Aftermath

[guide_beregond]

[Continued from here]

A half hour later, Beregond wakes, the hard floor beneath his coat not enough to provide comfort for more than this short time. He looks around in momentary confusion, sees who he believes is Smith lying next to him, and reviews his memories of the evening. "Smith" looks at him, and smiles.

Comments

Re:

[guide-beregond.livejournal.com]

I am to blame for how you found us, yes, this was my doing. I hoped to help him, he's terribly ill. You had left him here, and I found Smith when I arrived, shaking from a virus. I tried to help him, and .... *looks at you helplessly, not sure how to explain my actions*

Re:

[code-smith.livejournal.com]

And you thought you, with your ever-so-extensive technical knowledge, could fix him? And perhaps have him replace me?

Re:

[guide-beregond.livejournal.com]

You LEFT him here, what was I to do? I had to try. I did what I could to comfort him in his distress.

Trying to calm my voice, knowing we are escalating out of control here.

You can't be replaced, Doe. You are different. In ways that make you better for me. He can't be what you are to me, even if I wished it.

Re:

[code-smith.livejournal.com]

Very well, then. I suppose if he is not malfunctioning, there is no danger, and deletion should not be necessary.

Smith relaxes a bit.

I should have known this was a human's doing, not a program's mistake. There's never any logic in your actions is there? Did you ever stop to think that I could co-exist with the others just like me? The existence of one does not negate the other. Quarantine measures were hardly necessary.

If you do not wish to see me again, that is of no concern to me, and I would gladly comply.

Should you ever decide to cross me again, or impede my freedom in any way, rest assured you will suffer. For now, let us consider my pardon a repayment for your efforts in the Revolution. No such mercy shall be extended to you in the future.

Feeling somewhat more at ease, knowing that the clone's software was not malevolent, Smith left for his own workspace. Perhaps the Segmentation Fault was just a fluke. There's no reason to believe the software was dangerous.

Re:

[guide-beregond.livejournal.com]

Completely bewildered by Doe's tirade, Beregond turns back to Smith, confusion apparent in his eyes.

Smith, I am so sorry. The software must be malfunctioning in Doe. His words, it is like he takes the truth and then skews it. Can he be repaired, or was the experiment a failure? Have I lost him now?

Re:

[smith-clone.livejournal.com]

I am sorry to say this, Beregond, but it seems that along with his emotions, his perceptions have been greatly altered. I don't think he is capable of processing this world properly anymore.

*sighs* Yes. I suppose the experiment was a failure. But then, I never held out much hope for it. After all, if it succeeded, the project would not have been so lightly abandoned.

*concerned look* Are you all right, Beregond? You seem... saddened by your loss, if that is indeed the correct word to use.

Re:

[guide-beregond.livejournal.com]

*sighs in resignation* I am saddened. I liked having Doe around. *gives you a crooked smile* I'm not sure you would understand, but he was quite a comfort.

Although, you seem better. It seems your virus has been conquered, Smith, and I am glad for that.

Re:

[smith-clone.livejournal.com]

*grins* Yes. My new antivirus programs are quite an upgrade from my previous defences.

"Smith" leans against Beregond.

Hmm.. Comfort. Thank you for the comfort you provided me last night.