This guide highlights the interaction between Operator 210 and 9S during the Data Retrieval side quest in Nier: Automata. It breaks down the dialogue, contextual implications, and emotional subtext behind the mission, offering clarity for both narrative appreciation and gameplay understanding.

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Context & Setup

• Operator 210 assigns 9S a mission to collect relics related to human civilization prior to its extinction.
• This quest highlights the contrast between the analytical mindset of Operators and the more curious, emotive nature of combat units like 9S.

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Dialogue & Events

Initial Contact

• Operator 210: “Operator 210 to 9S, come in.”
• 9S: “I’m here.”
• Operator 210: “I’ve sent you a new data retrieval request. Please read it over.”
• 9S (grumbling): “Hey, wait, just a… She didn’t even give me a chance to turn her down this time.”
  • Interpretation: 9S’s light sarcasm contrasts Operator 210’s cold professionalism, emphasizing their differing personalities.

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Field Exploration & Reflection

• As 9S navigates a ruined city to collect data, he questions human society:
  • 9S: “Why did all these people live together way back then, huh?”
  • Pod: “Such living arrangements were due to a lack of available land in metropolitan areas.”
  • 9S: “They ran out of space? That’s weird. There’s so much of it out here.”
    • Insight: Even as advanced androids, they lack intuitive understanding of human economics and social structures.

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Data Collection Phase

• 9S recovers discarded human artifacts:
  • Items: Broken toys, ledgers, small shoes.
  • 9S: “Pod, take a photo of this junk and send it to Operator 210.”
  • Pod: “Affirmative.”
    • Analysis: These mundane items speak volumes about humanity’s daily life, evoking a nostalgic melancholy often lost on the androids.

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Debrief with Operator 210

• Operator 210: “Operator 210 to 9S.”
• 9S (cheerful): “Hello Operator, how can I help you?”
• Operator 210: “I’ve received your data.”
• 9S: “Great! Does it seem useful?”
• Operator 210: “That depends on what I do with it.”
  • Despite her stoic tone, she follows up with:
  • Operator 210: “It is, however, fascinating. I was aware humans lived in groups, but I didn’t know they coexisted in so many ways.”

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Discussion on Families

• Operator 210: “Most humans subsisted in small familial units.”
• 9S: “Familial?”
• Operator 210: “A family is a group connected by blood or social custom.”
• 9S: “If androids had something like that…”
• Operator 210 (cutting herself off): “I’ve said too much. I must return to my duties.”
  • Interpretation: This fleeting moment of vulnerability shows that even the most reserved androids may struggle with emotions and identity.

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Quest Reward & Closure

• Later, Operator 210 sends a message:
  • Operator 210: “I’ve sent mail with a reward. Please read it.”
  • 9S (reflective): “Well, if she’s thanking me, I guess it must have gone okay, right?”
  • Pod: “Purpose of question unknown.”
    • Insight: 9S seeks emotional validation in a world where logic prevails, reinforcing his human-like tendencies.

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Key Takeaways

1. Worldbuilding: Offers glimpses into humanity’s past and how androids interpret its complexities.
2. Character Development: Highlights the contrast between Operator 210’s restraint and 9S’s emotional curiosity.
3. Themes of Humanity: Touches on loneliness, structure, and the androids’ longing for human connection.
4. Reward System: Completing the quest grants a mail reward, which may include currency or crafting items.

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Final Thoughts

This side quest exemplifies Nier: Automata’s ability to blend simple tasks with rich character moments and philosophical undertones. It deepens the player’s connection to the androids while quietly questioning the nature of humanity, memory, and emotional legacy.

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