I carried the one who managed to react with me over to the other slaves.
“I am disappointed in you. You should have made them all react.”
…What am I, miracle-machine?
“Tolstoj, take Samuel with you and head back to Aurora. We need help with moving everyone here.”
“Yes sir.” He responded. Good man.
Alicia and myself spent the next hour watching over the slaves… well Alicia watched over them. For some reason none of them came within 10 meters of me.
...Jesus… I am unpopular even among slaves…
“There there… You aren't unpopular with me~”
...Wow… Getting comforted by voices in my head… I have really sunk low…
I ended up spending most of the wait coaxing the-still-dollish-slave to regain functionality. Her reactivity is quite feeble. But she is responsive. I am honestly not sure how much of her mind still remains, but whatever remains seems to trust me, so it seems I am stuck caring for her recovery.
I caught Alicia staring at us more than once whilst teaching Marionette. I wonder, is it really such a strange sight?
“...You named the girl ‘Marionette’?”
Yeah, it fits doesn't it.
“...Yup! Its cute so... approved! ^.^”
…
..
.
Some time later, Samuel and Tolstoj returned with the Aurora security, meaning we could finally rest easy.
“Sorry Alicia. This place must have been rough on you…” I said as I patted her head. She just shook her head a little and leaned on me.
“Aww… She is still adorable.^-^”
Eh… Loyalty like hers is not bad I admit.
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
“Umm… Why are you smiling?” She asked me
“... Its nothing.” I responded.
“Aww. You embarrassed?~”
Nope. Why?
“...”
I handed Marionette over to the Pharmatics Group personally once we reached back to Aurora.
I tried to hand her to the Arcology security, but she immediately started feebly struggling, giving me a pleading look. So I ended up bringing her back myself.
The Pharmatics Group gave her a sedative and made me promise to come visit her tomorrow, apparently her trust in me could be very useful in treating her.
I congratulated my men on a job well done, we did go through quite a lot after all. Sadly the damage to Tolstoj’s Walker would make us unable to take a job in the next day or 2. So I had them agree to convene the day after tomorrow for our next job.
We also had a discussion, and agreed that it was about time to get a scout into the team. So I filed a request at the Commission hub.
After that, I was about to home with Alicia but then I bumped into a familiar face.
“Ah!... Mister Rasmus. G-Good Evening!” Lìca stuttered.
I responded with a simple “evening”
“Umm.. How did your job go?”
“...It went ok.” I responded.
“Ah! That's good… So. Umm… I was thinking… I have a day off tomorrow and-”
“-Rasmus… sleepy~...” Alicia cut in. Tugging at my sleeve.´..
“... Sorry.. As you can see I am a bit busy right now.. Can we talk some other time perhaps?” I answered with my best apologetic face.
“Eh? Oh! Ofcourse.. Sorry to disturb.” Lìca responded.
“...Is it just me, or are you getting better at this… social thing tin-boy?” Lily asked me as I bade farewell to Lìca.
… I feel more or less the same though?
“Eh, whatever then~”
Your curiosity is way too flimsy you know?
“K~”
…
I took Alicia home as planned, the day must have been heavy on her. Poor girl…
I made Alicia food for once. I admit. I am not all that great of a cook. But hey, I tried.
I am not sure if the food was any good… but Alicia said she enjoyed it.
After the meal and a good shower. We both retired for the night.
*Pov: Alicia*
...Rasmus found one of THEIR dens today… He was so concerned for me the entire time… He wouldn’t let me out of his sight even if I told him I was fine…
...I could tell it from his voice… He was seething in rage seeing how they treated people like ...us...
That place...There were so many others ...just like me there…
...The ones from the underground facility… Was I going to end up like that if Rasmus had not found me?...
...Rasmus seemed really caring for one that had broken down… Would that have been me if Rasmus had not saved me?...
...Without Rasmus… I wouldn’t exist anymore…
...I can never repay him… no matter how hard I try…
I thwarted one of Lisa’s attempts today again, I must redouble my efforts… She is growing persistent…
...No one is allowed to harm Rasmus…
...He is my saviour… no one else's…
...I might have to kill Lisa if she keeps up like this…
*Pov: Lìca*
That fucking despicable cunning piece of slave flesh keeps getting in the way. But Mr.Rasmus is never alone without her…
...What should I do…?
I will find a way to get rid of it. Just wait. That piece of broken trash should stay in the gutter where it belongs. How dare it get in the way of actual people, despite being nothing more than a consumable product for satisfying the whims of more important folk?
No one is allowed to get between me and Mr.Rasmus’ love. We love each other! …He just has not realized it yet. <3
...I will confess to him tomorrow. No matter who gets in the way.
*Pov: Tolstoj*
We chose correct. The work is tougher than what we had in the past… But so are the stakes.
...Looking at all the people we saved today, I can't help but think it.
If these are the results. I would gladly give even more for our cause.
Staying in his “Pack” was the right choice.