Pod — nier

Pods are small, AI companions assigned to YoRHa units for both tactical and fire support, as well as health diagnostics.

Description

Pods are primarily used to carry ranged weapons, but also serve as an additional assistant to its assigned YoRHa unit, dealing with trivial mission-related issues and general questions to save resources used when contacting Operators. Pods may offer advice against an android's current course of action, but ultimately must obey all direct orders from the unit they are originally assigned to, even those that go against Command's directives.

They possess substantial databases including historical records and additional sensing gear, enhancing the capabilities of YoRHa units without requiring them to carry the additional systems themselves. They are also equipped with a series of manipulator limbs for handling delicate objects or performing repairs, a variety of medical supplies such as staunching gel and Logic Virus vaccines, and a powerful searchlight to assist their android companion in navigating dark areas. The firing interface for the Pod is provided by the android's far-field combat system (FFCS). The Pod also allows their companion android to partake in the human activity known as "fishing," though it is unclear if this is a result of deliberate design.

Pods operate in groups of three; for example, Pod 042 and Pod 153 both have three units. While each unit shares one consciousness, it's possible to have a conversation between units carrying the same consciousness, which can broaden their knowledge and expressiveness as well as cultivate their individual consciousness. In some regions, there are hundreds of Pods operating with the same consciousness, such as Pod 006 who manages the human server on the Moon.^[1]

The lower the numerical value of a Pod's name, the more intelligent and human-like they are. Hence, Pod 042 has more knowledge and experience than 153 that leads it to be more emotionally expressive.^[2] Though Pods may regularly exchange combat data with other Pods, they do not ordinarily exchange situational data and the psychological state of their partners. This in turn leads to Pods 042 and 153 developing free will.^[1]

Project YoRHa

Though not all Pods are privy to secret operations such as Pod 153 being unaware of 2E's assassinations of 9S,^[3] they are entrusted with the highest level of clearance concerning Project YoRHa. Their true purpose is to act as "final exterminators" and delete all YoRHa android-related data, including personal data and chassis composition data, as well as reset the YoRHa server. Doing this, they would also destroy chassis construction unit of transfer devices which would prevent the construction of any new YoRHa androids. This role is not disclosed to any android, including Commander White, with any information regarding this mission existing only within the internal Pod network that androids do not have access to.^[4]