Chapter Text
This was the closest thing to the Solution they'd gotten yet. The ability to leave their cans. Though processing power was significantly nerfed, at least they could do some real field research that wasn't from their Overseers. Unfortunately with the transfer of consciousness, the Overseers themselves were estranged, though this was anticipated. Were they still even Iterators anymore? The repetition of calculations and questions plagued one more than the others, pacing restlessly while muttering to himself. Sun had done him the favor of building his new vessel in their can, essentially saving him from the Rot. But his back still burns as if it was still there. It had been repeatedly confirmed that it wasn't present...why didn't the feeling go away?
"Pebbles." The familiar voice of his sister pulls him from his spiral. "You need rest. You've been pacing since the shelter closed." Moon's firm but gentle concern earns a sidelong look from him. "Moon, I'm fine." He answers blandly, it was second nature at this point. "I did not ask if you were fine. I said you need rest. Sit at the very least, will you?" She gestures to the spot next to her. "Fine." Pebbles answers simply and plops into a sit, pulling his knees to his chest and glaring at nothing in particular. The others were asleep, Sig and Sun were snuggled for warmth at Moon's opposite side, and Inno, who was unfortunately (for Pebbles) taken in with them and resting against the wall opposite to the entrance. They'd made peace, or so they thought, but with a lifespan as long as an Iterator's, that sourness had been stewing for a while. It wasn't the same. Trying to go back to the life it was like before Pebbles' attempt was as impossible as the Great Problem itself. He sighs into his arms folded over his knees. "What's bothering you, brother? You're more upset than usual." Her soft voice catches his attention again. "What now?" He asks rhetorically, "Where do we go from here when we can't even get past the Rubicon? Is it really progress if we work twice as slow because of a processing cut? Why did we do this knowing how harsh this environment is?-" He starts muttering to himself again, most of it unintelligible. "I..." Moon is at a loss. She wished she knew how to help him. How to make him feel better. How to answer all of his questions. But he had a point... "I don't know." She finally answers, knowing it wouldn't be good enough for him, but stating a truth despite it being unhelpful to Pebbles' plight. "I hate not knowing." He glares at the wall. "I know. We will figure it out-" "Like we figured out this bullshit 'solution'?" "Okay..." She puts her hands up in an attempt to calm him. "I know you're upset. I know you feel exposed. But just hear me out please-" "I'm going to sleep." He practically growls and lays on his side, still glaring at the wall. "...what am I going to do with you...?" She murmurs with a concerned glance in his direction. What could possibly make him feel better? Sure this saved him from the Rot, but he manages to find a way to hate everything... Where did I go wrong...? Moon closes her eyes and lays with the rest of her group. She was going to do her best... She had to. It is the duty of a Senior Iterator.