My name is Brok. Just...Brok.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Brok: ブロク
I'm a self-proclaimed investigator.
NOTE:
Although most of my daily routine consists of odd jobs, helping people in need in exchange for a few Unis...in best cases.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Unis: ユニス
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: ユニ
Been living all my life in the Slums, so that helps.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Slums: スラム
Well...except for a few months. But I don't really wanna dwell on that.
NOTE:
We may not have much over here, but we're doing what we can to survive and help each other.
NOTE:
We're certainly not as stuck-up as Drumers. The dome is nothing more than a bubble of comfort that they're stuck in, ignoring reality.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for The Dome: ドーム
📖 Lexicon word for Drumers: ドラムの奴ら
📖 Lexicon word for Drumer: ドラマー
It was suitable for some. Not for me.
NOTE:
Anyway. I was going to Shay's garage, one of my childhood friends.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Shay: シェイ
We ran into each other just a few years ago, and have kept up since then. She's a bit on the crazy side, and that muffled call worried me.
NOTE:
Urgh...no wonder she's so isolated out here. I'll never get used to the stench of that lake.
NOTE:
The door is open. Good or bad sign?
NOTE:
Shay?
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Shay: シェイ
I decided to take a minute to think before going in.
NOTE:
One time, I was "accidentally" exposed to a potentially deadly disease.
NOTE:
Thankfully, she had the antidote!
NOTE:
Another time, an alarm was "accidentally" set off, so loud my head hurt all day.
NOTE:
But those are nothing compared to... that thing...
NOTE:
Oh yes, THAT thing. That DARN "accidental" thing.
NOTE:
I'll never forget it. That's for sure!
NOTE:
Someday she might "accidentally" send me back to the dinosaur era, or worse... but I just can't help it.
NOTE:
...Oh well. Can't live in fear forever. Besides, I'm way too curious.
NOTE:
Let's see what she's up to this time!
NOTE:
Shay? Where are you hiding?
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Shay: シェイ
(Muffled) Behind here!
NOTE:
Oh. That pile of crates, old clothes, and wires?
NOTE:
I thought you had an emergency.
NOTE:
This IS an emergency! I'm stuck!
NOTE:
Ah, sorry if I couldn't tell. You're always half-hidden under stuff, busy with something...
NOTE:
Cut the nonsense and get. Me. Out!
NOTE:
It took some effort to get her free.
NOTE:
Alright, great. Back to work.
NOTE:
I came all the way here, and that's all I get?
NOTE:
Look, that was a particularly unpleasant situation. I'm not in the mood.
NOTE:
Shay!...
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Shay: シェイ
She glanced toward me for the first time and suddenly her attitude changed.
NOTE:
I just remembered why I avoid looking at you.
NOTE:
Because then I can never refuse you anything.
NOTE:
"Myyyy handsome hero. Always here to save me with those big, strong arms!"
NOTE:
I just thought you'd want to chat. Ya know, like normal people do.
NOTE:
Exactly. Normal people.
NOTE:
(Shay resumed work)
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Shay: シェイ
Some days, I wonder why I'm even your friend.
NOTE:
You can't resist the company of individuals who are your polar opposite.
NOTE:
Do you mind at least explaining how ya got stuck like a fly on sticky tape?
NOTE:
(Suddenly, a certain acquaintaince barged in...)
NOTE:
(...accompanied by a range of police Tribots.)
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Tribot: トライボット
What the...? Wes?!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Wes: ウェス
That's commissioner Wes for you, Pork.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Wes: ウェス
Considering your presence here, all my suspicions of shenanigans going on in this garage were well-founded.
NOTE:
One minute allocated for the individuals to fail to explain themselves.
NOTE:
The explosion...Shay, it was you?!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Shay: シェイ
I was working on my cannon burst and I fed it with Zing 31 instead of Zing 21.
NOTE:
I misread the instructions the old Shay gave me. Anyone could make that mistake!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Shay: シェイ
Talking to yourself in third person again, huh...
NOTE:
Our database does not find any record.
NOTE:
Well, duh. That's the first one in this timeline.
NOTE:
Basically, feed the cannon with any material and it will multiply it into thousands of nano particles in the air.
NOTE:
For instance, you could put water inside and you'd get instant rain. Isn't that cool?
NOTE:
What would you even need that for?!
NOTE:
For my tim...thermometer.
NOTE:
The statement from the individual with aqua colored feathers only makes sense at a 3 percent degree.
NOTE:
I'm too old to care. Lemme just confiscate it and call it a day.
NOTE:
You won't get your stinkin' hands on it, Wes.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Wes: ウェス
Bro. Don't do this.
NOTE:
Believe me, it's not worth it.
NOTE:
This isn't a question, Pork. It's an order.
NOTE:
Read my lips carefully.
NOTE:
NO. Screw you and your pile of screws over there!
NOTE:
Well, too bad for you. I'm too tired to negotiate today.
NOTE:
By refusing to obey a first-class officer, you are now considered a first-class criminal.
NOTE:
As my consciousness faded into a pile of crumbs, I felt like a total fool.
NOTE:
Look what you've done. Now my beautiful feathers are disappearing!
NOTE:
Master. Why did the blue bird woman disappear into thin air?
NOTE:
Well, that's turning in our favor. Two criminals down, and I got a nice gun.
NOTE:
They're out of sight. Good riddance!
NOTE:
I still wonder who built that bot.
NOTE:
I mean, it was a pretty advanced one.
NOTE:
Looked just like your standard Tribot to me.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Tribot: トライボット
You can't be serious.
NOTE:
Guess ya're right, me and technology are like water and sand...incompatible.
NOTE:
The expression is "water and oil", though that works too.
NOTE:
I'll have to install a security system to prevent intrusions like that in the future.
NOTE:
Or...maybe just don't do illegal stuff?
NOTE:
Nah. A security system is easier! And way more exciting.
NOTE:
Wait, what? Another gun?!
NOTE:
It's a bust. I'll work out my gravitation particle system differently.
NOTE:
Kids can have fun with it!
NOTE:
Say...The gun is nice and all but...that doesn't sound super appropriate.
NOTE:
But that makes me think...I'd love to give something nice to Graff. He's always so stressed out.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Graff: グラッフ
What does he love and is missing the most from his life?
NOTE:
He loves electronic doodads...and his school friend. Forgot his name.
NOTE:
Like, maybe something he could use to play with him from a distance?
NOTE:
Does something like that even exist?
NOTE:
(Groan) A computer, Brok. You just described a computer.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Brok: ブロク
Oh! Right. Got one?
NOTE:
Yep. Got that one from the lake. It was starting to leak and pollute it.
NOTE:
Still in working condition though!
NOTE:
Eww...if you don't mind the fetidness. I'll clean it.
NOTE:
Suit yourself. Consider this a gift for helping me out!
NOTE:
Thanks! Now you're more like the Shay I know.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Shay: シェイ
Oh god! I'm super late! My client's gonna kill me!
NOTE:
Hopefully not. That would be inconvenient.
NOTE:
...insert any material and it will multiply in the air.
NOTE:
This could make for a handy weapon.
NOTE:
My name is Ott. I've been a citizen of the Slums my whole life.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Slums: スラム
📖 Lexicon word for Ott: オット
I have Miscerigenus syndrome.
NOTE:
In other words, I inherited a specific combination of recessive genes from both of my parents, forming a genetical anomaly.
NOTE:
Usually, children have dominant genes from just one of their parents, so that species expresses itself.
NOTE:
Me? Both species express themselves. I'm a mixed breed.
NOTE:
Due to this, I've been mocked, thrown aside, and got called a lot of things in my life.
NOTE:
Most words I wouldn't dare to repeat.
NOTE:
Lately, people say I look like pastry. Probably the weirdest, but at least it's not as offensive as usual.
NOTE:
Slumers can't stand or understand being different. Anything they're not used to is treated as illness and they see it as ugly.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Slumers: スラムの住人
📖 Lexicon word for Slumer: スラムのヤツ
I don't know if I can blame them, but it still hurts.
NOTE:
Besides my parents, I don't have many friends who accept me the way I am.
NOTE:
Will it be the same when I become an official resident of the dome?
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for The Dome: ドーム
I guess we'll see...
NOTE:
But first, today...I need to find a job.
NOTE:
The main Border Post.
NOTE:
The place that separates our world from theirs.
NOTE:
Oh no. How can I expect to earn Unis when there's no one here...
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Unis: ユニス
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: ユニ
No, actually...there is someone...or rather, something.
NOTE:
Please - do not - mind me. I am - working.
NOTE:
Oh, I see. You're managing those packages, right?
NOTE:
Well, that's exactly what I'm looking for.
NOTE:
Looking for - packages?
NOTE:
In all - these years - no human - had asked - me!
NOTE:
Good! So, how could I help?
NOTE:
Looks like all you do is press those buttons, right?
NOTE:
Yes! Let me - think.
NOTE:
How about - sharing?
NOTE:
Like, splitting the tasks?
NOTE:
You do - the bottom - left packages.
NOTE:
I handle - the top - and the right ones.
NOTE:
Although...I need to earn some Unis.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Unis: ユニス
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: ユニ
Oh. I do - not make - any money.
NOTE:
I am - just an - old robot.
NOTE:
I cannot - even remember - for what - purpose I - was created.
NOTE:
My memory - was formatted - about a decade - ago.
NOTE:
It's okay! I'm still willing to help for a bit.
NOTE:
You would - do that? For free?
NOTE:
Well...if it makes you happy, why not?
NOTE:
I am - Bolt.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Bolt: ボルト
Glad to meet you, Bolt. I'm Ott!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Bolt: ボルト
📖 Lexicon word for Ott: オット
Oh, you - do look - very attractive.
NOTE:
No no, I mean Ott. O, T, T.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Ott: オット
Is that - so. My processor - cannot handle - all humans - languages subtilities.
NOTE:
...should we start then?
NOTE:
I helped Bolt for two hours.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Bolt: ボルト
He told me about his technical capabilities, how he was made for this one specific task, his fear of being replaced, and his battery running out...
NOTE:
On my end, I told him everything about myself, about <col=BLUE>Natal Untail</col> and how it was a special day.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Natal Untail: (Not translated)
I know he was just a processor unit, but I still kinda felt bad for him.
NOTE:
In a convoluted way, I felt closer to him than with most humans.
NOTE:
That's just like me...having more fun with a robot over other teenagers.
NOTE:
Despite the monotonous work, it was a fun time.
NOTE:
I promised him to do it again someday, but I was not earning any money.
NOTE:
So I left and watched the border. I stayed there, lost in thought.
NOTE:
Suddenly, Bolt called out for me.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Bolt: ボルト
I have - good news!
NOTE:
While you - were away - I checked - the manual.
NOTE:
There is - a mode - to earn - Unis through - cashback!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Unis: ユニス
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: ユニ
Only - 0.01 Uni - per package - delivered - since the - start of - the day.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: ユニ
In total - I have - sent you - 40 Unis.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Unis: ユニス
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: ユニ
Oh wow! Thank you so much, Bolt!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Bolt: ボルト
But I have to go now. Time to buy myself something before it's too late...
NOTE:
Happy <col=BLUE>Natal Untail</col>!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Natal Untail: (Not translated)
After the Untail believer incident, I was back in front of my apartment.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for The Untail: アンテール
I had a sinking feeling that I was being followed...and it didn't take long to confirm I was.
NOTE:
Don't move! I can defend myself!
NOTE:
No, you got it wrong, I need your help!
NOTE:
Hey, aren't you a rat?
NOTE:
No, wait...You're a Squealer? Those banned former activists I've heard about?!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Squealer: (Not translated)
Of course not! I'm a mouse. Rats don't have a mustache!
NOTE:
But like them, I'm homeless.
NOTE:
Sleeping on da floor is making my back ache...
NOTE:
When Drumers throw away their old mattresses, they're sorted out and fall into dat landfill over there.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Drumers: ドラムの奴ら
📖 Lexicon word for Drumer: ドラマー
Other Slumers are watching over dis spot to grab'em and do some fishy business.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Slumers: スラムの住人
📖 Lexicon word for Slumer: スラムのヤツ
Thankfully, today there are several mattresses available! Lucky day!
NOTE:
But I can't access dis area without being chased by drones.
NOTE:
See, I may have done one or two bad things in da past and...
NOTE:
No, please don't leave!
NOTE:
I'd be forever indebted to you if you could get me one!
NOTE:
How do I know you're not going to use it in trafficking, like you mentioned?
NOTE:
The rat showed me his back. He wasn't lying, judging by the various bruises...
NOTE:
Although I wondered if they were really caused by just uncomfortable conditions.
NOTE:
100 Unis. Dat's all the Unis I have on this coupon.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Unis: ユニス
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: ユニ
Me? Helping a Squealer?!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Squealer: (Not translated)
Those lowlifes would cheat, lie, and betray at every turn. Basically, it's their way of life.
NOTE:
Or so I've been told.
NOTE:
As I watched the rodent walk away, I suddenly felt something stir deep inside me.
NOTE:
A weird, hollow sensation, like I was being sucked into a black hole...
NOTE:
Was it... remorse?...
NOTE:
So many emotions swirled inside me... like a cocktail ready to explode.
NOTE:
I... had to do something, or I felt I was going to burst.
NOTE:
I... I've changed my mind.
NOTE:
In the situation I was in, I decided it was worth a shot. Hopefully I wouldn't regret it...
NOTE:
I'll be waiting here at dis exact spot! Thanks, lil fella'!
NOTE:
He stayed in the shadows. Clearly he didn't want to take any risk.
NOTE:
One thing was for sure, I was acting far from my comfort zone today...
NOTE:
Was this what the Director intended?
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Director: 校長
I had to go through a barbed wire fence to access the landfill.
NOTE:
Proof that I wasn't the first one to cross, a massive hole had been cut with pliers, and I was secretly thankful to this anonymous robber.
NOTE:
I picked a small mattress, at least that'd be easier to carry.
NOTE:
Ooof, that's still really heavy though...
NOTE:
At my own pace I was slowly getting back, when...
NOTE:
Unauthorized Squealer citizen. You are banned under regulation 1B of the Triangle.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for The Triangle: トライアングル
📖 Lexicon word for Squealer: (Not translated)
I was right! He was a Squealer.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Squealer: (Not translated)
The rat started to flee, but it was too late and there was nowhere to hide. The flying apparatus of death was about to shoot.
NOTE:
I didn't think twice.
NOTE:
Better him than me.
NOTE:
The drone was about to fire. I put all my strength into it...
NOTE:
And hurled the fat rat straight at the drone.
NOTE:
A big, round shape collapsed onto the mattress...conveniently.
NOTE:
The murder machine stayed there for a minute, silently observing.
NOTE:
And without warning, it vanished.
NOTE:
I started putting distance between myself and that awkward scene.
NOTE:
Once I was far enough, I turned back. Part of me unwilling to believe what I'd just done, needing to confirm it...
NOTE:
...and then, a relief.
NOTE:
The big mass was no longer lying flat, but hopping behind a demolished street Aircar.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Aircar: エアカー
Somehow, he made it.
NOTE:
Not thanks to me, anyway.
NOTE:
I ran as fast as my legs could carry me.
NOTE:
The piercing sound of a laser.
NOTE:
For one second I thought it had missed. I kept running.
NOTE:
Or rather, nothingness.
NOTE:
This was one of those drones that could stun you in a single hit.
NOTE:
Now I understood what they meant by this being a "special day"!
NOTE:
Manifestly, this was my last one.
NOTE:
I panicked. My mind went blank.
NOTE:
So I did the only thing I could.
NOTE:
Which was... stand there. No breathing, no looking.
NOTE:
By instinct, I threw a rock at it. I missed, but the drone noticed.
NOTE:
So I threw myself under the mattress. Silly idea, but maybe, just maybe...it could protect me enough.
NOTE:
I waited, expecting to feel a sudden warmth on my skin followed by excruciating pain.
NOTE:
I heard the drone fly away.
NOTE:
Getting out of my hiding place, there was neither drone nor rat visible.
NOTE:
He managed to escape.
NOTE:
Somehow, even though he was the one bringing me into this mess, the way it all ended gave me an odd feeling of joy mixed with sadness, deep within my chest.
NOTE:
And then the realization came to me.
NOTE:
I just broke the law, and earned absolutely nothing from it.
NOTE:
Then why didn't it bother me more?...
NOTE:
The sun was starting to set.
NOTE:
Thirty minutes. That's all the time I had left.
NOTE:
Crap! Quick, Graff, what's the closest store you can think of?...
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Graff: グラッフ
I was starting to run.
NOTE:
My mind could not focus. My mouth was getting dry and my lungs on the verge of giving out.
NOTE:
So much had happened and my brain could hardly control my movements anymore.
NOTE:
I made a wish...that I would not get a zero for failing to complete the task.
NOTE:
Fifteen minutes. I arrived in a busy part of the Slums and could finally breathe.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Slums: スラム
The bazaar shop. I was right in front of it. Still open.
NOTE:
The owner was looking the other way, which gave me some time to peek through the window.
NOTE:
And a cruel awakening.
NOTE:
There was nothing under 100 Unis.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Unis: ユニス
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: ユニ
Instinctively, my finger went to my phone's contact list.
NOTE:
I couldn't let this happen. This was my last chance.
NOTE:
I called Brok...
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Brok: ブロク
Please reply...please!
NOTE:
Deep down, I knew this would have been a mistake anyway. The rules prevented it.
NOTE:
But that didn't make me any less angry at him...
NOTE:
...when I really should have been angry at myself.
NOTE:
A familiar voice calling me.
NOTE:
Graff!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Graff: グラッフ
Ott! Are you...
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Ott: オット
Yeah, I'm here to buy my gift.
NOTE:
He showed me his phone. 40 Unis.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Unis: ユニス
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: ユニ
Looks like he didn't have much more luck than I did.
NOTE:
I instantly felt anger at myself for the relief that I felt at not being the only one.
NOTE:
There's nothing under 100 Unis.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Unis: ユニス
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: ユニ
And so am I. 60 Unis.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Unis: ユニス
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: ユニ
We looked at each other. Was this a sign?
NOTE:
If we combined both...
NOTE:
This is the only option!
NOTE:
Have you thought about the consequences?
NOTE:
This would break the rules.
NOTE:
But... Graff! There's no time left!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Graff: グラッフ
What other choice do we have?
NOTE:
Be realistic. We'd fail anyway!
NOTE:
This is my decision.
NOTE:
Graff... please...
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Graff: グラッフ
I'll trust your judgment.
NOTE:
That's really the only option.
NOTE:
I agree. Let's do it.
NOTE:
What's wrong, kiddo? What's with that funny look on your face?
NOTE:
I...remember you...
NOTE:
Graff, this store! It's where we...
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Graff: グラッフ
Meh, I really don't care.
NOTE:
I'm closing up shop. Snap up something or get out.
NOTE:
Oh, how cute. This piggy looks just like you!
NOTE:
Well, better looking, actually.
NOTE:
Hrmph. This is a connected money pig.
NOTE:
As far as accuracy and efficiency goes, that should fit the bill. Don't you agree?
NOTE:
We probably could have gone for something more personal, but in our situation...this will do just fine.
NOTE:
It's just 100 Unis. Real bargain!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Unis: ユニス
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: ユニ
There goes both our money combined...
NOTE:
Now, unless you intend to get something else...
NOTE:
Did not expect this day to be this stressful...
NOTE:
I'm so hungry I could eat myself...
NOTE:
I know what you mean, but we better get back to the Consc'. We're almost out of time!
NOTE:
I'll run home to pick something up quick, then meet you there.
NOTE:
Thanks again, Graff. Without you, I couldn't have done it!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Graff: グラッフ