( there are multitudes of fireworks going off around his family’s home )

A very happy New Year’s Eve to everyone. ✨

⏳
I modified myself to gain the power I have now.
In the future, no one on Earth can defeat me.
⚙️

#MMRP #MVRP
⠀

No, I am sure your definition is sound. Their ‘inside joke’ is to never explain their humor to me.

If you would like to meet them, though, I will let them know.

So /that’s/ what it means! I was wracking my processor with attempts to decipher that!

The others keep calling this day “Christmas Adam”…

— He and his unit + Quint broke free of Wily’s control thanks to the group’s growing resentment towards him after the events of MM10.

a 3d model of a cartoon character with a skull on it ALT: a 3d model of a cartoon character with a skull on it

temp pin.

「 SURLEE, LOOK—

( Enker stands up straight again, listening intently to the other's words. Afterwards, he closes his eyes and nods slowly. )

I made a vow some time ago, that I would never harm Mega Man or his family members again. The least I can do for you - and all of them - is to refuse such a proposal.

// oh those are adorable!!

That's... a /horrendous/ design flaw, but indeed very advantageous for you, and self-defense /does/ seem warranted against that sort of threat.

Is that so? How dull... even /I/ can sense when something is amusing.

( And that's saying something, given how firm he's sounded so far. )

( He dips his head, perhaps in an apology. )

You are correct, then; I am not the one that can perform that task.

Perhaps that is cowardly of me... but at the same time, I cannot imagine what you have been through, and I offer my deepest sympathies.

( Enker nods. )

I assume your robots— the “cogs”— they follow none of these practices?

… You are implying the prevention of your creation, correct?

Would that not erase you from existence?

You… can if you like, but it is not a /firm/ rule. Other robots of my kind see the serial groups differently. It’s a matter of opinion.

( He stands firm. )

Pray tell, what do you have in mind?

It’s somewhat symbolic. They are listed under the same serial number category as I am; that essentially equates to a surname for us.

They mostly come from my more reckless linemates— er, siblings.

They have a higher sense of humor, as they’d word it, and less respect for their surroundings.

Still… if there is anything I can do to assist, please let me know.

Perhaps that is best. Foreknowledge of the future can sometimes be more harmful than helpful.

They’re… fine, I suppose? Sometimes I see a few /dangerous/ pranks from certain robots I know, but other than that they’re mostly harmless.

… what?

( He has to reprocess the question on his own before he can formulate a response. )

As in, practical jokes…?

( Slow blink. )

For all intents and purposes, just write down 34.

"Active" would be a more accurate term. I was first activated 34 years ago.

Are they, now? Intriguing.

And that is a complicated question, but I have been online for 34 years.

No, I was just admiring the pun; there are many scientists I know who share that quirk. My apologies, I am not... skilled at conversing.

( Hopefully that was a good enough save, otherwise he /will/ be chewed out if anyone finds out he broke this duck's spirits. )

That can't /really/ be your-- hrm. Never mind.

( He remembers a soft, familiar voice always telling him to 'be nice'. )

... It is nice to meet you, doctor.

Enker.

( He probably should have asked what notes the duck was going to take before agreeing to this. )

Might I ask yours?