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[OKAY LOOK he's not exactly best friends with Nines, but considering how surprisingly well their last interaction had gone? He's just gonna gently intercept this punk the next time he spots him around Middleton, probably sometime Tuesday night but really what are timelines in the nebulous void. ANYWAY.]
Nines! You're not on any time sensitive errand run or anything, yes?
Nines! You're not on any time sensitive errand run or anything, yes?
[ 9S was probably just walking around, snooping and crouching by random things like old-timey cars and fire hydrants. So much data to collect... When he hears Wei Wuxian, he straightens to attention, surprised but not displeased. ]
Hm? No, I'm not busy. What can I do for you?
Hm? No, I'm not busy. What can I do for you?
[9S just hanging near a fire hydrant, trying to determine how ye olde hydrants work...
He offers a little quirking smile, though - there's a tiny bit of tightness there that suggests some amount of stress, but life in Middleton is stressful like 90% of the time lately, anyway.]
I just wanted to talk to you for a moment. Have you heard of any disappearances over in Eastside lately? Within the last week or two, specifically - but anything before then would be fine, too.
He offers a little quirking smile, though - there's a tiny bit of tightness there that suggests some amount of stress, but life in Middleton is stressful like 90% of the time lately, anyway.]
I just wanted to talk to you for a moment. Have you heard of any disappearances over in Eastside lately? Within the last week or two, specifically - but anything before then would be fine, too.
Disappearances?
[ His eyebrows shoot up, and he takes in Wei Wuxian's strained expression. He's feeling a little strained himself, now. In a city so full of humans, there's bound to be conflict among them, but it's still distressing to hear about it. ]
No, sir, I haven't heard a peep. I spoke with our head honcho not too long ago, and he said everything in the Family is business as usual.
[ Not exactly, but close enough. He probably shouldn't go spilling every little detail he knows without good reason. ]
Are there people missing in Westside?
[ His eyebrows shoot up, and he takes in Wei Wuxian's strained expression. He's feeling a little strained himself, now. In a city so full of humans, there's bound to be conflict among them, but it's still distressing to hear about it. ]
No, sir, I haven't heard a peep. I spoke with our head honcho not too long ago, and he said everything in the Family is business as usual.
[ Not exactly, but close enough. He probably shouldn't go spilling every little detail he knows without good reason. ]
Are there people missing in Westside?
Not that I'm aware of.
[It's honestly seeming like a problem within the Xian Le, but as fond as he is of 9S despite his SCATHING SUSPICION and as neutral-leaning as he tends to be, he's still Xian Le aligned. He keeps that bit to himself for now.]
Seems like a more recent problem, so I haven't heard or seen much. We've just been working on getting the word out so people can keep their eyes peeled and spread information when it surfaces.
[It's honestly seeming like a problem within the Xian Le, but as fond as he is of 9S despite his SCATHING SUSPICION and as neutral-leaning as he tends to be, he's still Xian Le aligned. He keeps that bit to himself for now.]
Seems like a more recent problem, so I haven't heard or seen much. We've just been working on getting the word out so people can keep their eyes peeled and spread information when it surfaces.
Got it. If I hear anything, I'll be sure to pass the word along.
[ Wei Wuxian may be Xian Le in origin, but that means much less to 9S than it did to Nines. Cooperation has to take priority if the safety of the population is at stake. ]
You don't think it could be family-related, do you? I know there's been talk of peace, so something like this could be a serious complication.
[ Wei Wuxian may be Xian Le in origin, but that means much less to 9S than it did to Nines. Cooperation has to take priority if the safety of the population is at stake. ]
You don't think it could be family-related, do you? I know there's been talk of peace, so something like this could be a serious complication.
[He hums a little, and gives a not-entirely-untruthful answer.]
It might be. I haven't managed to gather enough information yet to say with certainty one way or another, but it isn't a possibility I'd rule out.
[Unfortunately... Game as he is for peace talks, he's also not one to be blindly optimistic.]
It might be. I haven't managed to gather enough information yet to say with certainty one way or another, but it isn't a possibility I'd rule out.
[Unfortunately... Game as he is for peace talks, he's also not one to be blindly optimistic.]
[ 9S nods, frowning. He doesn't like it, but what can he do? He's just one little android without a hacking function to his name... ]
Well, let me know if there's anything I can do to help you find some answers. It's in all of our best interests to keep the town safe and sound.
Well, let me know if there's anything I can do to help you find some answers. It's in all of our best interests to keep the town safe and sound.
[If only he had a plane to steal...
A tiny little bit of his tension eases away at that. Sometimes people get so tied up in fighting for sides that they forget the overall picture: they're all dang dirty mafiosos living in a lawless town.]
Mm, I will. For now I think it's just best if we all keep a careful watch, caution people not to wander around too late at night, especially alone - that kind of thing.
A tiny little bit of his tension eases away at that. Sometimes people get so tied up in fighting for sides that they forget the overall picture: they're all dang dirty mafiosos living in a lawless town.]
Mm, I will. For now I think it's just best if we all keep a careful watch, caution people not to wander around too late at night, especially alone - that kind of thing.
[ Wherever he is out and about, Shinobu calls out to him. It could be Eastside, it could be Middleton, if 9S wants to be daring into Westside, anywhere—there's enough reason for Shinobu to be flitting all over the place these days. ]
Hello there! Nines, isn't it? Are you looking forward to the Date Auction?
[ Instead of, isn't the rain calming today, this is her greeting of the week. ]
Hello there! Nines, isn't it? Are you looking forward to the Date Auction?
[ Instead of, isn't the rain calming today, this is her greeting of the week. ]
[ Let's say Middleton! He's been harassed into going to school more, so he is around there now, he guesses. He pauses so that he can turn and face Shinobu, who seems to be up for some chit-chat. Funny what he's gotten used to at this point, because he offers a lilting response. ]
Helloooo, Ms. Shinobu! Can't say I am. It's not like I have any plans to participate.
[ Dating a human would be just about the funniest/most horrifying thing he could imagine. At best, he'll hang around and see how the proceedings go. ]
Why do you ask? Are you gonna take part?
Helloooo, Ms. Shinobu! Can't say I am. It's not like I have any plans to participate.
[ Dating a human would be just about the funniest/most horrifying thing he could imagine. At best, he'll hang around and see how the proceedings go. ]
Why do you ask? Are you gonna take part?
I am. It's to promote peace, so it's something that should be supported.
[ It's easy enough to say that, but if that's how it actually ends up is something that remains to be seen. ]
You should bid for a little fun. You don't have to try to win. I only hope the night will go as nicely as it sounds on paper.
[ It's easy enough to say that, but if that's how it actually ends up is something that remains to be seen. ]
You should bid for a little fun. You don't have to try to win. I only hope the night will go as nicely as it sounds on paper.
For fun, huh?
[ It didn't occur to him that people could just be there for lighthearted fun and not a genuine monetary battle royale for a potential life partner. He's given up on trying to predict humans, so he's willing to believe it either way. If Shinobu says it's okay, maybe he'll give it a shot. ]
I'm a little surprised. I didn't take you for the casual dating type.
[ That category in 9S's mind belonged solely to Wei Wuxian, so. ]
[ It didn't occur to him that people could just be there for lighthearted fun and not a genuine monetary battle royale for a potential life partner. He's given up on trying to predict humans, so he's willing to believe it either way. If Shinobu says it's okay, maybe he'll give it a shot. ]
I'm a little surprised. I didn't take you for the casual dating type.
[ That category in 9S's mind belonged solely to Wei Wuxian, so. ]
[SO 9S IS HERE TO SEE THE KIDS and Wei Wuxian is hanging around because he's glued to his damn resident's sides at this point and will be for quite a while! Bianca and Bennett seem to be in decent spirits, all things considered, though he swoops in as soon as they start to look tired.]
Alright, alright, you three. I think it's probably time for a little break, yes?
[To which Bennett LOUDLY COMPLAINS and clings to 9S's leg... Weakly, considering he's still injured, but he's doing his best.]
Alright, alright, you three. I think it's probably time for a little break, yes?
[To which Bennett LOUDLY COMPLAINS and clings to 9S's leg... Weakly, considering he's still injured, but he's doing his best.]
I'm not.
[ She smiles like she isn't being at odds with her words because she's not, not really. Despite how composed and threatening she can appear, at her core is the fundamental truth that she wants to protect the happiness of others. ]
But if people can find joy out of it, shouldn't they? Happiness is precious. I want to build it up.
[ She smiles like she isn't being at odds with her words because she's not, not really. Despite how composed and threatening she can appear, at her core is the fundamental truth that she wants to protect the happiness of others. ]
But if people can find joy out of it, shouldn't they? Happiness is precious. I want to build it up.
[ 9S looks a little tired himself because kids (mostly Bennett) are indeed very tiring, but he gives Bennett a pat on the back and a smile. ]
I'm not going anywhere yet, little guy. And tell you what -- if you take a really good break, I'll show you a surprise afterward.
[ Train them with bribery... that's what 9S has learned!! Bianca isn't nearly as clingy as Bennett, but there's still some curiosity in her eyes before she shakes her head and pries her totally embarrassing brother off of 9S.
9S straightens and looks up at Lan Wangji. ]
Did you need something, sir?
I'm not going anywhere yet, little guy. And tell you what -- if you take a really good break, I'll show you a surprise afterward.
[ Train them with bribery... that's what 9S has learned!! Bianca isn't nearly as clingy as Bennett, but there's still some curiosity in her eyes before she shakes her head and pries her totally embarrassing brother off of 9S.
9S straightens and looks up at Lan Wangji. ]
Did you need something, sir?
[can't believe 9S is going to need to take a nap right along with these kids.
Also that's fair, honestly - Wei Wuxian uses bribes WAY TOO OFTEN. It's fine. He gives both kids a gentle hair ruffle each, and then starts herding them out of the room.]
Mm - give me a second. Let's get you two set up for a rest first, alright?
[AND AWAY HE GOES, ushering them off to their new room. Chicken's hanging out in there, so at least they'll have a playmate if they don't actually decide to rest, as children are wont to do.
When he comes back, he's still smiling, but there's a certain terseness to it. He closes the door behind himself.]
...I have another request, if you have an open schedule with everything going on right now.
Also that's fair, honestly - Wei Wuxian uses bribes WAY TOO OFTEN. It's fine. He gives both kids a gentle hair ruffle each, and then starts herding them out of the room.]
Mm - give me a second. Let's get you two set up for a rest first, alright?
[AND AWAY HE GOES, ushering them off to their new room. Chicken's hanging out in there, so at least they'll have a playmate if they don't actually decide to rest, as children are wont to do.
When he comes back, he's still smiling, but there's a certain terseness to it. He closes the door behind himself.]
...I have another request, if you have an open schedule with everything going on right now.
[ In a town where half the population is armed, 9S will always have work to do. But luckily, it's easier for him to keep up with his orders when he doesn't need nearly as much rest as the average joe, and the prospect of another job -- one that might break up the monotony of routine maintenance -- piques his interest. ]
It's as open as it's going to get. Besides, I owe you for letting Bianca and Bennett stay here. What did you need?
It's as open as it's going to get. Besides, I owe you for letting Bianca and Bennett stay here. What did you need?
[It sure isn't routine maintenance! Hopefully, at least. HOPEFULLY NO ONE ELSE IS PACKING AUTOMATIC WEAPONS. But Yiling Ridge is, now! He sighs, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the wall.]
You're the only person I know with a vested interest in how guns work, so I was hoping you could take a look at that gatling gun. If we can get it in shooting form again, I'd like that.
[He can and he will fit his apartment with a machine gun.]
You're the only person I know with a vested interest in how guns work, so I was hoping you could take a look at that gatling gun. If we can get it in shooting form again, I'd like that.
[He can and he will fit his apartment with a machine gun.]
[ If 9S were drinking motor oil coffee he'd be spitting it out right now, and not because of the taste. His expression accordions into one of supreme dismay. ]
That gun? Are you nuts?!
[ This is the most candid he's been with anyone outside of Kano who is...... """Burnish"""...... so congrats, Wei Wuxian. ]
Why? What are you planning to do with it?
That gun? Are you nuts?!
[ This is the most candid he's been with anyone outside of Kano who is...... """Burnish"""...... so congrats, Wei Wuxian. ]
Why? What are you planning to do with it?
[""BURNISH""... He'll cherish this moment, or try to remember to once they're back in The Void™.
IN ANY OTHER SITUATION he'd probably burst out laughing at the reaction too, because it is hilarious. It just gets a little huff of a laugh, though. He's not been in the mood for good laughter in recent days.]
What else? If they're going to throw it at us, we're going to keep it. [THEIRS NOW!! He gestures vaguely to the left, though.]
We intend to set it up in a locked room, in case we need more aggressive perimeter control. [Considering two people have already been injured...] I'm not taking any chances with the safety of those here.
IN ANY OTHER SITUATION he'd probably burst out laughing at the reaction too, because it is hilarious. It just gets a little huff of a laugh, though. He's not been in the mood for good laughter in recent days.]
What else? If they're going to throw it at us, we're going to keep it. [THEIRS NOW!! He gestures vaguely to the left, though.]
We intend to set it up in a locked room, in case we need more aggressive perimeter control. [Considering two people have already been injured...] I'm not taking any chances with the safety of those here.
[ 9S continues to look... lost. So lost. ]
"They"? Who's "they"? Who do you think threw it at you?
[ He throws his hands up and gestures around at life, frustration mounting. So much of his life lately has revolved around this stupid gun and people plotting to hurt each other, and this apartment is the last place he thought would try to weaponize it too. ]
Who here actually knows how to operate it? How do you know it won't just end up hurting more people, whether through use or more people trying to get it back?
"They"? Who's "they"? Who do you think threw it at you?
[ He throws his hands up and gestures around at life, frustration mounting. So much of his life lately has revolved around this stupid gun and people plotting to hurt each other, and this apartment is the last place he thought would try to weaponize it too. ]
Who here actually knows how to operate it? How do you know it won't just end up hurting more people, whether through use or more people trying to get it back?
[HE ALREADY KNOWS WHO THREW IT and the answer is "no one, kind of, but also like multiple people". He just shakes his head, waving the first question away.
Wow though NINES SURE IS TAKING THIS STRANGELY. Maybe it's his... concussion... Wei Wuxian's brow furrows a little, but he'll indulge and answer the other questions, at least.]
Wen Ning's our gunman, so he'd be the one to talk to about that. [First, and then:] It's a line of defense I'd like to have, but would rather not use. I don't want to draw attention to ourselves without reason by firing that thing, and you know we're all armed, anyway.
[Or Nines does... Did 9S think he was leaving kids in an unarmed house in the middle of mafiatown THESE PEOPLE ARE ARMED TO THE TEETH.]
But we're a potential target even without taking the retrieval of this gun into consideration. Handguns and blades are only good in the short-range and sniper rifles won't work in an emergency situation, either. I've set nonlethal traps around the perimeter for now, but if these are the kinds of weapons we're dealing with on the other side...
Wow though NINES SURE IS TAKING THIS STRANGELY. Maybe it's his... concussion... Wei Wuxian's brow furrows a little, but he'll indulge and answer the other questions, at least.]
Wen Ning's our gunman, so he'd be the one to talk to about that. [First, and then:] It's a line of defense I'd like to have, but would rather not use. I don't want to draw attention to ourselves without reason by firing that thing, and you know we're all armed, anyway.
[Or Nines does... Did 9S think he was leaving kids in an unarmed house in the middle of mafiatown THESE PEOPLE ARE ARMED TO THE TEETH.]
But we're a potential target even without taking the retrieval of this gun into consideration. Handguns and blades are only good in the short-range and sniper rifles won't work in an emergency situation, either. I've set nonlethal traps around the perimeter for now, but if these are the kinds of weapons we're dealing with on the other side...
[ Yes sure... the concussion........ And YES 9S honestly thought that, he thought that pacifism was a thing that could exist even in the middle of this blood-hungry town because something just like it existed as the only genuinely good thing in the middle of his own meaningless, wartorn Earth. Even 9S at his most blind and fanatical could see the goodness of a society that swore to lay down its arms, enemy though it was -- and he saw echoes of it in Wei Wuxian and Yiling Ridge up until now.
Humans. They fight and cling to life from the moment they're born without even knowing why. It's what makes them different from androids, 9S decided; humans don't need a reason to do anything. They innovate, and generate, and create their own orbit, acting as gods with the power to change the world around them. It's a wonderful thing at its best, when humans are safe and good and optimistic. But now he's coming to see that at its worst, it makes humans rash, arrogant, illogical -- so assured of the supremacy of their own singular existence that they become incapable of seeing beyond it.
Wei Wuxian is a kind person. He only wants to act in defense of the vulnerable. 9S knows that, but the result of such an action would be the same as if any Mori or Xian Le took the gatling gun and used it for their own misguided beliefs. Violence. The deaths of more humans. It's no individual human's fault; it's simply a fault of humanity.
Destroy the gun. Destroy the gun. The thought plagues 9S's logic circuits.
But.
It isn't his place to decide that his way is better. He can doubt, and question, and fail to understand, but he exists to serve mankind. With all its flaws and contradictions. With all its self-destructive tendencies.
Finally, he says softly: ]
Fine. I'll fix it. Just don't make me regret it.
Humans. They fight and cling to life from the moment they're born without even knowing why. It's what makes them different from androids, 9S decided; humans don't need a reason to do anything. They innovate, and generate, and create their own orbit, acting as gods with the power to change the world around them. It's a wonderful thing at its best, when humans are safe and good and optimistic. But now he's coming to see that at its worst, it makes humans rash, arrogant, illogical -- so assured of the supremacy of their own singular existence that they become incapable of seeing beyond it.
Wei Wuxian is a kind person. He only wants to act in defense of the vulnerable. 9S knows that, but the result of such an action would be the same as if any Mori or Xian Le took the gatling gun and used it for their own misguided beliefs. Violence. The deaths of more humans. It's no individual human's fault; it's simply a fault of humanity.
Destroy the gun. Destroy the gun. The thought plagues 9S's logic circuits.
But.
It isn't his place to decide that his way is better. He can doubt, and question, and fail to understand, but he exists to serve mankind. With all its flaws and contradictions. With all its self-destructive tendencies.
Finally, he says softly: ]
Fine. I'll fix it. Just don't make me regret it.
[There's something in him that's been building, lately. That old knot of anger he'd managed to set down all those years ago with his guns, when he had turned everything in and told the old head of Xian Le that he was done walking this path. He's armed, always, because that's the sort of town this is - but it was also always a passive sort of thing. A "just in case". If he could never touch another weapon again he'd be happier for it, but that's not the world humans have created for themselves and he is, for better or worse, a person who will kill to protect those under his care.
It happens.
But in this moment, that anger softens just a little, feels a little less constrictive in his chest. The shift in his expression is minute but complex; relieved and grateful and apologetic all at once.]
Trust me - the last thing I ever want to say is "I'm glad Nines fixed this".
[Hopefully it'll just... rest where it's set after repair, in an empty locked room pointed at the yard, unused and untouched.
That said:] ...It's a Mori weapon, I think. [He'll tell Nines that much since he figures it's his right as a Mori himself, and one of their more loyal ones. If he's going to fix it, he should know. May already know, given how few gunsmiths there are.]
I don't think there's much of a risk of anyone coming to fetch this, but I'm not putting anyone's life at stake for a little extra protection, either. I'll contact you to dismantle it if things come to that, if you don't mind being called on again.
It happens.
But in this moment, that anger softens just a little, feels a little less constrictive in his chest. The shift in his expression is minute but complex; relieved and grateful and apologetic all at once.]
Trust me - the last thing I ever want to say is "I'm glad Nines fixed this".
[Hopefully it'll just... rest where it's set after repair, in an empty locked room pointed at the yard, unused and untouched.
That said:] ...It's a Mori weapon, I think. [He'll tell Nines that much since he figures it's his right as a Mori himself, and one of their more loyal ones. If he's going to fix it, he should know. May already know, given how few gunsmiths there are.]
I don't think there's much of a risk of anyone coming to fetch this, but I'm not putting anyone's life at stake for a little extra protection, either. I'll contact you to dismantle it if things come to that, if you don't mind being called on again.
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