#this goes for norkus too

[kidrunaway]

I don't understand how people think Markus wouldn't develop some sort of ptsd or atleast a few symptoms of it after the war happened. I hate it when people say he lived a good life in a mansion when he did NOT have a good life at all. He just had a "good owner." (I have a google document of me and @hamartia-grander talking about how Markus had suffered with Carl)

People overlook Markus' story way too much and make such stupid assumptions that make me want to rip my eyes out. But I won't be talking about this for now. I want to talk about how much of an emotional character Markus is, and how he would be like after war and how it could have potential fanfic writing.

Markus has gone through nothing but hell. We all know this. His story includes some lingering loneliness to it because it seems that everything he touches turns into poison or is dead. He clearly carries the guilt of his people/friends dying. The second after he deviates, it doesn't matter what choice you pick, he still ends up carrying the guilt of hurting someone. Having to be responsible of God knows how many people can be exhausting, and the rooftop scene with North clarifies how absolutely lost and helpless he feels. He was quick to accept Norths' love during that scene. it's unsurprising that he got with the first person to give him any kind of romantic attention because he's lost almost every positive relationship he's made (I'm not a norkus shipper and won't be one, I just want to give insight to people of how much he's hurting and how it's having an effect on himself.)

People still have the audacity to say he didn't suffer enough to justify being Jerichos leader. After he first was traumatized the second he hurt leo/Carl, had to go through the junkyard and was pretty much hyperventilating during that scene (Just a lovely reminder that his diagnostics program wasn’t working either so he knew it was bad but didn’t know what‘s wrong or how long he had left), and he kept getting more and more traumatized throughout his story. You can see how numb he becomes. Compared to when he first deviates where he's crying and is stressed, to seeing his friends die, he does nothing but sigh because at this point, he's had enough. Now that's just upsetting. He's grown so used to seeing people die around him. That doesn't mean it doesn't hurt him. It still absolutely does. He just shoves it down.

What happens to him after everything is over is now just a bunch of headcanons, but I like to think he still has this instinct of always wanting to protect his friends. He can't let his guard down. The second he hears a loud noise, he goes to investigate it. He doesn't sleep anymore, and even if he does, he twitches in his sleep and sometimes even wakes himself up (I like to think they're small internal electrocutions). He cannot open up properly. He randomly gets flashbacks about everything that has happened to him and pauses with whatever task he's currently doing. It passes by like a short film and disappears just like that, leaving Markus upset. It's like a reminder of what happened to him.

I've been thinking about writing a simarkus fic about Markus opening up and breaking down. I've seen endless fanart and stories of Simon doing that, but never Markus. So I want to turn that around. I want Markus to be a little more soft. I want to write about how he should know that he's allowed to let his guard down and can be soft.

[starfruit-baby]

as in he was programmed to be revolution leader, and hes not really deviant at all?

because im not an expert, but my general opinion as a Markus liker is that in game, when he shows up in Jericho at first they take him as any other deviant without anywhere else to go, but they only start developing any sort of feeling about him once he decides to take any action whatsoever (in this case, admiration because he wants to do something risky for their greater good, which is heal and maintain the androids there so they dont go out in hopeless deaths), and i personally take his call to action as something he wants to do more than something that hes just doing for the sake of looking good and gathering good rep? and i take it that North showing visible frustration at being in a dead end place, someone else gathering courage for them to live a little better is admirable, but not necessarily romanceable? the whole idea seemed to be that Simon was mostly an overseer in a way, they hand Markus the leadership because hes thinking plans for the sake of everyone but their role becomes pondering on the plans and the details as advisors?

i believe the game is kind of rushed in its build up of uh. honestly every part of it imho (as in all characters paths couldve taken more than what? the 5 or so days they have to do everything they do, but maybe thats just me), and this goes to the norkus romance too, but i am of the belief that North starts feeling something more because Markus passion and bravery matches hers, even through disagreements their overall goal is the same, and how i see it, this just culminates when his care starts showing for her specifically, but thats just my view of it

Ok, here we go...

Question for the DBH specialists and esp Markus stans.

Do y'all think Markus manipulated North into liking him (also gaining her trust in the process) and that also being kinda part of his program?

Why someone with a difficult past would engage in a romantical relationship with the newest guy on town just cuz she got finally heard (in a way)?

Listen, I know the script didn't have Marla as romantical interest. Actually Markus had a human romantic interest but they cut it and pasted the romance in Marla's character, becoming North. We all know it's terrible adapted and the bigger logical part is missed also cuz a relevant part of Markus dev was also cut, that's common sense.

But I'm curious. It's the released version, after all.

[angeryrobotredhead]

Look, you are allowed to feel any type of way towards any character, and I completely understand that North is not everyone’s type.

To some their Markus had a poor relationship with her and/or they found her to be too antagonistic or annoying. Others just aren’t interested in her personality. And that’s fine. We all consume media differently.

However, there’s some intolerance towards characters I won’t stand for, and unfortunately I’ve seen these views being too widely shared in dbh fanspaces so this is me calling them out (tw: mentions of sexual abuse):

1. Dismissing North’s trauma - Now whether you believe that North’s past is a justification for her views is a different argument, but if your opinion of her is “angry rape victim” or that she “wasn’t really raped” than that’s not acceptable. We know that she was sexually abused and that to her it felt like being violated. The trauma someone’s been through shouldn’t be up for debate just because you don’t like them as a person. And for the former statement - Is that really all you see her as? Labelling her identity around her trauma? Sorry, but if my only regular experiences with humans was gross men who only wanted to fuck me I’d be pretty angry too. This also goes for people who label her a “slut” or a “whore”. Slut-shaming anyone in the sex industry is just plain unacceptable.

2. The misogyny from mlm shippers - Look, you can ship Markus with whoever you like but the hostility towards North as a result is intolerable. If there’s a ship you don’t like don’t speak on it because I know many are only doing it to gaslight and get those interactions (looking at you TikTok crowd). Also with the nature of a game like this it’s fucking weird. You get to choose your own canon. Don’t like North? Okay, then let her die and not be around post-canon. Don’t like Norkus? Okay, well then have them stay platonic. Female characters do not “get in the way” of your ship, especially when North is far more to the story than a plot device/love interest.

3. Being weird to others - This one’s a bit of a difficult one to summarise but if you do have a particular dislike towards North, or any character, keep it to yourself or your lil corner of the fandom because I’ve seen some really unacceptable behaviour across different platforms, from sending nasty messages to fan artists, to bastardising North’s wikia page, to fanarts that make her the butt of a sexist joke, to even people speculating the jericrew cast’s interpersonal relationships irl. Like most of this crosses the line.

So yeah, constructive criticism of a character can be productive and create healthy and interesting discourse, but if your discourse becomes misogynistic or abusive/hostile towards real people it needs to be called the fuck out.

[my-name-is-markus-with-a-k]

For the headcanon meme thing, Markus ❤?

Wow, I'm sorry this took so goddamned long but here it is!

Favourite thing about them: Everything??? Can that be my answer? Uh, well I'm gonna go with his inner strength. Honestly he goes through so much, from having to rebuild himself from spare parts after being killed and tossed from the one place he called home to finding a bunch of androids who have resigned themselves to a life in the shadows and leading them to freedom.

Least favourite thing about them: Well, this kinda goes with hand-in-hand with my favourite thing about him, but how he feels like everything is his responsibility and his alone! He will take burden after burden after burden and won't stop to say 'hey, I'm just one fucking person!' But to be honest, I love this about him too.

Favourite line: Look, I'm not gonna choose just one because, well, I don't have that kind of self control-

"You're Connor, aren't you? That famous deviant Hunter. Well Congratulations, you seem to have found what you were looking for."

"I'd rather die than betray my people."

"You gave us life, now it's up to you to give us our freedom."

"At least I fought for us! At least if I die, I die free!"

"There is something inside me that knows, I am more than what they say. We are alive, and they're not gonna take that from me any more."

"I would do anything to roll back the clock. I had a home, a loving father. We were happy, I was happy and I didn't even know it."

brOTP: Markus and North, Markus and Hank (there's something about that dynamic I really, really like, mostly due to some great fanfic), and of course, Jericrew!

OTP: RK1K 100% Words can't describe how much I love them and their dynamic. I think they'd be absolutely perfect for each other. (Also, it's not really an OTP for me but I am really loving Norkus which is funny considering how I felt about them when I first joined this fandom)

nOTP: Markus with Leo, Carl, Perkins or Gavin. Yes, those are actually ships I've seen and yes I've been scarred for life. Leo and Carl for the obvious reasons, and Gavin and Perkins because WTF why would you do that to Markus??? Big no from me.

Random headcanon: Honestly, I live for the idea that Markus begins to break free of his Stoic Fearless Leader™ shell after the revolution. Like, it served him well in that crazy week when he couldn’t even stop to breathe, but afterwards, as others take some of the weight off his shoulders, he begins regaining that playful nature that previously only Carl had seen.

Unpopular opinion: Markus choosing Revolution is just as valid as him choosing Demonstration. Also, him choosing Revolution does not make him inherently violent. I see him as someone who very much doesn't like violence but will use it if he sees no other way.

Song(s) I associate with them:

Dig Down by Muse. It's about finding strength within yourself to face whatever is thrown at you. I mean-

When hope and love have been lost

And you fall to the ground

You must find a way

When the darkness descends

And you're told it's the end

You must find a way

When God decides to look the other way

And a clown takes the throne

We must find a way

Face the firing squad

Against all the odds

You will find a way

It's so, so Markus.

Also, ever see an edit so good that you instantly associate the song they used with a character? That was me with 'You'll never take me alive' by I Was The Lion. More for a Markus that chooses revolution, but yeah. Great song.

And 'Cruel World' by Phantogram for a Ruthless/Violent Markus (I don't really think of Markus as being this way tbh, but it definitely gets me into the head space where I can see it).

Favourite picture of them: I'm not going to be able to chose just one. Have you seen this ridiculously handsome android? So here have a collection of my favourite screenshots of him.

I love him sm.

Thanks for this ask!!! I love talking about my boy 💙

[doctorslippery]

As you enter the Salty Swordfish Tavern, the air is filled with hushed whispers and the chatter of sailors and cutthroats. Roll a D20 to determine which rumor you overhear...

1-2: 'Ey, did you hear about poor old Tom Gobbard, the fisherman? Apparently he was out fishin’ a fortnight ago, and he reeled in something that…wasn’t a fish. He’s over there in the corner, still gibbering uncontrollably, if ye’ want to ask him about it.

3-4: I have it on good authority that a mysterious ship pulled into harbor just five days ago. Apparently, there’s not a living soul onboard. The captain and crew have simply vanished. The town watch investigated, and the entire ship was empty…except for a rather large box in the cargo hold. The ship is still sitting in the harbor. No one’s been brave enough to open the box.

5-6: Did you hear that Captain Norkus died just last week? It’s true! Word is that he tripped on his own deck and snapped his neck. His family paid a LOT of money to have him resurrected, and they’re trying to keep it a secret. It’s just…ever since he was raised from the dead he’s been…different. It’s hard to put your finger on it, but he's definitely been givin' ME the creeps.

7-8: Sit back, lad, I’ve got a story for you. Back in my youth, I sailed on a trader’s ship. We got blown off course, and made land on a green island, lush with vines and fruit trees. We thought we’d load up on fruit for the journey, but it wasn’t long before the island…started moving. We rushed back to the ship and I’ve never found the isle since.

9-10: You want to speak of strange isles? Well, when I was a lad my crew and I found a rocky isle many miles north. It was a tiny isle, lonely and bare, save for a solitary, black tower. We considered exploring the tower, but thought better of it when the sun went down and the tower began to…sing. We loved our lives, so we boarded the ship and fled!

11-12: The ghost ship is real, I’ve seen it! Head northwest of here, and, if the moon is full, you’ll see a glowing, purple pirate ship with ragged sails, floating just a mile’s distance away. No matter how close you sail, the ghost ship stays just out of reach…

13-14: You want to hear something funny? There’s a tiny town on the east coast where everyone has the same name! I mean it, EVERYONE. The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker, everyone in town goes by the name ‘Goxus.’ Come to think of it, they all speak with the same sort of…distracted tone of voice, too. Kind of odd, now that I think of it. Anyway, they’ve never cheated me so I suppose I’ll keep doin’ business with ‘em.

15-16: Yes, this is Wicker the Parrot. I found him perched outside my window this morning. Can’t understand why his tail feathers have gone white, though…and where’s his master? This parrot used to talk nonstop, but now he only repeats one phrase… “Stay away from the Weeping Pool.” What do y’think that means?

17-18: There’s a fishing village to the west where they don’t seem to like strangers, much. I was lost and needed an inn, so I convinced them to let me stay the evening. I wish I’d have just moved on. One evening, late at night, I awoke to the sound of soft chanting outside my window. I pulled back the curtain and saw everyone in town down by the shore, holding an infant high in the air. As I watched, three ugly, blue-skinned women climbed out of the sea and onto the land. I closed the curtain and went back to bed. Wouldn’t recommend staying there!

19-20: If you’re sailing off to the west, keep an eye out. I’ve been hearing reports that there’s a big black storm brewing off the western coast. Strange thing, though, is that the storm has been building for several days, and the black clouds won’t blow away. Even stranger…some folks have been sayin’ that if you look at the black storm clouds just right, they look like faces…

[themasterofcider]

Reasons to Ship Markus & North (Marth/Norkus) 4.1

Markus Reawakened North's Fire

The very first encounter with North introduces Markus and the audience to a guarded - almost - stoic individual. When the future android leader is lightly debating freedom with Josh and Simon, North is standing with her side facing him. Unlike the the other would-be advisors she appears much less welcoming. She even looks away from him a time or two. She is cautious about this stranger, and rightfully so. I would like to note that this is one of the few times where she's in a scene with the Jericho leaders and doesn't have that many lines. We all know North says what’s on her mind, so for her to be so silent she must be feeling extremely wary. Even the topic of liberty doesn't get her to speak up. It tells us all where she is mentally. Fighting back is likely a pipe dream to her. She just wants to survive even if that means sitting in darkness within an ancient ship. To her credit she does tell him to see Lucy about his wounds, which can be interpreted in different ways. You could argue that he moved her enough to approach him and tell him to get help, but I don't think that is the case. I think she is exhibiting the tiniest of glimpses into her true protective nature. She sees a lost, wounded android who is shocked about the realities of Jericho.  He also talks of grandiose ideas. I think she just wants to help another one of her people out in the best way she can.

Their first one-on-one conversation (while optional) also emphasizes her defeated, survivalist mentality. She's sitting on a crate, casually throwing a tennis ball, until Markus curiously approaches her. He begins asking her a series of questions, and her responses are curt but brutally honest. Even now she hardly looks at him. She gives Markus these side-eyes or glances. North doesn't really even stop throwing her tennis ball throughout the majority of the interaction. She only turns her head and stops tossing the sphere when the game wants you to end the interaction. Or you if anger her by being a little too personable. I also think it's important that we point out the topics of the conversation and her reactions. They are talking about wounded androids, humans, and the past. Here are some of her very telling quotes: “When I escaped I had nowhere else to go. Jericho seemed as good a place as any.” As well as “that's how the humans treat those who disobey.” And even “Nobody knows anymore. Whoever he was, his body’s probably lying somewhere on this boat.” Finally “If you came here for comfort, you came to the wrong place.” None of this is the pumped, driven diction of a revolutionary. She has this “Life sucks, humans suck, and Jericho ain’t great, but what can we do” attitude that is far from who a large part of the fandom accuses as murderous. At this point she has no reason to be. Nothing and no one has given her the belief that things could potentially be better.

We see the first real change in her when Markus announces his plan to steal from the Cyberlife warehouse. Simon and Josh are hesitant, but North is immediately ready. She is the first one to support this risky plan. Despite her uninspired reaction, this is the point where she began to think this newcomer with a unique way of viewing the world may actually be onto something. She isn't fully convinced yet, but she's definitely willing to try if it helps her people.

During the heist at the Cyberlife warehouse we see something very interesting. North is in the lead. True this was Markus’ idea, but North is not only the first android in that scene, she's the one guiding them. North is constantly giving out directions. Some of my favorite lines of hers are “watch out!” In the moment she used her arm to prevent Markus from being spotted by security. There was also “I’ll find another way.” When Josh got a little nervous. Finally “first we have to get rid of that drone.” The reason I like these so much is because it shows North’s protective nature really coming through as well as her leadership potential. If she sees one of her people frightened, she changes plans to make them comfortable, if she sees them about to run into danger she stops them, if she sees an obstacle she thinks before reacting, and if she notices anyone is lagging behind she calls out to them. North takes charge but isn't pushy or mean at all in this scene. She does it to protect them, and the others know it. The chapter continues on with North observing Markus do a takedown of a drone and congratulating him for it. She also walks over to him and stares in awe if Markus frees the three androids in the crate. Upon hearing about the truck full of spare parts she immediately wants to get it. She expresses this in a manner that's way more animated than she's been so far. Should Markus agree to get the key for the truck, she jumps up to go with him, but he convinces her to stay behind. Once again she just stares at him in what seems to be surprise. When he returns her energy is still high, and when she sees his success she is relieved as well as impressed. So much so that she rides shotgun with Markus. The reason I point these out is to show how she's changing. Even in just the course of this scene. She went from stoic, to controlled excitement. Much of this is brought on by Markus’ actions. She's never met anyone who talks or thinks like him. Witnessing that he can be successful going against the humans to protect their people awakened something in her. She realized that action could be taken, especially with this guy around. Returning back to Jericho she even gives him most of the credit. She may have led the expedition, but without him they would not have been successful.

The Stratford Tower mission sees North rendezvous with Markus first. They get into a maintenance room and the two gently give each other orders. North is definitely amped up given the way she tells him to check the door. Working together the manage to secure the lift, and she playfully quips “ladies first” before they scale the building. It's a far cry from how she started. If this was to go wrong they wouldn't get another chance. Despite the risks she's feeling confident enough to joke around with him. She must really believe that everything was going to work out, given how serious she has been up until now. In turn, this means she really believes in Markus’ judgment. For a woman who was all about survival and protecting others it says the level of trust as well as hope she has if she's willing to put her life in someone else’s hands in order for them to protect her. Breaking into the upper floor, North is once again all business. In a way that amuses me, she seems slightly offended that Markus asked if she was alright. The Jericho squad makes their way into the recording studio, and North approaches Markus. She looks into his eyes as she speaks softly about his words determining the fate of their people. Even as she backs away, she doesn't tear her gaze away. It's very different to how she was in their first conversation. It also goes back to her trusting someone enough to be their responsibility. She's slowly opening up and being inspired. Before the four jump to their escape she says “Congratulations Markus, you just made history. Maybe you're the one we've been waiting for.” Not only does that pierce my shipper heart, but it's extremely telling where North is now. She's happy, she's hopeful, she's motivated, and she knows there's more to come with this guy at her side.

The next scene she's in has the leaders discussing their next move. Depending on your playthrough (as it was on mine) this is the first time North truly shows her side as a revolutionary. Thanks to the success of the broadcast she's feeling emboldened and is beyond ready to take action. She doesn't believe humans can be reasoned with and actually raises her voice to argue with Josh that there's nothing wrong with killing for their cause. More so since humans didn't really have mercy for them, and she's not wrong about that. Simon mediates, and she looks to Markus to make the decision. We know she can take command if she wants, but she allows Markus to do so instead. This is because she's alive enough to trust him.

The start of the Cyberlife store liberation sees Marth/Norkus working together. They climb out of the sewer and begin making their way towards the street. North is feeling good. It's clear in the way she checks over her shoulder that Markus is still with her and when she pauses by the fence to look at him, smile, then say that she's been waiting for a moment like this. She's showing emotion, looking at someone who she now considers a friend, and is feeling excited. She actually gets to free androids in order to prevent them from being abused by humans. If Markus hadn't have shown up, she wouldn't have been moved to realize such a dream. When a patrol car comes by she shows concern for him in a way that's more than just one of her charges. She shouts quite passionately for them to take cover and even let's him know when the cops are gone. The pair run over to the store and stare at their people standing obediently on display. Feeling disgusted North turns to Markus, and urges him to free them. Two things here. Being so close to to rescuing them she is ready to forego the plan in her enthusiasm. Something that is quite different from what we've seen of her in the past. She's a tough woman, but was always controlled. Not now. The next is that she's looking at Markus when she does this. He's the grand motivator, and in staring at him she is seeking an optimistic confirmation. Markus gently reminds her about there being an actual plan, and they get to work. The North we see here is actually a blend of the one at the warehouse and the one at the tower. She's willing to be a team player by listening, but is still being a watchful caller. She gives encouragement, warnings, and even jokes around as they ready themselves for the break out. She watches as Markus makes androids deviate and pulls of a few stunts, never taking her eyes off him. By the time they get to the truck she's still very excited. Again we see instances her being jocular in a serious situation. She wasn't like this earlier in the game, but with Markus by her side she's confident enough to let her guard down and be happy. Her energy tanks a bit when she sees her model on display, which is understandable. After all the androids deviate Markus makes his speech, and her eyes never leave him. His words swayed complete strangers to join him. There's no doubt his confident words and promises of equality shook her to her very core. They're the same ideals that made her want to raid the Cyberlife warehouse, and they still have the same sway now. It's a rallying cry to rise up, and North is ready to join him. So unpredictable is he that North has to ask what Markus is doing before he vandalizes the park. When she realizes what's going on she stands by his side as his second in command. If he needs another pair of hands, she's right there with him. She gives the awakened androids the tools they need to follow Markus. She'll help him push or turn over cars, chuck a cinderblock through a bus stop, and even gives you a futuristic Molotov cocktail. My favorite is when they scale a building together to display the symbol of the revolution. It embodies how much North is loving this moment. She's standing above it all, watching as her people fight back. Basking in justice being served through vengeance. What's more, she has her inspirational buddy (and future lover) by her side. They look at each other and smile. There's no doubt that North was riding this high throughout the entire scene. They're fighting, they're winning, and change is coming. North's revolutionary spirit is not only awake but soaring, and it's here to stay. This can seen in her reaction when the cops show up. She either wants you to be more aggressive or is glad that they'll be feared as it is a change. By this point North will not be stopped in her quest for equality. After the police shoot down several unarmed androids, North is crying. She's seen her model die. In essence, seen herself die, and it hits her extremely hard. It should come as no surprise that the camera pans to North as she watches you decide the fate of her people's killers. Will you be a fighter like her? Or will you let murderers walk away? She's actualized now, and this is a pivotal moment for her. I've never been hidden about my pro-revolution stand, and I'm not now. I killed those cops, cementing my relationship with North and validating her as a soldier.

We meet our favorite couple on the roof of an abandoned building. Markus had gone somewhere quiet to regroup. Noticing her leader missing, North manages to track him down. By this point Markus is synonymous with hope, trust, change, and justice for any android he meets. This is no different for North. He had come to Jericho looking for all the things he became. It is rather interesting that North, who didn't even have the interest to look him in the eye now seeks him out. He represents a lot to everyone, and with all his kindness and unique mind it is no surprise that North actually likes him as a person now. She has for a while, but this is a particularly obvious instance. This whole moment is about acknowledging emotion and growing comfortable enough to share it with another. We’ve seen her lead and throw out a playful jab quite frequently, but being so gentle and open is very new for North. She tells him she likes his pensive spot and even goes there frequently herself. She talks softly about their accomplishments but stops when she notices Markus is even more thoughtful than usual. Even briefly talking business she still has a very calm, comforting tone. Based on what we know about the androids in the game. We are aware that they don't typically talk about where they came from very often. This means that what North does by asking about Markus’ past is bold and requires a lot of trust. Especially if you think back to how she was in their first discussion. She was absolutely disgusted that Markus had the audacity to ask her about her past. Now she goes on to do the same. She also knows this could open the door to him doing this as well. My how times have changed! Markus does in fact ask her about her previous life. She's guarded but appreciates that he actually cares about her enough to ask. It takes a moment, but she eventually does talk about it. The memory hurts so much she starts to cry, initially regretting the confession. Of course Markus goes to comfort her using their android connection by pressing their palms together. North doesn't act angry or disgusted. Instead she holds his gaze in shock and awe as they share memories. This moment is so powerful for them that they are now a couple. It ends up being too much for her, and she runs away. Markus not only gave her hope he also caused her to confront past emotions and experience new ones. If he hadn't arrived she would likely still be stoically chucking a tennis ball against a wall. Instead she is ever slowly becoming more human.

If you're interested in seeing 1-3 of my Marth/Norkus analyses click the link below:

http://themasterofcider.tumblr.com/tagged/reasons-to-ship-marth

[bazwillendinflames]

Day 7: North losing Markus or Markus losing North (for norkus november by @markusandnorth )

 Read on Ao3! 

‘tell me, is something wrong?

if something’s wrong

you can count on me.

you know i’ll take my heart clean apart,

if it helps yours beat’

  There had been gunfire and panic and shut down alerts. He had been dying.

North had been there, by his side, like she always was, pulling him somewhere safe.

“Our hearts are compatible.” She was looking down at her torso, not at him. Pulling off the buttons. “You have to take mine.”

The thought had filled him with more fear than the slowly ticking countdown.

“I can’t let you do that!”

“Markus?” Josh called, darting between the rest of the androids in the makeshift hospital. “There you are. We were worried that…” his voice trailed off, spotting the young woman lying on the ground between them. “Oh. You were with her.”

“We won.” His voice was unsteady with all the feelings he was never supposed to have. Now, he was starting to wish he didn’t. “We won and she never got to see it.”

Josh stroked her hair. “We were all willing to die for our cause.”

“But why did it have to be her? Why did I have to be so selfish?”

  She was crying. Why was she crying? Because she knew he’d accept her final gift or because she was scared of losing him?

“It’s the only way.”

 “North loved you. She wanted you to live and see our new world.”

“I didn’t want to have to see it without her by my side.” Markus turned away, as if he couldn’t stand to see her lifeless body any more.

“We can honour her memory-“

“I’m going to check the list of the biocomponents Connor brought us.”

Josh followed him anxiously. “Is that a good idea?”

“It’s always worth a try.”

Josh sighed. “But-“

“Please,” Markus pleaded, “I have led us to freedom. Let me have one thing. Let me have her. ”

  “If you love me, take my heart.”

Markus knew she was right. The humans wouldn’t listen to anyone else. But at such a cost?

“Freedom or death,” she reminded him, “there can’t be one without another.”

She was still crying. He wiped her cheeks and felt a few tears of his own escape.

“Forgive me, my love.”

 There was a crate full of replacement thirium pumps. But Josh still was hesitant. He had seen a lot of androids shut down at Jericho. He knew which parts were more easy to replace.

“Markus, the chances of this being a success range between fifteen and twenty-four percent.”

“At least she has a chance.”

“I just think it’ll leave you heartbroken.”

Markus paused where he was gathering supplies. “I already am.”

  He had taken her heart. North’s heart meant the red alerts vanished and apart from low thirium levels, he was okay. He would live.

North wouldn’t.

“My heart is beating inside your chest. I’ll always be with you.”

Markus had connected their hands a final time. North’s emotions weren’t an intense tidal wave like usual, but a stream of fear and glad he was safe and love.

He leaned forward to kiss her, holding onto to the brief distraction from the fighting.

He felt the connection break as her skin moved to cover her hand and the light dimmed.

“I’m sorry. I love you.”

North’s eyes stared back, unseeing, unhearing, bright till the end.

He closed them.

 The thirium pump beat irregularly but it was enough to wake her up.

“Against the odds, that’s my girl.”

“Markus?” her voice was like a stiff whisper. “I- what happened?”

“It was only partially successful,” Josh warned, “she’s back online but the cold and the other wounds means she has approximately four minutes and twenty seconds.”

“And then?”

“Permanent shut down.” Josh looked down at his old friend. “North you were… so brave. We didn’t always see eye to eye. But I’m glad I met you.”

“Josh?” North’s voice was a harsh croak.

“I’ll leave you two in peace.”

She pushed herself up to a sitting position shakily. “Markus? What happened?”

“We won,” he told her proudly, “because of you.”

“You’re the great leader. All I did was-“ she gasped, remembering, clutching her chest. “But I- Markus tell me you didn’t give it back!”

“No. I found a new one.”

North closed her eyes, presumably checking her internal systems for damage and coming back with a hefty report. “Not working.”

“I’m sorry. I tried- I had to try.”

She reached out for his hand and held on. “Why would you do that to yourself?”

“Because I couldn’t bare to lose you.”

  Markus knew there was a fight waiting for him. But first, he lay North down, protected by a barrier, crossed her arms, kissed her a final time.

“Freedom or death.”

He picked up his gun.

“I’ll win this for you,” he promised.

 “The war is not over yet. We must keep fighting. Don’t let the bastards get you down.” North leant her head on his shoulder. “Led our people. Led them-“

“I will. I will fight for our kind.”

She clutched her chest, expression pained. “Keep fighting for me.”

“I love you,” he told her.

“I know. I love-“ North winced, “I know. I love- I know. I love-“

“North?”

She kept repeating the phrase, her voice becoming more and more metallic. Hand still sprayed over her chest.

It was hurting her. The heart he’d tried to replace was hurting her.

“I know. I love- I know. I lo-“ her voice cut out completely as Markus pulled the faulty thirium pump from her chest.

North’s body fell backwards, eyes closing.

She looked peaceful.

“I love you too,” he finished what she couldn’t say back to him.  

He kissed her forward and stepped away.

“Markus? You should still have thirty sec-“ Josh stopped, seeing his expression.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m going to the roof. But when I’m back, I’ll know what to do next.”

Markus spared a final glance to his fallen lover.

“The fight goes on.”

  ‘i just want to build you up,

build you up

’til you’re good as new

and maybe one day i will get around to fixing myself too’

LISTEN TO SONG HERE

[nauseateddrive]

PROFILING by Alan Swyer

Pre-meeting chit-chat was about to give way to serious shop talk in a Burbank office at the NBC Studio when suddenly there was a knock on the door. The four men gathered together turned as in stepped an apologetic assistant named Ginger.

“Sorry, Mr. Young,” she said to the silver-haired man presiding, “but there’s an urgent call for Mr. Lerner.”

Mike Lerner excused himself, then followed Ginger into the hall. “It’s your wife,” she informed him. “She asked you to call ASAP.”

Pulling out his iPhone, Lerner wandered down the hall to a quiet spot from which he could gaze at the San Fernando Mountains. “Know how I’m always telling you not to make trouble?” asked his wife Julie when she answered on first ring.

“Yeah.”

“Now it’s time to make trouble.”

“Because?”

“Our son and his friend Lonnie are accused of shoplifting.”

“Holy shit!”

“My words exactly,” replied Julie.

“Where?”

“The Best Buy in West L.A.”

Lerner’s drive west on the Ventura Freeway, then south on the 405, was a balancing act between trying to set speed records while not being nailed by the Highway Patrol. Yet as fast as his Audi was racing, his mind was going faster, and not because he’d walked out on the heads of the News Division.

Though Lerner’s son had inherited many of his own traits – among them a taste for pranks, plus a healthy disdain for authority – neither Jake nor his friend Lonnie was a candidate for serious trouble.

Despite a need to keep a cool head, Lerner found both his blood pressure and ire skyrocketing as he wove in and out of lanes, then at last exited the freeway to enter the Best Buy parking lot. Into the megastore Lerner strode like a man possessed, accosting a security guard who led him to what seemed like a holding pen. There, two fourteen-year-olds whose lips were quivering – Jake and Lonnie – stood under the disapproving gaze of the manager, whose name tag read C. Norkus, and the assistant manager, N. Martinez.

“I’m Mike Lerner,” he announced before addressing Jake and Lonnie, who were standing balefully in the corner. “Have a seat, kids,” he told them.

“They’ll sit when I tell ‘em to,” snarled Norkus.

“Bullshit!” Lerner exclaimed decisively, giving each of the boys a hug before ushering them toward chairs.

“What in hell is going on?” Lerner then demanded of the two managers.

“I don’t like your tone,” Norkus retorted huffily.

“If you’re trying to put me on the defensive,” replied Lerner, “you’ve got the wrong guy.”

“Want us to call the police?” snarled Martinez, coming to his boss’s assistance.

“That a threat?” asked Lerner, pulling out his iPhone. “I’ll do it for you, to let ‘em know two really nice kids – one white, the other black – are being held captive.”

“Race has nothing to do with this,” insisted Martinez.

“Says who?” insisted Lerner.

“Plus,” snapped Norkus, “you don’t even know what happened.”

“Because you two geniuses haven’t given me an explanation.”

“You can’t talk to us like that!” sneered Martinez.

“I just did. Now you going to explain, or do I call the cops?”

“We found the kids stealing tons of stuff.” offered Norkus.

“PlayStation 5, burner phones, batteries –” added Martinez.

“And where exactly was this?” demanded Lerner.

“In the store,” was Norkus’s answer.

“Not on the moon?” replied Lerner.

“That’s not funny,” sneered Martinez.

“Do I sound like I’m being funny?” Lerner shot back. “What exactly put it in your heads that these two nice kids were shoplifting?”

“We have our methods,” answered Norkus defensively.

“Before they’ve even gotten to the checkout?” wondered Lerner.

“You bet!” shouted Martinez.

“Did you see them sticking big boxes under their shirts? Or into their pants?”

“Not the point,” insisted Norkus.

“How about footage?” asked Lerner. “Got that?”

“Like I said,” snarled Norkus. “We’ve got out methods.”

Lerner studied the two employees dubiously. “Know what your methods sound like?”

“I bet you’re gonna tell us,” said Norkus.

“Ever heard of racial profiling?” stated Lerner.

“You calling us racists?” bellowed Norkus, his face turning bright red, causing Jake Lerner to elbow his buddy Lonnie.

“Your actions are the answer,” Lerner avowed. “So tell me, since you’re so damn smart. Any idea what I do for a living?”

“Bet you’re gonna say you’re a lawyer,” grumbled Martinez.

“To my mother’s chagrin, no. But for you clowns, what I do is worse.”

“Why?” mustered Norkus, his self-importance having seriously diminished.

“Because I make documentaries. Ever heard of NBC?”

“Who do you think we are?” asked Martinez, feigning hurt feelings.

“Sure you want an answer? Right now, I’m doing one for ‘em about the breakthroughs in the treatment of diabetes. Pretty good soapbox, huh? But know why that’s different from what I

usually do?”

“Why?” mumbled Norkus.

“Because most of the time I’m a muckraker. Since that word’s probably above your pay grade,

I’ll explain. I expose dirt, scandals, and wrongdoing.”

“H-how do we know that’s true?” stammered Norkus.

“Google me. But know what? To keep other kids from being subjected to bigotry –”

“Bigotry?” yelled an incensed Norkus.

“I think I’ll reach out to someone who’ll be pretty interested. Want to guess who?”

“I’m sure you’ll tell us,” groused Martinez.

“Ever heard of Jesse Jackson?”

Fuming, Norkus paced back and forth before pointing a finger at Lerner. “How do I know

you’re not talking through your goddamn hat?”

Lerner smiled icily. “Here’s the fun part. You don’t. Maybe I’m just bluffing,” he said, turning

toward Jake and Lonnie. “Right, guys?”

Despite the way their mistreatment, both teenagers managed a laugh. Then Lerner once again

faced Norkus and Martinez. “Here’s the scoop. If I’m making it up, everything I’ve said falls

apart. Right?”

The two managers nodded.

“But if it’s true,” Lerner continued, “let’s examine the consequences. First, I’d say the two of you will be out of a job, with a black mark against you in perpetuity.” Once more, Lerner turned to Jake and Lonnie. “Right, guys?”

After watching both kids nod vigorously, Lerner again addressed the management team. “Then there’s the fact that these two kids will likely own this store.”

“You trying to shake us down?” demanded Martinez.

Lerner glared. “Extortion’s a serious charge, buddy boy.”

“I ain’t your goddamn buddy!”

“No shit!” countered Lerner, drawing chuckles from Jake and Lonnie. “Tell you what. Since

you two like to play tough guy, let’s see what you’re made of. Willing to bet on who I am, or what I claim to be? Willing to risk your livelihood, your reputations, and your careers?”

No response was forthcoming as Norkus and Martinez remained mute.

“What happened to the bravado?” asked Lerner, rubbing in it. “Where’s the macho show and the swagger?”

Norkus and Martinez exchanged glances, then the manager spoke. “Why,” he asked softly, “are you making such a goddamn big deal out of this?”

“I could say,” answered Lerner, “I’m offended that you pulled this on two really nice kids. I can add that I like to see justice prevail. But there’s also a third reason. Ready?”

Both Norkus and Martinez shrugged.

“If it happens to them, and nothing’s done, it’d keep happening to others. Most of those kids won’t have someone like me on their side. What’s that mean? More and more racism.”

“I resent that!” snapped Martinez.

“Tough shit!” was Lerner’s rejoinder. “Letting the world know what goes on here would be a public service.”

Lerner studied the two crestfallen managers, then spoke again. “So what’s the verdict, guys?”

Forty minutes later, three people emerged from the store, their arms laden with PlayStations, cell phones, and other electronics.

“Thanks, Mr. Lerner,” said a grateful Lonnie.

“You were great, dad,” added a beaming Jake.

“So what did you guys learn,” asked Lerner once the acquisitions were placed in the trunk, and all of them were seated in his Audi.

“Stick up for yourself?” ventured Jake.

Lerner nodded. “And?”

“Tell us,” said Lonnie.

“Never let the turkeys get you down. And know what? There are far too many turkeys in this world.”

Lerner started the car and headed toward the exit, then turned suddenly toward Lonnie. “Your mom’s a churchgoer, right?”

“Every Sunday,” said Lonnie.

“Don’t tell her, but there’s something you ought to know. Ready?”

“You bet.”

“Despite what it says in the Bible, the meek don’t always inherit the earth.”

Alan Swyer is an award-winning filmmaker whose recent documentaries have dealt with Eastern spirituality in the Western world, the criminal justice system, diabetes, boxing, and singer Billy Vera. In the realm of music, among his productions is an album of Ray Charles love songs. His novel 'The Beard' was recently published by Harvard Square Editions.

[tiltingground]

Podcast: Untitled Notre Dame USC Football Podcast - Episode 6.20 Instant Alabama Postgame Reaction

Podcast: Untitled Notre Dame USC Football Podcast – Episode 6.20 Instant Alabama Postgame Reaction

The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoffs. While the game is still fresh, Greg is joined by fellow Notre Dame fan Tim Norkus to talk about the loss to Alabama, mistakes by the coaching staff, the talent gap, and where the program goes from here. They aren’t too sad, because this is not a new thing, unfortunately. Email your listener…

[themasterofcider]

Reasons to Ship Markus & North (Marth/Norkus) 03.1

They're Attached at the Hip

Almost from the moment Markus arrives at Jericho he and North seem to gravitate to each other. While it's true he shows affiliations and bonds with all his advisors/generals (North, Simon, Josh, and Lucy respectively), he and North share a special relationship. They spend the most time together regardless of which route you take (Pacifist, Violent, or Neutral), and almost never leave each other's side. This could be for many reasons. Such as them being selfless, natural born (made?) leaders, driven, unapologetically devoted to rights for their people, innate comfort or trust, or just plain physical attraction. Some of these I've already discussed (others I plan to), so let's delve into the moments of them together. (AKA: Strap in y'all cause this is gonna be a long one)

Let's begin at the raid on the Cyberlife warehouse, shall we? While they're running towards the building we hear North calling Markus over to her. I'm not quite sure why she wants this newcomer at her side, but she does. Of course, the player doesn't have to follow her. The fact that she insists we do says something about her want for him to be near her. We also see that she protects him from detection using her arm as a block. The devs could have easily given that role to Simon or Josh, but they did not. Proof that even then they're sowing the seeds of a relationship. Jumping ahead a bit we get to Markus having the option to steal a key to get a truckload of biocomponents and blue blood. If you choose to go through with the plan, North eagerly volunteers to join him. When he succeeds she even rides shotgun with him. Again we see this dynamic very early of them wanting to be beside each other all the time. It's interesting and pretty sweet. I do wonder why North wants to be around him this soon. Perhaps it's admiration or that she lowkey liked him already.

Next is the Stratford Tower broadcast. When Markus hatches a plan Simon and Josh hesitate, North doesn't. She's ready to roll with him whenever. Markus just needs to give the word. This goes briefly back to my last point of her probably already being into or at least in awe of him. During their break in (probably not the right word, but "heist" and "invasion" don't fit either) the first one Markus meets up with is North. He made this plan, so he could've chosen anyone else, but he wanted to work most closely with her. Even the game confirms this should you delve into the extras menu. It says Markus knew "there was only one woman for the job." He likely picks her for these reasons: she's down to ride for the sake of her people regardless of the consequences, she's another leader (see my Reasons to Ship 02 post), and maybe he admires her and likes her in the same way I think she does to him. I mean he checks on her after they scale the building before anything else, and if you as a player make any lapse in judgment she picks up the slack immediately, but I digress.

There's also the scene where they liberate androids from the Detroit Cyberlife stores. We learn from Markus that he's divided the groups into teams to get the job done. Guess who he picks to go with him? North. As the boss he could choose anyone he wants, and he wants her. During the mission they stick together like glue with North providing much needed backup. She even remarks "What would you do without me?" It's a good question. What would he do without her? Probably be lonelier and lose the person who's essentially his partner in crime. We also see North riding shotgun once again when he steals the truck to break through the glass. I'm starting to think she likes it when he drives, but that's just me. Once the androids are freed we have an option to vandalize the park. Should you be more violent there are some nice Marth/Norkus moments in here. If you choose to destroy the bus stop, Markus struggles a bit until North strolls up from nowhere and chucks a cinderblock through it with a little smirk on her face. There's them working together to push or knock over cars. We also have them scaling the wall to put the revolution symbol on the side of the building. Its a moment that I really enjoy, because I think it fits their characters and their relationship ridiculously well. The two are standing above everyone, watching their dreams of freedom come to reality. It's like they're basking in the moment. They do this mostly in silence as too, which is pretty cool. The king and queen of the revolution staring down at their subjects is a powerful image in my opinion. When all of that is done the cops show up, and the androids flee. Marth/Norkus have a brief dialogue until she leaves him to catch up with the others. Upon hearing gunshots Markus runs to see what happened. There are the bodies of his people lying on the ground, but he hardly glances at those. He makes a beeline right for North. He doesn't check on the fallen, doesn't go to the mass of where the rest of the androids are. North appears to be his first priority. Pretty impressive, since this is one of the few times Markus puts his own emotional needs first. If this doesn't validate North's statement I don't know what will. He'd be lost without his right hand woman.

We then have their iconic rooftop scene. This moment probably doesn't need much more explanation, but we're here to overanalyze (and it's precious af, how can we not spaz?) Markus clearly went there to be alone and gather his thoughts, but North shows up. She admits she was looking for him. It's really cute, especially since they've only known each other for a day or two. She likes him so much she can't stand to have him out of her sight even for a moment. I know you can be more distant with her, but I don't believe you can directly push her away (correct me if I'm wrong.) This in itself is extremely telling from a writing perspective as well. Based on everything else we've seen, you're meant to be in the camp of this couple and  totally on board with their relationship. Anyhow, Markus allows North into his space, and the two open up to one another. Markus reveals his reservations or confidence about the android rights movement and his past with Carl. We also learn that he kept his past quiet from everyone, and North is the first person he tells. It's a pretty important step, since he does so with minimal hesitation. An even bigger deal is North talking about what happened to bring her to Jericho. It's obvious from the way she talks that she's kept her previous life as well as how it affected her buried. How can anyone blame her? The woman was a sex slave who had her memories wiped every two hours until she had an epiphany that led her to kill a man. I can't pretend to know what victims of sexual assault go through, but I understand it's agonizing. The fact that she trusted Markus enough to tell him something she'd not told anyone else is huge. Especially when it's clear how hard it was for her. North is in tears and is ready to close herself off again the memories were so painful. Before I go on, let me say that if you're a victim of sexual assault, you don't have to tell anyone what happened to you to prove you trust them. You're valid in wanting to keep that part of your life secret or even regretting telling someone about it. Cope however you need to. In the context of the game I'm just saying it's a big deal in terms of North's character. Not for everyone in real life. After this, Markus goes on to comfort her by connecting their palms in a way that allows them to share memories. This is a huge moment. Imagine being comfortable enough with someone to let them see every memory you've ever had. That opens so much room not only for intimacy but to be taken advantage of. North knows this, which is why she flees after the fact.

Continuing on there's the march. From the moment the four Jericho leaders enter the scene we're greeted by Markus and North standing side by side. It makes sense, as by this point they're official. I still find it adorably amusing that they are so compelled to be beside each other. When confronted by the police they end up being next to each other again. This is the point where I'm sure I'll deviate from some of you, because anytime I play this scene I choose to fight. So if I'm missing anything from the stand your ground option or if you had a different experience, I apologize in advance. Markus leads the charge with his advisors running with him. The battle is harsh and a lot of androids fall, but guess who doesn't? North. She's right with him almost every step of the way. They're covering each other, standing back to back with guns drawn determinedly pushing back their foes until their side is victorious. I could be wrong, but Markus doesn't have this perfectly in sync battle with anyone else. Simon and John can die for him, but as far as I know they don't get a grand scene with him like North does. As a side note, I really screwed this fight up the first time, so North and Markus didn't get the chance to work together like the above. When I saw it on my most recent playthrough the energy was high. Even if you don't ship them how can you not get excited with two warrior friends fighting side by side, perfectly connected for a noble cause? While not a very eloquent way to put it, that scene is so damn cool. It's heart pounding, and we want them to succeed.

I'm sorry this is so big. I wrote an essay, and I'm sorry. That's why I'm cutting it in half. There's so much to talk about. Way more than I planned, and I don't wanna make it a pain to scroll through the tag. The other part will be out in a few days.