"How's this?" Nene gestured to the profile she made on him.

Jacob stepped over and leaned in. It was as long winded as his college professors' papers. He was beginning to miss college and would have preferred staying an extra year if it meant that he stayed home. If only I had a time machine. He mused as he read the text on the screen. According to the text he was born a year before Priss in Canada but was adopted by a Japanese couple that died in the earthquake which destroyed old Tokyo. The words: "From the ashes" Immediately came to mind. It felt odd to even think about. Nene even included his first two years of college and left out the third and painkiller use. At least it wasn't LSD. He thought thankfully. There really wasn't anything to complain about. It was nice to start over.

"It's good. Surprisingly how my life went aside from a few things" He responded softly.

Nene nodded and grinned. "Sylia told me to keep it roughly the same. Anything else you didn't tell her about yourself?" She couldn't resist the temptation to ask.

Jacob shrugged. His life was unassuming until now. He lived like everyone else, Getting into the occasional scrap or fight. His life was as dull as a blunt sword.

He shook his head. "No, nothing exciting or time worthy. I was like everyone else" He said.

Nene tilted her head as she looked at him. "Really?, so you still planning on being boring?" She replied.

Jacob shrugged. "I wish I knew. At least I got my health" He said with some optimism.

Nene then copied it all off to hard disk. "We could use another Saber though. Someone whose a bit better than me in combat" Nene said with a surprising amount of honesty.

Jacob glanced at her with a sardonic look on his face. Sylia no doubt. He thought as he rested his hands on his hip. He'd gotten a good look at Nene's suit. Various countermeasures were built into it such as transmission jammers and sonic blasters which were pieces that could be jettisoned if needed.

"I'm not sure," he paused, picking his words carefully. "I really don't have much to offer"

Nene was surprised. Why won't he go for it?. "Oh come on, stop kidding yourself and cheer up a little" said Nene.

Jacob mockingly smiled. "Yeah lucky me," He sarcastically replied with a sigh. "Nene, I'm stuck here. I can't go home and I know nothing of what's to come," Jacob added, laying his feelings on the table. "Besides, I've only fought in highschool and that was years ago"

Nene looked up at him. "Then why are ya doing aerobics with Linna?" she inquired.

"Because I need to keep in shape and Linna isn't Priss," he responded calmly. "If Sylia offered… I'd be running the opposite way screaming"

Nene found it a bit harsh. "Sylia isn't that bad. A bit hard but not cruel" she definitely had the most experience in regards to Sylia.

Jacob nodded. "Yeah, I'm overthinking it," he sighed. "Priss has been driving me nuts with the nicknames"

Nene nodded recalling the nickname Priss had for Jacob. Boomer lover, Priss never got physical though and just taunted him. Just because he takes care of Cynthia or is there more involved?. Nene mused as she saw Jacob walking out. He at least was alive and had something to live for, but was it enough?. Nene sighed, sliding the disk into her bag. My mother told me there would be days like this. Nene thought as she stood.

5 hours later.

The day trudged on with not much really exciting to note of. It was more exciting too see how this timeline differed from his own. The biggest one he looked into was SMiLE had finished in 1967. Then the Beatles did their Magical mystery tour but instead of making it an EP it was an album. It wasn't like the one he used to know. This one has all new tracks and none of the tracks added by capitol records. The two bands battled it out for a few years until 1972. The Beatles released All things Must Pass (Lead by George Harrision) and The Beach Boys (Rebranded the beach at this time) did Surf's up with an altered track listing what was originally released. The Beatles broke up and each member went onto their solo careers. The beach boys went on for a few more albums. Stopping with the adult child album (which was a bootleg back home) John Lennon still died in 1980 and Brian Wilson still ended up in the care of dr. Eugene Landy. Of course the most depressing parts have to stay. Jacob thought as he took a bite from his plate.

Jacob was in a cafe with Cynthia who was drinking milk. Jacob was casually enjoying a bagel with cream cheese as he half gazed into the street. Many people moved about their day like water flowing down the stream like water. It was an absolute madhouse.

"So how was it in the shop?" Cynthia asked him.

Jacob bit his lower lip. "Awkward, one woman thought I didn't work there and was just a pervert. Sylia sorted it out before leaving and even plastered a note behind the counter" He responded dryly.

It was good he was making some cash and keeping busy. Cynthia had noticed his mood slowly changing to more of a dark optimism. The occasional joke made at his own expense and a hopeful smile.

"Sylia's hoping to find out what brought you here... I wouldn't hold my breath though if I were you" Cynthia told him so he could mentally brace himself for the inevitable disappointment.

Jacob nodded. "Thanks for the heads up. Anything else new?" He asked.

Cynthia shook her head. She was certain he already knew this. "Sylia and everyone except Priss are wondering when you'll decide to join in on the you know what" She explained.

Of course it would loop around to this. He internally groaned. He wasn't sure. Jacob knew what the job entailed. He knew all the risks. What use would he be without knowledge of the future?.

Jacob took a bit and sighed to himself. "I don't know, I've been thinking about it" He muttered softly.

Cynthia could only imagine how he was feeling. 'I can't believe that some people would actually want this. To be ripped away from their home and thrust into something completely unfamiliar... it's fucked up' She recalled yesterday night. It was when they were watching television before bed and she asked him his thoughts on his current situation. The conversation almost lasted two hours. She actually agreed with him for the most part. She herself didn't have anyone anymore and could feel a bit of his pain.

She couldn't help but add some fuel to the fire. "Jacob you're not getting any younger. Besides we've got nothing to lose anyway so why not... do some good to save some people so they don't end up like the people you cared about" She practically went into a speech about it. She made sure to keep her voice low so nobody could overhear them.

Jacob grimaced and finished eating. He really had nothing to lose and he was the one who would have to take the plunge. Probably the only person who would be against it is Priss but he didn't care about that. Just maybe he would gain her respect in becoming a knight sabre... it would be a small bonus but it probably would improve as time went on. Suddenly the dam bursts open.

"Why not, honestly I've got nothing to do anyway!" He replied grinning.

Cynthia smiled and finished her drink. Both began to stand when a waitress moved over.

"Before you leave I would like to take a survey" She said much to Jacob's surprise.

Glancing up instead of a human woman he saw a boomer in the shape of a human but instead of fresh skin it was all metal. He almost fell over himself mentally. He didn't know boomers were used in this way.

He nodded. "Shoot" He replied.

The woman pulled a small booklet from her pocket. "Would you and your daughter consider coming again?" she asked.

Jacob held back from laughing at the fact since it was called his daughter. She looked to be around 7 years old and he was only 20 for lord sake!. Did he look older than he thought?.

Jacob shrugged. "The bagel was a little too light on the cream cheese and the milk had an odd taste to it. Aside from that everything else was swell" He responded.

Taking Cynthia by the hand both walked out of the café. Looking back he sighed.

"I did not see that coming" He admitted, turning at attention to Cynthia she looked up at him.

"I'm just as surprised as you" She said, looking back forwards.

"That's refreshing to hear" Jacob commented in the shared confusion.

With Priss.

Coming up on an intersection on her motorcycle the light flashed red and she pulled to a stop. Priss sighed and couldn't help but think to herself. Jacob now worked for Sylia and was doing pretty well. Even Priss couldn't deny that he was doing his best in the situation he was given. Ever since the night she had chased him away she had time to think about how she treated him. She had her reasons for being suspicious but the more time the past and more she saw him interacting with others made her slightly soften up. Alone and just in a bad spot...like me 2 years ago. She thought seen a bit of a similarity.

The difference was Jacob was more control than his anger and level headed. He was kinda like Sylia in terms of emotional control. Everyone's fine with him and Cynthia isn't that bad. She thought. If it wasn't for her hatred of boomers when she still has been the same to them?. She didn't know the answer and decided to leave it at that. He did have information that could be disastrous if it got out. Names, detailed descriptions and possibly locations too. She didn't dare to think what would happen if she pushed him way too far. And if he did decide to come a Knight Saber then she would have to learn to trust him. Then the light flashed green. She began riding again down the road before turning left. She would cross the bridge when she and Jacob arrived at it.

Later.

Knocking on the door he waited. Now he was certain his mind that he wanted to do it. If it was a way of repaying Sylia back then it was a nice little incentive. Clearing his throat he brushed his hair back with both hands. His hands were shaking as he heard footsteps approaching the door. Quickly glancing down to the watch he noted the time. Eight at night. He told himself as the footsteps stopped at the door. Sylia peeked though the peep hole and saw Jacob on the opposite end. She raised an eyebrow. What's he doing here?. She wondered. Reaching for the door knob she grasped it. Glancing back she saw Priss laying on the couch with a glass of high alcohol wine on the coffee table. Priss too was naked. Slowly opening the door she met eyes with Jacob.

Sylia's hair was all over the place as she wore nothing at all. Jacob's eyes swept up and down her body. Just from the look in her eyes he could tell she was drunk. She wasn't completely plastered but just buzzed. Looking past her he saw Priss practically passed out on the couch. Her boobs barely visible to his eye. Are they fucking?. He thought his imagination was beginning to run wild with it. His cheeks burned red and his body trembled. It was hot but he hadn't expected to find out like this.

Looking down Jacob tried not to look at Sylia's alluring body. "Sorry… I didn't know you were..." He trailed off with uncertainty.

Sylia realized what he meant and lightly blushed. "It's alright, Just having some wine" Sylia said, gesturing to him to enter.

Sylia walked back in, giving him a full view of her backside. Jacob looked away yet again. Against his better judgment he followed her in closing the door behind him. Sylia closed the door and led Jacob into the living area. Looking about, Jacob saw Priss's top was draped over the top of the couch. Yep they are fucking. He realized. His cheeks blushed red even more. A myriad of all lewd images formed of the two in the act. He then caught a glimpse of Priss's bare breasts. His blush grew by tenfold. Alone with two completely naked Knight Sabers… turning his gaze upwards he forced himself not to look. His cheeks completely burned red with embarrassment.

"I didn't know you two were so… close" He commented, averting his gaze.

Sylia saw him looking away. She respected his decency. She grabbed her robe on the opposite side of the room and slipped into it.

"We have interesting relationship. So what's this about?" Sylia inquired.

Jacob looked up and could see the robe was very light and didn't offer much in coverage. God kill me. He thought as he met eyes with Sylia. He had the force himself from running. God do you hate me?. He asked as he kept his eyes above the collar bone.

He found his voice again. "After giving it some thought… I decided I want in," He paused just as Priss moaned. His cheeks burned harder as he pushed on. "I want to be a Knight Saber. If you object to it then I'll back off" He finished.

Priss slowly sat up head pounding from all the booze and fun just an hour ago. Jacob noticed her moving in his peripheral vision and his blush vanished. I'm so fucking dead. He thought. Sylia wasn't too surprised by his decision, it had only been two days and now he was willing to join the effort. She was beginning to wonder when he would crack and join in.

Sylia then stepped close. "Are you sure?" She asked him. She wanted to know if he was willing to commit himself, to know he could possibly die.

Jacob nodded. "Yes, I am" Was all he said.

Priss's vision cleared and she saw Jacob clear as day. Confusion swept over her as she looked around. He seemed to be talking to Sylia but her mind was so clouded it was hard to tell. The bliss wore off as she rubbed the back of her head.

"If this is an intervention then fuck off" She said her voice slurred on the syllables.

Jacob turned his head and quickly jerked the other way remembering she didn't have her clothes on. "Priss you're nude!" He said looking at the wall.

Priss looked down and saw her body was still exposed. "So?. Don't you like it?" She giggled and looked at Jacob.

Jacob blushed harder. Priss stumbled off the couch and up to her feet. She moved over and looked to Sylia.

"So your fucking him too?" Priss inquired.

Sylia just shook her head. Jacob groaned. "N-no!. I just made a decision" he responded. "I'm joining the Knight Sabers..." Before he could even finish Priss grabbed and forced him to face her.

Jacob's head began spinning as she was met by her eyes. Sylia was readying herself to intervene if necessary as Priss giggled.

Priss leaned in close to his ear. Jacob's heart began pounding in his chest. "Go ahead rake me over the coals" He muttered waiting for the insults.

Priss frowned. She was still absolutely drunk but wasn't too aware of what she was doing. She suddenly wrapped her arms around him pulling herself against him. Jacob froze as Priss's warm body rubbed against his. Her naked rubbing up against his clothes.

"Let's just start over..." She trailed off as she grabbed Jacob's hand and placed it against her right breast. "You like how they feel?" She teasingly added.

Jacob didn't squeeze as his heart pounded. And she's now horny for me. Jacob felt her gripping him. Sylia blushed at the sight. Grabbing her hand he pulled it off of his friend.

"You're drunk and I wanna live," He said gently, guiding her to the couch. "I'm all for starting over but ask me when you're sober" He told her bluntly.

"Oh come on," Priss slurred. "You really wanna pass me up?"

For Jacob it was a no brainer. Others would have went for it. Jacob wasn't so rash or stupid. If he did, Priss would kick his ass tomorrow.

"I don't take advantage of drunk people," he responded calmly. "Where is that bra?" he looked and saw it on the couch.

Grabbing her bra he fitted it on to the best of his ability. A few weak curses escaped his lips as he finished. Once it was on he relaxed just a little. Sylia watched him as he backed up, accidentally tripping over the coffee table and rolling backwards onto his feet. Priss drunkenly laughed as Sylia giggled amusingly. That was close. Jacob thought feeling dizzy. Lucky he didn't break anything. Either way Sylia could replace it. God knows how rich she was.

Sylia moved over to him and helped him to the door. "Come by at nine and i'll take some measurements. Priss should be sober by then" She opened the door.

"Yeah hopefully, see ya then" He said stepping out into the hallway.

Sylia then closed the door. His footsteps slowly faded as he continued walking down the hall. She smiled softly. Another Saber was good, if one got sick or wounded. Plus she could test some new systems in the new suit. Just an upgraded targeting computers and modular weapons she's been thinking about for many months. A smile slowly formed on her face. A modular Saber. It was brilliant!.

The next day.

Pulling up his pants Jacob saw Sylia writing the measurements down. Luckily she let him keep his underwear on. Sylia was smoking as she continued jotting down everything. For Jacob his dignity was a small sacrifice for what he wanted. It wasn't anywhere as embarrassing as last night.

Sylia then looked at him. "Payback for last night but it'll be worth it" Jacob said with understanding.

Sylia shrugged. "You weren't intentionally looking at me," Sylia said. "You handled it better than I expected"

Jacob smiled weakly. It was honestly nice to hear it. Someone he respected respecting him back in the same way.

"What now?" Jacob said as Sylia finished with the notes.

Sylia folded the small notepad and placed it in her pocket along with a pencil. She then moved to the bedroom door placing a hand on the knob.

"I've got to draft some new designs for you. You can have the day off for all I care. Priss should be waking up by now anyway" Sylia responded, opening the door and stepping out.

Jacob followed her out and immediately he was met by Priss. She stopped him with a hand on the chest and stared into his eyes. Jacob felt his blood chill. Did she remember anything from last night?, or was she forgetful?. Then he noticed the look in her eyes, regret. She blushed as she made eye contact.

"Hey, about last night, I really do wanna start over" Priss said, her tone reflecting how she felt.

He couldn't pass it up. Hugging aside it would be unwise to keep this lunacy going. Hopefully I'm not wrong about this. Jacob nodded and cleared his throat.

Jacob smiled. "Of course, we will be working together after all. I need you to bail me out and we can't do it angry" He responded with a laugh.

Priss relaxed. "Yeah, that would be awkward" she replied

Jacob agreed with a nod. It would be a mess to navigate. It didn't help that Jacob had seen her nude and refused to take advantage of her drunken state. He wasn't stupid. She was barely coherent last night and surprisingly horny. Some other guy would have jumped on it. If they saw what happened they would most likely loose it. He didn't give a shit anyway, they weren't here.

"You want some coffee?" Jacob asked.

Priss nodded. "Yea," she agreed. "Double sugar and cream please"

"As you wish" Jacob smirked as he marched to the kitchen.

End chapter