It was a day like any other for the YoRHa combat android 2B, who was carrying out a mission in the city ruins where she had to track down a machine who had been destroying access points all over the city, and she was hot on its trail.
"They're close", 2B said, "Pod 111, scan ahead for machine lifeforms."
2B's normal pod, Pod 042, was undergoing some routine maintenance and was not available for the mission, so she was given a loaner pod from another YoRHa android, and the pod floated ahead and scanned for nearby machines.
"Detecting hostile machine lifeforms ahead", Pod 111 said.
Using stealth, 2B made her way over to where Pod 111 was, and she saw from behind the wall of a building some machine lifeforms near an access point, where a Goliath Biped machine was about to smash it.
"Not on my watch", 2B said.
2B drew her sword, which was known as the Virtuous Contract, and ran screaming towards the androids, and then proceeded to slash up some Small Stubby machines, and then she noticed a pair of Small Flyers in the air firing energy pulses at her, which she quickly avoided by jumping out of the way.
"Pod 111, take care of those flyers", 2B said.
"Acknowledged", Pod 111 said.
Pod 111 shot at the two flyers, and both of them soon came crashing down, and as 2B finished taking care of the Small Stubbies, she turned her attention to the Goliath Biped, who had already begun damaging the access point badly.
"Those access points are crucial for YoRHa units", 2B said, "I won't let you destroy any more of them!"
2B ran towards the Goliath and began slashing it with her Virtuous Contract, but the machine lifeform fought back, and she managed to hold her own against it for a while, but as the fight went on, she slowly started to loose her edge.
"Pod 111, I could use a little help here", 2B said.
The pod didn't respond because it was too busy performing some kind of scan, and as 2B and the Goliath battled, the former's sword fell out of her hand after taking a hit from the latter, and the machine took advantage of it by tossing 2B into the air, grabbing her, and then slamming her onto the ground, after which it made its getaway, and 2B used some small recover to restore herself back to full health and stood back up, agitated about the Goliath getting away.
"Great", 2B said, "that thing's probably long gone by now."
Then, she turned to Pod 111, who had floated down next to her.
"I almost destroyed it, no thanks to you", 2B said, "why didn't you assist me like you're supposed to?"
"A scan was taking place during the battle", Pod 111 said, "assistance was unavailable."
"A scan", 2B asked, "what kind of scan?"
"That information is classified", Pod 111 said.
"What do you mean classified", 2B asked.
"The data I collected is for the unit I normally support", Pod 111 said, "he requested that I collect it while I was with you."
"I see", 2B said, "well, I guess we'd better get back to the Bunker."
2B got into a flight unit suit she had used to travel down to the city and took off from the ruins, thinking to herself as she did so.
"The Commander won't be happy to hear about this", 2B thought.
At the YoRHa space station base known as the Bunker, 2B reported the outcome of the mission to Commander White, who, as she expected, was not pleased to hear about it.
"You mean to say that the machine responsible for destroying many of the access points set up on the surface is still functional", the Commander asked.
"I'm sorry, Commander", 2B said, "I would've had this pod I borrowed assist me with defeating the machine, but it was performing some kind of scan while I was battling it."
"I see", the Commander said, "well, they've finished repairing your normal pod, so you should have no trouble destroying the machine when I send you to go after it again."
"Yes ma'am", 2B said.
"Also, please return the loaner pod to its owner", the Commander said.
"Of course", 2B said.
2B left the command center and went to return Pod 111 to its owner, and a sudden feeling of curiosity came to her.
"I wonder what that pod was scanning", 2B thought.
2B turned to face the pod.
"Pod 111", 2B said, "display the data scanned while I was battling that machine."
"I'm sorry", Pod 111 said, "but that information is..."
"It was not a request", 2B said, "you were programmed to obey my commands until you were returned to your unit."
"Very well", Pod 111 said, "displaying captured imagery."
"Captured imagery", 2B asked.
Pod 111 then displayed a series of images it had captured of 2B during the fight, including her thigh-high boot-covered legs, her partially exposed back due to her outfit, and the most shocking of them all, a picture of her white leotard under her skirt, and needless to say, she was quite disturbed by these images.
"Is this some kind of sick joke", 2B asked.
A little later, 2B was in her room thinking to herself, when she heard a knock at the door.
"Who is it", 2B asked.
The door opened, and 9S, a scanner type android and 2B's close ally, entered the room.
"Hello, ma'am", 9S said.
"Stop calling me ma'am", 2B said, "it's not necessary."
"Sorry about that", 9S said, "anyways, I heard about your failed mission and thought I'd check on you."
"I'm fine", 2B said, "but that pod I borrowed gathered some very interesting information."
"What kind of information", 9S asked.
2B told him about the images she discovered Pod 111 had captured of her.
"I see what's going on", 9S said, "you borrowed 7S' pod."
"I had to", 2B said, " Pod 042 was being repaired."
"Well, you should've chosen who you borrowed a pod from more carefully", 9S said, "7S has a bit of an obsession with female androids."
"An obsession", 2B asked.
"Yes", 9S said, "he likes looking at female models he finds attractive."
"Wow", 2B said, "that's very disturbing to hear."
"If I had to guess, he probably ordered his pod to take those pictures of you so that he could look at them when you returned it", 2B said.
"You really think he'd do something like that", 2B asked.
"Without a doubt", 9S said.
"Why would he even consider doing something so unsettling", 2B asked.
"Maybe it's your outfit that caught his attention", 9S said.
"What's wrong with the way I dress", 2B asked.
"Well", 9S said, "don't take this the wrong way, but I think your outfit is a little bit revealing."
2B looked at herself in a mirror and saw that 9S' words about her attire were somewhat accurate.
"I guess maybe my attire is a bit questionable", 2B said.
"Yeah", 9S said, "why do you even dress like that?"
"I like how it looks", 2B said, "but maybe it might be time to try a different look."
"A different look", 9S said.
"Yes", 2B said, "maybe something a little less revealing."
"Okay", 9S said, "if you say so."
9S left the room, and 2B looked at herself in the mirror again.
"What would be a good look new look for me", 2B thought.
A little later, 9S was walking through the halls of the Bunker in search of 2B.
"She's around here somewhere", 9S said, "I have to find her so we can go take care of that machine."
Then, he bumped into an android.
"Oh, sorry", 9S said, "I was looking for..."
The android turned around, and 9S was surprised to see who it was.
"2B", 9S asked.
The reason 9S had been caught by surprise was the fact that 2B was now wearing a completely different outfit that consisted of a black leather jacket, a black undershirt, black gloves, black pants, and black boots similar to the ones worn by 9S.
"Is something wrong, 9S", 2B asked.
"Nothing's wrong", 9S said, "I just didn't recognize you for a second."
"Oh, right", 2B said, "as you can see, I managed to find the right new look for me."
"That's nice", 9S said, "I'm glad you were able to find a different look that you think works for you."
"Thank you", 2B said.
"Anyways, we need to get going", 9S said, "the commander managed to locate the machine who's been destroying our access points and wants me to go with you to take care of it."
"Okay", 2B said, "let's move!"
2B and 9S got into some flight units and flew down to Earth in the city ruins, and once they arrived, they began searching for the machine with the aid of their pods, and 9S.
"The Commander said the machine was recently sighted in this area", 9S said.
As the androids looked around for any sights of machine lifeforms, they noticed an access point that had been smashed by something large.
"Looks like she was right", 2B said.
"It also looks like it smashed this access point while it was here", 9S said.
"It couldn't have gone far", 2B said, "Pod 042, go up ahead and see if it's nearby."
But the pod didn't respond.
"Pod 042, I gave you an order", 2B said.
2B noticed that Pod 042 was looking around for something.
"I'm over here", 2B said, "what are you looking for?"
Pod 042 turned to 2B, and after a minute, it responded.
"My apologies, 2B", Pod 042 said, "I heard your voice, but I could not see you anywhere."
"I've been here the whole time", 2B said.
"Yes, of course", Pod 042 said, "I failed to recognize you because of your attire."
"You too", 2B asked, "that makes two individuals to not recognize me because I'm wearing a different outfit."
2B looked over at 9S, who looked away in embarrassment.
"Now come on", 2B said, "let's keep looking."
2B, 9S, and their pods continued searching for the machine responsible for destroying the YoRHa access points, when 2B began to feel a little strange.
"You don't look so good", 9S said, "what's wrong?"
"I don't know", 2B said, "Pod 042, diagnosis."
"Unit's systems are starting to overheat", Pod 042 said, "likely cause: body cover provided by extra clothing."
"He must be talking about your jacket and pants", 9S said, "better take them off."
"I can't take them off", 2B said.
"Why not", 9S asked.
"Because I don't want to appear too revealing", 2B said, "I decided to change my look because I thought it would be best if I started dressing in clothing that isn't likely to attract unwanted attention."
"Is this because of what happened with 7S' pod", 9S asked.
"Of course not", 2B said, "this change of wardrobe was my own decision."
"2B, please", 9S said, "you shouldn't be worrying too much about how you dress."
"Why not", 2B asked.
"Because 7S is just an android with an unhealthy obsession for female models", 9S said, "you shouldn't let something like that influence you to decide to completely change your look."
"I told you, this was my decision", 2B said, "those pictures his pod took have nothing to do with this."
"Don't you get it", 9S said, "I didn't recognize you in that outfit, and neither did your pod, and now you're starting to overheat."
"I'll activate my body's cooling system", 2B said.
"That's not the point", 9S said, "you're getting way too worked up over this."
"For the last time", 2B said, "what happened with that pod did not have any influence on my decision to change what I wear."
"Well, influence or not, so far, it doesn't look like this change is working out for you", 9S said, "I'll bet it'll even affect your fighting."
"That's ridiculous", 2B said, "my combat skills are good in whatever outfit I wear."
"Whatever you say", 9S said.
2B was just about fed up with what 9S was telling her.
"Come on, let's just keep looking for that machine", 2B said.
2B went off in search of the machine, and 9S followed her.
"I've never seen 2B like this before", 9S said, "if only she wasn't so in denial about all this."
The two YoRHa androids continued searching for the machine, and soon, they heard a smashing noise.
"Do you hear that", 2B asked.
"Yes, I do", 9S said, "it's coming from over there."
2B and 9S went in the direction the noise was coming from with their pods and stopped behind the trunk of a very large tree.
"Sounds like our access point-smashing friend", 2B said.
"Probably", 9S said.
2B and 9S looked from behind the three and saw the same Goliath Biped machine from before smashing another access point with its fist, this time with the assistance of a second Goliath Biped.
"Looks like he brought a friend", 9S said.
"Not a problem", 2B said, "we'll take care of them."
2B drew her Virtuous Contract.
"Come on, 9S", 2B said, "let's go deal with those two."
9S drew his sword, which known as the Cruel Oath, and followed 2B towards the two Goliaths, and soon, they were engaged in battle with the machines.
"Time to cut you down to size", 9S said.
9S battled against one of the two machines along with his pod, Pod 153, and 2B also managed to put up a fight with the other machine, but she soon found that her movement wasn't what it normally was.
"Are you doing alright, 2B", 9S asked, "how are you holding up?"
"I'm fine", 2B said, "but my movements don't feel very free."
"Analysis shows that limited movement is a result of your choice of legwear", Pod 042 said.
"My pants", 2B asked.
"In addition to your secondary torso covering", Pod 042 said.
"My jacket", 2B asked.
"Correct", Pod 042 said, "current choice of clothing is severely hindering unit's movements."
"It's not that bad", 2B said.
Then, the machine 2B was fighting was making a getaway.
"Oh no you don't", 2B said, "come back here and fight me!"
While 2B went after the machine she was fighting, 9S continued to fight the one he was battling.
"Just fall already", 9S said.
"Perhaps I can be of assistance", Pod 153 said.
Pod 153 fired some shots at the machine, and that, combined with 9S' attacks with his Cruel Oath, resulted in the machine getting destroyed.
"Finally", 9S said, "these things are so hard to bring down."
He looked around for 2B, but he couldn't see her or the machine she had been fighting anywhere.
"Where'd 2B go", 9S asked.
"Unit 2B went in that direction in pursuit of the other machine lifeform", Pod 153 said.
"Better go after her", 9S said, "I've got a feeling she's going to need some help."
2B continued chasing after the machine, but she began feeling hot because of her outfit, and she also began to feel uncomfortable running around in it.
"I've never gotten this exhausted chasing after machines", 2B said, "and I've never felt discomfort while doing it, either."
At last, 2B managed to catch up to her machine and resumed fighting it, but it soon began spinning its arms around getting ready to slam them down on the ground, and 2B made a run for it, but it wasn't long before she began to tire.
"I don't know why, but I'm feeling worn out all of a sudden", 2B said.
2B noticed the tree she and 2B had been hiding behind earlier and ran towards it and jumped up, managing to grab on to a branch, but when she tried to reach her leg up to it, it wouldn't quite get there, due to the pants she was wearing as part of her new outfit.
"I can't seem to reach it", 2B said.
2B tried as hard as she could to get her leg on the branch, but she couldn't do it, and at last, her grip gave way and she fell to the ground, and she looked up and saw the machine coming towards her, ready to pulverize her with its massive fist, but before it could do anything like that to her, it was suddenly hit by shots that had been fired by Pod 153, and it turned and made its way toward it and 9S, leaving 2B with Pod 042.
"I've got to help him", 2B said.
"Negative", Pod 042 said, "difference in wardrobe will continue to affect performance in combat."
"Again with the clothes", 2B said, "why is this bothering everyone?"
"I detect traces of denial", Pod 042 said.
"Denial", 2B asked, "about what?"
"It is related to your reasonings behind your change in wardrobe", Pod 042 said, "this decision was not by unit's freedom of choice."
"Where'd you get that ide", 2B asked.
"From what I can understand, this is due to an event where Pod 111, the pod belonging to YoRHa model 7S, captured images of certain parts of your body to show to its master", Pod 042 said.
"Well, yeah", 2B said, "but that's not why I changed my outfit."
"Then what were your reasonings", Pod 042 asked.
"Because I decided that maybe I shouldn't be wearing revealing outfits like my old one anymore", 2B said.
"Such a change was not considered before Pod 111 captured those images", Pod 042 said.
"So", 2B asked, "I..."
But then, she looked at herself in a reflection of a puddle on the ground, and then heard the sound of a sword hitting against metal, and she saw 9S fighting against the machine that was originally fighting her, but he was having difficulty, and after looking at her reflection again, she let out a sigh.
"You're right", 2B said, "this is because of those images."
"So it seems my deductions were correct", Pod 042 said.
"Yes", 2B said, "I was so shocked when I saw the images and heard about the pod's owner, and I guess it got to my head a little bit."
"It would seem that it did", Pod 042 said.
"I decided to change my look so I wouldn't have to worry about that again, but I guess I sort of forced it on myself", 2B said, "and it looks like it just caused more problems for me."
"Indeed", Pod 042 said, "what will your next move be?"
"Let's head back to the Bunker", 2B said.
"Are you certain about that", Pod 042 said, "unit will be labeled a deserter if she leaves the mission."
"We won't be there long", 2B said, "I just need to get some new equipment."
While 2B and her pod went to her flying unit so they could travel back to the Bunker, 9S kept fighting the machine, but he wasn't having much luck finishing it off, even with the help of his pod, and soon enough, he was running down the road with the machine slowly following him, and he stopped and pointed his sword towards it.
"Enough running", 9S said, "time to take you down!"
9S ran towards the machine screaming and jumped in the air, ready to attack the machine, but it swatted him away with its mighty arm, causing him to crash into a building, and as the machine walked towards him, it heard a whistle and looked up.
"Hey, you", 2B's voice said, "why don't you pick on someone your own size?"
9S looked up and saw 2B standing on top of a building wearing her normal outfit.
"Or maybe pick on someone like me", 2B said.
9S was happy to see 2B back in her normal wardrobe again.
"Welcome back, 2B", 9S said.
2B drew her Virtuous Contract and jumped down towards the machine and began attacking it, and it responded by slamming down its fists to create a massive shockwave, but thanks her outfit allowing her to move more freely, she managed to to jump up to avoid getting hit by it, and then proceeded to dodge its punches, and she continued to attack it with her Virtuous Contract, with Pod 042 assisting by shooting at it, and when the machine slammed down one of its fists in an attempt to crush her, she jumped out of the way, ran towards it, jumped high into the air, and slashed it several times with her Virtuous Contract, causing the machine to explode, thus ending its rampage.
"There", 2B said, "that takes care of our machine problem."
9S got up and walked over to 2B holding his arm, which the latter noticed.
"9S", 2B said, "are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine", 9S said, "just took a little damage in the fight."
"Looks like your arm especially took a beating", 2B said, "we better get you back to the Bunker so you can be repaired."
2B and 9S both walked away, and the latter decided to bring up the fact that the former was now wearing her normal clothes again.
"I see you switched back to your old outfit", 9S said.
"Yeah", 2B said, "this one allows for more movement."
But 2B knew that wasn't the whole reason she changed back to her old look, and decided it was time to come clean with him.
"And also, you were right about what I said", 2B said, "I shouldn't have changed my look just because of some pictures that pod took of me."
"So it was because of the pod", 9S said.
"Yes", 2B said, "I let it bother me more than I should've, and as a result I let it influence me into changing my appearance."
"Hey, it's okay", 9S said, "we all make mistakes like this sometimes."
"I guess so", 2B said, "I just wish I hadn't let it all go to my head."
"No need to feel bad about it", 9S said, "this kind of stuff happens to us sometimes, and it usually ends up completely controlling what we do, but you managed to realize that you had let your thoughts influence your actions and put a stop to it."
"Yeah, I guess I did", 2B said, "and you know what, I don't care what anyone thinks about how I dress."
"You don't", 9S said.
"No", 2B said, "I'll wear whatever outfit I like, and if anyone has a problem with it or has an obsession like 7S, I'll just ignore them and not pay them any mind."
"Glad to hear it, 2B", 9S said.
"And another thing", 2B said, "I think I'll tell the Commander about what 7S did."
"Good idea", 9S said, "what he did was so wrong, and he shouldn't get away with it."
"Agreed", 2B said.
At last, they arrived at the spot where their flight units were.
"Here we are", 2B said, "let's go home."
2B and 9S got into the flight units and piloted them into space and to the Bunker, having finally defeated the access point-destroying machine and 2B having learned a valuable lesson from her experiences.
