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Chapter Text

Death Stranding 2: Automata (Prototype)

Chapter 001: It’s not over yet!

DS2A(P) Chapter 001 20250728e5

Different communication, thought patterns and sounds:

Present scenarios

Past scenarios

"Speaking"

Name: "Speaking in the past"

Prologue

The United Cities of America, Mexico and Australia are finally connected via the chiral network. More transcontinental portals called "plate gates" continued manifesting across the world in areas with high chiral density. The ongoing extinction event continued to negatively affect the world: Beached Things (BTs) had become more powerful. Natural disasters, such as "gate quakes" and floods, exacerbated by increased chiralium levels, had warped the environment and occurred frequently. Bandits and armed terrorists still tormented survivors. Despite Higgs captured Tomorrow to continues his original plot of ushering in the Last Stranding to destroy all of humanity, Sam was able to defeat Higgs and stopped his world-threatening plot again…

[Death Stranding Era: 2050]

Higgs finally exhausted. He kneeled on one knee before Sam. Dropping his electrifying Battle Guitar on the ground. Before Sam could do anything, Amelie’s Beach suddenly opened up. The beach containing APAS connected to her Beach. Tomorrow’s chrysalis began changing…

Higgs: “Here it comes!”

Higgs stood up and smiled. He believed he had won. Tomorrow’s chrysalis was getting further and further away. It eventually disappeared…

Sam: “Tomorrow!”

Then, everything turned dark. Higgs and Sam saw a giant baby falling out of the sky. The baby slowly dropped on the ground and came before them…

Higgs: “Well, it really is you, isn’t it?”

The giant baby smiled and began flapping her arms…

Higgs: “It’s Ok, it’s OK…”

Higgs held his guitar and began to sing…

Higgs: “See the sunset. The day is ending. Let that yawn out. There's no pretending…”

Higgs turned around and faced Sam.

Higgs: “I will hold you. And protect you.”

Higgs looked back at the baby.

Higgs: “So let love warm you. Till the morning.”

The giant baby suddenly grabbed Higgs with her right hand and put him in her mouth.

Higgs: “Why? I just want humans go extinct!”

Before the giant baby could bite, Higgs shook off and teleported away…

[Automata Era: 11,945]

POV: Higgs

“Intruder, hands up and surrender now! You’re being detained under suspicion of assisting enemies!”

Higgs doesn’t know where he is, or who is he facing. He only focuses on the woman in white who points her riding crop at him and the surrounding black armored soldiers who do the same with their sword. Without hesitation, he teleports out of the surrounding circle.

“Ah, so you’re the boss around here,” Higgs says. He stands behind the woman in white and his Battle Guitar is ready to fire at her any time.

“Who are you?” The woman in white asks.

“The name’s Higgs. The particle of God that permeates all existence,” Higgs answers.

“What are you? Android or machine?” The woman in white questions.

“Heh. I’m human. Why do you ask?” Higgs responds.

“Human? This should not be possible,” The woman in white seems to be in shock.

“What’s that? You haven’t seen human before?” Higgs gets curious.

The woman in white doesn’t answer.

“You’re hiding something, and it is important,” Higgs concludes.

The woman in white takes a step back from Higgs.

“Oh, and who are you?” Higgs asks.

“Commander!”

A short white-haired girl rushes in and swings her blade at Higgs. Higgs easily evades and fire back at her. The short white-haired girl easily immediately blocks his shot with her blade.

“Wait a minute! 2B, he is a human!” A white-haired boy appears and tries to stop the white-haired girl.

“He threatened the Commander!” 2B speaks back. Her blade misses as Higgs teleports again.

“Enough! All of you, stand down,” The Commander barks her order.

“Commander, why?” 2B asks and lowers her blade hesitatingly, but Higgs still remains his aim.

“9S is right. You can’t hurt him because he is human. We must protect him at all costs,” The Commander straightly answers.

“Are you serious? This is the first time we’ve meet, what am I to you?” Higgs’ face is full of disbelief.

“Believe it or not. We androids are created to serve humanity. Glory to mankind!” The Commander salutes to Higgs.

“Glory to mankind!” All androids follow. 2B and 9S are no exception.

“What the f***?” Higgs’ jaw drops on the floor.

POV Change

[Death Stranding Era: 2050]

POV: Sam

“Sam, we have a problem. Come to the Bridge immediately!” Die-Hardman speaks through the PA system of DHV Magellan.

“I’m on my way.” Sam quickly leaves his cabin and enters the bridge.

“What’s the matter?” Sam asks straightly.

“Since you have connected Australia, new plate gates have appeared. I put together new expeditions – the best of APAC – and they went through the new gates – arrived Japan. We sent out advance teams to lay the groundwork for chiral network expansion to the new continent, but they were ambushed,” Die-Hardman explains.

“Who did this? Ghost Mech or terrorists?” Sam questions.

“No. Based on the information we received, they were called Machine Lifeforms,” Die-Hardman answers.

“Machine Lifeforms? I’ve never heard this before,” Sam says.

“Of course you haven’t heard them before. They don’t belong this world. They’re the natives of another Earth,” Tarman adds.

“Another Earth?” Sam asks.

“One of the new gates doesn’t connect to other continent of our Earth but the Japan of a parallel Earth. Our advance teams met the Machine Lifeforms there. Now, the survivors are returning, we are going to meet them,” Die-Hardman explains.

“What are you planning to do?” Sam asks.

“We will find the missing advance team members and bring them home,” Tarman answers.

“What do you want me to do?” Sam asks.

“I’m asking you to go to Japan. To extend the Chiral network to the north, just like you did before,” Die-Hardman says.

“Seriously, are we going into enemy territory this time?” Sam says.

“Listen, we won’t be alone. There are locals of the parallel Earth willing to help us, and we will come, too.” Die-Hardman adds.

“Yeah alright. I’ll do it again,” Sam says.

“We’ll link up with the one who protected the survivors before heading out,” Tarman says.

Then, DHV Magellan surfaces. Rising from the tar.

“Now, let’s meet them. Shall we?” Die-Hardman leads the way and Sam follows. They go to the bow of DHV Magellan. The bow doors open and the ramps are lowered. They see a group of exhausted APAC personnel. A long white-haired girl stands in front of them. She looks angry.

“Are you the idiots who sent them through the gate?” The long white-haired girl asks.

“Sorry, it’s my fault…” Die-Hardman says…

“Are you nuts? If I didn’t show up, they were already dead!” The long white-haired girl shouted to Die-Hardman.

“Who are you? You don’t seem to be human. Are you a Ghost Mech?” Tomorrow asks.

“I’m A2 - YoRHa Type A No.2 - An android,” The long white-haired girl answers.

Author’s Note

[20250728]

First of all, I want to commission someone to make this crossover better. I don’t have enough time to write or enough skill to improve it, so I know I really need help. To make things worse, I haven’t finished Nier: Automata, Death Stranding and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach yet. That’s why I shouldn’t write this alone.

Chapter Text

Death Stranding 2: Automata (Prototype)

Chapter 002: Plotting the route.

DS2A(P) Chapter 002 20250921e1

Different communication, thought patterns and sounds:

Present scenarios

Past scenarios

"Speaking"

Name: "Speaking in the past"

'Thinking or speaking mentally'

Name: 'Thinking or speaking mentally in the past'

*Sound effect*

Prologue

After his defeat, Higgs narrowly escaped death again and misjumped to the command center of YoRHa’s orbital space station – The Bunker. Higgs was initially confronted by the androids but they quickly ceased their hostilities once they learned that Higgs is a human. On the other hand, new transcontinental portals called "plate gates" manifested after the United Cities of America, Mexico and Australia being connected via the chiral network, so humans went through the new plate gates to explore the unknown. Unfortunately, the advance teams got ambushed by the machine lifeforms and some humans went missing. However, there is fortune within misfortune. A female android called A2 found some of the human survivors and escorted them back to DHV Magellan…

[Automata Era: 11,945]

POV: Higgs

“Glory to mankind!” All androids saluted to Higgs.

“What the f***!? Is this a prank?” Higgs’ jaw drops on the floor. He doesn’t expect this.

“No, this’s coming from our heart. We dedicate ourselves to the service of humanity,” The Commander responds.

“Really? Is this a cult or something like that? Higgs questions the androids.

“We’re YoRHa – an elite military force established by the Council of Humanity. Our primary mission is to take back Earth from the scourge of machines, so that humans can return to their homeland. Unfortunately, I didn’t expect you to come. How may I help you?” The Commander says.

“I’ve never heard of you. Who do you work for?” Higgs asks.

“YoRHa operates independently and reports directly to the Council of Humanity,” The Commander simply states.

“Who are the Council of Humanity? Can’t you give me some names?” Higgs asks impatiently.

“Sorry, I can’t tell you. This is highly classified information,” The Commander apologizes.

“Are you related to APAC or UCA?” Higgs asks.

“No, I’ve never heard of them. What are UCA and APAC?” The Commander responds.

“Do you know the President or APAS 4000?” Higgs asks.

“Sorry, I do not know what you are talking about,” The Commander apologizes again.

“You know nothing about America, Mexico and Australia?” Higgs asks.

“North and South America are conquered by the aliens. Australia is controlled by the Independists. Am I wrong?” The Commander responds.

“What are you talking about? Doesn’t APAC control those countries?” Higgs is frustrated.

The Commander doesn’t know what to say, so 9S steps in.

“Sorry to interrupt. Can I ask you some questions?” 9S raises his hand and asks.

“Sure, just shoot,” Higgs faces the kid.

“Do you know which year are we now in?” 9S asks.

“2050. Why do you ask?” Higgs replies.

“I’m sorry sir, the current year is 11945,” 9S says.

“Are you kidding me? Last time I checked the date, it was 21^st century,” Higgs responds.

“Sir, I have no reason to lie to you. Do you know where you are?” 9S continues.

“I am in the living, isn’t it?” Higgs says.

“Sir, you are in the thirteenth orbital satellite base – Bunker,” 9S replies.

“What do you mean by orbital satellite base? Aren’t we on Earth?” Higgs is confused.

“No sir, we are in space. More specifically, we are in a space station that is in low Earth orbit,” 9S answers.

“This’s impossible. Chiralium contamination have made space travel unavailable,” Higgs argues.

“Sir, please follow me,” 9S leads Higgs out of the command center. They enter the corridor and stop before the window. Through the viewing glass, they can see the blue marble – Earth.

“Holy cow! We’re in space!?” Higgs is shocked.

“Sir, this is the future,” 9S says proudly.

POV Change

POV: 9S

“2B, 9S, I know you’re supposed to head to the surface, but I have another mission for you. I need you to watch over the human here. Let me know if he needs anything,” The YoRHa Commander says.

“Why choose us? We have no experience with humans,” 9S asks.

“I would handle it by myself if I could, but YoRHa can’t stop just because of one person. I must ensure everything works as ordered. You two are the best candidates for this job. Don’t fail me,” The YoRHa Commander says.

“Understood,” 2B says.

The YoRHa Commander turns around and shouts, “Go back to your work! You’re on duty.” The YoRHa androids who were watching immediately get back to their position. The operators rush back to their seats before the YoRHa Commander return to the command center.

2B chooses to stand still and watch over the human from a distance, but 9S walks toward him the moment the YoRHa Commander left.

“What’re you doing?” 2B grabs 9S’ hand.

“I’m going to talk to him,” 9S answers.

“He can be dangerous,” 2B warns.

“2B, I always want to talk to human. Learn more about them. This is my golden chance. Please let me do it,” 9S begs 2B.

“The Commander orders us to watch over the human. Not interacting with him,” 2B responds.

“Well, you seem to have a lot of questions to ask. Why don’t we share what we know?” Higgs interrupts them.

“Thank you, sir. Can you tell us where do you come from? I thought all humans were in the moon colony,” 9S says.

“Humans built a moon colony!? I never heard of it. I was born in America. What happens there now?” Higgs asks.

“I’m not sure, sir. North and South America have fallen into enemies’ hands around 6000 years ago. There is very little information available,” 9S answers.

“Can’t you call people through chiral network? American, Mexico and Australia were linked up by Drawbridge,” Higgs asks.

“What are you talking about? Chiral network? Do you mean the machine network?” 9S responds.

“Damn, you don’t get it. Can’t I find someone on Earth to talk to?” Higgs says.

“Who do you want to talk to? YoRHa android? Resistance android?” 9S asks.

“I want to talk to human in America. Can you do it for me?” Higgs asks.

“There is no human on Earth. All of them went to the moon already,”9S answers.

“This is ridiculous. Why would all humans leave the Earth? Earth is humans’ homeworld,” Higgs doesn’t believe it.

“6000 years ago, aliens invaded Earth. They unleashed machine lifeforms and annihilated human civilization. Forcing the survivors to flee to the moon. That’s why no human stays on Earth now,” 9S explains.

“Really? Can I contact humans on the moon?” Higgs asks.

“I don’t know. YoRHa soldiers are prohibited from making individual contact with the Council of Humanity. And I never heard any android beside the Commander successfully contacted the moon,” 9S answers.

“Can you tell me more about the moon colony and the Council of Humanity?” Higgs asks.

“I wish I could help you but I can’t. Information relating to the moon colony or the Council of Humanity is top secret. Only the Commander can access it,” 9S answers.

“Fine, I will find the answer myself,” Higgs says sighs and teleports away.

“Sir, I…” 9S wants to say something but 2B just says,

“You shouldn’t talk so much.”

POV Change

POV: YoRHa Commander White

“This is Commander White from the thirteenth orbital satellite base, Bunker. We have just discovered a living human named Higgs. Project YoRHa should be revised accordingly—” The YoRHa Commander suggests to her superior but…

“Commander. Your request for deviating from the original planning cannot be accepted. Give top priority to the implementation of Plan A. Proceed smoothly and do not deviate from the original schedule,” The Council of Humanity responds.

“But the existing propaganda is flawed. Its influence is slowly decreasing—” Commander White argues but the Human Council stops her.

“The encounter with a living human is not anticipated. The existence of Higgs is not programmed in Project YoRHa,” The Council of Humanity says states.

“Even so, we shouldn’t waste this chance…” Commander White tries again argues.

“This man, Higgs, is an unknown factor. As androids, we have to be careful when making a decision,” The Council of Humanity responds.

“Commander,” A new communication channel is opened up by YoRHa Operator - 6O, she interrupts the meeting between the YoRHa Commander and the Council of Humanity.

“What is it?” Commander White asks impatiently.

“Higgs is looking for you. Do I have permission to share your whereabouts?” 6O asks carefully.

“Yes, you can. Tell him to meet me here,” Commander White says.

In the blink of an eye, Higgs teleports to the Commander Terminal.

“Oh. Hi. Commander, sorry to interrupt. No one can answer my questions, so I have to ask you…” Higgs says.

“What do you want to know?” Commander White says.

“Uh… I want to contact people I know. To ask how they’re doing, but your subordinates say they can’t do it for me…” Higgs explains.

“You want to contact humans on the moon,” Commander White points out.

“Yes, but don’t worry. I know information relating to moon colony is top secret. I’ll keep it safe,” Higgs says gives a fake smile.

Commander White thinks. After much consideration, she makes her final decision.

“Since you swore to secrecy, I have no reason to hide it from you. There is no human on the moon,” Commander White says.

“What do you mean?” Higgs asks.

“Mankind no longer exists. You are the only one left,” Commander Whites says.

“You’re joking me,” Higgs says.

“In truth, humans never went to the moon at all. Any transmissions received from the moon are just dummy signals we set up in advance. The only thing there is a small bit of data relating to the human genome,” Commander White explains.

 “Really?” Higgs asks.

“Humans were already extinct when the aliens attacked. You won’t find your friends or family there,” Commander White adds.

“Why do you lie to everyone? What is the point of this?” Higgs is curious.

“No one fights without a reason. And we need a god worth dying for. However, you may change everything. It all depends on you,” Commander White says.

*HA-HA-HA-HA…*

Higgs begins laughing crazily, Commander White does not know what to do.

“Higgs?” Commander White asks

“Fine, I’ll play along,” Higgs stops laughing and smiles evilly to White.

POV Change

[Death Stranding Era: 2050]

POV: Sam

“I’m A2 - YoRHa Type A No.2 - An android,” The long white-haired girl introduces herself.

“What is android?” Tomorrow asks.

“Androids are automatic humanoid soldiers created by humans to fight the machines. Where are the explosives?” A2 ignores the humans’ stares and walks into DHV Magellan.

“Why do you ask for explosives? Sam asks while A2 looks around.

“Of course I need your explosives to destroy the Gate! Don’t you afraid of machines coming?” A2 responds impatiently.

“What are machines? Why are you scared of them?” Tomorrow asks.

“I don’t fear the machines! I destroy every one of them I can find. Aren’t you humans afraid of machines so much that you hide on the moon and never come back?” A2 speaks back.

“Miss A2, we have no connection to the humans who fled to the moon. Can you help us to find the missing personnel before trying to blow up the Gate?” Die-Hardman says politely.

“Your people are not combatants; they are as good as dead in my world. How can you stop the machines invading your world if you don’t destroy the Gate now?” A2 asks.

“I have already requested APAC Special Security Team to guard the Plate Gate. You don’t need to worry about it. We need information about your world, so we can plan the next expedition accordingly. Would you help us?” Die-Hardman responds.

“You’re making big mistakes. Your people don’t know how to fight the machines, and you want to send more humans into my world. Do you want them dead?” A2 asks.

“We leave no one behind. If there is still a chance, we must find them,” Die-Hardman declares.

“What if they are already dead, would you change your mind? I doubt they are still alive now, A2 says.

“We do not just rescue the livings, but also recover our fallen comrades. More importantly, your world is not affected by Death Stranding yet, I hope it won’t change,” Die-Hardman states.

“There are no BTs in her world?” Sam is surprised.

“The world where Miss A2 comes from has no Beached Things. When we sent autonomous robots through the new gate, the samples they collected had no any chiralium contamination. There was no timefall in rain, so we thought it was safe to send our advance teams there…” Die-Hardman explains but A2 interrupts him.

“Are you blind? Didn’t you see the machines there? What gives you the bloody idea to send humans into my world?” A2 shouts to Die-Hardman.

“At the beginning, the machine lifeforms did not show any hostile reaction, and there were no any BT sightings reported, so we believed it was safe for humans living there. Everyone was so excited that there is a world untamed by death stranding…” Die-Hardman tries to defend his decisions but A2 interrupts him again.

“What the heck is death stranding? Can you explain it to me?” A2 crosses her arms.

“Death Stranding is a phenomenon which the worlds of the dead and living being connected. It begins with simultaneous explosions around our world; the soul of any human who died remains tethered to the body. This connection results in the soul attempting to reunite with the body, causing the body to necrotize as it is infiltrated by matter from the other side. the reunion of soul and body becomes a Beached Thing. BTs are beings from the other side who have become 'stranded' in the living world…” Die-Hardman explains but A2 interrupts again.

“Are you saying that ghosts are real? Why does it matter?” A2 says.

“All BTs contain a core of antimatter, which reacts violently with the matter of a living person. If they are allowed to consume a living person, a voidout occurs as the victim's body and the BT's core are explosively annihilated, destroying everything nearby in a massive explosion. Several cities were wiped off the map in this way…” Heartman wants to continue but A2 interrupts again.

“Are you saying that human can explode like black box reaction?” A2 asks.

“What is a black box reaction?” Die-Hardman asks.

“YoRHa androids like me have black boxes. If we let two or more black box being touched together, the energy stored within our black boxes can be unleashed in a devastating explosion,” A1 says.

“You mean there is a bomb inside your body. Isn’t that dangerous?” Sam asks.

“The command center sees black box reaction as the final solution to any unwinnable situation. They don’t care about us,” A2 answers coldly.

“Miss A2. I can help you remove the bomb…” Die-Hardman suggests but A2 declines.

“No need. The black box isn’t just a bomb. It is my power cell and memory module. YoRHa unit is stronger than other androids because of it,” A2 explains.

“Is it safe for you to carry the black box around? Will it suddenly explode?” Sam asks.

“You worry too much. Unless I begin the self-destruct sequence, my black box won’t explode in any circumstance,” A2 answers.

“Miss A2, we knew little about your world. Would you share what you know so that we can plan the rescue mission accordingly?” Die-Hardman asks.

“You still don’t give up, do you?” A2 sighs.

“I cannot abandon my men for no reason. Although I don’t know their situation, but they may still live elsewhere. It is my duty to bring them home,” Die-Hardman says seriously.

“What about androids? You humans have used and abandoned us since the alien invasion have begun 6000 years ago. Are you going to let us die in the hands of machines like the humans on the moon?” A2 questions Die-Hardman.

Die-Hardman stops and thinks. After a moment, he makes his decision.

“No. If you help us, I will help you and your people to escape from the machine lifeforms. Do you have any other requests?” Die-Hardman says.

A2 doesn’t believe her ears. Since she was awakened in the Bunker for the first time, all she had heard from the humans were orders and propagandas which had told androids to fight till the last breath.

“Are you serious? The Council of Humanity have banned androids from leaving combat,” A2 asks.

“I do not know what the Council of Humanity is, but I am certain they have no authority over us. Unless you or other androids are a threat to us, we welcome you into our world,” Die-Hardman states.

“Fine, I’ll do it myself! Remember your promise,” A2 turns around and walk to the plate gate, but Sam stops her.

“Where are you going?” Sam asks.

“I’m going to save the stupid humans from the machines,” A2 answers.

“Do you know where they are?” Die-Hardman asks.

“No, but I’ll find them and bring them to you,” A2 tries to leave, Die-Hardman stops her this time.

“Miss A2, saving those men is an important task, we should work together!” Die-Hardman argues.

“No, you humans will just slow me down,” A2 responds.

“Do you know how to look after humans?” Sam asks.

“No, I’m an attacker. Not a healer,” A2 answers.

“You don’t know what to do if human gets wounded, isn’t it?” Sam asks.

“I’ll bring the wounded to you. Isn’t that good enough?” A2 asks.

“No, the patient may die before you bring them back home. This is not a good solution,” Die-Hardman says.

“So, what do you want me to do? Risking yourself to the machines is unacceptable,” A2 says.

“Based on the combat records, machine lifeforms are not invincible. They can be beaten just like the enemies we faced before…” Die-Hardman says but A2 interrupts.

“If you think fighting the machines is easy, you’re terribly wrong. I lost everything to learn that truth. You’re not ready,” A2 wants to go but Die-Hardman doesn’t give up.

“Alright, alright, A2. Why not see what we have before going alone? You may find something useful here,” Die-Hardman says.

“You think we have time for this. Your people are at risk,” A2 says.

“If we go together, we may achieve more. You don’t have to make decision immediately. Why don’t you give us a chance to proof ourselves?” Die-Hardman says.

“Fine. I will do as you said,” A2 sighs.

Author’s Note

[20250919]

First of all, I still want to commission someone to make this crossover better, and this work does need a beta reader. I don’t have enough time to write or enough skill to improve it, and I would write a new chapter rather than fixing the old one, so I really need help. To make things worse, I haven’t finished Nier: Automata, Death Stranding and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach yet. That’s why I shouldn’t write this alone.