Chapter 3

Iris nervously stood in front of the head medical Reploid. Rocinolle was slightly taller than Milan and wore a beige nurse outfit over her Resistance uniform. Her brown hair was tied up in a bun, and her head was topped with a nurse's hat.

"Ah, you must be the new girl, Iris," Rocinolle greeted warmly.

"Yes, ma'am," Iris replied. "Dr. Ciel said I could join the medical staff and told me to find you."

"Well, it's always nice to have a new member on board. So many Reploids come back injured from their missions, and sometimes we're completely overwhelmed."

"I'll do whatever I can to help," Iris assured.

Rocinolle went right to showing Iris how to perform basic Reploid medical procedures, including properly binding wounds, making slings and bandages, and performing some basic skeletal repairs. She also gave Iris tips on keeping a patient calm, which was essential during the more delicate procedures. If a Reploid started panicking while internal damage was being repaired, he or she could unintentionally cause further injury.

It was a lot to learn, and Iris's shyness didn't help matters. Rocinolle remained patient with her, however, and by the end of the day Iris felt that she had a pretty good grasp on her new duties. She bid Rocinolle farewell and prepared to retire to her room. A gnawing sensation emerged in her gut, informing her that she would have to replenish her energy supplies. She worked up her courage and asked another Reploid where she could find some E-crystals, and he happily directed her to the energy room. Once there, Iris ate just enough crystals to sate her hunger and gathered a few more to keep in her room for herself.

Before she shut down for the day, she decided to fulfill her promise to Alouette and check on Ciel. As she expected, the scientist was still hard at work trying to find Zero. Passy buzzed around Ciel's head in an attempt to dissuade her, but the Cyber Elf was ignored.

"Dr. Ciel, don't you think you should take a break?" asked Iris.

"I'm fine. I can keep going," Ciel insisted.

"You don't look fine to me. In fact, you look like you're about to drop dead," Iris noted. "Alouette's really worried about you, you know."

Ciel stopped typing and removed her visor. "It's true. I haven't been spending as much time with Alouette as I should."

"You should rest for tonight. I doubt she'd be happy to play with an exhausted older sister."

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to stop for now. Okay, I'll go get some sleep."

Ciel got up from her computer and headed for her bedroom. Once she was out of sight, Passy stared wide-eyed at Iris. "I'm amazed. She actually listened to you."

"I think it's more of a matter of her feeling bad about not paying attention to Alouette than anything," said Iris. "Although I probably could have put her into bed myself if I really had to."

"So, Alouette put you up to this task?" asked Passy.

"Yeah. I couldn't just say no to her. And she has a good reason to be worried. Humans aren't as durable as Reploids, and they can get ill if they're too tired or stressed."

"Very true. But knowing Ciel, it won't be long before she's back to overworking herself."

"Then I'll just have to keep an eye on her. It's getting late now, so I'll be heading to bed myself. I'll see you tomorrow, Passy."

"Good night, Iris."

The next morning, Iris heard a knock at her door while she brushed her hair. Wondering who would want to be seeing her, she opened the door.

"Oh, Milan!" she exclaimed softly. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see how you were doing," Milan replied. "It seems you're starting to adjust to life in the Resistance."

"Um, I guess," Iris mumbled as she poked her fingers together. "I got recruited into the medical team, but it's kind of hard learning everything from scratch."

"Don't worry about it. You'll catch on soon enough, and there's always a steady supply of patients for you to practice on."

Iris winced. "Reploids get injured that often?"

"Well, we are completely outgunned and outnumbered," Milan admitted. "We've only been managing to hold out by using guerilla tactics, and even then, it's very rare that we come out unscathed."

"Yes, Dr. Ciel told me as such. That's why she's searching so desperately for―"

Milan quickly covered Iris's mouth. "Best not to say that name around here."

"Why?"

"The Resistance members all respect Dr. Ciel as a leader, and we're all close as family, but most of us think she's chasing a fairy tale. If someone catches a newbie like you believing in the same fairy tale, they're going to think you've got a major programming glitch."

"Oh." Iris felt sheepish. "Um, what about you, Milan? Do you think Dr. Ciel is chasing a fairy tale?"

"Dr. Ciel is a very intelligent woman. She knows this is our last shot, legend or not. I'll admit I'm not completely convinced that you know who exists, but I do know that if she fails, we're all doomed."

Iris swallowed hard. "I…didn't realize things were this bad."

"I'm sorry. I know this is a lot for you to take in, especially with you being newly activated. But you have to remember that if we give up, were doomed anyway. So try to stay positive, and trust Dr. Ciel."

"All right."

"Good," said Milan. "Now then, since that's out of the way, I was wondering if you'd like a tour around the base."

"Well, I did get a basic layout of the base yesterday, but I don't know where everything is," Iris admitted. "I guess a guided tour wouldn't hurt. After all, I don't have to be in the infirmary until this afternoon."

"That's great!" exclaimed Milan. "Now then, stay close, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask."

The first place they stopped on their tour was Ciel's lab. Iris was already familiar with the location and let Milan know as such. They knocked on the door, but Passy told them that the scientist was busy with her research as usual. Next, Milan led Iris to a large lift elevator. The two rode it down to the basement, where a small decrepit metal shack lay.

"This is Cerveau's lab," said Milan.

"Cerveau?"

"He's our engineer, so he's smart. Really smart. In fact, only Dr. Ciel has more brains than him. He uses this place to design weapons and technology for us."

As if on cue, a loud explosion rang out, causing Iris to shriek. Black smoke began to billow out of the shack's windows, and numerous curses rang through the air.

Milan sighed. "There he goes again."

"Does this happen a lot?" asked Iris.

"More than any of us would like. Come on. Let's go make sure he hasn't hurt himself."

Iris cautiously followed Milan into Cerveau's lab. The smoke made it hard to see, but she could make out a silhouette furiously waving his hands.

"Of all the―I was this close!" the figure shouted.

"Cerveau! Are you alright?" Milan called.

"What the―Milan?" The smoke finally cleared, revealing an older-looking male Reploid clad in Resistance clothing and wearing a white visor over his eyes. His skin and clothing were covered with soot. "Can't you leave a Reploid to experiment in peace?"

"Not if said experiment causes bodily injury," Milan quipped. "Look, I even brought a medic with me!"

"A medic?"

Iris squeaked and hid behind Milan as Cerveau lifted his visor and approached them. His dark eyes crinkled into a smile as he inspected Iris.

"Well, aren't you a shy one?" he said. "My name is Cerveau. I'm the Resistance's engineer. There's no need to be afraid of me."

"Actually, there is," Milan whispered. "One time, I happened to be in the wrong place when one of his experiments went awry, and a piece of debris almost dented my forehead."

"You be quiet!" Cerveau yelled, earning a giggle from Iris. "Don't listen to him. He should know better than to bother me while I'm experimenting."

"I see," said Iris. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Cerveau. My name is Iris."

"Iris? That's a very pretty name, young lady," said Cerveau. "I'll be honored to have you as my medic if the need calls."

"Th-thank you," Iris stuttered, blushing slightly.

"I think we've spent enough time here," said Milan as he grabbed Iris's hand. "Try not to blow yourself up, Cerveau."

"Hey!" the engineer snapped.

Milan quickly led Iris out of the basement and continued the tour. He showed her some of the areas where Reploids liked to relax, an unused kitchen and cafeteria, the laundry rooms, lookout sites, and so on. Many other Reploids greeted them, but Iris hid behind Milan every time someone approached.

"Iris, you're going to be living with these Reploids from now on," Milan gently chided. "It would do you well to get to know them."

"I know," moaned Iris. "I just… I just don't know what to say to them. What if I mess up and they think I'm weird?"

"No one thinks you're weird. They just want to get to know you."

"But—"

"Well, who do we have here?"

Iris jumped and yelped at the new voice. It came from a Reploid that looked very old. He had a long white beard and bushy eyebrows that hid his eyes.

"Andrew!" Milan exclaimed awkwardly. "Er, nice of you to drop by. Look, we're kind of in a hurry, so—"

"Nonsense. I just wanted a few words with this young lady right here," said Andrew.

"Me?" Iris squeaked.

"You, my dear, remind me very much of my wife when she was alive," said Andrew. "That was a very long time ago, though. I used to be quite handsome back in the day, you know."

"Um—"

"I can still picture her now. Her long hair, her sweet voice that moved me to my core. She was a human and I was a Reploid, but we were very much in love."

"Mr. Andrew—"

"As the years went on, she grew old while I stayed the same, and she became ashamed to show herself around me. But Dr. Ciel modified my body so we could live together for the rest of her days."

"Um, that's nice, but―"

"If she were around now, I'm sure she would've been delighted to meet you. You're a beautiful young lady, and the lad that earns your love will be very lucky indeed."

Iris's face resembled a ripe tomato. Things had gotten very awkward very quickly. Luckily, Milan saved her by shoving her away from the old Reploid.

"Thanks Andrew, but we really need to get going," he said hastily.

"Don't be a stranger now, young lady!" Andrew called.

"Sorry about Andrew," Milan said once they were safely out of sight. "He likes to talk about the past. A lot. He'll go on for hours sometimes and not even notice when everyone leaves."

"I…see," Iris said. She paused. "Am I really that pretty?"

"Ah, um," Milan stammered, his cheeks turning pink. "W-well, I don't know what Andrew's wife looked like, but he always talks about her fondly, so I imagine he's not mistaken. And…you are pretty cute, Iris."

"Th-thank you, Milan," Iris mumbled as she blushed harder. "And um, thank you for showing me around. I had a pretty good time today. Um…it's almost time for me to start my medical shift. "

"Mind if I walk you to the infirmary?" asked Milan.

"Not at all. I'd like that."

While Milan escorted her, Iris pondered the strange new feelings she was experiencing. She was able to identify bashfulness, embarrassment, and…delight. She liked that Milan and Andrew thought she was pretty. She played with her hair, making a note to take extra-good care of it from now on.

"We're here," Milan announced.

"Thanks again, Milan," said Iris.

"It was my pleasure," he beamed. "I'll be seeing you around. Good luck at work."

Iris nodded and entered the infirmary. She immediately began to search for Rocinolle. She had a good grasp of the techniques, but she didn't feel confident enough to treat a live patient yet.

"Oy there!"

Iris jumped for the second time that day as she was suddenly addressed. The speaker was a female Reploid wearing a nurse's outfit similar to Rocinolle's along with the traditional green Resistance beret. She had short curly red hair and dark brown eyes, and her voice seemed a bit…off to Iris.

"What'cha doing wandering around like a lost puppy?" the Reploid asked.

"Um, I was just looking for Rocinolle," Iris answered softly.

"Oh, that's right. You're the newbie. Iris, was it?" The Reploid held out her hand. "The name's Aigel. Be a pleasure working with you, mate."

"Er, thank you," Iris said as she took Aigel's hand. "Um, are you functioning okay? No offense, but you talk kinda funny."

"It's just the accent I was designed with. Folks used to talk like this all the time in some parts of the world."

"Uh, okay."

"Now then, Iris―say, mind if I call you Riss? It suits you."

Iris blinked, unsure how to react. "Um… Sure. If that's what you'd like."

"Riss it is, then!" Aigel exclaimed, sounding quite delighted. "Okay Riss, the boss is a bit busy at the moment, so I'll be your coach for now. Just follow my lead, and you'll be fitting in here in no time."

"Okay."

Aigel led Iris deeper into the infirmary. The beds there were full of injured Resistance soldiers. Their injuries ranged from minor burns and cuts to lost limbs, and everything in between.

"I know this ain't a pretty job, mate, but someone's gotta do it," Aigel whispered, noticing Iris's discomfort. "The number of injured that come in is so great that we can barely keep up. There are only about twenty of us here on the medical staff, so at this point, any new members are welcome. Right then, why don't we assist this fellow here?"

Iris grimaced at the sorry state the Reploid was in. His lower leg was bent in a way it shouldn't be, and it was clear that he was in a lot of pain.

"Tibia fracture," said Aigel. "He most likely got hurt during a retreat. I'm going to set his frame back in place. Riss, you go get the binding polymer."

Iris did as instructed and tried not to wince at the Reploid's pained cries as Aigel reset his leg. Iris then bound the Reploid's injury with sheets of the binding polymer, forming a sturdy cast. The two medics then provided their patient with E-crystals so he could regain his strength.

"Don't be moving that leg for a few weeks at least," Aigel warned the Reploid. "Skeletal injuries take the longest to heal."

"Yes, ma'am," he moaned softly.

"Nice job there, Riss," said Aigel. "For a rookie, you ain't doing half-bad. You're so delicate-looking that I was half-expecting you to faint from all the oil 'round here."

"I do feel a little sick," Iris admitted. "I wish there was something we could do to ease their pain."

"Anesthetics are in short supply, and even then, they're ineffective on Reploids," explained Aigel. "The only thing we can do is repair the damage as quickly as possible so their pain receptors stop acting up."

"We'd better hurry then," said Iris. "There's still tons of Reploids that need our help."

"Right you are, mate."

Iris kept busy the whole afternoon assisting Aigel with patients. It gave her plenty of opportunity to practice her medical skills and build confidence. The urgency of the situation gave her no time to be shy. In the end, they only managed to treat or visit a few dozen of the injured Reploids, but Aigel assured it was a good start for her first real day as a medic.

"Good work, rookie," the older medic said when their shift ended. "Keep that up and you'll soon be on par with me."

"I didn't really do that much," Iris murmured.

"Aww, no need to be modest, Riss," Aigel said as she put her hand on Iris's shoulder. "You did just fine. Everyone's gotta start somewhere, y'know? I'll build you up to the more complex stuff soon enough."

"Thank you, Aigel," said Iris.

"It's no problem, mate. I'm always happy to lend a hand. You go eat and get some rest now. We've got another busy day tomorrow."

Later that evening, Iris sat in her room, nibbling on E-crystals and thinking about the day. Her new job was going to take some getting used to, but Aigel had proved to be a helpful, if strange, ally. She was also grateful to Milan for how kind he had been to her since her awakening. She wanted to get closer to those two and get to know them better. Maybe she could be―what was the word she was looking for―friends with them.

It wouldn't be easy, as she was still a little uncomfortable talking to other people, but she trusted Milan and Aigel seemed nice enough. It was decided. Starting tomorrow, she'd try to work up the courage to approach them on her own. With that settled, she curled up on her bed and shut herself down for the night.

Here is the start of the new content. The original Chapter 3 was exceedingly rushed, and I knew that even when I first wrote it. But I had already promised an update schedule at the time and I was stuck on what to do, so up it went. It was only months later when I decided to start fixing it. Thus, I wrote this after a long bout of writer's block. But then new ideas came flooding in on me, and before I knew it, I ended up changing a lot more than I originally intended. I once again apologize for any and all confusion that this caused.