eleven ✤ voice

[lingeringhope]

I appreciate the vote of confidence, though I do understand that it was more for Sorrow than for myself. Nevertheless, we will be undertaking an investigation shortly. Our main goal is to uncover any allies the Null have in the city - this should be no surprise.

However, I will admit that we have not conducted an investigation such as this before. Our kind never had any need to. As such, we would appreciate any constructive input you would like to give, as well as any assistance you may wish to offer. We have discussed this and decided on a course of action already, but Sorrow and I have agreed that some of you may have more experience with this sort of thing. It would be foolish of us to ignore that. We are listening to your suggestions.

However, please note that I said constructive input.

Comments

[lingeringhope]

There are some that we know mean us no harm - or at least we are as confident as we can be. If they offer help, we will accept it gladly. For others, we must be more careful.

How do you, in particular, establish trust?

[synthedick]

Trust doesn't come easy for folks around here, especially after all we've been put through to keep you guys alive. You have to get to know people and let them get to know you. Work with them. Compromise when you have to.

[He means that for Sorrow in particular.]

And most importantly, be honest with them. That means no lying and no keeping us in the dark. You all have been doing that more often these days, and while it might be too little too late for some folks, it hasn't gone unnoticed. Hell, you were open about this, and those who are chiding you for it oughtta remember that it beats the alternative.

[What he's saying:]

So thanks.

[lingeringhope]

It is interesting that people were angry with us for lying, and now people think we're foolish for being honest. In the end, it is impossible to please everyone, and I don't believe that any of us have the drive to try. Not even me.

[When nothing you do gets a good response - even when it's exactly what people have asked for - there's not much incentive to try. And though Hope is not kindly-spoken, he is by far the most willing of the gods to compromise and try to make life better for the inhabitants.]

Thank you for your advice. It is appreciated, and I will keep it in mind. I do have a question - I know little of your world. Are technological beings like yourself distrusted there?

[synthedick]

That depends on which technological beings you're talking about. Most of the pre-war units get by just fine. There's even a Protectron and a Mister Handy living in Diamond City, which isn't exactly known for being, erm... friendly with anything not human.

[And yet, he still calls that place home.]

But anything made after the bombs dropped, and especially if it was made by a place called the Institute, is usually shot on sight. That includes synths like me. I managed to establish myself, but most synths don't get the chance, and with reason.

[lingeringhope]

I see.

[A lot of that goes right over Hope's head, but he gets the gist.]

But you have emotions. Did you before you came here, or was that our influence?

[synthedick]

I've had them for as long as I've been alive. Well, as alive as a machine can be. I feel your influence the same as anyone else, though.

[lingeringhope]

If you had not, being near us would have inspired emotion in you eventually. Thus why the Null hate us.

[synthedick]

So I've heard. I wouldn't be me without them, and I suppose the Null wouldn't be them with them. Seems that's a part of the problem.

[lingeringhope]

Yes. Tranquility believes we can negotiate with them, but I think they've made it clear that they will not suffer our survival.

[synthedick]

Is he going to try to talk to them directly?

[lingeringhope]

No. We have all vetoed that idea. He won't go against our decision.

[synthedick]

If you don't, I'm sure someone around here will.

[Hopefully, one of those someones will be willing to share with the class.]

Just what kind of negotiations was he hoping for?

[lingeringhope]

I'm not sure. He used to be our main point of contact with them, so maybe he simply hopes that he could get through to them.

[synthedick]

And you don't think he'd go behind your backs to try it?

[His tone isn't accusatory; it's a genuine question from someone who would go to some pretty dangerous lengths himself to keep his family safe.]

[lingeringhope]

Tranquility is not the sort to deliberately go against the will of the group. He prefers that we all get along.

[synthedick]

[Nick can only hope that's true, given the circumstances.]

Are any of you the sort who might?

[lingeringhope]

We all have our own issues that we feel strongly about, and many things that we disagree on. However, our survival is what's at stake now. One of us would have to be both suicidal and foolish to betray us all.

[synthedick]

You might be surprised by what folks would do for those they care for.

[lingeringhope]

I don't see how betraying us would help in any way.

[synthedick]

That's because you're thinking of it as a betrayal rather than someone acting out of desperation. I'm not saying any of you would go that far, but you oughtta keep your eyes open the same as us, just in case. They say the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

[lingeringhope]

I understand what you're saying, but I will not distrust my companions. We have no reason to betray each other, and every reason to stick together.

[synthedick]

You asked for advice, and I gave it. I just hope you're right.

[He honestly does, because if they can't figure this out, they're all in trouble.]

[lingeringhope]

I am not in doubt.