dial h for hire [video]

[unweave]

[ The feed picks up with a slight buzz of static. The visuals over the network focus on a waist-up shot of Aranea who isn't looking too hot. Not only is her face bruised (healing black eye, slightly swollen nose and busted lip), but there is a bandage pack poking out from under her top. ]

Don't want to waste anyone's time — there's enough stupid messages coming across this every day and I don't want to add to it.

My names Aranea Highwind and I'm recruiting for a mercenary group — odd jobs, monster hunts, personal protection, and the like. I'm willing to give a large cut on jobs I get in, bordering 65%. Tough sons of a bitches please apply and those looking for their problems to be solved? I'm your gal.

[ I mean, even now she's confident with a sly smirk plastered on her face. This is the most blunt ass sales pitch ever? But — ]

You can't trust everyone you meet here, some people will literally stab you. [ She nudges the view to her hip, but rolls her eyes as the camera gets back to her. ] But, there's still people wanting to help out. Why waste your time at that shitty fight club when you can make a difference and get paid for it? Think about it.

Comments

[idealog]

That's fair. [ While 9S has encountered a lot of nice people here, he hasn't trusted the world enough to to a complete maintenance check. ] So you won't get sick?

[ Wow, uh. Way to be skeptical. ]

I was designed for reconnaissance and intel operations, but I've also seen a lot of combat.

[unweave]

[ Someone maintenance this boy!! ]

I'll live. I've taken worse hits and I'm still here.

[ Reassurance wasn't her strong suit — Prompto would know this well. ]

Might be useful, but aren't you a little — young..? [ She replays his words in her head: ] Wait, what do you mean by designed?

[idealog]

[ He'll be okay! As long as he doesn't do potentially dangerous stuff like... join a band of mercenaries. ]

It sounds like you've seen a lot.

[ Oh yeah. That would probably help if he explained that bit. ]

Yeah. I'm an android, so I don't really have an age.

[ Let me help! ]

[unweave]

A bit, but still standing.

[ Android. She has to wonder — is that similar to the MT troops? ]

But, you follow orders, don't you? [ Her voice carries in a questionable manner. ] If you're designed for that kind of things, that means you have to be told what to do.

[idealog]

[ He steels at that. Yeah, he took orders before, but they were nothing meant for nobodies. YoRHa is gone, and so is that world. It's a sore spot still. ]

I can make my own decisions. I operate just fine without a chain of command.

[unweave]

That's good. [ She doesn't clue in on that bitterness just yet. ] Following someone's commands at the wrong time can prove dangerous. This will be a hands-off approach — I'll pass jobs off and hope someone fixes it and gets their cut of the coin.

You okay with that?

[idealog]

[ That eases his thoughts a bit. He's heard of other kinds of robots with more single-minded programming, but he's not that kind of person. She's not a slave driver like the Commander from the sound of it, and that's a good thing. He's got a more even tone. ]

I'm pretty good at thinking on my feet. I can handle this.

[unweave]

Then I'll send you the details when I have some. Uh. Nines. [ YUP, HE GETS THE NICKNAME. Even if it's weird to her. ] Do you have a preference? Something you won't do? Just so I know what to pass off to you.

[idealog]

Nines? [ SHE SAID IT. SHE CALLED HIM THE THING. technically it's his fault but whatever... details It's like petting an android puppy. He softens up a little more. ]

Oh, right! [ He looks a little bashful, but happier all the same. He's Nines. ] I'm unit 9 type S, but you can definitely call me Nines if you want.

[ He takes a moment to think about it. ] I'm better with mechanical stuff, but I don't want to do anything that would hurt humans. Uh, good ones anyway. [ Some of these paid jobs, they might not make the distinction. ]

[unweave]

[ SHE SAID THE THING. ]

...I'll definitely stick with Nines. Sounds cooler.

[ She hums to herself a bit, thinking for a moment. ]

Maybe... Hm, I'll see if I can find anything. You okay with hurting monsters, though?

[idealog]

Got it, Aranea! Or do you prefer Miss Highwind?

[ You are now +1 Robobuddy. ]

Hurting monsters is not a problem. Or machines, if it comes to that.

[unweave]

Aranea, please. Miss Highwind sounds like a kindergarten teacher.

[ YIKES. ]

Sounds good — keep an eye out on your messages. I'll text you if something fits.

[idealog]

Aranea it is.

I'll be ready. And, uh, thank you. For asking about the preferences.

[unweave]

No problem. If you got questions, hit me up. I'll be here — not like I got shit else to do.