CHAPTER 4: Intersect
The next day, in the afternoon sun, the sky suddenly turned dark. The ground thumped and shook. It wasn't an earthquake or a large thunderstorm. Pascal and some other machines ran toward the blockade that led to the ruined city drawn by dark smoke-like clouds. Moments later, Lilia saw what looked like jet streams heading toward the source of the smoke. Distant, thundering sounds could be heard along with deft explosions.
For the better part of the afternoon these sounds reverberated throughout the forest, but the village remained quiet; the machines too on edge to speak.
In the back of her mind, she knew heavy fighting must be happening in the city. Something enormous and dangerous. If she had waited a day, she'd being the middle of whatever was going on. Putting on a brave face for the little child-bots since Pascal had left, Lilia sent a hushed prayer.
It still hurts… the waiting game while others fight. Even after all this time…
"Have I ever told you children the story of the Odyssey?"
It was a long enough narrative to keep their wires from thinking of what was going on outside, even though she condensed it and added her own flair to the classic. Especially when her memory failed her.
In the midst of the tale, the ground shook from an explosion. The children clustered together and whimpered frightened from the turbulence. She couldn't say she wasn't concerned. She was terrified too, for the androids she knew as friends and the harmless machines in the village. Lilia could do little more than pray for minimal casualties while keeping the minds of the child-bots off of the danger that lay beyond the forest.
Clearing her throat, she pressed on with the story; the metal children huddled closer to her.
Toward the conclusion, she noticed Pascal and the other machines who had left for the blockade, returned. The child-bots were so enthralled in her story, Lilia took the time to finish before declaring the machines had returned. Once the child-bots were reassured that Uncle Pascal and the other machines were unharmed, Lilia asked them what happened outside the child-bot's hearing.
According to them, two Engel goliaths rampaged through the city ruins. Most of the YoRHa units were there—including 2B and 9S. Pascal and the machines that departed with him were keeping the berserk machines outside the blockade. Once the Engel's were defeated, they exploded, creating a massive crater in the middle of the ruins themselves. When they met up with 2B and 9S, according to them the alien signal that hadn't been heard in centuries, resurfaced. Pascal and the other machines were unable to hear the signal because of them being disconnected from the network. The two androids received orders from their Commander to investigate the signal source.
"And that's all I know. I hope they're OK." Worry rounded the edges of Pascal's voice.
"Me too. Did you notice any Resistance fighters?"
"I'm afraid not. They would have fled from the Engels. They don't have the capabilities to fight goliaths of that size."
"Just how big are those things?" She asked with morbid curiosity.
Pascal explained flatly, "Engels are the size of several of those human city buildings."
Well dayum!
"And Lilia?" His voice pulled her out of her stunned reverie. "Thank you, for the children."
She smiled. "It was the least I could do."
—xxx—
After that day, she had to travel to the stream the twins told her of. Only one of her canteens had water left. Lilia gave a necessary excuse to Pascal that morning before venturing into the woods. He in turn reminded her to not venture too far northward past the river or else be subject to the hostile machines in the forest kingdom. Lilia promised and left the village with a hungry stomach and over eager child-bots that had to be told to stay.
More concerned with reaching the river, Lilia didn't pay much attention to the expansive woodlands. She heard the stream before she saw it. The heavy aroma of fresh water hung in the air helped guide her like a beacon.
Small boulders—the expanse of her torso or whole body—dotted around the perimeter, polished smooth by the water and some had thin patches of green moss. Small, deciduous trees and ferns mixed with the scattering boulders sat at the forest edge. Her boots crunched on the palm-sized stones, twigs, and fuzzy moss on the stream's bank, and young trees provided shade from the warm sun. At one section of the bank, she discovered a flat, rock surface which was perfect to use as a ledge to get in and out of the water. The water itself was clear and faded to a delicate shade of green toward the bed of the pebbly floor. She spotted fish swimming happily in the water, scouring for food. Using her metal pole, she tested the water depth. It didn't make it up to her hand. Maybe five feet? Close to six?
Far out into the distant trees going northeast of her location, she could just make out the outline of a stone structure that look reminiscent of a castle. Remembering that Pascal mentioned disconnected machines that lived in a forest region north of them, she recalled Pascal's warning they weren't the friendly type. However, she doubted Pascal or the twins would send her to an area where she would otherwise be harmed by crazy, murderous machines.
It can't hurt to keep my eyes and ears open just in case. Don't venture too far north he warned.
Lilia had spent a week going to the same spot, and evidence of her constant presence made itself known. From the burned mark of the fire pit, holes where she'd bury the fish remains, and the footpath from the river to the village.
She'd gotten better at starting a fire. Hours of practicing and experimenting when she was at the Resistance camp using a narrow piece of steel the size of her palm and a rock and using whatever she could as a starter, from dry grass to small scrap pieces of cloth. Getting used to the weight of her oversized purse being full of all the items she required. Anything unnessisary stayed in her room at the village.
Considering the spot appropriate for bathing and fishing after several experiments at the Resistance camp, she had made a makeshift cane pole. Using that knowledge, she created a metal one from the pole from the Resistance camp. She had threaded one end that would fit the female threaded cap that had a small, looped hole at the end thanking the arms-smith at the village for threading the metal for her. With that, she could attach a short nylon line, along with an improvised hook as big as her thumb. She paid the arms-smith in return by fixing his son's voice program.
The improvised cane pole wasn't pretty, but she didn't complain when it led to her getting a full stomach. When she was finished, it was easy to detach from the pole and put the threaded top, string and hook in her purse.
Over the course of the week, she stopped fretting about Pascal or the other machine villagers suspecting that she was human. They rarely left the village, and they didn't interrogate her taking 'strolls' through the woods. Pascal even commented that it was understandable considering the slow life of the village. More food sources could be found in the woods themselves, like an expansive blueberry field and pecan trees.
Damn! I'm so glad the twins told me about this stream, she thought with gratitude as she settled into the water.
She hadn't taken a proper bath (a full-body soaked one) since she first arrived in this time period. Feeling the fresh water splash at her naked skin was so good. All she was missing was her soaps, but even without, it was still refreshing. If she ever found soap or hair cleaner in this world, it'd make her day.
She'd cleaned her clothes before diving in, and they hung on a low tree branch in direct sunlight. With the heat of the day, they'd dry within an hour.
Swimming a few laps around the bank, Lilia he knew her hair would be oily, but that's what a brush was for and braiding it was simple enough. She ran her fingers through her curly hair when she was submerged; going all the way to the root to pull out any gunk she could.
Taking a moment to relax, but still keeping an ear out, Lilia only heard the buzzing of the cicadas, the trickle of the water and birds chirping. Occasionally a doe or fawn strolled on the other side of the stream.
Siting on top of the rocky bank, Lilia look out at the serene landscape. Content she had something to eat, packed berries for later, and had cleaned up, she let the balmy air dry her off. She hummed a little tune with the cicadas as the backup instrumentals.
So engrossed in her thoughts, Lilia didn't pay attention to the presence behind her until a twig cracked. Quickly turning her head to the sound, she screamed in surprise and plunged into the water as a shield.
"The hell are you doin'?!" She exclaimed over the bank she had been sitting on. A deep red blush spread from her face to her shoulders.
Reddish eyes looked at her with mild curiosity. "I saw you and wondered what you were doing."
"Ack! Adam! It's… it's not polite to sneak up on someone! Especially when they are tryin' to take a bath!" She retorted.
"Is that what you were doing?"
"Yes!"
"Oh. Isn't that unnecessary? As long as we maintain routine maintenance?"
"I—Well, yes. But it's still nice! But, could you just... turn around? It's not polite to stare either!"
"Why would it be impolite to stare? Is this a human thing?"
"Um, yes. Yes, it is Adam." He doesn't know, keep up the charade. "It was also considered impolite and extremely rude to for a man to do it to a woman. Now just... just turn around!"
He cocked his head and crinkled his brow in concern. "Are you all right? Your facial area is an alarming red."
Oh my god if he doesn't!"Yes I'm all right! Now, do as I ask, please!"
Without saying another word, he turned on his heel, his eyes out into the wood. Adam crossed his arms and cocked his hip in obvious annoyance.
"And no peeking!" Lilia remembered to add.
"Why would I peek?" He asked without looking over his shoulder.
Jesus fucking Christ, "So you won't get any bright ideas!"
When he made no move, she pulled herself out of the water. Her body and ends of her hair dripped on the flat rock's surface. Patting her feet quickly across the moss-covered stones to where she had placed that blanket. She intended to use it when she had finished her bath anyway while she waited for her clothes to dry. Lilia wrapped it tightly across the top of her chest and made sure she was completely covered. All the while, she kept both eyes on the intrusive android with no sense of modesty. Considering they had no genitalia or things to cover anyway, it wasn't surprising. Hell, she was surprised the androids didn't fight fucking naked.
Small favors, she guessed. It'd be weird to see a bunch of fighting naked Ken or Barbie dolls walking around.
That'd be the last straw in this insanity.
"You can turn around now," she huffed out when she was satisfied at being covered.
Thankful that he hadn't seen her from the front area, it would have been a huge red flag if he'd seen her cunt. At least she didn't have a dick to worry about. That would have been much harder to conceal.
His curious red eyes met her indignant hazel-green.
What a twist this was, he was fully clothed this time. Along with the cloth pants and leather dress shoes he wore last time, he now was sporting a pair of black-rimmed glasses, a white button-up shirt, a tie that was wrapped like a weird bow, and a chain necklace... that had her flashlight dangling from it.
Her throat swallowed at seeing that, mind racing at the implication.
Lilia tried to play it cool. "I see you've found a use for the flashlight I gave you."
A quick quirk of his lips rose before he responded, "Yes. I thought I'd be the best place for me to keep hold of it. It isn't too often I find such a delightful thing. I am honored that you saw fit to give it to me. It isn't uncommon to find human possessions, but to find one in mint condition that works? That is a rarity. It is the reason I have been looking for you."
She crooked her head, mind racing in horrid directions. He knew. She would have to explain herself to him. Even though he works for YoRHa, it would mean a call to the Commander and she wasn't too pleased to have to talk to her again. It wouldn't be the end of the world in retrospect.
"Which is?" She asked, hoping that he didn't detect the shaking in her voice.
"You told me you collect human items and you have knowledge about them. I would like to hear what you know. So little is known about them and finding any item that has to do with humans—whether it be philosophy, math, art, or even their day-to-day lives is treasured. I would like to hear what you have learned."
Oh, thank fuck he doesn't suspect! I'd hate to explain this situation to her.
He then added, "It made me wonder why you parted with one of those things so easily."
Swallowing the knot in her throat, hastily coming up with an excuse. Something he would understand while preserving appearances. "It… it was common for humans to give gifts. I was sharin' that tradition. Um, I believe it's called a 'thank you' gift. I was... thankin' you for givin' me my purse back. Along with the rest of my things."
"Really?"
"Yes. Ah, givin' gifts was the highest form of 'thanks' that they could give."
He emitted a chuckle with a small grin before saying, "I should be thanking you then."
"Huh?" Confusion evident on her oval face.
"For the gift."
"Oh!" Her hazel-green eyes lighting up. "Oh, yes. I'm glad you like it."
"Very much so. What else can you tell me of humans?" He took a step closer to her.
Steeling herself to not move from her position even though he was less than her arm length away, she held him back with a raised hand.
"Whoa, calm down their big guy." Lilia said before crossing her arms. "Why the huge interest anyway? Aren't you built to think of ways to fight the machines?"
She spotted the shift in his reddish eyes, "We are. However, it doesn't mean we aren't given… programs and data about our creators, albeit basic information. You're the first android I've met that possesses greater knowledge about them. Though, now I think on it, why would the Resistance forces allow you to conduct your inquiries?"
"Because I—" am a mediocre lying human that's why, "I have been given permission to do so. I'm the only one though. Resources and all. It took a lot of convincin' at the Resistance camp."
Adam quirked at brow at that explanation. "What of your 'caretakers'?"
Caretakers? She had to think on that before she recalled their last conversation. "Oh them? Let's say those two are like that with everyone in camp. They're the ones that patch everyone up, and it's part of their programmin' to be concerned with safety and injury avoidance."
"I see. It's to be expected then with repair models." He said with understanding and dismissal. "Anyway, about what you know…"
"Oh, yes. Um, then let us sit down. I brought another sheet with me, we can sit on that while we talk." Lilia offered dispute her nervousness.
Reaching for the other faded blue and white bed-sheet from her belongings and spread it across the shade underneath the same tree that held her drying clothes. Taking the half that was closest to the tree, Lilia allowed Adam to sit just the opposite of her.
Despite him exhibiting a relaxed demeanor, she could tell by his shifting eyes and the quickness of him sitting across from her, that he was eager. It seemed the silliest thing to her. Trying to explain being human while feigning not to be one. She couldn't reveal him too much, the game of pretend must be maintained for appearances. In spite of that, he drank in her words, undeterred and understanding in her ignorance, even if she was acting. His questions were often rushed in his passion and had a never-ending supply of them.
She was uncertain of how long they were chatting, but the sun was just brushing the tops of the trees. Lilia guessed it was mid-afternoon.
By that time, she had to stop him. Her basic human needs were rearing their head, and she had no intention of pissing herself or having her stomach rumble in front of him. Not only that, she had promised Pascal to help repair some machines that afternoon and tell a story to the child-bots.
Adam made a sour face.
"Don't give me that look Adam. I made a promise to the villagers, and I need to keep it. Promises were important to humans. Tell you what, we can continue another day."
"Tomorrow."
She exhaled, "I have projects in the village I need to do tomorrow. I can come the followin' day. Same time?"
He immediately nodded. Learning more gave him elation he hadn't felt before. Lilia thought it rather enduring in a way. It was awkward at first, but as they continued to talk, it became less so. Surprised at how easy it was to talk to him.
As she was readying to sit up, she hadn't counted on her legs falling asleep from sitting so long. Her legs almost gave out. A firm, cool hand holding onto her right arm to keep her from tumbling, Adam spoke with a semblance of concern.
"Is something wrong?"
She felt a blush creep across her face, clearing her throat she responded, "Oh no. Old legs is all. They'll fix themselves in a moment," she said, fighting the sharp prickles in her legs. Bouncing on her heels to knock off the cold numbness, Lilia allowed Adam to hold her arm as support, placing the hand attached to said arm on his chest area to balance herself. Her other hand wrapping across her breast to hold the blanket knot from coming loose. It didn't help she could feel the firmness of his chest through her fingers and the softness of his button-up shirt.
Once her legs didn't feel like needles and knives were sticking them, she let go of her android supporter. His hand had lost its initial grip but continued to touch her arm, the thumb moving back and forth. Another blush threatened to exhibit itself on her cheeks.
Play it cool Lilia. "What?" She asked and glanced at the android in the eye.
He had a perturbed expression as he stared at the area like she had an obscene growth on it.
"You're warm."
I'm—
Her heart broke into a race. It was such a base thing about her anatomy that not even the dumbest person alive needed to think about it. In a flash she considered spilling the beans. So what if he knew? He's a YoRHa android, and it wasn't like he was one of the machines or aliens.
How many lies has she formulated so far? How long until she slips up and is caught?
Why was she wrecked with fear?
Wrapping that ball of doubt within her chest and caging it for the time being.
"I dunno why." She answered while shrugging her shoulders. "I'm guessin' it's nothin' though. Everything else is operatin' normally. Guess I've been in the sun too long."
He said nothing as he withdrew the hand from her skin. Unable to discern what he was thinking behind his maroon eyes, she searched for a visual or vocal affirmation he accepted her lie.
"I see." He finally said. "Well then, I will see you later."
Then, he did the coolest thing Lilia had ever seen. A golden light surrounded him, and in a matter of seconds he had disappeared.
Holy shit! Did he just warp-speed outta here?! Why didn't 2B or 9S do that?!
Mixed in with her amazement was relief. For a moment she could let go of her facade now she was alone. Letting the breath go she didn't know she held escaped her lungs and she dressed in her dry clothes and headed back toward Pascal's village.
Later that night as she lay awake in her small, pauper room—when it was just her and her thoughts—she realized why she was apprehensive of letting the world know she was human.
She didn't know if the world was lying to her.
That, most of all, terrified her. The type of terror that would make a battle-hardened veteran's blood run cold.
The inky, black voice of doubt whispered in her mind, "Lies. Lies. Lies."
She didn't want to know.
—xxx—
Over the next few weeks Lilia and Adam settled into a routine. During her off days—which were frequent considering the slow and mundane life of the village—she visited the curious android model at the stream. Several hours passed while they talked. Many subjects were discussed. Often these conversations were awkward or downright strange from his point of view.
Lilia found solace in these moments with him. It gave her some comfort in the crazy world she found herself in. Because of that craziness, she liked his calm and steady personality.
Adam's absence didn't go unnoticed. The next several weeks were unpleasant for Eve, who cherished his brother. It grated him to no end the distance that grew. He would sit lifelessly alone. There was no point in doing anything without him.
Without Adam, his life would be meaningless.
He cursed that android.
"Again brother?" Eve sighed with annoyance.
"Yes. You should come."
"I… I don't know." Fear and uncertainty along with his jealousy surfaced. "When will we play? We haven't for weeks it seems."
Adam rolled his eyes at his brother's exaggeration. "It's only been five days Eve. Don't be dramatic."
Eve was taken aback by his rebuttal. "Don't be dramatic? We used to play all the time and now you're never around or you're busy building in that city. I want to play. Now."
His twin sighed at the capricious nature of his twin, "Eve…"
"Now Adam." Eve pressed.
"I can't."
The irradiated twin spat, "Why?"
"I'm meeting Lilia again in an hour." Adam explained. "Tell you what, tomorrow we can play all day if you like."
"You… you better promise!" Even though he loathed Adam being gone, Eve still wanted to see his beloved brother pleased. Still, it was of some comfort a binding agreement between them to spend time together was better than the loneliness of being by himself.
Adam nodded in affirmation. "Of course. We'll play whatever you like."
Eve hated that android.
"OK as… as long as you promise!"
Adam, his wonderful brother, smiled reassuringly which gave him warm tingles in his chest. For just a moment, it gave him the gentle solace he always wanted and nothing else. Only is brother could give that to him.
When his brother disappeared in a golden light, Eve let out a bone chilling howl.
Why is she so special? He thought with dark bitterness.What has she done to my brother? That stupid android!She's not even as advanced as us.
Oh right the humans. Always the humans with him.
He wanted his brother back.
Please Adam… my brother… I need you. I can't do this by myself.
Like all the times before, he sat alone and lifeless. Adam forgot to give an activity to do in the meantime. Eve cursed himself for making his brother forget.
No, it's that android.
—xxx—
Eve wasn't the only one pained by the growing distance. It hurt Adam to have their scuffs like that. He'd always humor his twin and support him on his projects, no matter their absurdity and his lack of interest in them. However, it couldn't be said the other way around. Only rarely did Eve indulge. Often he would think if Eve met Lilia and talked to her he would understand why he was interested in humans. And stop being spiteful or dismissive.
When the subject of his brother would come up during their talks, Adam would only discuss the positive qualities. Lilia would nod in understanding in Eve's indifference. Not wanting to push herself into a private affair, while also noticing that there was a strain between the two of them.
Once he appeared at the stream, he let the confrontation with his brother go, excitement bubbling in his chest at the sight of her on the blanket.
He was unsure of the thrill in his stomach area as his eyes trailed across her form. From her dark, wiry hair so carefully woven into a long braid; soft, friendly hazel-green eyes; full, half-smirked lips; the glow from her caramel-colored carbon composite skin; and all the way down her lithe, curvy frame.
Taking his customary spot next to her, he sat cross-legged in contrast to her more splayed one.
—xxx—
"Are you all right?" Lilia's inquiry was a tone short of concern.
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"You had a serious expression when you first arrived."
"It's… nothing I can't handle. I've thought on our discussions we've had the last few days, and I have come to a conclusion about humanity."
Not wanting to be intrusive of his private life or nosy, she went with his deflection, "What's that Adam?"
"Conflict. It's what drives them. Especially during war. They would love and fight among themselves constantly."
Love and conflict… sounds all too familiar.
She wanted to repudiate that but tried to see it from his point of view, "Well, they had a lot after them. Nature wanted them dead, tryin' to gain resources like food and water, et cetera. They have little choice."
"So, it's the will to live that fuels that conflict?"
"I think so. I mean, if we had their life-span along with natural drives like findin' a mate, gatherin' food and resources, we'd be fighin' among ourselves all the time too."
"So… it is these natural drives?"
"It's what I think anyway Adam. I mean, how would you feel you had—like what—eighty or so years to live, if less than that, to make heirs to pass along your lineage. Not only that but create a safe environment for your spouse and children; provide enough food to live; and makin' sure nothin' happens to you or your heirs to cause them to die. Coupled with the societies that the humans made up.
"From what I understand," she continued, "humans actually hated conflict. Because conflict means that there is a threat. And threats cause sufferin' and death."
Adam hummed at that word. "Death… you know from my own studies, I've seen that, as much as they would avoid it, they face and create it constantly. They've made some of the strangest religions and beliefs all because of the concept of 'death'."
Religion… The kind I grew up with high-energy chorus that sung their praises to Jesus but the parishioners would gossip just as soon as Sunday service was done and the judgement of the Pastor. My sins were the cause of the suffering and death of those I care for my ass.
Shaking her head from the direction her thoughts were going. "Yeah, they have."
"I wonder… what would it be like to experience it?"
Immediately she shuttered, "I don't think would be a good idea Adam. The thing with death is that once it comes, you won't come back to tell the tale. And… and all the things and experiences you wanted to do… will be left unfinished."
"You sound as though you speak from experience."
She chuckled without mirth, "Not all of us androids are attached to a server that can re-upload to a new body. I've… I've had my experience with losin' friends. And… those I considered family."
"I… see. I'm sorry for bringing it up then."
Shaking her head, "No, it's fine. You didn't know when you asked. If you really wanna know the concept of death, just… imagine your brother you mentioned, he gets disconnected, and he dies, how would you feel?"
His maroon eyes widened in shock, the luminous ring around his pupil flashed. His dark lips opened, and his body turned stiff at the prospect.
"Yeah, it's kinda like that." Melancholy laced in her voice of her own troubles.
"That will never happen!" His angled face twisted into a snarl.
She swallowed the lump in her throat, "I didn't mean to upset you. It was just an example, and it was the closest thing I could come up with. Without you goin' out and doin' somethin' stupid." Trying to emphasize it by rubbing his shoulder in a soothing manner. He shuddered but didn't move away. The glowing light within his pupil continued to stare at her.
"We're done for today." He announced as he rose from his spot on the blanket and with a flash of gold light he was gone.
I'm sorry Adam. I didn't mean to put it that way, but… but you wanted to know… so…
It was later than she would have allowed for her dialogues with the android, bringing out her flashlight as an aid. Though the sun was setting, the thick canopy the trees made, blocked the sun. It was the ideal time for the deer to run about as they scurried from her. It was kind of spooky, too. The later it became the more of the night creatures came out with the owls hooting, the crickets singing, and the cicadas increased their pitches.
By the time she reached the outskirts of the village, it was completely dark. The shine from the lamp-posts the only way for her know it was in sight. Turning off her flashlight, keeping it in her hand, a few of the machines greeted her upon her return. One stopped her and relayed that the androids, 2B and 9S, were in the village and wished to see her.
Smiling she thanked the machine and promptly found the two androids.
They seemed no worse for wear considering the work they had to endure.
"2B! 9S! It's good to see you! It's been a while. I heard about the goliaths you faced in the city some time ago."
"Heh, nothin' that 2B and I can't handle." 9S stated with confidence as he bumped his chest with a fist.
"I see that." She smiled at his upbeat self. "Were you able to find out anythin' about that alien signal?"
The question seemed to surprise them. It was 2B that posed the question, "How did you know about that?"
"Pascal told me." She admitted. "He overheard the Commander over your comms. How'd it go?"
"We don't have clearance to reveal what was discovered," 2B stated while 9S shifted his feet.
Lilia groaned, "Ya know, as a… um, ya know, I would think I'd be privy to that sort of stuff."
"Sorry Lilia. Orders," 9S said with regret. His attention turning to her hand. "By the way, um, what's that? In your hand?"
2B taking her partners eye-line to her hand.
"Oh? This?" She said while showing her flashlight. "It's a flashlight. It, um, came with me. I had another one, but I gave it to an android that found my purse." Explaining while putting said flashlight back into her purse.
At the corner of her eye, she saw the two androids look at each other knowingly. The teen looking android looking nervous in contrast to his even-tempered counterpart.
"What did this other flashlight look like?" 2B asked while focusing her attention back at her.
"It was the same as the one I have but it was a red color. Why do you ask?"
"Curious is all. Just in case we run into that android."
"Oh, well you might, he said he works for YoRHa. So, if you see him, tell him I'm sorry for what I said earlier."
If she didn't know better, she could have sworn she detected a twitch in both of their postures.
"Tell me about him. So, I know who to give the message to."
"Right, um, well he looks like you guys, but he doesn't have the face masks you guys wear, he has reddish eyes, and long hair. He says his name is 'Adam'. I'm guessing he's a twin model cos he has a brother that goes by 'Eve'. Which is the strangest thing in my opinion. Why give a male android model a female name?" She rolled her hazel-green eyes with a chuckle.
"Yes, well. It's just how it was designed." 2B responded flatly.
"So…" interjected 9S, "how long have you two been talking?"
At that point Lilia giggled, "Ya know, you two sound like a group of friends who found out one of them is datin' and is being all nosy. But, I'll humor you."
"You're dating!?" 9S shouted.
A huff came out of her chest as she placed her hands on her hips. "No! God, jeez, it was just an example. And who's the oldest of all of us?" She then crossed her arms and raised her brows. "But anyhow, we first met at the Resistance camp when he returned my purse. I gave him that flashlight as a 'thank you' since, um, human things are treasured. I didn't see him again until a few weeks ago where I do, my strolls. He was curious and wanted to know what I knew of humans. We've been seein' each other since then. I also learned you guys have no sense of modesty," she said, laughing softly at that last bit.
"Why would he come to you?"
"Because when we first met I told him I collect and study humans." Lilia admitted. "Which, he is greatly interested in."
"He doesn't—" 9S started.
She shook her head. "No, I've been careful. I'm pretty sure I would have gotten chewed out by your Commander if that was the case."
"I'm presuming it's just been Adam and not Eve?"
"Yeah, just him. He says his brother isn't as interested in humanity as he is."
"I… see. We'll relay the message to… Adam. Won't we 9S?"
"Ah, yeah. Definately."
She could smell bullshit from them. Letting it go for the time being, she wondered if they might not be on amicable terms with that android model.
—xxx—
"2B why didn't we say anything?!" 9S exclaimed as they walked out of the village that morning, "Dammit she's meeting up with that psycho! You heard what he said once he got a hold of the humans!"
The cool-headed android stopped once they were a clear distance from the village. It took a lot for the seasoned warrior to be shaken. Knowing that despite their efforts to keep a human from the enemy's hands, she'd inadvertently fell right in under their noses. Imagining what that machine would do to Lilia if he found out twisted her wiring.
"I know 9S!" Her voice raising above her normal even tone. "But the Commander needs to be informed first. Regulations."
"2B!"
The ring of the comms stopped 9S from further protesting.
"Operator 6O, go ahead 2B."
"6O, patch me through to the Commander."
"Roger!"
The screen switched, and the Commander's stern face greeted them.
"Commander here, go ahead 2B."
"We've run into another complication. With our other mission."
The Commander sighed, "Has the machine village found out?"
"No. It's… more serious than that."
Her brows furrowed deeply and her eyes pierced through the screen. "How serious?"
Not being able to hold back, 9S interjected, "Does the possibility of a human being experimented on by an enemy machine sound serious enough?!"
Her collected demeanor broke for a second, "What? Explain!"
From there they summarized what Lilia had informed them.
"Are you positive that the enemy machine Adam is unaware of her being a human?"
"With what he declared in the underground alien base, she wouldn't still be here if he had."
Strain could be seen on the Commander's usual stoic face, "I… I have to inform the Council. For now, you're cleared of any missions you needed to do, your sole mission is to keep a close eye on her. Do not let the enemy machine know of your presence. It could compromise her identity. If he threatens her safety, you have permission to engage. Keep her safe. Understood?"
"Affirmative."
"While you two are watching, record and gather as much intel as possible on that machine. Although I hate the circumstance, we need to know what we are dealing with."
"Commander—"
"What is it 9S?"
"Do we inform her?"
It took a moment for the stiff Commander to reply, and when she did, no one liked it. "Do what regulations state."
And the call was disconnected.
—xxx—
The next day Lilia arrived at their usual meeting spot. She had suggested an earlier time than usual, due to the fact the days were growing warmer and the humidity becoming stifling during the afternoon. The warming part she left out though.
It was early in the morning, the purple sheen of the rising sun cast a melancholic feel on everything, even to the busy creatures that stirred. The only rhythmic sounds were that of her pole and her booted feet as they disturbed the sparse ferns and a bed of leaves of the forest floor.
As the moments ticked by, she had an uneasy feeling of being watched. Each time a bird would caw and fly off it added to her anxiety. Convincing herself that it was just her imagination, she continued along the same path to the stream. It only mildly helped, holding a firm grasp on her staff and keeping her eyes and ears open.
Once she was at the stream did she release some of her tension.
Adam had yet to arrive, so she made herself comfortable. She spread the same blanket they had used across the same patch of stones next to the same tree.
Taking the same spot she had always taken while looking out at the stream, Lilia sat listening and waiting.
Despite the calm she exuded, her thoughts were racing. She felt like a stupid teenager waiting on her date to pick her up, until Lilia scoffed at the idea.
Moments later, in a twirl of gold light, Adam appeared. Relief washed over her at seeing him.
"Adam, I'm glad you could make it!"
"Of course, why would I not?" His demeanor was cool and calm, having none of the distress from yesterday.
"It's just… after yesterday—"
"Forget it." He said cutting her off. "I know you didn't mean to upset me. And I shouldn't have left. I've thought on what you said, and even though I might not experience 'death' for my brother, the mere notion… frightened me."
Lilia smiled softly, "It's OK to be scared."
Nodding his head he continued, "It made me think of what would become of my brother if that were to happen. That… wouldn't end well. Eve… he needs me more than I need him."
Curiosity biting at her. Why would he say it that way? Perhaps something is wrong with Eve? Not wanting to be intrusive, she let her questions go unanswered.
"At least you have a better understanding now I hope."
"I do." It was then he sat next to her. The tension breaking between them. "How is it that the humans put it? 'Water under the bridge'?"
Chuckling at the phrase, "Sounds about right."
He smiled, "Good." Pausing for a moment, she could tell around his eyes that something else was on his mind even though his face still had the same stoic expression, "And I've also been thinking too…" his voice trailing.
When he didn't finish she asked, "About what?"
Silver brows slightly frowning, lips pressing just that small bit as if struggling to find the words to what he wanted to say, until finally he uttered, "How do you do it?"
Her face upturned in a look of confusion, "Do what?"
The delicate expression he had deepened as he grew frustrated at finding the words to what he wanted to say.
"How do you… live… with knowing if you make a false move, you won't be re-uploaded to another body?"
The question surprised her. It echoed her old self. Of family and friends lost. Of when her own life was nearly snuffed out. Digging and clawing through the years to find a reason to live. To build herself back up from the pit of booze and pills she put herself in as a brat teenager. And the sacrifice that had to be made so she could continue living.
I miss you so much Mi-Mi… dad… Bradly…and you most of all Markus.
Feeling the old wound grow sore in her chest as it oozed guilt into her soul again. Its eyes were gray.
Breathing heavily before she responded, "You do the best you can."
Adam looked at her then. Taking in her soft smile and melancholy in her warm hazel eyes. A pain could be felt within his metal chest. Letting the feeling wash on him as it knotted and coiled.
"I'm sorry… I have upset you now."
Lilia shook her head, "It's all right. I've accepted it now."
"I see… well the reason I ask is that… I… it crossed my mind about… losing you."
It took a second of her to process what he said just then. A flutter beat rapidly in her chest. Her first reaction was to joke it off. Immediately discarding that idea. Then the better idea about reassuring him.
"You don't have to Adam. I can take care of myself."
He chuckled.
Lilia pursed her lips, "You find that funny?"
"What? No… I… It's just I've… enjoyed our encounters. I have no doubt you can take care of yourself. I guess I was just laughing at myself."
"Oh."
"How long do you plan on staying in that village?"
The question was unexpected, feeling a tightness in her gut, at the lie she had to maintain with him. "Dunno. I've rather enjoyed it there. Even though it's a bit slow sometimes."
"You cannot explore humanity while staying there Lilia."
She shrugged at that statement, "Yeah, I know. One day I'll start my journey again, for now, I am content."
"If you do, I would like to join you, and I'll bring my brother too."
A tremor passed in her body at that idea. She cleared her throat, "You're a YoRHa android Adam. I doubt they would let you go with the war goin' on. And I don't like the idea of you two being hunted as deserters."
"Oh… that's right… the war."
"Maybe, when it's over the three of us can see all those places, the humans have built. I'll invite 2B and 9S too."
"Who?"
"Oh, their YoRHa androids like you I've been friends with. All five of us can go together. And… maybe meet the humans when they return from the moon."
"We should… do that."
Without explanation, she saw Adam's face slack in horror.
She looked around to see what was causing the expression but couldn't find it. They were alone.
"Is something wrong Adam?"
Pinching the bridge of his nose he rubbed his face in strain.
"I'm sorry, it's my brother. I have to go." Quickly standing, Adam teleported in a flash of yellow light.