Euphonious sounds of the Model M keyboard being typed echoes through the clubhouse as Hanna and Sam busied themselves on their computers. It's been more than a year since the void entered Hanna's life like a wrecking ball smashing into a building. Nevertheless, she somehow managed through it with some help from Sam. The coldness is still ever present like Atlas with his dumb spheres. By some miracle, she has lost nothing else to the void in the past 9 months. Though she doubts it's a miracle, since that asshat probably designed it that way. Like some kind of sick joke, where it lets her have some reprieve and lulls her into a sense of complacency before striking again. But she knows in her gut that this small sense of security she's feeling won't last long because it's something she would do herself if given a chance.
To that end she and Sam, has been searching high and low for some kind of solution to her complication. They tried stealing more and more expensive things. They orchestrated so much chaos in Kingsville that it made everyone living in that small town paranoid. Ever since Sam made her ridiculous yet extremely sweet promise, she has been much more daring and wilder. One exciting memory was Sam somehow got her hands on a couple dozen M-80s. Sparking an amazing idea in Hanna's brain which resulted in a police chief car exploding and a person claiming to be innocent going to jail. Sadly, it did not solve her complication like many of their other attempts. It did reveal a side of Sam she has never seen before and its very heart-warming.
Heck, they even tried doing volunteer work. It might have been the most mind-numbing thing she had done in recent memory. She shudders at the recollection of 'helping' in the old farts home. She was so tempted to put them all to sleep, not like anyone would care they died, but Sam persuaded her to not go through with the act. The problem is that she's limited to a middle of nowhere town, a small university/military town and, on some occasions, a small city. There was only so much she could do in such circumstances, though she hadn't tried mass casualty events or killing ever since Sam got involved. Maybe she has to kill a specific person, no clue on why that asshat would want her to kill a single person.
Might be just in her mind, but she can feel a noose slowly being tightened around her neck as if the void might take something next sooner rather than later. This feeling is driving her up the wall to a point that the plan of leaving Bishop should be brought forward years earlier than initially thought, and she somehow needs to convince Sam to abandon her mother. Although Sam might not approve of her plan for killing some dumb kids to be their body doubles. But there're some things she just can't change, which is their size and appearance. She can't kill every highway patrolman that stops her while she is driving, since it would leave a trail.
So, with little options left, she does the best thing she is good at, and to Sam's dismay, which is to ignore her problems. That doesn't mean she's not doing anything in the meantime that would benefit her in her goal. That's why she's busying typing away on her keyboard to create her next brilliant achievement in computer programming which is a creation of a suite of malware, she dubs a 'rootkit' that would work with any operating system by exploiting the System Management Mode that's present on i386 CPUs that Hanna and Sam found recently. Despite the brilliance of her software, the rootkit would only work with newer computers, which most computers are not, with that reason, she has to create two different rootkits with the other having two targeting modes for DOS based systems and Unix-based systems.
The rootkits would be the culmination of six years' experience of creating malware with Sam. She's going to implement components from the various software they've written in the past, such as self-modifying for stealth, command & control, tracking & data collection, self-propagating, self-replicating, and self-contained. The software will be encrypted with a lightweight version of SassySalsa when it gets deployed into a system before decrypting itself.
When she told Sam of her plans to create the rootkits, her friend's reaction was one of burning passion and eagerness to be creating something on the bleeding edge of InfoSec technology. Sadly, she has to douse those flames coming from the blonde by saying that it's a Hanna only project. Sam, for her part, was grumpy for a few hours but got over it, seeing that this project was meant to distract Hanna. That didn't stop Hanna from bouncing ideas off Sam when she's needed inspiration or when she was in a bind.
Being the sole author of both software, Hanna gets naming privileges. The OS independent rootkit she has christened it as Sneaky Corn and the OS dependent rootkit, she baptizes it as Silent Squirrel. Sam had a look of horror on her when Hanna revealed the names. The shorter girl tried to convince her to change the name to something 'appropriate' but to no avail. After years together, Sam still doesn't appreciate her talent in naming things.
She hopes with the continual adoption of newer computers as well as reduction of computer prices in the future means she can combine both rootkits into one rather than having to update and maintain two similar but different software. Sam did ask once if such malware is necessary given their past experiences with hacking into systems, other than creating it would be cool. Hanna knows it's a matter of time before anti-virus software become prevalent in every system. Even if such a software is still in its infancy, better get ahead of the curve.
Hanna stops typing as she feels the cold void suddenly spike in intensity like some kind of bastardized solar flare. She knows rubbing her chest does nothing to help with this feeling, but she just couldn't help herself. This annoyance started not long after her talk with Sam, and it is completely random when it comes and goes. Sometimes it lasts for a few seconds, but sometimes it could last a few minutes. It doesn't hurt. Well, not yet at least, and she really doesn't want to find out what pain from such a thing would feel like. Other than being infuriating, it makes her pause whatever she's doing. She almost gotten caught by a dumb cop for hire once when such spike happened only to be saved by an alarmed Sam. Hanna wasn't sure at that time if the Sam's reaction was for her safety or for the life of the security guard.
"Is it flaring up again? It wasn't that long ago you had one." Sam said in a worried tone. Hanna held up her hand to stop Sam from coming over to fuss over her. She doesn't know how to handle someone actively worry about her. It's something novel to her, since she can't remember the last time she showed vulnerability to others. "I'm fine Sam." Said Hanna, as she smiles towards Sam who looks like she's going to jump off to give Hanna aid. It's a useless thing to do, although it's a nice gesture.
"Rubbish. It's getting more frequent now. This is the 3rd time this week." Said Sam with a frown on her face. She could see that Sam would have used a curse word if, given the chance, it's good to know some of her conditioning is working. "There's no rhyme or reason when it flares up, Sam. Just a coincidence that the intervals are shorter now." Said Hanna as she waves away Sam's concerns.
Hanna tried to play down the situation by joking. "It might be a sign from the cosmos that I should take a break." Bless Sam's heart for trying to hide her concern, knowing Hanna's discomfort about being coddled, and said. "You wanna do something fun?" She has been trying to drown out her problem by working intensely on programming for over two weeks now. Perhaps taking a break could help her complete the rootkits quicker.
"I really don't want to distract you from your indexing program." Said Hanna, nodding towards Sam's computer. A recent addition to both of their clubhouse is that they're now connected to the internet through DataServe and Trintex. Ever since Sam has been enamored by the technology, it connected hundreds of thousands of systems and users to the internet from all over the country. Compared to their small pond of phone numbers that's connected to a system in the state of Texas, this is the Great Lakes, but not as consequential as their connection to the banks and government institutions.
Sam, with her analytical mind of hers, found faults as soon as she started using the internet, which was there's no easy ways to search for information on the internet. Everything is still like an archipelago of disparate systems in the lake with no map or clear direction. With spare time on Sam's hands, she started developing a software to search and index the systems that's connected to the internet. Hanna couldn't wait to use it when Sam finishes her software and deploy it in the cluster of computers in their Kingsville clubhouse where it would start crawling through the internet.
"It's fine. I could take a break as well." Sam said with a smile as she saved her program. She knows Sam doesn't need a break and is wasting her time trying to make her feel better. For someone who doesn't understand people, Sam can be surprisingly an empathetic individual. She really needs to find a way to remove such naivety before they leave Bishop. Mayhaps it would be better after Sam willingly and without regret kill a human.
Might as well take up on her offer, but what to do? Something that would help her in life after Bishop. An idea struck her, causing her to smile unwittingly. It's been so long since she needed to do it, she may as well start now. "Wanna expropriate a car?" Said Hanna, as gets up she felt a bit excited. A devious smile formed on Sam's face as she joins by Hanna's side and she said. "I guess it's been a while since our last grand theft auto." Hanna slung her arm around Sam's shoulder and rolls her eyes at the comment. "It's not a crime, if laws are just made up." Hanna said singingly. She hears a small groan escaped from the shorter girl. "Laws are real because everyone believes and agrees with them, Han. Just like money or the value of some guns." Hanna let out a snort at that sassy response, looking down only to be greeted by a smirk. "Good thing we aren't everyone and don't value either thing." Said Hanna, choosing to ignore the shot about the guns.
They arrived at the outskirts of Kingsville's town center not long after midday. The cool air of the Texan winter brushes against their skin as they ride their bikes in search of their target. At least the wind isn't as strong as a week ago, small mercies. "We are going to get the most common car, aren't we?" Sam said, sounding a little disappointed. Did not know she cares what car we would use. "Since when are you interested in cars?" Said Hanna while looking to her left. The blonde shrugged and said. "Don't really care about cars, but I wanna feel what it's like driving super-fast." She can appreciate that sentiment.
"Not today, but after we leave town, we can do that." Said Hanna, giving her friend a smile. Sam's eyebrows went up in surprise at the notion of leaving Bishop. The reaction caused an odd feeling in her. Maybe Sam doesn't want to leave with her, could be that she would choose her mother over Hanna. She never quite understands the attachment Sam felt towards that woman. It was a mistake to not gradually imply that their ultimate fate was to always leave this backwater in their years of being friends.
Sam just shrugged, not knowing the internal debate Hanna had and said. "Sure, that sounds fun." The nonchalant way Sam said it seems to remove that odd feeling. Obviously, she would choose Hanna over her mother. Hanna doesn't know why she even entertained such an irrational thought. It must be the void that's screwing with her brain. Yeah, that must be the reason. Best to just ignore this.
"Look out for a Ford Taurus, that's parked in an area with fewer people." Said Hanna, trying to move on from that odd one-sided interaction. With a nod from Sam, they continue cycling in comfortable silence for a few minutes until Sam broke it. "I never asked why did you choose to name your malware suite a rootkit." Hanna didn't even think long about the name before naming it, just sounded perfect unless Sam is thinking of a different reason. "You thought I named it after you?" Hanna teased, earning a smack on her left arm from Sam. She's not one to miss an opportunity to mess with Sam. She pretended to be unstable and do a control fall.
"Han!" Sam exclaimed in a frightened tone as she dismounted from her bike and attempted to assist her. Hanna couldn't contain her laughter as she saw the expression on Sam's face. Gradually, her friend realized what had happened, and her expression changed from fear to anger, which only made Hanna laugh even harder as she rolled on the ground like a pig. She wipes the tears that gathered from laughing away to see that Sam is barely holding back the intent to kick her butt. Sam takes a deep breath and said. "You asshole! Do you have any idea how worried I was? Don't do that again." Geez, that seemed to tick her off. Just a bit of fun, no need to overreact. "No cursing, Sam." Hanna said playfully, disregarding her friend's frustration.
Sam mumbled something incoherent to her ears and looked in the direction Hanna's head was pointed. "Oh, lucky." Said Sam in a soft voice, seemingly lost all of her fury. Not wanting to move from her position on the ground, she moved her head to see and spot a car that matched her description. "Looks like the stars are aligned for us today, Sam. I knew it was bad of you to dismiss astrology." Said Hanna with a smirk. Sam crossed her arms and gave her an annoyed look. "You're the one that tripped Lynette after politely brushing off her sermon about that nonsense." Such defamation from her dearest friend. "She fell on her own and you practically dismissed her from the beginning. What if she was right?" Hanna said soberly.
Sam rolled her eyes as she offered her hand to Hanna, who used it to pull herself up. After dusting herself off, they made their way towards the car with their bikes in tow. Their target is parked on a side road behind a building with no one in sight. Sam took up a position as a lookout while Hanna reached into her pocket for her trusty lock-picking tool. She had designed the tool herself, and it made picking locks so simple even a child could do it. It barely took her 10 seconds of kneeling on the ground to unlock the car. She opens the door and unlocks the car. "Quick, put the bikes in the back." Said Hanna as she got into the driving seat.
She had forgotten that most cars still come with manual gears in this time, and it had been close to a hundred years since she last drove one. Well, she isn't one to back off from a challenge, just have to hope that she still instinctively knows how to drive a stick because having their car stall in the middle of the road would totally suck. Just as she starts the car using her lock pick, she hears Sam joining her in the passenger seat. Looking up, she saw Sam burning with cautious excitement. She had the same look when they obtained their motorbike from that biker.
"I hope you know how to drive this." Said Sam while putting on her seatbelt something Hanna totally forgot to put on. "I have no clue. Have faith my dear Sam." Said Hanna with a wild smirk as she adjust the seats and mirrors. That didn't seem to reassure the blonde. She then depress the clutch to put the car into first gear and start driving the car.
"We're not going to the 2nd clubhouse?" Sam questioned as Hanna took the turn to go to Bishop. "Nah, there's less opportunity for me to experiment with the car in Kingsville." Replied Sam. She doesn't want to leave the car in that house like she did with the motorbike. It's an enormous risk bringing the car back to their town, but it would be worth it. A snort made her look at Sam, who has a queer look on her. "Didn't know you're an inspiring gearhead." Hanna smiled at that comment. She enjoyed modifying cars early in her past life, though she can't really tell Sam that.
"I couldn't name it sukits now, can I? That would be too pretentious." Said Hanna, answering Sam's earlier question as she continues to drive down the main road to Bishop. It shouldn't take long before they reached the clubhouse. Luckily the roads isn't busy with other motorist. "So, you actually named it after my pseudonym?" Sam said skeptically. Hanna let out a groan and said. "It wasn't my fault that you picked an awesome name and root is such a versatile word." Sam has this smug look on her. It makes her want to do something to annoy her friend.
They soon reached their clubhouse. It's better to park the car in this house garage rather than the trap house since that's being used for deliveries. Upon glancing at the clock, Hanna realized it had only taken her 10 minutes to get here, making the trip much faster than biking.
"Looks like our garage ballet days are over." Said Sam as she got out of the car. Hanna almost hit her lathe as she tries to exit the car. Well, that's a bummer. They should have enlarged the garage before they moved it. Oh well, something to think about when they get another safe house after they leave this godforsaken place. "We can always move table and some stuff to make some room for ballet." Said Hanna, making her way towards the door into the house.
She felt Sam's arm around her shoulder as she entered the living room. "Looks like you're feeling better." Said Sam with a warm smile. She had an enjoyable time distracting herself from her earlier uneasiness. "After we're done with our project, we can take apart that car." Hanna said dreamily thinking of all the possibilities they can do with it. A small grin came on Sam and she said. "Can we put a turbo on to the car?"
SAMANTHA GROVES POV
The harsh white fluorescent light flickered above Sam, casting an almost eerie glow over the rows of books as she stood in front of the bookshelves. The light seemed to reflect off the dull beige tiles of the floor and wash out the colors of the spines of the books, giving everything a sterile and uninviting feel. She can hear are the hush voices of other people in the building and the occasional typing of the keyboards. Looking for whatever book she can in this small library to pass the time.
It has been more than a year since Han has confided in her about her problem and ever since Sam has been trying to find out what is the root cause of it. Was it psychological or physical in nature? She devoted months after the revelation reading any book psychology book she can get her hands on, whether through purchasing catalogues or browsing the shelves of the library at A&M University whenever she got the chance. Studying the subject was fascinating and gave Sam a new perspective on how flawed and incomplete humans are. It was something she always knew but never understood.
As she learns more about this field, she got curious about the two people she cared the most. Didn't take long for her to find a diagnosis that eerily matches her mother's traits and features, however it would not change the love she felt for her mother. On the other hand, finding a diagnosis for Han's normal personality was harder to pinpoint. None of her friend's traits seem to match any of the things she would have read. The closest she found is antisocial personality disorder, but even Han doesn't tick all the boxes. Unlike computers, Sam is far from being an expert on this subject.
Despite her extensive research and reading, she couldn't find anything that would describe what Han is experiencing. It's like no one has ever documented this problem before. With psychology being a dead end, she shifted her focus to general medical literature, looking to see if Han's problem is a disease or something. Other than the things she already knew over the years about the brunette such as rhinosinusitis and poor immune function, she came up empty-handed. Sam felt as though her time spent learning about this subject was ultimately a waste.
With physical medium exhausted, she had to search for other means of researching, which led to her and Han to pay an exorbitant amount of money to connect their clubhouses to the internet. Well, it wouldn't have costed as much as it did if Han didn't insist on using two internet vendors for both locations and getting the fastest connection available, which was 19.2 kbit/s. Not that she doesn't appreciate the speed or were they tight on money since they have just under half a million dollars spread over multiple accounts, but it was kinda overkill.
Never could she imagine what it is like to have instantaneous connections to hundreds of thousands of systems and computers from all over the world. It's almost overwhelming. She can only imagine the potential of the internet once more systems join this computing revolution. For all of Sam's fervor, she can see that the internet is still in its formative years. People still set up their systems like Bulletin Board Systems with individual ftp servers, IRC, mailing lists and forums. With nothing connecting to each other, nor ways to search for queries.
Having free time on her hands because she couldn't help Han with her rootkits, it still peeved her that the brunette didn't let her join in with the fun, but she understands the reason behind it. She starts creating a software to index every available system that's publicly available as well as the private systems. Honestly, most of the private systems aren't really private given how bad their passwords were, like some people were smart enough to set a password but used 'qwerty'. Given that she's making this software alone, she got the honors of naming it which was InfoPointer. Of course, Han found the name to be incredibly boring and suggest that she named it Clifford.
The concept wasn't too different from their automatic phone dialer that they created years ago, only on a massive scale and a bit more complex. Once Pointer finds access to a system, it will index the location of the system, the contents, text and metadata to a central database for her to look up. Like a massive, complicated spreadsheet, but better. It took Sam roughly six months to finish InfoPointer and oh boy, did that thing need a lot of processing power. Han predicted this exact thing like she knew this would happen, so she preemptively bought fifteen IBM PS/2 Model 80, which was worth an eye watering 240 thousand dollars and put it in the 2nd clubhouse.
Sam was halfway through completing Finder when she found out about the purchase, when Han dragged her away from her computer to Kingsville to set up the computers. To say it shocked her was an understatement, but Sam was swept away with how excited and happy Han seemed to be when she set up the computer cluster using their custom Unix OS. That day was such a happy memory she wished she had brought a camera with her so she could have captured the moment.
While she was developing Finder, she did spent some time in some of the internet forums as well as exchanging emails with some psychiatrist and psychologist she found in an email list trying to find the cause of her friend's problem. She communicated using an alias and only describe the symptoms like it was her that had an ailment when communicating with other people, knowing Han's penchant for anonymity. When she finally deployed finder, she did a general search all across the internet to find something or someone that has any information. Just like her earlier research with books, her search through the internet and asking people online was unsuccessful.
She was rudely laughed at when she told Han the results of her research, stating that it was useless since her problem is out of this world and no being on earth knows what it is. Sam finds it quite bigheaded of her friend to think she's the only one to have this problem, but the wording is quite queer, like Han knows the cause of her problem. At least, her friend's unique sense of humor did not change.
The inability of her to find the reason for Han's problem did not deter Sam. Instead, it only strengthened her resolve to help her friend. Han seems to think she must do a task or meet someone specific could alleviate her feelings of emptiness, though Sam still couldn't comprehend how Han knew this to be true. When she asked the brunette about it, she said that jerk would have done it and again with the wording, which was puzzling. Sam tries to not think much of it and to trust her friend's assessment. So, she spent the spring and summer focus on trying to find whatever Han seemed to think she needed do. On some occasion, Han would think up a wild plot that would have totally gotten then arrested for most of their life if the police were to catch them in the act but for most of the time what she did was activities that distracts Han from whatever she's feeling at that time. At least Han wasn't plotting to kill some random person, Sam doesn't think she would care if someone were to die. Seeing that she didn't care for the man that they set up to take the fall for the exploding car 'accident'. It's as if there's a mental block that stops her from going too far. All in all, it wasn't a difficult time seeing that Han's condition appeared to have been stabilized compared to the year prior.
The end of summer brought with it new challenges. In the past month, Han's condition seemed to have gotten progressively worse. Han gets those cold flares as she named it multiple times a day now compared to the random bouts previously and it has been taking a toll on the brunette. She seems more high-strung and paranoid. Well, more paranoid than her usual demeanor. Han says this is just the beginning of what is to come and soon the void would take something. Sam was at a loss for what she can do to help her friend and the only thing she can do now was to help Han do things she finds calming.
Which is why she is currently in the Bishop library. It's been ages since the last time they spent any significant amount of time this is building. After building their first computer together, there was no need to hang out in the library to use their computers other than getting books and since getting the clubhouses along with disposable cash, they had no reason to come by the library anymore. It is not that Sam dislikes the library matter of fact, she holds the building dear to her heart for introducing her to Han. However, they are back in the library not for nostalgic reasons, but for some reason Han finds the place to be calming.
It could be the tranquil and serene environment of the library that soothes Han, with its harsh lighting and peaceful atmosphere. Could be the rows of shelves that are lined with books the contribute to its unique smell, or maybe the tranquil sound of people turning pages as they read that seemed calming for Han. Although when Han comes here, she seems to just stare off into the distance if she wasn't using the library computer or reading something. The library wasn't the only thing that seemed to have a calming effect on the brunette. Working on the car and getting herself covered in oil seem to have the same effect. The oddest thing yet which was Han just staring at a fluffy animal or just watching animals that moves slowly. That really threw her off, since Han has never shown any interest in animals before this. Sam thought Han would rather harm an animal than just look at one.
The books that are on the shelf are things she has already read and reading it again would be useless. Feeling disappointed at not finding something interesting, no reason to loiter by the shelves, she better get back to Han. As she made her way back to where Han was sitting, she looked around the library. Things haven't changed much in the past six years other than rearrangement of the sitting locations and some of the shelves. Oh, a recent change was the addition of six new computers that some local banker donated. Sam has seen the man a few times in the library usually talking to the Miss Tomkins. They're probably friends from how casual they are together.
She spots Han typing away with one of the new Apple Macintosh IIsi. Curiously, despite being a huge nerd about computer hardware, Han was never interested in any of Apple's product always saying that it's too locked down for her taste which was odd seeing the direction where IBM came from and is going with their new products. Not like Han would ever acknowledge such a thing is happening with her being such a fangirl.
As she nears the tables with the computers, she noticed something particular. A boy sitting at the corner and leaning by the window is giving Han furtive glances. The moment he realized Sam was looking at him, he quickly looked away. Sam felt like she had seen this boy before skulking somewhere in the background whenever they go to the library. Alarm bells start blaring in her mind when she realizes this thing is stalking Han.
"I think that thing is a threat." Said Sam as she reaches where Han was sitting. "Hmm… What are you talking about?" Hanna said, not looking away from the monitor and continue to type. Looking at what got Han's attention, she saw her playing a game. "That dirty blonde boy sitting by the window, he's been looking at you and what are you playing?" Said Sam as she looked back at the thing, who is now trying to hide his squirm with a book. "It's called Oregon Trail, an interesting little strategy game that someone must have installed on this computer recently." The sound typing stops. Han must have checked what Sam's talking about. "Oh… you mean Greyson? Yeah, he's been following me around from a distance like a lost puppy since the new school year." Said Han like she's talking about the weather.
What the hell? How did she not notice such a thing? Was she so tunnel vision about Han's wellbeing that she did not notice a threat and what was this reaction from Han? She wouldn't be so nonchalant about such a thing. It must be the influence of that emptiness, yeah that's the only reason Sam can think of. There's this burning feeling in her gut that she has never felt before. This thing is a threat to her friend, who isn't thinking clearly right now, so she needs to remove it from the equation. Is this what it feels like whenever Han thinks about removing a tool? What does she need to do? Should she just shoot him, maybe poison, or maybe create an unfortunate accident? What would Han do in this situation? Probably set up an elaborate and far too complicated plan that would lead that thing to commit suicide.
The sound of a snort to her right brought her back to the present from her homicidal thoughts. Looking down at the seated Han, who is grinning. "The weirdo is a classmate, and he's totally harmless. I think he might have a crush on me or something." Said Han jokingly. A crush? Someone is interested in Han romantically. That doesn't seem right, not to say that Han is ugly or anything on the contrary the brunette is beautiful but someone else liking her just doesn't sound right to Sam. Sam's face must have made a look if the raised eyebrows from Han is showing anything.
"My, my. Looks like someone is jealous~." Said Han teasingly. What? She isn't jealous, she's just care about the safety of her friend. "You totally are. You might not be thinking it but you're blushing Sam." Said Han as she practically glowing with delight. Well, at least one of them finds this situation amusing, and she's totally not blushing. Han's eyes widen with the look she normally has when she has an idea, and looking at the current circumstances, probably an idea Sam wouldn't like. "Trust me and stay put." Said Han as she stands up. "Wait, wha-." Sam was silence by a finger on her lips and Han said. "Shhh." She pretends to dust off her white blouse and Prussian blue long skirt, then she practically skips her way towards that boy with a smile on her face.
What the fuck. Sam was gobsmacked by the display and could only watch in horror as Han starts talking to the thing. The only time she has seen Han shown such affection towards anyone else is when she interacts with her parents, which Sam knows Han doesn't care for. Han must be pretending to be smitten with that thing, because that's the only rational conclusion she can think of. The thing looks like a nervous wracked when talking to Han. Sam doesn't know why but her blood is boiling as she watches the one sided conversation Han is having with that thing. She should check if the thing has a bike or not and cut the brake lines. That would solve a lot of problems.
She doesn't know how long she's been standing gawking at the scene like an idiot when Han ends the talking to the thing as she puts her hands on that thing's hand like giving it reassurance. Sam closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. She needs to calm down, no need to say something that would give Han ammunition to deflect from giving her an answer. When she opens her eyes, she saw Han coming back. "Oi, why did you just walked over there and talked to your stalker?" Said Sam, trying to not explode. "Hehe." Said Han, who seems content to put on an innocent face. "What do you mean 'hehe'!?" Said Sam in hushed tones, trying to not get kicked out of the library.
"Oh, nothing Sam, just me and Cody are going to have a study session together next week." Said Han with a small smirk on her like it's some kind of joke. A study session? Han is a straight-A student since first grade. Why would she need to study for anything, especially with that thing? Wait… "Is that a date? What the fuck, Han?" bristled Sam, losing all of her cool. Why the hell did she just ask that, that thing to go on a date with her? Does she not see that thing is a threat?
Han burst into a fit of giggle as if she heard the funniest thing ever. Sam could only stare at her friend furiously, waiting for her to stop. "Tsk-tsk. Goodness gracious Sam, where did you even learn such a foul word? Really need to wash your mouth with soap later." Han said mirthfully and not being serious about that threat. Sam stares at the brunette as she gathers her stuff and nudges her head towards the exit, wordlessly saying that they're leaving. Sam let out a frustrated sigh and get her things and made her way out of the library.
"I'm not interested in him, if that's what you are wondering." Said Han to her right as they both walk the path back to their clubhouse. Since that house is close to the library, Han felt there wasn't a point to use a bike since they can get some exercise by walking. Sam doesn't know what to say, so she stayed silent. She felt Han's arm slung around her neck. "I don't know if you know this Sam, but I'm asexual, meaning I have no interest in activities that a relationship would entail, and I'm not interested in romance either. A human is like an ant. It's useless to form any kind of relationship with any of them. Present company excluded, of course."
Sam let out a snort at the end comment and said. "Gee thanks." Sam is satisfied with the revelation but felt a little hurt by what Han just said. She really doesn't understand why she would feel that, so she tries to not think about it. "And why did you ask that thing in a 'study session'?" inquired Sam, still not understanding the angle for such a thing. "Honestly? Because I'm bored. Maybe the void wants me to do this. If not, then playing with his heartstrings and dropping him like a brick would prove to be entertaining." Han said with a shrug while her arms were still around Sam's neck. Of course, that would be the reason why didn't she thought about that.
"I'll kill him if he hurts you in any way." Sam said calmly. Han snaps her head towards Sam, eyes wide and a wicked smile. "Oh, how are you going to do it? Scheme so some drug gang member kills him, so nothing can get back to you?" Said Han with way too much enthusiasm when discussing a potential murder. Sam thinks for a moment before answering. "I'll just shoot him with a pistol."