video; un: ratchet (post attack on palace)

[neveroutwrenched]

[It's midday a few days after the battle when the feed comes to life. Ratchet is settled in the forest on the outskirts of the city, blaster pistol laid in the grass by his feet. Behind him, the trees are covered in scorch marks from his target practice... though truthfully, Ratchet was more interested in blowing off steam than working on his aim.

The race for a cure, the political intrigue, organizing a breakout... it was a lot of hurry up and wait while plans were worked out by those Orbers who'd proven themselves essential. The energy inside the palace walls was the taut, nervous kind that made Ratchet want to disappear into the middle of nowhere and shoot stuff until he got his head on straight.

He was still riding that adrenaline when he begins to speak, tail swishing involuntarily. Addressing a crowd -- even an invisible one -- wasn't in his comfort zone.]

Hey. Hi. [He waves.] Everyone's got a lot on their plates right now, so let me just say right off the bat: that this doesn't have to do with any of that. I promise, this is like... negative important. So if you're looking for the latest news on what's going on at the palace or in Yuryeong or whatever, you can probably skip this one.

[ There goes his tail, swishing harder. Yep, he was nailing this. ]

Anyway... We're dealing with a multiverse spanning AI here, right? Like, I get that part. But... isn't it a little crazy how many people here can straight up do magic? Like, is that a condition of admission? Because if it is, I think there was some kind of mistake when it picked me up. [It's a joke, but maybe not as much of one as he tries to make it sound.] I'm a great mechanic, don't get me wrong. I guess you could say I'm a wizard with engines, but I don't think that really counts when there are... actual wizards around.

[That wasn't offensive, right? "Wizard"? Sitting up a little straighter, Ratchet figures it's time to get to the point.]

So, I guess I'm trying to figure that part out. What did everyone on this team do, back on your worlds? Doctor? Culinary auteur? Unpaid intern? What do you think made the AI pick you for this?

... And if there's anyone else out there feeling a little powerless right now, you're welcome to come fire off a few rounds with me. [He holds up the gun with a lopsided grin.] It's not a magic wand or anything, but y'know. Still fun.

Comments

[neveroutwrenched]

Yeah, they, uh...are about as likely to help as they are to drive a serious wedge between people.

[You could never tell how ugly a game of three truths or a trust fall was going to get. And that wasn't even touching mandatory corporate retreats.]

So, no games...what do you do in your world? When you're trying to build up a good team.

[chronosynthesis]

Well, most of my experience with pre-established teams has been with military organizations. Training and strong leadership was the backbone of a cohesive unit.

[Though, Syrlya can recognize that's not terribly applicable to their ragtag group.]

Bringing together discordant groups however... it took a bit of trust, to convince them all to try to cooperate once in order to achieve a goal that mattered to all of them. Once they saw the power putting their skills together brought, we were able to take it farther.

[neveroutwrenched]

Well, maybe if things go well on this mission, people will see that! [A little learn by doing, team building through action. Not the worst strategy.] I've actually seen a lot of people here teaching each other and learning new stuff, so...maybe it's already happening.

[chronosynthesis]

[Maybe that was the real goal of dumping them here with no help or return until they figure it out.]

Sabriel and--Newt? [That's the dude from the other announcement, right.] Have already made progress on a cure far faster than I could have anticipated. It's because of their strength together we'll be able to properly help all of the infected.

And we will learn from that, too. Keep those things we accomplish together close at heart, Ratchet.

[neveroutwrenched]

[Ratchet smiles distantly.]

I'm willing to be impressed.

[And in many ways he already was. What they lacked in structure and preparation was being made up for in the willingness of people in their little group to work together. Sharing information, skills, knowledge. It wasn't something to dismiss.]

I worry about what could happen if we don't see eye to eye...all our missions might not be so cut and dry. But...I feel like, the people here are...good. They seem like they want to do what's best. I guess part of the process is just...learning to trust that.

[chronosynthesis]

[Ah, yes, that. Still frustrated with Sans' lack of trust, Syrlya pauses for a moment.]

It's a bit of a leap of faith, but I think you're assessment is right. For now, let's not worry about what could happen the next time and focus on getting through the mission in front of us together.