oppbug

I'm ashamed of myself for wanting to see a little mouse get squashed.

I didn't draw it.Commissioned by me.

He cared for the members of the Phoenix Project just like a mother bird would. This was especially true regarding Robert/Clockwork, who was reluctant to participate in team activities. This caused Robert some distress, especially when rr3 got injured while acting on his own.

One, what is the relationship between Robert and flambés in this au? Two, where did Robert get the name clockwork? Three, what does Robert specifically contribute to the phoenix program? Like, what’s his “power”?

I also really just wanted to let you know how much I love your art! I’m still getting a grip on my style, the basics, and what I do, so your work has been a great reference and resource for the stuff I’m working on, even if it’s traditional.

keep up the good work and flambert for life!!

-polipepp

 Thank you for your question and for liking my work—I'm truly delighted! English isn't my first language, so I'm not sure if I've answered your question correctly.

1. Robert and flambae are currently colleagues. The burns on Robert's body were inflicted by flambae, but it was done to save Robert. Robert knows this, but flambae doesn't remember.

2. There's no special meaning behind Robert's name. When asked for a code name, he saw a wind-up toy figure in a toy store. Since wind-up mechanisms are mechanical, he just went with it.

This name actually stems from my perception of Robert. He resembles a wind-up figure, powered by hatred and obsession to keep himself going each day—even if he's unsure whether that hatred truly originates from his own thoughts. I did consider names like Steel Arm, Iron Arm, or Wind-Up Hand, but ultimately felt this one fit best.

3. Unfortunately, he didn't make any significant contributions to Project Phoenix. At 25, he's younger than his in-game counterpart. He shares traits with the game's Visi—a lone wolf who operates outside the team, causing headaches for Flambae and the Dispatcher. But his heart isn't bad; he's just unaccustomed to interacting with others and receiving help.

If “power” here refers to Robert's abilities, he possesses hacking skills, while his Iron Arm holds most of the mech's capabilities—just scaled down and placing a greater burden on his body. He requires serum injections to stabilize the core.