I was right- no one really wanted to listen to the same thing, I was honestly surprised the radio didn't just snap and break with all the tugging and dial changing. I think I heard a music channel, a news channel… actually a lot of news channels and than finally an entertainment channel- well, entertainment for androids it seemed.

"It's weird to hear them talk about ancient artifacts while talking about the purpose of electric cars…"

I nodded, having taken one of the beds to stretch out on and relax. I was not about to fight over the radio when I wasn't really listening anyway.

Eventually the group split between those listening to the radio and those playing a game of what seemed to be cards… wait, when did they- Oh… one of them probably asked when Popola came earlier. Didn't know they still had cards around, but it's not surprising I guess. I watched them play for a bit before deciding to join in. It wasn't going to hurt and I need something to do.

Conversation was mostly relaxed with us never really delving to deeply into any one topic. Sometimes it was just basic conversation about the 'weather' and other times it was generalized talking of what games we'd played in the past. It seemed no one really wanted to think to deeply on the situation we were in and, I guess I couldn't blame them. As antsy as some of us probably were to do something, what could we actually do?

Popola arrived a little later for dinner, bringing a whole basket of fruits and vegetables. Now, usually I wasn't a fan of some of the things there but, I was hungry so, screw it, I'll eat Brussel sprouts if I have to, or whatever mutations they deformed into over the years. It was only a few minutes after she left when we heard a knock on our door.

I was the closest so, with a sigh, I walked over, opening the door enough to peak out. 9S stood in the doorway, his mood seeming quite chipper with 2B close behind, watching. He waved his hand, grinning, "Evening Al. Anemone said you would all be here."

What time was it again? I wanted to ask but instead let out a yawn turning away from the door and letting them in. 9S peered around, a hint of amusement on his lips before speaking once more. "It seems like everyone's here… did everyone stay in this room today?"

"Unfortunately…" Gren groused, lounging on the bed with Henry curled up near the foot, asleep, they'd stopped playing when Popola arrived and I'm guessing the food was probably sitting pretty heavily in everyone's stomachs.

I shrugged, taking note of the pod floating besides both 2B and 9S. I could hear a faint hum from them both and frowned.

"Those pods, they weren't humming last time-"

"Oh, this? It's fine!" 9S broke in, suddenly nervous. "It's just protocol and all."

Machael stepped closer to one, examining it closely before slowly turning to 9S. "Are those things recording us?"

The pod twitched, moving away from him to 9S's other side.

9S sheepishly fidgeted as the pod swiveled around him.

"This pod is obligated to record and maintain all data in accordance-" The pod began, only to be cut off by Gren.

"So yes." Gren sighed, shoulders slumping. "Let's just get this over with, did you want something?"

9S seemed to slump before rallying himself. Too bad his visor was back on considering how hard it was to see his emotions. "Well… A couple things really, though mostly I just wanted to check up on you since we were free for the rest of the evening. I think 2B did too, she just doesn't want to admit it."

2B outright sighed. "9S, do not put words into my mouth…"

"How many times do I have to tell you to call me Nines?" He practically whined.

"Nines? That's cute." Gren chuckled, earning a grin from 9S.

"Yeah, one of the Operator, 6O I think, came up with it, neat right?"

I took a seat, rolling my eyes as I watched the exchange. It really was amazing… all the different androids… and to think… Speaking of, "So you wanted to check up on us?" I asked, curious. "Any particular reason?"

"Well… yes but… it's not… urgent?" 9S said in a way that sounded a lot more like a question. 2B was off to one side, arms crossed and Gren seeming to be annoying her, if the frown was any indication.

I nodded before pausing and frowning. "Hey… 9S? 2B?" I turned to the two of them, drawing their attention fully and causing Gren to glance over as well, raising an eyebrow. "What do you think of the fact that we're human?"

Both practically froze. 2B turned her face toward the doorway, away from all of us. 9S tilted his head, deep in thought, "Al… I'm… why are you…" He trailed off before letting out a sigh. "What am I supposed to say? I guess… I'm… happy. I've never gotten a chance to meet a human before and now there are so many of you… I want to learn all about you, about Humans, their culture, their life, why…" He shook his head. "I guess I want to ask why we were made the way we were but… I know you won't be able to answer that question…" He smiled faintly. "I can't help but to feel happy to be in the presence of Humans, and yet… I don't want to force myself on any of you. I know humans are fragile. Yet… to us… you seem so…" He shook his head, turning to 2B. "I really don't know but… what about you 2B?

2B jumped, something I never thought I would see from the woman. She turned hesitant. "I have nothing to say-"

"Oh come on, we both know that's a lie." 9S wheedled. 2B hesitated once more.

"Proposal: 2B should explain the situation as group opinion may decrease due to illogical actions."

"Pod, this is an order, while we are in this room you will remain silent, understood?" 2B's voice shook even as her words came out biting. Yikes…

"Affirmative…"

Did I sense a hint of hesitation? Probably just my imagination.

"Oh 2B, you don't have to be that harsh… You still haven't answered the question though." 9S smiled.

"9S, it is none of your concern, however, I will admit to appreciating the fact that there are beings that are willing listen to reason." She turned away from 9S, earning a pout from the boy.

"If you say so…" 9S sighed, shrugging.

Henry, who must have heard the commotion sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Did I miss something?" He muttered with a small yawn.

I turned in time to see 2B almost wilt slightly as Henry perked up. "Oh! 2B! 9S! I didn't know you were here. Did you know we met 4S today?" Henry pushed his legs over the side of the bed, watching them innocently.

"Just 2B here saying that she appreciates our willingness to listen to reason, as her reasoning for liking us humans." Gren grinned.

"Oh… thanks?" Henry put in, voice a bit hesitant. He looked around. "So what now?"

I hummed, amused, as the other exchanged looks. 2B seemed to slump with relief when we switched off the topic. I guess I didn't realize just how uncomfortable we'd made her…

9S chuckled before turning to us. "Well, we have tomorrow off, so, if you need anything. Just let us know, okay?"

"Where are you going after that?" Henry asked and I had a feeling that all of us were willing to let him talk since the androids seemed to have a bit of a soft spot for him, no surprise really.

"We have a crucial mission-"

"She means we're going someplace nearby to check out, I heard about it from one of the local androids and found myself curious."

"Oh~ Where?" Gren leaned forward. "I happened to overhear about an Amusement Park, is that near here?"

"How-"

"4S was here earlier like Henry said." I sighed.

"Yeah, and he was a wee bit obsessed with my brother here." Cath laughed as I sent her a look.

"4S?" 9S glanced back at 2B before turning to face us. "What was he doing here?"

"Installing the computer behind you." Machael shrugged. "You both were still on your assignment, so Anemone figured he was the best bet."

9S frowned before shrugging. "Well, you're not wrong. We scanners are good at that sort of thing…" He hesitated before turning to the group. "Also, I do have one request that I mentioned earlier, as you realized these guys are recording-"

"Of course…" Gren mumbled.

"-So… we were wondering if we could get some information from you all on how you managed to be here. All we know is that we found you all in an old abandoned building but that's it."

We exchanged looks, hesitant before Machael spoke up. "Not much to say really. Our bus, well vehicle, crashed on our way here and we had to scramble for cover. We don't know how we got here, or anything more than that. Sorry."

I was admittedly surprised he didn't mention the dimensional travel, but I could also understand. 2B looked noticable displeased by the lack of information but 9S didn't seem to mind, thinking it over. "I see. You have no idea how your vehicle got here?"

"None."

"… Alright…" 9S sighed. "I guess we'll have to leave it at that, I have more questions, but…" He glanced over the group, who seemed to be on the verge of falling asleep. "I guess I'll ask them tomorrow, I didn't realize how late it would be for you all. If that's okay with you."

"That's fine." Cath spoke up, startling me. "We'll probably speak to you tomorrow morning."

9S turned to her, seeming startled before nodding. "Alright, well, we'd best get going. If you need us, just let us know." He walked over to the computer, jotting in a few sheets of code before turning to us. "And I just linked the computer to contact either myself or 2B. Just press our number respectively and you'll be able to get ahold of us."

"Sounds good." I let out a yawn, feeling tired. 9S waved good-bye as 2B practically raced out of the building. We watched them go before glancing at each other.

"So… an amusement park." I raised an eyebrow, causing Gren to blush and shrug.

"What? I need SOMETHING to do."

"I'm sorry Gren, but I don't think it's a good idea to leave-"

"Why not? Just because of the machines? If we cower here because of them we won't get anywhere and, I mean, don't you want to get home?" She whirled on Machael. "And why didn't you mention the dimensional trav-"

"They were recording us in a way that made us aware of the recording. Why do you think they did that?" Machael pointed out with a frown, causing her to shut up.

"To scare us? To make us nervous?" Emma voiced quietly.

We all sat in silence for a few minutes before Gren let out a faint noise of annoyance. "Look, right now all we're doing is staying in here just waiting to be picked up or off. I don't want to be sitting around, I want to DO something. I would have asked them when they came but I figured we should talk about it first."

"Then why didn't we talk about it earlier when we literally had all day?" I deadpanned.

Gren rolled her eyes, pointing her finger toward me. "Maybe because we didn't really think too much about it until we heard they were literally recording us to find out where we came from. I'm sorry, but that bugs me. They are doing more work than us and I can't stand it. Yet I figured we would make a census or something to decide the best option. I don't feel like dealing with any hissy-fits because we didn't talk it over ahead of time, instead of just jumping right in."

I pursed my lips, annoyed but understanding, which only seemed to annoy me farther. Gosh darn it Gren…

"But what about the machines?" Henry asked, hesitant. "If you get caught by a flying one or-"

"Then we won't." She shrugged. "I mean, I know that sounds callous, but as long as we stay under cover and keep an eye out, we should be fine. right? Plus, guys, we've been out there before and… I mean… if we ask someone like 9S and 2B to go with us there shouldn't be any issue, right?"

I frowned, not liking the idea in the slightest.

"Come on Al, she's right. We can't just stay around here doing nothing. We need to know more about this place, and the data archives are only going to give us so much…" Cath glanced toward me.

"I… I don't agree with this but-" I raised a hand as Gren started to argue. "I also understand we do need to do something." I let out a sigh. "We all know how dangerous it is out there. We would be stupid not too. So, if you can convince Anemone and either Devola and Popola OR 2B and 9S to go with you than whoever wants to go, can go."

I heard a cheer from, surprisingly enough, my sister, Gren, Henry, and Emma. The only ones who didn't were Machael, myself, and Rebecca. That was… a little worrying. I could hear Rebecca talking with Henry as Machael glanced over toward me.

What else was I supposed to do? There was no way I would be able to convince everyone to not go, especially since some people, like my sister, already seemed to have their minds made up. At least this way they would have someone who knows the area that can watch over them. "I will reiterate." I brought my finger up, pointing toward each of the ones who wanted to go. "You can only go if you get Anemone's agreement and if either both Devola and Popola or both 2B and 9S agree as well to go with you. Lastly, you will tell us who is going, got it?"

"Sounds good!" Cath saluted with a grin, "What about you guys?" She turned to the others who nodded in agreement. I let out a sigh and threw my arms up. There was no way I would be able to stop them. So, deciding to just not bother, I headed toward the bed and crashed into it, tired. I'll deal with it in the morning.

When I awoke it must have been late because the only one's there were Rebecca - who was quietly listening to a music channel on the radio which sounded like some mixed up version of orchestral and pop… maybe? - and Machael, who seemed to be tinkering with something, wires peaking out from the device. I groaned and sat up, rubbing my eyes.

"Morning Al." Rebecca called, glancing over. "Everyone decided they wanted to go out to talk with who they want to go with." She sighed. "They said they would tell us who they were going with later."

"You were okay with it?" I asked, taking a seat as a yawn slipped out.

"Not really, but Henry really wanted to go and I know he needs some time to get out and about…" She looked down at the table, tracing the edge with her finger. "I'm his mother, I'm going to worry about him… but…"

"It's a bit of a difficult situation right now and all of us probably need a bit of time away from each other, right?" Machael popped over, plopping himself into a seat before leaning against me. "After all, our great leader decided it would be a good idea to let them do what they want."

"Do you really think I could have stopped them?" I deadpanned earning a chuckle as he pulled back and shrugged.

"Probably not."

I rolled my eyes, feeling my stomach growl, the other two glanced over as I curled inward, sheepishly. "Uh…"

"Let's get something to eat, the others might be there as well." Rebecca stood, heading toward the door. Machael reached over, tugging me up as I let out a yelp. I pulled my arm away as we slipped out the door, heading toward the kitchen. Thankfully the other two seemed to remember how to get there. We slipped into the kitchen to find Devola cooking. She jumped, glancing back at us.

"I was wondering where the rest of you all were. Sleeping in I see." She grinned as I shrugged, glancing around. "If you are looking for your friends, they said they wanted to look for 9S and 2B…" She shook her head as she pulled away from the pan she was cleaning, heading over to the stock. "So, do you want something to eat?"

I frowned, so they were going to talk with those two. I didn't mind as much, but…

"That would be great, thank you." Machael pipped up, pushing me forward. I stumbled, glaring at him as Rebecca took a seat on the same chairs she was sitting in the other day. I followed her example, plopping down where Cath sat the day before. It wasn't long before Devola placed some meat and fruit in front of us. I chowed down on the food, lost in thought.

"I'm guessing there is a reason you all are doing your own things?" Devola asked as she finished cleaning some of the pans.

"Some of us just needed some fresh air, I think." Machael shrugged before glancing over toward me. "This guy decided it was okay as long as they went out with someone."

I would have argued, but at the moment I didn't feel like it, finishing off the last of the meat… I was hungry… A strange sound rang around the room and I glanced over to the communicator. Machael stood, hurrying over to pick it up as Devola raised an eyebrow, placing her tools down.

The screen lit up to showcase 9S. "Machael, your up. Cath, Henry, Emma and Gren wanted me to let you know that they were heading o-"

"Hey! 9S! Let me speak with my brother for a sec. He's probably up now, right?" Gren's voice echoed from the speaker. I sighed and stood, walking over as 9S squeaked but let her take over, her face popping up on screen.

"Hey Machael! Is my brother finally up?"

"You literally just said I would probably be up." I deadpanned, causing her to grin sheepishly. I could hear 9S in the background talking with one of the others.

My sister shrugged. "Hey Al, good to see you up. As promised we decided to go out. 2B and 9S said it was okay as long as we listened to them about everything… though mostly 9S, 2B seemed a little reluctant but you know her. Anemone said it was fine as well, as long as we're back within a two hour time frame. Oh, and Gren, Henry and Emma are with me, we're going together."

I sighed before giving her a faint smile. "I guess you did keep your promise, just… be careful out there, okay? And come back soon."

"Of course Al…" She paused, hesitating before looking at me. "Don't worry, I won't mess up again." I blinked, confused as she waved good-bye before hurrying away. I stared as 9S took back over, just barely showing a hint of confusion.

I wanted to ask what she meant but he smiled. "Well, I got to cut off the conversation here. I haven't noticed any machines in the area so there shouldn't be any issue. But I would rather keep this short. I'll call if anything comes up?"

"Sounds good." I couldn't help but smile, earning a warm expression in return, 9S seeming almost giddy before he waved good-bye and cut off the connection.

I frowned as I thought over the conversation. What had my sister meant by again? I frowned, trying to think over the last few days but sighed, coming up with nothing. Cath had been doing everything she could while she was here, unlike me…

"Well, at least we know where they are." Machael pointed out and I sent him a look. He threw his hands up before turning to Rebecca. "And are you okay? I mean-"

"I'm fine Machael, thank you." She shook her head and walked over to Devola. "Here, let me help you with that."

Devola blinked, startled, before finally relinquishing. She probably would have argued, if not for the look of fierce determination and annoyance on Rebecca's face. I turned away, deciding it was probably better just to let her be. Machael leaned back, chuckling. I sent him a look and he shrugged, leaving it at that.

There wasn't really much to say after that, all of us deep in thought. Eventually, maybe less then a half hour later, we ended up back at the room with Rebecca asking Machael how to use the communicator. I had no doubt she wanted to be able to contact them on her own terms. Why she didn't ask with Devola around, I had no idea. Thankfully it didn't seem too hard, but both Rebecca and myself refrained from calling them. I'm not sure what Rebecca's reasoning was, but mine was simple. I didn't really want to bother them. My sister needs her time away from me and me from her, so it was not surprising…

Doesn't mean I wasn't worried sick. But I trusted 9S and, if anything came up, I knew my sister could take care of herself.

"So… change of topic…" Machael called, garnering our attention. "It's kind of quiet without conversation, so I hope you don't mind me interrupting."

"Yes Machael?" Rebecca sighed, earning a toothy grin from the boy.

"Well, I was just curious really…" His expression turned down and he pursed his lips. "I've been wondering since we got here… and was reminded last night when talking to 9S... it's about the bus… where was everyone going? Before this…"

I stared at him, wondering where this came from, he outright shifted under our incredulous looks and shrugged. "Okay, I know this is from left field but… I've been wondering and I don't really want to depress everyone with it, but we still need general information to understand how we ended up in this situation like 9S said yesterday, and I generally know the bus route, but…"

"And the reason you waited was because you didn't want to upset the others?" Rebecca asked.

"Partially, yes, and partially because I wasn't sure how to ask it up until this point." He shrugged. "After all, I was a little out of it when we first arrived, as you might recall, and once we got here… there hasn't really been a chance."

I couldn't argue with him.

"I see…" Rebecca hesitated before looking toward the communicator. "Henry and I… we were on our way to pick up my husband from the airport. He probably could have taken a cab, but… Henry was really excited to see his father again, so I wasn't going to stop him. We couldn't find a cab so last minute and I knew the bus would take us around that way, so I decided to take it…"

"And then we ended up in this mess…" Machael leaned back. "Damn… I know I was just getting away from home for a bit, wanted to cool off…" He shook his head. "And what about you Aly-boy?"

"Aly… boy…" I deadpanned and he grinned toothily.

"What? Don't like it? Sorry, just trying to lift the mood a little."

I rolled my eyes, but didn't argue beyond that, because I could understand, as much as the nickname was absolutely terrible. "As for me…" I trailed off thinking back to that day. The project I'd been working on all the way up until Cath interrupted me… "I was heading to a book signing… I'm a to-be-published author you see and I had been getting ready up until then…" I frowned. "I had planned to get on the bus before that one, but my alarm didn't go off…" My frown deepened as something about that statement tugged at me.

"Huh? Why not?" Machael raised an eyebrow. "As reckless as I've heard you've been, you seem to know what your doing… usually."

"Thanks…" I rolled my eyes, but pursed my lips. "I think…" I stilled as realization dawned on me. "My sister…" I slowly tilted my head up to catch the others attention. "My sister had screwed up my alarm and then decided to wait till the last minute to warn me…" I bit my lip. "Because of that we ended up on that bus instead of the one I was planning on taking and… we ended up here… Crap…"

"Huh?" Machael glanced over as I slowly turned my head up, worry suddenly filling my gut.

I glanced between them before looking over to the communicator. "My sister… my sister is why I was on that bus and… has she realized that? If so… when she said again… Shit!" I scrambled to my feet, hurrying over to the computer. I wasn't sure why, but part of me was panicking beyond belief. Why? She was with others and was not going to be going anywhere out right dangerous. 9S and 2B wouldn't allow that, so… Why was I suddenly so worried?

"Wait, your sister?" Rebecca asked, hesitant.

I nodded, typing in 9S's code. If I was right, if my memory was right then… Did that mean she- I cut my thoughts off as the system rang for a moment before connecting.

"9S speaking-"

"9S, it's me, Al." I cut in with a frown.

I wasn't sure, but it sounded like 9S somewhat choked for a moment. "Eh… Al? I can't talk right now-"

"It's fine, I'll be quick. I need to speak with my sister about something."

"Um… Al, I can't…" I could have sworn there was almost a hint of fear in his voice and that was solidified a moment later when he continued, "We got attacked and… now we can't find her."

I froze. Hand dropping away from the screen as the other two hurried over.

"Is everyone else alright?" Rebecca demanded. Slamming her hands on either side of the communicator.

"Yes, everyone else is fine, Henry got a little banged up but-"

"Henry! Where's my son-"

"Mom! I'm fine." Henry's voice cut in, sounding a little shaken but fine. "We're safe, but… we don't know where Cath is. She tried to protect me, but…"

I slowly took a step back, then another. So I was right… Cath… "Did you… did you blame yourself for what happened?" I muttered quietly, shock permeating my body. I wanted to collapse, my worry suddenly making much more sense. I think I did, feeling the rough wood of the chair under my fingers as I shook. Machael glanced between me and Rebecca before turning to the modem once more. I wonder what Rebecca's feeling. Is she like me?

"9S, where are you?" Machael asked seriously.

"At the amusement park…"

"Alright-"

I found myself on my feet, surging forward. "It's not alright." I glared before turning to 9S. "Stay where you are and keep everyone safe, I'll be there soon." I cut off the connection before turning to Machael. "What are Devola and Popola's codes?"

He jumped before typing them in, not saying a word. It wasn't a moment later when the connection popped up. "Devola. I need your help."

"Huh?"

"I need to get to the Amusement Park. Now." I wasn't about to leave my sister out there alone. If she didn't want to be found… she wouldn't be and I couldn't stand to let that happen. "Please… Help me find my sister."

Welcome back!

I'm excited to give you this next section and to show you that things are moving along... so watch out!

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From the bottom of my heart, thank you.