The silver haired scientist continued to march to the center of military base, the AC115 [control room] where all the orders came from. It fitted with quite a number of officers wearing white with gold lining uniform, in various field varying from proofers, interpretors, data decryption, transmission and communication, safety and defense, and others that he not quite familiar.
As he arrived at the mechanical double doors, he faced with a slight problem here. The door won't let him enter although he had scanned his ID tag. 'No entry' was flashed on the door. Weird, he entered just fine last two weeks. It must be Yakov or Lilia, he thought. Oh well, time to use his awarded position! "Okay, 'security, overwrite authority. Code [2512], name: Viktor Nikiforov.'..." Viktor said clearly and scanned his thumb instead.
-access granted-
Bless you forever Lumen Arc, kindest being of all. Viktor grinned as he walked in and the first person he greeted was... "Yakov! It has been a while."
"Viktor! Where is your manner? Wait, how could you- nevermind..." Lieutenant Yakov Feltsman let out a tired sigh. He did not want to bother about it again, as he just able to walk as he please, no restrictions. "I don't understand why he favours you."
"That's because I take care of his greatest child and nurture him with love~" Viktor proudly said, face crinkled in happiness just to annoy him more.
"Enough, Viktor. I don't need to hear that. Just a brief report of him." Yakov deemed while crossing his arms.
Thus, Viktor straightened his posture and pushed up his glasses before explaining, "right, he has quite a number of damage but not permanent. The memory containing the data is safe. I have restricted the path of [HEART] to the kernel. It won't interfere the operating system again. So..."
"So?" Yakov insisted.
"So, now he has two way of thinking, as a normal hive mind and his own conscious but it's still developing." Viktor ended.
"Isn't it some sort of different mode you set on him, Viktor?" Yakov asked again to confirm.
"No, it's his own personality developed from the understanding of [HEART], I do not install a simulation, Yakov." Viktor denied it clearly. People were starting to glance at them as the conversation took more that two minutes, they must be wondering what kind of discussion a scientist programmer and lieutenant general have anyway? Viktor came here quite often too since back then.
"But you always prefer to communicate with 'Yuri mode', I noticed." Yakov let out his suspicious.
"God, I'm helping him to develop the [HEART]. Yakov, you know I cannot command all Delta." Viktor rubbed his temple hearing at the baseless suspicious. "I'm thankful enough that Lumen Arc assigns only Yuri to me."
"Okay Viktor, I understand." Yakov nodded and turned to face multiple screens behind him. It displayed numerous data of reports, machinas, clusters, that they need to be informed every seconds. "I just don't want you to mess up with him. He is the best Delta after all. That's why we're working even harder so that we don't lose him." Yakov voiced his worry, looking a little troubled.
Yakov always worry about Yuri -and Yurio- but for him to look this troubled was unsettling. "Did something come up? Could it be- finally... Tier 1 [Unknown]?" Viktor looked even more concerned.
"We suspect it is. Lumen Arc came up with the result of calculation of upcoming battle. From Terra Cluster, only four survive." Yakov said, voice heavy with concern.
No way...
Viktor breathed sharply and widened his blue eyes. Trying to confirm, he noticed from the corner of his eyes that General machina laR041g5067c1 [Calestino] was still communicating with Lumen Arc, probably trying to find a solution.
"Our priority is of course, for Yuri to survive, and the 2nd Delta too as they are the most important unit. Now, even the Alpha's [command unit] state is uncertain, he is highly deem lost in the battle." Yakov explained his intention but still it did not ease anything at all.
"Sir, the result of another calculation is out. But Terra Cluster still receive the most damage even if mega cluster is formed. We would still win the war but the survival rate remain low." Yuuko, one of the officer there came with the report to Yakov. "Sir, I still don't understand why it concern Terra Cluster the most." She added.
"It's true, Sir." Takeshi, one of Yuuko team members come and saluted to Yakov. "It's as if Terra Cluster particularly face it head-on, even in a mega cluster."
"I see." Yakov nodded at the report and concerns from everyone. "Please continue the research, we are not giving up." He said to the duo. They quickly gave a salute before returned back to their place. Then, he glanced at Viktor as if asking if he knew anything.
Viktor just shook his head worriedly, "I swear that previous incident could never happen again. They are all have the same connected mind in the battle so the survival rate should be even." But why? Viktor tapped his chin as he was thinking, eyebrows furrowed.
Suddenly, the door slid open and another figure in lab coat entered. "Viktor, I told you do not enter the control room just to disrupt the peace. Please, return quickly." The middle aged female came closed with her heels clicking the floor.
Viktor turned around at the mention of his name. "Lilia, do you know about this? Our current situation?" He asked the head scientist slightly panicked, paying no mind to the warning.
"Yes, I was informed a few moment ago. That's why I'm here." She answered resting both her hands on each side. She turned to the Lieutenant General, "what's the meaning of this, Yakov? This is by far the most terrible result. How could it still happens when all equipments and armaments are upgrade!" Lilia voiced out sternly, drawing more attention to this group discussion.
"Calm down, Lilia." Yakov raised up his hand motioning to slow down her tone. "First, it's still a calculation, It did not happen yet." Yakov tried to assured.
Lilia rolled her eyes, "oh please, have Lumen Arc miscalculate anything? Even the Drakon incident also within its calculation. Now, you are doubting him?" Lilia assumed as she narrowed her eyes at Yakov. As a fellow scientist, to doubt such a perfect calculated algorithm is an insult to their stand and belief.
Viktor cannot argue either but he has faith in the smallest miracle, just like humanity back then, just like he was back then. He clenched his hand on his chest.
"I'm not doubting anything, Lilia. I'm as desperate as to let them survive, all of them..." Yakov said massaging the bridge of his nose. Things were getting harder every moment. He wondered what was actually the best right now.
A few seconds passed in silence in the heated argument and the three of them noticed the General coming in their way.
-Lieutenant General Yakov Feltsman. Aus-
"Yes, sir." Yakov responded with a salute.
-Lumen Arc is still calculating various probabilities, both significant or not. As a fact, Tier 1 is irregular. Thus, results should be ever changing. But he orders to consider the very first calculation result in the meantime. Aus-
"Noted, sir." Yakov saluted again, indicating that he understand the situation, but looking even more dreadful.
"What does it mean, Yakov?" Viktor asked despite very feared of the answer that he had expected coming from Yakov.
"It's time to deploy."
...!
{alert!} database updated [new input received]
{reading data} information verified
{{HEART}} data irrelevant. [doubt] survival rate: 0.00821% [request for reanalyze]
{alert!} system: could not fulfill request. [Calculation still in-progress]
-{Tc0107d42m3 [Minami]} survival result unknown. [Suggestion] collective voting. [request for permission] Aus-
-{Tc2191d23k1} objection. [reason] final calculation still pending. [Request] prioritized final result. Aus-
-{Tc8432a91j4 [JJ]} all noted. Result for permission [deferred]. all unit prepare for battle. Form MV9.6.112 [activate]. Aus-
{new command!} Terra Cluster, Audra Cluster, Lito Cluster, Exa Cluster deploy in T-minus 600 seconds
Viktor exited the control room and took off his glasses. He leaned on the wall for a few moment, trying hard to comprehend everything. His mind was still at the discussion.
"How could you deploy them when it's not certain that they survive? We only send them when victory is certain and it never fail."
"We have to, Viktor. Lumen Arc said it so. He know more than anyone else about machina and what they are capable of. If Lumen Arc give an order, then victory is already certain, even in this situations."
"And let 483 machina destroyed? Yakov, the casualties don't even reach 50 machina when they annihilate Tier 3 [Avwana] completely!"
As he was still in dazed, even people around him passed in a blurr. He tried taking steady breathe, wracking his brain to search for a way. What could he do at this time? He certainly did not want to lose Yuri. Even if Yuri did survive, how would he feel?
"Hey, Viktor!" That loud voice disrupted his train of thought making him glancing in that way. It probably coming from Minako, his fellow colleague. "Do you know where is Georgi? I'm trying to find him to discuss this new diagnosis." She asked, mentioning the file in her hand.
"Is he not in the facility?" Viktor asked after a short pause, tilting his eyebrow slightly.
"Apparently, no. He should've respond to me at once." Minako let out a sigh, small frown on her face. "Do you have any idea where he's off to?"
Viktor thought for a moment before replying, "he probably go somewhere to take a breathe. He seems a little down these days. I heard he just broke up."
Minako let out an acknowledged 'oh' uninterestedly. "I see. Then, why are you... seems a little of today?" She asked, staring at him.
"...I am?" Did I really show that much of worries? Viktor thought silently.
"Yeah, you look a little depressed while in thought." She assumed. "If you need a help or anything, feel free to come to me though, or Chris or Georgi, we are a team after all." Minako added with a pat on his shoulder.
"Okay, thanks. I'm just... a little tired." Viktor said with an onscreen smile plastering his face.
"Well, see ya." She did not press any further even though she realized there was more to it. Minako just left with a wave as she knew Viktor won't tell a thing. There was only one thing echoed in his mind right now.
"Viktor, If you know any other way to protect him, now is the time."
Then, Viktor finally decided. He walked toward his lab quickly, reaching for the thing he meant to give to Yuri when he was deemed ready. But that doesn't matter right now. He wanted to help. So, he need to know.
I have less than 10 minutes. Viktor thought as he made a run to it.
'Attention. All unit in Terra Cluster, Audra Cluster, Lito Cluster, Exa Cluster deploy in T-minus 300 seconds'
The sound of the announcement echoed throughout the base made Viktor put more effort into his sprint towards the Haimgard. He did not care how frantic he look or how his breath ragged. His feet kept pacing forwards, barely dodged or brushed with other staff or machina, his fist firmly enclosed the small box in his hand until a familiar sight of high end tempered glass panels that separated the heavily occupied colossal Haimgard and the hallway came into his view.
Yuri
Viktor slowed his steps and stopped in front of the entrance. He frantically searched for his ID tag and swiped it to the scanner a little forcefully. To his dismay, it beeped with a warning sound and flashed 'no entry'. Usually, people are not allowed to stay in the Haimgard during a mega deployment of machinas for safety measure.
Viktor clicked his tongue and switch to the voice detector instead, "...'overwrite authority. Code [2512] name: Viktor Nikiforov'..." He commanded.
Then, it took a few seconds to process the command, probably debating whether to let him enter or not. It felt like an eternity to him looking at the circling light telling him 'please wait'. Even the people passed by starting to look in his direction for a moment wondering what was he doing as he was trying to enter the temporarily restricted area but they did not stop him either. Then, finally it let a 'ding!' sound.
'access granted. [warning] leave at least 80 seconds before clusters deployment'
Thank you. He silently thanked to the security and Lumen Arc basically for being considerate even at the time like this. As if the system knew who he was looking for, Yuri turned to his direction and marched to him formally.
He stopped at a safe distance in front of Viktor and gave a salute before speaking in 'Delta mode'.
-Viktor Nikiforov, your presence is not required here. Please leave for your own safety. Aus-
Yuri...
Don't go... Stay...
The silver haired bit his lower lip knowing that he could never voice it out. He instead walked up close to Yuri, holding both of his shoulders and said, "I want to speak to Yuri... please..." He begged to the machina, bright azure eyes pleaded hopefully.
The machina stared blankly. But he knew, beyond those pair of vibrant brown light pulses, there were numerous computing ongoing within this few seconds, both his system and 'heart'.
{Alert!} System: persona request to interact with machina Tc2191d23k1 privately. [action] declining request
{Alert!} System: [reason #1] persona is not allow inside Haimgard at the moment.
{Alert!} System: [reason #2] Persona require permission from AI-HPC to interact.
{Alert!} System: [reason #3: speculation] persona has no definite urgency with machina.
{{HEART}} objection. [regarding reason #1] persona allowed inside Haimgard with AI-HPC special permission.
{{HEART}} [analyzed speculation #1] persona did not state the urgency in a complete request.
{{HEART}} [analyzed speculation #2] for persona to breach security is a state of urgency.
{alert!} System: state of urgency rebuked. [reason] persona is given authority Code [2512] to access unlimited facilities.
{Alert!} System: [speculation] persona able to access any facilities in just the same state.
{{HEART}} objection. [rhetorical questions] Why access Haimgard particularly? Why access during the short restricted time at the moment of deploy? Why request for [Yuri] personally?
{{HEART}} [assumption] persona do has certain reason(s) as a definite urgency.
{{HEART}} {error} could not analyze persona's reason(s) [error: analysis result] incomplete state of request.
{{HEART}} request for AI-HPC permission to allow persona interact with personalize Tc2191d23k1: switch main computing from System to HEART temporarily.
{alert!} system: request to AI-HPC [canceling...]
{alert!} AI-HPC: permission granted. Main computing of Tc2191d23k1 switch to HEART [full operation].
{alert!} AI-HPC: [new command!] conduct full analysis of situation and persona. Respond accordingly.
Then, the brown light irises softened, "Viktor..." The machina utter in curiosity. "I'm here, what is it...?" Yuri asked worriedly, his hand reached for Viktor's left arm on his right shoulder.
At last, Viktor let out a short relief sigh. "Yuri..." He called tenderly. "I have something for you." He said, finally revealing the small box in his right arm that he clutched all these moments. Inside the small square box were a pair of gold plated circular devices at the size of regular engagement ring.
Brown light irises pulsing even brighter. Even if the machina knew what they actually were, he also knew it well what it symbolized to. Just to make it sure, Yuri lifted his gaze from the rings to meet Viktor's genuine pair of azure. "This is... for me...?" He asked timidly.
Viktor nodded with a sincere smile and said, "here, you'll be directly connected to me," while he took one and slid it on Yuri's ring finger and continued, "your feelings, your thought, everything and the same goes for me." A bonded mind.
Then he smiled and gestured Yuri with his hand, indicating Yuri to do the same to him. The machina quickly learnt and took the other ring sliding it on Viktor's ring finger. A moment later, both rings flashed brightly for a heartbeat, showing that both devices activated simultaneously. Yuri immediately noticed a wave of informations and errors flooded his system -'heart'- which coming from both Viktor's and him.
{HEART} analysis input: target [relieved] [delighted] [concern] [pleased] [longing] [worry] [trust] [love] ...
{HEART} [error] massive data received. [result] multiple computing crashed.
{HEART} [error] unable to determine priority. Thorough analysis required.
{HEART} [error] analysis is still pending...
{HEART} [error] analysis is still pending...
{HEART} [error] analysis is still pending...
Viktor realized it too of what had been running in his head -system- as Yuri appeared kind of 'dumbfounded'. Thus, the loving scientist assured the machina as he brought his hand to Yuri's cheek gently, "hush Yuri... don't panic... It's okay." His thumb circulated on the replicated soft flesh tenderly.
Sensing it as an act of affection and caring, Yuri calmed down his computing a little, focusing on Viktor instead. "Whenever you're facing a difficulty or not, or you're just unsure, share it with me... I'll help you, Yuri." He listened to Viktor who was kissing his ring and nodded.
Viktor said as they closed the distance to a breath, touching their forehead, "So, help me understand you, Yuri..." . His voice wavered every second knowing he had to let Yuri go. As the final act of compassion and yearning, he sealed Yuri's lips with his fully. A complete chaste smooch that Yuri did not even had the time to process or replicate blinking.
"I love you, Yuri..." Viktor whispered passionately.
Then, his machina body experienced a surge of warmness, both from overflowing emotions in his 'heart' and Viktor's body as the man hugged him. Unable to fully understand the last quote, Yuri chose to recite it back, brimming with his current 'emotion'.
...!
Viktor could no longer hold the dam that was breaking. He felt the lump in his throat as his breath staggered and warm liquids flowed down his cheek. He shut his eyes only to let it flowed more. "Yuri... you must... come back... Promise me... you will returned!" He cradled Yuri's face in his hands, voice barely cracked into crying.
'Alert: T-minus 100 seconds until deploy. All units standby.'
Looking into glistering azure eyes, Yuri said calmly, wiping away the tears, "it's okay, Vitya. Everything is going well..." The machina assured Viktor back. "Now, stay safe. I'm going..." He added, holding both Viktor's hands on the cheeks and slowly backing away from him.
Viktor however unable to stop Yuri or reach out to him as he was escorted to the safety behind the tempered glass. Feeling overwhelmed by everything, he watched forlornly from behind the glass as Yuri returned back to the cluster's formation and activated his Avian Gear.
The machina did not even look back once, know that the other still there. He only glimpsed at the shiny device on his finger shortly and clenched it safely in his hands before finally took off with the clusters.
Yuri...
please survive...
Trying to quell his tears by caressing the gold ring with his finger, Viktor recited or rather replayed Yuri's enchanted words in his mind, knowing that the other person listened to it too like a broken tape.
"I... love you.., Vitya."
I Love You
I Love You.
don't cry :'(
*fyi there are 7 important unit in a cluster; Alpha [command unit], 2 Theta [observation unit], 2 Delta [analysis unit] and 2 Sigma [examination unit]. So, of Terra Cluster, who will survive?
**and there are 10 tiers of... creatures, beings... whatever... exclude human. It would be explained briefly on next chapter.
so... don't cry... Aus-