Phase Eight: Recrimination

[emorangerpink]

[Laura's in the brig.

It's at her own insistence, as soon as she was awake enough to insist. Once the medics were okay with letting her out of their sight, she went in to a cell. She's staying there until as much has been done to confirm she doesn't have any more surprises buried in the back of her mind as was done for Cheng, and then some. And it's noticeable to anyone who's used to her appearance that her ever-present amplifier is not on her wrist.

If you want to talk to her, it might take a while. Aside from the exhaustion of the fight, she's spending some of her time awake curled up in tears or otherwise unresponsive. Still - if you're patient, or time your visit right, she'll be able to speak, if you have something to say.]

Comments

[aprimeanswer.livejournal.com]

[There's a bit of a strained look on his face.]

P..please. Just respond to the question. It is important to me.

[emorangerpink]

[She looks away.]

I was... aware, but it was like I was dreaming. I could see what was happening, what - what I was doing, but... it was like it didn't matter, like it wasn't happening to me, like it wasn't me doing it. I couldn't - I don't know if I could have fought it. It didn't seem like there was anything to fight. I didn't realize anything was wrong until it had stopped.

[aprimeanswer.livejournal.com]

[PRIME seems to turn a bit pale as you describe the process.]

...I...I see. There was no reason to even think you were doing anything wrong...

Such a despicable act...bending wills and forcing commands.

[emorangerpink]

It's what they do. Even their willing recruits have things... done to them.

[There's a sudden whip-crack of anger in her voice.]

I was so stupid.

[aprimeanswer.livejournal.com]

You were trusting. Naive. Innocent.

We are all born as such...but hardly stupid.

[emorangerpink]

"Innocent"? No. I don't have that excuse any more. I'd already seen enough of what they were willing to do.

[Laura sighs and rubs wearily at her face.]

Why does it matter to you?

[aprimeanswer.livejournal.com]

I am who I am. An artificial human.

I have no proof, but...

There's a high chance of similar programming inside my brain, in case I was ever to go against my creators.

Not that I would ever dream of that, though. OMER has been good to me, and I trust them.

[emorangerpink]

[It's hard to guess what Laura's thinking as she studies PRIME with a blank expression. Are those hints of revulsion? Or pity?]

There are people on board who might be able to change that...

[aprimeanswer.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't dare change a thing in my mind. I've already had to seal off a portion of it due to impurities...

[emorangerpink]

...Impurities.

Your creators decided how you were allowed to think, and make sure you're happy to police yourself for them. Is this supposed to reassure me?

[aprimeanswer.livejournal.com]

I am who I am...I'm ok with that. If I end up doing something stupid, I have a reliable partner to discipline me. If I do something to endanger the world...I know that everyone here will be able to stop me.

And yes. Impurities. The Festum still havn't given up...

[Prime removes his sunglasses, showing off his eyes. They're tainted red with signs of possession, yet PRIME is still plenty coherent.]

I will never truly be at 100% until they are defeated.

[emorangerpink]

[Oh. Impurities. Now Laura feels bad.]

I'm sorry. I...

I jumped to conclusions.

I... I haven't had good experiences with groups that... condition their members.

[aprimeanswer.livejournal.com]

I understand. However, OMER is the corperation that gave me life. Gave me my mission. And pay my bills. I tend to rack up quite a few.

I owe them all that I am.

[Prime places his glasses back on.]

They have a pretty clean track record, for that matter.