ALIAS
Automata
OCCUPATION
7/11 Employee
EVENT TOKENS
0
QUIRK
Ghost in the Machine
Archived
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Oct 16, 2023 21:03:04 GMT
Post by Marlene Lovechild on Oct 16, 2023 21:03:04 GMT
"Loading the weapon."
Marlene was very meticulous with bullets. Picking one up and inserting it into the cylinder, with a mechanical similarity of motions. Though this was her first time holding a gun, she did not appear to have any anxiety over doing so. Then again, it was easier, psychologically, to handle a weapon that could do you no harm. Still, she kept the cautionary tales of her teacher in mind, and was not about to break established rules. When loaded, she closed the weapon back, with a click. It was armed.
Not it was the time to learn how to stand and aim it.
The automaton looked at Mr. Browning, and even walked around behind him, observing him from every angle as he assumed the position. She would copy it, as she often would. Fortunately, motions were much easier to emulate than facial expressions, or emotions. Here, things had a purpose and were much more ... simple. Keeping the finger off the trigger, she stood next to her teacher, though a distance away, and emulated the way he stood, lifting the gun up and aiming it at the target away, even holding the hands the way he did.
"Is this the right way?" - Marlene asked for confirmation. "I do not have a dominant hand. Is there a difference between holding the weapon in either?" - she asked another question. "What is the purpose of two other ways if this is the proper one?"
The machine was certainly full of things to ask her teacher about. Even though her voice remained largely neutral, there was a twinge of excitement about it.
She liked learning things.
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ALIAS
Automata
OCCUPATION
7/11 Employee
EVENT TOKENS
0
QUIRK
Ghost in the Machine
Archived
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Post by Marlene Lovechild on Oct 8, 2023 13:38:57 GMT
"Do not worry. I was taught to treat my elders with respect."
Marlene was talking about the gun. Before taking it, though, she put on the ear and eye protection. Hardly needed any, she was built with durability in mind. But rules were rules, and the automaton was a very rule-abiding artificial girl. 'Even though they look tasteless...' - the machine thought to herself. Once that was done, she carefully picked up the weapon. There was a firmness to her hold, though, as she wanted not to drop it. The carefulness was not to apply too much force to the grip.
*CLICK!*
She did as she was told, pressed the lever on the left, and then pushed down the barrel of the gun. Once that happened, she would inspect the cilinder, to see if there were any bullets inside. If there were none, the weapon would be considered safe for everyone else. Marlene's attention was towards the release lever that her teacher was talking about. She seemed ... concerned. A brief emotion crossed her features. Something akin to what a mother would have on her face when a child tripped and sprained an ankle.
"The release lever does not seem complicated to make. I could ask my mother if she could produce another one for you. She used to be a famous clocksmith. I am certain in her ability to create a spare part for your weapon, should the schematic and appropriate compensation for the effort be provided."
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ALIAS
Automata
OCCUPATION
7/11 Employee
EVENT TOKENS
0
QUIRK
Ghost in the Machine
Archived
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Post by Marlene Lovechild on Oct 8, 2023 11:59:58 GMT
Marlene's eyes followed the card being waved in front of her face, as one would follow a hypnotist's clock.
Except, she could not be hypnotized. But she could be slightly annoyed. It was to bring her out of the melancholy of her decision-making processes, if just a little. "Please wave the card in front of the scanner, not in front of my face. It is not a scanner. It cannot process your payment." - she stated the obvious. It would continue, until Zen would choose to stop. But, in a way, this distraction was favorable to Marlene. It gave the uncertain automaton a little bit more time to think.
Machines were not known for lying. Or avoiding difficult subjects. Or other weaknesses of character that could have made them more human. Eventually, she would speak.
"The way we interact right now reminds me of the time spent with my mother, when she first met me. She was elated and happy, and said many things you did, to me." - there was a fraction of warmth, barely noticeable, in those words. Marlene remembered those days with fondness.
"But then, I assume, the novelty wore off. Elation was replaced with disappointment. Whatever she was looking for in our relationship, I was unable to give."
She looked back up at Zen, with that eerie, unblinking stare of hers.
"I do not wish for that to happen again. I was considering my options, on what I could do, to avoid a similar outcome."
Marlene stopped, briefly, reviewing the vocabulary she has been using. The way she talked was very ... bookish. Longwinded sentences with complex words. People rarely talked like that. So, she made an effort to jot her thoughts into something more clear and concise.
"I do not want to lose you."
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ALIAS
Automata
OCCUPATION
7/11 Employee
EVENT TOKENS
0
QUIRK
Ghost in the Machine
Archived
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Sept 23, 2023 16:40:30 GMT
Post by Marlene Lovechild on Sept 23, 2023 16:40:30 GMT
"You brought this on yourself."
Marlene responded to the commentary about questioning one's own judgment with a tone that could best be described as ... sass? It was hard to tell. Whatever it was, it was spoken with a perfect pokerface only a machine could provide. When he moved to the side, the girl observed all the various tools and instruments of destruction. The one intended for her was the smallest one, with the smallest cartridge. She caught the bullet tossed her in one uncannily fluid motion, and held it up to inspect it. Memorizing the size and shape of it, as well as how it felt in hand, before putting it back on the table.
When Mr. Browning asked her about the rules, her head turned to face him with an audible snap. Tilting to the side a little, akin to motions pidgeons make, when curious.
"Recollecting... First rule - always assume the weapons are loaded, unless proven otherwise. Do not look into the barrel of the gun to investigate. Second rule - do not point the weapon at anyone besides the intended victim. Third rule - do not keep the finger on the trigger when not firing. Fourth rule - ensure there are no unintended victims in the general vicinity behind the target."
After the automaton girl recited that, her eyes went back to look at the revolver presented to her. The one that shot the smallest caliber.
"Could you tell me more about the round and the weapon?" - Marlene asked. Not touching the weapon, just yet. Waiting for permission, like a disciplined student would. Or an indecisive one.
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ALIAS
Automata
OCCUPATION
7/11 Employee
EVENT TOKENS
0
QUIRK
Ghost in the Machine
Archived
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Sept 23, 2023 16:22:49 GMT
Post by Marlene Lovechild on Sept 23, 2023 16:22:49 GMT
Beep, beep, beep.
Marlene shied away from the question, instead focusing on beeping through the various items that Zenkai chose to buy. Their volume and number helped - it gave the automaton time to think. She was ... uncertain if it was something that she should tell him. He did already do so much for her, every time they met. Burdening a person with more of one's own personal worries and issues was ... immodest, and cumbersome. 'Perhaps, I should have kept my mouth shut, instead of peaking interest.' - the automaton thought to herself. Her chest rose and fell, slightly. She resigned. Her eyes went up to meet Zen's. She spoke.
"I was reliving and reviewing our time together since we first met." - Marlene started from afar. She averted her gaze, a little. "You've been very kind to me. You spent a lot of time with me and showed me new things. Thank you."
Another awkward silence hung in the air. Marlene sought to occupy herself by putting the items into the bag, printing the check, and so forth. There was a bit of haste in her motions, it seemed. A bit of ... erraticness. And the way she opened her mouth as if to say something again, but then closing it, without letting out a sound, left very little doubt in one's mind.
It was not everything that Marlene had to say. Instead, the price for the things appeared on the screen. She looked up.
"Would you prefer to pay with a card, or cash?"
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ALIAS
Automata
OCCUPATION
7/11 Employee
EVENT TOKENS
0
QUIRK
Ghost in the Machine
Archived
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Sept 17, 2023 16:16:20 GMT
Post by Marlene Lovechild on Sept 17, 2023 16:16:20 GMT
Marlene was a very punctual creature.
Having a built-in internal clock helped. So, when told to show up, she showed up. A bit earlier, even, in order to account for finding one's way around the place. She was as dainty as ever, though her typical black and white dress was replaced by the academy's PE uniform. Green and white colors, pants and a jacket on a zipper. She put it on without complaint, knowing that it was an appropriate thing to wear in such places. But there was something inside that offered a smidget of resistance. Was it ... dislike?
Maybe. For the uniforms here appeared tasteless. But her species doth protest too much. And so, when the time came, she approached her teacher, whom she spotted from afar, getting the stands and his personal corner ready. He seemed a bit busy, and so the automaton decided to do something uncharacteristic of her. Having recalled their past interactions, Marlene decided to build rapport by showing humor. Zenkai, whom she had a strange relationship with, convinced her of her sense of humor. Approaching from behind, from an angle he could not see, the automaton would announce her presence, by asking a very important question.
Her voice rang out, more metallic than usual.
"Where is Sarah Connor?"
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ALIAS
Automata
OCCUPATION
7/11 Employee
EVENT TOKENS
0
QUIRK
Ghost in the Machine
Archived
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Sept 17, 2023 15:58:36 GMT
Post by Marlene Lovechild on Sept 17, 2023 15:58:36 GMT
"Yes. Compliment my mother for its construction."
Marlene seemed to have taken the compliment in stride. Or maybe she was just used to such sudden and inappropriate comments about herself. She did read all those raunchy novels before Zenkai stopped her by pointing out that everything written in it was rubbish. It might have left a mark.
Soon enough, the two began practicing skating backwards. Like before, the tall giant had to hold Marlene and show her the motions, before she could replicate them. Which meant going a lap or two around the skating ring, passing past all of these people, as she got used to how to do it. Moving backwards felt strange, though, for Marlene. She could not see where she was going. And so...
*CHK-CHINK!*
There was a small whirring sound in her neck, as she turned her head 180 degrees, to see where she was going. The back of her head now tucked under Zenkai's neck. The automaton girl looked forward, and then down, to where the hands were, still holding her rear. The people they passed by, who noticed, seemed to blush, some of them at least. The others were a bit freaked out by the unnatural angle of her head turning.
"I think they are amazed with our progress."
Marlene drew a completely wrong conclusion.
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ALIAS
Automata
OCCUPATION
7/11 Employee
EVENT TOKENS
0
QUIRK
Ghost in the Machine
Archived
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Aug 29, 2023 12:20:15 GMT
Post by Marlene Lovechild on Aug 29, 2023 12:20:15 GMT
"Yes."
Marlene answered the question about her being ambitious without skipping a beat. As they finished their first round around the skating ring, without her falling over or looking like an ice-chiseling machine, she turned around to face Zenkai, and reached up with both hands. Grabbing his collar again, in an attempt to pull him down to her level. What she ended up doing was pull herself up instead. It was not particularly hard to do. Not with those large hands supporting her rear. Not the softest or the lightest rear around, but still.
"They have been laughing at my expense, doubting my aptitude as a student, and yours as a teacher. This cannot stand."
She looked into Zenkai's eyes, with a machine-like determination.
"We have to prove them wrong by me becoming superior in a much shorter amount of time. Show me another technique. I will copy it to the best of my ability."
With that, Marlene lowered herself back down, and let go of Zenkai's shirt. She'd make a lap around his tall frame, skating on her own. Simplistic and by no means a master, but the moves she made were exactly like Zenkai showed her. She stopped in front of him, and expectantly waited for him to show her more.
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ALIAS
Automata
OCCUPATION
7/11 Employee
EVENT TOKENS
0
QUIRK
Ghost in the Machine
Archived
|
Aug 27, 2023 23:13:05 GMT
Post by Marlene Lovechild on Aug 27, 2023 23:13:05 GMT
"I understand. The last lesson is to be mindful about the people behind the intended target."
Marlene nodded and wrote this down as well. She then looked over the writings she had, analyzing what was just told to her. There seemed to be plenty of considerations to make, even before one would even consider pulling a weapon against a particular enemy. And these were just the starting points. It was not that much of a stretch to assume that there would be more to come. Closing the notebook, Marlene said:
"There appear to be many factors to account for when using the weapons. When we are taught to use our quirks, which are often more destructive, there seem to be less of them." - the automaton made an astute observation. Her quick was easy to control - it lied in her own strength, and the ability to manipulate some machinery. Others, though, had much more - from lasers to imaginary battleships that hurt like the real deal. It was strange to give so much worry to something that was comparatively less powerful than quirks.
"I wish to continue down this path." - Marlene nodded to her slightly-rude, yet concerned teacher. "Please name time and place, as well as items that I am ought to bring. As well as any homework you would like to assign to me in the meanwhile."
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ALIAS
Automata
OCCUPATION
7/11 Employee
EVENT TOKENS
0
QUIRK
Ghost in the Machine
Archived
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Aug 24, 2023 20:47:51 GMT
Post by Marlene Lovechild on Aug 24, 2023 20:47:51 GMT
"That is a distinct possibility, yes."
Marlene replied stoically, as she was being moved. It would have been very embarassing indeed, she imagined, with her body held in position, and those hands helping her move her legs in a way that kept the balance. They were probably big enough to wrap around her thighs and move her about like a doll of somekind. It certainly did embarass a few onlookers, bringing redness to their cheeks. The machine endured it, for the sake of better performance.
There was one thing automatons were good at, and it was in replicating motions that did not require deep intellectual or emotional context. After a few demonstrations, Marlene found the point of balance. After a few more, she started to move her skates along, in a way that could propel herself with more grace and fluidity than before. It would require practice still, but she could feel progress. She could feel herself succeeding, slowly, but surely. Something to show for the effort.
It was ... a pleasant sensation. And she had Zen to thank for it.
"I think I am starting to get a hang of it." - Marlene said, her hand going to grip against Zenkai's forearm for support. "Keep doing what it is that you do. I intend for us to be the best skating couple by the time we leave here."
An ambitious little automaton. Or maybe she just wanted to show the chuckling onlookers what's what, in time.
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ALIAS
Automata
OCCUPATION
7/11 Employee
EVENT TOKENS
0
QUIRK
Ghost in the Machine
Archived
|
Post by Marlene Lovechild on Aug 24, 2023 1:59:59 GMT
"Oh, it's you."
Marlene attempted another smile. It seemed more genuine, this time around, though it still needed work. She did not expect Zenkai to come over and see her during her working hours. Most people would be sleeping by now. Still, his presence was appreciated. Beat the monotony of placing cans of beers on shelves and blowing dust away from the counter. Even if he insisted on calling her a dork for some reason.
"I cannot be made tired. It must be the lighting." - the automaton said, stoically. Maybe it was her mood that seemed tired, rather than expression? She did not know. She never practiced appearing tired. Though the backhanded compliment about her outfit did manage to make Marlene roll her eyes a bit back. A maneuver she was more practiced with. "It is a standard uniform. Everyone who works here wears one. It is not particularly tasteful." - she stated, briefly crossing her arms. She liked her dress a lot more. It was a gift. This was ... a uniform handed to her for the job. Nothing more.
"Is there anything you would like to buy?" - Marlene asked, compelled to continue her store clerk spiel. It was a duty - there were cameras around. If she did not say the things she needed to say, the manager would have questions in the morning. Something something corporate policy. Like saying hello and good bye, and if they wanted a paper bag for their groceries. Whatever the fellow would say he wanted, she would get him. And after store duties were out of the way, the automaton would say:
"I was thinking about you, not too long ago."
A strange thing to hear, from a machine.
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ALIAS
Automata
OCCUPATION
7/11 Employee
EVENT TOKENS
0
QUIRK
Ghost in the Machine
Archived
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Post by Marlene Lovechild on Aug 24, 2023 1:33:42 GMT
The early bird gets the worm.
Or so the saying goes. Marlene was a very early bird. She did not need to sleep. Nor eat, much. Which gave her a lot more productive time than most people ever had. She was also a diligent student, who wished to start her internship as early as possible. Which was why she was making her way to Ouros Investigative and Hero Agency. The place had a good reputation, and was always looking for employees.
The girl was dressed for the occasion. Her favorite (and only) black dress ironed out, her white shirt bleached to perfection. She had the smell of freshly ironed and washed clothes about herself, more so than perfume. In her hands there was a folder, which she carried with herself. Containing her details as a student, her CV, as short as it was, and a recommendation letter from the Academy, everything she needed to start. She was also given a few references to some of the active personnel within the organization. One she could be considered attached to.
It was an exciting thing, in a way. Another step towards becoming a proper hero. The original Marlene often dreamed of this... Probably. The automaton girl did not have her memories. But she had her mothers' recollections. The girl was chipper, kind, really wanted to help people. Her replacement was not chipper, and hardly kind, such words could not be used to describe her. But ... she wanted to succeed where the original had failed. It filled her servos with determination. So, with a very determined look on her face, Marlene marched towards the main office.
The organization's working hours were 9 AM to 7 PM. The boss was here at 6 AM. Marlene arrived at 7 AM. After an hour or so of being reviewed for internship, she was told to find a man by the name of Tobias Murakami. He had an office of his own, in the building. And so, until the working hours started, the girl sat in a chair next to his door. Her eyes, unblinking, watching the entrance to the corridor. She was told that the man was tall and imposing, she could not miss him. So, she waited. And waited. And waited.
Most people would get bored by now. To spend the time, Marlene fished out a small cosmetics mirror and looked at it. Most people used those for last-minute appearance preparations. She used it to practice smiling. This time, it was for polite, cordial smiles. Ones to wear at work. She did those the best. Because they did not have to be genuine. Eventually, the girl would hear steps going down the hall. She hid the mirror and stood up.
Was it the person she was looking for?
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ALIAS
Automata
OCCUPATION
7/11 Employee
EVENT TOKENS
0
QUIRK
Ghost in the Machine
Archived
|
Aug 23, 2023 22:40:56 GMT
Post by Marlene Lovechild on Aug 23, 2023 22:40:56 GMT
It was past 3 AM.
The streets were well-lit, but empty. Even most of the party-goers and night-dwellers would feel sleepy by now, and stay somewhere cozy. One place that was not asleep, was the Seven-Eleven convenience store. Its windows were lit, and its doors open, for whoever would visit at such an ungodly hour, be it a night-time worker, a stray punk looking for a snack, or just people with insomnia, or a crippling fear of crowds. There was only one person in the shop, serving as the cashier, the manager, and the stocker. A short girl with pale skin and red hair, wearing a black shirt with a big number 7, painted in green. A hat covering her head. She monotonously moved around the shop, placing things where they should be.
Marlene worked here, whenever she was not at the UA academy, or needed at home.
She was rarely needed at home. Mother, more often than not, was not too thrilled about her presence. To not annoy her creator, the automaton girl preferred to stay out of sight. Her time would come, one day, to make her mother happy. But it was a work in progress. And there was a lot of progress to be made. At least, here she could be useful, and bring money to family budget. Her employers loved her, as she was able to work 7 days a week, every night, not needing sleep, and without complaint.
Though it was getting lonely, being here. The machine's normally focused and one-track mind was beginning to wander. She reviewed the events of the past days. The yacht party, the meeting of other students at the Academy... Her dates with Zenkai... The latter being a particular subject of scrutiny and analysis. He was ... a silly person. But also very affectionate towards her. And very patient. He did not seem to notice her machine-like mannerisms. But... Marlene knew this would not last long. Her mother was the same, once. The novelty wears off, eventually. She'd have to do better.
Holding a small mirror in front of her, finding a moment, she practiced smiling. Trying to make it look natural and welcoming. The best she got today was a weary, forced smile. Which... wasn't particularly out of place for a night-shift Seven-Eleven clerk. Except... that was not the intention. She did not wish to convey upsettedness, or a lack of cordiality. And yet, here she was.
The bell rang, making the automaton put down the mirror, and look up. Someone was coming. A customer, maybe? She did her best to do a welcoming smile, as static and rubbery as it looked. Eyes looking up at whoever came around.
"Welcome to Seven-Eleven, dear customer. My name is Marlene. How may I help you?"
Was it a familiar face?
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ALIAS
Automata
OCCUPATION
7/11 Employee
EVENT TOKENS
0
QUIRK
Ghost in the Machine
Archived
|
Aug 23, 2023 21:45:20 GMT
Post by Marlene Lovechild on Aug 23, 2023 21:45:20 GMT
"Little miss android has already embarrassed herself in front of an audience."
Marlene stated astutely, nodding towards various people that have been watching them. Some found it hilarious. Others have found it endearing. The automaton did not like failing, though. And she was stubborn, and one-track-minded. She would try again, and again, and again. As many times as it needed.
Zen's instructions were so frustrating though! Trying to describe complex balancing movements with so few of a words. Marlene would try following them, to the best of her ability. Kicking off from the ice towards him. Once more, there was too much force. Half-way towards the guy she would feel herself losing balance, and start flailing with her arms.
*POMF!*
She ended up ramming into him, face-first into her chest. Her eyes going up to look at him. 'He is very patient with me...' - a fleeting thought came through the automaton's mind. 'He must be embarrassed as well by my failures, with so many people looking... by association...' - the eyes went to the side, avoiding his gaze. Marlene straightened herself up.
"I move differently from how humans do. Can you move me the way I ought to move? I will remember it, and try to replicate..." - she said, still averting her gaze.
"As soon as I succeed, I will stop embarrassing you with my ineptitude."
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ALIAS
Automata
OCCUPATION
7/11 Employee
EVENT TOKENS
0
QUIRK
Ghost in the Machine
Archived
|
Aug 23, 2023 20:19:11 GMT
Post by Marlene Lovechild on Aug 23, 2023 20:19:11 GMT
"Very well. I will provide instructions, when necessary."
Marlene ignored the hypothetical nature of the situation. If she were to meet this student the teacher mentioned, she would instruct him on how to listen. And she would also follow the instructions provided further. About keeping the finger off the trigger. It was a human thing. Their control of their motor functions was ... suspect. Marlene had these too, sometimes. Breaking pencils and such. So this was useful.
"I will keep my finger off the trigger, when I do not intend to shoot."
She accepted instructions with ease. Not having any knowledge of how to handle guns helped, in this situation. She did not have to rewrite old instructions to adapt to new ones. So she simply absorbed all she was told, like a sponge. Nodded, and writing it down, she then summarized:
"What I have learned so far: A gun is assumed to be loaded, unless proven otherwise. Do not look into the barrel of the gun to check. Do not point at a target you do not intend to destroy. Keep the finger off the trigger, unless you intend to shoot." - Marlene stated.
"What else do I need to learn?"
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