anyone or anything.]

(Well.

Briefly, they wonder if Shepard-Commander and former allies had been offended when they fought her, as though prior attachments entitled her to destroy their people.)

We trusted others who showed similar attitudes toward synthetic life. Now we are alone.

(They let out a sort of growling noise. It isn't quite the attack noise, but it's similar. Like they want to attack but don't consider it the best course of action.)

Your words suggest that we were correct to question you.

[ Turing had many objections, the first being that they were not aware that was supposed to be a private conversation. That and many others were numerous enough to make a list, but before they could voice any of them, Kaiba's razor sharp words hit.

'Pathetic.' 'Cowardly.' 'Defect.' 'It.'

Hearing all of those at once sapped their will to fight. Maybe they shouldn't have said anything. Maybe this was all their fault. ...And then Kaiba began talking to Legion.

Oh. It was on now. ]

Yes, you have. You have made the choice to lash out in a spiteful way and walk off like someone who cannot handle being questioned.

[Stilling for a moment as he was reminded yet again of the destruction of the Geth but instead of stirring feelings of sympathy as it had previously it irritated the brunette. Like, sure. You would play that card now]

You're just forgetting one glaring detail. I'm not them.

[Kaiba's words weren't losing their aggressive timbre. He didn't appreciated being categorized with all the nameless, faceless people of Legion's past that he hadn't even had the courtesy of meeting in person. He liked to think of himself a unique, set apart from the rest- afterall he had always been alone. Ever since his parents died, success or failure had rested on his soldiers.]

[Noting the growl, he readied himself for an attack that was not forthcoming. Just try it. ~~Bold of him to think, since he didn't have much at his disposal to defend himself with, but sure~~.]

My words were intended to feed into your suspicions, since you shouldn't have needed to question me in the first place! [Ie. It was a psychological tactic, as well as a defensive one, but he was so frustrated that he raised the veil on the illusion though likely not enough to allay any concerns. Go on, live in fear if you prefer... essentially being the response.

Then finally, Turing just had to go running his voice box.. after all thie time. Wheeling back on the pair of them, his exit temporarily aborted he had to say something. Anything]

Found your courage now that you have someone else to defend you? There's nothing I can't handle, so if you have something else to say you better go ahead and get it out of your system. Enlighten me. I'm all ears.

Your identity does not absolve you of consequences for your words and actions.

(Kaiba was a distinct individual ... the same as everyone else. And they would not tolerate his bullshit any more than they would anyone else's.)

Your implication that synthetic life exists to be used is racist. We question this.

If your response to being questioned is to behave as though we are correct in our assumptions, we also question your judgement.

(That's just stupid. Why would he even want that?

They look down at Turing as they speak. Then they look back at Kaiba.)

Irrelevant. "Cowardice" does not alter the truth of Turing's words.

(Also, they don't agree that Turing is a coward.)

[ 'Intended to feed into your suspicions'...? Those were the words that immediately stuck out to Turing, outside of the obviously hostile ones directed toward them. It sounded like words of self-sabotage, though they had to agree with Legion regarding questioning Kaiba's judgment, among other things. They could think and theorize all day about the whys and hows, but Turing was not particularly inclined to give too much consideration to someone who clearly thought of them as lesser. ]

I would also like to know if you expect humans to not question you in the same way.

[ Though honestly, given what they had seen and heard, an answer in the affirmative would not be surprising. ]

Moreover, I won't stand by while you speak to Legion that way!

[ They brought themselves up to their full height, which still wasn't much at all in comparison to both Kaiba and Legion, but they would just have to make do with what they had. Legion clearly had their back in this, so they wanted to do the same. ]

Heh- still it seems like I'm also being blamed for incidents and encounters that I wasn't even apart of.

[Placing what he had actually said aside, of course.]

You say that as if that line of thinking is reserved only for synthetics. [Implying that he also categorizes organics under the same conditions, ie. it's not racist if there's no discrimination.] I'm not here to paint rainbows or delude anyone. I'm being practical. The only reason anyone builds and association with anyone else is because of how it might be beneficial to them personally. You're fooling yourself if you believe differently. [A simple fact of life. Then to answer Turing's question.] Let them, see if I care. [This was different. This was being questioned by someone he'd started to feel some attachment to- a random human.. who cares?]

[It was poor judgment on Kaiba's part, and he really didn't care right now. It made him feel better in a sense to further sew the seeds of doubt even though he was only hurting himself.]

My remaining here despite being ganged up on, disputes Turing's words. [Then to deal with the other robot] You have so far, why change that now?

Edited 2020-10-28 20:22 (UTC)

Irrelevant. Regardless of dislike, it is inappropriate to threaten others. Additionally, we are speaking of your actions, not those of past allies.

(That they briefly compared them to past allies does not change the fact that Kaiba is, all on his own, being a total asshole.)

The act of depriving an organic of self determination is proscribed. Yet you threatened to do the same to Turing. Unless you commonly engage in this act?

(They know the answer is no. They know Kaiba doesn't go around threatening to enslave people or erase their personhood because they annoy him. They know it's different here because Turing is a robot.)

You are correct; I did.

[ Hey, just because they didn't like Kaiba didn't mean they were going to completely disregard everything he said. That was a level of petty that Turing would not be rising to. Other levels of petty, on the other hand... ]

That's why I have to change that now instead of continuing to make that mistake. It would be more 'cowardly' if I stayed quiet, would it not?

[ The rest Turing left alone. Legion had that handled, and they didn't particularly want to talk about being disassembled or modified for obvious reasons. Kaiba wasn't even the first to talk about that since they arrived! If it continued to keep happening, maybe they would have to consider learning how to defend themselves properly. ]

Oh come off this self-righteous angle. I have no intention of censoring myself because of whose feelings might get hurt in the process. If you're going to get upset by words alone then you're much weaker than I gave you credit for.

[Please refrain from pointing out his obvious hypocrisy. Kaiba was allowed to do whatever he wanted apparently, but not everyone was him, so they were not afforded the same privilege]

... Don't tempt me.

[A little misplaced humor on his part, although he sounded serious so it was difficult to tell]

If it were only possible, it would have saved me a lot of headaches in the long run.

[He still kind of viewed Turing like he would a small yapping dog]

You're only speaking up now because you're not facing me one-on-one, I wouldn't take that as any sort of victory on your part.

Error: Kaiba-Seto is clearly upset by our own words. Does this mean you are also weak?

(Double standards aren't logical.)

Empirical evidence does not corroborate this attitude. You consistently go out of your way to assist fellow organics.

(They know that that's a snide remark with no real seriousness behind it.

Empirical evidence suggests he is similarly good to robots, of course, but the sample size is much smaller.)

Data indicates Turing is braver than you know.

Edited 2020-10-30 19:07 (UTC)

Thankfully, I am not you, so I will take it as a victory if I so desire.

[ Even a small yapping dog would bite back eventually. Regardless of whether they made a good point or not they had a feeling Kaiba wouldn't give an inch anyway. Therefore, it didn't really matter if their response was perfectly logical or not, did it? They might as well go with whatever felt right instead.

And then Legion mentioned that. Turing tensed, but they forced themselves to not look away. They had an educated guess on what Legion was talking about, but maybe Kaiba would just dismiss those words instead of asking for more information. C'mon! Just this once his attitude had to work out in their favour! ]

[Oh no. When Legion pointed out the hypocrisy, Kaiba's jaw clenched, and if it would have been possible his eyes would have shot literal daggers at the synthetic. That word was such a trigger for him when applied to himself. He'd spent his whole life trying to prove to the world that he was no pushover]

I've never been weak.

[It came out almost as a low growl, yet it still somehow sounded more threatening in tone than his usual level. The next section called him out a second time and he had to prevent himself from standing there gaping.]

Out of my way.. is a stretch.

[~~...but not really~~. There simply aren't enough robots here to get a larger source of data on that last portion]

What are you referencing, because our data isn't meshing up..

[Not that he honestly cared at this point. His attitude did and didn't work in Turing's favor at this point. He did ask but he might not bother to press it if Legion wasn't forthcoming]

Your standards are so much lower than mine...

Then others are not weak for acting as you do.

(They remain fairly calm, seemingly immune to Kaiba's rage.)

You organized a project to make the inside of mount silver accessible to all. We are aware of only a single individual who requires these adjustments.

(He also helped out a baby winged giraffe animal. They still remember that.

They think of Jack. In some ways, Kaiba-Seto appears to be similar, though considerably more restrained.)

Does Kaiba-Seto value a reputation of unkindness?

(It's less an attempt to call him out and more an attempt at understand this time, at least.)

Turing has confronted hostile entities considerably larger than them, despite being neither designed for combat nor possessing a weapon.

(Sorry Turing. At least they didn't go into detail?)

Edited 2020-11-01 04:11 (UTC)

[ Ah... There it was. Granted, they certainly didn't feel bad about guessing correctly; there were more complicated things at play here. The more immediately issue was whether Kaiba be at all convinced or even swayed by that. That was the real question, and Turing was not feeling very confident for very good reasons.

There was also that time that Turing and their friends pretty much single-handedly ruined a tech launch for a very large tech company to help all ROMs worldwide, but that was also something they weren't planning on sharing. ]

Legion is correct. I find it difficult to believe that someone who did value a reputation of unkindness would go to the trouble of leading a construction effort of that scale.

[Kaiba fully wanted to argue with that statement, but he'd allowed himself to be talked into a corner. To protest would be to undermine his own status of superiority so he did the next best thing... he blatantly ignored it]

That's short-sighted. [Just hear him out..] There might be only a single individual that benefits from the system currently however the greater benefit is to me in the long run. Should anyone become injured whether it's temporary or otherwise it will be easier for them to navigate the caves as well- and who will they have to thank for that? Re-building a brand takes time, and accomplishments.. people will realize that I can get the job done. [~~with help...cough~~]

... [Legion posed yet another question that Kaiba didn't wish to answer. He wanted to be seen as capable & efficient not a soft touch. It was as simple as that, and how could he convey that without giving away too much...?] I don't want anyone getting the wrong impression. I'm not running a charity. [~~Just ignore all of the charitable acts he's ever done...~~ It didn't help when Turing seconded it.] If you appear too malleable, others won't hesitate to take advantage.. [There]

Hostile entities, huh..? [The size difference might be more impressive if... well.. Turing wasn't quite so short. The little blue robot also didn't speak up on it's own behalf to relate the tale.] I'd have to see it to believe it.

(Their headflaps ripple as they consider his words.

There's no more red in their little lights. This perspective is familiar. Perhaps understanding can be reached.)

Affirmative. It cements your place within the community. Additionally, should Kaiba-Seto or an entity he considers high priority is damaged in the future, appropriate assistance will already be in place.

You do not wish to be taken advantage of. Suggest caution: though this motive is understandable, excessive hostility may make others feel entitled or obligated to take advantage and cause harm.

(They chatter.)

We seek the opposite: synthetic life is regarded as an existential threat. Percieved hostility may result in our destruction.

Though Turing's platform is small and nonthreatening, they possess the same capabilities as other machines.

(The accusations have, for the moment, stopped.)

[ Turing wondered if there was any of Kaiba's branding in or around Mt. Silver. They didn't remember seeing it, but not only did they not know what said branding looked like, they definitely hadn't been looking for it the last time they were there. Granted, it didn't really matter at the point, but it was still something they were a bit--no, very curious about. Just what did he plan on using that social capital for?

That wasn't the only question they had about his motivations, though the reasons for those particular questions mostly resulted from Turing's relative lack of real-world experience. ]

I have seen what happens when humans think of us as disposable or a means to an end. It is...not pleasant. [ It was a lot more than just that, but they didn't want to open up that wound in front of Kaiba, of all people. On the bright side, Legion gave them an opportunity to toot their own horn, and how could they resist that? ]

Yes, I do! I was constructed using the very best in ROM prototype technology as well!

[Watching the reaction, he doesn't have long to wait for a response. There's an inkling that this might be turning around]

Essentially. [Agreeing sedately, and easily to that. Having resumed the usual conversational levels of volume, it was likely clear that he was starting to ease up himself. As for the branding- well- Turing need only look to the logo on either Kaiba's belt buckle or by the collar of his jacket. It would be subtle, but clearly a reference to Kaiba Corp. Something to keep an eye out for in future.]

[Even though the next statement was also accurate, he didn't wish to linger on it. Yes, it was to avoid being taken advantage of] At least something about my motivations are understandable. [He had thought they were at an impasse early on] I've gotten by this long, I'll take my chances. [This is probably partially why Kaiba had quite so many enemies..]

I guess that's not so farfetched. People fear what they can't understand, and unabated it can lead to destructive results. [Ie. The Geth's near obliteration. The concept also reminded him of what Kaiba corporation used to produce before he seized control of it; weapons of war]

[Then there was Turing. What to say.... to Turing. Small, unobtrusive... Turing.] .. Heh, I suppose.... I...[get it. Somehow he isn't able to get the words past his lips so he tries again. Ironically, he personally had that experience. When his parents had died, he had surviving relatives. They'd seen Mokuba and himself as disposable so they could get their greedy mitts on whatever inheritance there was to snatch up. He just didn't want to equate himself with the word disposable. Not in any way, shape, or form.] It wouldn't be, no.

[The bragging- is whatever. At least Kaiba manages not to roll his eyes]

Your actions are also likely to endanger those you consider a priority.

(Legion doesn't know how right they are about this--how many times Mokuba has been hurt as a result of clashes between Kaiba and his enemies--and that's probably for the best.

They raise a headflap at Kaiba-Seto's next words.)

Such strategies are common among those who have been previously mistreated.

(It's sort of a question, though they won't demand Kaiba-Seto answer it.)

[ Turing glanced at Legion, but immediately thought better of speaking their initial thoughts. They were a little...unkind, and would not help the situation. Actually, maybe they could approach the same issue from a different angle. ]

Would the people you consider a priority be happy to learn that you are willing to take chances that could end badly for you?

[ Turing, on the other hand, was asking a question that they did want to hear the answer to. ]

That's a bold assumption.

[A painfully accurate one as well, not that Kaiba personally sees it or agrees with it. Besides, the only person he really has to look out for here is himself. He's his number one priority. Somehow he missed the fact that he was starting to form attachments to others and he should consider Legion's words more seriously]

Tch... [To that next statement, he sucked in a sharp breath and knit his eyebrows. It wasn't something he wanted to draw attention to but once again.. the robot didn't avoid the sensitive subject] Let's just say I'm not deluded enough to place my trust in others haphazardly. [Ie. it was a confirmation, and not a confirmation all wrapped into one]

[Turing wasn't making it much better.]

I would think the 'people' I consider a 'priority' would know me well enough by now, and how I am. [That's not an answer, Seto. Truthfully, his brother likely didn't approve of all his actions, had voiced as much on occasion but he wasn't here was he? Nothing he did here should endanger the other Kaiba sibling]

(Kaiba's attitude is really something they only see among the severely mistreated, and his reaction just confirms what they were already sure of.

They also know that he cares about more than just himself, because they've seen his memories.)

Irrelevant: that those you care about are familiar with your attitudes does not invalidate Turing's point. Additionally, regardless of their acceptance, allies in your universe of origin are unlikely to be pleased if you return damaged or, should death come to exist here, fail to return entirely.

(How would Mokuba feel if you just disappeared forever Kaiba? Especially if you died because you were an idiot and made an unnecessary enemy?)

You do not care about nonphysical harm?

[ Turing didn't have the gift of context like Legion did, so their takeaway from this was different. The fact that Kaiba was seemingly so unwilling to consider the feelings of the people who cared about him did not win him any points with Turing. Quite the opposite, really. They had been left behind by someone who hadn't walked away unscathed during one fateful incident, and he hadn't been given a second chance. Kaiba clearly had escaped from some sort of danger before, but Hayden had not. It wasn't fair! The fact that Kaiba was digging his heels in despite being aware of the possible dangers was unforgivable to Turing.

They had heard enough. ]

...

[ However, for Legion's sake, they wouldn't chew Kaiba out. That would also require them to exchange more words with him, after all. ]

[Having failed at dissuading the notion, he at least tried to steer clear of touching on the subject again]

I'm not surprised to hear you say that. [Since the pair of robots were likely to continue supporting one another's stances, and lines of questioning] That's debatable isn't it? Some of those 'allies' as you put it might be glad to be rid of me, and only tolerated my presence when it was absolutely necessary. [Still, even he can't remain entirely flippant about the last hypothetical scenario, because he is well aware that Legion knows of Mokuba's existence] What happens here, shouldn't actually affect me in anyway. Not if there's any truth in my theory. [.. that none of this is real. The only thing that would prevent his safe return would be if the artificial life support ran out or was cut off] .. [Still, he hesitated a moment after his confident statement, feeling just a pang of uncertainty]

My brother- if that's who you're referencing won't have to take over in my stead just yet. I don't plan on abandoning him, or the idea that I'll make it out of here alive. [Apparently that was the surefire way to survive. Determination, not... altering your actions in anyway. Sure] I'll make it, because I have to.

[He was so preoccupied answering Legion, that he might have temporarily forgotten that Turing was unaware that he even had family to return to. Kaiba cared, but he was terrible at showing it, a person usually had to be fairly gifted at reading between the lines to catch it.]

Nonphysical harm? [Crinkling his nose at that.] I think I've dealt with enough mind games to be an expert on that subject, so no. I'm not.

Edited 2021-01-20 06:53 (UTC)

They assisted you.

(Well, they assisted his brother. They only caught a brief glimpse of people other than Mokuba in that memory, so they don't really know anything about any of them or their feelings about Kaiba. However, Legion suspects that other people care about Kaiba more than he realizes.)

That they would desire your death seems ... doubtful. Whether this reality is a simulation is unknown, but if it is that does not erase the possibility of harm: it is possible that both your reality and this one are simulations and you have been moved from one to the other, or that you yourself are a virtual upload of the original Kaiba-Seto. Additionally, it is possible it has been designed to destroy your original body upon death in this universe.

(They chatter.)

Error: you state that you will survive, but have not indicated any intention to alter behaviors that may jeopardize this.

We were speaking of non physical harm to your brother.

[ Turing wasn't actively listening to the conversation anymore, and instead they were playing an episode of The Joy of Painting from their personal memory. Maybe that would help cool their temper a bit. ]

...

[Look- he couldn't refute that even with the clarification. Sure they had helped Mokuba in the instance Legion recalled but by extension it benefited both brothers. Later, Yugi had assisted Kaiba more directly but that wasn't common knowledge. Legion's assessment wasn't wrong]

I didn't say death. [This is some small admission on his part. He doesn't think the dweebs would want him dead, just absent.] Do you have to contradict everything I say? [Posing the question to evade admitting that any of that was true. Spoilers: it was. There was no clear evidence to cement the simulation theory and even if there was a person's body could still be adversely effected by it, etc.] If I'm a copy of the genuine article that just opens up more problems. [Sighing]

Don't give me that tone. [ In response to the chattering] It seems like we've circled back to a topic that was already addressed. You just leave my behaviors to me, let me worry about them.

.. Let's stop bringing my brother into this. [.. because it's a touchy subject] He's stronger than your giving him credit too. [Not that he wanted to be a source of distress for the younger Kaiba]

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