CHAPTER TEN: Moral Obligation
PART THREE…Consensus …
As an impossibly complex map of the Earth danced upon the projection wall, father and daughter sat memorizing. Across the rooms, mother spread cloth upon the floor to cut.
Bold, little Tessla sighed and slouched further into the couch, muttering under her breath.
"No; I'm fine," Vash answered softly, losing concentration.
Rolling her eyes, she spoke up further. "Why do you put up with her?"
Vash gritted his teeth. "Tessla."
"You don't owe her anything. She gave you a kid, but now...I mean, really. Just like the humans. Freedom exchanged for species propagation."
He reminded himself that violence was wrong. She did deserve a little smack on the head, though. "That's a pretty cynical view, baby bear."
"Sorry, daddy. I just don't want you living by human rules. At least, not the ones that shouldn't apply to us," she continued whispering, now turning to face him with her cold blue eyes. "I understand, though. You wanted to have me, and you're the best daddy in the world." She smiled. "So, are you staying with her to have more?"
Vash's jaw dropped. "You think that's the only reason?" He glanced about him a bit, to see that Vanessa's attention was still on the fabric. "We're a family, Tessla. I love you and your mom very much. You believe that, don't you?" he asked plaintively.
Tessla nodded. "I know. But maybe you're mistaking loyalty with love. You don't really act like you care much about each other. Ignoring or tolerating is more like it. When you hang out with me, I can tell you're relaxed and happy. But her..."
Turning back to the map, Vash stiffened his expression. "There are so many separations in Africa."
"You can't separate what was never joined in the first place."
"You don't know what you're talking about," Vash whispered, growing impatient. "Look at the map."
Tessla wrapped her arms around her father's neck. "I only want you to be happy. Once we get off this ship, we can go off wherever, you know. Just me and my daddy and the people that make us happy."
Vash hugged her back, pulling her closer to his chest protectively. "We'll be happy, Tessla. Don't worry about me. I'll never leave you or your mom alone unless you make me," he whispered, smiling, just before he began to tickle her.
Giggling madly, the little plant wriggled to get away, screaming, "No! Daddy! Got to pee!" Panting, grinning, she hopped from the couch, stuck out her tongue playfully at him, and dashed to the bathroom.
Vash's demeanor grew decidedly calm. He felt her gaze upon him. "How's the dress going?" he asked, forcing a smile.
The spotlight facing the little sewing platform before her highlighted her face harshly. Her oddly pointed ears struck out from her head, reminding him of her piqued hearing. However, her expression was calm. There was even a slight smile upon her lips. "She doesn't like me, much, does she?" she commented rhetorically, leaning back against her chair to braid her hair. "It's no one's fault but mine." Tying off the rope of hair, she returned to the fabric, beginning to run a long seam through the path of needling.
Vash frowned. "Don't be so hard on yourself. She's at that age, you know?"
"What age? She never liked me. I'm not a mother; she stopped calling me that once she learned to walk and think for her own."
"I know things have been rough for you – that's the reason why you're so…um…somber. I'm sure once we're able to settle in on Earth you'll find your peace, and I'll be there to help you." It was only natural for him to attempt to comfort her. Nevertheless, her sad words came with acceptance, and his heart felt cold.
Vanessa shook her head slightly, the little smirk curling the corner of her mouth. "Vash, Vash, Vash. On Earth, there's no need for a hero. I've been working, recently, to set the three of us up as independent there. We'll be monetarily stable for many years, and no longer legally tied. We aren't creatures bound to tides and moons. If a creator existed or exists, whether man or God, he surely meant for us to not attempt to bind ourselves to objects or lives, since such things will only lead to frustration and disappointment. Even your own daughter may forget you one day."
Light reflected from a tear rolling down Vash's cheek, just bright enough for her eye to catch. She relaxed the cloth and cast a soft face to him. "I don't mean that to hurt you. I just don't want you to break your own heart. Remember to keep your loves fleeting." Vanessa rested her elbows against the sewing platform and rested her chin onto her hands as her daughter sauntered back to the couch.
Tessla settled beside Vash softly, attempting not to disturb the conversatio.
Vash self-consciously wiped his cheeks.
"Anyhow, if you and Tessla would like more company, I'd have more plant children. Regardless of our future, this world surely needs able minds like our kind. And if things get hostile for any of our own, they can surely find their way back to their uncle."
Eyes wide with shock of such bluntness in her, Vash nodded without turning. He ought to say something to them; to her. But no words could form. His daughter hugged him warmly.