>>5297157You mull over Vector’s request for a moment before you give your measured reply.
"I'm sorry, but I'll have to decline for now.” You declare with a sigh that crackles across the FuzzBuzz. “I'm not opposed to it in principle, and you were reasonable in your request…but I can't help but disagree on your post-ascension policy.”
Before you can explain further you’re stopped when Vector raises their hands. “No further explanation is necessary, Shu. I respect your decision and honesty, both.”
“Even if we were able to come to a consensus, are we sure it would even be safe?” You point out, prompting Vec to stroke their chin in thought. “I have my own reservations about our compatibility as different gestalt minds and the merger you proposed, be it medical or psychological. But given time, things might change enough for me to possibly have a different perspective that align with yours if we do meet up again in the Cord. Still—you've given me much to think over about my own plans and its apparent lack of concrete policies. There's a lot for me to take in given the amount of potential variables that I have to juggle. So you won't get a definitive answer from me, not yet.”
“You don’t owe me one, Defiant.” Vector intones, taking a step forward. “Even as we are now, we can’t possibly conceive of all the inherent variables in forging a new world, or even what could happen from one moment to the next. In the absence of certainty, you and I have faith.”
With a chuckle, they add; “We’re only human, after all.”
Though it’s not reflected in your FuzzBuzz, you can’t help but smile a little at Vector’s words…though when Dorian leans in to remind you of something, you find yourself voicing an important question; "Before we end this discussion, there's one more thing that I would like to ask. Have you seen or heard of anyone on the west coast buying biomass or relics of unusual caliber that operate through a proxy network of newborn daughters as messengers? They've been pulling strings as of late, attempting theft, sabotage, and bribery by proxy. I think we've got someone trying to compete with West Prime in the mad science field. Something we should both look out for, anyone pulling that sort of scheme can't be good news."
“I’m afraid I haven’t, not personally.” Vector regretfully replies, but their Calcite Armorer steps forward with a gritty cough.
“Dunno their name. But yeah. I ran with a contingent. Kill squad that worked via proxy. Got our orders from girls that had no business bein’ where they were. That fit the bill?”
“It does, yeah.” You admit, your emissary swiveling to face the haggard sniper. “Do you have any leads you might be able to offer us?”
(Continued)
