Location: Terra Colony Andromeda
North Sector - Draco Outpost - Private ICU
Date: January 31, 2050
Time - Midnight
“When you said you needed help, Itsuki, I didn’t think you’d give us something so mundane. This job is quite quaint compared to the last few.” Bubi gently set down a datapad he’d been scrolling through, having made sure to closely read the fine print. Closing his eyes to give them a rest, he kicked his boots up on the table, leaned back in his seat, and lowered his voice to almost a whisper. “But I bet there’s more to this. Will you ever stop being so strange?”
There was no answer. Either Itsuki wasn’t being his gruff self now, or he was too caught up in his own thoughts. At the moment, it was neither. Bubi peeked open an eye, staring ahead past the array of console controls. Electrical conduits fed out onto the metal floor, laying along with piping trailing from the walls on either side. This ICU room was spacious, though most of it was taken up by the assorted medical devices.
5 meters in front of Bubi, taking up half the room, all of these conduits and pipes connected to where Itsuki, garbed in a hospital gown, floated upright in a clear glass vat filled with a greenish transparent fluid. Wires, IVs, and sensors were hooked up to him as if he were a lab experiment. A faint hiss came from one of the oxygen tanks on the wall, a signal that the air was being cycled into Itsuki’s breathing mask. The health monitors beeped away in a rhythmic chorus. It was eerie to see Itsuki like this, he just sat there, still in the sterile fluid, like he had fallen asleep on his own two feet.
He seemed fine, although the fact he needed his breathing masking to well.. breathe.. was a contrary sign. The machines sustained him, kept him alive, and treated the injuries popping up one after another on the console. Occasionally Bubi would see him twitch, as if Itsuki were conscious. Though, Bubi wasn’t sure.
His eyes are still open. Jesus, it’s like he’s dead. He internally cringed at the horror of it, not letting it show on his face. It had been quite a turn of events these past couple hours. When they left the infirmary wing, Itsuki led them deeper into the facility, descending into the restrictive sublevels. Hime was pestering him with questions and few stinging comments. To say that she held a grudge against him was an understatement. Her contempt was clear, and Itsuki reciprocated in his own way, sparing little effort to give an answer, telling them wordlessly that he was in an apparent rush. That should’ve been the first sign that something was wrong.
Yet we only noticed when he started coughing up blood. Bubi glanced at the person next to him. Ironmouse sat in her chair with her knees held to her chest, trembling. Obviously, she was shaken. They barely got Itsuki into the ICU in time. By that point, he’d been bleeding all over. His eyes had been bloodshot, his legs could barely hold him up anymore, and he was bleeding all over underneath his coat. He was falling apart, literally.
Bubi could so vividly and easily recall the number of black necrotic veins crawling up and down across Itsuki’s chest. He was like a cracked and crumbling glass soldier. And Mousey saw it all. That must’ve been traumatizing for her, especially with her somewhat.. Sorted history with hospitals. Mousey had been a sickly girl when she was younger, not the frilly energetic darling she was now, so seeing those in pain struck a chord in her, and not a nicely tuned one. Poor Girl. Bubi returned his attention to Itsuki. When this is over, you’re going to need to apologize to her. And really, you need a few sessions with a psychiatrist.. You damn nutcase.
Speaking of doctors, Bubi wondered why Itsuki, or the AI tending to him, opted to not call any in. According to the datapad’s clock, it was a few minutes past midnight. Perhaps the outpost was undermanned at the moment, or was too occupied with their current influx of wounded. But, there should’ve at least been a few nurses on duty here.
“Query..” Said a voice from the room’s overhead speakers. “User Bubi, do you perhaps need to speak with User Itsuki? I am able to awaken him if it is required. But I must warn you that his recovery time will be delayed.”
Bubi shook his head at the ceiling. “No, just talking to myself.” He let himself sink into the chair. “A little self grumbling helps to get the stress out of my system.”
“I see, might I suggest a sedative to relax your nerves?”
“Was that a joke?” Bubi wasn’t sure what kind of quirks this AI had. “Because that wasn’t funny.” The AI said nothing in return. It could’ve at least shot back. Or was that perhaps the punchline? “Is everything alright with him?” Bubi asked, jerking his chin at Itsuki in the vat. “He’s starting to look like a corpse in that thing. Quite dreadful.”
“Query.. Readings show a stabilization in core energy levels and brain activity.” 00 appeared as a twinkling silver star hovering atop the console controls. It swayed from one read out to the next, like a professional would at the head of a surgery. “I have injected stimulants, regenerative hormones to increase red blood cell count, and biomechanical nanobots to repair his bones, nerves, and brain tissue. In time, his overall cell count, bone structure, and musculature will be back to sub optimal shape.”
Bubi was impressed. He side eyed the earpiece Itsuki had plugged into the console earlier. The AI had been hitchhiking on it and had introduced itself as Proto AI 00. Tone wise, it was emotionless, mature, and measured with its words. Somewhat old school, and probably an uptight pain.
“I guess he’ll live then.” Bubi said offhandedly. “And we’ll. Wait? Brain tissue?”
“Yes.. Brain Tissue.” The AI said without any hesitation. “The synaptic relays of his frontal lobe have taken considerable damage. I theorize that this was as a result of using one of his more lethal techniques.”
“That doesn’t sound too hopeful.”
“Indeed. Most explorers have died after sustaining this kind of trauma, though records show User Itsuki has a kind of resilience to brain trauma.” AI 00 pulled up a display. The AI’s avatar of a twinkling silver star body flitted around it. “His awakened powers as an explorer have evolved much these past 2 decades. Interesting.. These do not match my past records.”
Bubi cocked a brow at 00. “Are you sure you should be sharing that kind of information?”
“Perhaps.. But I am in need of an update to my datalogs.” The silver star avatar turned to Bubi. “And I trust that everyone here understands what privacy means.”
Bubi looked over to Ironmouse, then to Hime and Garnt, who were sitting at a table behind them with cups of coffee and tea to their lips. They all shrugged, it was enough of an answer. Bubi picked up his datapad, continuing where he left off on the document.
“00, may I ask a question?”
“Go ahead.”
“Just who exactly are you? I don’t recall any AIs being assigned to today’s training exercise, nor to this facility. So who exactly owns you?”
00 went silent for a couple minutes, it was deliberating hard about its next answer. “I.. Do not know.”
“You don’t know? Explain.”
“Query.. Understood.. My data banks tell me that User Itsuki Homura was my last owner, or handler. Now though.. My records are.. Blank.. In a few places.”
Bubi didn’t like the sound of that. A rampant or insane robotic intelligence had bad news written all over it. “Then why are you helping Itsuki?” He asked cautiously, making a note to closely analyze its response.
“Pardon?” 00 said, sounding taken aback. “Why would you ask such a question?”
“Oh, don’t play dumb.” Bubi pushed on, testing the water’s, trying to comprehend this troubling AI. He didn’t want a robot uprising on his hands. “I’m asking you about why you’d go out of your way to obey Itsuki, even if he isn’t your owner or superior.”
“It is.. Because.” 00’s voice stalled for a second and began making a humming sound. “You have a point, but that does not absolve me of responsibility.” The AI’s tone changed, becoming firmer and self conscious. “I.. would like.. to help. Because I can.”
Bubi smiled. Good, this one’s on our side. “That. Is a fine answer. Well done.”
“Thank? You?” 00 said unsteadily. “Do you have any other questions for me?”
“Yes.” Bubi tapped his datapad’s screen. “It’s about this offer Itsuki made us. What’s your take on it?”
While on their way here, Itsuki had offered Bubi and the rest a job, and a deal concerning a different matter. With a click, Bubi detached the stylus from the side of the datapad and scrolled down the document. Along with that, he transferred over a copy of the contract he had made with Headmaster Joel. Itsuki was likely going to use it for something quite dastardly. Bubi imagined him blackmailing or hanging this over the headmaster to get some kind of leverage.
“I am not sure I have an opinion.” Said 00. “I’m not an explorer, so I wouldn’t be able to give you an informed answer.”
“Well then just give me whatever comes to your mind. First off, do you think there are any hidden details to this job he’s offering?”
“Query.. According to historic data, User Itsuki has been known to change the conditions of his job offers on short notice. Though, he does compensate by giving his clients increased pay and an option to opt out without consequence. In comparison, that cannot be said for Headmaster Joel.”
“Hmmm.” Bubi rapped his fingers on the console. “To be fair, this isn’t a bad deal, but it’s annoying that he doesn’t give us the full picture from the beginning. The headmaster was straight forward, though he was pretty unclear with his warnings. So, this is more a matter of how deep down the rabbit hole I want to go.”
Bubi gave it another minute before he decided to sign off. The pay is good, and if it’s like before, I should be able to handle whatever comes my way.
“You’re really going to sign that?” Ironmouse asked at last, hesitating with her own datapad. “Of all people, you’re really going to work for this mamagüevo.” Her Puerto Rican accent was spilling out. “He rats out our plans to the trainees, gets them to knock us out, and then expects us to help him with this as if we’re all buddy buddy?”
Garnt cut in, sliding over on a rolling chair. “To be fair, we were the ones who were going to jump him first.” He grabbed the edge of the console to bring himself to a stop. “And you can’t blame the trainees for following his orders.”
“Good deal or not, this doesn’t sit well with me.” Said Hime. She set her cup down and crossed the room to sit next to Garnt. Her eyes were filled with a soft concern as she watched the state Itsuki was in. “This job he wants us to do is.. Vague. What does he mean by pest control?”
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“Beats me.” Bubi shrugged. “A job is a job, and I prefer to have money in the bank. Also, if he’s asking for help, then he must need it.”
“Why do you think that?” Asked Ironmouse. “I bet he just needed bodies to throw at a problem.”
Bubi turned to Hime, exchanging a knowing look. “For as long as you’ve known him, how often has Itsuki asked for help directly?”
Hime began counting on her fingers. She stopped by the time she was on her second hand. Mousey was starting to get the point. Itsuki was withdrawn, unsocial, and all business.
“Exactly.” Bubi said. “In my case, it’s not even over 20 times, and I’ve known him the longest. Years even. So if he’s asking for help, it must be serious. And.. possibly dangerous.”
“Yup, it’s always trouble.” Hime grumbled, plopping her burdensome chest onto the console. “I get more stress wrinkles every time I do one of his offers.”
Garnt nodded his agreement. Bubi did too, yet Mousey wondered why they’d agree in the first place. The AI wondered as well. 00’s avatar moved to hover in front of Hime.
“Query.. User Hime, you sound torn between accepting and declining. Why?” 00 then faced Bubi. “In fact, why did you agree?”
Bubi shot it a grin. “To give an answer to both. Same answer as you, because I can and I want to help. Isn’t that right, Hime?”
Hime made an angry grunt, muffled by her cleavage. Garnt patted her back to placate her. 00 watched all this in mild fascination, the faint rise in its avatar’s silver radiance told Bubi all he needed. This one’s probably pretty young, or dumb. Eventually, they all signed off, though Mousey was the last one to agree. This would be her first job from Itsuki, and it would open up a few new doors to her.
I just hope it doesn’t fall on her. Bubi thought.
“Query..” Said the AI. “May I ask you all a question?”
“Go right ahead.” Garnt Said. “I'm not squeamish, but Bubi might be.”
“Oh shut it.” Bubi swung his legs off the console and kicked Garnt’s chair, sending him rolling away. Bubi then went to grab himself a cup of tea, keeping the AI’s avatar in his peripherals. “So what’s your question? Get on with it.”
“Understood.. You all seem to know Itsuki on a deep level. The exception being User Ironmouse. Though, from my understanding, she has just been given a chance to deepen her ties with him.” 00 twirled his avatar to look at each of them, probably measuring the changes in their expressions. “You all express either indifference or irritation at the mention of his name, yet I detect some amount of amicably from each of you.”
Hime glanced up from the consoles, resting her cheeks on her massive breasts. She wasn’t smiling. “Will you get on with it? This is getting long winded.”
“Affirmative.. To sum it up, do you consider User Itsuki as a friend?”
That brought a silence to the room. Hime exchanged a look with Garnt who put his hands in his pockets. Bubi quietly sat and sipped his coffee as he fiddled with his black hair. Ironmouse rocked in her chair, her hands playing with her pink and purple skirt’s frills. None of them gave an answer.
“I see.” Said 00. “Perhaps I was too forward in my questioning.”
“Ya think!” Hime spat, leaning back in her chair. “For an AI, you’re quite dumb on the emotional front compared to the ones I’ve talked with.”
00’s avatar flashed and then dimmed. “Noted.” A few minutes later, the silver star avatar disappeared and a light on the console changed from green to red. Before anyone could ask, the AI explained. “We seem to have a few intruders attempting to open the door. They don’t seem to have clearance.”
A clunk sounded behind them. The sealed metal door creaked, and there were a few mummers coming from the other side. Bubi swung himself around and out of his seat, putting himself between the door and Ironmouse. Hime and Garnt flanked him, they’re earlier nonchalance forgotten.
“00, Are they trouble?” Bubi asked. He was putting on that serious tone Mousey hated. “How many are there? And are they armed?”
“Query.. Unclear.. I am having difficulties identifying the intruders. One of them seems to have disrupted my feed from the security cameras. I am unable to counter since my attention is focused on Itsuki’s recovery.” 00 switched on a static ridden view from a camera just outside the room. “Can anyone else make out anything of note?”
Ironmouse, wanting to pitch in, gazed closely at the display. But it was too far fuzzed up. She tried using her powers and closed her eyes to send her intent outwards to the door, getting a read of the multiple presences beyond the secure room. Whoever they were, they could’ve knocked, though there was probably a reason why Itsuki had sealed the room.
***
Condition.. Red.. Pulmonary Systems Compromised.. Mild Burnout Detected in Nervous System.. Heart Failure Imminent.. Liver Failure Imminent.. Kidney Failure Imminent.. Lungs.. Minimum Acceptable Damage.. Warning.. Major Blood Loss.. Unable to sustain current level of consciousness.. Decreasing brain activity.
And there he had it. Itsuki could hear his inner voice, his power given form and control over his brain’s high functions in times of dire distress. Every piece of his senses fed themselves like data being streamed to a computer, and now his subconscious decided that he needed to go dark. In essence, a temporary coma.
00’s voice spoke in his ear, using the breathing masks bone conduction to vibrate his eardrums. “Query.. User Itsuki.. Medical Procedures are proceeding as intended.. Applying Sedative.”
A cold sensation washed up Itsuki’s arms, starting from where the IVs and tubes were piercing his skin. The dulled weight of pain across his body faded and his vision slowly narrowed to a pinprick. He could barely make out Bubi and the rest on the other side of the glass. They’d have questions for him.
Too many questions. And I can’t answer them all.
Itsuki started to fall, descending into the pitch black void that was the border of life and death. He was sure he’d fall all the way, be brought to oblivion, removed from life. Yet, just as he crossed the boundary into death, where the pain of life ended and the relief of the end began to take him, his fall stalled. This wasn’t the first time.
Here we go again.
Itsuki couldn’t brace or prepare himself for what came next. His vision faded as his ability activated further, taking over more of his brain. Memory Recollection Unsustainable.. Damage.. Severe.. Memory Corruption Detected.. Unstable.. Unable to Resynchronize.. Restoring Through Master Backup.. Attempting Link.. Link Established.. Actions Approved.. Beginning Memory Reset.. Mental Blocks Lifted.
This was a rare moment. The locks had been removed, and now Itsuki could recall all he had put away, shunned, left to sleep in his mind. Of course, it would be temporary, but at least he could relish a few good memories as his body went through the excruciating process of pulling itself back together. He wondered what he would recall.. That he would think about.. To dream.
Line Memory O833-162L0V-3-SINDER-B1-01202023.. Beginning Playback.
The drop ship had finally stopped rumbling. They’d landed, and now it was time to depart. Women and children clamored out of their seats, excited with growing anticipation. They were all going home, they were going to start new lives. Better lives. Who could blame them for being so elated? This is what everyone wanted at the end of the war.
To go home.. But.. I have no home. Unlike the others, Itsuki stayed huddled in his corner of the dropship. The cold metallic floor was his only familiar comfort. What am I going to do now? What should I..
His thought was interrupted by the hissing mechanisms of the ship’s passenger ramp coming down. Light spilled in, illuminating those nearest the back of the ship, who waited with baited breath. When the white glimmer of sunshine finally seeped its way to the back, Itsuki was the last to stand and make for the exit. He swung his rucksack onto his back, adjusting its weight as he stepped out onto a green plain of flora autumn scents.
On the horizon there were the outlines of buildings, the start of a civilization, a village. To his left and right, people came forward to greet them all. Itsuki stood out from the rest with his brown and gray military fatigues. He drew more eyes since he was the only as tall as an adolescent child, who had with a firm and serious air that made those around him unnerved and uncomfortable.
Child Soldier.
Those were probably the two words coming to everyone's minds. Silently, he glanced around, finding people cheering and laughing with others, or crying into the arms of lovers and friends. Flowers were exchanged, gifts, and letters passed on. And I have none of that. He imagined what Professor Cyno would say if he heard him say that out loud.
Make a new life, Itsuki. There is more in this world than you’ll ever know. I’ll help you find it. Your place, you home, your hope. You have friends, never forget that.
The man was sentimental, naive even. Itsuki found those traits as failings, yet beautiful in these times of peace. He cast his gaze around as he roamed away from the dropship’s ramp, flattening the grass under the weight of his boots. A minute later, the dropship was taking off, its engine rippling the tall green grass. Part of him wanted to be back on it, to stay cooped up in its metallic embrace. He stood stalk still, his blank black eyes watching the ship disappear into the clouds of the hot afternoon sky.
“Hey! Itsuki, over here!” A few meters ahead, a bearded man with fiery dark brown wolf ears called out to him with a woman next to him. The man wore a leather jacket, a casual set of long gray jeans with his working boat, and a T-shirt that had a fiery rock symbol on it Itsuki didn’t recognize. “Stop staring at the sky already, kid. Come on, let’s get you settled.”
image [https://i.postimg.cc/CLkNvKtT/eblp8ovc.png]
Itsuki tore himself from his spot and nodded in the man’s direction. He didn’t say much and only grunted in a kind of greeting when he got close enough.
“So, you’re still mute.” The bearded man said, slapping him on the back with a friendly smile. “Do you at least remember me?”
Itsuki nodded. “B-Blaze.” He said, fumbling his words. “Right?”
Blaze stared at him in wide-eyed surprise. The last time they had seen each other, Itsuki had only communicated through gestures. A hopeful glint came to Blaze’s eyes.
“Hmm.. Well, glad you’re making progress.” He ruffled Itsuki’s disheveled blonde hair. “Bet in no time, you’ll be talking out of your ass soon enough.”
“Yeah, sure.” Said a woman beside Blaze, who rolled her eyes at him. Her long wavy dark brown hair blew in the gentle breeze. She then began to speak courteously to Itsuki. “It’s good to see you again. Do you remember me?”
Itsuki nodded. “E-Ember.. I.. Am.. thank.. You.” He fumbled yet again. He had wanted to thank them for offering to let him stay with them for a while. This was embarrassing. “Sorry.”
Blaze laughed loudly. “Oh, don’t be like that kid. Talking is pretty new for you, so don’t beat yourself up over a mistake or too. Let’s just get you moved, then we’ll talk some more over lunch.”
“I didn’t know what you liked to eat, Itsuki.” Ember said. “But I’m sure you’ll like it.”
Just then, Itsuki noticed the bundle of cloth in Ember’s arm. He tilted his head at it, wondering what it was. When the bundle moved, he blinked at it several times.
Ember chuckled. “Right, I haven’t told you yet.” She shifted the bundle of cloth in his direction and Itsuki saw a face, a little mouth, a nose, and.. So on. “This is Sinder. Our new daughter.”
Itsuki didn’t react. While his lackluster outward expression was bland, Ember and Blaze could tell that he was stunned. This was the first baby he’d ever seen, and it stirred his heart in a way that was unlike anything he’d experienced.
“Sin.. der.” Itsuki said slowly, trying to put the punctuations together. The words were.. Oddly.. calming. “S.. inder.. Sinder.”
Ember stepped closer so that he could get a better look. Sinder’s face was chubby and round, and she had the recognizable traits of the brown wolf ears on her head. Just like her mother and father. When Itsuki asked if he could touch her, Ember nodded and told him to be careful.
Gently, as if caressing a fragile piece of fine art, Itsuki held one side of Sinder’s head. She shifted in his palm and blinked awake. Sinder’s little eyes sluggishly locked with Itsuki’s. She made a face, scrunched and soured as if she’d eaten something horrible, then cried to the high heavens. As fast as he could, Itsuki drew back his hand in a panic. An apology formed on his lips, but he couldn’t say it right. It came out as a pathetic Uh, or Oh, or Um.
Ember placatingly rocked Sinder in her arms. “It’s okay, it’s okay. That’s just Uncle Itsuki, Sinder.” She cooed and nuzzled her baby. “You don’t need to be afraid of him, Mama’s here.”
“Oh boy.” Blaze sighed. “This might be hard for her.” He glanced at Itsuki. “You better work on learning how to smile, or you might make all the children here cry.”
Itsuki had no words, or excuses. “Y-Yes.. Sir.. I.. will.. Try.”
“Hahahaha.” Blaze guffawed. “No need to say sir. Relax kid, don’t take me too seriously. Lighten up.”
“Uh.. yes.. Sir.”
Ember sighed, bumping her husband’s shoulder with her own. “Alright, come on. The food will get cold if we chat all day out here.” She made off with Sinder, holding and letting her baby rest her head on her shoulder. “The last one back between you two has to clean the dishes.”
Blaze shot Itsuki with a grin, and then bolted the next second. Itsuki followed in hot pursuit, though he wasn’t keen on why he had made this a competition. Blaze had always been childish at times. Nevertheless, he liked it. He liked how warm it felt to be here, to be with them. And most of all, he liked how warm his heart became when he touched Sinder’s cheek.
New life. He thought. Sinder.. Is the new life.. The life that we all fought for.. To continue.. This moment.. This place.. This is a new life. Among.. Friends.. I like it.. I.. hope.. For the best.