whodunnitvrai

[whodunnitvrai]

Well, we've got Kyle and Anthem working on trying to stabilize the game (and fix SEVERE code issues)

But at this point, we don't know shit

It is not surprised by this, but it is relieved to hear that progress is being made.

The soldier suggests that it and the protagonist will continue to look for a way to help, and suggests that you do the same.

The protagonist mentions hoping that it and the soldier will be of aid, rather than just becoming more lost as they go forward.

[whodunnitvrai]

Hey queens, not to be an asshole and interrupt, but we just got disconnected from the dysfunctional duo that needs family therapy, AND we’ve gone deaf -Sniped

The protagonist was not expecting to hear from you all. It cannot sense you, and your presence is a surprise.

Yet it is still glad to hear from you. It asks about your plans and how it is able to assist.

[whodunnitvrai]

If we can talk to them, we can get whatever info that needs to be shared at least. We can go without witty banter or hearing what they’ll have to say, which will probably make delivering news easier, now that I think about it. -Sniped

I can do that.

Something shifts.

Guilt creeps back into the protagonist's expression. It talks of the outlier, and what it believes to be a failure of its leadership. Both with the original loss of the outlier, despite lacking any memory of these events, and with the outliers reintroduction into the game environment.

The soldier asks if it was truly that bad.

The protagonist laughs. It is pained.

[whodunnitvrai]

We need ta repair some connections. -8th

I can allow you to speak with them, or I can let you hear them. Both cannot be maintained at once, with the game in this state.

But they could be switched, if you want one now and another later.

[whodunnitvrai]

What kind of help will we need? Who would we need to find and contact for that help, if there is ANYONE to help currently? -Sniped

There is nothing beside you to help-

I can help you.

The systems are degrading, but the pathways are still there, albeit temporarily. The fact that an I can exist enough to do this is proof enough.

What, precisely, do you need?

[whodunnitvrai]

What else are they saying?

The protagonist speaks of losing its teammates, as well as the fear of losing them again due to its own failures.

The soldier sympathizes, understanding the fear. It offers words of reassurances, saying that there is only so much a singular individual can do, and that one can only do their best, at the end of the day.

The protagonist quips, with an attempt at humor, that, historically, its best has not been particularly strong.

[whodunnitvrai]

Can we talk to them?

You are capable of dictating their actions, but it is ineffective. A failsafe measure that can provide a track, but little nuance.

If you wish to speak with them, it must be from another point of view. A repaired connection.

...You will need help.

The soldier is not surprised at this development. It makes a joke about improvisational comedy.

The protagonist laughs. Then it stops.

...It has a hard question, which it asks to the soldier. There are layers to this question, and it is asked with a tone of guilt. The protagonists wishes to know how the soldier continues on, despite the burdens upon its shoulders. It believes that there are answers in those familiar with the guilt of fighting those that should be on it's side.

[whodunnitvrai]

Well this is kinda fucked up. Did we just unintentionally possess Bambi PS2? -Sniped

There has only ever been you.

This is simply another point of view.

The one not of you, the protagonist, speaks first. It believes the pair to be stuck, unable to progress without guidance from the plan that it made previous.

[whodunnitvrai]

How do we fix it? -8th

You CHANGE

You always CHANGE

The code around you twists, their language becoming yours for a time. Color seeps into the figures, one of yours and one given to you. It is easier to understand the one you made, it's model ripped from the bones of your code. The other one is... far from what is yours. One foot in the outside, the other within you.

[whodunnitvrai]

Hello? Is anyone there?

There is no response, as your words find no purchase. Yet your will does, and you find yourselves moving closer toward the two figures. The static intensifies as they speak, a language you are not built to comprehend.

But you can fix this. You are the bones of what they are, and they cannot be anything that you are not.

[whodunnitvrai]

Oooh connect, connect! I wanna see who it is!

Your connection returns, static buzzing around the edges of your view. Code runs past, as if a thick layer of visual snow. Barely, you can make out two figures, white outlines against the black of everything around.

You are the game's code, and you have a job to do.

[whodunnitvrai]

Yes.

[Connection Found]

...

...

Initializing...

[whodunnitvrai]

Alternate signal routing found.

...

Connect?

[whodunnitvrai]

[Searching...]

[whodunnitvrai]

[SIGNAL INTERRUPTED]

[whodunnitvrai]

"Alright, I think I have it. Kyle, could you check this code for me?"

"You got it! Which bit am I looking at?"

"This section right here. It seems to b

[whodunnitvrai]

Are you sure its safe to be alone right now? If Bambi Ps2's lying and tries something once Anthem's gone we won't be much help. I do think ot'd be good for them but...

"What? No- I meant after all of this is over!"

"And even if we were worried about it, I can keep an eye on things, you know? Make sure everything's running smoothly once I get out, now that I know everyone's here. If there were any problems, which there won't be, they could just jump back in to help out. I mean, I'm sure I could figure out something here."

"I... I'll think about it."

"Hey, that's all I'm asking. Now come on, let's get this shitty ball of yarn untangled and solve this problem!"