"We just wanted to see if it were possible for us to use it, sir.",Ash explained. Feeling like an idiot for not thinking if Young or Telford would be fine with this experiment. As they probably hadn't thought any of them could use it. Oliver definitely didn't believe that they could. Though he had a small hope that they could. It was so odd being in the body of an RK model. Especially, one that so highly resembled their reformed Deviant hunter.
And he bet that Ralph felt as uncomfortable as he did.
"In all honesty, Colonel Young none of us thought it could work.",Eli added. Trying to help Ash's case just a little bit. As none of them thought it really could work. Considering the stones had never been used on sentient non-organic beings before. It was just so mind blowing that it had worked. And that he had been thrown into the future with his new friends. But, he guessed that wasn't the biggest issue. The bigger issue was the fact that Ash's Mom, whoever she was, knew they'd be there.
Her knowing about the stones was also something to worry about.
"And how did your Mother know anything about the stones? Why was she there?",Telford asked. Clearly uncomfortable with a civilian knowing so much about them. And being so damn close to them as well. It wasn't like Ash could really blame him. He probably would be worried about that as well. Considering it was a security issue. Ash stated,"I'm not quite sure. But, I'm guessing she probably used Elijah's connections to get there."
"She also probably hacked into the system to find where they would be.",he continued. Which seemed like the most likely thing to have happened. Since she lost him once, she probably was trying to not lose him once again. And, as much as Chloe cared about Elijah, she wouldn't solely rely on someone else to find her son. Eli questioned,"Wait, how in the Hell could she do that?"
"Ash's Mom is a Chloe, Eli.",Oliver explained. It wasn't the entire reason or an answer. But, it sort of explained what may have happened. In his mind it somewhat explained what had happened. He continued,"She probably either hacked Elijah's system to locate them or the Army's system."
"Then she probably immediately gathered folks to help afterward.",Oliver added. The two other androids that Ralph and Ash were in were probably recruited. Probably had to pretend they weren't deviant to do so. As that other hunter, if he was one, would have taken them in. And he guessed that RK unit probably had been lied to by Chloe. Told he was helping to locate some deviant androids, or something like that. He wasn't entirely sure as they didn't have a chance to talk.
Well, a chance to ask Ash's Mom anything at least.
"A Chloe?",Scott asked. Looking thoroughly confused by Oliver's choice of words. As Ralph thought he would. It wasn't hard to understand. If you didn't know anything about Android types, you wouldn't guess what that name meant. Then it hit him, there was a young woman named Chloe on the ship. Which was probably what caused the confusion. Ralph answered,"That's her 'product' line. She's one of Kamski's first creations."
"Like Markus and Ash.",he added. The group still seemed a bit confused by this. But how else was he going to explain it? Ralph gave a small shrug and said nothing else. Young asked,"How in the Hell is she your Mother?"
"She helped design me, build me, and taught me a lot of stuff. Colonel Young.",Ash informed. In his mind this made her his Mother. It was also the only name that he felt fit her. When he was first created, he called her that instead of 'Chloe'. She had responded well to that name. And didn't actively discourage him from calling her that. In fact, she seemed to be pretty excited by that. Shoving that to the side, Ash questioned,"Doesn't that make her my Mom? She did technically raise me while I was in her care."
"Yeah, that does sound like a Mom to me.",Matt agreed. Definitely some of that sounded like what a Mom did. Well, what an android Mom would do. Though it was a little surprising to hear that an android made another android. As he had never heard of this before. But, it somewhat made sense in a way. How else were androids going to have children? Glancing over at Eli, he realized that he wasn't surprised by this information. Well, less then they were at least. Which he wondered why.
Though he figured now wasn't the best time to ask.
Maybe later when they weren't with the androids. Or near Telford and Young. As he might not be comfortable explaining what Ash told him around them. It was also not an issue that he needed to think about right now. Eli stated,"Next time, we won't do this without either of you present."
"At least now we know that non-organic beings can use it.",he continued. A tiny nervous grin on his face when he said this. As if hoping this factoid could help them in the long run. And he was really hoping that it would. Though David didn't seem entirely comfortable with this. Nor did Young. In fact, he looked a little annoyed by it. The pair turned to each other with a look on their faces. One that said they were thinking about it. Young was the only one to give a small nod at this. Telford gave a soft sigh as he informed,"Fine. But if this happens again without either me or Young present, we will toss you androids off of this ship."
"Am I understood?",David asked. Everett settled a hand on his shoulder. As if non-verbally trying to tell him to calm down. It wasn't reasonable in the slightest bit. His shoulders relaxed somewhat under Young's touch. Though not by a lot. Oliver guessed that he was just feeling frustrated by all of this. Frustrated and scared. Most folks who acted like that did and said things like this. They did terrible things that they sometimes took back.
Sometimes, really further down the road.
In David's case it probably would be a few months or a year. Or much longer than that. Since Telford really seemed like the type to hold a grudge. Like he couldn't or wouldn't willingly let anything go all that easily. For a moment, he didn't want to agree to it. Tell Telford off for threatening them like that. Then he reminded himself how much power these humans had over them. Just how little help they had onboard of the Destiny. And putting up a fight would not be the wisest thing to do.
In the moment at least.
"That feels a little harsh, Colonel Telford.",Eli stated. A little was an understatement. That was insane and unnecessary and he knew it. So did Colonel Telford. Even if he were a little terrified by what the androids had done, it felt cruel to say. Matthew nodded his head in agreement of Eli's words. This wasn't fair or right. He thought,'More than a little harsh. We allowed this, they weren't doing this without complete supervision.'
'He doesn't need to threaten them into compliance.',Matthew added. It felt entirely unnecessary in his book. And he was surprised that the androids agreed to David's words. Looking like they were used to this form of treatment. Then again, they probably were. Which was something that didn't sit right with him as the group left the room. Not once looking back as they did so. As if they were fearful that David would change his mind or something.
Not that he could entirely blame them.
"Eli, just what exactly did you see when you were in that room?",Everett asked. Curious as to where they were when that had happened. How things were. And what the android that built Ash looked like. What he got from her when he saw her. Which probably wasn't a lot. As he didn't entirely get a good long look at the woman. Eli answered,"It was some sort of break room or something."
"The stones were on a counter with a tea kettle near it.",he informed. It felt like someone had stolen them. Taken them from the military from right under their noses. Though he didn't know exactly how this blonde woman managed it. He would ask if he ever got to speak to her again. Eli stated,"It was like his Mother might have stolen them or something."
"I'm guessing she found a way to take them in case Ash tried to use the stones.",he theorized. It seemed really plausible in his book. If his own Mom knew about them, she probably would do that. Come Hell or high water. She would have stolen those damned stones.
"So the place wasn't the least bit recognizable?",David questioned. Hoping that maybe he had seen it before. Even in passing. That there was a slim chance of Eli knowing it. Any chance would make him feel a little better about this. Eli shook his head as he answered,"No, not in the slightest bit."
"I'm not even sure if those three knew where we were.",Eli added. That they might not know anything. Aside from Ash's Mom felt the safest in the place. Why else would she have brought the stones there? if she didn't feel safe then why would she?
"We're going to need to keep an eye on that."Everett stated. These three were beginning to be a nuisance for him. As it seemed like they were the start of some issues. Some, not all of them.
Still enough for him to be worried about the trio.
"Of course, Colonel Young.",Scott agreed. As he felt it was the best to placate him in the moment. In the moment. Later, Matthew felt he needed to speak with Colonel Young about this. And the way that David spoke to all three of the androids. As the trio hadn't really done anything wrong. They were just doing something without Telford or his permission. But it wasn't like they were doing anything without supervision. For crying out loud, he was there to make sure things didn't get out of hand. Even if he had to move the stones himself.
Right now probably wouldn't be the wisest time to do so.
Instead, he just decided to walk out with Eli. Who seemed to be just as uncomfortable with what went on as himself. Neither of them said a word as they started looking for the trio. Feeling that they should speak to them and see if they were alright. As they seemed to be quite a bit fearful when they left the room. Not that he could really blame them for being. Eli stated,"They're probably on the observation deck."
"Ash said he used to like looking at stars back on Earth, he probably went there to get a better look at them.",he added. And his lovers probably went with to see them as well. As Ralph and Oliver seemed like the type to star gaze to him. It probably help the trio relax after what had been said to them. Over something that wasn't entirely their fault. In the slightest bit. It also probably was a good distraction from everything. Not just from Rush and the whole stone issue.
The fact that they went from one tough situation to another.
Where the trio had really nothing in the way of rights. Or any means to rebel. Not where they were and not with Young and Telford technically in charge. Where no one would really be able to tend to them if they ever got hurt. As T.J a paramedic for human beings not androids. Though, Eli felt he could find a way to remedy that. Anyway that he could. That way if one of the androids got hurt, he could help. Definitely show the others how to, too. Just in case they need to in the far off future. Though he sincerely hoped that they wouldn't.
When they got to the trio, they spotted their leaders surrounding them. Though the trio didn't look uncomfortable or upset. In fact, they were smiling ear to ear. Looking utterly at ease as they looked at them. None of them had really noticed the pair walking up to them. Well, the trio gave them small acknowledgements before going back to their conversation. Markus asked,"Are you absolutely sure that you saw your Mother, Ash?"
"I'm absolutely sure that I saw her, Markus. It definitely wasn't me replaying a memory.",Ash answered. Eli knew it wasn't just some memory. That he had been there to witness it. A tiny smile came to Ash's face as he recalled that. It wasn't hard to understand why. He definitely missed this Chloe more than he was letting on. And he knew how hard it was to be away from your own Mother.
As he missed his own Mom, probably as much as Ash was missing his.
"There weren't any military folks in the room, right?",North questioned. Which was fair enough in Eli's mind. They had just escaped the military not that long ago. So he could see why she would want to be sure they weren't there. Oliver answered,"There was a cop that Eli was in."
"He wasn't armed when I was in him, Miss.",Eli chimed in. That's when the leaders of Jericho finally took notice of him. North glanced him over with a thoughtful look as she crossed her arms. Probably not sure of what to make of the human who came closer. And not used to being called 'Miss' by a human. Markus asked,"You actually went with them to our time?"
"Yeah, it was just so trippy and kind of fun.",Eli admitted. Felt so strange being so far ahead in time. Seeing Ash's Mom after he had described her so well. And wished they could have talked together. As he wanted to know her a little more. Since the way that Ash had spoken about her, she seemed to be a really nice person. Though he guessed he could talk to her another time. And Eli hoped that there would be a next time for him.
Even if it were to ask about Elijah. See if he was the person that he thought he was or not.
"I would imagine that it had been Mister...?",Markus trailed off. That's when he realized he hadn't properly introduced himself. A small smile came to his lips as he held out his hand for Markus to take. Stepping a little closer as well. Eli introduced,"I'm Eli Wallace and this is Matthew Scott."
Tilting his head in Matt's direction so he knew who he was talking about. Markus took Eli's hand and shook it. Smiling just as politely as Eli was. And he stated,"Nice to meet you. Ash has told me a little about you both."
"It's really good to finally put a face to a name.",Markus added. Then he extended his other hand for Matthew to shake. Who smiled at him as he took his hand. Once that ended, Markus asked,"So, this Nicholas Rush. Is he normally one to take things the wrong way?"
"He's just a paranoid sort of guy, Markus.",Matt answered. Eli opened his mouth at this then closed it. Knowing full well that Matthew wasn't wrong about that fact. As it was completely true. Rush was a paranoid person. Probably the most paranoid person on the Destiny. Eli stated,"Yeah, he's a good guy though."
"Just a little rough around the edges.",he added. And what he had said was really putting things mildly. Even though they were friends, he sometimes butted head with him. He bet some of those guys wouldn't be comfortable with him. North probably would even deck him if they were left alone for way too long.
"Would you say that David is also like that?",North questioned. As she had glimpsed some of his actions from Markus's memories. Simon and Josh looked to be interested in this as well. Matthew informed,"Yeah, you could call him that."
"I'd call him an asshole.",he muttered. There were other worse things he wanted to say about him. But felt these guys didn't need to hear that at all. North grinned slightly at his words. Seemingly feeling the same way that Matthew did. And that she wasn't the only one who disliked Telford. Eli nodded his head in agreement as he stated,"Yeah, he is. But sometimes he can be a pretty good dude."
"Sometimes.",Eli added. When he was in a good mood that was. But that seemed to be very rare in his opinion. Thanks to everything that had happened for not that long. The androids showing up the way that they did probably didn't help. Even if they hadn't meant to harm anyone. And the soldiers that they hurt were fine now. They weren't exactly mortally wounded or anything like that.
Just grazed or something.
Ignoring those thoughts, Eli asked,"So have you guys had a tour of the Destiny yet?"
"We could give you one if you'd like?",Matthew questioned. Though he felt that Eli could do it by himself if they preferred. He didn't mind. Being around him, armed or not, probably made them uncomfortable. Josh answered,"We would really like that."
"It would make getting around the ship a whole lot easier.",Simon agreed. Just so much easier. They could give the ship lay out to the others as well. That way no one could get lost in there. Or they could have a decent hiding spot if the time came. With that, they started the third tour of the day. With Matthew at the back of the group and Eli in the front. Explaining what they were seeing for the third time in a row. Which wasn't anything that he really minded in the slightest bit. Though, he wondered if he was going to have to do this with the others or not. Part of him did want to show them around the ship. While the rest of him just wanted to not do that. Mostly, because he was getting rather tired of having to explain things over again.
And coming up with something witty to say during it.
While that happened, Nicholas watched them from a comfortable distance. He couldn't believe what he had heard. Those machines had done it. They used the communications stones to contact Earth. That Eli had actually been sent to the future. Even if it had been for the briefest of moments. It was still something that he wished he could do. Mostly to see the gate that they had come through. As well as find out where it was, how it looked, and finally how to dial it.
Some part of him even wanted to visit it.
See just how the place was like. And just how different things were compared to now. It would be so interesting. Yet, at the same time he was afraid of what he might see. Just what may have happened to himself. To the others as well. As he figured that he was probably old and grey by then. Quite possibly senile if he were unlucky.
Who knew what Young or Telford were like? If either were in good health or not? He did hope that they were in good health. That his future self was sound of mind. And had some of the answers that he desperately wanted. Or at least point him in the right direction of them. If he was at least willing to give him a hint. Anything that could help him understand the Destiny so much better.
Though, and he wasn't entirely certain why, he felt he wasn't alive. There was this gut instinct that he might not be. Telling him that he shouldn't have his hopes up. That he was probably six feet under in some graveyard somewhere. A fate that he knew he wouldn't want in the slightest bit. As he would much rather be with Gloria. In his opinion, he felt he wouldn't properly rest without her.
Doing his best to not dwell on it, he headed towards the room with David and Everett.
To find out how they were feeling about all of this. And to gauge their reactions. See if they wanted to visit their future selves. Like he somewhat wanted to. Or at least them seeing themselves for whatever reason. Maybe seeing if they're alive or not, too.
It would also be good to see the much older Eli. Maybe he could get the older version to see his point of view. That with age, Eli would finally understand where he was coming from. Since he felt he was a little too naive right now to do so. Though he wondered if one of the androids had to be with him. That he wasn't sure what else would help them. Their presence probably was what launched him into the unknown. Well, unknown to him. Soon as he got into the room, Young asked,"Is there something that you need, Rush?"
"Just wanted to ask about the androids use of the stones.",Rush explained. It was still so unreal that they could use it. This was somewhat terrifying yet, he still wanted to see it. See how it had happened in the first place. Instead of demanding this, he asked,"What exactly did you two come upon?"
"Four very confused people who had no idea where they were and Scott.",David answered. Which was the truth. There were four very confused people standing with lieutenant Scott. Who was keeping three of them calm and answered most of their questions. But the one that was in Oliver's body wasn't. He seemed to be very upset with what was going on. Acting as if he had been tricked by what was going on. It was clear he didn't know anything about where he was. He added,"The one in Oliver's body was the most confused."
"He demanded to know where he was and where we were hiding 'Deviants' at.",Young chimed in. The word 'Deviant' had made him pause at the time. As he wans't sure what the android had meant. Or why Oliver was acting so odd. At first, Everett didn't know why he was acting the way he was. Then he noticed that Ash and Ralph were also acting different. Along with Eli. Matthew had sheepishly explained what they had done. It was more than a little surprising to him and David.
Mostly, David.
Since Telford was fairly sure that they couldn't use it. After all, they were just some machines. Sure they could seemingly think and act like a human being. Seemingly. But they weren't. If anything they were just uppity machines. Ones that acted like they were really people when they weren't. That wasn't the point of any of this. What the point was, was that they used the stones. And it felt like they deliberately did this without permission. Though it was interesting that they could use it. Though a little bit terrifying that they could.
Just what could they do with it once they weren't around?
Would they use it to harm those on board somehow? To make plans with others back on Earth? If they were, just how could they do that? Who else was going to help these fucking machines?
David wasn't sure how Everett could be so calm about this. Why none of this information seemed to bother him in the slightest bit? Just why wasn't he more concerned that they could be using Eli to get what they wanted? It just didn't make any sense to him.
Though that wasn't what Everett was feeling in the slightest bit. He was actually terrified with the knowledge the androids could use the stones. But, wanted to try to keep a level head for once. For once, Young didn't want to jump the gun. Or do anything that could be seen as harmful. He added,"We put a stop to it as soon as we saw it."
"Not sure how to make of it or what else we should do.",Everett stated. Feeling that David's threat was over the top. And completely not alright to do. Especially, when they hadn't actually done anything wrong just yet. No one had gotten hurt and it was a little helpful to them.
"Well, we could run some tests and see where they're at?",Rush suggested. Just to see where and what was going on. Figure out how and what these androids were doing. If they actually somehow managed to steal the stones by themselves or not. If not, then why were the androids allowed to use it unsupervised? If so, how could they have stolen it?
When had they stolen the stones?
And how didn't the military not notice it? Maybe they hadn't been used in years. They were put away in a supposedly safe place. That, clearly, wasn't as secure they believed it to be.
"It would certainly help us figure out if the androids are trustworthy, Young.",Rush insisted. Wanting him to be sure he was on his side. Having him be on board with what he was doing. It would really solidify in his mind to find out if they were as safe as they said. He added,"It really would help us get more information on them."
"He has a point, Everett.",David agreed. Surprising both of the other men in the room with that. It was a pretty good plan in his mind. And he didn't really see any downside to it. Not yet anyway. He continued,"I vote that we get those three from earlier to do it."
"After all, they wanted to use them in the first place. Why not let them?"