>>5137898“…What if we check out the city?” You offer, sensing the indecision that runs through their resolve. “Maybe you’ll find out more stuff about that Prime person. Or the Proxy.”
“Proxies…” Your friend corrects you, though it comes across more as an afterthought. “…and yes. This seems like the most direct course of action.”
Snowbird turns to you, continuing to explain as you lie down on the surprisingly comfortable fleshscape. “Each Proxy had a line of study, distinct to them. The one who ran this lab helped Prime with system and hardware updates to my frame some time ago. The more I understand my creation, the more I understand my creator.”
“…It sounds like you were special to her. To Prime, I mean.” You say, hoping to find some common ground with this curious Daughter.
“I thought I was…but she left for the Cord without me.” Snowbird says, snapping the book shut before sharply rounding on you…though their words carry a gentleness quite at odd with the posture of their owner. “What of your creator? Can Mother still speak to you in her weakened state?”
“Oh, Mother didn’t create us. She’s just an Administrator.” You reply, your turn to offer a gentle correction. “My siblings and I were made by the Crucible’s creator, and…”
“…yes?” Snowbird prompts when you trail off.
“…I’m…not sure how special we were, actually.” You finally admit, your heart sinking. “I mean…he said he loved us, so why aren’t we still with him? I’m not even the original, actually…there’s a bunch of copies of me, one for every strain of Crucible out there. So is the ‘me’ he said he loved even…me, anymore? Does that make any sense?”
“Proxies are numerous. I am but one of many. All of us, easily replaced…so Prime said.” Snowbird says, staring down at the notebook, still clutched in one hand. “So…yes. It makes sense.”
You rise slowly, casting a glance out towards the city as you try and shake the cloying doubts that’re creeping into your mind.
“C’mon, friend, let’s go! Can’t sit thinking if the best thing is moving!” You declare, pointing all seven of your beaks towards the ruined spires in the distance. Snowbird’s about to follow before hesitating, turning to cast a glance back towards the laboratory’s shadowed door. “What’s up?”
“…You know Shu.” Snowbird announces. “There are Relics the Proxy stored here. Useless to me, but of use to her. Could you take them to her, when you see her next?”
(Continued)