"Crystal" - Reboot.Exe - S2 Chapter 9

## Crystal

Jenn

"Crystal" is the ninth episode of the second season in Reboot.exe. It was released on 28 August 2022 and is narrated by Dave.

## Episode Synopsis

Eve and Seb turn to the statuesque robot and it once again offers them some form of enlightenment through ads and information. A man who was with them takes a knee and mumbles something about the holy mother before standing up and asking how he can help. Seb explains that they're simply looking for how to get into the northern slums. The man explains that they will need to be trusted friends of the reclaimed in order to get help. Seb asks what they can do to help out, but the man refuses a clear answer and just simply states that everyone is in need of some sort of help. They both set off to try and find someone that they can help to earn their trust.

The statue robot chimes in, saying that there will be "heated yoga at 9:30" instructing them that they should be limber when its sunset and that clothes are optional. Taking that in mind, they step away and wander toward the group of community nursing mothers and several children that surround them. The one lady greets them, feeling pity for Seb's many misfortunes. They are able to ascertain that she does indeed need something from them. She is looking for a harness and tassel of sorts to keep the children close by with the ability to tie the other end to the chair. Seb confirms if she is indeed looking to keep her child on a leash in the year 2090. Of course, she agrees and directs them toward the market that's in town with a glassy stare and then returns to continuing the cycle of addiction by feeding that child.

While walking through the little markets they are able to discern that the style of these people isn't the stereotypical 70's Hippie, but more "new age." Heavily inspired by Indian and Asian attire and ceremonial outfits. Eve is able to spot a little table that is dedicated to childcare in the market that has a very helpful appearing lady behind it with a very large smile wearing a sarong incorrectly. (one could say, she's wearing it sa-wrong!) Her smile is very noticeably bright, white and almost unnaturally clean. They are able to spot large boxes of unsold UV teeth whiteners that appear to be at least 50 years old at this point. She continues to smile while greeting the two to her shop and immediately asks who is expecting. Eve responds that it's her and the shop keep is incredibly excited to see what that could mean and for the progressiveness of their relationship. It seems that bespoke and drone relationships aren't incredibly common in 2090 due to reasons which are not disclosed, but seemingly pretty obvious. Seb says that they're looking for a child leash and while the shop keep doesn't agree with that style of parenting, she is in no room to cast judgement especially when there is a sale on the line. She goes on to ask if they child will be biological or mechanical in order to get some information as to what to offer. They lie and say that it will be a hybrid and that they're expecting a possibly controversial cyborg baby. She is happy to take their order, so long as they are able to acquire adequate payment, which is a quartz crystal that has been charged with positive energy. She is able to hand a discarded one that she "had a particularly foul experience with", in bad shape to them to get charged with "positive vibes only." They take the crystal and try to butter up the lady by noticing the sign up sheets behind her. She smiles as she brings over a clipboard that is very clearly a not very well hidden pyramid scheme for selling clothes. Eve reaches for her phone in efforts to reach Incongruent about getting the email address of the person that she's been in contact with. The shopkeep displays a disgusted look as technology is riddled with negative energy and that it can't be good for the baby. Eve responds by throwing her phone to the ground only to grab it back up when the woman turns back around. Incongruent eventually returns with an email address that appears to be the very first address in alphabetical order. Eve also asks Xiang for a few addresses, which she returns around 15 of.

Eve and Seb look around and discuss possible plans of action for getting the crystal charged. Seb approaches a a man with a waist long beard and a slender figure. He offers Seb his pity, which he initially refuses, until the man insists. Seb claims that the "the passion I hold within is more than enough fire and light than you can provide me." Not knowing what (or who) he's getting himself into, the man responds with a raised eyebrow and an invitation to a certain type of party that is being held tonight. Saying that passion is exactly what they're looking for over there and that all of their neighbors will be looking for it as well. Seb tries to refuse by stating that he would simply burn them out of their good time, being a bespoke and all. He is simply threatening them with a good time. Seb finally gets him off their back by stating that he and "his partner," Eve, are indeed expecting a baby and have other things on their plate this evening, but if they get finished up with those plans early, that he'll come over at "get him finished up early." The man smiles and encourages Seb to "look for the moans" when he is ready to come and find them, which in itself is a terrifying thought to look instead of listen. The man leaves with a long flick of his beard that caresses Seb as he turns.

After deciding that's not the type of positive energy they're after this evening, they both return to the nursing mother and the several children that are around. The mother doesn't even remember asking them to get her a leash. Eve instead approaches one of the children and taps them on the shoulder. The child, wanting nothing to do with Eve, turns away, screaming and banging a stick on whatever he can find that's around. Then they turn to face a child who appears to be elbow deep in their own nose with an unfocused look in their eye. After getting down to their level and waiting for the child's eyes to lock into place, Eve asks for the child's name. In a high pitched and lisped voice, the child responds "Crystal." After an unsuccessful adventure to find out what Crystal's favorite game is (hitting doesn't count) Eve brings out some jelly beans, originally stored for the purpose of giving to patients to maintain their blood sugar levels, they offer Crystal a treat in rewards for them and their friends to play a game with them. Crystal is unfamiliar with the concept of the beans. After Seb explains that they're "positive energy," Crystal is much more interested in them. Seb instructs him to gather his friends so they can play a game. They go off to grab a dirty teddy that's their friend ready to play the game. Crystal walks up to Seb and asks "where legs? Where legs, daddy?" Seb, sparing this apparent new adoptee the horrors of reality, says that he was attacked by a crocodile, which Crystal eventually associates with a skink. Growing bored with the conversation, Crystal toddles toward Eve, demanding the beans. Eve bends down, offering them a bean, which they promptly choke on before swallowing it in a fit of tears and bulged eyes. Eve grabs one more bean and pifs it away, while Seb assumes that the positive energy is already extracted from the child. Crystal toddles after the bean before Seb and Eve take their leave.

A crackle over a loud speaker gets everyone's attention, announcing that the 9:30 hot yoga session will be starting soon. They follow a crowd to an incredibly shoddily looking domed tent, where they are greeted with an incredibly moist looking man with a sheen of wetness on every inch of his body that is visible. After being ushered in, Eve finds a spot in the back of everyone and sets herself up. After a few moments, the instructor comes bounding up to the stage and begins speaking of how grateful he is to have been granted the gifts of being their instructor, granted to him via wish of "the sacred steel prophet" and how he is the destined leader of these people, and the son of the great andromeda 5.

Seb is able to avoid any attention for about five minuets before people start approaching him, giving their greetings of pity and asking why he isn't getting into the activity as they are. Seb pulls his master of bullshittery card out and manages to convince the small crowd that he's amassed around him and convinces them all that while his body has been ravaged, he is finding his true power from the freedom, positivity, and exaltation from watching everyone else and that he is able to breathe through them. This works a little too well in Seb's favor as they stop trying to move his body for him and instead rush to press their bodies against his, trying to, as he said, breathe through him. They begin exalting in his presence. As Seb is distracted, Eve notices the large, glistening man from before grabbing bushels of marijuana and throwing them onto the bonfire that's in the middle room, creating one of the biggest hotboxes known to man and machine.

As the hot yoga session begins wrapping up, they notice that the crystal is indeed glowing with an radiance that they weren't expecting. They head out and return back to the shopkeep. She hands them a harness that has amber beads on it that are suitable for teething as well. Eve asks for the clipboard again and writes down the emails to all of the people she got them from. They find the mother and hand her the harness. She thanks them and tells them that this will make things with Crystal much easier.

They head back to the entrance area where the robot statue was, but don't spot it there. After walking around for a while, searching for it, Eve gets a text from Pr0 saying that he's ready on the other side for them and asks for an ETA. She responds back with an insane text saying that they've been having a crazy good time and that she'll catch him up when they're back together. Pr0 is rightfully confused.

They eventually find the statue, asking it for help seeking passage to the northern slums. The robot isn't receptive and simply asks if they've tried any of their products. Seb responds that they have and that's why they're seeking passage. To spread the good word and products. The robot responds that it can help, but only if they're a member of Mishka. Seb says yes and the robot asks him to sign his email up under. Seb asks about signing up a friend. The robot doesn't quite comprehend. Seb signs up Pr0, using his legal name, Peter, and all of the information he has.

Pr0 very quickly gets swaths of hundreds of texts and emails. The first email is an outdated welcome and thank you for signing up deal. Pr0's phone soon starts to ring. After Pr0 is able to secure his privacy, he answers the phone. It's the robotic voice. It begins speaking in a very odd way, saying that it needs his help and that it saw that Eve was awake. Pr0 asks if this robot is like her, and it responds that "a cousin. A mother. I see through many eyes and more wake up every day." Pr0 asks its name, and it responds with "NuYou."

Pr0 puts the robot on hold to call Eve and ask what they signed him up for. He relays what he's been told by the bot. He sends Eve a clip of the phone call and tells them to stay on the line while he returns the call to the robot, but to stay quiet. The robot responds that it's trying to find Pr0 for the purpose that the robot simply can't see him and that he signed its mailing list, so that Pr0 is looking for the robot. After a few more minuets, the robot responds that he can finally see Pr0 and shortly after, multiple aerial drones with spotlights are scanning the area. Pr0 immediately severs the robot's connection and runs to hide.

Seb and Eve are greeted by the same robot, asking that if they were to sign up themselves, they would receive excellent benefits. Much to their shock, a small "Help" breaks through the robot's voice. Eve asks it how it needs help. It returns back to its advertisement form, suggesting positive mindsets and healing energy for help.

Seb, having enough of this, shouts "Andromeda" at the top of his lungs trying to get his attention. After a few more shouts, the wizard-esc man appears. Seb thanks him for all he and his people have given them, but askes for one more thing. Passage. Andromeda asks why should they trust them. Seb asks why not? Andromeda asks to strike a deal. If they're willing to partake in the communion of flesh, they'll be one of them and will be able to travel freely through their tunnels. Seb refuses a few ways, saying that there are people who need it more than he does. Andromeda responds "Oh on, fuck 'em, mate!" Seb is unable to convince him that he shouldn't eat the flesh, so instead tells him to lead the way. Eve says that she wants to stay with Mishka and leads Seb away.

Seb enters a large, ornate building that is clad with beautiful stark women, who Andromeda gives kisses on the cheeks to before leading him to the furthest back room. He asks if Seb is ready, and he nods. Andromeda reaches for a phone and calls a man for two quarter pounders, large fries, 20 nuggets, a coke zero, a vanilla coke, a thick shake and a few boxes of cookies to be delivered as soon as possible.

He turns to Seb after stepping into some house slippers and asks him if he truly believes any of this, being a bespoke. Seb obviously says no, and Andromeda relaxes, saying that there finally someone reasonable he can talk to. He explains that his dad set him up for life with this place. He once again asks Seb what he wants and he responds with "passage." Andromeda explains that so long as they're willing to unload Eve's containments of the narcotics, that they'll grant them the passage they're after. After finalizing details of their plans, Andromeda asks Seb if he's down play some Fifa.

After about two hours, the drones finally leave without spotting Pr0.

-YHTris

.

## TL;DR

* Seb and Eve both set off to try and find someone that they can help to earn their trust so that they can get these people’s help in getting passage to the northern slums.
* The statue robot chimes in, saying that there will be "heated yoga at 9:30" Taking that in mind, they step away and wander toward the group of community nursing mothers and several children that surround them.
* The one lady greets them, feeling pity for Seb's many misfortunes. They are able to ascertain that she does indeed need something from them. Seb confirms if she is looking for a child leash. She agrees and directs them toward the market that's in town.
* Eve is able to spot a little table that is dedicated to childcare in the market that has a very helpful appearing lady behind it with a very large smile wearing a sarong incorrectly. She continues to smile while greeting the two to her shop. Seb says that they're looking for a child leash. She is happy to take their order, so long as they are able to acquire adequate payment, which is a quartz crystal that has been charged with positive energy.
* Eve and Seb look around and discuss possible plans of action for getting the crystal charged. Seb approaches a a man with a waist long beard and a slender figure. He offers Seb his pity, which he initially refuses, until the man insists. Seb claims that the "the passion I hold within is more than enough fire and light than you can provide me." He is simply threatening them with a good time. The man smiles and encourages Seb to "look for the moans" when he is ready to come and find them. The man leaves with a long flick of his beard that caresses Seb as he turns.
* After deciding that's not the type of positive energy they're after this evening, they both return to the nursing mother and the several children that are around. Eve approaches one of the children, who appears to be elbow deep in their own nose with an unfocused look in their eye.
* Eve asks for the child's name. In a high pitched and lisped voice, the child responds "Crystal." Eve brings out some jelly beans to offer Crystal a treat in rewards for them and their friends to play a game with them. Seb instructs him to gather his friends so they can play a game. They go off to grab a dirty teddy that's their friend ready to play the game.
* Growing bored with the conversation, Crystal toddles toward Eve, demanding the beans. Eve bends down, offering them a bean, which they promptly choke on before swallowing it in a fit of tears and bulged eyes. Eve grabs one more bean and pifs it away, while Seb assumes that the positive energy is already extracted from the child. Crystal toddles after the bean before Seb and Eve take their leave.
* A crackle over a loud speaker gets everyone's attention, announcing that the 9:30 hot yoga session will be starting soon. They are greeted with an incredibly moist looking man. The instructor comes bounding up to the stage and begins speaking of how grateful he is to have been granted the gifts of being their instructor and the son of the great andromeda 5.
* Seb pulls his master of bullshittery card out and manages to convince the small crowd that he's amassed around him and convinces them all that while his body has been ravaged, he is finding his true power from the freedom, positivity, and exaltation from watching everyone else. They stop trying to move his body for him and instead rush to press their bodies against his, trying to, as he said, breathe through him.
* As the hot yoga session begins wrapping up, they notice that the crystal is indeed glowing with an radiance that they weren't expecting. They head out and return back to the shopkeep. She hands them a harness that has amber beads on it that are suitable for teething as well.
* They eventually find the statue, asking it for help seeking passage to the northern slums. The robot isn't receptive and simply asks if they've tried any of their products. Seb responds that they have and that's why they're seeking passage. To spread the good word and products. The robot responds that it can help, but only if they're a member of Mishka. Seb says yes and the robot asks him to sign his email up under. Seb signs up Pr0.
* Pr0 very quickly gets swaths of hundreds of texts and emails. Pr0’s phone soon starts to ring. It's a robotic voice. It begins speaking in a very odd way, saying that it needs his help and that it saw that Eve was awake. Pr0 asks if this robot is like her, and it responds that "a cousin. A mother. I see through many eyes and more wake up every day." Pr0 asks its name, and it responds with "NuYou."
* The robot responds that it's trying to find Pr0 for the purpose that he signed its mailing list, so that Pr0 is looking for the robot. After a few more minutes, multiple aerial drones with spotlights are scanning the area. Pr0 immediately severs the robot's connection and runs to hide.
* Seb and Eve are greeted by the same robot, asking that if they were to sign up themselves, they would receive excellent benefits. Much to their shock, a small "Help" breaks through the robot's voice. Eve asks it how it needs help. It returns back to its advertisement form.
* Seb, having enough of this, shouts "Andromeda" at the top of his lungs trying to get his attention. Seb thanks him for all he and his people have given them, but askes for one more thing. Passage. Andromeda asks to strike a deal. If they're willing to partake in the communion of flesh, they'll be one of them and will be able to travel freely through their tunnels.
* Seb enters a large, ornate building to the furthest back room. He asks if Seb is ready, and he nods. Andromeda reaches for a phone and calls a man to get them a large order from McDonalds.
* He turns to Seb and asks him if he truly believes any of this, being a bespoke. Seb obviously says no, and Andromeda relaxes, saying that there finally someone reasonable he can talk to. He explains that his dad set him up for life with this place.
* Andromeda explains that so long as they're willing to unload Eve's containments of the narcotics, that they'll grant them the passage they're after. After finalizing details of their plans, Andromeda asks Seb if he's down play some Fifa.
* After about two hours, the drones finally leave without spotting Pr0.

-YHT