savetheearth | 001 ✮ text

[ The whole thing was completely unbelievable, there was no doubt about that. Who would've thought that typing random numbers into your phone after a search for cough syrup would turn up an untraceable network filled with what looked like bunch of crazy people? At least, calling them "crazy" seemed like the most likely conclusion. It occurs to him that he really should be doing his job, but sheer curiosity kept him looking through the posts.

Besides, it could all be related to his assignment. Somehow (okay, that was maybe reaching just a little, but what exactly can a guy do?). So, he begins to type on his phone, not quite sure what sort of person will turn up. ]

So let me guess: This is all an elaborate viral advertising campaign for cough syrup, right?

[ Well crap. Sarcasm doesn't quite translate that well through text, now does it? Still, it seemed like the better option than broadcasting either his face or voice, where (to the right person) he might as well just say "FBI agent here! Ask me about my entire life". ]

Unless any of you have a better explanation. Because from where I'm sitting, cough syrup advertising still looks a lot more likely than "aliens" and "robots".

[ Still, as they always say, sometimes "the truth is stranger than fiction". ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ He couldn't quite tell if it was sarcasm that he was treated with, or genuine joy. Either way... ]

Really?

I'm so incredibly thrilled.

So... what are the robots, then?

individuals on the network such as yourself or myself as far as i can tell

I'm pretty sure that I'm a human.

[ hold on. ]

Did you just say that you're a robot?

oh certainly as is everyone in the beginning

[AWKWARD PAUSE.]

i used to know one thats all

[ there's really only one appropriate response to this this. ]

You're bullshitting me.

[ He'd seen plenty of crazy stuff these past few hours.

But this was going into ridiculous territory. ]

my dear newcomer if i wished to mislead you, i would think of a far better lie than just 'i used to know a robot'

But, you can't seriously expect me to take you on your word without any proof of the existence of robots advanced enough for you to "know".

[ Proof is really all he has left in this crazy crazy world. ]

what can i say its the memory i received thats all

Let me guess: you got it through one of those pulsey-echoes that everyone's talking about?

[ That... shouldn't exist. ]

precisely!

So tell me something, mysterious Robot-knower.

When exactly do I stop feeling like I'm one message away from a complete lapse in sanity?

[ If he... hasn't already lapsed in sanity. ]

if i had a good answer for you, i would cretainly tell you alas i dont

Really, I'd take just about any answer right now.

you arent the only one

So, translation: "...Your guess is as good as mine", or "hell if I know"?

There's got to be something you can tell me.

about the robots or in general?

How about both? Because I doubt things are going to start making much more sense any time soon.

ahh very well

[And just like that, the text has grammar and punctuation.]Let me begin this way. Not everyone has memories of robots. Only some of us -- such as myself. It's fragmented, at best. But the most I can say is that I recall only one robot for sure, and that he was some sort of... motorcycle police officer. And yes, I am aware of how foolish that sounds. As for the rest of it, it's... unfortunately true. The rumors of a corrupt police department. Of alien involvement. I doubt that's of comfort to you, seeing as it's of none to me, as well, but if nothing else, you aren't alone.

[ Well, that was a nice change. Even if it hardly helped anything. ]

Actually, I don't think your story quite beats "zombie" or "magical girl".

But not all of the police are corrupt. There's still some that believe in doing what's right.

[ It was a firm statement, to be sure. But, he knew someone like Kotetsu well enough to know that even if there was corruption, he was still a good man.

If only there was a way of launching an investigation. There's got to be something...

[ He would keep asking, in the hopes someone might know. ]

Maybe not. But it's rather alarming, regardless. No. Not all of them are. But we're rather few and far between. Outnumbered. There isn't much to be done, spread as thin as we are. I've asked that question myself, several times. To no avail.

"Rather alarming" is the perfect understatement to sum all of this up, come to think of it.

You're a police officer as well, I take it? By any chance are you familiar with a "Kotetsu Kaburagi"?

Well, I do make every effort to be perfect. I am. On both counts. My partner and I are very familiar with him.

Is your partner also on the network?

He's a family friend. Though he was saying that the outlook looks bleak, I still think that if we could just get the Federal Government aware of the gross breaches of justice among the police, you might all stand a better fighting chance.

[ But, it was becoming harder and harder to cling to that blind idealism. Even so, he was sure that none of this would be happening if the FBI higher-ups knew anything about it. ]

He is, yes. A family friend? I see. ... You have to first believe they'll listen. And that those in charge here won't continue covering things up. Not to mention... you're part of us, now. You're as much at risk as the rest of us.

So that's at least three police officers, out of... quite a few. Seems like decent enough odds to me.

[ Only... really REALLY not. ]

But no one's perfect. Someone's bound to slip up. And when they do... you guys should be ready to testify to your chief's abuses.

If all goes well. Which, it rarely does.

[ And maybe... that sort of talk was way too big for the situation. ]

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