A new problem has arisen.

I am poor.

As I continued my stay in the resistance camp, I couldn't help but think about how I was going to live in this new world. My main concerns were getting goods such as toilet paper, food and, a way to sleep for eight hours without seeming suspicious, prioritized in that order.

The androids had developed a unique system of trade using the currency "G," where the inner parts of defeated machine lifeforms were assigned a value and exchanged among the androids. While I lacked the physical prowess to fight against machine lifeforms, I had something valuable to offer—knowledge about humanity, their history, and their struggles.

I would have to bug Anemone again.

"Hello again, Anemone," I greeted her with a friendly smile. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

Anemone returned the smile and shook her head. "Not at all. What can I do for you?"

I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I've been thinking about how I can contribute more to the resistance camp and its cause. I've noticed that the androids here have a genuine interest in learning about humanity, and I thought of a way to help."

Anemone raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."

"I'd like to set up a small stall here in the camp," I explained. "A place where the androids can come and ask questions about humans – their history, culture, emotions, and anything they want to know. In return for answering their questions, they can pay with G, the currency they use."

Anemone considered my proposal for a moment before speaking. "You want to exchange knowledge about humans for G? It's an interesting idea, but why do you think the androids would be interested in that?"

"I've seen their curiosity about humanity," I replied. "They want to understand who they are, where they came from, and what it means to be human. I believe that sharing these stories and insights can help them connect with their own sense of identity and purpose."

Anemone nodded thoughtfully. "It could also foster a sense of unity among the androids. Understanding their creators and their history might bring them closer together."

"Yes, exactly," I said, encouraged by her response. "I believe that knowledge is a powerful tool, and by sharing it, we can boost morale."

Anemone gazed at me, her eyes assessing. "You seem genuine in your intentions. Very well, you have my permission to set up the question stand in the camp. I'll inform the other androids that it's an authorized activity."

"Thank you, Anemone," I said, grateful for her trust. "I'll make sure it's a respectful and meaningful exchange for everyone involved."

She clasped her hands together. "Good. Just remember that the priority here is still survival and protecting what's left of humanity. As long as your activities don't interfere with that, you're welcome to contribute in your own way."

"I understand, and I'll keep that in mind," I assured her.

With Anemone's permission and support, I set up the question stand in a central location within the camp. A small crowd of curious androids quickly gathered, and one by one, they approached with their questions.

The first android stepped forward, his eyes filled with wonder. "What were humans like? Did they feel emotions like we do?"

"They were remarkably similar to you," I began, choosing my words carefully. "Humans experienced a wide range of emotions—love, joy, sorrow, anger, and everything in between. Their emotions shaped their actions and decisions, just as yours do."

Another android chimed in, "What did they do for fun? Did they have any hobbies?"

"Humans had diverse hobbies and pastimes," I replied. "Some enjoyed creating art, painting, sculpting, or playing musical instruments. Others loved sports, games, or exploring the natural world. Their pursuits were as varied as the stars in the night sky."

"What the fuck is a star" An android in the middle of the line asked tilting his head. The android behind him smacked the back of his head" I'll tell you later".

One by one, the androids continued to pose their questions, each seeking to understand their creators and the world that was lost.

"Did they form close bonds with each other?"

"Absolutely," I nodded. "Humans cherished their relationships, forming strong bonds with family, friends, and loved ones. They found comfort, support, and a sense of belonging in these connections."

"How did they communicate with each other?"

"They communicated through spoken language and writing," I explained. "They had countless languages and dialects, each expressing unique aspects of their cultures. Writing was a way to preserve their stories, history, and knowledge for future generations."

"Did they have dreams and aspirations?"

"Indeed, they did," I replied, a smile tugging at my lips. "Humans dreamed of a better future, pursued their passions, and aspired to leave a positive impact on the world. They had hopes and ambitions that drove them to achieve great things."

As the day wore on, the questions continued, each shedding light on different aspects of humanity. The androids were hungry for knowledge, eager to understand their creators and the world that came before them.

I started recognizing the androids at the front of the line as the ones that had asked the first questions and realized line had looped.

Feeling that this was a good time for a break, I spoke to all the androids. "Thank you for being so enthusiastic about my knowledge, but I have some errands to run, so I have to close shop"

my mission to gather daily necessities without arousing suspicion was becoming increasingly challenging. The androids didn't eat or have any need for toilet paper, so I had to be creative in explaining my requirements.

Approaching the supply trader, who sat on the ground nearby, I put on a nonchalant demeanor. "Hello, Supply Trader. I'm in need of some cleaning supplies, particularly toilet paper. It's for general cleaning purposes, you see."

Smooth as sandpaper.

Supply Trader raised an eyebrow but didn't question my request. "Toilet paper for cleaning, eh? Well, I don't have any I can spare. All the toilet paper we have goes to the humans on the moon."

Fuck.

He must have noticed my distress because the supply trader nodded. "but we have something similar that works better for cleaning." He handed me a roll of sturdy cloth, which resembled toilet paper but had a texture that could serve multiple purposes.

Not Fuck. I noticed that there were no seams to tear off the cloth.

"you're going to need these as well," he handed me some scissors, "I'll give you a discount because you make funny faces when you're distressed."

I'm going to have to cut out each individual square of toilet paper, great.

I thanked him and paid for the not toilet paper, kicking myself for being the most suspicious motherfucker in existence.

After asking around a bit, I found where the androids who eat and trade food recreationally gathered. A small area in one of the buildings that surround the camp.

I approached the food trader, a cheerful and friendly android named Luna. She was actually in the question booth earlier, It was nice to put a name to a face.

"I've been hearing about some of the unique food items available here. I'd like to try some of them for, you know, fun and curiosity."

Luna, looked puzzled. "Record keeper, why would you be interested in food? We don't eat, you know."

I chuckled, trying to sound casual. "Oh, I know that. I'm just fascinated by the variety of flavors and culinary creations. It's like experiencing a different form of art."

Luna looked intrigued. "You're curious about our rations? Well, we do have some food-like items that humans used to consume in the past. It's mainly for recreational purposes, of course."

She pulled out a vacuum sealed, suspiciously square cut of meat.

"Exactly," I nodded eagerly. "I'd love to try some for research purposes, to understand the human experience better. And I'd like it as fresh as you can get it please"

Steel chuckled, handing me a selection of packaged food items. "These ones were packaged just today. Enjoy your research, record keeper. Just remember, it's for fun, not sustenance."

After paying, I accepted the packaged "food" with gratitude and slipped away, hoping that my explanation had seemed plausible enough.

The next challenge was finding a place to sleep without raising suspicion. I approached a kind-hearted android who introduced herself as Harmony, who seemed like she wouldn't ask too many questions. "Harmony," I began, "I'm in need of a safe place to rest during my travels. As a record keeper, the days can get quite long, and I find solace in sleep to recharge."

Harmony smiled warmly. "Of course. I have a spare resting mat that you can use. It's not much, but it should serve your needs well. And typically androids around here just rest wherever they don't get in the way, any corner will do."

"Thank you," I said gratefully. "I appreciate your kindness."

I should have answered more questions, I didn't have enough G for pillows and a blanket. Apparently, they were luxury items, and priced accordingly.

With a place to sleep, toilet paper for "cleaning," and food for "recreational research," I attempted to fall asleep, trying not to think about my comfy bed at home.