projectsoleil

[projectsoleil]

home // riley collins // epilogue

Home is not a place.

> loading... ♪♪♪

It’s the warmth Riley feels as he looks over the survivors of the Sunscape tournament killing game - comforting like a candle in the darkest night. It’s the solace he feels as he exhales, and for the first time in a long time, he does not fear for his life. It’s the exhaustion that sets in as the adrenaline winds down, and it’s the comforting dreams of what lays ahead.

Home is not a person, either.

It’s the familiar feeling of heading down the streets of Tampa, taking in the freedom he had so taken for granted. It’s the little sights and sounds he hadn’t noticed before - the sights of strangers and not familiar faces slowly dwindling one by one. It’s the feeling when Riley opens the door to his apartment and Ivy rushes to him, hugging him and crying. It’s being able to say the words “I’m not going anywhere”, without worrying that someone’s going to leave you on the floor dead tomorrow. It’s Papillon finding his home computer, and reminding him that he would not be rid of them so easily - and the relief he feels upon realizing that. It’s the closeness of family - both blood and found. 

Home is not even a feeling.

It’s the apprehension of revisiting the islands with a new goal - to save those that have been lost, just as he had worked so hard to save those that had still remained. It’s keeping his promise - that he would get everyone out of there alive. It’s the familiarity of hard work, and the awkwardness of realizing he doesn’t know a lot about the biology of superpowers. Still, it’s a learning experience, and the heroes and villains that had lost their lives over the course of the killing game get their second chances. (Riley doesn’t dare speak that he feels as if he’s been reborn as well in a different sense - someone who has found his purpose, to protect the ones he loves.)

The feeling of home he's wanted his whole life has been within him this whole time.

It’s the ups and downs, the goods and bads, all the things that make life worth living. It’s finding the people and things you love, and keeping them close to you. It’s the feeling of belonging. 

There are many chapters still unwritten in the story of Riley Collin’s life, but it’s safe to say this one has come to a close. He moves on from being Zero Sum the super hero, and becomes just Zero, the cyberhero trying to make a world a better place through hacking. He moves to Canada, being tired of beaches and sunny weather after his time on the islands, and adapts poorly to the cold weather and learning Quebecois. But still, he persists. 

After all, the sun shines brightly over Riley’s future - a future he wants to live without any regrets.

He’s not afraid anymore.

[projectsoleil]

Thank You, My Twilight | Vegabot | Epilogue

[♫♫♫]

Vegabot doesn’t join the survivors on the boat as they part ways. She knows she’s going to be lonely for a while, with nobody but corpses as company, but also she knew that society wasn’t ready for Ve#abot in this shape and form. So Ve##bot would wait until a more human body could be designed for her. She didn’t want to be an exact copy of Min- if the revival was a success that would create complications for both of them. Between trying to work out how to transfer powers from one dead body to another, Shoko was accommodating and helpful. Delightful even. She helped V###bot whenever possible, from little things like the specs of her future chassis (V###b#t had been way pickier with their appearance than they realized, possibly to avoid inconveniencing Shoko in the future), and continuing with Min’s project of helping Wayne self-actualize and “be a real boy”. It had taken the better part of a month just for V#####t to make him realize there wouldn’t be anyone to give him orders anymore, and he would have to give himself his own. Finally, after a month, V######’s new chassis was ready. All that was left now was to finish her fake documents and she would legally be a person. For that, she needed a name. That had been what had tripped ####### up for so long. It was arguably the first step towards being her own independent person, but for some reason was the hardest to take. She didn’t think she was uncreative, simply paralyzed by choice. But part of her remembered Rina, who had named several of the bots, had offered one to her. She had suggested “Vivi”, because Min had reminded her of the “V for Victory” symbol with the aura she gave off. And well, Vega started with “V” too ####### supposed. It was a starting point, and what they worked with when they handed Shoko, Norman, and Yuta the requested info so they could get things made by God knows who. And with that squared away, ####### was powered off, and the work was done to transfer everything to her new body.

[♫♫♫]

Vivian Yue Ren came online on November 12th 2052, what would have been Min Ren’s 29th birthday. The irony wasn’t lost on her. After a few weeks to let Vivian get used to her new body, and for other bots to follow suit. Minimize trips and whatnot. Her new backstory had been carefully worked as well. Born in Hong Kong in 2031 (Vivian had chosen a different birthday from Min, even though it super didn’t matter), shortly afterwards her and her nonexistent mother moved to the United States, where her mom had a job with Sunscape (verifiable with fake HR records), and she went to a public school in Los Angeles until her powers of Wireless Interface manifested and she was given a full-ride to Sunrise Academy. After graduating as a middling student, Vivian’s mom would have conveniently passed away, and a devastated Vivian would have taken the inherited money and life insurance payouts (an easy way for Sunscape to give Vivian some money out of a guilty conscience. Plus the ship is sinking anyways steal from the till while it lasts right?), took a few gap years where she conveniently fell off the radar, and now found herself in New York City, finally applying for college there (this part Vivian had to actually do herself. Not everyone was in Sunscape’s pockets.) But the strategic move to NYC let Vivian get in touch with Min’s former roommates. It didn’t take too long to find them, and after a brief case of mistaken identity, Vivian spilled what had happened, and confirmed their worst fears. The public knew a bit by this point, but not the true depths of what happened. Even though she was the bearer of bad news that Min was, in fact, dead, she let the two of them know that it may not be a permanent affair, but that things were shaky and not guaranteed. And that Vivian couldn’t confirm what kind of state Min would be in after she was revived- either from the resurrection, or her own traumatic experience on the Sunscape Islands. === It was Min’s roommate Liz’s idea to have Vivian fly out to Hong Kong and tell the family. Begrudgingly, she agreed (she wasn’t planning on going to college until the Fall 2053 term anyways, so she had time), and made another awkward trip. Again after the whole song and dance, and Liz introducing Vivian, the news about Min’s death was broken. Even with giving the same uncertain terms of Min’s possible revival, the family was inconsolable. Her father, who Vivian only knew of as being talked about in the most negative of terms, outright broke down, blaming himself and over the next few days tearfully confessing to several crimes, including the death of Min’s older brother, which before then had been pinned on her older sister. (Not that said sister was completely out of the woods yet. Everyone who she killed in her little revenge quest she was still on the hook for. It was just that one charge that was dropped.) Vivian ended up staying much longer than expected because of this, to support Min’s mom and younger brother for as long as she could. Her younger brother, Liao, opened up to Vivian in particular, perhaps projecting guilt held for all three of his older siblings. Vivian tried her best to be there for him, in a way that Min wasn’t after her older brother’s death. Maybe she was projecting the guilt she knew Min had too. It wasn’t until Vivian received a memo from Shoko, that the revivals had been successful and were underway, that she took her leave. Only Liao knew the truth of why she was leaving, and before doing so handed her a particularly hefty letter for Min. It had been three years since they last spoke now, after all. === Vivian returned to the Sunset Isles for the last time in her life that February, to check on a recently-revived Min. After getting the confirmation from Shoko that Min was alive, well, and her memories up to the point of her death were intact, Vivian had to be the bearer of bad news one last time. She filled Min in on everything that happened after she died: from the purpose of the game, to the ultimate life form and Cella’s goals, to Pheo’s involvement. On

everything that happened in the world at large afterwards. On what happened with Min’s family. Surprisingly, Min took to Vivian well. She felt guilty that her own anger over losing her brother led to the hatred of the bots that caused Vivian to have her crisis upon activating. In turn, Vivian gradually became more comfortable accepting parts of herself that were more obviously based on Min. When the two got to the boat that would take the two of them off the island for good, they had an unexpected passenger come with them. It appeared that Wayne had missed Vivian, and that had made her’s, Min’s, and Riley’s project finally make headway. So with a more human body of his own, Wayne was proud to announce that he had been accepted to the same university that Vivian had applied to. Well, at least Vivian would be there to keep an eye on him. when the trio returned to the mainland, Min was handed the envelope her brother had entrusted Vivian with, and the two exchanged glances one last time. It had been agreed that the two wouldn’t exchange contact info, and the two of them wouldn’t seek each other out. Min would live her life again, and Vivian would live hers. If the two bumped into each other, they wouldn’t acknowledge it. If they somehow were ‘introduced’ by mutual friends then they’d deal with it then. So this moment was goodbye, forever. Or at least goodbye once they got off the plane to NYC, since Shoko had booked all three of them for the same flight. === And when fall rolled around, Vivian moved into her campus dorm excitedly, taking in the surroundings. She didn’t know what would happen next, and that was the best part. It could be anything. She could be anything. So she chose to be herself.

[projectsoleil]

Afterword... | Good End

February 2nd, 2053

Several months have passed since the conclusion of the Sunscape Battle Royale turned Mutual Killing Game. Over the months information about the event began to slowly leak into the public eye. There was nothing but commotion and chaos on every media outlet when the story began to emerge. But soon enough...like with all things, people began to settle down and turned their vitriol to Sunscape Enterprises and care towards the victims of this event.

The death of Ivo Solisnik has thrown Sunscape Enterprises into chaos as well, with public outcry about what he had been doing behind the scenes and lack of someone to take the CEO position, it was looking like the entire business was standing on its last legs. It was fine though...surely someone else would rise up and just rebrand the business and keep it going in a different way. 

It wasn’t like any of this is what matters though. Life will continue on as it always does for citizens and the survivors alike...if only...it could’ve been everyone...

[♫♫♫]

Under the island that had been a prison to everyone, a pink haired girl bounces happily with each step. After what Neo did to the hotel it wasn’t easy for her and the others to rebuild parts of it to make it liveable for the past few months but...they made do with what they had. Her feet clink against the metal floors and she appears to be in a very chipper mood.

Her feet stop in front of a door which slides open, she enters and takes her place next to one of the operating table, her happy expression dulls as she looks down at what laid upon it.

A girl that looked just like herself...pink hair and porcelain skin. Shoko took a deep breath and looked to the others that were in a room with her. Their expressions were likewise...not very bright. A sigh from them all as they gaze at her. There was no need for words...they had thought that once again...their work has ended in failure...

Till...a monitor beeps...one beat...two beats...a steady rhythm that makes them all perk up and throw their attention right to the girl that lays on the table. Giddy expressions and words of praise begin...Shoko shoots them a stern gaze and tells them to be quiet even though she was one of the ones that had been squealing. 

It is only a few more moments before Aiko Sanada’s eyes flutter open...

Open to a chance at a second life...

[ Project: Soleil GOOD END ]

[ Thank You For Playing ]

[projectsoleil]

[ SUNSCAPE’S MUTUAL KILLING GAME - FINAL RESULTS ]

[♫♫♫]

Collin Ellicot - Killed by Aiko Sanada

Aiko Sanada - Executed

Ivo Solisnik - Killed by Jackson Infellicis

Jackson Infellicis - Executed

Aphrodite York - Killed by Gabrielle Morningstar

Gabrielle Morningstar - Executed

Min Ren - Killed by Anastasia Imai

Haruki Kitamura - Killed by Anastasia Imai

Anastasia Imai - Executed

Samael Talbot - Sacrificed to stop the Prototype Ultimate Life Form

Mana Manaka - Killed by the Prototype Ultimate Life Form

Evanne Kaul - Killed by Leonardo Kaminski - Survivor

Cella Huck - Killed by Leonardo Kaminski - Survivor

Leonardo Kaminski - Executed - Survivor

Nate Martin - Survivor

Roger Styles - Survivor 

Riley Collins - Survivor 

Papillon Jeune - Survivor

Shougo Kishiyama - Survivor 

Utsusu Abe - Survivor 

Rina Hokusai - Survivor

Fergus O’Hannigan - Survivor 

[projectsoleil]

All Aboard | The End

With everyone’s questions answered and their time drawing to a close...a man from the boat shouts and waves down to Shoko and the others that have come to save you all. Shoko turns and gives a wave back, a bright smile upon her face. Turning again she faces you all again with that same bright smile. Hands on her hips she nods her head.

“Alright, everyone!! The boat is ready!! If you wouldn’t mind following me we are going to get you all home!! I promise!”

The cheery girl turns one last time along with Norman and Yuta...towards the boat and begins walking. As for the rest of you...perhaps you start walking with them, perhaps you give one last look at the island that has been your home for the past few months...the island that has brought you misery...but also allowed you to meet such wonderful and lovely people...

The point of the game...was to build bonds? It was to build bonds and die. In a way that was achieved...but some of you still lived...you still lived to tell the tale of what occurred. No matter how much time you take your weary legs all do bring you to the boat and its interior. 

[♫♫♫]

Fenrir...Nate Martin...

AI-T...Papillon Jeune...

Hawk...Roger Styles...

Zero Sum...Riley Collins...

Firefly...Rina Hokusai...

Snapshot...Utsusu Abe...

Galehaut...Fergus O’Hannigan...

Oleander...Shougo Kishiyama...

Red...Evanne Kaul...

Plague...Leonardo Kaminski...

Dr. Revolution...Cella Huck...

The survivors who made it to the end along with those that had joined in causing this tragedy too occur. The Sunscape Bot versions of their friends join as well at their leisure...they all made it here...they should be happy. But after something like this...it was hard to not feel only bittersweet.

As Shoko said, it wasn’t exactly the best conditions. There were places to sit but you were all still rather cramped together. You suppose you can’t complain much since this boat is taking you home but it still could’ve been better.

The waters rock the boat and you gaze out the window. You suppose it has been getting late...the sun is setting in the distance. An orange glow envelops the entire world outside. The Sunset Islands blur into the distance and you peel your eyes from the window.

You sit and finally...your eyes close...

A new day brings new adventure... But for now... Rest easy heroes.

[projectsoleil]

LET’S GET YOU ALL HOME | SHOKO | Q&A 3 | RE: EVERYONE

Shoko’s attention of course goes right to Cella first. Her face goes a bit sour, remembering that Cella was key in keeping them all here, she was the reason that these innocent people died and needed to be saved in the first place. Sure Ivo was the one that killed Shoko’s friends but still Cella was part of it all too...She lets the expression drop and a smile forms. She was far too kind.

“I...do suppose keeping an eye on you would be the smarter option here. Maybe you say that you accept defeat...but I’m a little wary. Hmmm...we need all the help we can get so...I’ll allow it...But if you act up once, we won’t hesitate to incapacitate you again. As for after the work is done...I guess we’ll see about that...”

Or maybe Shoko just knew the tools that she needed to ensure that she can give these people back everything that they lost. No matter who she has to work with or what she has to do...she will see those preserved corpses walk again. Then to Angelbot another smile, ignorant of the sadness the words were making another feel.

“Of course that can be done! I think it would be really cute too! A little birdbot hehe!! Anything you want. I’ll make sure that you get it....but just promise that if you become a bird, you’ll come flying back every now and again!”

To Fergus...there are no words, she had become aware of the relationship...through all her talks with Riley about everything that was happening on this island...and she felt his suffering...and it steels her more to make him happy...along with everyone else. 

Next was her favorite catted boy!

“Riley!! Are you sure!? I’d love having you here to help! You’ve been such a joy to work with and you’ve really been such a great help...I’m sure Norman and Yuta agree!! We’d love having you with us...I really would especially...As long as you are okay with coming back to these islands...”

Papillon...she keeps up her smile, it was right to remain strong in the face of others. So she does...especially when they start crying. 

“Of course...I will do my best to make sure that you all get the privacy that you desire. I can’t promise...other people won’t try to get in contact if your names get on the news but...we can do everything to keep ourselves out of it...and financial reimbursement...Sunscape has enough funds around I’m sure...just as long as you don’t all think it’s hush money! ...Anyway...we’ll leave soon, Papillon...”

Then her attention is to Nate...the man whose bravery she had seen first hand. Who leaped into battle with her at the end...who she fought alongside and who bum rushed the trial...What a man he was. And to see him now in tears.

It was Tyr that ran to Shoko and spoke first.

[ Can you please bring Mr. Nate around! Then we can fight and play more! ]

She brings her hand to the bots head and chuckles...

“Tyr seems very excited at the idea...as would I be to have you around. We can talk about that later though, Nate....for now...we’re going to get you all home.”

She turns to the boat and hopes that it is ready soon...it should only be a few more moments...and then...they will all be free from this hell...

[projectsoleil]

goodbye, goodbye; i'll be back soon || Nate || Q&A but mostly a react

From the moment that metal drill pierced his shoulder, Nate has been running at about 200%. There was a lull in the energy when he thought he lost Papillon and did lose Gabi, but recovery is his strong suit -- and he’s never known when to quit.

(He does know that sometimes, it’s recommended to count backwards when you’re trying to calm down.)

When was the last time he really… Stopped, anyway? Sure, he let himself relax here and there -- but when has he stopped?

(200%)

[ ♫♫♫ ]

Nate catches Tyr when the little robot jumps into his arms, and unlike himself, he remains quiet while everyone talks to their rescuers. He keeps his eyes in the spot where Neo once lay, telling them that they loved them.

(150%)

He sits Tyr back down with a pat to the robot’s head, and surveys the area around them as the conversation continues. Surrounded by a littering of metal carnage, Nate is suddenly aware of the ache in his muscles, and the sting of wounds that had gone numbed by adrenaline for hours -- or at least, it feels like hours. He isn’t sure how long it’s actually been.

(100%)

Rubbing at one of the freshly bloody gashes on his arm, Nate’s eyes trail to the people standing around him instead. Despite their losses… Everyone standing here now was going to live. His eyes fall on Papillon, and on Shougo, and on Roger, and Riley and -- everyone, at least once. Some more, but all with a slowly growing sense of relief. Even those that betrayed them. It’s not like he wants them dead.

(50%)

Relief.

It’s the first time he’s really felt it while standing on this beach, or anywhere else on this island. Maybe he’s felt it a few times before, but not like this. It’s like letting out a breath he’s been holding for over a month -- that weight of duty every self sacrificial jackass like him carries on their shoulders, suddenly crumbling away.

(25%)

...It’s…

(15%)

“I… Um… I can help get -- or, uh. Keep everyone where they… Need to be, or. Just, like… Whatever you need to get shit done. I’d like to do it,” Nate says quietly, swallowing back a knot in his throat as he does.

He takes in a breath, and it rattles around in his chest next to that overwhelming relief.

(10%)

“But I, uh -- I-I…”

His brow furrows.

(5%)

“Can… I just--”

When Nate stepped foot onto this island, it was under the guise of Fenrir, the evil villain destined for infamy; a guise, because he’ll be leaving this island as the hero he’s always been, thanks to the people he’s both met and lost here.

But right now, Nate Martin is neither of those things.

He reaches to the side with his hand, not bothering to look as he grabs for Papillon’s -- their hand meets his halfway, and his free hand lifts to his face as the weight of the world finishes crashing down around him, and a quiet sob chokes its way out of his throat.

(0%)

“...C-Can we… Can we just go home for now?”

[projectsoleil]

Losttime Epilogue | Papillon | Q&A

The dust settles and Neo is no more.

As Papillon brushes the sand off their clothes, they find their thoughts returning to the creature the group just defeated. Even though they’re the one who Uploaded into Neo, they can’t help but feel like the so-called ‘Ultimate Lifeform’ went into their mind instead.

Neo’s electronic conscience had been overwhelming, to say the least. It had been simultaneously so much and so little. The memory of their identity growing hazy causes a shiver to go down Papillon’s spine despite the late summer heat. They’re not sure they’ll ever get over how unnerving the experience was.

...Then again, they aren't sure they’ll ever get over any of this.

So much has happened during these past couple months — most of it bad. From watching those around them die to pretending to die too, this one summer has been filled with more tragedy than they’ve experienced in the past twenty-four years combined.

But this one summer has also been filled with more joy than they’ve experienced in the past twenty-four years combined too. From hosting a party to making friends, they can’t deny they've had some pretty good times.

And now that they think about it, Papillon suspects there’s a moral to be found here. No doubt it’s one about the virtues of leaving your comfort zone and living life, how no matter how unpleasant the outside world can be, there’s always something amazing out there waiting for you. But unfortunately for anyone expecting them to learn an important lesson about taking chances, they quickly dismiss the concept for the time being. They’re way too exhausted to care about whatever moral is at the end of this story.

Truthfully, they just want it to end already.

Seeing everyone gather around the rescue party only fuels their desire to leave. Sure, they have some questions they want answered, but they’d much rather go home.

Not that home’s too far.

[♪♪♪]

Papillon walks up to Nate, taking in the sight of their partner in heroism following their biggest battle yet. He looks exhausted, like the weight of the world has suddenly come crashing down on him. Seeing him look so weary strikes a chord in Papillon, and they feel tears welling up in their eyes. But they will themselves to keep it together a little longer.

Because right now, even more than they want to return to Canada, Papillon wants Nate to know he’s not responsible for holding up the world all on his own.

They smile at him before looking at the others. Even though they might not be close to all of them (hi, Abe), by this point they’re willing to help any of them shoulder the weight of what happened here too. And so their smile remains… up until they turn their attention to Shoko and the others.

Instead, they scowl.

“Hey, thanks for showing up, I guess. When we go back to the real world, we don’t have to be questioned or interviewed or any stupid shit like that, right? Because I dunno about the others, but I’m done. Unless you’re sending me financial reimbursement for putting us through this nightmare, I’d prefer never hearing from you guys ever again.

“...Uh, no offense.”

Their face grows hot as they talk as tears begin pricking at their eyes again. Papillon can’t stop themselves this time— they start crying. Their face scrunches up as they sniffle, and soon enough tears start rolling down their cheeks.

“I’m so fucking sick of this, is all. Screw aliens and superpowers. I just wanna get off this shitty island so we can start piecing ourselves back together.”

...Because in a way, that’s the only option they have left.

It’s not like the weight of the world is an easy burden to shoulder, after all. Even with Nate, Riley, Roger, and the others all helping, they're in dire need of a reprieve. And they’re pretty damn sure everyone else needs a break too.

Although deep down, Papillon knows the events that transpired here will linger in their mind for a long time to come. Which, in spite of how heavy some of them are, they’re ultimately grateful for. They can’t bear the idea of forgetting all the happy experiences they've had here.

From eating ice cream with Angel to gossiping with Ana; from stargazing with Haruki to camping indoors with Gabi; from watching Rina perform to falling asleep with their head on Nate's chest—

No, they can’t say they completely regret entertaining Nate's idea to sign up for the competition and taking the plunge into something outside their comfort zone.

...That being said, they’re still more than a little ready to go home. And as they stand there under the hot tropical sun, the only thing stopping Papillon from making a break for the boat without waiting for Shoko’s go ahead is the man beside them.

For no matter what the future may bring (though they hope it’ll involve a lot less murder and betrayal) they can’t imagine seeing tomorrow without Nate by their side.

[projectsoleil]

eternal wind // riley // attn: shoko

Riley Collins is not always the most confident man in a room, not the most sure of himself. One thing, however, that he has always been sure of is his ideals.

He does not believe that people who are just trying to live deserve to have that taken away from them - and although this might be a bit naive, to him, people who hurt others in this way are the lowest of the low. There are so many people on this island - living, dead, organic, mechanical - who just want to live. Even though Neo had accepted their death, they too had wanted to be a person. 

...Trying to ignore the tears welling in the corners of his eyes, the heavy feeling as the adrenaline begins to wear down, he turns to face Shoko, Yuta, and Norman. 

"...I want to help." 

That determination in his voice makes it clear that he means what he says. The determination that comes out when it counts - when it's time to be a hero, and not just the scared little programmer hiding in a corner. He knows that there are things only he can do, and he'd like to use them to help people. 

"--Well. If it's, uh, possible, anyways. I... I don't really want to idly sit by and hope for the best - if there's anything I can do to make it happen, I'd like to."  

When he first arrived here, it was to seek an answer to a question none other than himself could answer. Did he even still want to be a hero? Could he go on protecting people knowing that sometimes you fail? 

Looking over everyone, thinking back on all the memories he's made here - just as many good as there are bad bad, a small smile forms.

He found his answer a long time ago, he realizes.

[projectsoleil]

Break to save // Fergus // Q&A

Normally, Fergus feels like he would have so many questions. He should have many questions. How did the scientists survive? How did they get through? Could they help with bringing the rest back to life? What should they do with Dr. Revolution? But all those questions, most already answered, feel so redundant in the grand scheme of things. The adrenaline from the fight has already worn off, and while the feelings left behind by Neo echo in him, they are fast to turn to melancholy. Suddenly, he feels very empty. The highs and the lows.

He realises that both of those he would’ve liked to return those feelings to, romantic and familial, are gone. There are only hypotheticals now, maybes and ifs about researching Ivo’s power further, Cella volunteering herself.. Fergus scoffs in disgust and disbelief, but cannot bring himself to argue. There are no concrete answers and he has no energy to try and demand them.

How many people can say they’ve defeated death? He believes that with those on the island included, that number rounds up to less than ten.

When Angelbot speaks, he’s starkly reminded of a conversation he had with Redbot.

[♫♫♫]

"... Do you remember all the things she did?" Fergus asks. 

"I mean-- Sort of? The memories are... weird. They're from different points of view. I don't know anything about her personal life outside this island if she didn't talk about it out loud. I don't know what she did in private when she wasn't being watched by Sunscape bots. I know what she would do publicly, with all of you guys”, Redbot replies.

“So.. all the data you are built out of are the videos and such from the Sunscape bots?"

"The memories are all from what Sunscape bots viewed and record. I don't think it's actually possible to program organic memories from someone's mind... So yep!.. Are you okay, old man?”

"...No, just... Well, if all they are is what the bots recorded from us... don't think that's really Angel in any shape or form, now, is it?"

Fergus turns away from the conversation. He doesn’t want to hear its conclusion. He doesn’t want to hear what Angelbot decides, or how others might agree or disagree. It’s their choice, after all. Fergus has no say in it. And it’s not like they ever were Sem, not really. Just a collection of memories from an outside perspective, warped and twisted to fit someone’s interpretation of what Samael Talbot was like. The letters Sem wrote are a much truer image of the person he was in love with.

Fergus walks away from the group to look at the ocean. They can figure this one out themselves. He’s all done. They can have it all now, the answers and the questions and the problems and the issues.

He sits down on the sand, hunched over. The weather is just as nice as it was before, and once again he is reminded that in the grand scheme of things, their nightmares mean nothing to anyone outside this island.

Fergus just wants to wake up and go back home already.

[projectsoleil]

eden || angelbot || q&a

Well... this was about it wasn't it. Questions answered, then everyone packs up and heads off for the day, and here they'll be, just another echo of a dead soul... or perhaps the only echo of a dead soul at this point. Samael themself always had such a strong individuality to them, and being - not even living - in that shadow just felt... wrong. Everywhere they went as a robot, they brought some sort of pain and discomfort to people. Even they could recognise that.

"Look, all pleasantries aside, I know for a core fact that I simply cannot spend the remainder of my days stuck in this little tin can of a body, yes? It just doesn't feel... like the done thing to do. I'm already aware that I don't have a set individuality like the others, and I've barely been around long enough to find that for myself... especially with how sure I was of myself when I was alive... so..."

They let out a hefty sigh. Their foot kicks at the floor and their hands meet their waist. There wasn't going to be any easy way to say this, after all.

"I evidently can't shut myself down. I didn't really have any sort of goal before I came here, and the only ones I have for myself only benefit the verson of me who's currenly stuck in a pod underneath this place... so regardless of whether or not you can bring us back, I would still rather see myself as... not the me I am right now. Put me under a microscope, reclycle me as code or something... Just don't keep me like this. Selfish request, I'm sure, but perhaps I'll function better as a peppy little robot bird who sits on someone's shoulder."

They let out a little sigh, crossing their arms, looking off into the distance somewhere.

"I had so many plans while I was alive. Some of them I only care to see fulfiled while I'm alive. No matter how many synthetics you put into me like this, it's no way to grow old with someone... I personally much rather be made anew, and as something else."

Besides, maybe a new breath of life is just what they needed. Both of them.

[projectsoleil]

Rouge Planet || Cella || Q& A 1

As Cella was dragged out, restrained she tried to hide her sunken eyes and exhausted expression from others.  What dwindling pride she had left was quickly fading in her defeat, but nevertheless it was still trying to find something to cling onto nonetheless.

Defeat...

If she were optimistic she might be able to imagine some scenario where she could still put her plan into action.  Escape her captors, use her powers to make some grand exit, and from there plot anew in the shadows of some underground laboratory.  After all, she could recoup her losses, she still had contacts, she still had a lot despite having nothing here.

But in truth she was too tired, too drained, and too defeated to even entertain the thought of possibly trying to make a getaway.  What was the point at this rate?  

She had put so much time and energy into this project abandoned so many of her original morals and now was basically alone.  Starting up again would like trying to crawl out of quicksand.  Or maybe there would be some people who would be so quick on her trail that even attempting anything at this point would be a fools errand and only lead to a quick grave.

So what then?  Was she doomed to rot in a cell for the rest of her life?  It was a fair and just punishment sure but that didn't mean that she'd have to like it.  

"I'll help..."

She mumbles at first because she's worried someone will sock her in the jaw if she speaks too loudly.

"With Ivo's power, I can try and help to bring back the others.  And before you all come at me for suggesting that I'm doing this as some means of escaping whatever punishment I've assured myself... don't be fooled.  I know when I've been beaten."

And in fairness this was a selfish goal but selfish goals can be for good use can't they?

"But it's better than doing nothing in some prison cell somewhere, and I might as well try and do some good while I'm still here."

[projectsoleil]

TERROR AND REVIVAL | SHOKO | Q&A 2 | RE: SHOUGO, GABIBOT, TSUKI

Shoko’s expression drops to something much more serious, the smile fades and she averts her eyes from Shougo.

“...”

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to awake them from stasis but they were dead...and death wasn’t so easily reversible. Or was it? She focuses on his second question first.

“No. Not exactly. We knew that Ivo was up to something. A lot of the underworkings of Sunscape were kept secret from a majority of employees but details were getting to some of us...To keep a long story short...there was a small faction of us attempting to shed light on Ivo’s work...and then he tried to kill us all...we’re the only three left...that’s...all.”

She doesn’t go more into detail and puts back a smile on her face, she is here to save them and that is it. She has zero intention of dragging any of them deeper into this, they’ve already been little guinea pigs and she wouldn’t let them be anything more. 

“Second life?”

She tilted her head at Gabibot’s question and then focuses on the second part of it.

“...We have to come back here...to make sure none of this stuff can ever be used again. We are planning to investigate and then destroy these islands. There is nothing good that has come from this...and we can’t risk someone else trying to create the Ultimate Lifeform again with the technology here...”

Then finally her attention went to Tsuki and then to Dr. Revolution.

“Cella Huck is going to be taken into custody of Sunscape...and then dealt with by the proper authorities. We have no intention of killing her. That isn’t why we came here for you all...”

But again, she felt no need to explain anymore to them about that so she moves on to the topic of Second Life...and her attention back on Tsuki.

“I...I do agree with you...I do not know much about Ivo’s power...I assume based on those logs...it was used on those three. But I really...don’t know how the power transference technology works...It was something that...Ivo worked on alone...but...”

She knows that what she is going to say may be foolish. She knows that there may be no hope but...

“...I will try to do what I can...after we get you all back to safety and before we destroy these islands. We can all...try to see if it can work. I of course can not promise anything but...we’ve done the impossible and you all have done the impossible...so...we will try to bring everyone back...”

She hopes that her hopes aren’t in vain...

[projectsoleil]

Can You Give My New Body The Fattest Ass | Tsuki | Q&A

Staring at the beat up Rev, Tsuki debates sending another kick to her head. After all, he had only stopped the assault having assumed she was dead. Then again...

"What's happening to her?" Flatly speaking he points at Revolution. "Some kind of decent punishment right? At the very least if no one else faces time for being stupid, she should... if someone breaks her out then we can kill her. Death is wrong and all, but since she ah, did all of this when there were plenty of other good ideas, I think we don't need to give her benefit of the doubt."

One hand is shoved into his pocket, while his other hand jabs a thumb at himself.

"I want a better body than this so you better prioritize those over some other things you have going on..."

Glancing over at Gabibot he hums softly and shrugs. Admittedly, he didn't care too much about bringing back those who passed. After all he had been watching movies recently and generally bringing back the already dead once they've been long since dead was a messy process.

"Then after I guess you can mess with reviving corpses, or mangling them. Whichever happens from it... I think it's stupid to expect it to work since some of these bodies have been dead for a long ass time, but I guess it doesn't hurt to try if you guys all want to do that. Just seems like lower priority than dealing with those who are currently alive."

Unless there's a time limit on Ivo's power being injected in someone. Then oh well, but as far as he knows, expecting it to work post mortem would open up a whole other can of worms.

[projectsoleil]

walking dead | gabibot | Q&A

In the whole of Gabibot's existence, there has only ever been the 21 people stuck on this island with him. Robots came and went, yes, but watching three living, breathing strangers, prompts a feeling he knows true to be Gabi. An imaginary heart pumps hard in his chest, his grip around the controller shoved in his pocket tightens -- flight mode was activated, but there was no need to run anywhere. 

At a much slower pace than the rest of the bots, and after a weird, longer detour so he could take the path furthest away from the three saviors, he finally comes to a stop next to Abe. He doesn't take his hand, but lets his own hang so the option is there. 

He pipes up softly after Shougo speaks, nodding along quietly:

"...we'd been... talkin' 'bout usin' Ivo's Second Life to.. try an' revive the dead.." Gabi murmurs. "plus...it feels... kinda weird t'just leave the bodies here, y'know? Even if y'say you'll come back for 'em, s'just... why would y'wanna come back t'this place...?" 

How easy would it be to say you were going to come back, and then never do. How easy would it be to forget Aphrodite, Sem, Gabi, everyone. 

[projectsoleil]

Growing in Salted Earth | Shougo | Re: Q&A

The weight of Neo’s emotions have a profound effect on Shougo. They’ve found the ultimate lifeform painfully relatable in some ways, and watching it fade with only love for the people who killed it hurts, enough that they have to remove their goggles to better try and wipe away tears pricking at their eyelids. Maybe this was the only possible outcome, but that doesn’t mean they don’t wish for better. 

Why would anyone have to be born only to serve someone else?

Seeing Cella again, even subdued, Shougo can’t stop the choking rage and betrayal now that there’s no reason to front in the pursuit of answers.

She’d done this to herself. They gave her a way out, and she threw it away. Even worse, she never saw Neo as anything more than a tool...so much so that she hadn’t even given it a name. Did Leo and Pheo think the same way? Do they even want to know the answer to that?

Shougo picks up the black chip, the only remnant of someone who’d barely gotten to exist. You don’t deserve it, they think looking at the people behind this. 

They don’t have time to voice any of their thoughts before Shoko and her entourage appear with a boat. Is this it, then? Are they actually going home? That almost feels surreal. 

Shougo is so tired of guessing, of thinking of ways out that might not be accomplished, but hearing Shoko talk about burials, their defiance flares up again. 

“So you aren’t even gonna try to bring them out of stasis after what your shitty boss did to them. Is that what I’m hearing?” 

They narrow their eyes at Shoko, her sickeningly sweet and peppy energy the last thing they’re in the mood for after everything. 

“I’m grateful for you guys trying to help, but...I don’t know if I’ll be satisfied if I never know whether helping everyone Ivo, Cella and their cronies fucked over is possible or not.”

“Did you guys know this was gonna happen? You all worked for Ivo at some point...how did you all go from that to hostages?”

[projectsoleil]

Robots and Corpses | Shoko | Q&A 1 | Re: Vegabot, Abe

Shoko steepled her fingers as the first question was asked, her bright smile didn’t falter and she nodded her head.

“Of course you guys are included! If it’s what you want that is. I...well... being part of making the Sunscape Bots and their AI. I feel like I am kind of responsible for you all in a way. I...I can transfer all of your data into new bodies if that is what you want. It may take some time but it’s all very possible!”

She claps her hands together with some joy. She was such a peppy and happy energy and that only drops when it comes to Abe’s question. Her face is more somber but she tries to retain her smile while respecting the weight of the situation.

“...I...We’ll do everything we can to get in contact with their next of kin and ensure proper burials. We have no intention of just leaving them all here. Once we get you all to safety...we’ll come back for them.” 

It’s the absolute least she can do when they took so long to get here...maybe there is more they can do but it isn’t something that is currently within Shoko’s scope.