videos, backdated to March 17th

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videos, backdated to March 17th

accidental video, directly continuing from this log

[ The video camera turns on to a jumble of blurred browns and grey, there are a thud and a jarring halt as it falls, coming to a stop in such a way that it gives an out-of-focus view on a grimy, dimly lit room – a basement maybe? Half the screen shows a cracked wall, the other half gives a glimpse on the happenings in the room. There’s an abandoned computer of Nova City make, many wires connected to it, abandoned on the floor. There’s… is that an arm? Someone seems to be laying just out of view.

And right for all to see is K-2SO, his eyes glowing bright red as he advances on Cassian, who has a busted lip and a torn jacket as if he’s been through a fight or two already. ]

No, no, no, Kay, no! Kay! [ His voice is fast, panicked, his hands raised in surrender. He seems to realize too late that he’s still holding on to his blaster and has just raised that as well – he lets it drop to the floor and there’s a skitter of claws on the floor, something small and white darts through the room, sounding terrified. ] Kay… please. [ His voice trembles, it cracks. ] Don’t. This isn’t you. You don’t want to detain me. You’ve been… I don’t know what they did to you. They must have unlocked your Imperial programming. But. This isn’t you. Please.

Remain still, rebel.

[ K2SO's voice is empty of any feeling but disdain, sounding cold and impersonal. He takes a few steps towards Cassian, red optics glaring at him as a metal hand reaches for the man's jacket and brusquely holds him up. Then the droid stops moving and his optics flicker white for a second. He seem confused and alarmed. ]

What...Cass...No. What did you do? I.....no, no....this is not...me...I...

[ The droid shakes his head, lets go of Cassian and reaches up with a hand to cradle his forehead as if he's in pain. After a grunt, it falls on his knees to the floor and then looks up, optics back to their normal white color. ]

...Cassian?

Shush. It's fine. You'll be fine. [ Cassian protectively wraps his arms around the kneeling droid and holds on.

Up close, the lens is blocked by something yellow attaching itself to the device. The screen flickers and goes dark as if the phone's battery has just died. ]

OOC: Responses won’t come until half an hour later, following another message.

video, half an hour later

[ The same room, Cassian still looking worse for wear. In the background you can spy Nova City robo police dragging off two handcuffed humans, one of which has a heavily bandaged head and is still looking very dazed.] I apologize for the alarming message. That was intended for Garrus only. We are okay. There is no imminent danger. The situation is being dealt with by the proper authorities. We apologize if we have caused anyone alarm.

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[ Cassian presses his lips to Kay's head. He squeezes his eyes shut against the tears prickling in them, still breathing heavily, and forces a shaky laugh. ]

Let's not do that again.

[ His arms, still wrapped tightly around Kay, are trembling, and he sinks to his knees as well. ]

[Kay is silent for some long seconds, unable to speak after the realization of what he almost did. It always has been one of his biggest fears. To lose control, to hurt Cassian, to forget himself. And it had happened.

If he had the capacity, his whole frame would be shaky. But droids weren't designed that way. His voice, though, sounds small and wounded when he finally finds it.]

I'm sorry, Cassian. I'm so sorry...

It's a fear that had come alive for them when Attleton made your deepest fears come to life last October, when he had been attacked by the red-eyed phantom K-2SO. He'd always known it could happen for real but it had been a theoretical possibility, one that had been easy enough to dismiss.

Now though...

What were they even doing? [ His voice is down to a growl and he sends the unconscious men slumped at the other end of the room a scornful look. It's easier to be angry than scared. ] I come in here and you're hooked up to their computers as if...

['It seems to be one incident after the other these days...'

A sigh passes through the dhampir's lips as he watches this scene unfold. With the whole debacle regarding Eliot and his situation with Rip, Augustine is actually feeling a tad worn out. However, he won't ever use this as an excuse not to help those in need and right now, Cassian needs help. His feelings regarding the Guardian and his strange love for that machine are pushed aside for the time being.

It seems that Kay has fried his circuits.]

Cassian?

[He attempts to contact the Guardian but so far nothing.]

Guardian Andor, are you still there?

[Does he really need to make a trip to bloody Attleton right now? He hopes not considering Eliot isn't in the right mental state now.]

[ A response doesn't come until later, Cassian leaning against a grimy wall. There's a large bruise forming on his temple and his lip is split. He still manages a blank expression fairly well. ]

I'm fine. We're fine. Thank you for your concern.

You'll have to gloat another time. [ Or maybe he's not so good at blank right now. ]

[In truth, Augustine hadn't expected a response at all. He kept the channel up just in case but now he's quite busy playing a rather disturbingly domestic role. Unlike their last conversation featuring him within his pristine office in Nova City, Augustine is home in his lavish apartment brewing tea. There's cookies in the oven and a beautiful silver crystal kettle on the stove.

Augustine peers into the phone quizzically for a moment. His long hair is tied in a loose messy braid that's tied with a neat black ribbon. He's only in a button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a pair of black slacks this time. Still fancy in his own right but he looks relaxed.]

So you claim with that nasty bruise upon your head.

[He smirks some.]

Think I'm one to kick a man while he's down? How's your partner?

[Cassian's gaze strays off screen, softening momentarily before he catches himself. ] He's better. He has recovered.

[That is a bold lie. What had been visible on the video was only the side effect of a far more nefarious deed. He had come so close to having his memory wiped, being reduced to a blank slate of an automaton... In truth, how he will deal with that? Cassian doesn't even know how he will deal. ]

You look... different. You shouldn't be talking about my state.

[Augustine caught that look but says nothing. It's clear that Cassian is in love with that hunk of metal. While he doesn't quite understand, Augustine doesn't question it.

Live and Let Live.]

That's good. The footage was a tad...unsettling. [For the lack of a better word.] Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.

[He reaches for his tea cup and does a mock cheer.]

Oh, do I? [Augustine chuckles some at that.] As astute as ever.

It's been a hellish week and we only reached Wednesday.

My week had been going well... until today.

[He runs his hand through his hair, grimacing slightly at the feeling of dirt and dust clinging to the sweat-damp hair.]
I will pass on your well wishes to Kay. You..

[He closes his eyes for a moment. Dies he really have the strength left to ask? To hear the answer? ]

Your problems, are they anything I should know about? Anything you need a Guardian for?

[Despite Cassian claiming all is well, just one look at the man proves otherwise. Whatever happened here isn't truly Kay's fault but has effected Cassian negatively. The pair clearly have a history, one that Augustine is slowly trying to decipher out of morbid curiosity. However, that takes a back seat for now when Cassian asks him the following.]

...I would hope not. [His reply comes after a moment of hesitance on his part.] Let's say I've been well reminded by how much mortals despise my kind.

[His reply is quiet, almost hushed. Eliot is only in the next room after all.]

This too shall pass but in due time.

[ Cassian's brows furrow, he in turn scrutinizes Augustine for signs of him not being okay.

Maybe it's just another instance of him deflecting and suppressing, he always feels more comfortable dealing with other people's problems than his own. But it's a serious matter, right? It sounds serious. ]

That doesn't sound like you are certain it's nothing. If there's anything... It's not a matter of personal like or dislike. If you need help you can contact me.

[Augustine tilts his head curiously at Cassian, almost as if he's disbelieving of the human's concern. He can tell the man is deflecting. Anyone with eyes can tell that much. Cassian has more than enough worries on his plate so this comes across as woefully artificial to Augustine.]

Of course. [The laconic reply isn't meant to be rude but it might come off that way.] Mind keeping me updated regarding Kay?

You claim things are fine but I suspect otherwise. If anything comes up, don't hesitate to seek my aid.

I may not know much about machinery but Kay seems just as, if not, more advanced than the Oculus A.I over at the museum.

[He frowns somewhat.]

Surely I could be some assistance.

I'm not sure. They probably wanted to erase my memories of them. It hurt. [Kay's head was bowed, white optics dim, and he can see Stardust making his way up t him to crawl on his lap. The poor thing is moving slow, still tired and pained by the whole ordeal. Kay brushes a finger over the pokemon's small head, trying to offer some comfort.]

I should have been more careful, I didn't even notice the other man approaching.

[Kay's hand reaches up to brush again's Cassian's temple but he stops before touching him. After what happened, this might be the last thing Cassian wants and Kay drops his hand to his lap.] I could have killed you.

The message Cassian records for Garrus during this tag

Garrus. Kay and I just overheard two humans at current coordinates, as attached to recording. Discussed attack on NC power grid, through sabotage on Dyson sphere's gravity balancer. Android contact, not present at meeting, has the knowledge and necessary device. Plans to place it inside subarchway. Yes, confirmed, subarchway. No idea if pendant wearer or other means of passage. Kay's following them, I'm about to follow Kay. We'll get in touch. Description as follows. Person 1, in contact with android, human male, early 20s, white...

Edited 2018-03-29 15:55 (UTC)

[ Cassian's forehead creases when Kay reaches for him but stops himself before he can touch him. It hurts. Just an hour ago they had been joyful, full of trust and comfort with another and now... He bites down on his bottom lip hard enough to hurt. ]

You didn't. That's the only thing that matters. [ Even if his own voice is still shaky, even if he still feels wobbly... not the most confidence-inspiring sight, he knows that, but pretenses of strength are just out of his reach right now. It takes all he has to hold back the sting in his eyes. To keep from showing how terrified he'd been... still is. ]

You didn't. It didn't happen. It's over now.

I don't think he would want anyone but me touching his processor right now but I'll tell him.

[ He wouldn't trust him right now either, he wouldn't trust anyone right now. But still. He will pass on the offer. ]

I... Thank you, I guess. [ If it's genuine. Hell if he can tell right now. If he can tell anything right now. ]

He's advanced. He's a person. And he... he's had a bad day.

[It's genuine but Augustine doesn't expect Cassian to believe him. Especially not after his previous little stint with the Marco nonsense. Although, he's fine with that. Perfectly fine.]

You're welcome. [He smile somewhat.] That he is.

Kay is more human than some of us "monsters" here. I'm certain he'll make a speedy recovery but you better patch yourself up too. That bruise is worrisome, Cassian.

Cassian, Kay, are you guys alright?

...What happened?

[He scoffs a little.]

I've had worse... I might have worse. [There hwd been a firefight slash brawl with the would be conspirators before Kay ever got involved, after all. But he's also not keen to elaborate on that.]

I've had worse. As long as I'm not passing out I'm fine. There is work to be done.

[The last things Kay wants is to upset the man further but he's too scared to make things worse. Cassian's word help a bit even if the pain in the man's face is unmistakeable.]

Over....I suppose. I can stay at the Guardian office for a few days, if you want. It could be for the better.

What? [Cassian gives him a look somewhere between blank and exasperated and finally settles on tired.] Fine. If we have to. But I hate the sofa bed, the springs squeak and it's not large enough for both of us unless I sleep on top of you.

[Another sigh and slumped shoulders. ]

But if it makes you feel better... sure. We can do that for a couple of nights.

[Still a stupid idea. He can feel sorry for himself at home, where Cassian has access to their comfortable bed.]

The sofa bed...? [Kay's optics flicker, as if he's blinking, and then he shakes his head.]

No, you can stay at home, in our bedroom. I think it's better if I give you space, that's why I said I'll stay at the office.

You... what?

[He stands up abruptly and takes a step back from Kay. The stressed, pinched expression is bleeding back into his face as he struggles to process this.]

Are you telling me you want distance?

[The prickle of tears is getting stronger again. Cassian swallows hard. He won't give in to them. He can take a minor rejection gracefully. ]

I would never... I mean... I did... but... [He just looks helplessly at the floor.]

[Rapunzel appears on the feed a little worried, or at least very worried Very worried and that bandaged head looked like it needed some help with, so she did the thing she thought would be the best idea.]

Do you need any help with your head?

Yeah, we're alright. We ran into some criminals in Nova, overheard them talking about an attack on the power grid. [ He winces a little. ] Turns out it was a bad idea to pursue them on our own. They turned the tables on us and got Kay. Tried to wipe his memory.

I'm going to be okay, thank you, Rapunzel.

[ He hesitates, on second thought... ]

But if you wouldn't mind a trip to the Guardian's Tower in Nova, where I figure we'll be going next, I wouldn't turn down some healing either.

[Kay looks like he's seen better day. He doesn't have a face per see but even without one he looks tired.]

Mr. Augustine, Cassian mentioned your offer about helping me with my processor. [He looks pained at the mere idea, he can't help it.] I appreciate the offer but I'm afraid I'll decline it.

Hello, Mavis. [Kay's shoulder are slumped and he looks like he could use a break from everything.]

Sorry if we worried you, the situation is now under control.

I would be happy to come on over. Might take me a while since I don't go on transport and walk everywhere though.

[If he weren't already feeling terrible, that hurt look on Cassian's face would have broken his heart. He puts Startus down, near the pachirisu, because doesn't trust himself not to drop the poor pokemon in a fit of anxiety. He stands up to reach out and grab Cassian's hand, giving it a squeeze. ]

I don't want it. But it's safer for you all...Whatever they did to me, what if it happens again?

Then it happens again.

[ His voice isn't as strong and determined as he would like it to be, he's still feeling too choked up with emotions to manage that, but there's a close enough approximation of a glare he does manage. So he glares at Kay, his jaw stubbornly set. ]

That's a risk we take. That's... [ He falters, lips pressed together, silent. Because he had thought that's a risk they're both willing to take. That it's worth it. But what if it isn't to Kay? ]

Ah...[There it is, the stubborn, brave man Kay fell in love with almost a decade ago. Kay isn't so good with feelings either and he will always think that Cassian's well being is more important than anything but he can't deny he's touched. He feels loved.]

You're a fool, Cassian Jeron Andor. [Kay pulls him close until he can wrap loose arm around the man and lower his head towards him.] Let's go home then. We all need rest.

Good. [She won't comment on the bad idea. She has been the one to go on her own in the past and, even if it always backfires, there's no point in casting the blame.] Did the criminals escape? Do you need some help catching them?

[She pauses.] Wipe his memory? ...He sounded like a completely different person to me.

Well, I guess that's what matters, right? [She offers him a reassuring smile, but she still looks a bit puzzled.]

...So I take it there was a time when you and Cassian were not on the same side.

I wish. [There's nothing he wants more. He wants it so desperately. Go home, lose himself in Kay's arms, soothe away another’s pains - most of all the ones that can't be seen. He feels raw and vulnerable, too exposed to face anyone but Kay.

His gaze wanders to the men, unconscious for now. Or worse. He still feels too numb to the rest of the world to care.] I'm sorry. [He caresses over Kay's skull in apology, presses a hard, dry kiss against his forehead.] I'm sorry. Let me take care of everything.

[There will be interrogations and reports and medical examinations before they can go home. Too many things. It seems endless and again, he is half tempted to take Kay and walk away. But. Duty. Duty always comes first.]

Yes...more or less. This is not how we had planned our evening to go.

[Kay gives a small nod.] When we met, I was another mindless droid that belonged to the Empire.

He was... in a way. Before Kay and I met, he was controlled by protocols which enforced his obedience to the Empire that created him. He still has them, they're just isolated. These guys trying to wipe him messed with my firewalls and he went back to wanting to murder me. It happens.

[ He runs a hand over his face and sighs. Stars, but even his hair hurts. And there's still so much to do before he can take Kay home and hide in bed. ]

We got the guys, they're being taken away. We need to hunt down their contacts but until they're interrogated, we've got nothing to go on. [ He gives a little shrug. ] Waiting game for now. Kay and I will actually have to go and get ourselves debriefed, too, before we can do anything else.

Trust me, we will be there for a while yet... There's a lot of explaining to do, not to mention interrogations and our own debriefings. This will be a long day, you can take your time.

But having our own healer on the way should get Nova's healers off our back.

Okay, but I will still try and get there sooner.

[She was already moving anyway, so that was something.]

[Kay's optics follow Cassian's eyes and realization dawns on him. Of course, there's all the paperwork to do and the interviews.]

No. Don't apologize. It's my fault we are in this mess. Let's go through this together, hopefully quickly.

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videos, backdated to March 17th

action for K-2SO, continuing right from the video

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