#This also gave me insane brainrot concerning Natlan so there's that xD

[screamingcrows]

Maybe reading this first thing in the morning was a mistake. HOW DO YOU ???? *shakes you*

Listen. I've thoroughly enjoyed this fic since the first chapter (and been afraid of how you'd wreck our hearts with it). Something about this chapter in particular feels different (in a good way). Somehow it manages to crank up both the emotional investment and tension.

There's also something to be said about Dottore saying in chapter six that "I experienced Death but without any of the lasting consequences." and stating that he doesn't regret transferring himself, yet he still makes certain that SysAdmin goes out to have human to human contact and as they say a 'final indulgence'...

I can't help but think about the choice being made for SysAdmin and seeing it as some kind of misguided kindness? Is it to erase those physical manifestations of yearning? Something a machine wouldn't be able to feel, at least not in the capacity we know, he shed the constraints of a mortal body, but his mind still remains. Sure, he doesn't feel yearning, but why does he reject a chemical analysis sample of a peach? Wouldn't it be a valuable thing to have and use for comparison to monitor crop health? Does he know that it wouldn't be the same as biting into one, and is reluctant to let himself experience that lack of yearning where it should be?

SysAdmin wondering if Omega's glove would feel the same on synthetic skin... Idk man, this entire plot is just gutwrenching and touches upon such exquisite themes. I would very much like to study your brain.

And all of this isn't even touching on the execution of the fic. I can't believe how much you've accomplished with relatively few words. It's absolutely wild and I can't properly comprehend the skill that must take..

If anyone bothered to read this comment; even if you don't like Dottore, I'd recommend reading this fic for the questions and dilemmas it presents.

Remnants of Ascension - VIII - PULSE

“An archive, then.” “In function but ultimately, this is an experiment in the expansion of human consciousness.” He paused. “You have doubts.” You had several.

Dottore/Gender Neutral Reader. Rated Mature. Tags to change. Available on AO3 only.