[PLAYER PLOT | HUB SCANNING SYSTEM INSTALLATION]

[spellbindmods]

Who: Any coven members interested in installing the hub scanning system OR exploring the (???) on the map!
Where: From the mansion to the peak of the hub's tallest mountain.
When: Day 128
Open/Closed: OTA!

[ Come one, come all, it's time to head to the top of the Hub mountain! Whether your character has been involved in the preparations up till now or not, anyone near the mansion on this clear morning can join the expedition that's going out. The mission: to boldly install some monitoring equipment up on top of a mountain, and see what's there while you're in the area. Time for departures and last-minute tinkering! ]

((ooc note: If you'd like to backdate any participation, please feel free to comment to the post linked above -- if not, jump in from here!))

Comments

Final thoughts and return

[spellbindmods]

[ Despite all that hard work and effort, the job is only 50% done -- distance wise, of course. There's still that return trip back to make, and the sun is beginning to set by the time everything is said and done.

Do you have any thoughts about your journey? Things to note? Points of discussion? Whether you're climbing down the mountain or saying goodbye back at the mansion, there's plenty of time for discussion on the way back home. ]

closed to 9s

[talim]

[ jude's shoulders are slumped, forehead damp with sweat. What A Day. jude is in pretty good shape, sure, but a long expedition like this has been a bit tough even on him. he's barely keeping up with 9s.

at least he didn't twist his ankle this time. ]

You're amazing, you know that?

[ he nudges 9s' side. this had been his work, after all; one of the projects jude had watched him toil over for weeks. he'd given it his all, and it had paid off. ]

All that hard work and you still have energy to spare.

[deem]

[Jude's present condition is an object of concern for 9S. While he doesn't lose the bounce in his step at all and could easily bound ahead of the group, he's tried to keep stride with the others. And that means he's seen the gradual progression of a long hike slowly wear down those around him.

Likewise, he's seen the way fatigue has weighed on them. It's as new to him as it is concerning. He hasn't seen Jude look this exhausted since that time he had been ill, and as their walking pace continues to slow, his worries only build.

The comment, when it comes, is certainly flattering. 9S ducks his head with a given embarrassment, but it's not enough to distract him today]

It wasn't just my effort, or anything... [Even tired, Jude's so generous with praise] But are you okay?

[talim]

I know it was a team effort, but none of this would have been remotely possible without you. The least I can do is remind you of that much.

[ he offers him a weary, lopsided smile, shrugging his shoulders. ]

Just a little worn out. Today was a long day. It's nothing to worry yourself over.

[deem]

I doubt other people are familiar with pods, but... I don't think I'd have thought to try if not for Geir and everyone else.

[9S certainly doesn't want a replacement for Pod 153, and doesn't consider the one they've made to be a substitute. But he does hope it helps.

They've done what they can]

Only a little worn out though?

[talim]

Well, I'll have to thank Geir, too.

[ jude nods. ]

Only a little.

[ that's not quite true, but he doesn't need 9s to fuss over him. ]

[deem]

Everyone who helped deserves some credit. And that means you too.

[Because it seems to him that Jude overlooks his own contributions.

On the other hand, 9S does take pride in his work. And he certainly doesn't mind the praise, but it's certainly not solely his efforts that went into this venture]

Do you want a hand?

[talim]

[ jude rubs the nape of his neck, a little embarrassed by both the compliment and his evident exhaustion. ]

Well...

[ it's not a yes, or a no. he looks a little conflicted. ]

I can't come up with a good enough reason to turn you down, so I guess I'll cave.

[deem]

[9S offers him an easy smile before he halts, bending a little]

Okay, hop on then.

[Jude can't deny the last time he carried him on his back, there was hopping involved. That's clearly part of the process.

And he's assuming this method is preferable to how he's generally inclined to carry humans around]

[talim]

[ they'd probably get Some Eyes if 9s carried him princess style right here, so he's grateful.

jude does just that, wrapping his arms around 9s' neck and locking his legs around his waist. ]

Gee, what would I do without you? Walk like everyone else has to?

[ well, besides geir and company. ]

[deem]

[That's cause for a snort as 9S straightens, using his hands to help support Jude's weight. Mostly, it's to make him feel less like he has to hold on in order to avoid falling, as he isn't heavy by android standards]

Or trudge. It looked a bit like trudging.

[Although it's said lightly, now that he doesn't have to worry about Jude keeling over from exhaustion. Which is a valid concern from where he's standing.

Or rather, resuming walking, now that Jude's secured]

[talim]

Okay, maybe I was trudging a bit.

Remember what happened last time we were up here together? You had to carry me all the way to your place. It was still abandoned at the time.

[deem]

This is further than we ventured before, come to think of it...

[If 9S had such data, he would've shared it with the others. But his mapping had eventually focused more on the western side of the island than anything else.

He wonders, just for a moment, what 4S would think of this place. He'd fared incredibly well in the Forest Kingdom, even without a pod of his own]

I remember.

[talim]

Sort of crazy to think about how much we've been through together in such a short span of time.

[deem]

We really have, huh?

[It really hasn't been all that long, in the scheme of things. But he and 2B hadn't existed for more than a handful of years — or YoRHa itself for that matter]

And you always surprise me.

[talim]

I do? Really?

[ jude tilts his head, curious, hair tickling 9s' neck. ]

[deem]

You haven't noticed?

[His amusement seeps into his voice, a smile tugging at his lips]

Here I thought it was obvious.

[talim]

Not exactly. You're the one surprising me all the time. I don't think I do anything particularly shocking.

[deem]

I wouldn't call it shocking—well, maybe sometimes.

[talim]

... Like what?

[deem]

Like making explosions with your fists, for starters.

[talim]

But can't you do that, too?

[deem]

Nope, pretty sure that's just you.

[talim]

But you probably could if you wanted to.

[deem]

I'd have to get creative.

[Or do something Jude really frowns upon like overheat his systems.

But they're having a nice talk here so he won't mention that]

All the same, it really surprised me.