💘 ic inbox for hadriel

[synthedick]

Comments

text

[hybridification]

You're Nick, right?

The name's Rhys. Rey told me that you were helping with her hydroelectricity thing. You still interested in doing that?

[synthedick]

I am. Like I told her, I'm no engineer, but I know a thing or two about machines and keeping them in running order.

text; dated 04/11; yet another rey referral

[watashinonamaewa]

Hey Nick. I'm Cibo.

Rey mentioned you worked with her on the dam. I'm something of an engineer and I'd like to check out your work.

[text] Rey is apparently good for business.

[synthedick]

I'd be glad if you did. As I told Rey, I'm no engineer myself. Just have a few years of what you'd call handyman experience, but it's been adequate enough to get things going on the project.

[video]

[mismanagement]

[Following this]

I'm not sure it will come to anything, but -- I wanted you to know.

[She exhales slowly.]

There's a man here from my world. Calls himself General Hux. Be wary of him. I don't think he has the resources to be a threat here, but -- you ought to know.

[video]

[synthedick]

If you're wary of him, there's got to be a reason.

[voice]

[circumitus]

[This is something she's been putting off, between taking her sweet time to repair among everything else that's been going on lately. During the waking hours in which she wasn't asleep, and wasn't being plagued by dreams, Rey has been doing her patrols or working on making her apartment a livable place again. And that includes fixing the damned door that Nick broke down.

[Well, it's fixed. All of those appliances and furnishings and things? Also fixed. And now as Rey stands in the middle of her old, repaired apartment, she's revisited by a feeling of emptiness about the place. It's always been there, really. It wasn't like she ever enjoyed living alone. Things just happened that way.

[Now she's here. The dreams have stopped, and she's faced with a different problem.]

Nick. It's Rey.

[That's how you start out a conversation, right? Damn, she's horrible at these things.]

So, um. Finished with the repairs on my old place. Not sure where you are right now, but I figured I could just grab my stuff from your apartment and... [You know.]

Just wanted to say thanks. For giving me a space to stay for a while.

[Rather than sleeping around trash all by herself. She can blame Nick for the door, but that was her own fault.]

[voice]

[synthedick]

[Having stopped by the armory to see what weapons they have in stock, Nick is surprised to get a call from Rey. Normally, he'd just see her at home.

Well, his home. He considers it more the home they share, but judging from this phone call, Rey has other plans. There's a hint of disappointment he fails to mask from his tone.]

I was happy to help. It was the least I could do, seeing how some of the mess was my fault.

[There's a distinct pause.]

To be honest, it's been nice to have you around the place. That plant is a lousy conversationalist.

voice; on the 22nd

[hotspurred]

[Henry sounds weary; thanks to Hope's blessing he's physically fine, but mentally he's still not great following his recent ordeal.]

Nick. Kate shall being coming into headquarters today to explain her part in recent events. 'Twould be best if you and Maketh question her.

[He does not state why he cannot trust himself to do so impartially.]

I will be present to hear what she has to say.

[voice]

[synthedick]

[This entire event has been wearing on them all. It was the real first test of the Guard, and none of it has been easy: not dealing with the fog, handling the monsters, or even trying to keep people from turning on one other.]

I'll be there. You holding up okay?

[And he doesn't just mean physically.]

[Text] suuuper late >.>

[mismanagement]

Nick. Care for some coffee?

[She's going to be checking up on him regardless.]

[text] Never too late! I kept meaning to put up a log and got delayed. D:

[synthedick]

That sounds good. I'm at home, if you want to drop in.

[text]

[synthedick]

[While he hadn't been expecting Shadow to report in via his communicator, Nick has been wondering how the streets are doing in the month following the fog. He used to cross paths with the hedgehog during his nightly patrol; however, given the state of his leg since he went toe-to-toe with a deathclaw, he's had to drastically cut back on any walking he might do throughout the city. He trusts Shadow can handle it -- the little guy might be a showboater, but at least he seems to be able to put his money where his mouth is. Nick just hopes he puts those skills to use for the good of everyone rather than just himself and his personal interests.

It takes him a moment, but he does text back. That metal hand of his has never worked well with the touch screen of his phone.]

Good to know. I'm not about to complain when things are quiet for a change.

text;

[muscovy]

I will talk to Bianca about Rey.

It would make sense if you are there too, yes?

[text]

[synthedick]

[Though not entirely sure what this 'talk' is about or why Muscovy is having it in the first place, Nick keeps any inquiries he may have to a minimum, sticking with a simple response.]

And why's that?

text;

[hotspurred]

Members of the Guard,

Chris has kindly made us a tool which, when used, shall afford us all awareness of compromised allies during an extended crisis. It works by prompting one to respond through a simple touch at set intervals. The names of those who fail to respond in reasonable time are sent to those who have responded. I am sure I need not explain its advantages.

[There is an app attached for download.]

Please inform me once you have acquired it.

[In addition to the message Henry sends everyone, he adds an extra message for Nick:]

–Nick, this should prove especially useful for you. While I pray that there is no repeat of what happened last time, it will ensure a smoother transfer of power.

[text] Iiiiii thought I responded to this. D:

[synthedick]

Got it. Let's keep our fingers crossed that 'last time' ends up being the only time something like that happens.

[voice]

[circumitus]

[Shortly after this conversation and before taking a little jaunt that she's agreed to:]

I'm heading out to the Silent Hill zone with someone. Just thought you should know.

[Because reasons.]

[voice]

[synthedick]

[Well, at least she thought of Nick and his worries.]

With "someone"? Why?

[text]

[mismanagement]

Nick.

There is a woman here from my world. She went by the name Fulcrum in my time

She was a rebel.

She is extremely powerful.

She may oppose my decisions concerning the guard.

I thought you should know.

[text]

[synthedick]

Thanks for the heads-up. Can we trust her?

text; during the second half of the fadeout event

[hotspurred]

Maketh and I are well. I see that you took command in our absence. Keep it for this crisis. Just let us know where we are best put to use.

text

[synthedick]

[He'll save his questions for once this is all over, but you'd better believe he's got questions, Henry.]

The south side of town is usually pretty empty, but if the two of you could keep an eye on the orchard and the armory, that'd be great.

[synthedick]

[He notes that tone, and the way he's being addressed. That's not in line with Shadow's usual character.]

I'm not sure what kind of prize it is you're looking for, but it sounds like you found one already at the bottom of a bottle.

[Text]

[mismanagement]

We ought to talk.

[It's overdue. Too many things have been left to fester unsaid.]

[text]

[synthedick]

Anything you need.

[He's been worried about her ever since the mess with Sato, and things have just gone downhill from there.]

Any place in particular?

[He suspects the bar has been on her list of haunts recently.]

[audio]

[synthedick]

[Nick was wondering when Shadow might get back to him on this.]

Glad to hear it. What changed your mind?

[text]

[circumitus]

[Some time after waking up to some Very Not Good News, Rey tries reaching out to her roommate's phone:]

N...ck?

...ck... whe... ... ...ou?

[Lots of static, unfortunately, which doesn't bode well.]

[text]

[synthedick]

[It's some time before the network comes around enough that he can answer back, and with so much static on it, he's not sure a proper call will reach Rey at all. He tries text instead.]

Ì'́m̴̡̕ ̢͘o͏̵͜k̀̕͞a͏͜҉y̶͘ ͟f̵o҉̧ŕ̢ ̵͘no͡ẁ͞.̵͟ ͘͝͏ ̧͠

[... And just in case:]

̨I͜'͟͜m̷̀ ̡́s͝o̷̢rŗ͏y̵̢͠,͘ ̀Re̴̢͠y̸.́

Text | Backdated before the city did the split, after shippingchart!gate

[manofmettle]

[Well lookie who's here?]

For the record, I had no intentions of establishing any lines of communication. But since you're the last person who was seen with Rey, I don't really have a choice.

I found Rose bleeding from a deep knife wound. She told me that Rey was behind the attack. What happened?

[voice]

[synthedick]

[Having just gotten finished dealing with Firo and Rey, Nick is back in the streets when Danse's text comes through. That's a name he didn't expect to see contacting him anytime soon. He knows Rey has been in contact with the guy, but to find Danse is curious for more information on what happened -- enough to try and contact her through him -- does surprise him. Just how far down does that rabbit hole go? Does Danse know they live together? Would he still be on good terms with Rey if he did?

Nick sighs, trying to focus on what's happening rather than speculation; he's got plenty on his mind already without this conversation. He could kick himself for someone else getting to Rose first, but she did have a hell of a head start on him. He calls back rather than sending a message, as his metal hand never has worked well with the touch screens on the communicators, and he doesn't have the patience at the second to finagle with it on his way to the headquarters.]

You didn't see the argument between the two of them on the new god's transmission?

[text]

[lifetothefullest]

[Lance is always a little hesitant to message people he doesn't know, and that's no different now that he's in Hadriel; in fact, it's just more so, because he's so out of his element. And considering he not only has never met Nick but knows exactly nothing about him except that he's in the Guard, and Lance has not at all been getting along with Maketh, he's cautious about how he approaches this message.]

Hello; my name is Dr. Lance Sweets. I was told by Maketh that you were one of the people to contact for information regarding an incident involving an attack on the Guard headquarters. Would you be willing to speak with me about that?

[text]

[synthedick]

[Huh, now here's a text he wasn't expecting. He's heard of this guy, but hasn't spoken to him personally. No time like the present.]

You're the shrink from the network, right? You want to talk about it over the phone, or in person?

[voice] 5/7th

[circumitus]

Nick.

[Wait. What's the deal with calling your roommate when you're on the same side of the city now? Because reasons.]

There's something we need to talk about. When will you be home?

[voice]

[synthedick]

I'm passing the Colosseum now, and I'll swing that way when I'm on the other side. This important?

[Because why would she call him otherwise when he'd be home tonight?]

voice message;

[hasitsthorns]

Hey. Nick, right?

[ He's one of the more unique faces in the cave. While they've never interacted personally, Rose is reaching out now because she said she would. ]

I wanted to apologize. I've had a rough time of it lately and while that's an excuse, I still shouldn't have acted like a colossal brat and goaded Rey into attacking me.

I also wanted to say thanks for. Saving me. [ Even if in that moment she'd been more angry he intervened than anything else. Even if sometimes she still wishes he hadn't come to the rescue. But Rose realizes it wasn't for her anyway, but Rey, so. A moot point, she supposes. Yet it still didn't feel right to not say anything. ]

That's it.

[audio]

[synthedick]

[Now here's a call that surprises the old synth. It takes him a bit to respond, but when he does, it's not the chewing out Rose might expect from someone who is pretty much Rey's dad at this point.]

You shouldn't have goaded her, but she should've had enough sense to not go for the throat the second she saw you. This city has enough problems without people turning on one other. You understand?

[That last question isn't accusatory, but rather to be sure if she understands that he's not about to tolerate something like this again -- certainly not when his family is involved. She's absolutely right: he didn't stop that fight to keep her safe, but to keep Rey from being used.]

text

[leashed]

Mr. Valentine.

My name is Romulus Hart. I'm a newer member of your Guard here, and I've been operating under miss Maketh for some time now. She has recently ordered me to prioritize defending you, should any event against the Guard or attack in general occur.

I am a skilled fighter and will see to your protection. We should discuss a contingency plan, should I be required to come to your aid.

[voice]

[synthedick]

[Now here's news Nick didn't expect -- maybe down the road, but certainly not now. He calls this fellow back, as texting with his mechanical hand is sometimes tricky.]

Mr. Hart, it's Valentine. While I appreciate Maketh's concern, it's probably better you put your skills to good use elsewhere in the city when something big happens. We're pretty shorthanded as it is, and there's always someone in need of help.

audio;

[hotspurred]

Nick. Lance came to me with a plan to manage Sato in the short term. I thought little of his proposal, but he is determined to see it through with or without our assistance. As it will affect the Guard and imply our involvement regardless of what we do, not to mention our duty to keep him safe, I think it best that we impose ourselves.

To that end, he has agreed to take council with us. I want you and Maketh there. If we are to avoid a repeat of recent events then our combined wisdom is needed.

[audio]

[synthedick]

[Nick isn't sure just what the doctor can do in regards to a maniac like Sato, but he's all ears regardless.]

I'll be there.

[text]

[synthedick]

[Now there's a text he didn't expect to see, though he can't say he's disappointed. He'd been wondering when Shadow would be back.]

I was letting you go. Remember?

[audio] backdated to 7/10

[onlyanautomaton]

[Roughly an hour has passed since his unplanned arrival, greeted by nothing more than a most unwelcoming Colosseum and its swarm of hazardous insects. Parts of the city have changed since Oscar's previous stay, though he cannot state the differences with precision as his former body's exposure to the city was limited.

However, many things remain as they were; particular names on Hadriel's network, for example. Mr. Valentine was very kind to him during his last stay. Oscar is in his debt after he rescued him from a terrible situation. He wants to know that his fellow machine is alright.]

Nick Valentine. It is unfortunate that we cannot seem to meet under better circumstances. I hope your systems are functioning at optimal levels.

Please contact me at your earliest convenience.

[audio] backdated to 7/10

[synthedick]

[Now there's a voice Nick hadn't expected to hear again. He's been the city's only automaton for a while now -- well, obvious automaton -- and he was starting to think it might just stay that way. While he can't say he's happy Oscar is back for round 2 of putting up with the gods, he smiles all the same as he calls back, his expression evident in his tone.]

Oscar. It's good to hear from you again, even with the circumstances.

[action; beep boop house]

[circumitus]

Despite having varied schedules that keep them from their home, it becomes concerning when Rey finds that Nick's outings have been more frequent and longer in duration. She's finished up shop at the Speakeasy, arranged a new batch to ferment for the next few weeks in the cellar... But when she comes home, she finds the house vacant once again.

It's been like this for a while now that it's started to become the new normal. Thing is, Rey doesn't like this being normal. She wanted to give herself some space and, to some extent, Nick as well, in light of recent events. However, it's also important to stress the fact that she doesn't resent, for whatever reason he might assume the worst for.

Undine, their mixed memories... Rey has both been meaning to and avoiding bringing it up with anyone, feeling a tad bit of embarrassment for her own actions as well as confusion. She has... good memories, memories of a fabricated childhood that never could have been programmed into her head by someone like Gregory, who wanted to punish her for the death of the very woman her new fond memories revolved so frequently around. Maybe it's because the reopened wounds are still fresh, but she doesn't appreciate the fact that the gods have roped Undine into their little games. She doesn't need the reminder.

While she would normally be thinking about sleep at this hour, it's the last thing she wants right now. Not just because of Nick, but because of the thoughts that have been haunting her for a while. Well, more so than usual.

By the time Nick comes home from one of his late patrols, Rey is sitting at the table. The lights are dim, helping to provide a softer tint amid this pounding headache that's surfaced over the last few hours.

At least it's pain that she knows she can deal with.

[the most tragic place in Hadriel]

[synthedick]

It's been a while since Nick and Rey actually talked. They've spoken in passing -- greeted each other at the end of the day, made small talk on the couch while they both worked -- but there's been a growing distance between them ever since they got their memories back. Nick's patrols have gotten longer and run later; he's spent more than a couple of nights just walking the streets, trying to sort out all that's going on in his head.

And there certainly is a lot up there, bogging down his processor. Even before the gods trapped them all in their idyllic little world for a week, he was having to deal with those memories of the real Nick's, of Jenny and the riverside and the murder of someone he loved. With what happened to Undine's ghost, those flashes are getting mixed up with his own memories, of Undine's body and blood staining the water, of an unwanted burial and a woman begging for his help to save the person they both love.

And then the gods saw fit to make Undine his wife in that sick game of theirs, wrapping up his mechanical mind in images of their life together. There were peaceful days, romantic evenings, dances and secret moments of passion shared between the two of them. The more mixed up it got in his head, the worse it became for him to sort out what was real and what wasn't, what was his and what was the real Nick's and what had never happened at all. Hell, he still doesn't even know if he has a brother and if he killed him.

The walks help, but Nick knows they're not the solution. He just doesn't know what the solution is yet, and until he figures it out, he doesn't want to bother Rey with all this. If those thoughts of Undine bother him, he can't imagine what it's like for her. She's had a lot going on; she deserves better than some old bot complaining about a life that wasn't his, about a woman who never loved him, and about the very real feelings he felt for her despite that.

It's all too close to home. All they need now is for the Null to turn out to be the Institute 2.0, and it'll be like he's right back in the Commonwealth in a lot of ways.

Nick sighs as he pushes the door open quietly, not wanting to awaken Rey; in the dim light, he sees her silhouette, and realizes he didn't need to worry about that.

"You're still up."

An astute observation from the detective.