eyebrowcat (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
neveroutwrenched) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
ximilia2021-07-22 02:34 am
neveroutwrenched) wrote in ximilia2021-07-22 02:34 am
video; un: ratchet (post attack on palace)
[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.
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.
no subject
We, uh. There was an eldritch serial killer clown in the sewers where we lived. There’s none now. [He scratches over the back of his neck.] I made it out. He—didn’t.
[There’s a heaviness to his voice that wasn’t there before, a grief that Richie can barely look at. Indeed, he seems to pause for a moment, breathe in then out, then reassume his usual facade. At all costs, do not be Seen.]
That shit’s depressing, right? If I got picked for morale then I’m doing a fucking shit job.
no subject
They both dodge that discomfort, thankfully, because he does catch himself; Richie's sober tone washing away any hint of a joke in his words immediately.]
...it...must be strange. Seeing him again.
no subject
[And frankly Richie prefers him here and alive and not fucking dead, because that grief isn't something he wants to go through ever again. You don't stop loving someone after they're dead, you see. You just lose the place where you could set all that love once, and you have to hold that pain and that love inside yourself. It's the worst feeling in the fucking world and Richie wouldn't wish it on anyone.]
What about you? If someone you saw die suddenly showed up on the ship, how would you feel about it?