NPCs

[donotlick]

Comments

WEEK 5, SUNDAY

[foo_bar]

[later that afternoon, Han's going to check on Hank.]

Hey. I wanted to check up on you after... everything last week.

[donotlick]

You mean after Connor died? Yeah.

[ Hank sounds very tired. ]

Yeah, it sure was a fucking week, wasn't it?

[foo_bar]

You don't have to tell me twice.

[he runs a hand through his hair.]

It was a nightmare, eh? Though, hopefully this week will be better.

[donotlick]

Well, I can fucking taste again, so that's good. And the last case was pretty open and shut, so that could've been worse.

[ Hank sighs. ]

Just feels like I'm cleaning up a fuckton of messes. Or every time I look away, somebody's fucking shit up.

[foo_bar]

Yeah. I've-- noticed something like that.

[obviously he has, or else he wouldn't have yelled at everyone. they were all chafing over the program, at this point.]

I think I owe you for the help.

[donotlick]

Kinda feels like I'm holding this place together half the time. Ain't exactly used to being a dad to a dozen kids with knives.

[ He pauses to sigh and roll his shoulders. ]

For what? Helping keep the kids in line, or helping out with Connor?

[foo_bar]

Pourquoi pas les deux?

[he says jokingly]

[donotlick]

[ Hank snorts. ]

Yeah, well don't mention it. Least not the shit with the kids -- that part's just my duty as a fucking adult.

The stuff with Connor's 'cause we're partners. He's my friend, I ain't leaving here without him.

[foo_bar]

[hm]

You care about him a lot. I admit... the threats had me a little worried on how to approach you for awhile, but I think I understand better where that came from.

[donotlick]

Hah! Really, that's what did it? Me telling you I'd fucking beat your ass for hurting him?

[ He laughs. Maybe he just likes coming off as a dick? ]

What, did I intimidate you or something?

[foo_bar]

Wasn't that what you were trying to do?

[donotlick]

Oh, you know it, little man. I just didn't figure you for the type to just give up on talking to me because I scared the shit out of you.

You know me and Connor are tight, right? Usually when you date somebody, a way to get close to 'em is to get nice and cozy with their friends.

[foo_bar]

[he rubs the back of his head.]

Yeah, sorry, you're right. Fuck, that's what I'd normally do. Take us all out for drinks, or something. But this isn't exactly a normal situation. In at least 50 different ways.

So, I'm sorry Hank.

[donotlick]

Wow, look at you, apologizing.

[ Huh. Hank kinda expecting him to double down. Things must be looking up for Han. ]

Pretty much everything about this thing has been pretty fucking abnormal, so I guess I can't stay too pissed at you. [ He's tsun, please don't mind it. ] As long as thing between you and Connor are good, I can't complain. He's my priority here.

[foo_bar]

I know. I'm not doubting that.

[he doesn't mention the add on-- the idea that he and Connor were always supposed to be temporary, so Connor would be able to go home with Hank. But he knows that's complicated now, and... well, he'd rather not think of this that way]

I'm glad you're looking out for him... And he's got someone who can keep him safe.

[donotlick]

[ Hank hasn't heard what Connor remembered yet, not as of this thread, so he'd have no idea what the deal is. Maybe Han calling him would make sense after that... then again, maybe he'd be a little fucked up too, so there's that. ]

Yeah. That's what I'm supposed to be doing, anyway. Dunno if I can stop him from risking his ass all the time, but I'm sure as hell trying.

[foo_bar]

Yeah... I thought I was doing that too, but maybe I was just... making things worse, without realizing it by trying to go it alone. Guess I should apologize for that, too.

[he exhales--]

I just want you guys to get out of this place. Neither of you deserved this.

[donotlick]

What, you mean the two of you aren't looking into shit together? Then what're you even doing?

[ I mean, Hank can kind of guess, he just doesn't want to hear "fucking" as far as answers go. ]

Glad you agree. This whole "program's" bullshit. Still don't know how the fuck it's supposed to help Hale and his backup dancers find a cure for hijacking.

[foo_bar]

I've been trying to solve the robots puzzle on my own. I know, I know.

[he wasn't going to say fucking. He wouldn't do that to hank.]

And now, we've got another mystery to solve.

[donotlick]

[ Hank scoffs. ]

You do know Connor's like, the most advanced android ever fucking created, right? That's like... trying to figure out how DNA works, having one of those super hi-tech microscopes with you, but going "nah, I'm gonna use this magnifying glass and see where it gets me instead."

[ Han, dude....... that's dumb. ]

What, a new mystery? What is it this time?

[foo_bar]

You realize the defense mechanism I've been trying to get past is the one that nearly killed him, right?

[Han has to snap back-- that gets to him. He doesn't want Connor dead, and he doesn't think Hank wants that either.]

... Anyway, we need to stop the motives.

[donotlick]

[ Hank just sighs. He doesn't know computer shit. ]

What, you mean Vivienne? I thought those robots weren't even hers.

[ Who can even keep track anymore, dude. ]

You mean those incentive bullshits? Who's pulling those off anyway?

[foo_bar]

Megumi was programmed by someone else.

[he runs a hand through his hair.]

Sorry. As for who is doing the motives.. I don't know. That's why it's the next mystery.

[donotlick]

Alright. Who?

[ Who dis?? ]

Is it that James fucker? I mean, they gotta be some kinda crazy scientist if they can do shit like take our senses away.

[foo_bar]

No, Scott Gallivan. At least, that's what context clues are pointing towards.

And James is a total fucking mystery. I can't find shit on him.