REFURBISHED [Morbitia Renovarse]

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

[Image Description: Malo with a little smile, pointing to a low res pixel icon of Savvy with the text "Status: Online" written above it]

You slunk into the nearby sofa, taking in the comforting glows and hues of the room. Wasn't quite a office, not quite a break room or a bar. 

Malo nervously tried her best to get adjusted in the big armchair across from you, the only thing between the fiend and yourself a simple coffee table designed to hold snacks and drinks. You got the feeling she was sheepish in general.

You tried giving her a little smile to help ease her nerves, at the very least it let her smile back at you.

Malo: ...Anything I can get you while you're here? I know this has to be so much to wrap your head around-

Savvy: Nah I get it, this is one of those weird mirror realms or something. 

Malo:... Yes actually. Much like a entity's personal domain but tethered to a existing real life location. My version of Cabby's castle.. think you'd both get along if there were ever a good time to meet. 

Savvy: Your version which means... you're the tethering being? 

Malo: Mmhmm! So long as I remain this domain can exist as a reflection outside of time and space. Not... truly being a entity but on the cusp! Can't leave unfortunately but you know.. lots of us willing to loan me a day or two in their shoes. 

Savvy: Yeah, they all sorta look like you but... 

Malo: But they're a little off, mm? 

Savvy: Yeah. 

Malo: I admired someone who despite the trouble I caused her, took me in. People liked her, I terrorized a town and sent its people into months of hardship. Made of pieces that hate me almost as much as I hate myself-

She flinched before she took a moment to collect herself.

Malo: Sorry, too much information but... I made them on accident in her image. They're my responsibility. Many of them are contracted by companies and stuck in debt. Being no longer tethered in a form both powerful and connected is a temptation many took. 

Savvy: That... might be a useful thread actually? I'm trying to figure myself out a bit too.

Malo: Mm?

Savvy: Like... I'm an anomaly, I guess. Body that got thrown out after a upgrade, somehow woke up. All sorts of theories from a separate ego to the residual memories of a scan of another person, maybe a weird corruption, I dunno. It's not the first time it's happened or anything either but any time I look into answers there's a hundred ways it happened. 

Malo: And now you're wondering if you were ditched for-

Savvy: I mean it makes sense, right? 

Malo:...I mean I have seen a model similar to yours before but-

Savvy: Possibly me? 

Malo: Not quite but I know plenty of folks who used to be tied to the same manufacturer. 

Savvy: ...Do you like, think maybe-

Malo: I can ask around. Guess there is something I could do for you after all, hmm?

The fiend smiled to herself. 

Savvy: Please! 

Malo: I have to ask though, what will you do if you find your original owner? Is there a point or-

Savvy: I just wanna know what I am, same as anyone else. Kids with foster parents, people with grandparents from overseas... human nature really. I dunno. I don't have all that much going on so like.. why not start there? 

Malo: No expectations? 

Savvy: I work but that's not really like.. direction. You feel me? 

Malo: I do.. 

Savvy: Like this whole mind castle? 

Malo: Gives me a purpose and responsibility, yes...

Savvy: So if I find out who and what I am exactly, I'll bump into plenty of interesting people and things on the way. 

Malo: Considering you're here, certainly the "things" part is true. 

Savvy: At least one person in the room with me today. 

Malo: Maybe. Don't consider myself much more than a homebody but...

The fiend rose up from her chair and reached for your off hand. 

You let her examine closely with your thumb.

Malo: If you'd like, I could give you my contacts.. so to speak. 

Savvy: Like a phone or-

Malo: Not really able to do that but... I could make it so you could contact me through angel radio. You have one at home?

Savvy: Mmhmm! Using it for a current experiment and- I think I left it on in my room actually.

Malo: I mean so long as it's alone-

Savvy: There's like two potted plants and a brain it's singing to.

Malo: ..Maybe you should check in on that when you can. 

Savvy: Yeah. 

She spent a good poking at you before finally letting you go. 

Savvy: Is it all good?

Malo: Mmhmm.. tap your shoes together and count down from three. Should send you right back, full access to comms and all. 

Savvy: That easy? 

Malo: Mmhmm. Something you won't do on accident, easy to remember too if you've seen that film..

Savvy; Which...? 

Malo: The one with the Tin Man and the Lion? Follow the yellow road?

You shook your head at her, the fiend gave you a playful sigh. 

Malo: Perhaps when there's time I can invite you over to watch it with me. 

Savvy: I'm game. So just...

You clacked your heels together.

Malo: And count down.

Savvy: Three, two...

Malo gave you a nod to proceed. 

Savvy: One-

Your entire skull felt like someone snapped a rubber band, fuzzy briefly as the environment around you filled up. 

Romero and Diver were hovering over you.

Diver: Eyes responsive, pulse normal. 

Romero: Sav gonna be okay? 

Diver: Let's find out. Favorite color? 

Savvy: Colorblind. 

Romero: Wait really-

Diver: They're just fucking with you, good to see it all went well. Got along fine with Malette?

Savvy: Mmhmm! Think we hit it off a bit..

Diver: Cool. Gonna give you 20 minutes to settle and then we'll head out to town.