Senjen ended up following the Utaysi without much thought, as he was occupied in speaking with Ruknar. “It’s nothing unusual for us, Ruk. I mean, I know we’re pretty different in a lot of ways, and I think I understand why it wouldn’t make immediate sense to you. Your bodies are supposed to last you your whole lives. I know technology can replace and regrow a lot of things, but you evolved to keep yourselves going, right? Our creators did too, but that’s one way we’re different than them. Our bodies don’t self-repair. I mean...they [i]do[/i] self-repair from damage and stuff, but it’s not the same kind of self-repair that an organic body does, if that makes sense? Our bodies aren’t meant to be used forever. We get them, use them for a while, and replace them when they wear down. Some people might get attached, but more like...a pilot whose really proud of their ship. People love making it their own, making it their home, but at the end of the day it’s still just a thing. It’s not [i]me[/i].”

As they started moving past the barrier, Senjen rubbed his neck somewhat awkwardly. “Admittedly, our frames usually last a lot longer than mine has. I’ve sort of been putting it through a lot that it was never designed to handle. That’s a big reason I really do need a replacement. If I get a body that is actually designed for what I do to it, then it’ll last longer.” 

[hr]

Jess sighed. “Well I don’t want to go if you don’t. These sorts of companies harvest all sorts of data for ‘personalized marketing’.” She noticed where Light was looking, and it did not take much for her to draw some conclusions of her own. “Look just...realize that they probably know a lot about you.” 

Pausing a moment, Jess continued the conversation through messages instead. “I don’t have to be clinging by your side if you don’t want me to, but at least let me hang out nearby, yeah?”