[video&action]

[cobbledtogether.livejournal.com]

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[The words drift up from what appears to be a young girl lying amongst the flowers, garbed in the white gown of a new arrival. There's a brief pause when she finishes speaking; then, she stands and walks toward where her possessions have been laid out, no hesitation in her step. She's drawn to them by a nebulous sort of knowing, always aware of the location of her Idea Engine.]

[When said Idea Engine responds to her presence—by floating from the ground and hovering behind her, of course—she pays it no mind. That's what it was expected to do, after all. Instead, she turns her attention to the leotard and cloak-like garb folded neatly on the ground, and then—]

[riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiip]

[—she simply tears the white dress down the middle, ripping it from her own body. She's naked underneath, but that doesn't seem to bother her at all as she dresses. When that's done, she speaks three simple words—]

Initiating combat mode.

[—and the Idea Engine behind her seems to break apart, separating into a million little pieces that float in the air, circling her for a moment, before snapping together to form what appears to be a suit of armor. Then, she speaks again.]

Verifying location... Verifying... Verifying... Location cannot be verified. Analyzing situation... Analyzing... Situation undetermined. Attempting to establish communications link... Unable to establish connection. Engaging automatic mode...

Comments

[action]

[lovelikelight.livejournal.com]

[She can sense the woman from a distance, and as she approaches, she hears her voice, sees the device that accompanies her. Her manner of speaking is familiar, in a sense, and when she scans her, it's clear to Epsilon that her makeup is mechanical as well as organic.]

Hello. [She smiles.]

There's no need for combat mode. There's no one to fight, although arriving here can be alarming at first. [Though there are dangers in the Gardens, things have been peaceful lately.] You're in a place called the Gardens.

[cobbledtogether.livejournal.com]

[When she is approached, there is no outward change in her demeanor. She doesn't return the greeting; her programming lacks information on even the most basic of manners.]

Analyzing target... Analyzing... Target appears to be a non-organic lifeform. Determining threat level... Threat Level: D. Remaining in standby mode.

[Despite Epsilon's words and her own threat assessment, she does not disengage combat mode. She does, however, comment,] This is not my intended destination.

[lovelikelight.livejournal.com]

[Epsilon is comfortable talking with robots who communicate in a less human manner than she does (as well as a very few robots who may be even more similar to humans than she is). She doesn't know this woman's particular vocabulary, so she continues to speak calmly to her, addressing her as she would anyone else.] My name is Epsilon.

All the lifeforms here have been taken from their homes or intended destinations. Someone known as the Queen of Hearts has brought us all here.

There's a great deal to explain, and our technologies are likely very different. I'm not sure if there's a way for us to interface and share data. [She could transmit information to other robots on her world easily enough, without the need for speech, though she did usually prefer conversation.] I'll be happy to answer any of your questions.

[cobbledtogether.livejournal.com]

Understood.

[Questions? She considers. Right now, she only has only been given one directive, so...] I must find a way to the 13th Hierarchical City of Kagutsuchi.

[lovelikelight.livejournal.com]

I'm afraid that will not be possible, not immediately.

The Queen has removed us from our own worlds, and perhaps our own universes as well. There is no known way for us to return, or even leave the Gardens.

[cobbledtogether.livejournal.com]

[She is quiet as she processes this information. Given that data, she analyzes the situation again and comes up with a new response.]

Understood. Then I must contact Kokonoe.

[lovelikelight.livejournal.com]

I'm not familiar with that name.

If it is something or someone from your universe, it's unlikely you will be able to reach them. We cannot return home, and we cannot communicate with anyone there.

[cobbledtogether.livejournal.com]

... Understood.

[She goes quiet again, reevaluating the priority of the various orders programmed into her once more. She cannot go to Kagutsuchi, she cannot contact Kokonoe... The only thing left to do is make sure her body is not harmed.]

[lovelikelight.livejournal.com]

[When the woman is silent, Epsilon asks:] Is there anything I can do to help?

[cobbledtogether.livejournal.com]

... Help?

[She sounds faintly perplexed.]

[lovelikelight.livejournal.com]

You might be here for some time.

If you'd like someone to provide information, show you around the Gardens, or help you find something, I will be happy to do so.

Is social protocol included in your programming?

[cobbledtogether.livejournal.com]

No. Social protocol was not deemed necessary by Kokonoe.

[lovelikelight.livejournal.com]

[She's familiar with robots who are programmed to do a single task and little else.] Here, social protocol is of primary importance. The Queen wishes us to form bonds.

If you would prefer not to, no one will force you to do so. Were you made to fight?

[cobbledtogether.livejournal.com]

... Bonds? [She tilts her head ever so slightly.]

Yes.