Chapter 3 - Friend or Foe

/_\

Rowin remained alert around these two, his rifle barrel not swaying an inch but for whatever reason their reaction seemed to confuse him. The boy, 9S, seemed way more shocked or surprised than his comrade, 2B. You could tell she was also unsure of what to say but at the moment, visually at least, she hid it well.

"Human?" The boy, 9S, spoke up from his stupor. He shifted on the spot, both of them looked between each other before looking back at Rowin.

Rowin didn't answer their question however, he was the one in control here so he'd ask the questions.

"So let me get this right," Rowin began, "You both engaged me in combat because you thought I was a machine?" He used his left hand to gesture across his body, "Do I really look like a machine to you?"

You could see 9S was getting slightly antsy where he stood, he actually surprised Rowin by dropping his sword.

"Did you just say your…" 9S stepped closer to Rowin, "Human?" Rowin didn't like how 9S got closed the gap between them but at least he'd dropped his weapon before hand, you still had to be sharp though, don't underestimate an unarmed foe. One's fists can be just as lethal.

"I am." Rowin replied, "Now what are you?" He expected a fair trade, he had to know what they were since they claimed to be neither human or machine.

"Androids." 2B answered for the both of them. "Members of YoRHa."

YoRHa? What was that exactly?

Androids too? Rowin had never seen androids like this before. They look far too human for that.

'Has technology really come this far…' Rowin thought to himself, but that was kind of hard to believe. He hadn't been in stasis for that long had he?

What was YoRHa? Why were androids deployed by this organization? Whos side were they on? They didn't seem to be on the side of the machines considering they were the ones that turned this place into a machine graveyard but they also attacked him saying they believed he was a machine. You'd have to forgive Rowin for being suspicious.

"Pilot," RO chimned in over the radio, he'd been listening the whole time to their conversation. "I don't seem to detect any sort of signs that they are lying to you thus far in the conversation however I advise you remain diligent with these two. We are unsure of their allegiance and motives." Luckily ROs voice could only be heard by Rowin, little did either 2B or 9S know Rowin had someone else listening in the whole time.

"YoRHa? Care to explain?" Rowin asked, to be honest it wasn't really a question it was more a demand phrased as a question. He was going to get to the bottom of this like RO suggested.

"You've never heard of YoRHa?" 9S asked in disbelief, you could tell he was struggling to understand the situation. The human thing must have really thrown him for a loop but why exactly did that of all things mess with him.

Before Rowin could answer his comrade, 2B, interrupted.

"9S enough," 2B slowly turned on the spot so both her face and body were directed Rowin, "You said you're human correct? You have yet to prove that to us, this could easily be a trick by a rogue android."

"Well, you have trust issues don't ya?" Rowin replied sarcastically, he wasn't much better off in that regard himself. To him it seemed obvious he was human, what the fuck else could he be?! But he'd have to see things from their point of view, he doubted they'd seen a Pilot before.

"Prove to us you're human then." It became clear that 2B didn't believe Rowin about being human for whatever reason.

Rowin took a single step back from the two, he released a somewhat heavy breath thinking of a way to prove it. He didn't really like the idea of removing his helmet, they could easily pull a fast one if he did. Plus he didn't want to lose contact with RO.

While both 2B and 9S waited for Rowins next move they seemed to look between each other, you could see the difference in their faces on what they thought of the situation.

"Kick your sword over to me." Rowin told them, both of them slightly confused as to what he was going to do.

2B was slightly more sceptical about giving a possible enemy her weapon but 9S abledged almost immediately by kicking his sword over to Rowin.

2B glanced at her comrade, her gaze obviously drilled into him by his reaction, her gaze making him slightly nervous for reasons unknown to Rowin.

"I'm curious…?" 9S attempted to defend himself, it didn't seem to sit perfectly well with his comrade though.

Rowin crouched down, his rifle never swaying off target, and picked up the sword. He held the sword in front of them both. Rowin took a quick mental note that the sword was actually well made and well taken care of.

"I hope you know what you're doing Rowin." RO said over the radio, he was connected to Rowins helmet visor since he was not active in his titan chassis. He'd provide whatever limited support he could, "Try to avoid injury as much as possible." As if knowing what Rowin was going to do.

"Hope this helps." Rowin turned the blade in his gloved hand, he pressed his left hand thumb into the blade of sword, he winced slightly at the deepish cut across his ungloved thumb. The confusion on both their faces said enough until Rowin pulled his thumb off the blade and dropped the blade behind him.

He held up his hand for the both of them and showed them the small trace of blood dripping from his thumb. Again both 2B and 9S looked surprised and somewhat stunned, it was more so 9S that was stunned, whether that was by the blood or Rowins action of simply cutting his own thumb he couldn't tell.

"This enough?" Rowin sarcastically asked.

"Can we…" 2B began, she sounded somewhat worried too if Rowin heard correctly, "Can we check for ourselves?"

9S moved to stand beside his comrade awaiting Rowins permission. They both appeared to relax, neither of them seemed to think Rowin was a threat. As if they no longer thought he was their enemy.

"What exactly do you mean?" Rowin questioned, he wasn't sure of what they wanted to do exactly.

"Pod-042," 2B called out, "Rendezvous on my position now."

Following his comrade 9S did the same, "Pod-153 to my position."

From within the scrap heap of machine corpses and parts two little rectangular boxes emerged, both of them quickly floated over to 2B and 9S, the white one closing in on 2B, the other black one over to 9S.

Now Pods Rowin recognised, they were around before he had been put into stasis but he also knew they could be armed for military purposes.

"Hold it!" Rowin called out to 2B and 9S both of them physically reacting to Rowins sudden command. He flicked his barrel from 2B to the Pod before going back to 2B, "I know those things can be armed. State what you're going to do with the both of them or I shoot."

9S put both his hands up slowly in a calming manner, "We're just going to get them to scan you, that's all. Isn't that right 2B?"

"Correct." 2B keeping it as brief as ever.

Rowin sighed to himself right as RO came to life over the radio. "Pilot, allow them this chance to confirm. If they truly aren't our enemies then they could prove to be strong allies."

He was right, they were the ones that turned these machines to scrap with everything said and done. Having that sort of potential strength on your side would prove beneficial.

Rowin gave both 9S and 2B a small nod, giving them permission to proceed with the scan. He didn't lower his carbine however, just in case.

"Pod, begin scanning." 9S commanded, both pods following the one command. The pods hovered over closer to Rowin just slightly ahead of 2B and 9S. The face of both the pods opened, small beams of light began to move across Rowins form.

Taking this moment of inaction Rowin looked over the two androids in front of him. He actually noticed how they looked now, taking in more of their detailed appearance. It was hard to believe they weren't human, they seemed so human like on the outside.

9S appeared to be a younger looking male, white hair and black attire. Boots, shorts, jacket and gloves. His mannerisms from how he conducted himself during their earlier conversations told Rowin he wasn't strictly assigned to combat. While he was dangerous with a blade combative situations might not be his speciality.

Now 2B confused Rowin, her appearance was odd, the skirt, top, gloves, high heels didn't exactly scream built for combat but of the two she was more skilled it seemed. How she carried herself during this whole ordeal was far more lined up with that of a soldier than anything else. Even how she handled the questioning was clever, short simple but also vague answers. Her outfit didn't seem like that of a soldier though, Rowin couldn't help but glance over her entire body.

'Who the fuck designed these uniforms…' Rowin thought to himself, he'd put money is was on some sorry pervert or something.

The most confusing part though were the blindfolds, was exactly was that about?

"Scanning complete." The Pods said simultaneously, drawing Rowins attention once more.

Rowin didn't say anything, he instead opted to let 2B and 9S ask for the results. His focus was on how they were going to react to the news he was human.

The pods both displayed a human sized rectangle of Rowins scanned form, the data of his body coming up on screen. From his beating heart, lungs, brain and skeleton, all shown to prove he was of organic form and not mechanic. Some other small facts were shown too such as his body armor, weapons and helmet. The quick peek Rowin had of the data proved they also didn't have the full information because they couldn't identify his weapons and what exactly his helmet was in sufficient detail.

"Results confirm the target is human. Suggestion, contact command immediately to inform them of this revelation." One of the pods recommended.

Now for how they reacted, their first response was utter shock at the results. It didn't take much for Rowin to realize that these two had never met a human before. This was not good, that gave Rowin everything he needed to know about whether humans were still around or not.

But after that moment of shock it was 2B that reacted first, she stood straight up, a strong posture and placed both her hands behind her back.

"Forgive us for not believing you, sir." 2B said, she sounded a lot like a soldier when she did that. She didn't even move once she noticed 9S had yet to do anything. "9S." Her tone almost commanding in nature despite not actually giving a command to her comrade.

It took 9S a second but he too fell in line with 2B, both of them standing like soldiers would when their superior had entered the building. Even the two pods lined up alongside their respective android.

It took Rowin a moment but he had to admit this was odd, he slowly lowered his rifle and relaxed his aggressive stance.

"Sure." Rowin replied with, so they go from attacking him to asking for his forgiveness?

"So, it was genuinely a mistake for engaging me?" Rowin questioned again, 'Lets see how they respond to questions now.' He thought.

"It was a grave error on our part sir." 2B answered, her tone clear and coherent. She was clearly not trying to hide anything anymore, answering questions like you would your commanding officer. She was also referring to him as a sir so she could at least tell he was a human male.

9S grimaced for a moment as he realized something, "We're in so much trouble for engaging a human." 9S groaned out, "We're being reprogrammed for this..."

His out of nowhere comment got a response from 2B, "We shall accept whatever punishment we're given for what we have done." 2B scolded her comrade, "No complaints."

"Yeah yeah…" Was 9Ss counter.

2B directed her next question toward Rowin this time, "Sir, can we contact command and inform them of your current whereabouts?"

Dammit! Rowins desire to understand all this began to grow, he knew he had other objectives to complete but he wanted to know more about what was going on.

Giving her a nod she began speaking to her pod.

"Pod, contact 6O."

A display appeared in front of 2B directly, he wasn't sure but 2B might not realize he can see the data and information the pod pulls up on its holographic display. It might be a personal connection for each pod and android but Rowins helmet visor could also see this.

"2B!" A surprisingly cheerful voice responded over the pod communication, "What seems to be the issue?" This must be 6O on the line since that's what 2B called her.

"Put me through to the Commander, I have an urgent message for her." 2B responded.

"She's currently in contact with the resistance leader." The voice informed 2B, "I'm not sure how long she'll be-"

"We've made contact with a human on the surface." 2B interrupted, she was obviously not taking no as an answer.

This whole time while Rowin was focused on 2B and her communicating with this 6O person he'd failed to notice until now that 9S was staring at him.

What Rowin found odd was the look of genuine curiosity and almost excitement from his body language coming from the male android. It was truly remarkable to think they were androids when they can mimic human emotion and body language like that.

"I'm sorry 2B, did you just say you found a human on the surface?" 6O questioned.

"Affirmative, we're sending the data of the individual over now." 2B responded, the pod automatically began transmitting the data to her operator. "We need to inform the Commander immediately."

"Ah.. Un.. understood." 6O stuttered, her surprise at the new evidence for all to hear it seemed. "I'll patch you through to the Commander in just a moment."

Little did Rowin know but his presence was going to cause some big changes to occur in the future. For right now though there was something going on in the YoRHa bunker he had no idea even existed.

/_\

The command centre in the YoRHa bunker went about it's normal routine. The operators went about their scheduled contacts, shifting through new information and data and just generally doing what they did most days.

The Commander stood by her usual post I at the centre of the room, the screen in front of her was currently being used to communicate with the leader of the resistance, Anemone.

"Understood Commander." Anemone responded, "We'll move our people to assist with the recoverary."

"Good to hear, our people will be-" The Commander began but was interrupted by a certain operator.

"Commander!" The operator known as 6O called out, "I have an urgent message from units 2B and 9S on the surface." She obviously knew 9S was with 2B so she added him in to the message.

"How urgent is it 6O?" The Commander calmly asked as she turned toward the operator in question, "I'm discussing with the resistance our next major operation." The Commander carrying herself with her usual calm and collected persona.

You could see the resistance leader on the monitor quietly listening in, whether or not she was supposed to was another thing.

"Very urgent Commander." 6O informed her, "2B and 9S have encountered a human on the surface."

The room went silent, the other operators even stopping what they had been previously doing after hearing of a human being on the surface. Even the Commander was strangely silent after hearing the news.

"Show me." The Commander told her.

"Putting the data on screen now." 6O moved the data 2B and 9S had gotten from their scans of Rowin to the large screen. The screen split to allow for Anemone and the data to cover the screen equally.

The data on screen proved without a shadow of a doubt that 2B and 9S had encountered a human in the field.

Every operator ended up looking through the data themselves as well as the Commander. It took only a moment for the Commander to respond.

"Put me through to 2B and 9S this instant." She commanded, she turned to Anemone on screen. "I'm sorry Anemone but I'm going to have to have an abrupt end to this conversation." She told her ally.

"Uh.. yeah.. No problem Commander." Anemone responded as she disconnected the call on her end, allowing the Commander to focus on more pressing matters.

/_\

Anemone stood by the communication equipment in the resistance camp. She had to comprehend what she just heard from that operator.

If she heard that right, YoRHa just encountered a human on the surface. How and why this human was found here is a mystery.

"A human huh…" Anemone spoke to herself. She'd have to prepare for this, this human could possibly be brought to the resistance camp at some point. Anemone would want in on this.

/_\

2B and 9Ss pods lit up, a different voice spoke up though meaning this was no longer 6O that was talking to them.

"2B, 9S," The voice began, "Show me the human you've encountered, I'd like to speak with them."

"Yes Commander." 2B and 9S said simultaneously.

"Sir," 2B began speaking to Rowin, "Our Commander would like to speak with you."

"Fine by me." Rowin countered, right now this was all he could do if he wanted to understand the current situation the world was in. This Commander could provide some valuable intel.

The pod brought up a display of a blonde haired, green eyed woman in a white dress. She would be described as beautiful by a lot of people. Judging by the fact these two androids know of this person Rowin assumed this Commander was an android and not human.

"Sir, you can see this display correct?" 9S asked, making sure he could actually see the Commander, Rowin nodded at 9S to confirm he could see the woman on the display. He figured the human might not have the means to see these displays if they could only be seen by androids but apparently he was wrong.

Back on the Commanders end the main screen was split a real time view of Rowin and the scan data. Most of the operators found his appearance odd, some of them whispering between each other.

"I am the Commander of YoRHa, who is it I have the honor to speak with?" The Commander began, she seemed far more calm about this than either 2B or 9S.

Better now than later.

"Rowin, Liue-" Rowin paused, "Major Rowin Mason. Pilot." It was going to take some time to remember his new title. His introduction was small and simple but he wasn't sure what else to add. Did they really need to know a lot about him at the moment?

"Rowin…" 9S muttered to himself, at least he thought he did. He ended up saying it loud enough for everyone here to hear.

"9S…" 2B warned him with her tone, for what she was warning him about was unknown.

9S nervously smiled before fixing his posture and turning to silence again.

"Sir," The Commander started, "I'd like to give my most sincere apologies for not knowing you were on the surface earlier, if I had been informed earlier I would have sent units to safeguard you." An odd way to begin, "Please allow two of my finest soldiers to accompany you to a safer location. I'm sure you're aware of how dangerous it can be on the surface."

"I'm aware of the threats, yes." Rowin countered. By finest soldiers she must have been referring to 2B and 9S. Good to know he was in the presence of two of YoRHas finest.

"If we may we'd like to guide you to the resistance camp not far from your current location. I'd much rather continue our discussion once you're secure sir."

So they wanted to bring him to a secure location, did they value his life so much that they'd rather him be in a secure location instead of just speaking here?

"Pilot, we can't afford to make that detour at this exact moment." RO informed Rowin over the radio, not that he had to. Rowin thought the same thing.

"Negative Commander." Rowin shut her down much to the surprise of 2B and 9S, as well as everyone else Rowin didn't know was listening.

"Pardon sir?" Even the Commander found it odd for Rowin to decline the offer. She'd never been told no before like this, she had to admit she found it nice. (AN: Think of that in the weirdest way possible-lol)

"I'm currently tasked with my own objectives I can't afford to disregard my mission." Rowin attempted to keep his mission and the bunker as secretive as possible, for now the bunkers location should be kept a secret just in case this all turns out bad for him.

"Sir, we have capable soldiers that could complete whatever assignment you have taken on yourself." The Commander argued, she might have a valid point for all Rowin knew. Her soldiers might be capable but for now Rowin only trusted himself to get the job done. He'd rather do it himself instead of relying on others especially if they turn out to be his enemies.

"Commander," Rowin began surprising sternly, "I must complete these objectives as quickly as possible, I'm the only one who knows what must be done in sufficient detail so I'd rather just do it myself instead of order someone else to take over. I respectfully decline your offer to have another team do it."

Rowin couldn't tell through the communication system but the Commander was slightly frustrated with him. "I understand sir. I shall not prohibit you from your mission however I insist in allowing some of my soldiers to accompany you for your own safety. I will not allow harm to befall you sir."

"Unnecessary Commander, I can handle myself." Rowin attempted to argue.

"Non negotiable sir. 2B, 9S!" The Commander called out, the pods displayed focused in on the two androids. "New Orders, you're both to follow Major Rowin Mason on his mission. You are to protect him by any means necessary, you are to do whatever he asks of you. Understood?" Her tone commanding but smooth, you could see by how she speaks to people why she was the commander.

"Understood."

"Affirmative Commander."

2B and 9S replied respectively. Giving, what appeared to be, their salute.

"Glory to Mankind." They all said.

Now that was just plain freaky to Rowin, what kind of mantra was that?

The pod turned the Commander back toward Rowin, "Major Rowin Mason, take care while on this mission." The pod cut off communication stating the Commander had ended the connection.

"Pilot, it's time to refocus our efforts on the objectives concerning the bunker." RO stated.

"Copy that RO."

Rowin stepped toward both 2B and 9S, 2B immediately stiffened her posture, standing to attention. 9S however was more relaxed in his stance.

"We'll leave on your orders sir." 2B announced. "Pod, grab our weapons." The pods hovered over to their fallen weapons, picking them up and brought them back to 2B and 9S. 9S only being armed with his black sword while 2B was armed with a similar white sword but also a much larger rectangular blade.

9S seemed more excited for the assignment than 2B but 2B was taking this seriously, more militaristically in manner. It became obvious that 2B was for combat, 9S was for some other role. At the moment though Rowin didn't know for certainty.

It seemed Rowin wasn't going to be escaping either of them, if he tried to run he wasn't sure what they'd try to do exactly so for now they were on his team.

"Alright, follow behind me." Rowin instructed, "Watch our flanks."

"Understood sir." 2B replied as she moved to follow close behind, maybe a bit too close for comfort but it worked. 9S followed behind her, he appeared to be thinking to himself judging by the fact as he followed he was looking around him.

Rowin didn't realize it but 9S had so many questions for him, he'd take this time to pick which ones he wanted to ask first, or whatever questions 2B would allow.

This mission has changed.

C3: End

Finished chapter three. Once again sorry for the wait, busy as always with life and other stories. I'll try make it up to all those who read this story by getting out another chapter real soon. I'm sure we're all busy this time year but I'll attempt to keep my word on this for you all.

I just wanted to add a quick note (Or three) that this takes place at some point during the game. Not before or after. By this point 2B and 9S have met A2 (Who'll show up soon enough) but Adam and Eve aren't a thing yet. From here the story of the game changes drastically so don't expect me to keep to the games full story. Somethings will happen, others won't.

I did mention before you can make a character for this story if you like, they' won't be the main character of the story but I'll try have them around as much as possible. Read C1 AN to know what I mean.

A reminder, there is a poll for the "Romance Side Story" in this fanfiction. If you want a say in this then go ahead and let me know by whatever means you want. Review, PM or a vote on the poll.

That's it for me then I guess, I've talked as much shit as I can for this AN section. See you all next time!

AlcatrazDGold - Till the next chapter…