[voice]

[graftage]

Has...anyone actually thought about this?

[It feels a little weird to just put his voice out on the network, but Steinbeck feels this is necessary. His voice is slow, pausing every once in a while to make sure he's got his thoughts straight.]

Look, I get it. Getting to pilot a big robot, traveling into the unknown, like yeah, that's pretty cool. But it bothers me how many people are excited for this without thinking of what might happen. You're traveling through a dangerous wasteland that will most likely have creatures that can and will kill you. You're riding in these robot things that haven't been used that way before, so there's no guarantee they'll work properly out there. And you're doing this for what? To get some information? See a cool oasis? Become big damn heroes, or something, all at the possible expense of your own life?

[He heaves a sigh.]

What bothers me most of all is how you're all willing to just do whatever those people tell you. They could say "jump" and you would reply "how high?". They practically using us for their own needs. You know, this isn't our home. For those people who want to stay here and don't want to go back, that's fine, but for the rest of us...there's no real point in doing this for a place that we don't belong to. Even if we're all special and awesome and Moonblessed doesn't mean we need to follow what these people want us to do. We're not their servants, for crying out loud.

Just...think about it. [A beat.] And for anyone who still wants to go...stay safe. It'll be your own funeral out there.

[SEVERAL HOURS LATER AFTER HE POSTS THIS POST AND GETS REACTIONS, Steinbeck updates his post with a text addendum. I'm sorry. He's this petty.]

You know what, I did what I could. If you're all this eager to just go and die, please at least film it to send to me because I really need something to laugh at

Comments

[voice]

[tigerpoet]

Everything you say is right, but... I miss traveling, and I won't be able to do much of it when I go back home.

[Libraries are usually stationary, and he has a duty. He understands.]

Part of me is stircrazy, and the other part of me misses fighting monsters on a regular basis.

[That would be the other personality, who had immediately wanted to go once it became clear combat might be involved.]

Voice;

[fatestaydead]

[There’s a soft laugh]

Tell us how you really feel, Steinbeck.

voice; un: BB

[systembreaker]

Finally, someone who gets it. Honestly. People here have no sense of self preservation at the chance to have some fleeting joy - which I don't blame them for but I also don't blame them for walking to their deaths!

[graftage]

I mean, it's one thing if you have cabin fever, but traveling out there is like saying the cure for cabin fever is walking into the woods filled with wolves.

[He sounds sympathetic, though.]

You fight monsters, though? You?

[He doesn't seem the type??]

[graftage]

[He lets out an annoyed huff.]

All I'm saying is that this is a bad idea.

[tigerpoet]

It would cure your cabin fever, it would just give you new problems.

I do, yes. [His other personality does but whatever.] Nearly every day, at home. Coming here has been an adjustment.

[graftage]

Glad you agree. [He IS glad he isn't the only one who thinks this!] I mean, people can do what they want, but they should really understand what they're getting themselves into.

text | un: fantasma

[teaserving]

ok cool but if i didn't want to do it i just wouldnt so i think youre reading too hard into this

[voice]

[nefilim]

You're right, this is dumb and dangerous. But when will we get a chance to actually get out of this city? It's a chance to learn more about this place and I'm not passing it up.

[Even if it's voice, the shrug that follows her words is practically audible - along with her wry grin.]

And it's dumbasses like me that will go right for it. If it helps, I'll keep you updated on anything I learn.

[graftage]

Exactly. Which is why you don't do it in the first place.

[And....huh. Atsushi, monster fighter...]

I didn't think an author would have skills to fight monsters in the first place, but...is that just how your world is?

[tigerpoet]

I didn't when I was alive. [Some authors do, but that's mostly seperate from their writing.] But that's what I was summoned for, to fight creatures that have appeared inside of books.

[graftage]

[He'll text back, it's easier than talking to a screen.]

Saying things like "it's a bad idea to go into the monster-infested poisonous wasteland where you can die" isn't really what I'd call "reading too much into it".

[voice]

[graftage]

[Ana.....Ana no...........]

...Are you really sure you want to do this? [Him? Concerned? Naaaaaaaah.] Is it really worth it to get some information?

[voice]

[nefilim]

[ANA YES]

I won't die. [She's... fairly confident about this, at least.] So you don't need to worry about me.

[Of course he's not concerned. Of course not.]

But in an alien planet, where we still know practically nothing? I would say it's worth it. Maybe we'll learn about that cult, or how this world works. But we won't know until we look.

[teaserving]

maybe i just want a sick death getting smashed by a monster while in a giant robot dont tell me what to do mom

[graftage]

[A long pause, then:]






what the hell is wrong with you

[teaserving]

i dont know you well enough to get into that shit

[graftage]

[................Okay.]

I...see. [Hoo boy.] And you can't like...find another hobby besides killing monsters?

[graftage]

[abbachio why are you Like This]

That's fair.

And fine, if you want to, go for it. Get yourself the death you deserve.

[teaserving]

[depression]

thanks ill let you know how it turns out

[graftage]

Ana...

[mmmmmmMMMMMHE DOESN'T LIKE THIS]

I guess... [She sounds so set on this. He doesn't know what to do.] Will learning about the world really help us get home, though?

[graftage]

Smashingly, I hope.

But seriously, do you want any help?

[nefilim]

[SHE CAN SENSE HIS DISAPPROVAL

Which almost sways her. Almost.]

Knowledge is power, right? At this point, anything will be helpful. [Pause.]

I promise it'll be fine. And if I find anything, I'll keep you updated.

[Totally not trying to reassure him, since she worries he'll worry. Totally not.]

[teaserving]

with what dying?

nah i got it covered but thanks?

[graftage]

No not that.

[HE'S NOT HANDING OUT FREE MURDERS]

I mean the being okay with dying thing.