A/N: Hi everyone, I'm back. Thank you Zane-Ice-Fairy for following and favoriting this fic. Thank Revlry92 for also favoriting this story. To all of you who have favorited and followed this story, you are all the best.
-Portalfan4351 Returns- Thank you so much. I have looked at the other stories. Couldn't draw much inspiration so hopefully the interaction between Morality and Wheatley would be believable.
-Guest-I will definitely add that quote. How could I not. Of course I have to wait at least a couple of chapters.
-To all my readers- If you have any suggestions, I am more than willing to listen to them. I would of course credit you.
Amora plastered on her smile as she walked to the small podium Caroline had set up in front of the Aperture office building. She looked behind her quickly to see Mr. Johnson give her a thumbs up. She wondered if the man honestly thought that the gesture would help. She sighed but put on her smile back on. She looked out to the crowd of cameras and microphones. The icons of national and local news stations were plastered over the cameras and microphones.
"Hello everyone, my name's Amora Lovelock. I'm the public relations manager for Aperture Science," Amora introduced herself , "I'm here to answer any questions that you have about Aperture."
A reporter in the front rose his hand. "Yes, sir?" Amora asked.
"In recent news, the Senate held a hearing about missing astronauts and Aperture was the center of these talks. Do you have anything to say about it?" the man asked.
Amora nodded, "Aperture seeks the expertise of many different people. As you may have heard, one of my friends and co-workers has gone to the moon to gather moon rocks. He needed a lot of guidance. While the disappearance of these men is sad, Aperture has only sought their experience and has nothing to do with their disappearance." Amora thought over her answer and decided that it sounded correct.
"Is there another question?" Amora asked and there was a sea of waving hands. Amora pointed to the female reporter who she believed raised her hand first.
"There is a large recall of Aperture's turret security system. Did Aperture know in the fault in their programing?"
Amora thought about the numerous complaints from the families of those who were killed by the turrets. "My co-workers are great scientists and programmers. I watched as they tested the turrets' recognition programs on themselves. They put their own lives on the line and found that there was no danger in the turrets. The loss of life is tragic and Aperture is doing its best to compensate those who were harmed."
"So were the deaths of the hundreds of people who bought the turrets just accidents?"
Amora knew she would had to tread carefully with this question. "The proper use of the turret system were given with the product. We recommended that the instructions were read fully before the package was opened." Amora looked over the crowd and she saw the looks of distrust and suspicion. "Next question." She tried to move on.
She pointed to a random reporter. "I have a question about the repulsion gel. This product has just begun to be sold as a pudding substitute and there have been many complaints about excessive vomiting and dehydration."
Amora nodded, "While repulsion gel is very sweet, it is recommended to eat no more than a spoonful."
"People are in the hospital because of Aperture," the reporter said, "You expect us not to suspect anything when you won't let anyone else into the facility."
Amora shifted uncomfortably. She had no idea what to say to shine light on Aperture. She tried to smile even when the reporters were badgering her for a response. "Aperture is willing to offer a tour to the media at a future date. I'll guide you through Aperture. Thank you. I have science to do." Amora left quickly giving Mr. Johnson an awkward smile, trying not to cry. As she passed him, he put his hand on her shoulder. She stopped and looked up at him.
She wanted to apologize to him for failing to pull Aperture from the negative light. "I'll deal with these people, Amora. You're a very good person," Mr. Johnson said. She smiled at his praise but didn't feel like she deserved it.
Amora nodded her thanks and continued to her office. She passed by the empty secretary desk. She tried not to think about the number of her coworkers that would be laid off because of her failure. Amora closed her office door and hid behind her desk. She pulled her knees to her chest as she sat on the floor. She hid her face in her arms. Amora tried to control her breathing to stop herself from sobbing.
The door to her office opened and Amora held her breathe hoping that whoever it was would leave. "Amora, I'm just going to take a piece of chocolate and I'll be gone," Wheatley's voice said. "Oh, you're not here. Well, I'll just tell you when I see you." Amora could feel a small smile tug at her lips at the fact that the man was talking to himself. Footsteps came closer and Amora became still. "Amora, what are you doing behind your desk? Was there an earthquake?" Amora didn't turn to face him but shook her head no. She could feel the man sit beside her. "Are you feeling well, luv? Do you need me to get Curra," the man paused to gasp, "You're not having an allergy attack are you? Where's your epipen, I can fix this."
"I'm fine Wheatley. Thank you," Amora mumbled. Wheatley didn't move. He remained sitting beside her eating his chocolate. "Wheatley, I'm sorry."
"What for, Amora," Wheatley asked. "I understand why you can't have peanut butter cups and I don't mind."
Amora sighed lifting her head. "That's not what I meant. I mean. I'm sorry. Aperture won't be able to survive this." She could feel tears build up.
"Amora, that's not your fault, luv." Wheatley said. "You're not a scientist. You're the pretty face of Aperture. Not to say that your only good quality is your face. You're smart, funny, nice, and…I'll just restart. You didn't have anything to do with the turrets or the gel." Amora stared at him for a moment feeling her face warming at his compliment. She wondered if he could hear her heart beating against her ribcage. "Are you running a fever, Amora?" Wheatley asked concerned placing his hand on her forehead, "You're red and your face is warm. Let's go see Curra." Amora shook her head.
"I'm fine. I'll just sit right here. Thank you, Wheatley," Amora said. She gathered her courage and leaned her head on his shoulder. Wheatley placed his arm around her shoulder.
"Are you sure you are okay? You aren't passing out on my shoulder are you?" he asked concerned. Amora giggled but didn't comment. "You don't have to tough this out. I'm sure Neil would understand why you couldn't come to his coming home party."
"Don't worry I feel a lot better now, thank you," she answered.
….
Amora was helping Curra set up the decorations. The nurse decided to kill two birds with one stone by holding the annual Christmas party at the same time as Neil's return party. Amora had just put a star on the tree when she turned to Curra. The woman held a sprig of mistletoe. "Look, Amora. I'm going to help you get your man," she said mischievously.
"I don't need your help Curra," Amora said grabbing streamers from the box. The nurse had been bugging her about her crush, but Amora refused to break to her interrogations.
"Riiiight, Cici needs the help though," Curra said chuckling as Amora agreed with her. The nurse attached the mistletoe onto the doorframe. The woman turned to face the entire room and clasped her hands, "Everything looks perfect. I can't wait. Mr. Johnson is picking up Neil and everyone else should be here soon. Can you pull out the food from the cafeteria?"
"I'll be right back," Amora said hurrying to the cafeteria. She pulled out the vegetable trays and balanced them carefully. She was setting the trays on the table when she heard people shuffling into the lobby.
Amora walked to the chairs lined along the room as she watched Rick and Craig walk in. Cici waved at her as she came in. The woman sat beside Amora. "Hi, how are you doing?" Cici asked.
Amora shrugged, "Okay, I guess."
"Don't worry about the press conference. Aperture will continue through this. It has suffered worse," Cici said optimistically.
"I just feel like I'm missing something," Amora admitted, "I should know what is going on, but the more I think about it, the more I realize I really don't know anything."
Cici frowned as if she was thinking, "Amora, Aperture is a complex place. To understand it completely, you'll have to be here for years."
Amora sighed, but nodded. "How's your cube coming along?"
Cici seemed to brighten at the question, "I'm going to go in it next week."
"Wait," Amora nearly shouted straightening her spine, "You're going to put yourself in the cube?"Cici nodded. "Why?" Amora asked.
Cici made an odd face. "I actually haven't told anyone. But..Amora. I don't know how to say this, but I've been seeing a doctor." She took a deep breath. "He diagnose me with leukemia. I have less than twenty percent chance of surviving."
Amora didn't know how to react. "Cici, I would say that I'm sorry but I know that doesn't change anything."
The woman shook her head, "That's why I need to go into the cube. I could go into suspended animation until a cure can be found." Amora hugged the other woman.
"Don't worry, Cici. I'll make sure someone will wake you up," Amora said, "I promise. Maybe it'll be Dr. Rattmann." The blonde woman blushed.
"Amora, I need you over here," Curra called from the door. Amora said goodbye to the woman after telling her to keep her chin up.
Amora neared Curra before she asked what the other woman needed. "Amora, stay right here," Curra demanded. Amora nodded and stood at the spot that Curra pointed at as the nurse left her. Amora sighed but remained in her position.
"So you're staking this place too," Rick's voice said from the other side of the door.
"I don't understand what you're talking about," Amora said peaking around the corner. Rick was leaning against the hallway. He calmly pointed above her head. Amora looked up to see that she was under the mistletoe. "Curra," Amora growled not amused and was even less amused when Rick chuckled.
Amora could hear a familiar English accent echoing down the hall. She thought to herself that maybe staying here for a moment longer could be a good idea. Amora turned so she didn't look like she was waiting for Wheatley to come down the hall. She turned right into Neil who was looking shocked. Amora opened her mouth and closed it.
"Space," Neil squeaked. Amora looked around to see if anyone saw her predicament. Curra was standing behind Neil giving Amora a thumbs up and a nod. She could hear Rick chuckling. Amora gave Neil a smile. "Hi, how are you doing?" Neil asked seeming very uncomfortable.
"Okay, how about you?" Amora answered.
"Seriously, just get on with it," Curra said. Amora took a deep breath and pressed her lips to Neil. He stiffened against her and she separated herself from him.
The red-haired man looked confused. Amora bobbed her head and hurried back to Cici who was still sitting. Amora tried to act nonchalant, but she could feel her face turning red. "Why aren't you screaming with excitement?" Curra asked causing Amora to look up. "Don't tell me, I got the wrong guy," Curra said shaking her head. Amora didn't say anything but sighed. "I'm so sorry. I..wow.."
"Don't worry about it, Curra," Amora said, "It doesn't mean anything. I forgive you, just don't do it again."
"To change subjects, have you two seen how many moon rocks Neil brought back?" Cici asked. "I'm surprised he landed the ship." Amora chuckled thinking about how enthusiastic the astronaut was and no doubt brought as many rocks as he could carry.
"What is Mr. Johnson going to do with them?" Amora asked.
Cici shrugged while Curra spoke up, "I think he is going to make some sort of anti-aging cream." Amora nodded the idea seemed safe enough. What could simple rocks do to the human body. Amora decided nothing dangerous.