Good news, bad news

[giveusfreedom]

WHO: Markus and you!
WHERE: Scattered around the surface looking for cover
WHAT: Markus comes out as an android and offers help, network shuts down
WHEN: 2 hours before the Eruption
WARNINGS: TBA

The flash of light makes Markus immediately think of something terrible - he's a bit too far away to see the source, though he's on the surface. Thankfully him being an android means he's able to think quickly and he immediately figures he should send a message. A message of transparency that he's been owing to others for a while, but this is an emergency.

"Guys, it's me, Markus. I...I'm an android. I can't feel pain, so I just want you to know that if you need my help, I can--"

The communication devices go dead. Did anyone even receive that part?

There's the Rendezvous at the Funfronds. He has to meet up with someone, he can't just leave people in danger.

Comments

[doubled_speed]

Tommy's been at this for hours. Been getting people and supplies to the rendezvous. Been acting because it's his job as a fucking superhero to help others.

And he's getting tired. Worn out. Still working. There isn't much of a chance to do something else. But fuck, he's worn out now. Worn out as he just about 'appears' next to Markus. Going supersonic speeds were like it. But he has a sandwich hanging out of his mouth, trying to handle his issues with some food.

"Hey," he says as he gets close to Markus. Doesn't fall over though. Give him some credit. He's just tired on his feet. "You need help getting somewhere."

[giveusfreedom]

Markus doesn't catch Tommy because he didn't quite fall, but he did notice how unsteady he is on his legs and so he is ready.

"I can calculate the path if we pick a destination." thank Kamski for advanced technology "Do you know if someone is lost out here?"

He would have to be uploaded somewhere else so that coming in contact with his body won't do any damage, but technically he could survive radiation. He knows this because he may or may not have the detonator for a radioactive bomb in his pocket.

[doubled_speed]

"I've been checking it out for a while," he says. "I think we're okay for now."

But mostly he needs to not be out here anymore. The breathing isn't... easy. He's getting tired. He needs to collapse somewhere.

"I know where we're going."

[giveusfreedom]

"Do you have any specific coordinates so that we can get there faster?"

Markus then holds Tommy by his shoulder.

"I can carry you if you need me to."

[doubled_speed]

Seriously?

"Dude, without the comm pad I don't have the timer and marker Jon made. So we're going to have to just go."

Carried? Tommy looks... Like he's upset to have that happen. He doesn't want to seem weak.

[giveusfreedom]

"Alright, let's just go then."

He now manhandles Tommy to shift the position and carry him bridal style.

"We need to get to safety as soon as possible."

Markus does not have super speed, he is not programmed for that, but he could adjust some settings. He starts running a few calculations, and figures he could do a portion of the path with increased speed to get faster, but that would depower him...He is not planning on doing that just yet, but he knows it's an option.

[doubled_speed]

Noooo! Oh man, he hates this. Tommy's absolutely moping. This is so demeaning.

"I could just carry you," Tommy suggests. Let him out of this position man!

[giveusfreedom]

"You are clearly about to collapse."

Markus of all people would notice when someone is unable to walk.

"I have cared for a wheelchair bound senior, I'm used to carrying."

[doubled_speed]

Yeah, he is, but dammit, he's a proud person.

"Dude I'm SO much more mobile than that. Mobility is my actual literal thing!

[giveusfreedom]

"I know."

He doesn't, actually, but humans tend to get reassured by words of affirmation. So does he, for that matter. And so he keeps on running, expecting Tommy to start acting as a navigator despite his condition.

[doubled_speed]

"Left," he calls out, a bit early actually. He's not used to having to navigate for slow people.

"Who are you, by the way?"

[giveusfreedom]

"My name is Markus, I've been here for a few months." he holds back a sigh, he said it during the communication anyway "I'm an android."

[doubled_speed]

Huh. He hadn't really noticed that as much.

"Huh. I'm half synthezoid. Which is only slightly relevant and completely not helpful right now. Right."

[giveusfreedom]

"I'm sure it'll come in handy soon enough, but you need to get some rest first. It'll make you perform better."

From what Markus is gathering in this conversation, this young man needs not to be questioned on his skills.

[doubled_speed]

Rest won't be enough. He needs more food, but whatever, he can't be too concerned about that. He sighs.

"You're going to want to look for a path down soon. We need to get into the mines."

[giveusfreedom]

"The mines?" Markus is confused "Why?"

[doubled_speed]

"Because that's where we're supposed to go. Jon's instructions, the message the little mushrooms brought? Indicate the same thing. The mines."

[giveusfreedom]

"Did he say what we are going to do once we get there?"

[doubled_speed]

"Be safe."

Because there isn't anything that quite matters beyond survival.

[giveusfreedom]

"Can't argue with that."

While still not stopping, Markus looks down at Tommy.

"Hey. I won't drop you. Close your eyes if you need to."

[doubled_speed]

That... Doens't help.

"How do I give you directions if my eyes are closed," he points out. That's not rational man.

[giveusfreedom]

"You don't. But I won't hold it against you. Like my..."

Don't say owner for the love of RA9.

"...Dad used to say, humans are fragile machines."

[doubled_speed]

Tommy laughs, throwing his head back fully because fuck that's a damn line. His own soul-dad would agree that.

"We sure fucking are. Pretty sure Vision could take a hell of a lot more damage than me, but he's also able to change his density and pass through things easier too. Right here as well."