Calmly, David inched a little bit closer to the trio. Looking like he was thinking of the right words for this. And what to tell Ash in general. He felt like an asshole for not coming to stop himself from dragging Ash like a rag doll. But figured he still had a chance to prove that he was safe. That he wasn't going to hurt him, he gave a calm smile as he did so. Carefully extending his hand towards the shortest android. In a gentle voice, he stated,"It's so good to see you guys again."
"I trust that this trip with Eli has been great with you guys.",he questioned. He had to be sure that the other two weren't left out. As he felt that he was on thin ice with the lot of them. For his younger self's actions. And that it was getting thinner and thinner by the second. One little misstep and he was going to be seriously treading some water.
If he were lucky that's all he was going to be doing.
"For the most part things have been okay, sir.",Ash answered. Not even taking David's hand to shake as he stood there. Looking like he was trying to be brave. And it made his stomach twist as he stared at David. It wasn't that unreasonable in to be terrified. After all, he had essentially been attacked by David. There was also the bullshit that had happened with Rush and the 'threat'. Him feeling threatened by Ash's poor choice of words.
Something that his younger self would normally sympathize with. But, the more that they did for them. The less he saw them as 'dangerous' as Nicholas's younger self definitely sees them as. And there was also the fact that Markus had helped him save Everett from the creature. Shocking it with a weapon that Eli had made. It may have been a relatively simple and crude one.
But, it worked for what they needed it for. Which was to get it to let go of Everett, even though it had left him with visible scars. Whatever that van-sized jello creature had been back then. He had no idea what it was. And neither did Everett. Though he highly doubted that Rush did. If he did know, he didn't tell any of them about what it is. It also vaguely reminded him of the Blob from that horror movie. Only a lot easier to handle. Calmly, David apologized,"I'm sorry to hear that, Ash. I know things are so stressful for you all."
"And that I didn't help when I was being cruel earlier. I'm really sorry for hurting you the way I did, I promise it won't happen again.",he continued. Giving Ash a genuine smile as he stepped closer. Then for a few seconds, nothing was said as the short android stared at his hand. And he was sort of worried that Ash wasn't going to accept his apology. Then the short android took his hand and he mentally gave a sigh of relief. Giving it a gentle squeeze, Ash nodded his head at this. Quietly, David stated,"And I wouldn't be too upset with Rush forever."
"He'll eventually start to relax about you guys. Just give him a week or two, okay?",Telford suggested. If he were remembering right, it was around a week or maybe two. Possibly three. Nicholas was a stubborn kind of guy. And he really didn't want to get Ash's hopes up. Or any of the other three androids hopes up either. As it didn't feel wise to tell him that. They were slowly starting to like him. And he knew they still didn't trust him in the slightest bit. That he wasn't the asshole he hadn't been in 2009. Or that his apology wasn't as sincere as he tried to pretend that it had been.
"Thank you for that, David. We really appreciate that information.",Ash stated. It was really lovely information. If he were being entirely honest, he actually did appreciate that. Even if he wasn't entirely sure if he trusted or believed David. But, Ash knew better than to test his luck with this man. As it hadn't really done him any favors in the past with people like David. Or either of his lovers. Ralph definitely would know this better than any of them. He asked,"So, you and Colonel Young are still friends?"
"Well, as of three years ago. We've been way more than that.",David admitted. A whole lot more than that. Truth be told, it took him and Everett way too long to start something. It sort of felt embarrassing to admit that at all. Even if he were pressed, there was no way in Hell he would. Everett definitely would if asked. But, not him. David asked,"So, would you guys like to meet Rush?"
"No. Not yet, sir.",Oliver answered. None of them would really want to meet him for a good long while at least. Maybe not for a week or maybe two. It was hard to say with how they were feeling. And hard for him to really speak for anyone else. Especially not, his lovers.
It would be a special kind of condescending in his book.
"Maybe in half a month if Dr. Rush is alright with it?",Ralph suggested. Tone a lot more calm than any of them heard. At least in a long while. He felt a little weird at making a decision for them all. And being the voice of reason. Well, something close to that if he were being honest. It also seemed to surprise his lovers a little bit. Neither of them were going to call him out on it. Which, Ralph was really grateful for. Just enough for Oliver to nod his head in agreement. And Ash to give a sweet smile at that. David agreed,"Sounds like a plan, Ralph. I'll ask him if his schedule is free enough when I get home."
"Then I'll get back to you as soon as I can.",Telford informed. This made Eli feel a little better about the situation. Mentally he feared that they were all going to start fighting. Though, he hadn't anticipated on any of them wanting to see Rush's older self. Eli was kind of glad that they planned on it. Older Rush was, well. A whole lot easier to get along with than his younger counterpart had ever been in his opinion.
Sure, he wasn't nice still but. Hey. The dude made jokes now.
At any rate, they were finally warming up to each other. In ways that Eli hoped would happen in the past as well. That they would be a little more civil together if they weren't warm towards each other. Something that his younger self definitely was wishing for aboard Destiny. If he were remembering everything right. Mostly thanks to Rush's paranoia over Ash's little 'threat'. Hell, it never really sounded like a threat in his book. More or less, it just sounded like Ash was trying to warn him.
In Eli's book at least.
Now, they needed to do more than just stand around waiting for Rush. Something that could take a while. A very long while if he was with Everett. Calmly, Eli asked,"Hey, David? Mind if we take this to the break room?"
"I would really love a latte right about now.",Eli explained. Trying to pretend that he was thirstier than he actually was. In reality, it was the only thing that he could think of. When the older man raised an eyebrow at his request, he felt worried for a second. David didn't ask him why he wanted to, instead he answered,"Yeah of course. I could really go for some coffee right about now."
With that, the group headed towards the break room. Both men not talking as the androids glanced around the hallway. Looking at photos of people who were alive in the past. But, no longer among the living now. A few they probably didn't really recognize from their early 2000's looks. Well, anyone that wasn't Ralph at the very least.
As he recognized a few people. Instead of pointing this out, Ralph questioned,"Ralph wants to know what has happened to most androids since we've left?"
"Is everyone alright?",he added. A bit more than curious as to how androids were treated right now. This was also something that Ash was more than curious about. As he feared that they were being just outright murdered or worse. While Oliver was pretty sure they were only being recalled. Since most of the deviants were in Jericho before they fled. At least, he felt they were in Jericho before they fled to the past. Softly, Eli answered,"Most are fleeing to Canada."
"I think a few are headed towards Mexico.",he added. But, he wasn't entirely sure of that. Since the news didn't exactly explain if they were or not. Or if any were really making it up to Canada. This was information that would definitely upset Ralph if he told him. As he remembered the past Eli being told about a little girl and her Mother. Both were androids that Ralph met before he had gone to Jericho. Before he had met both of his lovers and fled to the relative safety of Jericho.
Safety that was compromised thanks to that damned Deviant Hunter, Connor. Who nearly got Ralph captured.
"Could, could you do Ralph a small favor? Eli, please?",Ralph questioned. Feeling a bit like an asshole for asking him. But, but, he just had to know about Kara. Just had to know about Alice. Whether or not they were safe. If they were with someone who was good to them. When Eli turned to him, Ralph begged,"Could you please find out if a woman named Kara and Alice were arrested recently?"
"Ralph wants to know if they're even alive or not.",Ralph explained. Gently touching the older version of Eli's shoulder as he did so. Something that admittedly surprised the older version of their friend more than he thought it would. Jumping a little in surprise as he stared at him. Eli then smiled slightly before he gently touched Ralph's hand as he nodded his head. Giving it a gentle squeeze as he answered,"Of course, Ralph. I'll definitely do that for you."
"Thank you, Eli. Thank you so much.",Ralph stated. Letting go of Eli's shoulder as they all walked into the room. Ash and Oliver headed over to a table to save it. Ralph following after them a second later. While Eli and David stood at the coffee maker. Both putting in their orders as David questioned,"So, who's the human with them again?"
"It's Rush's younger self. He's in Everett's office discussing something, I think it's that gel creature.",Eli answered. Keeping his tone low as to not scare the androids. Fearing that they would be terrified if they found out. David nodded his head at this information. That might be it. As he remembered that Everett had wanted to warn Rush's younger self about the whole thing. See if he could change the course of Destiny.
Save more people from being eaten alive.
"Yeah, that definitely seems like something Everett would do.",David agreed. His tone didn't sound angry in the slightest bit. Just a little annoyed that he hadn't informed him about it. As that was one of the main problems back in the day. Neither of them communicating. Well, that and the fact David had been thoroughly brainwashed at the time.
That was another thing they probably needed to be worried about.
"Anyway. Hopefully that little venture works out for Everett.",David stated. Feeling more than a bit concerned with the idea that it wouldn't As he feared that maybe Rush wouldn't believe him. Or that something would go wrong and Everett's younger self wouldn't believe Rush. For one reason or another. Which, David could absolutely understand why he wouldn't trust him. Rush's younger self wasn't exactly good at telling the entire truth.
To anyone.
So why in the Hell would Everett believe him after how many times he got burned?
"So, next time's visit is going to involve North. Right?",Eli questioned. Trying to take both their minds off the gel creature. As he hated to remember how it attacked some of his friends. And how it had maimed Everett so badly. This made David nod his head in agreement, he answered,"Yeah, North is coming instead of Ralph next time."
"I'm a little afraid of seeing her come though.",he added. From what he remembered of North, she was protective of the other androids. Fiercely so of Ash. For a while, David didn't completely understand why. Right until Rush told him about what he knew about Ash's past. That abuse he had suffered at a human's hand.
How his memories weren't even the way that they used to be.
"She's definitely not going to trust you when she sees you.",Eli warned. Remembering that North kept both Rush and David away from them. Acting like a bodyguard for Oliver and Ash. Keeping Ash behind her whenever David took a step closer to the small android. Nodding his head, David muttered,"I know. I was lucky she didn't try to break my arm in the past."
"The lady has more self control then I had thought.",he admitted. Definitely more than he would have displayed. Looking at the trio of androids, David questioned,"You've met your younger self yet?"
"No, not yet. I'm kind of worried about it.",Eli answered. Which was the truth. He was a little afraid of not being able to live up to his younger self's standards. And worried that he would utterly disappoint him with his career. As being a college professor wasn't his dream way back when. But, he couldn't entirely remember meeting his older self. There were a few vague notions in his head. Just nothing that was cohesive enough.
"You think he'll be uncomfortable with meeting you?",David questioned. Turning his entire attention back to the younger man. Raising an eyebrow as he glanced over Eli's face. Trying to make sure he wasn't being too invasive. Eli thought it over as he remembered David's younger self. How he had been pretty uncomfortable with him and Everett.
Though that was more than likely thanks to how Everett had treated him. More like a moody teenager than an adult. Even if he had been a bit angrier than he was right then.
"I think out of everyone, Everett will be the one that's the most uncomfortable.",Eli informed. It was pretty much the whole truth. Since Everett wouldn't be used to how David was right now. Him now and him way back when were different. He added,"I mean, you're a whole lot calmer than you used to be."
"After all, you did get into therapy and uh...oh man, I'm gonna shut up now.",Eli clarified. Feeling like a total asshole for saying it how he did. And glanced up at David's face to examine his expression. David agreed,"No, you're right. I've changed a whole lot since then and I'm no where near as impulsive anymore."
Sure, David would admit that he was still pretty impulsive. But nowhere near as bad as he had been before. Nor was he as quick to anger as he had been. Well. In his opinion of himself he wasn't as impulsive as he used to be. Eli stated,"You've definitely been a lot calmer since then."
"Probably helps when you've got a therapist to speak to.",he mumbled. Feeling like an idiot for saying it at all. And that he probably shouldn't have pointed it out at all. Calmly, he added,"It's also good that you've got Everett and Rush, too."
That the divorce between Everett and his wife went through. It was a pretty lengthy process thanks to a lot of stuff. Some of which was Everett dragging his feet. But, it was good that it finally went through once they got back.
He'd hate to think of how it'd go otherwise.
"I know. I'd really hate to think what would have happened if I didn't.",David agreed. Trying to not picture the divorce and his break up with David's ex-wife. A thing that went a whole lot worse than he wanted it to. But, that was his own problems and not Eli's. Or the androids who were 'speaking' without moving their mouths as they sat together. Though he wondered what exactly was going on between the three of them. He didn't bother to interrupt to find out. Quietly, David asked,"So. Do you think we should go see if Everett and Rush are done talking yet?"
"Yeah, maybe we should. Just to see if they were done or not.",Eli answered. Wondering if they were still talking about the damned creature, he called it the Glob, or not. Or if they were talking about their future relationship. And then it hit him, they probably shouldn't go see them. If both men were talking about that, they would want some privacy. Softly, Eli insisted,"Nah, let's not. They might be talking about your guys's relationship."
"I'd give them an hour or so and then go find them if they don't come here?",Eli offered. Which he felt was wise. That way Everett and Rush could finish speaking together. David nodded his head in agreement as they went over to the table. Noticing that they were talking pretty enthusiastically to each other. Ash was toying with a fork as he gave a strangely pointed look. David questioned,"Are we interrupting anything, gentlemen?"
"Sorry, we're debating on whether or not we should let Markus come next time.",Ash answered. It was something that he wanted to happen. As he knew how close Lucy and Markus had been. So, he was going to offer to stay back. That way Markus could go see Lucy with Eli's help. While Oliver offered to stay back and let Markus go. Feeling that Ash and Markus should spend more time together as friends.
They hadn't really spent much time alone together thanks to everything.
And Ralph decided to be the one that stayed. As he was getting a little uncomfortable being around the military. Which, was fair. But they felt that two of them should stay while one goes. Oliver added,"I feel both of us should stay, Ralph."
"It just seems like the wisest decision.",Oliver added. Doing his best to keep his tone light. Not wanting to make his lover feel like he's being condescended to. Ralph reached over and gently touched his hand. Smiling as he stated,"Ralph thinks we should talk with Markus first actually."
"Who's to say that he's ready to come to the future anyway?",Ralph pointed out. A thing that neither of his lovers thought through. And both started to feel like an idiot for not thinking about that. Mostly Ash. As he felt that he would want to see Lucy. Oliver took a fork from Ash's hands to toy with it. Bending it a little bit as he answered,"Yeah, you're right. We'll talk to him about it once we get back to Destiny."
"Along with the rest of the leaders of Jericho.",he added. Ash nodded his head in agreement about the whole thing. Figuring that all four of them should be talking about this. Not just him, Oliver, and Ralph in some government base. Eli stated,"I think Markus will want to be here. Just probably in a few weeks or so."
"As I doubt this place'll be somewhere he would want to be comfortable at.",Eli informed. He didn't want to say more about this subject. Fearing that he would ruin the flow of time as it was. Hell, he wasn't entirely sure if he wasn't doing that already. But if it helped someone from being killed? It might be the best idea to tell them without outright telling them about everything.
Especially about the Glob.
Before Eli could continue, Everett came into the room. Rush right behind him with a calm look on his face. The second that Young spotted Telford with him, a smile broke out on his face. Quickly rushing over to him and wrapping an arm around him. Kissing David's temple with a huge smile on his face. Nicholas watched this interaction for a long moment. Eyebrows raised as he did so. Not saying a word as the scene unfolded in front of him. Oliver asked,"Oh, so you guys are in a relationship?"
"Yeah, for the past five years or so.",David informed. His tone indicated that this wasn't a big deal. Which was strange in his mind. Oliver was a little surprised they were dating. But, didn't say anything about it. Fearing it would come off as insulting if he did. Instead, Oliver asked,"So what were you guys doing for so long?"
"Oh, nothing. Just discussing some issues Destiny is going to have in the future.",Everett informed. Glancing over at Eli with a strange look on his face. One that David didn't catch as they stared at each other. Eli seemed to be extra interested in his coffee at that moment. Tearing his gaze from his as he took a long swig of the drink. This seemed to confuse David as he glanced up at his partner. Probably going to speak about what was going on later. Ralph asked,"Oh? Would it be something that we need to clear up?"
"It's nothing that Eli and I couldn't fix ourselves, Ralph.",Rush answered. This was good. That they would be able to handle something like that. Ralph was slightly concerned it would be an all hands on deck sort of situation. Yet, there was something to his tone that made Ralph worried. Like it seemed Rush and older Everett were keeping something from them. Glancing over at his lovers, Ralph asks,'You get the feeling that these two are keeping something from us?'
'Yeah, this is definitely them trying to cover something up.',Oliver agreed. There was this odd edge to Rush's tone that he didn't like. And Everett seemed to be to quick to say what they were doing. Repairs? For almost an hour? Ones that sounded like they weren't all that serious? Oliver wasn't entirely certain of how to feel about it. Though as much as they wanted an explanation for things, Ash felt they weren't going to get one. Instead of saying this out loud, Ash asked,"So is there anything else we should be doing right now, Mr. Young?"
"No, I believe we've covered everything you're supposed to be doing today.",Young answered. A little too quickly for any of the androids' liking. As well as Eli's liking. Each of the androids glanced at each other over this. None of them saying anything as they sat together. Fearing they would be ruining something if they did so. A bit later, the group got up from the table and headed to the stones. All four of them were back on the Destiny a second later. Surprised to find North with her arms wrapped around Ash. Holding his face against her chest in a protective manner as she did so.
"North, is everything okay?",Ash questioned. Feeling a little worried that North was holding him like this. As North was never like this back on Earth. What in the Hell happened when they were back in their time? All of these thoughts raced through his mind as she pulled away from him. Looking him deep in the eyes as she did so. There were tears rolling down her cheeks. More than Ash had ever seen her cry the entire time he'd known her. Gently reaching up, he wiped them away with his thumbs. An action that North allowed as she answered,"Yeah, I promise that everything is perfectly fine."
"We just...things got a bit heavy before you came back is all.",North explained. A bit too hastily for Ash's tastes. And it worried him even more as he stared up at her. But, figured it wouldn't be wise to linger on it. After all, she was crying about the whole thing. Though as much as he felt he shouldn't push, he just had to know what was wrong. Softly, Ash asked,"Oh, would you like to talk about it?"
"I don't think I can do that right now, Ash.",North answered. She let him go before taking a deep breath. Absolutely hating that he couldn't do anything more to help her. She took a deep breath to calm herself a little bit. Giving Ash a tiny reassuring smile as he did so. Trying to tell him without telling him that he was fine. Then she added,"We can talk about this a little bit later. Markus and I need to talk about something. Okay?"
"Okay. Talk to you later.",Ash agreed, watching her leave the room. Noticing that Everett was looking really tense about it. Along with David. Eli on the other hand looked kind of calm. A lot more calm than he thought he should. Glancing around the room, he noticed more folks were tense. But, wasn't entirely certain as to why or why they were staring at him. Ash asked,"Um, anyone mind spilling the beans on what happened?"
"North and the android that borrowed your body had a tense moment is all.",Everett answered. Tone clipped and way too quick for Ash's liking. Sort of similar to how his older self talked about things. Just what in the Hell was going on? What had the android using his body do? Especially to get North to cry and hold him like that? It just made his thoughts swarm as he stared at Oliver and then Ralph. Both looking just as confused as he felt. With this, he headed out of the room. Determined to just leave the really tense situation as he couldn't take it anymore.
Ralph and Oliver were hot on his heels as they headed out. And both gently hugged him when he finally stopped walking. Holding him close as he tried to calm himself down. It was hard being out of the loop when it could get you killed. Maybe. This was something that he felt he was overreacting about. Ash muttered,"Well, today didn't go how I hoped for. But at least we know Lucy is safe with someone."
"Yeah, safe and still active. Which is a relief to know.",Oliver agreed. Though this was really the last thing on his mind. What was really on his mind was what had happened before. Wishing that someone had come clean about the whole thing. Just what was so bad that North had to hug the other android like that? Be so protective? Hopefully, North would spill the beans when they spoke to them about it. Which they could do after they got Ash properly calmed down from everything.
"And we'll tell everyone about when we get the chance.",Ralph promises. This was definitely something for later. Right now, he really wanted to help Ash properly calm down. It seemed to be working as they stood together in the hallway. As his shoulders slowly slumped a little bit. Right until they were back at their normal levels. Ash stated,"...I also want to know why North was and is so upset."
"I just wanna know what that other guy did to make her cry like that.",Ash admitted. North tearing up wasn't something that any of them saw. As she wasn't comfortable being seen as vulnerable like that. With anyone that wasn't the other leaders. Since it seemed like showing off her weakness to him. And none of them ever thought she was a hugger. Oliver agreed,"We definitely should talk about that, too. See if she's feeling okay."
"I've only ever seen her cry like that once and...well, someone died that time.",Oliver informed. It was a horrifying scene and he didn't want to overthink that. Or picture the dead android in North's arms. How terrified he felt in that moment. The police that were nearby. These thoughts were interrupted by Ralph pulling away from them. Ralph was a little surprised by this. As he hadn't seen North hugging Ash at all. Softly, Ralph asked,"Wait, a moment. North was hugging you?"
"Yeah, she was. Weird when she's not really much of a hugger...",Ash trailed off. He'd maybe seen her hug children a few times in the past. Maybe two or so. One of which was crying in terror about their situation. So hard that he wasn't able to speak. North pulled him into her lap as she calmed him down slowly. Oliver stated,"Well, only if someone's terrified or something like that."
"I'm kind of afraid to ask what had happened before we got back.",Oliver admitted. This was more than just a little worrisome ofr him. And Ash couldn't think of what had happened before they got back. A small part of him didn't even want to ask about the whole thing. As it was going to be a very awkward conversation. But it needed to happen whether they really liked it or not. Ash pipped up,"We should go tell them about Lucy before we ask about the situation."
"Yeah, you're right. I just hope no one got hurt.",Oliver stated. A sentiment that his lovers were in agreement with. The trio started walking to where the leaders stayed at. It was the place they've found the safest since they've arrived, the Observation Deck. All three of them hurried over to it as quickly as possible. Feeling that Markus and the rest of the Leaders had a right to know. Soon as they entered the room, Markus was holding North as tight to himself as possible. Her face was pressed into his shoulder with her own shaking a little bit. Just what in the world was going on? Maybe, maybe they should just wait to tell them about Lucy.
It was the plan until Markus spotted Ash, he held up a hand to stop them. His expression wasn't angry but, stern. Making the trio immediately worry about the whole thing. Just what in the world did that android using his body do to her? Had they harmed her or something like that?
A few moments later, North seemed to relax in Markus's grip. Pulling back a little as she wiped her eyes. Noticing that they had an audience not that long after. If they could blush, she would be. Softly, North muttered,"Sorry about that, I really didn't mean to act so damn weird."
"It's fine, baby.",Markus whispered to her. Rubbing her back gently to soothe his lover as she stood there. Trying to pull herself together as best she could. It terrified him to wonder what had happened while they were away. What the android who borrowed his body had done to North. There were so many thoughts buzzing about his processor until North touched his shoulder. Gently squeezing it to show him what had happened while he was away.
That the other person had bawled out of nowhere. Pleading with her to help him and the other. Talking about how much pain he was in. The RK unit had nearly killed him at some point. Thank everything that Everett kept them apart. Otherwise Ash and the other android would have been in so much trouble. Possibly would have done them both in. And Markus didn't want to lose his best friend like that.
Not when he barely just got him back.
"...I suppose now isn't a really good time is it?",Ash questioned. Feeling stupid for even still standing there and watching any of this. That he should have just left with his lovers a bit ago. Give them time to properly calm themselves down. Markus shook his head at this and North let go of Ash's shoulder as she moved away. In a gentle voice, North asked,"No. What were you guys going to tell us?"
"Lucy's still alive and Everett's future self is protecting her.",Ralph explained. A tiny sad smile on his face as he did so. It wasn't how either of his lovers wanted to tell them. But, he couldn't hold it in any longer. Taking a step forward, he added,"She's in a cell. Getting a lot of the things she needs and has a new uniform."
"Everett assured us that he hasn't let anyone interrogate her or anything.",Oliver pipped up. It wasn't all that great for their friend. But, it was a whole lot better than nothing. And way better than her being dismantled. Though he was still worried that someone would try to do so. Quietly, he continued,"I feel like she's going to be safe there. For now, at the very least."
"I wish that we got to speak to her a little longer than we did.",Ash admitted. It was way too short for him in his opinion. And a huge part of him wanted to help her visit Destiny. Even if it were just for a few minutes, supervised by a guard from that time. Or something like that. Just so she could see that they were all okay.
Also so that she could speak to Markus again.
"It's pretty good to know. I'm glad to hear that.",Markus stated. It was somewhat good to know that she was alright. Even if she was a prisoner in their care. This was definitely better than her being dismantled by them. North was slightly in agreement with this, it was good she was alright. Though she had some doubts that Lucy was really all that safe. After all, she was locked up by the military. Even if the person with her is seemingly safe to be around. Seemingly, in North's eyes he was at least.
There were a few things about Everett that she couldn't trust.
North wasn't entirely certain of the why but, she didn't. Fearing that the other shoe would drop at any time. Taking a deep breath, North questioned,"During the next visit, could one of you please stay back?"
"I would like to be able to see Lucy for myself if that's fine?",North continued. Which was absolutely fair in all their minds. And Ash was definitely understanding as to why she wanted this. As she needed to see her for herself. It also could do her some good to see Lucy in the long run. So, Ash turned to her as he answered,"I could do that for you, North."
"I kind of want to meet this RK900 for myself.",Ash explained. Which was sort of the truth of the matter. As he was genuinely curious about this new Deviant hunter. See for himself up close what he was like. And if he was like Connor in personality in any way. Though, Ash had some doubts that he actually was. North reached over to him and gently squeezed his shoulder. Smiling widely as she stated,"Thank you, Ash. I really appreciate you doing this for me."
"You're a really good friend.",She continued. It was kind of sweet that he would do this for her. At least in her book that he would do this for her. And she knew if he could blush, Ash would be doing so. With that, North asked,"Is there anything else you guys had for us?"
"Oh, yeah. I almost completely forgot about this thing that happened.",Ash stated. The strange situation that Rush and Everett talked about. Something that none of the humans told them about. Or rather, were unwilling to tell them about. Pretending that it was something else. Like fixing that needed to happen on the ship. Yet, for whatever reason, none of them told them about it. Everett's older self being really squirrely about the whole thing. Along with Rush. Ash added,"Rush and Everett's older self were alone in a room for about an hour or so. Talking about some 'fixing' but, I dunno if we can trust that."
"We would have asked about it but, Everett was acting off.",Oliver explained. It had made the trio worried the whole time. And no one really had a chance to even try. Calmly, Oliver asked,"You think they're up to something?"
"Well, possibly. Could you please tell us how the whole thing went down?",Simon questioned. The trio went on to explain how things had happened. Exactly how it happened. All talking over each other at some point. Trying to get in details that they needed in it. Josh put up his hands in a quiet down motion as he informed,"One at a time, guys. Otherwise we're not going to understand any of this."
"He and Rush were acting petty damn weird when they got to us.",Ralph informed. Then went on to explain how he saw the whole thing. How odd and more aloof Rush had been acting than usual. Also a little bit cagey as well. Looking at the androids like they were nothing more than bugs or something. Stuff to be squashed under his shoes. Oliver chimed in,"Everett gave Professor Wallace an odd look when he looked confused by this."
"Almost like he was telling him to shut up without saying a word.",Oliver added. It was a little strange for them to see. And he felt there was a lot that Everett wasn't saying. That David looked pretty uncomfortable with the whole thing. As if there was something he wanted to say. Oliver muttered,"David looked like he wanted to say something but, he didn't."
"It was like Everett wanted to keep the rest of us in the dark or something.",Ash chimed in. Feeling somewhat stupid for how he had worded that. Like he was a stupid freaking child or something. Then he added,"I'm not sure what's going to happen. I'm a little afraid someone's going to get hurt."
"Or that we might die because they said nothing.",Ash muttered. It just felt so sinister in his mind. That they were keeping them in the dark like this. And that there was this weird edge to it. Almost like they weren't seeing them as sentient beings. Or that Everett's future self blamed them somehow. But, he wasn't entirely sure if he was right about that thought or not. Markus states,"This is definitely something we need to be keeping an eye on."
"Especially that Rush fellow...",Markus mumbled. Feeling that out of the two older humans, he was the more dangerous one. And that there was something terrible he had planned for all of them.