[ 9S learns one thing quickly: he has no place in team Ophelia's heated proposal discussions. Let humans do humans' work; as an android, he's already done what's needed out of him, and that was aiding in an empress' safe arrival at Doro's castle.
As such, he deems his presence unnecessary. (What he won't admit that, in part, he simply isn't very good at sitting still.) Which is why, not terribly long into the ongoing discussions, 9S quietly excuses himself—the perfect chance for a certain invisible boy to catch this particular android exiting out into one of the castle's many halls. ]
[ Unknown to likely over half the people in the room, Laphicet quietly stands by as he listens to the discussion take place, trying to let the information sink in and understand everyone's decisions. He might not be human, but it was still part of their objective to resolve the conflict.
But as the argument grows heated, he finds himself having difficulty following along and possibly an incoming headache from it all. His eyes wander around the room and spots one of his teammates taking off early. He recognizes the blindfold and hair matches up with another android he met.
Curious, he follows after him. An audio message comes through 9S' magitek (shortly after he quickly digs up his username from the personnel files), from @laphicet: ]
Um... hey! Did you need a breath of fresh air? The discussion isn't even over yet.
[ The alert of an incoming message is what gives 9S a pause in the empty hall. Who would be contacting him now? Naturally, he checks, but he doesn't recognize the username at all...
9S glances back and forth, and spots... well, no one, but it wouldn't be like him to leave a message go unchecked. ]
Uh—sort of. [ He answers back through the magitek, unaware of any invisible spirits close by. Perhaps, whoever this is, didn't want to leave the ongoing debate themselves. ] I wasn't following along much, anyway.
It's important to follow along if we want to complete the mission. But I don't blame you. Honestly, I got kind of lost keeping up myself.
[ He tried his best and it makes him feel somewhat shameful being unable to keep up. He'll just have to pester someone to summarize everything for him.
Seeing 9S glance around reminds Laphicet that he should announce his invisible presence, no matter how strange it may be. It will never stop being strange for the less spiritually inclined. He's already expecting plenty of questions and proof that he's actually here. ]
I'm here, by the way. Near your right? You won't be able to see me... sorry. 2B calls it "natural camouflage."
[ Absentmindedly, 9S jerks his right arm up (with an unresponsive hand hanging limp, if Laphicet is one to notice such things) like someone reacting to being told there was a spider there. But there's no such bug, nor even a person; he stares dumbly at the empty space instead.
Yet he mentions 2B, which leads to two things: this "Laphicet" knows they have some relation with one another, not that it's terribly difficult to figure that one out, and that this supposedly invisible person is expecting certain questions to come up. And boy, does 9S have them already. ]
... Why are you camouflaged? You don't have a reason to hide around here.
[ As 9S moves his arm, Laphicet reacts by taking a step back, acting as though he might actually be tangible. Though most haven't been able to interact with him, he still makes an effort to dodge or walk around them. Stepping right through someone is just weird. ]
This is just how I am. I'm not trying to hide.
[ A sigh. He knew "camouflage" wasn't the right word to use. He only refers to it as such because 2B did, thinking the other android would easily understand. Oh well. He's ready to repeat the same information as he does with others on the team. ]
I'm a malak. Do you know what a spirit or a ghost is? I'm kind of like that. Only people with resonance or spiritual talent can see me, but I can talk to you through the magitek.
[ It's less incredulous, more stumped for words. Once upon a time 9S might have called bullshit, but his time between ALASTAIR and Hathaway have exposed him to enough supernatural oddities that, okay, maybe there's some truth to this. Nonetheless, there's a minor pinch in 9S' expression—the half of it that's visible, anyway. ]
Alright, alright, I believe you. But I really won't be able to see you at all?
[ Looking around, he notices no one else in the hall at the moment. As a precaution, he takes a further step back and holds a slip of paper out, which is similarly unseen to the average eye.
But when the paper disintegrates in his fingers, 9S will be able to see a small floating wisp of fire. Something he could have done for 2B to indicate his presence, had there not been so many people present at the time. ]
I can do this?
[ Only for a brief moment does he let the small flame hover, then he extinguishes it, leaving empty space once again. ]
I don't want to alarm any of the locals if they suddenly walk in here.
[ —Oh. Oh, okay, he hadn't expected to see that coming. That was undoubtedly fire, however, and too conveniently timed to not have been from... whoever it is he's talking to at the moment.
9S stares at the space where the small flame flickered to life before it just as quickly got snuffed out, as if concentrating hard enough would allow him to see... something more there. It doesn't, but he doesn't pull his gaze away yet. ]
Huh. [ Intriguing. ] Well, you don't have to keep a fire going or anything as long as we have the magitek. It sure is strange, though... I've definitely never encountered anyone like you before.
Yeah, not many have. I've never known your kind either, until recently.
[ Only 2B clearly and now him. ]
My name is Laphicet, by the way. Nice to meet you. The file stated that your name is 9...S, correct?
[ Simple enough to remember from a quick glance over the files.
But the number and the letter rolls off his tongue uneasily. Luckily 9S can't see his disheartened expression. No matter how much 2B tried to assure him not to concern about androids, he hasn't changed his views, seeing them as alive. ]
[ There were as many others who are unfamiliar with androids as a concept as there are those who do know. Sometimes it's still a touch odd, after living a life where he only knew androids and machines, but 9S has stumbled upon his fair share of unfamiliar beings as well. Like right now, for instance, even if he can't see who he's speaking with; that alone is pretty strange, but at least communication through a device is normal enough to him. ]
That'd be me—the one and only. [ 9S notices that his own name doesn't roll off Laphicet's tongue naturally. Again, he wouldn't be the first. What he's called is apparently enough of an oddity that it comes into question fairly often, and he's plenty used to it by now. Thus, 9S thinks nothing of it, except perhaps an inevitable query about it eventually. ] Anyway, I think I could use a bit of fresh air. What about you?
[ In case his newly acquired invisible companion wants to tag along... It wouldn't be the weirdest thing to happen to 9S in his multidimensional traveling days. ]
Laphicet casts a reluctant glance back towards the dining hall. It's barely audible, but he can hear the faint noise of the other members of Ophelia arguing over who knows what about the proposals. At this point, he finds an attempt at joining in the conversations now would be disruptive. He's going to stick to his backup plan and ask someone to bring him up to speed later. ]
Uh... yeah! Fresh air would be great. Lead the way, I'll be right behind you.
[ Which sounds weird (and maybe a little creepy) considering his invisible presence, but he doesn't know how else to say it.
He's surprised at how laid back 9S seems, based on his speech and mannerism. It's unlike 2B. Regardless, he considers both of them to be living beings in a sense that they have emotion. He wonders how adverse 9S would be against that thought if he brought the subject up. ]
Hey, 9S? [ He spares him the usual "mister" and "sir" prefix that he gives to those older than him. 9S doesn't seem like the sort who'd like that. ] I was wondering... is that your only name?
[ It's... unusual, yes, and 9S doesn't feel as if he has company following along as he resumes his way down the hall. Laphicet did do what he could to prove he's there, though. He can roll with it.
And there it comes. 9S is hardly surprised to hear Laphicet ask the inevitable, so he rolls with it surprisingly easily. ]
Yeah, that's right. I know it isn't like most names out there– [ Rather, it comes from a lack of name. ] –but it still works well enough as one.
[ And he does follow close by, walking alongside as he tries to keep up the same pace. He acts as if he's appearing physically present to 9S, even though he might not get any direct eye contact.
After his talk with 2B back with the sea clan empire, he knows better than to suddenly blurt out that having a designation isn't a proper name... ]
Do you ever think about choosing a different name?
[ He's careful not to broadcast his sighing over the communicator. Perhaps the answer should have been what he expected. He's expecting same for his next two questions, but he has to ask anyway. ]
...Even if your current name is a number? That doesn't bother you?
[ He flinches. There's a brief pause, before he can bring himself to answer back. He breathes out a sigh and sounds embarrassed, especially with how quickly 9S caught on. ]
...A-a little. Not the first time someone asked you that, huh?
[ The letter B and now an S. What other designations are there? It doesn't matter. It doesn't make Laphicet feel any better about it. Androids deserve real names...
But he has a hunch that pressing further about it would have the same result as his conversation with 2B. ]
I'm sorry, 9S. [ Without any reluctance now. He can work with it, even if he doesn't like it. ] I'll stop asking about it.
[ ... Well, he had been built with a specific purpose in mind—to fight for and serve humanity. Not that they existed anymore in the first place, but when it came down to it, it doesn't change that 9S' intended purpose was to be a tool, did it?
He still can't bring himself to put the likes of him on the same level of humanity, regardless of how he feels about his programming lately. Yet people still try, despite all the protesting he's already done; this is hardly a new scenario for him. It doesn't make any more sense why everyone wants to think he's more human than he actually is, though.
Unlike 2B, 9S doesn't quite argue it. Not now, when they're already leaving from a mess of butting heads. Instead, he lets the words settle before eventually responding. ]
People I knew well back where I'm from called me Nines. [ It's... still a number, technically, but also very much a nickname. ] You can call me that, if you want.
[ A soft, thoughtful murmur comes across the communicator as Laphicet repeats the nickname to himself. Yeah, it still sounds like a number when spoken. "Nines" might only be a small step above "9S". When he thinks about it though, it starts to look and sound closer to being a name when you write it out with letters.
...What would 2B be? Two- Bee? That's kind of adorable. No, she might think it's weird. He quietly scolds himself, betting 2B would want a cool name. Back to 9S though, before he can let himself be carried away with his sudden childish thinking.]
Yeah, you're Nines. Nines is Nines!
[ A moment ago, he sounded in low spirits. But now he sounds elated as he makes the proclamation. Nines is Nines, just like 2B is 2B. Not tools. But their own person, is what Laphicet views them as anyway. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
action; pre-dinner adventures
As such, he deems his presence unnecessary. (What he won't admit that, in part, he simply isn't very good at sitting still.) Which is why, not terribly long into the ongoing discussions, 9S quietly excuses himself—the perfect chance for a certain invisible boy to catch this particular android exiting out into one of the castle's many halls. ]
no subject
But as the argument grows heated, he finds himself having difficulty following along and possibly an incoming headache from it all. His eyes wander around the room and spots one of his teammates taking off early. He recognizes the blindfold and hair matches up with another android he met.
Curious, he follows after him. An audio message comes through 9S' magitek (shortly after he quickly digs up his username from the personnel files), from @laphicet: ]
Um... hey! Did you need a breath of fresh air? The discussion isn't even over yet.
no subject
9S glances back and forth, and spots... well, no one, but it wouldn't be like him to leave a message go unchecked. ]
Uh—sort of. [ He answers back through the magitek, unaware of any invisible spirits close by. Perhaps, whoever this is, didn't want to leave the ongoing debate themselves. ] I wasn't following along much, anyway.
no subject
[ He tried his best and it makes him feel somewhat shameful being unable to keep up. He'll just have to pester someone to summarize everything for him.
Seeing 9S glance around reminds Laphicet that he should announce his invisible presence, no matter how strange it may be. It will never stop being strange for the less spiritually inclined. He's already expecting plenty of questions and proof that he's actually here. ]
I'm here, by the way. Near your right? You won't be able to see me... sorry. 2B calls it "natural camouflage."
no subject
Yet he mentions 2B, which leads to two things: this "Laphicet" knows they have some relation with one another, not that it's terribly difficult to figure that one out, and that this supposedly invisible person is expecting certain questions to come up. And boy, does 9S have them already. ]
... Why are you camouflaged? You don't have a reason to hide around here.
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This is just how I am. I'm not trying to hide.
[ A sigh. He knew "camouflage" wasn't the right word to use. He only refers to it as such because 2B did, thinking the other android would easily understand. Oh well. He's ready to repeat the same information as he does with others on the team. ]
I'm a malak. Do you know what a spirit or a ghost is? I'm kind of like that. Only people with resonance or spiritual talent can see me, but I can talk to you through the magitek.
no subject
[ It's less incredulous, more stumped for words. Once upon a time 9S might have called bullshit, but his time between ALASTAIR and Hathaway have exposed him to enough supernatural oddities that, okay, maybe there's some truth to this. Nonetheless, there's a minor pinch in 9S' expression—the half of it that's visible, anyway. ]
Alright, alright, I believe you. But I really won't be able to see you at all?
no subject
[ Looking around, he notices no one else in the hall at the moment. As a precaution, he takes a further step back and holds a slip of paper out, which is similarly unseen to the average eye.
But when the paper disintegrates in his fingers, 9S will be able to see a small floating wisp of fire. Something he could have done for 2B to indicate his presence, had there not been so many people present at the time. ]
I can do this?
[ Only for a brief moment does he let the small flame hover, then he extinguishes it, leaving empty space once again. ]
I don't want to alarm any of the locals if they suddenly walk in here.
no subject
9S stares at the space where the small flame flickered to life before it just as quickly got snuffed out, as if concentrating hard enough would allow him to see... something more there. It doesn't, but he doesn't pull his gaze away yet. ]
Huh. [ Intriguing. ] Well, you don't have to keep a fire going or anything as long as we have the magitek. It sure is strange, though... I've definitely never encountered anyone like you before.
[ Obviously. ]
no subject
[ Only 2B clearly and now him. ]
My name is Laphicet, by the way. Nice to meet you. The file stated that your name is 9...S, correct?
[ Simple enough to remember from a quick glance over the files.
But the number and the letter rolls off his tongue uneasily. Luckily 9S can't see his disheartened expression. No matter how much 2B tried to assure him not to concern about androids, he hasn't changed his views, seeing them as alive. ]
no subject
[ There were as many others who are unfamiliar with androids as a concept as there are those who do know. Sometimes it's still a touch odd, after living a life where he only knew androids and machines, but 9S has stumbled upon his fair share of unfamiliar beings as well. Like right now, for instance, even if he can't see who he's speaking with; that alone is pretty strange, but at least communication through a device is normal enough to him. ]
That'd be me—the one and only. [ 9S notices that his own name doesn't roll off Laphicet's tongue naturally. Again, he wouldn't be the first. What he's called is apparently enough of an oddity that it comes into question fairly often, and he's plenty used to it by now. Thus, 9S thinks nothing of it, except perhaps an inevitable query about it eventually. ] Anyway, I think I could use a bit of fresh air. What about you?
[ In case his newly acquired invisible companion wants to tag along... It wouldn't be the weirdest thing to happen to 9S in his multidimensional traveling days. ]
sorry for my sudden slowness........ orz
Laphicet casts a reluctant glance back towards the dining hall. It's barely audible, but he can hear the faint noise of the other members of Ophelia arguing over who knows what about the proposals. At this point, he finds an attempt at joining in the conversations now would be disruptive. He's going to stick to his backup plan and ask someone to bring him up to speed later. ]
Uh... yeah! Fresh air would be great. Lead the way, I'll be right behind you.
[ Which sounds weird (and maybe a little creepy) considering his invisible presence, but he doesn't know how else to say it.
He's surprised at how laid back 9S seems, based on his speech and mannerism. It's unlike 2B. Regardless, he considers both of them to be living beings in a sense that they have emotion. He wonders how adverse 9S would be against that thought if he brought the subject up. ]
Hey, 9S? [ He spares him the usual "mister" and "sir" prefix that he gives to those older than him. 9S doesn't seem like the sort who'd like that. ] I was wondering... is that your only name?
:* you're good joly poly
And there it comes. 9S is hardly surprised to hear Laphicet ask the inevitable, so he rolls with it surprisingly easily. ]
Yeah, that's right. I know it isn't like most names out there– [ Rather, it comes from a lack of name. ] –but it still works well enough as one.
good :')
After his talk with 2B back with the sea clan empire, he knows better than to suddenly blurt out that having a designation isn't a proper name... ]
Do you ever think about choosing a different name?
no subject
[ No direct eye contact, but 9S does lift the wrist his magitek is attached to, giving it a quizzical glance. ]
... No, not really. I don't mind the one I have now.
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...Even if your current name is a number? That doesn't bother you?
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Somehow I get the feeling it bothers you a lot more than it does me.
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...A-a little. Not the first time someone asked you that, huh?
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Some of you act pretty weird about it. It's not just "a number"—it is my model type, you know.
no subject
[ The letter B and now an S. What other designations are there? It doesn't matter. It doesn't make Laphicet feel any better about it. Androids deserve real names...
But he has a hunch that pressing further about it would have the same result as his conversation with 2B. ]
I'm sorry, 9S. [ Without any reluctance now. He can work with it, even if he doesn't like it. ] I'll stop asking about it.
no subject
Laphicet says he'll drop the subject, yet 9S can't help but press it further for himself, after a moment of consideration. ]
I'm not human, so why's it wrong that I don't have a name like them?
[ He sounds genuinely curious, if nothing else. ]
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[ Well, he's already bracing himself to be told his thoughts are incorrect. Regardless, it won't change his feelings on what's alive and what's not. ]
You might not be human, but you're alive in the sense that you have emotions. I say you deserve a name just as much as people do.
no subject
He still can't bring himself to put the likes of him on the same level of humanity, regardless of how he feels about his programming lately. Yet people still try, despite all the protesting he's already done; this is hardly a new scenario for him. It doesn't make any more sense why everyone wants to think he's more human than he actually is, though.
Unlike 2B, 9S doesn't quite argue it. Not now, when they're already leaving from a mess of butting heads. Instead, he lets the words settle before eventually responding. ]
People I knew well back where I'm from called me Nines. [ It's... still a number, technically, but also very much a nickname. ] You can call me that, if you want.
no subject
[ A soft, thoughtful murmur comes across the communicator as Laphicet repeats the nickname to himself. Yeah, it still sounds like a number when spoken. "Nines" might only be a small step above "9S". When he thinks about it though, it starts to look and sound closer to being a name when you write it out with letters.
...What would 2B be? Two- Bee? That's kind of adorable. No, she might think it's weird. He quietly scolds himself, betting 2B would want a cool name. Back to 9S though, before he can let himself be carried away with his sudden childish thinking.]
Yeah, you're Nines. Nines is Nines!
[ A moment ago, he sounded in low spirits. But now he sounds elated as he makes the proclamation. Nines is Nines, just like 2B is 2B. Not tools. But their own person, is what Laphicet views them as anyway. ]