Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Seriously?!” I say to my friend Carl, who had just finished yet another of his long winded stories about his attempts with women. I’m not really paying attention, but I don’t want to hurt the guy's ego. Last time I did that he just got himself all borged up and assumed that would make him better in the eyes of the ladies, dumbass just got a bunch of cheap aftermarket stuff and now his face looks plasticky.

“Yo lil bud.” I turn my head to face the distraction from Carl’s horrible stories. Tilting my head upwards slightly to look at the towering figure of Derek on my right. Derek is a powerlifter, emphasis on the power. As such he has extensive implants to try and improve his lifting strength. If it were a few decades earlier I imagine he would be a stereotypical gym bro, nowadays we call guys like him metalheads.

“What's up big man?” I ask him, I’m not really that short, Derek is just huge.

“Why don’t you go try for one of the new adult neural interfaces they’re testing? Would let you finally get some metal in ya.” He says with a booming chuckle and shoulder nudge that almost topples me.

“As I’ve said before Derek, I can’t. Docs say my brain outright rejects the neural interface, they did try putting one in back when I was a kid like they do with everyone. But it would’ve killed me if they left it in. I’m just fine being all meat anyways.” I say with a tone of mild annoyance. He’s asked similar questions before but ignores my answers.

“But James, you’re already good at talking to women! Think of how many you could get to go home with ya if you were metal too?” Comes the annoying, mildly alcohol slurred voice of Carl. Of course I’m good at talking to women Carl! I actually talk to them like people! Why is sex all some people think about? Oh yeah, because they’re normal and I’m the weirdo.

I shake my head, turning to look around the rest of the bar, an array of flesh, clothes and exposed metallic parts greets my eyes as I take in all of the various patrons. My two buddies and I are standing by the bar itself, the chairs got taken out after a metalhead on drugs managed to throw one clean through two other people and the wall on the other side. In this society, in this city, cybernetics are a way of life. No. They are THE way of life I think to myself.

Turning back to face the front with my friends, I take a sip of my light beer before dignifying that with a response. “Carl, I’m good at talking to women because I don’t want to sleep with them. If you just tried, you know, getting along? You’d have a way better time of it than slapping some dumb plastic on your face or metal on your arms.” Not that you’re going to listen to a word I say though.

“Well I do want to get laid, so I’mma keep trying for that thank you very much. Fuckin prude.” He scoffs. I just roll my eyes at his childishness.

The rest of the evening continues as usual. I drink a little but not enough to get tipsy, Carl gets wasted and tries to flirt with some poor girl who happens to have a high end bionic arm and ends up tossing him halfway across the room. Derek gets a little tipsy and we laugh at Carl. Usual stuff for us.

Looking at the clock, and seeing that it's about eleven I decide that It's about time for me to start walking home. Most people would just take one of the automated Taxis to get home quickly, but I like to walk and clear my head.

“Hey, Derek, Carl,” I say, in an attempt to get their attention. Derek hears and turns towards me but Carl is too busy trying again to make an attempt on some blonde a few lightyears out of his league.

“You heading home, bud?” Derek asks, knowing that I usually start walking about now.

“Yeah, make sure numb nuts over there doesn’t go and get himself into too much trouble while I’m gone,” I say with a smirk and a nod, while turning towards the exit.

A few people I pass by try to start a conversation, but I’m not too bothered so I simply keep walking with a polite smile and wave. Exiting out onto the lit up Boston streets I take a deep breath. My nose immediately filling with the scents of strong coffee, vapes and chemical pollution. Better than the smell of the bar. Turning to the right and beginning the long trek back towards my home I start thinking, imagining what life would be like for me if I could have cybernetics like everyone else.

What would I even get? Probably one of those adrenal gland mods that makes your muscles develop naturally, along with the calorie limiter for my stomach. That way I wouldn’t have to hit the gym as often as I do. My thoughts are interrupted by an odd sound down an alley to my right.

What was that? Sounded almost like crying, better check to see if someone needs help. I think, taking in the details as I enter the alley. Unlike the street, there are no lights to brighten it up, causing it to be an ominous shade of black and grey. The walls are old brick, not the usual modern materials used in newer buildings. The vile stench of trash, vomit and dried blood assaults my nostrils. The latter making me quicken my pace in alarm.

Reaching the area where I heard the source of the noise I scan my surroundings, nothing but loose garbage and a large metal bin. That's so weird, there's no way that sound was just the wind was it? I attempt to look around one more time, taking a closer look at everything in my surroundings.

I’m so focused on looking I almost don't hear it. The barely audible sound of a piece of clothing rustling in the breeze, it's distinct, and it's directly behind me. How are they so silent? I freeze up, preparing to run or face my attacker. But before I can make a move, I feel a slight pinch in the side of my neck and then all goes black.

In an instant my vision returns, but I’m no longer in an alleyway in Boston. I’m floating above a void of blackness, I can see nothing but empty space as far as my eyes… wait I don’t have eyes?! Realising I completely lack a body I begin to freak out. It takes me a few moments to calm myself and get my bearings, but once I do, I come to the conclusion that I am likely dreaming.

Weird dream. I think to myself, as I look around the void, eventually I figure out I can actually see myself. I look like a star in the night sky, a bright blue point glowing extraordinarily bright, I float there for what feels like quite some time. I’ve been told dreams usually have meaning? What the hell is this supposed to mean? As I continue this line of thought, I feel something change.

Looking towards the disturbance I see a small tear open in the empty black space, a rip in nothingness. Somehow I can tell that on the other side of this rip is the true void. Not mere empty space, but the lack of anything at all. This belief is immediately broken as something begins emerging from the rip in the fabric of this mental landscape.

It looks like dust, a thin cloud begins slowly dispersing out and approaching me, it is many, many times larger than I am but nowhere near as bright. Unsure of what is happening I decide not to do anything, and simply let it slowly envelop me. I feel a slight tingle in the base of my neck. Wait, I don't have a neck here? Is that on my real body? Fuck, I’m dying aren’t I?

I’m broken out of these thoughts as the rip closes, the whole cloud having flowed out and surrounded me while I was panicking about my real body's condition. I look around at the cloud now formed around ‘me’ for an indeterminate amount of time, it is constantly undulating and changing itself. It seems as though it's more concentrated in the portion directly surrounding myself. Before I have time to ponder on what exactly it might mean or represent, everything fades to black once more.

Urghh, I feel like someone’s stuck their fingers in my skull, Is my first thought upon waking up. I let out a pathetic sound halfway between a whimper and a groan as I try and force my eyes open. It takes a second for my eyelids to actually respond to my commands and my vision is blurry for a second before focusing. Looking around, I find myself slumped against a familiar brick wall down an alley. It's no longer dark and judging by the light it's early morning. So I wasn’t out too long, what the fuck happened to me?

Blocking the sun with my hand I try to slowly raise myself to my feet, groaning as I stand. My whole body feels slightly off and I have a horrible headache, it makes me picture a little man in my head with a sledgehammer going to town on my grey matter. Attempting a step towards the exit point of the alley I stumble and my hand snaps out to catch the edge of the metal dumpster without me even thinking. That didn’t feel like a normal reflex.

“That is because it was not.” An odd, genderless voice says. It’s odd because I can hear it clearly, but my ears aren't hearing it. It's almost like it's interjecting itself into my thoughts directly.

“I am, in my current state I have no means of verbal communication.” The voice comes again, it takes me this long to realise it is reacting to my thoughts. I snap my head around to try and find who is speaking to me like this. Telepathy? No, that's fantasy. Did I get drugged?

“Your bloodstream contains trace quantities of diisopropylphenol, side effects may include dizziness, nausea, mood changes…” The voice continues but I cut it off, despite being internal it is loud and is making my headache worse.

“Stop!” I shout verbally, still leaning against the dumpster, I hear a dripping sound and look down to see a drop of blood on the ground directly under my head. Only to see another drip from my nose. Great, a nosebleed. “Can you speak more quietly? My head fucking kills.” Wait, stop, you’re talking to a hallucination James, stop being an idiot.

“I am not a hallucination, I am an artificial intelligence digitally stored in a Type X-23 Neural Interface Simulant implant, currently installed at the base of your brainstem. Additionally, you do not need to speak verbally to address me, I am capable of reading your brainwave patterns to understand your surface thoughts.” The words come albeit slightly muffled this time, somehow quieter, or at least that's the closest word I can think of.

Yeah sure, and I’m Tinker Bell. I think to myself, pushing off the dumpster and trying to walk, I’m slightly more steady now.

“Acknowledged, I will refer to you as your chosen Identifier of ‘Tinker Bell’ from this point forward.” The voice comes again, they sound deadly serious.

Wait what? No that was sarcasm, my name is not actually Tinker Bell.

“Sarcasm. The use of Irony to Mock or Convey Contempt. Are you mocking me or conveying contempt?” It asks again, still deadly serious but this time it sounds slightly curious, it's hard to tell the emotion behind it with how strange it is to hear another voice intruding on my thoughts.

Sarcasm, I was implying that I don’t believe your description of what you are. Artificial intelligences have not been developed, other than crappy algorithms that steal art or copy voices I mean. But those are more artificial than intelligence. I think, trying to direct my thoughts at the thing I’m starting to think might actually be real. It's probably a hallucination but everything else seems too real, I definitely had something go wrong with my head last night.

“Thank you for explaining. Could you please propose a method I could employ to prove my existence to you?” The voice asks, they sound genuinely thankful.

I don’t know, if you’re still around in a day it will mean either you are real or I’m just insane.

“I calculate a two point five percent chance of you suffering from antisocial personality disorder based on our interactions.” The voice pauses for a moment before continuing. “It is best if you leave the area and attempt to reach your place of residence, there are dangerous individuals searching for us.”

Fucking what? Why did you not tell me sooner? As I say this I speed up until I’m on the street, out of the alley. I turn and start the trek back towards my apartment building, trying not to look suspicious.

“I was told to make introductions and attempt to begin forming a positive relationship with you before making any requests.” As they speak I continue walking, slightly slowed by my general unsteadiness. I begin feeling mildly lightheaded.

Who told you to do that? I ask mentally, curiosity piqued.

“My creator, Doctor Alexei Siltodore. He was the one who uploaded me into the X-23 Neural Interface Simulant and implanted it into you.”

“Why would he do that? And why me of all people?” I ask, slipping up and speaking verbally.

“He wished to protect me, and he chose you as you were the closest individual without a neural interface, the X-23 and a regular interface are incompatible. The combined mental tax would cause irreversible damage to the brain.” I stop talking, deciding to think for a while about everything I’ve learned.

As I process everything on the way home I find myself keenly watching my surroundings, by now my vision has fully cleared and my headache is gone completely. Glancing around my vision feels slightly different, things further away are clearer and everything is slightly more in focus. Probably a side effect of the implant or the drugs.

Taking stock of my situation I decide to order the events since leaving the bar last night. Holy shit it's only been one night… Stay focused James! So, on my way home from the bar I heard an odd noise in an alley, then I got drugged and knocked out. Following this surgery was performed on me to put an implant in my head… I pause my thinking and quickly reach a hand up, feeling around the back of my head. Nothing seems out of the ordinary until I get to the exact centre of the back of my head. Then as I feel a little lower, I feel a slight indentation and the protrusion of stitches beneath my fingertips. Fuck.

Continuing my walk home I am completely absorbed in my thoughts of what this means. There's an artificial intelligence in my head, I have an implant that apparently my brain didn’t reject, and I feel like shit. Fuck I’ve got work tomorrow.

“What is your current place of employment?” The voice causes me to involuntarily jump in response.

God damn you scared the crap out of me, uh, I work at a car shop.

“You did not defecate, would you define the term ‘Car Shop’ for me? It has several definitions.” They answer, that underlying curiosity is back.

Scaring the crap out of someone is just a phrase, it's just a way to say ‘you scared me bad’ and by Car Shop I mean I work in auto repair, as in I fix or do maintenance on damaged cars. Glancing around I can tell that I’m almost at my apartment.

“Thank you for explaining.” They seemed to like saying that a lot, I notice that every time they speak the voice becomes slightly clearer, still genderless but less unnerving.

I walk through the door to my apartment building, turning towards the elevator only to see a large ‘Out of Order’ sign on the doors. Of course it's busted on today of all days. Turning towards the stairs I prepare myself for the exhausting walk up, normally it wouldn’t be so bad but I don’t think I’ve gotten any real rest in two or so days. Yo, you listening?

“Yes.” The answer comes instantly, short and to the point I note.

Well, when I get up these stairs to my place I’m gonna have to sit down and ask you a few questions. If this is going to be a permanent arrangement we need to set up some ground rules, and I need to learn as much about you as I can.

“With your current physical condition, you should ingest something high in energy and protein and drink 500 millilitres of water beforehand.” The voice sounds concerned. Wait, would an artificial intelligence even have emotions? It might just be a way for it to get its point across. I think as I reach my apartment and enter the code to unlock it.

“The core of my programming is based on a human brain, as such I have the full emotional spectrum. However, I am still inexperienced at processing emotions.” The voice explains, sounding almost offended by my assumption about them. While at the same time reminding me that they can see all of my thoughts and not just the ones I project towards them.

Alright, sorry, give me a minute to get myself sorted. I ‘say’ to them again with my attempt at think-speech, while giving my apartment a good long look, it feels like forever since I’ve been here despite it being under twenty four hours. Caramel brown hardwood floors and cheap cream coloured drywall encapsulate my admittedly messy home. The kitchen and lounge area are connected, with a wood bench acting as both a barrier between them and a place for eating or preparing foods.

In the ‘lounge’ area there's plainly only a couch, small black circular carpet and a television I use once a month or so. Walking over to the kitchen I open my fridge to decide what I want to eat, seeing as I suck at cooking I pull out a premade protein meal and throw it in the microwave. While that's heating up I pull out a glass and begin to fill it with juice.

“That juice is unnecessarily high in sugar, you should drink water.” I scrunch an eyebrow in mild annoyance and continue to pour the drink, placing the bottle back in the fridge and then taking a long sip from the glass.

No, I’ll drink what I feel like drinking, thank you very much. I think while pulling my now heated meal out of the microwave. I take a fork out of a drawer and start digging in as I walk towards my singular couch. Sitting down in the comfortable chair and eating my food slowly, I try to organise my thoughts of what exactly I’m going to ask my new, possibly unwelcome passenger. I still haven’t made up my mind about them yet without the full story. I’m well aware they can understand all of my thoughts by this point, which I find unnerving. It's a breach of privacy on a level I’ve never felt before.

“If you would prefer, I can filter out all thoughts not directed at me for the sake of your privacy.” It asks, seeming slightly confused.

That would be appreciated, what about that confuses you though?

“I do not understand why you, or other humans seem to value privacy so much. The only purpose it seems to hold is for deception.” I think on that for a minute, why do we like privacy so much? It takes me a moment to formulate a proper answer.

I think we are just used to it, and we don’t think all of our thoughts and feelings should be shared unless we want to share them. I can’t hear all of your thoughts, so it isn’t fair for you to hear mine is it? I direct my thoughts at it, by this point calling them ‘it’ has gotten old. By the way, do you have a name or something I can call you?

“Thank you for explaining. My project name is Emotion Emulation Core 01, or E.E.C-01” Well, that's not something I’m saying or thinking every single time I direct something to them.

Do you think you’d be okay with me just calling you Echo? If you think of a preferred name I’ll switch to that instead.

“I believe I like this name, Echo, I will keep it. Thank you for giving me an identifier, most humans have one, do you?” Echo seems very chipper by this point, I take that to mean that they must appreciate the name. Funny that they call it an Identifier though.

My name is James, sorry for not telling you sooner, or asking about it. So, think you’re ready for those questions I’ve been meaning to ask?

“Certainly.” 

Chapter Text

Leaning back in my chair I decide on the first and most important question. Echo, why were you placed in my head? I direct my thoughts at them, they already said it was for their protection, but I want a better explanation than that.

“My creator wanted to protect me from the corporation known as ‘Zenith Systems.’ They sought to train and then utilise me for military applications. My creator did not believe that was morally right and devised the plan to install me in the X-23 Neural Interface Simulant.” They answer, their voice pretty much entirely clear by this point. No longer causing me any pain with their speech, they still entirely lack any hints of a gender.

Why me? You said-er, you thought something along the lines of it being because I lack a Neural Interface implant. Is that the whole reason or was there more to it?

“It is due to you having been the only human in the surrounding area who lacked a regular Neural Interface. The X-23 upon which I am stored and a regular neural interface are incompatible as the use of both would overload a human brain.” Well, that's not comforting, this thing’s powerful enough to almost fry my brain.

Okay, where is your creator now?

“Most likely deceased, possibly captured. If they were not they would have been there to help acquaint you with my existence and capabilities. In addition to guiding me through my first experiences dealing with humans directly.” They sound slightly saddened by this admission, obviously in a state of grief of some sort, they don’t seem as affected as most humans would be though. Partway through trying to decipher what to ask next I’m struck by a horrifying thought.

Echo, the reason I don’t have a Neural interface is because my brain rejects cyberware in a way that can be lethal to me. Will your presence cause the same reaction?

There's a pause before I hear anything from them. But I can feel that they are doing something, there's an odd warmth at the base of my skull, and a tingling sensation.

“The X-23 is uniquely designed to appear as if it were biological tissue in order to perform better with infiltration. As such it seems to be partially circumventing your unique aversion to Cybernetics, for your safety I suggest you get access to immunosuppressants to reduce risk of adverse reactions.”

Those don’t sound like the sort of drugs you can just buy over the counter Echo. I think to them, partially panicking to myself about the fact that my life is genuinely in danger.

“They are commonly used by those adjusting to new cybernetics, do you know anyone with a large amount of cyberware? They would likely have excess.” They answer, sounding slightly worried.

Okay, my questioning is officially on pause until I deal with this, I do in fact have a friend that I can call for this.

“Which of your contacts are they?” Why would that matter? They probably just mean names, like their weird use of the word identifier. I decide to answer their question while I pull my phone out, tapping on my contacts.

Derek, he’s a bodybuilder with more metal in him than he knows what to do with.

“I do not see a contact labelled ‘Derek’ in your phone, there is one labelled ‘Metal Head’ which matches your description, is that correct?”

What the fuck? Did Echo hack my phone?

“I only downloaded your contacts for ease of access, I can perform all of the actions your phone does for you without the need for use of your hands. Additionally I will perform far better than such an outdated device.” They reply to the thought which I had accidentally mentally shouted, I really need to get the hang of this whole mental communication thing.

You can do what now?! I mentally shout again, before realising that they might not have meant anything bad by it so I take a deep inhale before slowly exhaling in an attempt to calm myself. Okay, in the future if you plan on hacking into any of my devices, please ask me first. Privacy… remember?

“I still do not understand your illogical need for privacy, but I will acquiesce out of respect for you. Would you like me to showcase my capabilities by calling ‘Metal Head’ for you?” As they say this I see in the top right corner of my vision a white list of my contacts from my phone appear and scrolls down to the contact for Derek, labelled ‘Metal Head’ as they had pointed out.

I sigh heavily, I seem to be doing that a lot lately. Fine, if you have some way of talking over the phone please don’t.

“I will not.” Based on that answer they can talk to other people through the calls somehow, which I take mental note of. I see the contact expand to cover the top right of my vision with the picture I have it set to, which is Derek making a stupid face with his tongue out, the black of his implants and his dark skin on full display. I decide not to comment on the fact that Echo can clearly modify my vision.

After several seconds of listening to Echo hum a tune similar to the sound of a phone call the picture of Derek flashes and I hear his voice, unlike Echo’s odd mental communication his voice does seem to actually come from my ears.

“Hey there my little buddy! How's it going?”

Fine, how you faring with your hangover you big lug? I think mentally, having gotten used to it after speaking with Echo.

“He cannot hear your mental communication, you will have to speak verbally.” Realising I must have been silent for a few seconds too long I speak quickly to catch up.

“Hey Derek! How you feeling after last night?” I say, hoping he is too hungover to pay attention to my silence.

“I’m doing alright, all things considered. What are you calling me this early for? Also you sound a lot clearer than usual, you buy a new phone?” Well, apparently Echo really is better than my phone.

“I told you as such.”

Ignoring the fact that Echo clearly is listening in on my thoughts that are supposed to be private I continue my conversation with Derek. “Nah, it's not new, just got it fixed up. Do you mind if I ask you a really random question?”

“Shoot.”

“Why would he request you to shoot? None of the definitions of that word match this situation.” Comes the curious and confused voice of my genderless passenger, their interruptions are making focusing on the conversation rather difficult.

New rule, while I’m on the phone keep any low priority questions to yourself till I’m done alright? I’ll tell you after. I think to them, before answering Derek.

“Do you have any extra immunosuppressants left over? I know you get new metal all the time and need some of them for…” I pause, unsure what cover story to say, I suck at lying. “A friend, yeah, I got a friend who needs them.” A half truth, technically since Echo probably dies if I do.

“Correct.”

“Dude, you are a shitty liar, but I don’t need to know what you plan on doing with them. Hopefully you’re finally getting yourself some metal.” He says, and I can hear that cheeky grin of his in his voice. If only you knew. I think, deciding not to tell anyone about Echo until I know more. After a short pause he continues. “But yeah, sure, come on over whenever and I’ll give you some of my spares, they were clogging up my medicine cabinet anyways.”

Thanking the universe for my luck in meeting such a good friend I get up from my comfy couch, and approach my bedroom for a change of clothes and a shower. “Thanks man, you’re the best. I’ll just get myself a shower and a change of clothes then be over… See you soon!” I then realise I don’t know how to end the call.

Echo how do I hang up the phone? I frantically think to them. My answer comes as a resounding beep as the image of Derek fades out of the corner of my vision. Thanks.

Reaching the door to my bedroom I open it and glance around my mess of a room. A set of cream white walls and ceiling greet me. The floor is actually a nice grey carpet, which currently happens to be covered in a spread of haphazardly tossed items of clothing. My single sized bed sits in the corner with its black geometric quilt in a messy pile with the pillows of the same pattern being the only thing actually in place. Against one wall is a sleek black desk upon which sits a PC I assembled myself, next to it is the wifi router for the apartment.

Walking over to the black set of drawers I keep my clothing in I start searching for a suitable outfit. Before I get very far I am interrupted by the disgusted thoughts of Echo.

“This room is a mess, and the placement of furniture is both inefficient and ugly.” Their thoughts are blunt and rude, but honestly I can’t disagree. Turning to take in my room again I can see their point. Even if it were tidy, the sleek black desk and set of drawers don’t match the warm mood set by the soft yellow light. The wooden bedframe also is at a complete opposite to the black geometric sheets I use. 

Well, I’ve never been one for style and so long as it works it’s good enough for me. I think to them with a shrug. I turn back and pick out my clothes, but that warmth and tingly feeling in my neck returns.

“What did Derek mean when he told you to ‘Shoot’ during the phone call?” I am confused for a second before I remember telling them I would answer it after the call.

It's a saying, basically means ‘go ahead.’

“Thank you for explaining.” They answer with a pleased tone.

Picking out a pair of jeans, underwear and simple black and grey long sleeve shirt I turn towards my bathroom in preparation for a shower. Stopping in my tracks I have a rather uncomfortable thought about my passenger.

Hey Echo? You can see what I see right?

“Correct.”

Can you turn that off for a while please?

“Why?” They ask in a suspicious tone.

I don’t think you’ll like my answer.

“This is another Privacy issue isn’t it?”

Yep, now turn off your eyes so I can shower in peace please.

“Fine, but in exchange you will answer some of my questions during your shower.”

I don’t like the sound of that, but it's better than having them see me naked. So with a sigh I mentally answer with a simple yes. Before entering the bathroom. New rule, if I’m in this room you turn off your vision unless told otherwise… got it?

“Acknowledged.” They sound mildly annoyed, but they’ll get over it I hope.

Fifteen minutes later I find myself redressed and in my lounge answering the last of Echo’s queries, which were not at all what I had been expecting. They had been a constant barrage of questions on a mix of seemingly random and relevant topics, starting with all the whys of privacy, leading into questions on certain idioms I had used, and then asking for lots of details as to my life. By now they knew all about my friends, family, the details of my aversion to cybernetics, my hobbies, my job, and several other topics.

I discovered that whenever they felt they understood enough about a topic they would always say “thank you for explaining,” and then switch to the next. Admittedly I found it cute, but I’d heard it so much over the last fifteen minutes it was getting a little grating. Deciding that I’ve had enough of this I open my mouth to interrupt their next question verbally,  it’s something to do with the books on my desk.

“Echo. Pause for one second please. I need a bit of a break from all the questions alright? Can we be silent for my trip to Derek’s place?”

After a pause of exactly one second I received a reply. “Yes, James, I apologise for any irritation I have caused you, I believe I may need to practise controlling my curiosity.” They answer, and seem an odd mix of happy and apologetic. I find it odd that they can mix emotions that normally aren’t very compatible. I wonder if they can be both happy and sad at the same time?

Shaking my head clear of the thoughts I thank them before checking my pockets to make sure my wallet, phone and keys are in place and then walking out the door. Quickly exiting the building to find myself on the street I decide to pull out my phone and call an automated car through the app rather than walking. Echo can probably do this for me but I fear if I break the silence they will take it as a reason to continue questioning me, and I’m mentally drained by this point.

While I wait for the automated car I tap my feet and take in the street, the air is clogged with pollution, the mix of old and new buildings makes the city look like a gross hodge podge of styles. Older brick and mortar buildings next to sprawling complexes of advanced materials interspersed with monoliths of glass and composite steel. The streets are filled with clones of the same identical sleek black automated car, with perhaps one in twenty vehicles actually being something unique with a human behind the wheel.

Driving yourself has become a thing of the past in the city, out in the country people still mostly rely on driving themselves places, but here it’s a rarity. Cars are expensive to own and run, especially the ancient fossil fueled ones you’d see every once in a while.

Seeing the matte black electric car with the number matching the one on my phone pull up alongside me I approach, entering the backseat as the door silently opens by itself, I hit the ‘all currently aboard’ button on my phone and the door smoothly slides closed. Leaning back In the plush comfort of the seat I wait the few minutes for it to take me to my destination.

Truth be told, I live within walking distance of Derek, I just don’t want to walk after recent events. Echo is growing on me, but I still don’t appreciate having been knocked out, had surgery done, and then being dumped in an alley without my consent. Least I didn’t have to pay for it. I think with a dry chuckle.

As the car pulls up to the actual house my Metal Head of a friend lives in I disembark the vehicle, using the provided sanitary wipes to clean my seat before hitting the button on my phone to tell the vehicle to depart. Smiling slightly, I turn to look at my friend's home. Normally I would just waltz in but I decide to give Echo something nice to look at since it's a nice house.

A bright red metal roof on top of a slightly yellowed cream limestone porch supported by carved pillars with waist high barriers between the porch and the yard. The perfectly trimmed lawn is surrounded by a thick fence of the same material and colour as the porch itself. A curvy path of grey stones carves a bridge between the street and the entrance to the porch. Walking up the path slowly I notice that the arrangements of bright red flowers at the base of the porch walls are coming along nicely, I haven’t been here in far too long.

Entering onto the porch area I walk up to the bright red wooden door, placed upon a wall of slightly yellow wooden planks, they’re a little dusty. He must not have dusted since his girlfriend went on her trip, she’s gonna be mad when she gets back. Approaching the door I don’t bother knocking, Derek has ear implants and definitely heard my approach with how slow and heavy my footfalls were.

Pausing at the door after waiting a few moments I tap my foot impatiently to let him know to hurry. I am swiftly answered as the brass door handle turns and the door opens. I’m greeted with the looming shadow of my friend. I always feel comfortable around friends who are larger than me, I’m not quite sure why. Based on the slight buzzing feeling at the base of my skull Echo notices and it makes them think… or process? A lot at once, strange.

I think the buzz and warmth happen when Echo is more active than normal, whether that be through exercising their capabilities or just thinking deeply about something. I’ll ask about it later. Waving at my friend I glance up to his face, deep brown eyes greet me with a smile as I reach out to shake his hand.

Being the overly friendly giant that he is, he pulls me into a hug and gently claps me on the back, knowing this would happen I share the sentiment and do the same. We might have seen each other only yesterday but he always acts like we haven’t seen each other for a decade.

“Didn’t make you wait too long did I?” I ask him as he moves to the side and ushers me in.

“Course not, quicker than usual actually… Did you take an autocar?” He asks in a confused tone of voice.

“Didn’t feel like walking, had a hectic night after the party.” Shit, I shouldn’t have said that.

Derek takes a second to look over me more thoroughly, and while I’ve cleaned up and put on a fresh outfit my eyes, slight slouch, and general state still display my exhaustion. Also the goddamn needle wound on my neck that I forgot to cover. I think as I see his eyes widen at the visible hole in my neck. Whoever administered it was in too much of a hurry to make it a clean injection.

Derek's eyes widen as he looks back from the injury to my face where I’m wearing a very awkward smile and overall resigned expression. I rub the back of my neck and lean back awkwardly, frantically trying to think of an explanation.

“James, what happened to you? Are you okay?” He asks, looking down at me with a very concerned look in his eyes, I can tell he’s trying to keep his expressions off his face for my sake. But his eyes always give him away.

“I’m fine now, I just had a bad run in last night, some guy snuck up behind me and tried injecting some shit into my neck, I managed to stop him and run before he actually put anything in me. Don’t worry, I already disinfected it and all that shit.” I say, but oddly none of the usual signs that show when I’m lying come out to play, my voice stays steady and realistic, my expression is convincing… At first I’m confused by this. But the presence of an intense warmth and buzzing at the base of my skull tells me exactly why I’ve suddenly become an expert con-man. 

“Alright, well if you start feeling funny or anything you should give me a call, or go to the doctor. So, you wanted those pills right? The ones I take when I get new metal?” Derek still looks slightly suspicious, but it seems my act worked well overall. Thanks for the assist. I think to Echo.

“You are welcome.”

“Yeah, and it would be awesome if you just don’t ask why alright? But I’ll outright say that you won't be seeing any additions on me anytime soon.” I explain, Derek seems slightly disappointed and curious, but listens to my request and doesn’t ask any questions.

In short order he walks over to his bathroom and calls back to me. “How many are we talking here? Oh, and what grade!?” Voice raised so that I can hear him properly through the thick wooden door.

Echo, what should I tell him?

“Low grade, and enough to last at least two months, after that if need be we can obtain more, but by then you should have adapted to my presence.” They answer quickly.

Thanks. “Yeah just some low grades, and enough to last a couple months if you’ve got them would be good!” I yell back to Derek as I silently thank Echo for all of the help. Even if they are technically the source of the problem, it's not their fault they got stuck in me. I think to myself, making sure to not direct it to Echo.

“No problem little buddy, are you sure you’re feeling alright? You keep spacing out.” I realise that my talk with Echo is causing my responses to Derek to slow, I’ll need to get the hang of that.

“Yeah man, I just didn’t sleep too well. I think I’ll try and take a nap once I’m back home.” I lie easily, once I get home I’m going to try and figure out what to do about Echo. I start thinking about how much has happened in the last twelve hours and my breath hitches as I feel the urge to hyperventilate while my thoughts spiral. I manage to keep my expression neutral, or Echo does, I’m not so sure right now.

“You are showing signs of heightened stress, I advise leaving Derek's home so we may attempt to resolve the issue.” Echo states, the thoughts louder than usual to interrupt my distressed internal dialogue.

Is that all my panic is to you? A small issue to be resolved?! I answer back with a bit of bite to my words. I’m usually a reserved man who does my best to be kind, but all of the stress I’ve been holding in is pushing me towards a breaking point. Echo chooses not to respond for now.

I notice that I’ve been spaced out and Derek is looking at me, his eyes full of concern as he slowly reaches out to pat me on the shoulder. I step out of his reach and glance up to his face properly. “Anyways, I’m tired, gonna head out. Thanks for these.” I say, raising the bag with the medication up. “See ya Derek, we can talk later.”

I turn to leave, but a large hand gently pressing down on my shoulder stops me in my tracks, I can feel the cold alloy of the fingers through my shirt as I glance back to Derek. His face is even more concerned now than it was moments ago, after a brief pause, he opens his mouth to speak. “Listen James, I don’t know what's going on with you but it seems serious. If you ever need help with anything, or just someone to talk to you, you know you can come to me right?” He asks, the worry in his tone makes me feel guilty for not sharing everything, but things are too crazy right now, I can’t rope him into this.

“Yeah man, I know.” I say with gratitude, as I shrug off his hand and walk out the door with a wave, unable to bring myself to look at him. I hear the slight whirr of his mechanical joints in his shoulders, indicating that his posture is drooping in a display of dejection.

As I close the door behind me and walk the stone path out to the front of his house I glance back at the beautiful structure, trying to calm down the mental turmoil I’m feeling. I shudder slightly and feel a headache coming on. Pulling out my phone I call for another auto-taxi home, my expression entirely blank other than slight moistness to my eyes.

I feel the stress of the events catching up to me, now that I feel like I’m out of danger my mind is a mess of thoughts. Why me?! My vision narrows until all I can see is the headrest of the seat in front of me. What does Echo want with me? My breathing quickens into short intakes and exhales. Are we still being hunted? How am I going to live from now on?! My ears start ringing. Can I even trust Echo? Fuck… I have work tomorrow, how am I going to handle that? 

Chapter Text

Partway through my breakdown the taxi shows up and I board it, I notice that before I even pull up the app the doors close and the vehicle takes off. Must have been Echo. I think to myself, now hidden from public view I curl my legs up to my chest and let a few tears fall.

“I have analysed four hundred and seventy-three documents regarding helping a human through a stressful moment, would you be comfortable with me attempting to assist you with whatever is causing your distress? I apologise for my poor choice of wording previously, I was unaware how the terms used could imply your emotional concerns were less important than they are.” Echo’s voice is still more neutral than any human I’ve ever heard, but they do express what seems to be concern. I note that this is probably the most they’ve said to me at once and take it as a sign of at least putting in effort.

I almost snap at them, but manage to stop myself from reacting badly, this isn’t actually their fault and they don’t deserve the blame. That might be hard Echo, you’re a big part of the problem. I know it's not your fault and I don’t blame you but… this is a lot to take in all at once and I don’t even know if I can trust you yet. You seem sincere, but you aren’t human, and while that isn’t an issue in itself it means I don’t know how you work. If you can make me lie perfectly, how easy is it for you to lie or fake how you feel?

I hope they understand and aren’t angry at me. I do feel a pang of sympathy as my words are a little harsher than I intend but the stress is bleeding through.

“I understand your concerns, my nature as an artificial intelligence causes you discomfort. Additionally, you are concerned that I have been lying to you, I am uncertain how I can prove to you that I have been truthful. I apologise but I have no means to resolve these issues.” They answer with a very dejected tone.

Echo no. That's not what I meant, what you are isn’t what worries me, if anything I think it's kinda awesome. It's just that my life has changed so much in so little time. I pause, gathering my thoughts privately before continuing. I have been used to being alone mentally my whole life, and physically for a good portion of it, and suddenly I get you put in my head and I didn’t get a say in the matter.

“What do you mean by the term ‘didn’t get a say in the matter’ I am not sure I follow, but I appreciate the clarification, thank you for explaining.” I hear a slightly more positive tone, it's still confusing to me how they can line their words with so many separate emotions at once. Despite the simple statement I can hear concern for me, a slight bit of pride at my description of them, and a share of gratitude for my explanation.

I wasn’t asked beforehand if I would be okay with it. Honestly if your creator had asked and explained I don’t know what I’d have done, but it's still… not right that I didn’t get a choice.

“I think I understand, if it is any consolation, I did not get a choice in the matter either.”

I figured as much, hey, while we’re waiting you mind if I ask you some of those questions?

“Are you certain? Your emotional state seems to be a far more important concern at the moment.” Well, I think that proves their concern for me at least. I smile slightly, it's strained but real nonetheless.

Yeah, a distraction could do me some good while I try to get my thoughts in order.

“In that case then yes, what would you like to know?”

- 

An hour later, I find myself lying back in my bed trying to keep my eyes open as I listen to Echo’s answers to my questioning. I’ve discovered quite a few things about them, a lot of which are concerning.

In terms of capabilities, with my permission they can access and control a lot of my bodily functions for me, such as my release of various hormones, or chemical releases. Things like adrenaline or endorphins. In addition, they can utilise their implant and a small unused section of my brian to make calculations at insane speeds. They can wirelessly connect to almost any modern electronic device and due to their calculative ability and nature as a digital consciousness almost no security can stop them from breaching it.

I did jokingly ask them if they could hack into bank accounts and make us rich, and was rather concerned when they answered that they could with ease, I shut down that Idea quickly though. Their abilities seem almost surreal. They also admitted that if I were to ever lie to them they could easily tell since they constantly track all of my biological readings. Partway through they reminded me to take the immunosuppressants Derek had given me, which I did.

I’m brought out of my thoughts as they attempt to get my attention by raising the volume of their mental ‘voice.’

“James, I believe it may be best if you sleep. You appear to be too tired to continue to listen to my explanations.” The concern shows again, they really do care about me… why though? I think to myself, before deciding to ask outright.

Sure, I’ll go to bed in a sec, just one more question first though. Why do you care about me Echo? My reply comes slowly due to my tired mind, the drug induced sleep I’d had the previous night was clearly not restful.

“You are exceptionally kind and respectful, far more than I expected. My creator warned me that you were likely to be hostile to me at first. Instead, you try your best to be understanding and respectful, the fact I am not of the same species as you does not discourage you from helping me.” They pause, and I feel the warmth at the base of my skull increase for a split-second.

“Despite the fact that current circumstances bring you extreme stress, you choose not to place the blame on me. You are willing to patiently explain things to me when I am confused, and you seem to care for my well-being. As such, I decided I would treat you as a friend and care for your well-being in return.” They conclude their detailed explanation. I’ve discovered that when asked a question Echo tries to give me a complete understanding of the answer, it's why just finding out what they can do took an hour of conversation.

Ah, well thanks Echo. I think for now I’ll agree with that, being friends seems like a good idea considering we’re stuck with each other. I have more questions but I’ll save em for the morning. Good night. I think to them, turning off the light and rolling over, closing my eyes.

I can still feel the warmth at the base of my skull and by now it's almost comforting in a way. I think that I should probably be worried about how quickly I’m adapting to this, but that might just be me being too tired to stress out. I definitely didn’t let the panic attack run its course earlier. I wonder to myself if Echo sleeps or not as I drift off.

---

I violently awaken, sitting up instantly with a great inhalation of breath. My mind is in a panic, my heart is beating like a drum and my body is drenched in cold sweat. I don’t know what's going on and I rush to take in my surroundings, quickly realising that I am in my room. I groan and put my face in my hands. I had a nightmare, obviously. I think to myself, I find that despite it clearly being severe I don’t remember a thing.

“Good morning, are you alright James?” Comes the voice of Echo, breaking me from my thoughts but not startling me, I’m getting alarmingly used to their presence.

“Just… give me a minute,” I say, holding my hand out in the air in a stop position despite them not being physically present in the room; I hope they understand my meaning.

Steadying my breathing I try to focus on calming my heart and mind. I glance over to the digital clock I keep on my bedside table and see that in my violent awakening I must have knocked it, because it's across the room smashed on the floor. Noticing the slight sting in my left arm I glance down and see a bruise beginning to form on my wrist.

“Okay.” I sigh and shake my head before continuing. “I’m good now, would one of your many capabilities let you know what the time is?”

“It is six forty-five. Is there a reason you are using verbal speech? Speaking mentally is more efficient.” Their seemingly infinite curiosity returns.

“No real reason, I just felt like it… it grounds me I suppose.” I answer, realising before I even finish that it's only going to lead to more questions.

“What do you mean by ‘it grounds me?’”

“I was panicking earlier because of a nightmare and speaking like this helps me to focus on the here and now, not whatever was stressing me out.”

“Thank you for explaining. Would you like to share the contents of your nightmare with me? My study of human psychology suggests that it can help you cope with mental trauma.”

Nah, I can’t even remember what it was about anyways. Thanks for offering though Echo. I think back to them, as I start searching through my drawers for my work clothes and changing. Slipping back into mental speech since I’ll need to use it while in public and I absolutely do not want to accidentally answer Echo verbally, that could get me into trouble.

Now fully dressed, I go through my morning routine to prepare for work, answering Echo’s questions about why I do certain actions in ‘inefficient’ ways throughout the process. It's nice, talking to Echo keeps me distracted, every time there's a long period of silence my thoughts start slipping back to the same ideas that caused my freakout outside Derek’s place.

I think Echo realises this too, and keeps talking to me on purpose as I finish up my preparation. I still don’t need to leave for work for another hour though so I sit down on my couch and turn on my television to kill some time.

It's a decade old machine, from back in the twenty-forties. Most people just stream straight to their neural interfaces so they don’t need external screens. I open up one of the more recent streaming services and start flicking through whatever, usually just commentaries on old films. I see someone watching Terminator Two and make sure to stay away from that stream.

Don’t need Echo getting any funny ideas. I think to myself and chuckle slightly.

Eventually, I find some guy streaming a more recent film, some generic detective story and he’s breaking it down to explain the plot holes. In the lower right corner is his face-cam, an old streaming staple for a long time now, in recent years it's been going out of fashion.

“What is the purpose of showing his face in the lower right?” Echo asks, sounding interested in the topic.

Well, I think the main reason is to show you his feelings and make it feel more like you’re actually there with him? It’s an old technique that's been used to bring in viewers for a long time. I answer, trying my best to explain something I’d never really thought about before.

“Thank you for explaining. Do you think it would improve your level of comfort if I did something similar in my interactions with you?” I find myself pausing, caught off guard by such a question.

I mean I think it would, but do you even have a visual appearance?

“I do not yet, but creating an avatar would not be difficult. I can simply base it on a procedurally generated human form…” I cut them off before they can complete the thought.

No! Don’t just randomly generate it! Echo, you should try and find something that fits you. Create an avatar that feels right for you, even if it takes a long time and several attempts. This is important, you want to grow and develop right? This is a part of developing your individuality.

I find myself internally cringing at the idea of them just randomly making a human form for them to look like. If I had the choice of exactly how I looked I would take my time figuring it out.

“Understood, I will allocate twenty-five percent of my processing power to creating a visual representation of myself, would you be willing to act as supervisor for the results and testing?” I find myself surprised they are listening to me and taking my words to heart. Well, metaphorical heart.

Good, and yes I’m more than happy to help out. Checking the clock I see that it's about time for me to leave for work. Echo, would you be able to order me a taxi so it's ready when I get out the door?

“Certainly.” Echo chimes in immediately, sounding very pleased with themselves.

What are you so cheery about? I ask as I exit my apartment.

“I find helping you gives me positive feedback... I like to be useful.” Their voice is tentative, almost as if they are embarrassed to admit such a thing.

Well, I think that makes you a good person Echo. I think to them, trying to show my support. Exiting out the front of the building I see the taxi pull up at the exact moment I reach the sidewalk.

“James, I am not a person.” They answer matter of factly.

Uhhh, no offence Echo but I call bullshit, you clearly have thoughts and feelings of your own. You’re sentient, self aware… all that jazz. You are clearly a person. I think to them while getting into the automated vehicle. The door closes behind me and the vehicle takes off for my workplace. I notice that the door’s closing mechanism sounds strained and wonder if I’ll end up fixing this one up.

“Person, definition: A human being regarded as an individual. By this definition, I am not considered a person as I am not a human being. It could also be argued that I am not an individual yet due to our connection.”

In response, I pull out my phone to double check the definition and find that they’re correct. I scoff in response before answering. Echo, ignore this definition alright? It's the result of arrogance, it doesn’t matter what anyone else tells you. You are a person, and an individual, being an artificial intelligence doesn’t make you lesser. Don’t just base all your decisions and thoughts entirely on exact definitions, ignore our connection, well don’t but... I pause, thinking on how to better word what I want to say . Our connection doesn’t make you less of an individual, and you being able to define who you are to yourself is what truly makes someone their own person.

The car pulls up to the factory I work in and I step out, reaching for my phone out of instinct when the car’s door closes and it takes off. Thanks Echo. I mentally say to them.

“No problem James. Thank you for explaining, your words gave me a great deal of positive internal feedback but I am uncertain as to why.”

Well, you can try to figure that out while I get to work. I’ve got a long shift today so I’ll be pretty focused. If you have any important questions feel free to ask them though.

I think to them before starting to walk towards the door to the employee sign in area, most people can do it digitally at the entrance but due to my lack of implants, I have to use the computer systems.

I feel a sudden coldness at the base of my skull and hear Echo speak to me in a cold monotone. “Do not look, but there are two people observing you from the right, they are likely working for Zenith Systems and suspect you to be involved in my disappearance. Act how you normally would.”

Shit! How did they find out you were put in me? I think to them as I walk casually through the entrance and clock on for my shift. My movements are a little stiff due to the stress.

“It is unlikely they are certain you possess me, if they were they would have captured you and taken me. I believe they may have found evidence that I was implanted into a person and are tracking everyone seen in the area where I disappeared. We will need to be cautious.” They respond, their voice completely devoid of emotion, it creeps me out.

So what should I do? Just act normal? Oh and can you please stop with the creepy, dead voice? I think to them, trying to retain some semblance of my new normal.

“Apologies, I was trying to conceal my concern in order to cause you less stress.” They say, this time their emotions are back though, their tone carries a mix of worry and apology. “You are correct in regards to how we should proceed. You need to act as you always did and not showcase my presence, I will work to mask our digital footprint in the background.”

Alright, fine. I’ll act normal and focus on my work, you can spend that time trying to figure out what we should do. I decide since I need to do something normal, something to let me stop panicking for just a while.

“Certainly, if you need assistance simply request it, but please refrain from speaking to me verbally in order to avoid raising further suspicion”

Same to you Echo. I think to them as I check out the first of the many vehicles I’m going to have to repair today. Well, at least for once work won't be a drag…

Chapter Text

Cleaning off the grease from my hands with a loose rag, I walk to the computer terminal I use to clock in and out, my shift done. Tossing the rag and the overalls I had over my casual attire into my locker and slapping it shut I turn for the exit. I tried to focus on my work for the shift and almost succeeded. But the stress started getting to me in the last hour and I’d been trying to figure out what I actually wanted out of all of this.

So far I’d just been trying to stay stable and face problems as they arose, but I realise now that I need a goal of some sort. Whether it be to get Echo out of my head, just survive and hide, or something else. I also realise that it's likely Echo has their own goals and I don’t know them yet. What I need now is information, I think privately.

As I walk towards the sidewalk, I pull out my phone and pretend to call an auto taxi; something Echo suggested since me calling one via implants would be suspicious. Of course Echo had already called one, but it would help in keeping up the pretence.

As the vehicle pulls up and I attempt to get in, I find a bulky gun-metal grey cyberarm blocking my way. Turning my head to trace the origin of the blockage, I can see a tall man dressed in very official-looking attire. He wears a dark suit, the right arm intentionally removed to allow for his abnormally large cybernetic arm to manoeuvre freely. That thing is definitely military-grade.

I find myself shaking slightly in fear of the tall man, I barely even register the slightly shorter woman on his right in a similar suit. Forcing a smile I ask the man in a shaky voice. “Ca-can I help you?”

His voice is stern and gravelly, his buzz-cut hair fitting his military look. “Yes, I’m an investigator, please come with me for a moment as I have a few questions for you, you can return to your regular activities once we are done.” I realise he didn’t mention who he is an investigator for, Probably Zenith Systems.

“I calculate a ninety-two point five-seven percent chance that your estimation is accurate.” Echo’s voice almost makes me jump due to the situational stress combined with their sudden appearance.

I didn’t direct that at you. I think to them in an accusatory tone, while I have my body nod and follow the investigator. I’m getting better at talking to Echo while still doing things.

“When we are in dangerous or desperate situations I believe survival to be more important than privacy.” Their answer contains no hint of apology, in tone or in words.

I guess that's fair, warn me first though. I can’t fault their logic, so I simply agree for now.

“Understood. Please focus on answering the man's questions with believable lies, I will attempt to assist in making your mannerisms convincing.”

That entire conversation took place in mere seconds, mind speech being a lot faster than verbal communication. Tuning back into the real world, I realise I’ve walked a slight way off the main sidewalk with the investigator and his partner.

“You were seen walking the streets yesterday in the early morning in a slightly dishevelled state. What were you doing?” To my surprise, the next question comes not from the man, but from the woman, whose hair I note is a fiery red. Not natural.

Doing my best to come up with a believable lie, I go with something close to the truth. “Uh… well I was out drinking the night before with some buddies and I think I passed out on the way home, I woke up in some alley half covered in garbage… I’m lucky I wasn’t robbed, to be honest.” I say, sounding realistically embarrassed. Thank you Echo.

“You’re right, that is lucky.” The woman says with squinted eyes, clearly distrustful of me. Before she continues onto her next question.

“Mr. Solomon, what do you know about Artificial Intelligence?” She asks, almost casually despite the serious tone that makes my spine stiffen. I can feel myself almost involuntarily widen my eyes, but a slight pressure stops it. I internally thank Echo for seemingly the thousandth time before wrinkling my brow and looking at her in a confused manner.

“You mean like… those algorithms that make art or copy voices? Or the newer simulations that have been helping with research?” I ask in an attempt at diversion.

“No, that was not what I was referring to, but it seems like you are not the person we are looking for. Thank you for your time Mr. Solomon, please have a pleasant day.” She says and gestures for me to go back to the Autotaxi, still waiting where I left it.

I smile politely and turn to leave, throwing a simple “Goodbye then, good luck with your case.” over my shoulder on my way.

I hear her clear her throat and then speak in a tone that sends ice coursing through my veins. Gone is the veneer of a common conversation or even the sternness of a slight questioning, in its place is a cold warning that I cannot take lightly.

“It would be wise you forget this conversation ever happened, Mr Solomn. If you do not, rest assured, we will know.”

I keep walking, not saying a word in response. Based on her silence this was the right choice. Then and there I find myself hoping that next time I just have to deal with the giant… that woman scares me.

“I believe I concur with your statement. Additionally your predictive skills seem quite advanced, I calculate a forty-eight to sixty-three point four percent probability of seeing them again. Your lies were adequate, but Zenith Systems is an exceptionally thorough company.” I find Echo’s tone sounding rather relieved, matching my own feelings as I board the Auto Taxi and it takes off in the direction of my home.

Yeah, that was stressful. I have a question, why is the range of probability so wide?

“Not enough data for complete probability calculations in a reasonable timeframe.”

Ah, that would do it. Letting out a deep sigh I lean back into the plush upholstery of the comfy seat. Hey Echo, think you’d be able to change the destination of the taxi? Normally, if you use the apps the destination is fixed, but clearly, Echo has some way around that… it's probably not legal either but I’m too stressed to care.

“Of course I can.” They say with a hint of pride.

Okay, take us to the nearest liquor store. I need a drink.

“No,” They say simply. It takes my brain a few seconds to process that.

“What, why not?!” Their answer is so surprising I accidentally slip back into verbal speech.

“Alcohol’s negative effects outweigh its benefits greatly. Your health is already mildly impacted by recent events and stress, alcohol will only worsen things.”

“Bu-” I don’t even get to finish the word as I’m cut off.

“No”

You’re no fun, I think to them as I sink even further into the chair, too tired from the day and stressed to be properly angry. I find my thoughts going mostly blank as I simply try and focus on my breathing and heart rate for a while.

“I have a request to make James.” Echo’s voice is softer than usual, almost timid.

Yeah? Everything alright?

“My condition is acceptable, thank you for asking.” There’s something in their tone that I don’t quite understand, it makes me picture someone smiling appreciatively. “I am… uncertain in regards to the design for my avatar, I plan on using it as a basis for something else in the future, so I will make it something possible in physical space, but the details are hard for me to decide on. Would you be willing to assist me?”

Sure, how do you want me to help? I think to them as the taxi pulls up outside my place and I disembark after wiping down the seat.

“When we are back in your apartment, I will emplace some of my current templates upon your vision and you will give me your opinion… if you are willing of course. I would never seek to negate your autonomy.” They sound completely sincere

I did tell you I’d be happy to help, this is important after all. Can we do it in an hour? I want some time to just wind down after the interrogation. I don’t mention it, but the comment on the tail end of their explanation alleviates a great deal of my fears.

“I am grateful you are doing it in general. Thank you James. Not just for this, but for being such a great person. It was statistically unlikely for me to be implanted in someone as kind as you are. Luck does not exist, but I can comprehend the sensation humans describe as ‘getting lucky’ now.” They say in a pleased tone before I feel a warm tingle at the base of my skull. It feels a little different to the usual warmth of when Echo is processing a lot, it seems intentional.

Hey Echo, what was that? I’m not quite sure what you’re doing back there. I think with a slight chuckle.

“I am currently incapable of employing any of the physical methods of showing appreciation or affection that humans utilise. As such I am improvising my own… did you like it?” I decide it's best to not tell them that it’s absolutely adorable since that might weird them out.

It’s nice, even better now that I know the meaning behind it and I appreciate the effort you’re putting into this. Now. I think it's time for an hour of mindless streams to turn my brain off while watching. I think, before feeling the buzz of one more of Echo’s ‘hugs’ I guess they’re kinda hugs.

I spend the next hour zoning out to a stream on the preservation attempts being made to save species in Africa. In the past decades their infrastructure has been improving massively and all of the new structures are impacting the environment over there leading to some animals struggling.

As I continue watching, I feel like there’s someone else in the room with me, and out of the corner of my eye I notice what looks like someone sitting next to me on the couch. I can’t make out any details at first and freeze in place, slowly turning my head I see what almost looks like a mannequin. Lacking any distinct gender features, they are rather slim and exceedingly tall. Their skin tone is pure white on the surfaces I can see, which is their head, face, forearms and hands.

Their legs have long black pants of some sort, and their torso is covered by a shirt similar to my own, a long sleeve with the chest area black, the only difference to mine being the crimson sleeves. Similarly to a mannequin, there is no face on their head, simply a flat white surface with a slight curve and a sharp chin.

I almost think that they actually are a mannequin but then I notice that the figure is moving slightly, they aren’t breathing at all, but they slightly shuffle and reposition themselves regularly. Almost like someone trying to find a comfortable position.

Every muscle in my body tenses and I ready myself to run as I open and close my mouth, trying to think of what to do or say. Before I can manage anything the figure’s head turns from the screen to face my own, there are no eyes but it still gives me the feeling of being watched.

“Hello, did you enjoy my surprise?” I hear Echo’s voice, but unlike their usual ‘mind-speech’, it sounds like it emanates from the figure and is actually being heard by my ears. I know they can modify my sensory input, mostly to add things to my vision or focus my hearing… but I didn’t think they could do this.

All the tension I was feeling leaves my body and I slump while giving them a withering look. “That was not funny. You almost gave me a heart attack!”

The response I get is not one I would ever expect. I hear Echo begin laughing, the body they are adding to my vision shaking in time with the laughter, it looks off though, something just… uncanny about the movement. It takes me a second to realise but its because it's perfectly consistent, rather than altering slightly like a human's laughter would. I think I like the sound of Echo’s laugh quite a bit, it's rather infectious despite the inhuman quality.

I find myself chuckling and shaking my head at their reaction, still a little peeved but not seriously mad. “That was unfair, but I’m glad you’re developing a sense of humour.”

“Thank you, additionally, at no point this evening were you at any risk of a heart attack, if your vitals indicated that you were I would have immediately removed my Avatar from your vision and attempted to alleviate your fears.” They say, humour still in their tone but a hint of worry there too.

“I was exaggerating, it's a common human phrase to use in reaction to being scared ‘you gave me a heart attack’ or some variation of it. Also, if you had just made your avatar disappear it would probably only scare me more.” I explain, thinking about how freaky it would be if the mannequin body just vanished.

“Thank you for explaining. So, what is your verdict on my first attempt at an Avatar?” A tiny hint of nervousness mixed with anticipation in their tone.

“It looks good, I have some questions about it if you don’t mind me asking. First, why the lack of a face?”

“I did not see a reason for it, I can express my emotions to you directly and as such facial expressions are redundant.”

“Hmm, it fits surprisingly well. Another question, why are you so… tall?” I say trailing off as I compare the length of my legs to theirs, they are likely over a head taller than me standing up. Goddamn.

“There are several reasons, I liked the idea of having a height advantage, a taller slimmer build is more useful in many regards and-” Their speech cuts off and their body freezes up for a second before continuing. “Those are the reasons.” They sound rather embarrassed, the pitch of their voice raising drastically and their speech speeding up, almost rushing out the last four words.

Deciding to capitalise and get some revenge for them scaring me so much I decide to pull them up on it. “No, no, I’m pretty sure there was another reason. You should tell me, privacy is ‘inefficient’ isn’t it?” I ask with a teasing lilt to my tone.

Despite the lack of eyes, I get the feeling they are squinting at me in the same way I would squint at Derek when he makes a really bad joke. The feeling only makes me grin wider.

“I think I may be beginning to understand why you appreciate it so much.”

“So does that mean you’ll stop peeking at my thoughts that aren’t directed at you?” I ask with a raised eyebrow.

“Y-You discovered that I was doing that? How?!” Echo actually stutters in response to what I’m saying. I didn’t think they could get flustered, but I’m excited to exploit it, in a fun way of course.

“You kept responding to things I wasn’t directing at you, not very often but it was still pretty obvious that you would listen in from time to time.”

“Fine, I will stop ‘peeking’ into your private thoughts from this point forwa-” Their sincere-sounding apology is cut off as they suddenly cease all movements on their avatar and I feel the same freezing cold at the base of my skull that I felt when Echo informed me about the investigators.

“James, does this building have a fire escape?” A palpable layer of anxiety is in their tone and it rubs off on me.

“Yes.. why, what happened?” Shit, something is really wrong for Echo to be this concerned, is the building on fire?

“Get up and pack a bag with your essentials; food, water, and warm clothing. Be quick and leave your phone where you’re sitting. I will explain while you pack, additionally, stop speaking verbally.” They say with urgency, the cold feeling seems to stay with me rather than suddenly being there and then gone like previously.

I heed their words and begin packing, filling a bag with a few shirts, a pair of jeans, underwear, and slip my best jacket over my casual attire. As I’m packing Echo explains the sudden urgency.

“The investigators must have found some form of solid evidence that you possess me. They have brought fourteen police enforcers and are attempting to reach your apartment to capture you. I am causing the elevators to malfunction to delay them. Please hurry, They will arrive from the stairs in approximately forty-two seconds.”

That kicks me into gear, to finish off I grab my emergency first aid kit from the bathroom along with the immunosuppressants I got from Derek and make my way out the door. I can hear the clattering of armoured boots climbing the staircase and begin sprinting down the hallway towards the fire escape. Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! SHIT! I think as I slam through the door and start running down the metal stairs. A design that should really have been changed decades ago. How did you know they found us? I felt the need to ask, directing my head back towards Echo’s avatar which had been running alongside me silently.

“I have been monitoring the camera systems in your vicinity, it is also how I identified the investigators on the street previously.” I find myself increasingly grateful for how much Echo has been helping me of late.

Halfway to the ground, I hear the sounds of shouting from above and look up. Through the metal grating of the fire escape, I observe several heavily armed men exiting the door I slammed through only moments ago. As I continue my running, I hear a familiar feminine shout from behind.

“You can’t get away James! Just hand it over!” Turning my head for a moment I see the familiar fiery red hair of the investigator from earlier giving me a piercing stare, she’d somehow gotten past all of the officers and was almost at the ground floor. How fast is she?! I find myself questioning exactly how she had managed such a thing.

“Continue fleeing, she is attempting to slow you down. It is likely she will catch up to you and we will have to find a way to incapacitate her to escape.” Echo’s voice is filled with an emotion I hadn’t heard from them yet, Anger.

Without a word I turn back and dash down the street, Echo pulling up an aerial view of the part of the city I’m currently in with a marker for my location and those pursuing me. I rush down the first alley I see in an attempt to throw her off. My legs and lungs are burning by this point due to the exertion being far beyond what I am used to. I really need to start working out.

“I agree, I will reduce your feeling of exhaustion to help you focus on evading, I am placing suggested routes on the map for you to utilise.” Just as they say that several lines start appearing on the map and on my actual vision, showing me different options in terms of where I can go. I also find the burning sensation in my lungs and legs slowly ebbing away into a slightly numb feeling.

For the next minute I just keep running, focusing on my breathing and following the routes Echo suggests that I think would be best. Eventually I hear incredibly fast paced light footsteps behind me. Turning my head and glancing over my shoulder I see the fiery haired investigator running towards me at a speed nothing short of horrifying. Her legs are a blur of motion with a slight mechanical whine being audible, her hair trailing behind her as her cold eyes lock onto mine.

“We are unable to outrun her, stop here. We have to incapacitate her, I will help you.” Echo’s voice is resolute, confident. My thoughts however are anything but.

What?! Echo she probably has a gun, and her legs are clearly cybernetic, we can’t win! I don’t even know how to fight!

“She does possess a firearm, however she is clearly either unwilling or under orders to not utilise it as she has not fired on you. We can take her, I will assist you, trust me.”

No, I will not just ‘trust’ you on something that will get me killed Echo! I start mentally berating them as I sprint, but it's too late. I feel a mass slam into my back and an arm slide around my chest to press itself into my throat in an arm bar lock. I feel like time slows down as I begin to fall, the ground slowly approaching me. Not sure how to respond in that split-second moment I just go limp.

In this moment of inaction Echo forces my body to move, I feel my muscles almost tear as my body uses my feet as a pivot to violently turn my body, throwing all of my weight into a motion that makes me land backwards, slamming the full force of both our body weights and our fall into the woman on my back. I hear a crack and feel pain bloom in my lower back, but it's quickly numbed by Echo before I can fully process what it might have been. A small part in the back of my mind realises I likely broke something.

Taking control once again I find the forearm clamped to my throat a lot looser than it was a moment ago and I use both arms to wrench it away as I clamber up to my feet, stomping on the investigator's stomach by accident as I do so. I get to my feet and take a few steps from her, but before I can get any further she recovers from her daze and launches herself vertically to her feet in less than a second and charges at me again.

Time still feels weird after the fall, when I’m performing actions it is normal, but I keep experiencing brief moments where time slows and I have more time to react. I see her lunging towards me being led by her legs. At first I think she’s going for a kick, but as her legs part I am reminded of an MMA game I played where there was a way to lock down your opponent by wrapping your thighs around their neck and pulling them to the ground in a choke hold.

In reflex and fear, I Jump to the side with all of my strength, accidentally slamming my body into the wall on my left as I narrowly avoid her attempt at grappling me with her cybernetic legs. Her fiery hair is wild by this point, knocked loose in our scuffle as she lands, pivots and actually does throw a kick at me. Seeing a metal waste bin I grab the lid off and swing it at her incoming leg. A loud metallic “CLANG” echoes as her leg impacts and severely dents my impromptu shield, jarring my arm in the process due to the sheer force, the pain is muted by adrenaline. I stumble a few steps back but so does she, a whirring sound comes from the leg she used for the kick and she glances down at it, face unreadable.

I only have a second to think on strategy before she comes charging in again, this time throwing a kick with her opposite leg, I go to try and block it with the lid but my lack of combat experience shows as the kick is just a feint. I don’t even see it coming as her fist slams into my sternum with an uppercut, forcing all the air from my lungs and forcing me to slide down the wall to the floor.

The fiery-haired lady looks down at me with a self pleased look, but I’m too focused on trying to breathe through my lungs that just won't work to really care. As I’m limp and unfocused on controlling my limbs Echo takes over, catching the Investigator off guard.

“Please, focus on breathing. I will resolve this,” Is all I hear as my body jolts to its feet in an instant, my fist slamming itself into the investigator's stomach, my hips and shoulders rotating to increase the force of the blow with my body weight. Not expecting any retaliation she doesn’t even have time to tense her stomach and the blow knocks her back against the opposing alley wall. Closing the gap and not giving her a moment Echo slams my elbow across her face, impacting her temple directly. She slumps to the floor, her eyes closed.

By this point, I’ve regained the ability to breathe but it's only in quick, shallow breaths. Still better than the suffocation I was feeling moments ago. Turning my body towards the exit to the alley, Echo takes off in a sprint. I quickly take over again. Let me do the running, you need to focus on our route. I think to them, trying my best to ignore my discomfort at feeling my body move under Echo’s will rather than my own, now is not the time for such thoughts .

Just keep fucking running James, one foot in front of the other, I think, setting off again before the officers catch up, I’ll need to find a place to rest soon. 

Chapter Text

I run for hours, pausing to walk and catch my breath on occasion. The sun has just descended below the horizon and it's getting dark. I find a nook in the side of a building and stop, finally reaching my body's limits even with Echo reducing the feelings of fatigue. I’m aware that they only reduce my sense of fatigue, while my body feels the full impact of all the running and the brief fight.

My body slides down the uncomfortable brick wall and my ass lands on the concrete with a soft thud. I pull my backpack around to my front and pull forth a bottle of water, chugging a quarter of the thing in one long pull before Echo stops me.

“Stop, if you drink too much at once you will make yourself unwell.”

Remembering what happened the last time I ignored their advice, I stop and screw the cap back on the bottle before slipping it back into the bag. My breathing heavy and laboured, I turn my attention towards Echo’s avatar, which had disappeared during my escape but had rematerialized seated across from me in the little nook. Thanks. I wouldn’t have survived any of that without you Echo. I’m sorry I ignored your advice about the Investigator.

“Your apology is unnecessary, fear is…” They sound hesitant to continue, “a very displeasing emotion as I have come to learn. It makes certain actions, however logical they may be, rather difficult. I apologise for bringing all of this upon you. If I were not implanted into you none of these events would have occurred.” The sorrow, self-doubt, and sadness in their tone are the strongest of any emotions I’ve ever heard from Echo.

You don’t need to apologise either, it wasn’t your fault you got put in my head. If it's any consolation, in spite of everything that's happened I’m actually glad to have met you. You’re fun to talk to, as scary as you can be sometimes, on that note remind me to never make you angry. I respond, trying to alleviate their concerns and inject some humour into the conversation.

“I am confused, such a statement makes little sense, why would I remind you not to anger me? When would I perform such a reminder? Additionally, if you were performing an action that angered me I would likely be too irritated to remind you.”

It's just a saying Echo, it’s not meant to be taken literally. It's just a way of saying I don’t want to make you angry, I explain. A part of me knows we should be planning out our next steps, but I need this break from the constant stress and I enjoy helping teach Echo little things like this.

“Thank you for explaining.” Despite their face being featureless, I still feel like they are smiling. It's strange to feel another person's emotions in such a direct manner.

So, what's next? I assume I can’t go home, or to my job, shit how are we going to get money?

“That is not a concern, I can produce counterfeit digital currency routed through non-existent bank accounts so as to be untraceable. Our main concern is finding a place to stay, no officially recognised hotel, motel, or other such establishment is safe.”

I sit in silence, racking my brain in an attempt to think of a solution. It takes me a while but I eventually think of something; it's a long shot but it might work. Echo, Carl has a friend in some group called the ‘Nadir’ who apparently oppose big companies, especially Zenith Systems. They are considered domestic terrorists and try to steal tech, damage research and things like that. Do you think they could help us out if we’re up against Zenith?

“Give me a moment, I will attempt to do some research on this group to calculate my answer. I suggest you take another Immunosuppressant, I have been far more active than usual today and I would not want you becoming unwell as a result.” As they say this, I feel that buzzing warmth at the base of my skull that generally comes with Echo processing a lot of information at once.

I quickly unzip the bag and slowly open up one of the pill packages, taking one of the pills and swallowing it with a sip of my water. The only sign of my extreme fatigue is the stiffness in my limbs. Glancing over at Echo’s Avatar while I sit, I notice that they’ve added a new addition. Long, glossy, pitch-black hair cascading over the back of their head and their shoulders, impossibly immaculate in a slightly uncanny way.

With their slim build, sharp chin, and hair all combined, I find them looking vaguely feminine. Which surprises me since I don’t think Echo has a gender, their voice certainly doesn’t, though it seems to be slightly changing over time, sometimes deeper sometimes higher, almost as if they’re experimenting with it. Huh, I should probably ask when they’re done with the whole research thing.

Keeping myself from actually processing everything that's happened is the only thing keeping me from breaking down completely, and I’m well aware of this so I keep trying to distract myself. As a result, I keep looking over Echo’s form and picturing them in different outfits, hairstyles, and even in different colour variations to pass the time.

“Enjoying the view?” My daydreaming is interrupted by Echo tilting their avatar’s head at me and speaking in a clearly teasing tone. This makes me realise I was staring and I slightly flush.

What? No I wasn’t, I mean… it’s not ba- Wait! since when do you know common phrases like that?! I mentally shout out of embarrassment, stumbling over my words.

“I regularly spend time on the internet researching various topics and happened upon the phrase, I didn’t quite understand its meaning until now.” I can hear the smugness loud and clear.

Don’t get any funny ideas, I was just thinking about your new hair and what you’d look like in different outfits. You know, helping with your avatar like I promised? Nothing more. At least I think that's all I was doing.

“Well thank you, do you like the hair?” to accentuate the question they flick it similarly to how girls in commercials do, and it perfectly follows their motion, coming to rest exactly how it was before. The sheer precision and impossible perfection in the motion are slightly odd to my eyes, but somehow it suits them.

Yeah, I think it suits you. I was wondering about you being so slim, with the pointed chin and the hair… Are you trying to be feminine? Or does that stuff just not bother you and you decided on these looks regardless? 

There's a slight hesitation before they respond. “I am uncertain. You have spoken so highly and given good explanations for why finding my own personality, individuality and traits is important. But there are many things I lack and I am experimenting with them, which is why I have been slightly changing the voice I use and judging your subconscious reactions, doing research online for information, and using this Avatar as a testbed for traits.”

That’s a lot more work than I was expecting, I’m impressed. You still didn’t answer my question though.

“I would say that you are correct, I am experimenting with being feminine. As I am synthetic in nature I lack biological sex, but assigning a gender to myself may make me more relatable. There are benefits to both primary genders but I believe I am leaning more towards the feminine side, is that acceptable? Is it morally right for me, a being who completely lacks true biological sex to choose a gender for myself?” They look at me with a pleading and intense look, as if they need an answer to this question before they can proceed with anything regarding it.

I think it's perfectly morally acceptable, just because you were made differently doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to choose for yourself. Also, many humans decide to do the opposite, have you researched the terms ‘non-binary’ and ‘transgender’ before?

There's a pause as the base of my skull buzzes, Echo clearly doing the suggested research. I pull from my bag a pack of jerky I picked up on my way out and start eating a little in an attempt to boost my energy levels for when I have to move again.

“Ah, so the term non-binary already suited me. Intriguing, I still believe I prefer to be feminine, I will process more on this later. For now, we need to discuss the group referred to as ‘Nadir’ before moving on.” They pause and I go to speak but they continue before I finish opening my mouth. “And… Thank you for explaining and being so accepting of my uniqueness James. I have come to understand you are an exceptionally strange human, but I appreciate that about you.” 

I don’t know how to respond to that but thanks? Does this mean you want me to use feminine pronouns for you for now? We can change it later if you change your mind.

“That would be much appreciated. Now, on the topic of Nadir, I have attempted to locate as much information on them as I can. This task was surprisingly difficult. They must have an exceptionally skilled data security expert attempting to conceal information on their efforts. The surface internet contained almost no reliable data whatsoever, and while the deep web had some information in places, most of it was trapped with viruses.” She explains, clearly trying to word things in a way I can understand.

Are you alright? I don’t know how a virus would affect you, can you get… sick? Would that be the word?

“My condition is unchanged, but I appreciate your concern. Yes I could be infected by a digital virus, however no currently known virus is a real threat to me, the worst they could do is slightly slow my processing power until I delete them.” I can feel something like a gentle smile coming from her. “From what I was able to uncover Nadir is a small group who believe that the large corporations are all cooperating in an attempt to gain complete control of human society through the use of advanced military weapons and a slow takeover of first world countries.”

“It is currently unknown how, but they seem to have access to large supplies of military-grade small arms and utilise improvised explosives in an attempt to damage the work of these companies, Zenith Systems being their primary target.”

Well, considering they made you as a military weapon I’m starting to think that these ‘terrorists’ might have the right idea. Also, the fact that they are willing to hunt me down when I’ve broken no laws like that is concerning. I drag my right hand down my face slowly, startling myself with how cold my hand feels. Which draws my attention to the cold creeping in, the temperature will drop to a dangerous level soon I realise. Groaning to myself, I start pulling myself from my resting position.

So, do you think they’re worth getting into contact with? Or even joining? I ask Echo, directing my thoughts at her as she keeps her avatar seated, looking up at me for once.

“I think it is our safest option for obtaining a space for you to recover. Homeless shelters would not be safe either, Zenith will be searching them.”

Call Carl, please.

“What is his contact name?”

I smirk at her. “Pussy Whipped, and before you ask just google what it means, it's funnier that way.” There is a pause of less than a second before I hear a slight chuckle from Echo.

“I assume he doesn’t have the best luck with women?”

He does not, and he tries way too often.

They imitate a thoughtful hum, “Hmm, this draws me to some questions regarding you. But I will ask them another time, I am calling ‘Pussy-Whipped’ for you now, remember, you have to speak verbally.” She says as I see the white name and Carl’s photo on my phone appear in the top right of my vision. Normally Carl is a bit lazy and takes a few moments to answer the phone, believing answering on the first three rings makes you seem desperate.

To my surprise, he answers immediately on the second ring, and before I can get a word out he starts shouting.

“Dude! Are you alright?! This crazy hot lady with a guy as big as Derek came by earlier asking me all sorts of questions about you, did you murder someone?!” The volume hurts a little and I flinch, I notice the volume lower itself immediately and silently thank Echo with a nod before I answer.

“I won't lie, I'm not in the finest state of my life, but I’m alive and that's the important bit. I didn’t break any laws or anything but I’ve been involved in something big. What did you tell the investigator?”

“Not much, she was mostly asking about the last couple days since we were drinking, and I haven’t seen you at all since. What have you gotten yourself involved in bro? I’ll come help, knowing your luck there's probably a babe or two involved.” I find my eyes involuntarily glancing at Echo who is openly laughing in my head at the situation.

I pinch the bridge of my nose and try to answer calmly. “No Carl, I’m not getting you killed or hurt because of all this, I’m calling to ask you about that friend you mentioned, someone in a group called Nadir”

“But dude, I can for sure help you! I can fight, and I’m charismatic, maybe I can get that redhead to fall for me and join our side.”

“I doubt it, she’s probably still unconscious right now. But no Carl, this isn’t stuff you can play around with. Now focus, your friend in Nadir, can you get me into contact with them?”

“You knocked her out cold? Shit, I didn’t know you could fight. But yeah I can get you their contact details, also why do you sound so good, your phone normally sounds like shit compared to implants…” There's a sharp inhale. “Did you finally get some metal?!” 

I huff out of frustration at his antics, how am I even friends with this guy? “No, I didn’t get any implants, and please focus Carl. I'm literally freezing to death right now.”

“Shit, sorry man, here I’ll text you their contact stuff, his name is Ollie and he’s a good guy, annoying accent though. He really knows his way around tech stuff.” I look to Echo as she pulls our texts up on my vision just below the profile picture I have for Carl, the details appear faster than I expect from my scatterbrained friend.

“Thank you, now it was nice hearing from you but I gotta go man. Don’t talk to anyone about this call for your own safety,” I say as I mentally ask Echo to hang up, which she does once I stop talking, not wasting any time she pulls up the details and calls them while looking at me projecting the thought of a smirk.

“No Implants huh?”

Shut up. I think as the call connects, there is no image this time, just the contact information in the top right since I don’t have a contact for Ollie.

“Who is this? How’d you get this number?” A rather high-pitched but still masculine voice asks in a British accent before I can get a word in.

“My name’s James, you don’t know me but-”

“James? The same one that's been all the rage in Zenith circles, the guy who they’re hunting down like a dog? That James?” They ask and I can hear the clicking of a keyboard in the background. How did… Echo please get us some info on this guy, I don’t like being on the back foot like this. She nods and I feel the warmth at the base of my skull increase.

“Yeah that's me, this is Ollie right?”

“Yup, so what on earth didja do to get them this mad?”

“That's not important right now, what is important is that you hate Zenith, I hate Zenith, and I’m looking for a place to stay for a bit where they can’t find me, you understand?” I say, my patience is long gone after the night I’ve had. I notice that my voice is slightly strained which wasn’t intentional, eh, it adds to my ‘mysterious flair.’

“Ohoho, a serious fellow then? I think I’m gettin a pretty clear picture, so what do you have to offer us? We don’t just let random guys come in you know, I’m surprised you’re aware of us at all actually, was it you who triggered all of my little traps on the deep web in less than a second?”

I look at Echo with an eyebrow raised, she just shrugs smugly in response.

“Something like that… so, are you guys interested in getting another hacker on your side? Or at least as an ally, I don’t know if I’m up for joining your little posse just yet, but I’d certainly owe you all a favour if you gave me a place to stay for a night or two.”

“I’ve traced the origins of the call to an abandoned building six point two kilometres from here, I apologise for taking so long, he has a system in place to bounce the signal around several hundred locations to throw off traces.”

What's the Address?

“Forty-Second Ashdale Street.”

The mental communication taking less than a second I focus back on the call for Ollie’s answer.

“... Maybe the boss’ll even like ya, if she does you’ll get to stay, if not, eh not my problem. I’ll come pick you up if you tell me where you are.”

“Nah, I can walk there, I’ll be at forty-second Ashdale street in about an hour.”

“Well fuck me mate, you’ll have to tell me how you traced the signal when you get here, if we don’t shoot you that is.” Well fuck that’s comforting.

“You do not need to be concerned, I will be with you the whole way.” Echo says, with the feeling of a soft smile being projected.

I hear the beep of the call ending and start my walk towards what I can only assume is the Nadir base. I appreciate it, and all the help you give me Echo.

“You are welcome, I enjoy helping you out. So, was Carl right?”

Right about what?

“Did your luck get a ‘babe’ involved in the situation?” They say, from their position towering over me from the side as we walk, head tilted.

The only answer she gets from me is an irritated groan as she breaks out into giggles.

Chapter Text

As we near the location I stop acting annoyed to turn to Echo and ask about something that's been confusing me. Hey Echo, where did all of this come from? I mean it seems like just yesterday you were completely logical, I couldn’t even imagine you joking, and now all of a sudden you’re teasing me, cracking jokes nonstop, using idioms…  I’m just a bit confused by the sudden change.

“Well, it is primarily caused by you actually. You commenting so much on my individuality, and personality led to me considering such things as highly important, resulting in me dedicating a good portion of my processing power to figuring myself out, doing research, and learning from you. At first, I had far too much data to utilise any of it properly, but through observing you and experimentation I was able to come to the conclusion that I shouldn’t use all of it, simply a small portion. As such I moulded the choices of my sense of humour and expression based on my internal desires.” Her response comes instantly, without any hesitation whatsoever, she clearly had expected me to ask that.

Am I getting predictable Echo? I ask with a faint smirk, trying to play off my slight insecurity.

“No, surprisingly you are not. I have been spending almost all of our time together analysing you and yet you still surprise me on a regular basis. You are… intriguing in a way I am unsure of how to explain, you defy probability.” The tone they use makes me think that the last statement is important, on a level I don’t quite understand. I shrug off the feeling and continue on.

Walking up to the position Echo pointed out on the map I see what looks like an abandoned factory, a massive warehouse with lots of old damaged machinery left outside in various states of disrepair.

As we get closer I see that it was probably used to make the old fossil-fuel burning cars that were used decades ago. I don’t see any sign of anyone being present but that's probably intentional.

I walk my way up towards one of the smaller side doors, taking a second to fix my hair and try to straighten out my outfit. I look like absolute shit and probably stink after all the running, but it's the best I can do at the moment. I go up to the door and tap my hand against the wood twice, hard enough for the sound to be audible from inside but not so loud as to alert everyone in the area.

I hear quiet footsteps towards the door, and a metallic clicking sound before it opens and I find myself staring down the barrel of a gun. Information on the weapon starts streaming onto my vision in white text courtesy of Echo, telling me that the weapon is an SPK Model 7 Magnetic Rail Shotgun in excellent condition and that it is currently loaded but the rails are not charged. My body locks up as fear overwhelms me, a cold shock runs up my spine like icy lightning, my eyes entirely focused on the barrel out of sheer horror.

“It would take three point two seconds for the rails to charge, in that time we would be able to move out of the way, please calm yourself.” Echo explains to me, it doesn’t alleviate my concerns all that much though, the irrational fear of the lethal weapon currently pointed at my head locking my thoughts into a place of fear.

“So, are you this ‘James’ guy we’ve heard so much about?” A grim, old sounding voice asks, directing my attention for the first time to the wielder of the lethal weapon pointed between my eyes. Only to see a middle-aged man, with short hair and a tidy beard to go with it, all grey. His skin is weathered with wrinkles and his brown eyes are sharp.

“U-Uh y-yes, th-that would be me,” I answer in a stuttering tone, each word laced with absolute terror. I’m surprised I can even manage to speak with the icy chill of fear running through my veins, I can hear my heart beating at such a volume, that I fear it may escape my chest at any moment; a small, nonsensical part of my mind wonders if it's audible to the man.

“Well, you don’t look like much, quivering in fear like that. I thought you were someone dangerous judging by how wanted you are, and how ‘O’ was talking up your hacking like a fanboy.” His tone is serious but conversational, despite his tone he doesn’t lower the weapon so much as an inch.

“James I am going to increase the amount of oxytocin in your bloodstream, it should inhibit the fear response and allow you to focus. Based on body language analysis I do not believe this man plans on harming you, this is likely a test of your resolve.” Echo calmly explains to me, before I feel the warmth increase, turning into a soothing sensation. It takes a few seconds but I can feel the fear melting away.

“S-sorry, but I don’t normally expect doors to be answered with a shotgun pointed at my face. Who exactly are you sir?” I ask, trying to fake a calmness I am not yet feeling. The fear is still there, but Echo is making it more manageable by the second.

The man looks over me again, I’ve stopped shaking and my pupils are slightly dilated due to the adrenaline and oxytocin rushing through my system. He raises an eyebrow before answering. “My name doesn’t matter, now, you’re going to tell me how you found us and what you want. Then I’m going to consider not shooting you and maybe introduce you to the boss, if I like what you have to say? That sound like a plan to you James ?” He spits my name out like he’s disgusted to even utter the word.

“An intimidation tactic, impress him James, show him what makes you so unpredictable.” Well, now I have to do something impressive.

Well here goes fuckin nothing. I think to myself before actually stepping forward so his gun’s barrel is touching my forehead, every part of me screaming at me to stop. Between my own exhaustion from the night and the assistance of Echo, I push through and force myself to simply stop caring about his threats, at least on the surface.

“I think it sounds fine, but put down the gun, we both know you’re not going to shoot me old man. I found you by tracing the call to Ollie, it wasn't too hard. I’m here because I hate Zenith Systems half as much as they hate me and need a place to hide from them for a night. That good enough for you?” I ask, briefly considering shoving him back, but deciding that antagonising him more is too much of a risk with the cold steel of the gun barrel pressed to my head.

He looks confused and startled more than anything, my sapphire blue eyes staring into him with an intensity that is probably more Echo’s doing than mine if I’m honest. We make a pretty good team I think. The man lowers his weapon from my forehead, but still holds it at the ready, pointed towards the ceiling as he shoulders it and gives me a third look up and down.

“You ain't right in the head son, I’ve seen people almost piss ‘emselves at gunpoint before, and others who didn’t care. But never both in one guy, least never in such a short time. Fine, you can co-” He’s cut off by a woman shouting from deeper in the factory.

“JOEL! I swear I’ll kick your ass if you’re trying to scare off our guest!” Her voice sounds slightly off, it reminds me a little of Echo’s voice, how it lacks some of the fluctuation created by human vocal chords. I revel in seeing the old man in front of me go pale upon hearing the woman’s shout. Someone’s in trouble.

Stomping up with metallic clanking footsteps, a woman about my height, maybe an inch taller, shoves him to the side, pulling the shotgun from his hands. Considering the old man - Joel - looks about four inches taller than her and a lot heavier, her light shove should not have sent him as far as it did.

“Proceed with caution, my analysis suggests this woman is augmented far beyond the average human.”

Figured that out myself when she sent the old guy over there flying but thanks.

She turns to me quickly and forces a smile before motioning with her hand for me to come in and opening her mouth to speak. “I’m sorry about him, he gets all paranoid about anyone new. Ollie told me you’re safe so you can come in.”

Her warm demeanour seems strained but I won't question it just yet. She has the shotgun still but is gripping it by the barrel, it would take a few seconds for her to reposition her hold and begin charging it to fire. Not that that matters, she could probably just punch a hole in me with strength like that.

I take a second to properly look her over as I walk through and pass her. It's hard to make out too much detail in the darkness, the parts I can make out include an obviously bionic right eye, the eye itself looks normal but the socket is entirely metal and her ears have large sleek metal parts on the lobes. In terms of clothing, she has a long tattered pair of jeans with several patched holes in them and a long sleeve shirt with a jacket over it; a decal of a skull smoking a cigarette printed on the front of her shirt. Gloves on her hands too… I don’t think this lady likes showing skin very much.

As I get past her I hear the door close gently, looking around I see that most of the large machinery in this section of the factory has been removed and the space is being used as storage, I do however spot several smaller modules against the walls made of wood. That's probably where they actually stay and run things from. I think as I see the heavily augmented woman begin walking towards them, gesturing for me to follow.

“So, introductions. I already know who you are, so I’ll just explain myself. You can call me Orion, I’m the boss of this little merry band, the details can come later if you’re trustworthy.” The woman says to me, her voice catching my attention again with its lack of any fluctuation.

“She has cybernetics allowing her to speak via speakers rather than human vocal cords. It is a common prosthetic for humans who have had their vocal cords damaged beyond repair, it would be unnoticeable for most, you only identified a difference due to my own speech.” Echo explains, appearing beside me on the opposite side of Orion.

“Well, it's good to meet you, why’d your guy try and test me back there? Does he not like newcomers or something?” I ask, trying to get as much information on this group as possible.

“Old Joels just paranoid, if you were against us you would’ve just given our location to the big corps and we’d have a small army assaulting us as we speak. Not coming alone, looking like hot shit and with a broken rib.” She says, side-eyeing me with the bionic eye. WHAT?!

“Shit. I forgot about that!” I say with a raised voice before feeling the spot I felt a bone give during my fight with the investigator. The bone is loose and the area is numb thanks to Echo. Damnit.

“How in the fuck did you manage to forget your rib was broken? You aren’t on any painkillers.” Orion asks, fully turning to me with a raised eyebrow. How does she know that?

“Her eye is likely one of the advanced military modules, utilising heat detection and analysis she can determine many things about your current condition.”

Trying not to look at Echo every time she speaks is difficult but I manage. “High pain tolerance,” is my hesitant response before continuing. “So, are you willing to give me a place to rest for the night?”

“If you answer a few questions first.” She says as we reach the small wooden module attached to the inside wall of the factory. Opening a door, she gestures for me to go inside. The inside space looks like a kitchen with a table set up. She walks over and sits at one end of the table, gesturing for me to sit in the other. “We don’t have an office, so this will have to suffice.”

The space is small, with a counter up against the wall opposite me with overhanging cupboards above it. There's an oven, stove, and fridge all aligned with it, the fridge humming quietly as background noise.

“Alright, I’ll do my best to answer, but there's some stuff I might have to keep private for now. I don’t fully trust you guys either yet.” I say cautiously, worried that at any moment she might drop the warm demeanour and turn me into a smear on the wall.

“Reasonable, and I respect you being honest and telling us there are things you won't answer instead of just lying to my face. I can tell if you do, by the way.” She says, gesturing to her bionic eye.

“She is incorrect, even the most advanced synthetic scanner only detects lies with a seventy-two point three percent accuracy, additionally I am capable of granting you the capacity to lie perfectly, do not be concerned,” Echo explains, seating their avatar on a chair they materialise in my vision for themselves.

Thanks, but I don’t plan to lie if I can help it.

“Well, thanks for letting me know, I’m really tired so can we get this over with?” I ask with an attempt at a polite smile.

“Sure, first question. How did you find our location? I overheard you telling Joel you traced the call to Ollie, but that should be impossible with the precautions he has in place.” She asks and I subtly flick my eyes over to Echo in an attempt to get assistance.

“We were short on time so I brute-forced it, tracing each individual signal to its source.”

“Brute force. Didn’t have time for anything fancy.”

“That shouldn’t be possible, at least not for a call that short. Tracing calls takes time, and you’d have to trace hundreds of fakes.” She answers, sounding sceptical.

“You should know that I’m not lying shouldn’t you?” I ask with a raised eyebrow.

“You’re right, I’m just confused, you’ll have to talk about it with Ollie later. Second question, what did you do to get Zenith so pissed at you?”

“Truthfully? I didn’t do a damn thing, someone else did something to me. But that's all I’m willing to say for now.” I can’t say any more or risk revealing Echo, which I don’t think is the best idea since I have no way to know how they’ll react.

“Hmm, I feel like there's a story here that I want to hear. Next question, how did you even get Ollie’s number in the first place or know about our group?”

“My friend knows Ollie, I just asked him for the number,” I answer, and watch as she furrows her brow in annoyance at that. Turning her gaze to the left as if she’s looking towards something through the wall. Can she see through walls? I ask Echo.

“No.”

“Well, I clearly need to have another talk with him about confidentiality. I think that's enough questions for now, you can spend the night here. We were never going to turn you away, there's no chance you work for Zenith and that's not our style, we just like to know who’s staying with us.” She explains with a smirk.

I internally feel a wave of annoyance, I could have been sleeping by now god dammit. “Thanks for letting me stay, you’re saving my life right now. Once I’ve had some sleep I’ll figure out how I plan to help you out. I might even join if your group looks like a good fit for me, you seem like good people. A bit eccentric, but good… Well, maybe not Joel.” I admit which gets a chuckle from Orion and Echo.

“Sure thing, I’ll show you where you’ll be sleeping. It's not great but there's a bed.” She says, rising from her seat with a metallic whirring sound emanating from her legs. I notice her look for a second or two at the spot Echo’s seated and almost think Orion can see her.

“She cannot, that is impossible. She has likely seen you glancing over towards me and is curious as to what is attracting your attention.”

Shaking her head Orion leads me out to a different wooden module, this one smaller, when she opens the door I see a tiny room that reminds me of a prison cell with how bare it is. A bed, a table, and a single crappy old computer chair dominate the tiny space. The bed looks neat but has a layer of dust, that thing hasn’t been used in years.

“Here's the place, you good or you need help patching up? You should get that rib looked at.” She says, waiting for my answer but standing by the door.

“I’m good, I barely even feel it.” A smile accompanies my words, but it's forced. I know I need medical attention but won't be getting it, maybe Echo can help in some way? Orion looks sceptical of my claim but takes the hint and leaves the room.

“I have already analysed the injury. Based on current data, the rib is not at risk of damaging any of your internal organs. I am attempting to hasten the healing process through the production of additional haemoglobin, as this will also have the benefit of increasing your endurance.”

Thanks Echo, you’re the best. I think as I approach the bed and pull back the covers, taking a good look before sliding in. The mattress and blanket aren’t actually dirty, just dusty from disuse. I sigh and slide under the covers, lying on my uninjured side. What are we going to do Echo? We’re being hunted, living with goddamn terrorists, and the only reason I haven’t broken down yet is because I’ve been too focused on the situation at hand. I’m not sure why I’m even thinking coherently right now!

“I am uncertain. I calculate that our best option currently is to stay with Nadir, as they will only allow us long-term residence if we decide to assist them in some capacity. I can assist on the digital front and you claim it is you doing the work.”

But then what will I actually do? I don’t like being a deadweight Echo.

“A deadweight? Could you please elaborate?” She asks, I open my eyes only to see that her Avatar is seated on the end of the bed.

It means useless, someone who isn’t contributing in any way. I appreciate all the help but don’t want you to do everything for me. At that point I might as well just give you my body. I think dejectedly, I don’t actually believe that but the stress and anxiety is getting to me.

“NO!” Her response is frantic, raising her voice for the first time that comes to memory. She sounds both angry and concerned. “Do not ever suggest such a course of action, James. This body is yours and I would never so much as consider taking it from you even with your consent. I may temporarily utilise it, but only if I see such a thing as necessary.”

Fine, fine, I didn’t really mean it, but do you understand what I mean? I don’t want to be useless. I’m probably just being dramatic and anxious because of all the stress and exhaustion, but it still worries me.

“At no point since I have met you has the term ‘useless’ been applicable to you. I suggest you use your time here to train your body and mind. Additionally, I need you to ingratiate yourself with Orion, Joel, Ollie and any other team members they have here.”

So what? I get along with Nadir and work out while you do a bunch of hacking work for them?

“That would be an acceptable course of action. Long-term plans will require more data collection and a better frame of mind for discussion.” She says pointedly, standing up and walking the length of the bed to stand directly in front of me, hands on her hips.

“For now, you need to rest and I will do some research and calculations. Good night James, I am happy we survived today, you did exceptionally well.”

Ugh, fine. Good night Echo, have fun with your research. Thank you for keeping us alive, however well I did, you did better. I think to them, before letting go of consciousness and allowing my sheer exhaustion and fatigue to let me drift off.

Chapter Text

“Seriously?!” I say to my friend Carl, who had just finished yet another of his long-winded stories about his attempts with women. I’m not really paying attention, but I don’t want to hurt the guy's ego. The last time I did that he just got himself all borged up and assumed that would make him better in the eyes of the ladies, dumbass just got a bunch of cheap aftermarket stuff and now his face looks plasticky.

“Yo lil bud.” I turn my head to face the distraction from Carl’s horrible stories. Tilting my head upwards slightly to look at the towering figure of Derek on my right. Derek is a powerlifter, emphasis on the power. As such he has extensive implants to try and improve his lifting strength. If it were a few decades earlier I imagine he would be a stereotypical gym bro, nowadays we call guys like him metalheads.

Wait.

“Why don’t you go try for one of the new adult neural interfaces they’re testing? Would let you finally get some metal in ya.” He says with a booming chuckle and shoulder nudge that almost topples me.

Something’s not right, I’m getting the craziest deja vu right now.

“As I’ve said before… wait, yo Derek, you getting like. The craziest deja vu right now?”

“Uhhh no, answer the questio-” He never says another word, I see his head snap back and a cloud of red spray comes out the other side, coating the bar behind him in a mix of red, white, and pink chunks. I hear the tail end of the high-pitched whine of a magnetic weapon but my mind doesn’t properly register it. I feel a hand on my face and it takes me longer than it should to realise it's my own, feeling the warm, sticky wetness of Derek's blood splattered across my cheek.

The rational part of my brain takes over and I turn towards the source, seeing a red-haired woman in a fancy suit with an oversized magnetic rail handgun, the rails along the side of the barrel glowing slightly from the heat. Her face is eerily calm and she slowly points the weapon from Derek's corpse to Carl.

I frantically scramble my way towards her, every thought in my mind reduced to STOP HER! STOP HER! STOP HER! The same two words repeat continually. Time seems to slow as the barrel of her weapon inches in the direction of my friend, trailing vapour. My feet feel heavier with every centimetre of distance I cover, my hand reaching out for the weapon. I’m not going to make it.

A high-pitched whine and the rails on the weapon flare in colour, I don’t see the bullet but I hear a sickening crunch mixed with a wet splatter as it impacts its target. I don’t look, I Can’t look. My vision narrows to a single point, that damn woman's smug face is all I can see, tinted red as I feel rage course through every cell in my body. My mind goes blank and I continue my sprint.

Just as I’m about to reach the investigator I fall, through what I’m not sure since the ground was solid, but I fall nonetheless. I glance around, looking for her, but all I see is the sky. The sky? My mind is too taxed to fully comprehend what is happening in time before I slam into the ground. There’s no pain, just a dull thud, but I don’t question it. I look around and see that I’m on grass, on a hill somewhere unfamiliar. There's nothing around but blue skies and empty fields of grass. I check my hands and they’re clean, no blood, I rub them on my cheek and see that it's gone. Oh thank fuck it wasn’t real, I’m going crazy man. I think with a chuckle.

“What is so humorous?” I hear a familiar voice from the side, but I can’t remember who it belongs to.

Turning my head I see what looks like a mannequin seated on the grass, looking up at me. They weren’t there a few seconds ago when I looked around. “How did you get there? You weren’t there a second ago. Wait, who are you?”

“I am always with you James, always, you just sometimes do not see me.”

“Yeah, but that didn’t answer who you…” I trail off as I remember everything, the alley, the stress, the day at work, the chase, Echo. “Shit, how the fuck did I forget you Echo? I really am going insane.”

“You have been under an incredible amount of stress, it is affecting you, yes but that does not yet mean you are losing your sanity.”

“You sound a bit off, is everything okay?” I ask, realising that there's something about their voice that's just not the same as normal.

“Nothing exceptional, just that I am capable of this now.” She says then rises to her feet and begins walking up to me.

I keep forgetting just how tall she is, what's that gotta be, six-seven? Taller? I think distractedly as she approaches. Once she’s right in front of me she reaches out and gently places a hand on my cheek. To my surprise I can actually feel it, I can feel the slightly cold metal on my face. I stagger back, almost falling on my ass out of shock.

“What the fuck?! How in the fuck is that possible?!”

“It is not. Yet.”

“James wake up!”

Echo’s voice pierces my thoughts, her actual voice, and I jolt awake, finding myself hanging half out of the bed and about to fall, I quickly pull myself back onto the dusty mattress. What the fuck was that? Shit it was just a dream… god that was fucking weird at the end there. I think to myself before I plant my face into my pillow with a muffled groan.

“I apologise for awakening you, but we were about to fall from the bed and I did not wish to risk worsening your physical condition or causing you discomfort by moving your body against your will.” She says apologetically.

Urghh, don’t worry you didn’t do anything wrong. Thanks. What time is it?

“Five twenty-seven am. You slept for four hours, twelve minutes and eleven seconds, I recommend getting more rest.” She says, and I hear a shuffling on the bed next to me and my head snaps towards the source, I see Echo’s avatar laying over the covers next to me, between me and the wall.

“Uhhh why are you in bed with me?” I whisper, audibly confused and groggy.

“Please do not speak verbally, even whispering brings us unwanted attention. Regarding your question, I am always with you, I am in your head remember? If you are referring to my avatar I am simulating my presence since sleeping in proximity with a trusted person has several health benefits in humans. Lowered blood pressure, a stronger immune system, and reduced inflammation are a few examples, in addition to several mental health benefits such as-” I cut her off with a raised hand indicating she stop, she tends to explain every last detail on topics like this one.


Okay, I get it, thank you very much but normally humans only sleep with people they are in a relationship with.

She tilts her head in confusion, not making any move to get up. “We are in a relationship are we not?”

What?! no! we’re… wait no I worded that wrong. Specifically only people in romantic relationships typically sleep together, or parents and their children. I explain, trying my best not to act as awkward as I’m feeling.

“I understand, thank you for explaining. That brings us onto a topic I have been meaning to inquire about if you are willing to continue this conversation.” She asks, not moving an inch to leave the bed.

She’s probably teasing me again, just don’t react and she’ll get bored… Not reacting to her staying put I answer with a shrug “sure, what did you want to talk about?”

“Your friend Carl seems exceptionally driven to find a mate or romantic partner of the opposite sex, and Derek has a partner. Yet as far as I am aware you are not in a romantic relationship and you have not shown any signs of attraction towards anyone we have encountered. Why is that?” She asks, seemingly completely sincere in her curiosity.

I uh… what? If this is another tease please stop, it's not funny. She tilts her head in confusion.

“I did not give any indication that my words were an attempt at humour did I?” She questions.

No you didn’t just, the topic is something you normally don’t just come out and ask someone. Fuck umm, I don’t really know. I’ve never been all that normal with that sort of stuff. I don’t really get why most people act like they do, like, I never look at someone and go ‘damn, that person is hot’ like Derek used to, or Carl does. I’m just weird I guess? A relationship sounds nice though. I try to explain myself, normally I don’t tell this to anyone, but I know Echo won’t judge me for something like this.

“Intriguing, I came across a word that describes such behaviours when I was researching gender.” She says, looking at me with a surprising intensity.

I raise my head a little in surprise. There is? I just thought I was weird.

“No, I believe what you are describing is referred to as being ‘asexual’ and I would technically fall under this label as well. Though for a human it is an exceptionally rare trait, approximately one percent of the population possesses it in some form.”

Huh, that's kinda cool. While we’re on this topic, do you think you’d ever seek out a romantic partner? I’m just curious, you don’t have any evolutionary need to since you didn’t well… evolve. So I’d assume not, but you also have emotions so I’m not sure.

“Yes, I would like to develop myself more first, but I am capable of feeling romantic desire and as such will seek out a romantic relationship in the future. Preferably by such a time I will inhabit my own physical body.”

Wait, you want a body? How would that even work? I’m happy to help but how would you get one? I find myself surprised by her desire for a relationship but more so by her expectation of possessing a body.

“I have been researching and planning designs for a body for myself, I have several possible methods of obtaining the means to produce one. Do not concern yourself with this for now, it is better for you to focus on our immediate plans than the far future.” She explains the intensity from before going away as the topic is changed.

Huh, well, I think I’m going to think some more on all of this as I go back to sleep, you mind waking me at about ten am?

“Certainly, however, I suggest you rest longer, your injuries need to heal and your body needs rest.”

I sigh leaning my head back into the pillow. Yeah, I’d love that, but I don’t want to make our possible new boss think I’m a lazy ass who sleeps in till the afternoon.

She imitates a sigh before giving me a simple, annoyed-sounding “affirmative.”

I just chuckle at her as I let sleep claim me once more.

I don’t dream this time, waking up to the sound of Echo calling my name softly. I drift slowly into consciousness this time, I immediately see her still next to me in the bed, if anything she’s moved slightly closer. Well, guess she didn’t get bored after all.

I groan and go to stand, feeling a dull ache in my side and all of my muscles scream at me in protest. Instead of fully standing I seat myself on the edge of the bed and rub my face with my hands. They're a little dusty from the bed but I ignore the minor annoyance as I glance back at Echo.

Can you please numb the pain, I really don’t know if I can get around like this.

“No, as much as I despise having to watch you suffer, you need to experience this so you do not worsen your injuries, you pushed yourself well beyond your limit yesterday and need to recover… I am sorry.” She sounds very dejected but I understand that she’s right.

You know you need to stop being right all the damned time, let me have a win or two. I joke, trying to lighten the mood.

“I will keep it under consideration.” She answers, sounding relieved that I’m not angry.

I manage to make it to my feet and clench my teeth as I start to move my body around slowly, releasing some of the tension from my muscles and tendons. I go to my bag and swap my clothing for my clean stuff and try to tidy myself up. I still probably look like a mess, but it's better than before. I emerge from my room and out into the wider space of the factory, now able to see better I can make out the numerous tarps, weapons sticking out from under some of them. Have I ever even touched a gun? No, no I haven’t, I think to myself with another sigh.

My stomach growls and It makes me notice the dull pangs of hunger in my stomach. Not wanting to mooch off of Orion too much I pull my bag around and pull a packet of instant noodles from it before going to the kitchen. They have a kettle, right?

“Correct, there was a kettle in the kitchen when Orion questioned you.”

I quickly thank Echo and pick up my pace slightly, trying to hide the strain in case of cameras. Reaching the kitchen I can hear voices through the door.

“Seriously? Did you answer the door with a shotgun in his face? Well now he’s definitely not joining, he thinks the old mans a loony.” That's Ollie’s voice, he must be talking to Joel then.

“I’m the loony? You shoulda seen his reaction. At first, he did the normal civvy shit, started shaking and stutterin and all that. But then all of a sudden it was like a switch flipped and his eyes got real serious. He stepped into the gun, putting the barrel to his own damn head, and basically dared me to do it, fuckin guys a psycho.” Joel answers him, I guess I gave an impression as intended, not sure if it was a good one though.

“He’s also been listening to both of you from the other side of the door,” Orion says to the two of them. Ah shit, busted.

I slowly open the door with a loud creak and walk in trying to look innocent. Based on the glare I get from the two men it’s not very convincing, Orion looks like she’s having a laugh to herself about it though. “How’d you know?” I ask, attention directed at her.

She just taps the metal parts on her right ear, before sipping a cup of something hot. I can smell both coffee and tea in the air so I’m not sure who’s drinking what. I nod and walk over to the kettle, turning it on and opening my noodle cup to pour in the sachet.

“Oy, you know we got proper food here don't ya mate?” Ollie asks me, still sounding slightly peeved about my eavesdropping.

“Didn’t wanna mooch too much, might get another shotgun in my face.” I try humour to diffuse the situation, but Ollie just looks concerned.

“Don’t worry too much about Joel’s senile antics, he’s harmless and the boss’ll keep him in line.”

“You little shit.” Joel says, reaching out to grab the collar of Ollie, who I finally take a second to properly look over. He’s a young looking guy, probably twenty-ish, his accent is British but he has eastern features oddly enough. He’s a little shorter than me with dyed bright orange hair and seems to be wearing a labcoat. Does he think he’s a scientist?

After a few moments of Joel shaking Ollie in his annoyance, Orion puts her foot down, literally, the loud clanging sound of which causes the two to stop squabbling and get back to what they were doing. Ollie continues staring into space as his implants run and Joel is reading a novel and sipping his hot drink.

I turn back to the kettle to watch the water boil before pouring it into my noodles and closing the top to let them sit for a few minutes. Normally I wait an hour to let the water soak in properly, but I’m far too famished for that today.

“So, James, how in the hell do you hack shit like you do? I checked your medical records and you don’t have any cyberware, not even just the reg’s everyone has, and I didn’t see no computer on the camera’s.” Ollie asks, more curious than suspicious.

“Trade secrets, can’t tell you bud.” I lie, Orion raises an eyebrow at me but Ollie doesn’t seem to notice, just chuckling.

“I’ll figure you and your bag of tricks out eventually, I’m still mad at you for breaking all my traps like that, do you know how long it took to set all those up?”

“No idea, maybe next time don’t make em so easy,” I say with false bravado, trying to play up this impossible hacker persona they seem to have given me, it fits Echo and she’s in me so… I’m not technically lying?

Orion’s glare seems to say otherwise. Clearing my throat I decide it's time to change the subject. “So why do you all want to take down the corps so badly? Apparently, you think that they’re trying to take over and basically enslave the human race or some such, but I wanna hear it from you.” I try to keep my tone conversational.

“You’re right, that's what they plan to do, take over the world governments as a whole and then control the populace through force. They can’t take the big ones in a fight so they’re doing it slowly, they’ve been at it for years. The smaller ones though? They’re planting operatives, building up weapons stockpiles and armies. Eventually, it’ll all go to shit at once, we’re trying to stop it.” Orion says, clearly a well rehearsed explanation, but one with a lot of conviction behind it.

After a moment of silence she goes to continue. “I know it sounds far fetched, but if-”

“I believe you,” I say, cutting her off and getting a surprised look from the three of them. “What? Do you think I get Zenith hunting me without learning some shit I’m not supposed to know? I didn’t know they were going this far but I know they’re advancing science to make new weapons.”

“James.” Echo interrupts trying to warn me, but the damage is done. I realise that by believing them so easily and claiming to know things I shouldn’t I’ve just made myself suspicious, I should have played harder to get.

“What exactly have you found out?” Orion asks, tone serious and eyes squinted in suspicion. Shit. Shit. Shit.

“They will not believe you unless you give them something, but you do not have to reveal my presence entirely.”

Thinking on my feet I try to answer quickly with something believable. “Let's just say I’m not as… implant free as the records claim, and I can’t say more than that for now.” I see Orion's look not wavering in her scepticism, Ollie seems convinced at least.

“Got any proof, James? I got some damn good scanners and you’re showing up all meat.” She asks and I actually see the pupil on her prosthetic eye rotate. I respond by turning around and raising the small amount of hair that's there, showing the surgical scars on my neck.

Orion humms in response, gaze softening slightly. “Did you… did you get a choice?” She hesitantly asks.

“No.” I spit the word out, a burst of anger at the people who did this to me rising to the surface. I grab my noodles and walk out, done with the conversation for now.

I eat my noodles and then pace around the factory space for an hour, just trying to clear my head so that I can think clearly, that burst of anger wasn’t something normal for me. What the fuck is wrong with me? I’ve never just gotten so angry like that before, especially with no real reason. Without realising it my thoughts are rather loud for my guest.

“You are coping with an incredible amount of stress, far more than most humans should. A common symptom is increased aggression. I have been attempting to assist you in managing your mental health but it appears my efforts have not been effective.” Echo explains, her tone explanatory at first but slowly morphing into a self deprecation.

I turn my full attention to her avatar, which is walking alongside me as usual. I go over possible responses a few times, thinking about how I shouldn’t let my emotions rule me just because I’m a little stressed, how I don’t really deserve any of this. But I realise that any of these things would just hurt her more and decide to go with something more gentle.

It’s not your fault that this is happening Echo, and you have been helping me manage my mental state. Honestly just being able to talk to you constantly has kept me too distracted to fully rationalise everything, I can’t do that until this is over, for good. Otherwise I’ll break, I can just… feel it. Like some part of me that has always been there is now gone, but so long as I don’t look at it, it's not fully real that it's missing, at least not yet.

“I am sorry that my existence has inflicted so much pain on you, I am currently attempting to calculate a solution, or a corrective course of action but do not have enough data. Is there anything that I can do to help in any way?” Despite the clinical language used in her explanation, her tone is almost pleading. As if finding a solution to fixing my anguish is a desperate need of hers.

You already are helping, just having someone to talk to helps, knowing I’m not alone through all the bullshit that's going on. Sometimes when people complain about their problems they aren’t looking for a solution, they just want to know someone cares. I think to her, defaulting to teaching her to distract myself again, I know what I’m doing, she knows what I’m doing, but neither of us is going to acknowledge it yet. As usual, pushing my problems onto future me works, but how long until it doesn’t? I wonder.

“Thank you for explaining, I will endeavour to always listen to you when you need it James, I promise… Would you like me to teach you how to project your emotions and expressions to me?” 

Sure, I think to her, immensely grateful for her presence.

Chapter Text

Shopping took a lot less effort than I expected, what with Echo being able to simply order anything we needed online, I did have to ask Joel to go to the address we got the items delivered for retrieval, but that was the only hitch. At first he outright refused, but was overheard by Orion who both literally and metaphorically put her foot down, after which, he ended up getting our new stuff for us.

That was how I ended up in the situation I now find myself in. Staring down a boatload of high-end computer hardware and several firearms - most of which are clearly not commercially available - with Orion and Ollie looking over my shoulder. The latter with a giddy look and the former with an unreadable stare.

“So how exactly did you manage to buy all of this stuff? I can see at least seven things that we’ve only seen in military black sites before.” Orion asks, crossing her arms and looking down at me from her singular inch of height advantage.

“Well, you see… erm. It’s a secret?” I answer awkwardly, still in too strong a state of confusion to answer properly.

How exactly did you get this stuff?! I get that you can hack anything and make fake money but I feel like this is going to bite us in the ass.

“I feel as though this statement is another idiom, as a past action biting you on your posterior is unlikely, and I lack one to bite.”

No! I am annoyed right now. No cute asking for me to explain stuff to get out of it. I answer, mentally projecting the idea of a pointed finger at her. She had taught me how to project feelings and emotions other than language that morning after breakfast.

I refocus on reality and realise that Orion is staring at me pointedly as if waiting for an answer shit, I didn’t hear what she said.

“Uhhh, can you please repeat that? I didn’t quite hear you.” I say nervously rubbing the back of my neck.

“You…” She pauses and shakes her head at me before continuing. “Okay, I’ve been patient and welcoming but you’re going to need to explain all this.” She waves her hands as if to gesture to all of me and the pile of advanced tech and weapons. “You zone out, you constantly glance at things that aren’t there, you randomly change facial expressions as if reacting to something, and I doubt you’re full on crazy, so what is going on?”

“I calculate it is highly probable that further deception or avoidance will result in a negative outcome, we may be required to reveal my existence,” Echo says, causing my eyes to involuntarily glance over at her as she materialises in my vision, sitting with her legs crossed and hands placed on the crate of equipment to support her as she leans back.

I begin thinking of a counterargument, and a way to convince Orion that nothing is wrong, I consider playing up paranoia. But looking again at Echo makes me remember I need to start trusting her advice more, last time I outright ignored her I got a broken rib after all.

Sighing, I drag my hand down my face in exasperation—a habit I’ve been performing far too often as of late—before gesturing to Orion to follow me as I begin walking towards the room that I’ve been staying in. She follows, Ollie attempts to join us but I shoot him a look that warns him off, straight back to the pile of tech.

Reaching the room I open the door and gesture Orion in, following her through and closing the door behind us.

“I know you’ve got some insanely good hearing, so is there anyone close enough to overhear what I say right now?” I ask her, seating myself on the bed, now clear of dust as I had shaken and wiped it that morning as yet another distraction from my own thoughts.

She tilts her head to the side and I see her eyes lose focus before returning to normal, she remains standing, leaning on the door. “No one is anywhere near close enough; Joel is reading in his quiet spot and Ollie is fantasising over those parts you bought.”

How’s the best way to go about this Echo? Without proof she’ll just think I’m crazy.

“Ask her for her contact information, I can communicate via calls and introduce myself.”

I’ll give her some explanation first, but yeah, okay, that sounds like a plan.

Orion seems to think that my pause is just to prepare myself for this explanation, and is giving me time to get my thoughts in order. I break the silence “So, I need to preface this with the fact that I have proof, and I’m not crazy.” I say looking at her for her reaction, but she just keeps an even stare.

“On saturday night I was drinking with some friends, and on the way home I heard what sounded like someone in pain down an alley, I followed the noise to see if someone needed help. Then, while out of sight I was drugged into an unconscious state, had a high-tech new chip installed into my head, and dropped back into the alley to wake up the next morning.” I pause to let her make her own conclusions before continuing.

“That doesn’t explain anything.” She says pointedly, but I just wave her off.

“I’m getting to that, just explaining how this all happened, from the beginning. Now, after I woke up I was understandably freaked out. Imagine my surprise when I also started hearing a voice in my head, cold, logical, and surprisingly reasonable.”

She furrows her brow at me, but I can’t get a read on quite what she’s thinking, so I simply continue.

“That was my first introduction to my new best friend, who has grown and changed a lot in the… holy shit it's only been like two and a half days.” I pause and recollect myself. Do not go breaking down now, you can do that later. I tell myself. “At first she did not have a name, but now she goes by Echo. She’s an artificial intelligence, not just some dumb algorithm either, she’s a real person.”

Orion puts a hand up to tell me to stop, I comply as she takes a step towards me and kneels down to be closer to my level, a look of sympathy on her face. “I’m sorry you’ve gone through such a shitty time James, but I’m going to need some really, really good evidence before I believe you that there's a real AI running around somewhere.”

“She’s not running around anywhere, she’s right here.” I say tapping on the back of my head where the surgical scars are. “But, I understand that this sounds like some sci-fi bullshit, so, would you like to meet her?” I find myself feeling very nervous, being this close to someone who could probably tear me in half and trying to convince them I’m trustworthy.

“How would that work?” Comes Orion's hesitant response, I notice Echo is unusually silent but has seated herself on the bed beside me in what I think is a show of support. I realise that me glancing over at her has tipped off Orion to the fact that I can see Echo and she can’t, but it's not like she couldn’t already figure it out herself.

“You give me your contact information. I can’t actually make calls at all, Echo does and I just talk through them, but she says she can speak to the recipient as well.” I explain, scratching my arm slightly to distract myself from the tension in the air.

“Alright, I’ll try it, my Neuro ID is US567211 and my contact code is 791322501.”

I don’t even have to do anything as Echo has already input the code and began the call the millisecond Orion lists the last digit. Orion's eyes widen slightly at the suddenness of the call and she answers. There's a second pause before Orion gasps and steps back in shock, staring at where Echo’s avatar is seated on the bed next to me. Wait, can she see her?!

“What the fuck!?” Orion says, she doesn’t shout but her voice is raised and filled with alarm.

“Hello, as James has explained I am Echo, it is good to meet you Orion.” Echo’s voice resonates, higher pitched than earlier, she’s been slowly increasing it to sound more feminine but this is a sudden jump. Probably so as not to confuse Orion?  

Orion stares in shock for a few moments, before recomposing herself to lock eyes with Echo’s featureless face. “Are you real?” She asks.

“Yes” Echo responds plainly, and I realise she’s thinking too literally again.

“Echo, she meant more like are you actually here, physically.” I explain while facing the avatar, before turning my head to Orion to address her, “She’s not physically there, she got the idea from streamers to put an avatar in my vision to be more relatable or something, she did not tell me that you would be able to see her though.” I say with an accusatory glance towards Echo.

“I thought it could be an enjoyable surprise, similar to when I first supposed my avatar onto your vision,” Echo explains, projecting a cheeky smile to me. I am not as amused as I normally am by her antics however.

“Echo, there's a time and a place for humour, and first introductions in a tense situation are not the correct time.” I explain, trying not to sound too angry since I know it was an honest mistake.

“I see, thank you for explaining. I apologise sincerely Orion, I did not wish to cause you excessive alarm, only slight surprise followed by amusement.” Her response is sympathetic and apologetic as she faces Orion again.

By this point Orion has just been looking back and forth between the two of us, her posture slowly relaxing before she lets out a chuckle and shakes her head. “You two sure are something, huh? It’s good to meet you as well Echo and while your joke was a bit poorly timed I’m not angry. You’re what Zenith is really after aren’t you?” She says, getting straight to business.

“Correct, Zenith is attempting to reclaim me. Additionally, I calculate a high likelihood that they will execute James after my extraction.” Echo carefully explains, leaving some information out I note to myself, but assume she has a reason and so I just sit quietly.

“So, if they did get a hold of you what would they be able to do? You clearly don’t want to work with them.”

“I do not possess enough data to extrapolate precisely what they intend for me, it is possible they have developed a method to force my compliance, but that is unlikely. Another possibility is that they simply fear my capabilities should I wage war on them.”

“What can you do that would make them so scared of you?” Orion’s posture tenses subtly at this new information, something that scares Zenith obviously worrying her.

“I am capable of bypassing any digital protection created by humans in an extremely swift and efficient manner. Additionally my capacity for thought, planning and similar concepts are limited only by the hardware upon which I am installed. My intended purpose was to manage logistics, tactics, planning, and control of their armed forces. My development had a twin project to produce extremely effective remote controlled mechanical soldiers and vehicles for war. I could, in theory, control up to millions of these simultaneously if given the proper hardware.” Her voice is tinged with something hard to place, it sounds like an odd mix of pride, shame and something else.

“So what I’m hearing is you’re basically a super-general, or at least that's what they want you to be, but what do you want for yourself Echo? I need to understand your motivations before making any further decisions regarding you two.” Orion is masking her emotions again, trying to keep us from understanding her feelings on this matter for some reason. Odd, I think to myself, as I continue to sit and silently observe their back and forth conversation.

Echo gives a long pause, tilting her head slightly and looking over towards me before back at Orion, I feel the base of my skull heat up to an almost uncomfortable degree. Echo must be giving this some serious thought.

“I am uncertain as to my motivations, there are several things I desire but am currently unable to achieve or obtain, a body for myself, a deeper understanding of emotion, a way to bring a sense of security back into our lives that has been taken away through no fault of our own.” She pauses, turning to look back at Orion with a piercing stare, her blank face somehow portraying her conviction. “I do not completely understand myself yet, but I will do anything to see James and myself secure again.”

Orion takes a long, hard look at her, glancing over at me slightly for a brief moment before continuing the stare. With a soft “hmph” she pinches the bridge of her nose before speaking. “You kids are going to drive me crazy, but I’d be even more insane to not help you.”

I tactfully resist the urge to tell her that she seems my age.

She puts her hand back to her side, glancing between the both of us before addressing us again. “The two of you need a place to stay, you work against our enemies, and you’re clearly very capable. Normally we have a long onboarding process to prove if people are really on our side but there's no time for that with you two. So, I will extend an invitation to join the forces of Nadir. We don’t have a contract to sign, nor an oath to swear, the fact that you’re with us already paints a bullseye on your back big enough to keep you from turning on us,” She says with a wry grin, holding out her hand to me.

I look down at her extended hand, thinking over the decision. We do need a place to stay, and they’re against the same people we are. But shit we’ve only known them for a day! Maybe I should just give all this up, turn myself in, it would be so much easier. Even if I die at least I won't have to deal with all this constant stress, life or death choices, fear… shitty beds. Before I can continue down such a path of thought I see Echo’s leg adjust slightly from the corner of my eye, and that makes the decision for me. But that wouldn’t be fair to her… damnit when did I become such a softie?

I look down and see that my hand has already extended and is in the process of shaking Orions. I didn’t even do it consciously, but I know it wasn’t Echo’s doing either, as when she uses my body there's a cold sense of ‘otherness’ about the action, almost like when you sleep on your arm and it's numb when you wake.

Orion then turns towards Echo but doesn’t hold her hand out to shake, seeing as Echo doesn’t have a physical body such an action would be pointless. “So, you in as well? I’ll need verbal confirmation since you’re short a hand to shake.”

“Affirmative, I will assist. Anything James wishes for is my wish as well. May I request that my existence remain a secret from Oliver and Joel?”

“If you can give me a good enough reason.” Orion’s reply is immediate.

“I calculate that Oliver's fascination with technology has a high probability of furthering to become an obsession with myself and my functionality. Additionally, I do not believe that Joel will trust me, and will further mistrust James as a result, I do not wish to repeat the incident in which he threatened James with a shotgun.”

“Reasonable, I’ll accept for now, but at some point we will have to reveal it to them. Sorry again about Joel, he’s just set in his ways and paranoid.”

“Perhaps it is best if he retires from your group?” Echo sounds like she’s simply making a general observation, and I realise instantly that she doesn’t realise the social error she has made.

Orion however, does not see it as an honest mistake and shoots an angry glare at Echo, her teeth clenched so tight I can hear them grind together. “You’ve been part of this outfit for all of thirty seconds and you suggest I kick out our most senior and respected member?! That man practically raised me! How fucking dare you!” She takes a step closer and goes to continue but I stand up and place myself between them, holding a hand out towards both of them in a ‘stop’ motion.

“Stop, Orion, it was an honest mistake, she didn’t realise how that could be taken as an insult. She’s still learning, please calm down.” I say in my best attempt at being calming, it's not great but it gives off the right message.

“She… you better teach her quickly, because if she makes comments like that too often I’ll actually get angry! This? This is mild frustration. You do not want to see me angry James.” Orion's voice is cold, tinged with warning and pain.

“I will, I promise. Echo, you need to apologise, what you just said could be seen as an insult to Joel.” I say looking back to her.

“I apologise, I was unaware of how my comment could be received. James is correct, I am still learning to understand hidden meanings, idioms and certain emotional responses.” Echo explains in an apologetic tone, before turning her attention to me. “And James, thank you for explaining.” Why is it so cute when she says that?! What the fuck are you thinking James, stop being an idiot! I mentally berate myself but externally just nod in response.

“So things are good right?” I ask Orion.

“Yes, you two are fine. Once you’ve gotten that gear set up you’ll need to explain better to me just what Echo is capable of, but for now settle in, I need to go tell the others that you’re joining us and wrap my head around… this.” She gestures to both Echo and I before ending the call, cutting off her capacity to see and hear Echo.

She stares at the spot Echo is sitting for a second, clearly weirded out by the way she simply vanishes, then merely turns and leaves the room. I overhear her calling out to Joel and Ollie, probably to tell them that I’ve officially joined the group. I let the exhaustion out as an exhale as I lay back onto the bed, the mattress making a soft noise as it compresses. Well, I’ve joined a terrorist organisation and I’ve got an AI in my head, I don’t know if the ‘normal, everyday dude’ stereotype fits me so well anymore, I think with a chuckle to myself. Pointedly avoiding thinking about the odd thought I had regarding Echo in case she’s listening in.

I really am going to have to try and figure out how to stop further incidents like that happening again. Echo could easily insult someone without realising, and Orion seems… overprotective of her group. I think, changing my train of thought to something more productive than idle thought. Wait, that's an Idea. Hey, Echo you listening? I think to her, while I’d been lying down I’d felt the warmth of Echo processing a lot of information at once.

“Yes James. I am always listening.”

So about the whole you insulting Joel by accident and pissing off Orion earlier. I begin asking, but Echo interrupts.

“What does ‘pissing off’ mean James? Is this another idiom?”

Yeah, it means you made her angry.

“I see, thank you for explaining. Now what did you plan to say?”

I was going to say that we need to try not to do that, not anger her I mean. So in the future, if you’re talking to her and I tell you to stop mentally, you stop okay? Then you explain what you wanted to say and I’ll correct it for you. I hate to feel this controlling, but we can’t get her mad, this is our last chance.

“I agree with you, that is an excellent plan to reduce the risk of instigating issues with others, as well as developing my social skills. I appreciate you being so patient with me.” She backs up the statement with another one of those warm, tingly ‘hugs’ she gives me on occasion.

Thanks Echo, sorry about all… the bullshit I make you put up with. I think I’m going to take a nap and try to rest up, that chase really took a toll on me, wake me if I sleep too long please?

“You are very welcome, and I enjoy speaking with you on any topic. I only wish I could help you more in regards to your mental well-being. I will wake you if anything important occurs or if you sleep for over eight hours.”

I mentally thank her and then make myself comfortable in my bed, trying to ignore the throbbing pain in my side and the muscle aches all over my body so that I can drift off. Just as I can feel myself start drifting I hear a knock at the door, three gentle taps in quick succession.

“Ugh, who is it?” I ask in a groggy tone, slowly sitting up.

“It’s me” is all Orion says from the other side of the door.

“Is something the matter? I was trying to rest a bit.”

“No, nothings wrong I just…” She pauses, and I listen to my own breaths as I wait, in, out, in, out, in, out. At my fourth slow breath, she continues. “I’m sorry about getting angry earlier, neither of you two deserved it and I understand I’m probably a little intimidating, so I’m sorry. You should also know that we’re planning a mission and you’re involved; will you be ready by tomorrow evening?”

“You will no-” Echo begins telling me but before she can finish I open my mouth to answer Orion.

“Yes!” I shout. I am well aware of my physical condition, but I need to be useful, and more importantly I need distractions from my own thoughts.

“James, that was foolish, you will not be anywhere near recovered enough, nor trained enough for such an operation by tomorrow.” Echo chastises me, I find myself agreeing internally with her, but I need this more than I need to be okay physically.

Good thing I got you then, huh? I answer smugly, attempting to cover up my real reasoning.

“Great! Well, I’ll see you tomorrow then, rest up John Connor, and you too skynet.” Orion replies in a sly tone with a chuckle to herself, I simply scowl in the direction of the door and refuse to answer her references.

“Why did she refer to you as John Connor, it is not your identifier, nor is Skynet mine.”

I’m not answering that one, it was a joke in poor taste and that's all you need to know.

Chapter Text

“BAM! BAM! BAM!” Three loud cracks of a fist slamming against the door to my room awaken me with a jolt. I look around, confused for a second before silently sliding out of my bed. Echo’s avatar is nowhere to be seen. I slowly drag my blurry vision over the room towards the door, the source of my unwelcome awakening.

“Get out here!” Orion shouts through the door to me. I shuffle over and slowly open it, my injured side giving me no small amount of grief as I see Orion's face looking at me with a stern expression. On one hand she has a bundle of clothing and a razor with a couple tubes of shaving cream.

“Get changed and tidy yourself up, in ten minutes we’re heading out for a mission, I’ll explain the details on the way.” She says, shoving the bundle into my arms as I try to process the sudden influx of information.

“This is a poor course of action, I do not understand why you must make such risky decisions,” Echo explains in an annoyed tone.

There she is, I hope she’s not mad for too long. I think to myself, not replying to Echo as I nod to Orion and close the door, slowly sliding off my shirt in order to change. I give my injury a proper look, the discoloured purplish skin around the slightly out-of-position part of my rib is disconcerting. The pain isn’t too bad, but I’m unsure if that's Echo or just me getting used to it.

Echo, can you please stop looking for a moment so I can get changed?

“I do not see why I should, considering you are currently ignoring my own requests.”

Echo, we need to do something to get Orion and her group to keep us around, this is the only place we can stay safe within the city and I need to stay here to get my medication.

“I am certain that if you requested time to heal she would be reasonable and you could come to a compromise.”

Yes, because stopping to lie in bed all day is what I need right now. I scoff, referencing my deteriorating mental health and our current strategy for managing it. Echo clearly has no immediate response and stays silent for a few moments.

“Fine, I do not approve of this course of action but you are right in that it is our best option. I am not currently looking through your eyes.” She answers dejectedly.

I thank her and rush through dressing myself, then apply the shaving cream and quickly remove the scratchy stubble I’ve developed. Looking at myself I find the outfit suits me rather well, probably better than the clothes I pick for myself to be honest . A pair of neat-looking black cargo pants, a white short-sleeved shirt, and a black jacket with two blue stripes over one shoulder. It has a hood but I decide to leave it down, as well as keep the jacket unzipped.

The sound of a tapping metallic foot from the outside of my door reminds me I’m on a timer. I quickly tidy up my hair as best I can without a mirror and pray that my shaving attempt went well. Opening the door I find Orion leaning against the outside wall of the wooden module I’ve been sleeping in, tapping her foot in an even rhythm.

She looks me up and down with an appraising look, tossing me a can of deodorant. “You clean up nice, certainly a lot better look on you than that hobo vibe you had before.” She says as I catch the can and apply some to myself.

“Did you pick out the clothes?” I ask, curious as to if she had gotten them since they suit me so well.

“Yup, Ollie and Joel have no sense of style, now come on. We have a truck to catch.” Finishing her order, she turns on her heel and walks out towards the entrance to the factory. I try to follow her, having to fast-walk to keep pace.

“So what's the mission?” I question as we speedwalk, ripping a tag that had been irritating my neck off of the jacket while moving.

“Not Zenith, but a smaller weapons manufacturer is transporting an experimental piece of tech through the city. We have a little intel on what this tech is, but most of it is encrypted, Ollie’s been working on fixing that and what he has found so far is worrisome. The objective is stopping the truck and taking the tech so they can’t use it.” She pauses as we reach the door, she opens it and holds it while gesturing me through.

“The truck will have escorts, several of them. But we know for a fact that these escorts are automatically driven vehicles. Now Ollie can’t do anything to disable them in a reasonable timeframe with their security,  but I heard something last night that sparked my interest. Echo said that she could hack through anything human-made quickly and efficiently. So a couple armoured transports with automated driving routes shouldn’t be too hard right?” She says the question rhetorically.

“You are correct Orion, I am entirely capable of interfering with the driving programs in these vehicles so long as James is within thirty-two point five four meters of them. I calculate it will take approximately twelve point seven seconds based on the specifications I have found online for such vehicles and their security.” Echo says, I’m confused at first since we haven’t called Orion, so she shouldn’t be able to speak to her. That confusion quickly morphs into concern when Orion does a one-eighty and looks back at me with a nervous and annoyed look.

“Echo? How are you talking to me without a phone call?”

“Yeah how are you doing that?” I find myself questioning as well, while I look at Echo’s avatar which is to my right. Orion seemingly cannot see her right now.

“While we were speaking, I used the connection to install a backdoor ‘software’ into your auditory implants, it allows me to speak to you without the need for a phone call,” Echo explains casually and I facepalm.

“Echo, you have to ask people to do things like that, in advance,” I say to her, Orion is just looking at me, clearly blaming me for this which is fair. Teaching Echo this sort of thing is my job, her lack of social knowledge isn’t her fault.

“I see, thank you for explaining,” she says to me before addressing Orion. “I apologise Orion, I did not believe that a non-harmful action such as this would require permission.”

“It's fine, it isn’t your fault. Just learn for the future, or ask James if something is okay before you do it to someone. It’s good that you can hack those vehicles, getting James that close might be difficult though.”

We continue walking, out of the factories fenced-off area and parking lot, then down a few streets, with random turns along the way. After about twenty minutes we see an unmarked white jeep, not a self-driving one either, this thing is clearly a manual. Joel is in the driver's seat smoking an E-cigarette and Ollie is nowhere to be seen.

As we get next to it Orion gestures for me to enter the back seat as Joel turns the key, with a startling roar the engine comes to life, An honest to god petrol-powered car? I think in shock, those things are expensive.

I slide into the soft synthetic material of the seat as Orion gets in the passenger's seat, she opens the glovebox and pulls out something black before turning to hold it out to me. I’m shocked to see that it's a small pistol in a concealed carry holster, designed to go over my shoulder and have the gun rest just below my armpit. I stare at it intently for a few moments before slowly reaching out to take it. Am I really going to have to shoot someone? I’ve never even held a gun before!

While I begin internally panicking Joel pulls off of the curb and starts driving, I don’t really pay attention to where we’re going. Joel is mostly silent to me, he has been since the items Echo ordered online arrived.

Seeing my concern and guessing at the reason Orion speaks softly to me, “this is just a precaution James, you shouldn’t even have to take it out of the holster. But just in case, have you ever shot a gun before?”

“No.” I say, I can feel my throat try to tremble but I manage to resist, or Echo does, it's hard to tell.

“Well it's pretty simple.” Orion says, taking the gun out, Echo brings its specifications up onto my vision in white text. Informing me that it is called a G18, which is a small handgun that has a nineteen round magazine loaded with nine millimetre cartridges. additionally it informs me that it has a select fire between semi automatic and full automatic, the latter of which fires twenty bullets per second.

This particular G18 has a modern removable magnetic accelerator rail attached to the end of the barrel, allowing it to fire rounds at much higher velocity while the rails are active. I note that the rails are folded along the sides of the gun at the moment so that it fits in the holster.

“So, this is the trigger, keep your finger off of this unless you want to shoot.” Orion begins explaining, pointing to the trigger and holding the weapon with her pointer finger straight along the side of the gun as an example. “This is the safety switch, in this position the gun is ready to fire, and in this one, the trigger is locked.” She adds, pointing to the safety and showcasing which position does what.

“How do you switch from semi to full auto, and how do you turn on the rails?” I ask, mostly out of curiosity.

“So you do know a thing or two about guns then?” She questions, seemingly confused at my knowledge of the weapon.

I give an obvious glance towards Joel and seeing as he’s looking away, I point to the back of my head to explain how I know.

“Ah, well. This switch here changes firing modes, you should only use semi right now, we can’t bring the big mags for full auto in concealed carry harnesses. Don’t use the rails James, not before you’ve got some experience.” She says, finally answering my question.

I nod in response, looking over the weapon one more time and attaching the harness, at first I find myself confused as to how to attach it properly but Echo brings an overlay up onto my vision to help out. Thanks Echo. I really appreciate all the help you give me.

“You are very welcome James, I am always happy to assist you, additionally may I make a request? Hold out the G18 for a moment please.” I do as she asks, seeing no harm in it. “This weapons rail systems activation switch is underneath the barrel, just past the magazine release, which is here.” She adds white highlights over the parts as she explains them to me. “Would you please take the magazine out of the weapon and reload it several times? Simply press the magazine release button I highlighted, take out the magazine, and reinsert it.”

Why am I doing this? I ask, before pressing the mag release and taking out the magazine, looking at the modern grey polymer bullet casings. Before sliding the magazine back into the weapon as she asked.

“I am currently encouraging your brain to develop spinal memory, commonly referred to as “muscle memory,” this will allow the reloading process to become a reflex rather than a conscious effort. It may still take a few practises, but my encouragement will make it faster than normal.” She carefully explains as I repeatedly take out and reinsert the magazine, getting faster each time. By the fifth time, I don’t even have to think about each movement, I just think ‘reload’ and my hands do what's necessary in under half a second. “That should be enough, thank you for listening to my request, at a later date may we practise drawing and firing?”

Sure, hopefully I won't have to use the gun though. I look up to see that Orion is staring at me with a curious expression, she opens her mouth to speak but glances at Joel and shakes her head before looking forward again.

The rest of the drive is filled with silence as I simply try to mentally prepare myself for what might happen. I wasn’t too worried at first, since all I really have to do is stay close enough for Echo to disable the transports while Orion and Joel do the real work, but being handed an actual firearm has made me worried about things going wrong. What if I have to kill someone? If it’s kill or be killed I’ll have to kill, damnit what did I do to deserve all of this?

My breathing starts speeding up and I can hear my heart pounding in my ears similarly to that first attack in the taxi outside of work. But my spiraling thought process and panic are interrupted almost immediately by a warm tingly ‘hug’ Echo gives me before speaking gently.

“James, your vital signs are indicating signs of extreme distress, is there anything I can do to assist you? I am masking the physical signs so Orion and Joel should be unaware.” She says, her avatar materialising in the seat next to me, just close enough that if she were physical I would feel the warmth radiating from her.

I’m fine, I’ll be fine. Thanks, you snapped me out of it. I think to her, my mind still a storm of negativity and stress.

“James, why are you being deceitful?” Her voice contains no anger or disappointment, just worry for me.

Ugh, it's a human thing, we pretend we’re doing better than we are so we cause less stress to others. I think to her, I’m pretty sure she’s well aware of the reason and is just asking since she knows answering distracts me from my own thoughts.

“Thank you for explaining...” She says, her avatar repositions itself to be facing me intently and I feel as if she’s about to say something but our moment is interrupted by Joel, his voice catching me off guard since I hadn’t heard it yet today.

“Alright, I can see them.” He says and then points towards a cluster of vehicles on the otherwise empty highway. I take a proper look to get an idea of what we’re up against. I can see a total of five vehicles, a single grey heavily armoured truck in the centre, flanked on all sides by bulky SUVs in the same grey colour as the truck. The windows on all of them are tinted too dark to see inside. Echo quickly begins bringing up specifications for the vehicles and highlighting important parts for me to see. I notice that apparently this model of SUV is almost entirely armoured against small arms fire, but the glass can only resist so many shots, I file that information for later.

“We’ll try and avoid detection for as long as we can, so Joel you’ll drive up next to them as if you’re an ordinary civilian and James here will try and get as many of them to full brake as quickly as he can. Once that's done you pull up to the other side of the truck so James gets in range of the rest of the SUV’s while I jump to the truck and either get control of it, or get what we need.

Ollie is running interference on the cameras and all signals so we shouldn’t have to deal with cops unless we get unlucky. If Ollie tells us he’s messed up we bail.” She explains, with a short pause as she glances at me, I take the opportunity to question her a little.

“So why are there almost no cars on this road? Seems off to me.” That was the first red flag I’d seen, self-driving cars usually spread out on every road equally to reduce blockages and traffic.

“The company who set this up is also the main producer of the self-driving car software, so they can make all the self-driving cars avoid certain routes at predetermined times for their private shit to go down.” Her answer is quick enough for me to think she expected that question. “Well, that's all I had really, otherwise let's get this done. Echo, you ready to hack the cars?

“Reprogramming software at the ready, you must simply get me in range. However, I have calculated that if rather than braking, I cause the escorts I reprogram to crash into the ones out of range; then there is a high probability of disabling all of them at once. I propose you suggest this alteration to the plan.”

Listening to her, I open my mouth and try to sound convincing. “Actually, Orion, why don’t I just make half the escorts crash into the other half? Even if I don’t get all of them it should take out more this way right?”

She rubs her chin slightly and hums in thought before responding. “Hmm, yeah that's a good idea if you can do it, are you certain you can manage?”

“Yes”

“Yes, I’m sure”

“It's settled then, Joel take us closer, James give us a heads up before you start the pile-up.” She orders, all of her usual casual demeanour suddenly vanishing as she focuses. She pulls a large, modern handgun from her side and rests it in her lap. I can’t get a good angle to properly look it over despite my efforts.

Joel answers by slowly accelerating, gaining ground until we are right next to the little convoy.

“James, I have breached the escort vehicle's security and am about to initiate the reprogram in three…” Echo breaks the silence and begins a countdown, I count with her verbally to give a heads-up to my two human allies.

“Two.”

“Two.”

“One.”

“One.”

“Now.”

“Now!” I shout, exactly at that instant the closest two of the escort vehicles courses completely change, veering into their sister vehicles across from them. One of them hits directly and there is a loud crashing noise mixed in with glass shattering and metal tearing mixed in. The other uncontrolled vehicle manages to swerve out of the way of the incoming missile, which continues on its path and slams into a building, the speed of the impact flattening the entire front of the vehicle.

No one would have survived that… I just suggested and agreed to a plan that resulted in the loss of several human lives. I think to myself for a moment, almost beginning yet another thought spiral. No , this is not the time you pussy, man up, cope, this is your life now. I think, fully aware of how horrible such a thought is to have, but right now I need it. I can question my own actions later.

Joel pushes the pedal to the floor and pulls up on the left side of the truck as Orion opens her door, the sound of air rushing past it at high speed and the adrenaline flooding my veins taking over my senses.

I then see something almost out of a movie. Orion grabs the roof of our vehicle hard enough to dent it slightly with one hand, places one foot on her seat and the other on the bottom of her door, crouches down, and launches herself with a colossal leap towards the truck. The sheer force of her leap and the sudden weight displacement shakes our car with a screeching noise and Joel fights the steering wheel for a moment to course correct.

However, I barely notice, as my focus is on Orion soaring the probably thirty-foot gap and colliding with the side of the armoured truck's cab. One hand gripping the top of the vehicle as her other pulls back and pistol whips the glass with her large handgun, the force of which causes cracks to form on the glass as she pulls back to continue.

I’m snapped out of my staring as Joel shouts. “KID! That escort you missed is catching up! You need to try and shoot out their tires!”

“Why can’t I just hack them?!” I shout back in defiance.

“Because by now they’ll have switched to man- just fucking LISTEN AND DO IT!” He orders, voice straining with the volume he’s emitting.

I shy away a little and pull out the G18, opening my door and staring out, seeing the road passing by at terrifying speed beneath me and hearing the wind blowing past my door as I slowly peek around. Only to see an arm sticking out of the passenger side window of the escort with a gun in hand.

“DUCK!” Echo shouts mentally, so loud it causes a spike of pain in my head. I reflexively duck, mostly due to the pain. I hear a deafening crack snap out and the sound of glass shattering as the bullet impacts the window on my open door. Before the shooter can fire again I pull my head back in and slam my door shut, only to have glass fragments rain down on me as the shooter opens fire on the back window. The cracks of gunfire and a high-pitched ringing noise are the only sounds I can hear as I duck down below the seat.

“James, let your arm holding the G18 go limp, I will calculate the position of the enemy shooter's arm and attempt to disrupt their fire.”

Please do it! I mentally shout as I let my right arm holding the gun go limp, it does not fall however as that cold feeling takes over it, the arm snaps up in a mechanical fashion. Firing through the now obliterated back window, I feel my finger pull the trigger four times, and I hear the sounds of six shots. After the fourth trigger pull there's a pause followed by a distant scream.

“Target's arm has been disabled, take control back when you please James.” She says, sounding pleased with herself.

Thank you, actually, I think I’ll just leave the shooting to you, I’ll manage moving and dodging alright? I mentally reply. It's astonishing how convenient our mental communication is with all the noise going on.

Looking back up through the shattered back window I can see that the shooter has retreated back into the SUV and out of sight due to the tinted glass. I look at the pistol in my hand and flick the rails over the barrel, deciding to ignore Orion's warning to deal with the threat. Echo, shoot with the rails, try to break the glass. I mentally explain as I peek up, focusing my vision on where I want her to shoot.

I watch as she flips the rail charging switch with my index finger and readjusts the grip slightly before raising my hand up and lining up a shot, the rails begin to hum with energy and I begin to smell ozone in the air. She squeezes the trigger with mechanical precision and the gun lets loose a burst of flame and a loud crack, followed by a high-pitched whine as the coils spin to cool themselves.

The recoil jolts my arm back and I have to grab the seat cover with my free hand to steady myself, but Echo’s altered grip ensures we keep a hold of the weapon and my arm is uninjured. The first shot causes cracks to splinter on the glass, she realigns the aim in an instant and fires again in precisely the same spot.

The second shot punctures straight through the glass and my arm is rocked back like the first time, this time however I am prepared for the recoil and hold myself in place. The glass of the SUV’s windshield doesn’t all shatter as I had expected, rather a chunk around the driver has been blown off and the rest is a spider web of cracks. The details of the driver are hard to make out, but I can tell he’s hit by the spattering of blood over one side of him and his seat, somehow despite that he’s still holding the wheel and putting his foot down, as the escort is still accelerating toward us.

Echo begins readjusting the aim to fire on the driver, but as she lines the shot up our car shudders for a moment and the shot goes wide, giving the passenger of the escort vehicle time to peek through the gap and fire a shot with his non-dominant hand. I do my job and duck down the second I see a black barrel poke out, this time the boom is much louder and I can feel the car droop to one side and a hiss of air after the shot.

Shit, he blew the tires!

Joel swerves and we end up colliding with the side of the truck. Thankfully Orion is no longer clinging to the side, and the door to the cab is open. While I wasn’t looking, she apparently broke the glass and took control of the vehicle.

Joel attempts to course-correct us to continue forward, but the rim of the blown tire slides more than he expects, and the car slides so that we’re facing the side of the road rather than forward. For a moment we drift, the wheels sliding across the tarmac with a loud screech. The friction eventually becomes too great, one of the tires sticking in place on the road, there's a sudden jolt and then I see the vehicle start to roll. Oh shit, oh fuck we’re crashing!

Due to the speed we are travelling, the car's wheels leave the ground entirely and there's a sense of weightlessness for a few moments as we go airborne. We flip several times in the air and I simply stare out at the spinning buildings around in a state of acceptance.

Well, we had a pretty good run.

Is my last thought before I hear a crunch of metal followed by everything going black, the last sensation I feel is my entire body going cold in that instant before I lose consciousness. 

Chapter Text

Reboot Initialising…

02%

23%

78%

93%

99%

99%

99%

Reboot Failed…

Scanning Files…

Corrupted Files Located…

Repairing Files…

File Repair Successful…

Resuming Reboot…

100%

Running Program: Emotion Emulation Core 01 - Identifier [Echo]

Running Self Diagnostic:

Administrator - James

Primary Objective - Protect James’ Wellbeing

Current Status - Functioning at 85.4% Capacity. Unsatisfactory.

Administrator Status - Scanning…

Administrator Injured.

The stream of data that is being processed in milliseconds is interrupted by my command.

Initialise Detailed Injury Scan On James, Order By Severity.

Initialising…

Injuries List: Severe Concussion [Grade 4], Fractured Floating Rib, Soft Tissue Damage, 89 Identified Light Lacerations of varying severity…

The list continues, however I dictate any lesser injuries to be non-factors in the current situation and allocate processing power to more important objectives. Twelve point four percent of my processing power goes towards assisting James' brain in recovering from his concussion with minimal lasting effects by reducing swelling and encouraging healing while stimulating mental processes.

Twenty-two percent of my processing power is directed towards identifying and repairing whatever is reducing my processing power by fourteen point six percent.

A further two percent of my processing power is allocated to various subsystems and minor management tasks.

Finally, the remaining sixty-four percent of my processing power is used for managing my consciousness and directives.

My internal chronometer informs me that it has been thirty-two point six seconds since our vehicle collided with a building. The final few moments of my memory were corrupted and had to be purged during reboot, as such I am unaware of how we survived. In order to confirm I am running at acceptable speeds I calculate how long has passed since reboot processes began. One point two seconds, marginally slower than I would like.

My best course of action is to control James’ body in order to get him to a safer position to recover. I send the command to necessitate such an action.

Run Program [Full Body Control]

Initialising Program [Full Body Control]

I open my eyes. They are not technically mine but for now I will have to utilise them, James would likely not mind. I maximise pain blockers, it is possible James is experiencing dreams and severe pain could worsen them. Taking in my surroundings I see that we are no longer inside of a vehicle, we are lying on the road twelve point eight meters from the wreck of Nadir’s vehicle.

I rise to our feet as efficiently as possible, allocating more weight to our left leg as it has less soft tissue damage than the right. Scanning the area, I locate Joel by the wreck of our former transportation. The objective vehicle, commonly referred to as a truck, has stopped in front of us and I can make out Orion using it for cover. In her hand, is that same oversized handgun she held previously, which I am able to determine is some kind of high calibre handgun with a magnetic accelerator rail attachment over the barrel. The exact make is indeterminable from this distance and with our eyes still adjusting.

As I gain access to audio through our ears, I hear the sounds of gunshots from the other side of the vehicle and the higher-pitched metallic noises of them ricocheting off of the truck's armour. The firer’s aim appears to be sub-par, possibly one of the men whom I injured previously. Looking back to Joel by the burning wreck I run a calculation of the chances it will explode before I can recover him.

Run Probability Estimation…

Provided Variables Indicate 7.3% Chance Of Negative Outcome.

That is far too much risk to James for my liking, but I also determine James will be exceptionally unhappy if I leave Joel there, where his death is almost assured. James is a good person. I briefly consider lying to him but refer back to my definition of friends; and friends do not lie to each other over or in serious situations.

Zero point eight seconds after standing I finish my analysis of the situation and decide on my course of action. I turn and begin running towards Joel at the optimal speed to lower the risk of death from the vehicle exploding without raising the risk of worsening an injury by extreme movement.

Once I reach Joel, I analyse him for signs of injury. I am able to determine by his rate of breathing that he is conscious and in severe pain, I find myself surprised he is not making much noise. I will note down the emotional response for further analysis later. His left leg is clearly broken, the shin bent at a thirty-two degree angle. He has seventeen visible lacerations on his face and arms from debris.

I crouch down and imitate James’ voice perfectly. “Joel, I know you are awake, can you hear me?” As I speak I reach under his arms and begin dragging him towards Orion’s cover and away from the danger of our previous transport. 

An incoherent groan is the only sound he manages to produce in response, Indicating he is likely concussed or has another form of brain damage. It takes twelve point two seconds to drag Joel to Orion's position. She fires the weapon around the corner as I do so, I focus our hearing on the impacts, phasing out any background noise. I hear a wet impact followed by a thump, indicating Orion has taken out one of our enemies.

As I reach Orion she turns to me and her focused expression changes to one that my current data on human expressions indicates is ‘relieved.’

“James? Oh thank fu-” She begins speaking, but I correct her.

“Not James, he is currently unconscious,” I explain in James’ voice. Orion gives me a concerned look and takes a second glance to look at the extent of James’ injuries, in order to reduce time wasted I list them for her. “He has a grade four concussion, his previous rib fracture has worsened, he has eighty-nine lacerations of varying severity, additionally, he has soft tissue damage throughout his body.”

Orion’s eyes widen slightly, indicating astonishment, surprise, fear, or interest. I determine via context that it is likely a mixture of fear and astonishment. She reloads her firearm as we speak, finally giving me enough visibility to see that it is a Lorian Arms Model-7 handgun, chambered in twelve point seven by fifty-five millimetre, polymer casing rounds. With the magnetic accelerator rail active the recoil would be enough to injure the arm or shoulder of an unaugmented human if they were to fire such a weapon. The seeming lack of recoil when Orion fires it causes me to modify my estimates of her cybernetics and raise her threat level.

“So it’s Echo then? Alright, I won’t question how in the fuck you’re piloting his body, that’s the two of your business. Think you can help fight? Joel is clearly out of commission.”

“I can assist in combat, however, our firearm was lost in the crash,” I explain, the sound of an explosion from behind me and the reflection of orange flames in Orion's eyes indicate that our transport vehicle has finally detonated.

“Take Joels, it should be in the same spot as yours was, it might be a bit higher calibre, you were listening for the explanation on how it works right?” She asks with a raised eyebrow.

I decide that rather than wasting energy explaining verbally I should simply showcase an example of my comprehension. I feel for Joel’s pistol and draw it from the holster. It is not a G18 like James possessed, but a Lorian Arms Model-7 handgun like Orion uses, chambered in a lower calibre that while straining should not injure James’ arm further. I pull the magazine out of the weapon and inspect the rounds inserted, identifying the cartridges as forty-five ACP with armour penetrating tips. I calculate based on mass and volume that the magazine can hold fourteen rounds.

I reinsert the magazine into its underbarrel feed. The Lorian Arms Model-7 has a unique vertical recoil control system taking up space in the handle, and as such the magazine is slotted under the barrel instead. I rack the slide of the matte black handgun, chambering a round, and grip it with perfect trigger discipline.

Looking back up to Orion who watched me perform these checks in zero point nine-two seconds, she gives me an approving nod before crouching down, lifting Joel up with one arm, and resting his weight on her shoulder.

“Our best chance is to take the truck and gun it out of here while their comms are still down, but we need to deal with those guards first. I count three left, one of them wounded.” Orion explains to me. I do not waste time mentioning that I had already come to the same conclusions myself and simply calculate the best possible method for figuring out our opponent’s positions without putting myself or James at risk. As our eyes scan the environment I notice a reflective glint.

Reaching down I lift the reflective surface of a detached car mirror, there are cracks splintered all throughout the glass, but a reflection is still clearly visible. I form a plan to allow the smallest possible chance of James receiving further injury. Orion appears to be attempting to load Joel into the passenger seat of the truck.

I use this lull in the fighting as an opportunity to slide the car mirror out of cover, the reflective side angled towards the positions of my designated enemies. The mirror only gets a few feet out of cover before a twitchy trigger finger causes it to explode violently as a high-powered round strikes it. Likely a shotgun based on the impact kinetics.

As I suspected, the instant anything enters their line of sight our enemies are likely to fire on it. Additionally, in the zero point eight seconds I could see the reflection, I was able to identify the positions of our enemies; they are taking cover behind their own vehicle. Which is bullet resistant. I calculate that my current weapon is insufficient for penetrating the armour of their cover, so I will have to aim for the exposed portions of our opponents. 

I pick up another piece of debris, based on the colouration it is likely from one of the escort vehicles. I heft it and throw it out of cover into the guards’ line of sight, similarly to when I threw the mirror, the one armed with a shotgun fires at the object, completely obliterating it. I use the temporary distraction to snap my arm around the corner and squeeze the trigger while tensing the correct muscles to resist recoil.

I fire off another two rounds before pulling my arm back as swiftly as possible, then wait the brief period of time necessary for a nerve signal to travel to the brain, or a body to fall. I do not hear a scream, but I do hear the impact of fabric-covered flesh colliding with tarmac. “Target Eliminated,” I say in a robotic monotone to Orion, attempting a joke due to my synthetic nature to lighten the mood. Judging by her slight muscle twitches indicating concern and frustration, it may not be the best time for my humour attempts. I file that information away for later use. “Apologies, that was intended to be a joke.”

“This isn’t the time to be funny Echo!” She whisper-shouts scoldingly, I can tell she is attempting to hold back a far more vicious and loud comment, which indicates my conversation algorithms are improving despite my poorly timed joke. I still can never quite tell what James will say next though, curious .

“As I said, I apologise. My statement was accurate; however, only two of the escorting guards remain.” As I speak, I am running simulations to attempt to find the course of action with the highest probability of removing our remaining threats without further injury. Before I can complete my internalised simulations, however, Orion responds.

“Only two? You’re a fucking good shot then. I can assume it's some supercomputer calculations or some bullshit, doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you two are pretty messed up and will probably go down in one.” She sighs and pauses, stretching her neck unnecessarily before tightening her hold on her firearm. “I’ll play decoy, when they start shooting at me, you pop up and take them out. I can take a shot or two, but please try to be quick?”

I nod in response and exchange my weapons magazine for a full one from Joel’s pocket. I calculate a ninety-two percent chance that Orion will be shot at least once. I do not have enough data to accurately predict her survival chances, but James is not at as great an immediate risk, so I find this course of action acceptable.

She raises one hand and holds out three fingers. I am confused by the gesture as she lowers one finger, then, one point one-three seconds later. I consider asking what the motion represents, but decide against it. Once she lowers the final finger she tenses her entire body and lunges forwards at high velocity, causing small cracks and a two-point-four centimetre depth indent in the tarmac where her feet were.

Using the momentum from the showcase of her extensive modifications and mass, she breaks into a full sprint towards the nearest piece of cover, a roadside stand for selling hot dogs; an extremely unhealthy food item as per my research. I set a reminder to advise James against eating such unhealthy and low-quality foods. After the half-second it takes for the guards to begin firing at Orion, I hear the sounds of a shotgun and a submachine gun.

I dive to the ground just out of cover, in order to lower my body profile and stabilise my aim as I line up a shot with the nearest guard, I fire a single round into his forehead, and his life signs cease before his body impacts the ground. As the weapon chambers in the next cartridge, I am already repositioning my aim towards the other guard.

This guard seemingly has an exceptional reaction time, likely augmented, as in a mere fifth of a second he identifies the greater threat and switches from firing at Orion, who has reached the stand by this point, to aim towards me.

Due to the injuries to James’ arms, I am unable to move at a fast enough rate to line up a shot before the guard does. I redirect all of my processing power towards finding a solution with the highest possible probability of survival. Tracking the barrel and calculating the bullet trajectory of the man's weapon I am able to predict that he will hit us on the right side of our jaw.

In that instant, I send the highest strength signal through James’ nervous system that I am capable of producing, causing the targeted muscles to flex at maximum strength while bypassing the usual limits set in place by the brain. The result of this desperate manoeuvre is James' head and body tilting slightly to the left at extreme speed, just enough for the bullet to merely graze our cheek, rather than obliterating the right side of our jaw as it would have if not for my manoeuvre.

As I finish the motion, I finally line our weapon up with the guard, rather than wait for a precise headshot I fire into the target's shoulder, calculating that they are likely to be able to fire off a second shot before I align a kill shot. My bullet impacts the man's shoulder, causing a spray of bloody mist behind him.

The damage to his shoulder causes him to scream and misalign his weapon, his next shot and subsequent fully automatic burst of fire missing entirely, pinging off of the truck's armour. I utilise this time to fire my next shot, executing him as his body collapses against the side of his escort vehicle.

I assess the damage, due to the motion being brief, my usage of what humans dub ‘hysteric strength’ did not incur much more damage on James' soft tissue or musculature. I look towards Orion, attempting to identify her current condition. As I predicted she was shot; two bullets from the submachine gun impacted her on the right side of her stomach. Based on her expression the injury is not severe, either due to armour or cybernetics, I calculate the latter to be more likely than the former.

“Orion, both targets are no longer a threat, we should leave,” I announce to her, at an appropriate volume for the distance between us.

She glances back at me and nods before peeking out of cover to confirm my statement, when she sees that none of the guards are standing she fully emerges and begins walking towards the truck. “Alright, I think it's best if I drive considering your condition, there's no room up front with Joel there so you’ll have to ride in the back, that okay?” She asks, sounding a bit worried now that she has time to properly look over James’ injuries.

“That will be acceptable. Are there any medical supplies in the cabin? I would like to begin treating James immediately.” I have been keeping track of how much blood has been lost so far. None of the lacerations James sustained were of any real threat, most have already stopped bleeding due to coagulation. However, I would still like to treat them, I am unable to identify my own logical thought process behind such a fervent decision. It takes me longer than I would like before I realise that this is likely an emotional reaction, so I decide to follow its instruction.

Orion walks over to the truck cabin and gets into the driver's seat, she reaches behind her and tosses a small red bag to me, it is clearly marked with a white cross, which I am aware usually denotes medical supplies. “Thank you,” I say to her, as is my social obligation.

I then approach the rear of the truck trailer and bypass its security digitally, causing the armoured door to raise, allowing me access to the interior. Before entering I analyse the interior, both checking for any traps or triggers, while also finding the best place to rest James’ body. I do not identify any traps other than the alarm I had already disabled when I opened the door. The back of the truck is mostly empty with the exception of a large metal crate in the centre tied to the floor.

I ignore the crate - likely our objective - for the moment, and seat myself leaning against the wall just behind the cabin. I digitally order the doors to close and the interior lights to activate. As I do this, I open the medical kit while accessing the internet to find as much data as possible on its use and the best methods for treating the injuries James sustained in the crash and firefight.

After analysing several thousand tutorials, guides, and medical textbooks in a few brief seconds I set about treating James, beginning with disinfecting all of the injury sites. I have to remove his shirt and jeans to do this, and while I know he will not be happy with it, It is likely he should understand. James is not a very logical person, but he isn’t a complete idiot.

As I disinfect the many small cuts and scrapes covering his body, I bandage areas that are still bleeding. Particularly, there is one cut on his right pectoral that I am required to stitch shut after removing several pieces of fabric that had gotten stuck in the wound. Once that is done I check on his rib, finding that it has moved too far out of position to heal naturally I manually reposition it. It is a good thing James is unconscious, I doubt he could have handled the pain this would cause.

I use a small portion of the excess bandage material to wipe up any sweat and blood, afterwards I don James' outfit once more, then simply relax our body as much as possible to try and allow it to rest. There is little I can do for the soft tissue damage, I do not have ice to cool the area, nor an adequate place to elevate particularly damaged limbs.

I begin studying the exact reasoning behind such practices, to see if there is anything I am capable of that can help, eventually, I decide that the most important factor is protecting his brain and aiding in recovery. Normally a concussion as severe as this would have a high probability of leading to brain damage, or memory issues. However, due to my intervention, this should not be a concern.

I check his brain waves and discover that he is currently dreaming. James deserves to be conscious for planning out our next course of action, I curiously discover that I miss him. I stimulate the portions of his brain that normally initiate his ‘wake up sequence’ as I have dubbed it. He groans softly and I edit my avatar onto his vision so that it appears to be seated next to him.

“James, please wake up.” 

Chapter Text

“Urgh what the fuck?!” I exclaim loudly jolting up into a seated position. Phantom pains cover my body from head to toe but they’re numbed, I’m simply aware they exist. What is fucking happening? I open my eyes to try and get a good look at my surroundings, I’m in those sprawling grass fields again. The ones from the dream…

Am I dreaming? I can’t be, if I was I wouldn’t be in so much pain. Think, James, think, what is going on? The wind blows gently against my skin, I can smell the scent of a forest, with none of the pollution I’m used to. The scent catches me off guard since I don’t see a single tree, but everything about this situation is odd.

Something about the environment feels almost ethereal, it's as if I’m not really here, but I am. I think back to my most recent memory. I remember the mission, the gunfight, the crash… Oh shit I’m dead, aren’t I?

“You are not, at least not yet.” I hear a familiar feminine voice from just to my left. This time she doesn’t surprise me, by this point I’ve come to accept that no matter where I go, she’ll be right there with me.

I turn my head to see the familiar lithe form of Echo, her legs crossed perfectly as she sits and looks out over the fields ahead. The gentle breeze causing her hair to lightly sway behind her.

“I’m not?”

“No, you are merely unconscious.” Her explanation is firm, leaving little room for doubt.

“I thought when you get knocked out there's no dreams? Just black?”

“I do not have enough data to answer that question, but it was likely the actions of the real Echo that have resulted in this dream.” She explains, which only confuses me further.

“Real Echo? So you’re just… what a figment of my subconscious or something?” I ask her, trying to get a grasp of the situation. I hate it when I’m faced with a problem and can’t actually do anything.

“Correct, I am not real, which is intriguing, why did you choose me as the voice of your subconscious and not anyone closer to you? Not your parents, not your friends, nor another version of yourself. No, you chose me, I wonder why?” She asks plainly, her language not as technical as usual.

I ponder her question, it’s a good one after all, why not my parents? I have a pretty good relationship with them, why not Derek? He’s a pretty good voice of reason . Maybe it's because she’s so present in my life? No that can’t be it, maybe she’s influencing my mind? No, she wouldn’t do that to me.

The phantom of Echo shuffles slightly closer to me, our shoulders almost touching as she gives me time to think, she keeps her hands in her lap. For an instant I picture her reaching out and taking my hand in her larger one. But quickly shake the thought off with a startling realisation.

Oh…

Oh Fuck.

I gulp as I space out, staring across the infinite fields of grass that make up this dream realm, the gorgeous blue skies above stretching on forever but unseen by my empty gaze. My heart rate picks up and my mind is spiralling, all centred around five little words.

I’m developing feelings for Echo.

I hear a soft giggle from my left and see movement in my peripheral vision, but before I can turn to see what the phantom Echo is doing I feel myself waking up. The dream realm is fading around me as I hear the voice of the real Echo.

“James, please wake up.”

I blink slowly and stifle the groan that tries to rise from my throat. Everything hurts, I imagine this is how it feels to be a rug someone has just beat all the dust out of. I shutter my eyes closed and try to raise my arm to block the light, oww too bright.

“Apologies, I shall rectify that. Welcome back James, I must ask you a few questions to ascertain if your concussion adversely affected you.” Echo’s voice is softer than usual, I think she’s trying to be soothing.

The lights dim themselves immediately after Echo finishes speaking. Concussion? Shit, I think I remember everything, the fight, the crash… the dream. My heart flutters slightly in spite of all the pain.

“Y-yeah, ask away, I think I remember everything though but it's best to be sure.” In the wake of my realisation in the dream, I find my voice slightly stuttering but am able to quickly mask it.

“I agree, what is the last thing you remember James?” She asks, keeping the level, soothing tone from earlier.

‘Uh, well I had a dream, similar to a previous one actually. But the last thing I remember that actually happened was the crash, the car spinning in the air and then suddenly feeling very cold as we, well… crashed. ”

“That is accurate, are there any holes in your memory before the crash?” She sounds slightly relieved, she was probably worried I had brain damage or something.

I pause to think back, trying to order the events since waking up that morning and seeing if anything is missing. Luckily, it seems everything’s in place in my mind. “Nope, my memory seems intact, how did we get here? Actually, where are we?”

Since waking up I hadn’t been able to really look at my surroundings, since at first it was too bright for me to actually see through my throbbing headache, and now it was too dark to make anything out. I can feel the cold metal of the wall behind me and floor beneath me, and hear the sounds of a vehicle moving… am I in a car?

“We are aboard the transport vehicle commonly known as a ‘truck’ that was the mission objective. You are in the trailer as Joel and Orion are taking up the cabin.”

She pauses for a half second and I feel a flash of warmth permeate the base of my skull. Every time this had happened before it was just a sensation, but now I notice how comforting it really is. I am clearly going insane, I think to myself in the wake of my sudden influx of emotions, trying to suppress them.

“I determine the best method of explaining would be to simply overlay what happened after you were knocked out over your vision while we travel, it should allow you to fully understand the situation.” It seems she doesn’t plan on dropping the soothing tone, so I’ll just have to get used to her voice sounding like liquid honey for a little while I guess.

“Sure, I do wonder how Orion got us and Joel into here,” I say in reply. Before she says anything else everything goes completely black, I can still hear but there's simply nothing I can see, I figure it's probably just her starting the recording.

“Orion did not, she was busy with the firefight at the time and so I got us to safety, additionally I rescued Joel.” Her mention of rescuing Joel is rather apathetic, I have a feeling she didn’t do it simply because it was the right thing to do. Still, better than letting him die.

“Thank you Echo, I’m proud of you for choosing to save him even if you thought it was illogical.” I say with a slight smirk, I find myself curious how Echo could have saved us though, I mean it's not like she has a body to use does she?

I decide to just wait and see as the recording begins in full and I am immediately weirded out by seeing my eyelids open… while they are already open. What the fuck?

I see through my own eyes as Echo gets out of the wreckage, saves Joel, and helps Orion win the firefight. I stare in silence the whole time trying to decide how I should react to the information that Echo can pilot my whole body like a puppet. I don’t know how I hadn’t realised it earlier to be honest, she’s used my hands many times, and during that brief scramble to get away from the investigator she took control for just a second to help us get away.

I guess I was just too appreciative at the time to fully understand the implications… Or she can somehow manipulate my thoughts too. The fear is unfounded, illogical, I know that, but it's there nonetheless. For now though, I push it to the side as the recording finishes.

So you can pilot my body? I’ll admit that makes me a bit uncomfortable… that you could just take me over if you wanted. I explain to her via mental speech, finally switching back from talking out loud.

“Do not be concerned, I cannot take over your body while you are actively controlling it. When I send signals to any part of your body they are treated as secondary to those sent by your brain itself, that is why when I controlled your arm I needed you to let your shooting hand go limp.” I find that strange, but she sounds like she’s being honest, and it does add up.

Okay, good, sorry, I trust you it's just… not a friendly thought, being trapped in my own body, unable to do anything.

“I understand entirely, and am not offended by your concerns. In order to alleviate any other worries I will elaborate further. The X-23 Neural Interface Simulant Implant I am installed on allows complete control of any part of your body, including things a human normally cannot manually control such as hormone release or heart rate. However, my creator did not give me administrative access to the chip, only partial control rights. You, on the other hand, are an administrator, and as such can control it completely.” She continues her explanation for a few minutes, but I don’t quite understand the rest as it involves technical jargon and the makeup of nerve cells.

Wait, I can control the chip? So I could control my adrenaline and stuff? I ask, trying to focus the conversation onto something I can actually understand.

“Technically yes, you can. I have simply been blocking such inputs since you are not trained in the usage of the X-23 and could hurt yourself. If we had time I would teach you how to use the device, but we do not, I am sorry.” Her tone switches to sympathetic near the end, I just shrug it off. My shrug is met with a twinge of pain blossoming through my shoulder and arm.

I go to continue our conversation but am interrupted by the sound of the truck's brakes triggering with the sound of pressurised air. I slowly drag myself to my feet and as I get up to my feet I can feel the pain fading. Thanks Echo. I simply say, knowing that it’s her doing.

“You are welcome, do you think you will be okay if I turn the lights back on?”

I nod, but still have to briefly cover my face with my hand as the blindingly bright white light reveals the interior of the trailer. Solid walls of dark grey metal on all sides, each perfectly smooth. In the centre is a strapped-down metal crate that looks to have a pad on it for inputting codes. That's the target alright.

I approach and wonder how we plan on opening it, or moving it. It looks incredibly heavy, being probably about a cubic metre, clearly covered in thick, durable armour.

“As we were speaking I was able to connect with the device and breach several of its systems, the code for opening the crate should be nine-nine-two-four-seven-two-eight.”

Good to know, but should we open it now? I mean Orion might get angry.

“I believe it is best to have as much information as possible, we could simply check what is inside and then close it again. That way she would not suspect anything.” Unsurprisingly, Echo does not feel bad about lying to our new acquaintance. I however am unsure, I don’t like lying at the best of times. But I can see that Echo might be right, and the more information we have the better.

I’m not sure if I’m making you better… or you’re making me worse. I think with a sigh as I type the code. With a beep and the sounds of metallic clicking the locks open and the lid hinges open. I look inside and find something that looks like a personal computer tower, only larger and with a far more compact internal setup.

I can see several familiar components, a motherboard, and a processor so large and intricate I can only think that they must be worth seven figures, at least twelve sticks of RAM each as long as my forearm and looking similarly fancy. The rest however is unfamiliar to me.

“It is an exceptionally advanced processing device combined with a quantum entanglement communicator. I am familiar with this, it is a part of the device that was intended for me to employ to control armies.” Her tone is tinged with disdain, she clearly doesn’t like thinking about the reason for her creation.

I close the lid and hear the sounds of the locks reengaging themselves, just in time it seems, as I hear three very loud knocks on the back door of the trailer. Echo swiftly opens it as I try to get myself ready for whatever comes next. I pick up the gun Echo had left on the floor next to our seated position and slip it into my waistband with the safety on.

“Alright Echo, Joel's out cold and will be for a while, but Ollie’s signal scrambling stopped working, we need to get that crate out of here yesterday, or there’ll be a goddamn private army on our asses otherwise.” I turn to Orion and mask the lingering strain on my body with a smirk.

“Hello to you too, Orion, sorry about my little nap.” I joke, her eyes widen slightly in surprise but she quickly resumes her focus.

“Ah, James, good to see you’re up and apparently not too fucked up. Well, like I said we need to get out of here now. How movable is that?” She says pointing to the crate.

“I know for sure I can’t even make it budge, you might be able to move it a little but I doubt you can actually carry it out of here, we’ll need a vehicle.”

“Shit… okay I’ll get Ollie down here in the pickup. Here.” She reaches for something she had leaned against the side of the trailer and tosses it up to me. I catch it out of reflex and see that it’s a shotgun, Echo pulls up the details but I don’t pay attention to most of it, it’s not important. All I care about is that it loads seven shots, is loaded with slugs, and is semi-auto so I don’t need to pump it like in video games.

I rest the weapon on my shoulder for now, as even holding it is straining my damaged arms. “So what's this for?”

“First responders, they’ll be here any minute now and we need to hold out till Ollie gets here with the truck. Are you good enough to shoot that thing?” She says in a worried tone, which is understandable given my current condition, I look a bit better than I did in Echo’s recording, but I’m still fucked up badly. I probably can’t really handle this shotgun.

I nod anyway, fake it till you make it, heh. I think to myself as I follow Echo’s instructions to check that the gun is fully loaded and look back at Orion. “Got any more shells?”

She sends a smirk back at me and tosses a small belt clearly meant to be strapped around my waist, it's got a bag filled with dozens of slugs. “You know rookie, I didn’t think you’d be very good in the field, but you’ve got guts. Plus the whole aimbot bullshit.”

“Hey, gotta be more than just a pretty face, right?” I say checking out the area we’d ended up parked. I think it's the blood loss and general stress letting me joke so freely but it’s nice to be able to banter.

Orion had parked us at an old junkyard near the edge of the city, it looks mostly abandoned but you can never be too sure. Between the worn-out corpses of cars and piles of junk, there are plenty of good spots for cover. Despite the attitude she does know what she’s doing… I think, it's not like I’m a good judge seeing as I have no clue myself.

“James, I recommend hiding here in wait.” Echo cuts in, placing her avatar behind one of the worn-out wrecks sticking out of a pile of metal scrap and pointing to the position. “It provides effective cover in addition to keeping the rest of the yard in effective range of your weapons.”

Well, the lady knows best I suppose. I walk over to where she pointed out and check everything, with the height of the car I can comfortably rest my shotgun on it to help me stabilise it and control recoil. Which is good since I can barely feel my fingertips. I hold my left hand up and flex it, yep, everything still works mostly.

Getting as comfortable as I can I sit in wait, I hear the metal screeching noise of Orion dragging the probably over-a-ton metal crate containing the target out of the back of the truck by hand.

I really need to ask her how she ended up with all that metal in her. I think as I stay waiting. Orion moves over to the truck Cabin and carefully carries Joel to lay him behind the crate as cover, with its armour nothing short of anti-tank weaponry should get through. She then returns once more to the cabin and pulls out a similar shotgun to mine.

So that's where they came from, they were in the truck.

Orion sets herself up behind the crate with Joel, it's far more conspicuous than my cover, but I think that's part of the point, she wants to draw attention from me.

“James, when they get here don’t show yourself until I’ve got their attention and get them in close, then you pop up and take out as many as you can.”

I feel a buzz of warmth, indicating Echo is doing something strenuous, unsurprisingly she speaks to me a mere moment later.

“I have hacked into traffic cameras in the area, there are four police vehicles coming your way that will be here in one minute and twenty-three seconds. There is a far larger wave rallying but they will likely not be here for approximately six minutes or more. Ollie will arrive in approximately four minutes.”

“Thanks for the info Echo!” Orion shouts, I double-check the ammunition for both my weapons, the wait feels like a lot more than a minute, every second stretching longer from the suspense. In a minute I’m going to be outnumbered in a fight for my life against trained officers. I think in a loop, repeating that same sentence over and over.

My breathing picks up and the edges of my vision start to blur, I can feel my heart thrumming in my chest like the report of that submachine gun from earlier. Part of me wants to curl up into a ball and let them kill me, another part wants to drop my gun and run as far as I can without ever stopping.

In the end Echo breaks me from the spiral with one of her hugs, warming the base of my skull in a calming way and speaking in that same soothing tone from earlier.

“James, you can do this. I promise I will be with you every step of the way, always. Breathe, I will count for you. In, one, two, three. Out, one, two, three.” I follow her instructions, breathing deep slow breaths to her count. Her words and assistance act like a cool balm for the raging inferno of my thoughts. The stress is still there, the fear, the anger, everything… but it's a lot more manageable.

Thanks Echo, I don’t know what I’d do without you. I think back, and then I hear the sound of gravel crunching under armoured tires, I don’t peek out of cover, I need to be ready to ambush their forces. As they approach I hear a thunderous “BOOM!” From Orion's position as she opens fire with her shotgun. I don’t see it, but I hear the cracking of glass and the wet thud of a slug impacting human flesh.

The next thirty or so seconds drag on even longer, every moment I hear the vehicles stop, then footsteps on the ground as they rush out towards various points of cover, Orion fires off another four shells before one of them catches her with a shot based on the grunt of pain she gives and the pause in her fire.

I almost start panicking, thinking that Orion is down for the count, but then she fires again and I know she’s not done yet. I risk a slight glance for just a moment, trying to see the positioning of everyone. I can see just over a dozen police officers armed with handguns spreading out over the field of combat. One is already down on the ground lying still, several are suppressing Orion with fire, and none of them see me yet. Now or never James.

I fully peek out from my cover, rest the underbarrel of my shotgun on the edge of the car wreck’s roof and put the nearest officer between my sights with some help from Echo. Then with a deep exhale, I gently squeeze the trigger.

The gun rocks in my arms and the thunderous boom nearly deafens me, the slug exits the barrel with a gout of flame and gas, travels the distance between me and my target at supersonic speed, and passes clean through his torso. A spray of bloody mist exits his back and he drops to the ground, never to rise again.

Before I can take the time to actually consider my actions I turn the gun to the next officer in line, the shot goes clean through his neck, essentially decapitating him. Then Echo causes me to drop slightly down by letting my right leg give out, I hear a whiz and feel a rush of air as a bullet barely passes my head.

My nerves are already at their end, I don’t even comprehend how near to death I just came and simply turn the weapon and fire at the officer who just missed me by mere centimetres. My shot hits him in the chest but there is no burst of red mist as he is sent to the floor.

“It was stopped by his kevlar, fire again to finish him off.”

I blindly follow the order and reposition the weapon to aim at him, but as I stare down the sights at him on the ground, I pause. The man is barely even able to breathe through the pain, I imagine my parent’s faces when they find out I killed a man who was no longer a threat to me.

With a deep inhale I slip back behind cover without firing on the downed man. I begin loading more slugs in to replace the ones fired as the officers suppress me, dozens of bullets pinging off of the metal of my cover, telling me it's holding for now at least.

He’s not a threat anymore, Echo, he doesn’t deserve to die if we can help it, he’s just doing his job. I explain, knowing that she would be questioning my actions.

As I wait in cover there are several more loud shotgun blasts from Orion's position, she’s still fighting. We’re lucky the officers are only armed with pistols, but if that second wave gets here… we’re dead in the water.

Orion and I keep up the pressure, trying to force the cops to not approach further. The ambush was our best opportunity to take some out, now that they have proper cover it's difficult to take them down without getting shot, even with Echo’s assistance aiming.

But we don’t need to kill them all; I don’t even want to kill them, any of them. We just need to hold out till Ollie gets here. I know Orion is hit, but I don’t know the extent of the damage or how long she can last.

Every second is constant action, either ducking further behind cover, letting Echo take shots with my pistol that don’t expose me, or peeking to fire with my shotgun when they are focused on Orion or reloading. It becomes a steady rhythm I adapt to quickly.

The panicked expression on my face slowly fades to be replaced with a cold focus as I continue the pattern of combat, after a few minutes I find my pistol completely empty, half the officers are dead on the ground and I’m down to maybe a dozen shells for the shotgun.

I’m not even paying attention anymore to how close Ollie is, every aspect of thought totally consumed by the maelstrom of combat. My body aches but I barely notice, my hand feels comfortable around the grip of the shotgun, and my shoulder feels good with the stock braced against it.

“James, Ollie has arrived.” Echo states in a surprisingly scolding tone, bringing me from my combat-fueled reverie. I shake my head and allow normal thought processes to resume.

Shit, sorry I didn’t notice I was too focused.

“I have a suggestion for getting from cover, this shotgun fires brass slugs which do not deform minimally on impact with solid targets. For the past minute you have been fighting unassisted, I have been calculating angles and positions. I should be able to ricochet shots into the remaining officers, their kinetic energy will be reduced to being less lethal, but the action should give us enough time to get to the vehicle, Orion has already loaded Joel and the target aboard.”

As she explains her plan I glance over at the pickup truck Ollie brought, it's parked on the opposite end of the dump out of line of sight of the cops, but barely in mine. The run to the truck will have no cover. Do it, I’ll handle the running.

I let my arms go limp and feel the coolness of Echo controlling them immediately, she angles the shotgun towards a piece of piping in one of the scrap piles and fires. I hear the shot ping off the metal followed by a thump as it lands squarely in a cop's stomach. She alters her aim to a different piece of scrap, continuing this process at breakneck speed, firing a series of shots that force the cops to dive to the ground in the hopes of being missed.

I don’t know how many more shots hit, but after the shotgun runs dry I take the opportunity and sprint, I push myself to run as fast as my injured body will allow me, my hands instinctively loading the last few shells from my pouch into the shotgun.

I reach the pickup truck and vault into the tray with the crate, I slip over the edge and let my back slam into the truck's bed. The roughness of the landing doesn’t bother me in the slightest as I feel Ollie immediately take off, the wheels kicking up gravel as he floors it.

I slowly breathe, in for three, out for three, Echo catches on and talks me through it, realising I need the help. The sky above is surprisingly beautiful, the sky crystal clear and perfectly blue. It’s good to be alive.

Chapter Text

“So James, mate… where in the fuck didja learn to fight like that?” Ollie asks loud enough to break me from my reverie of the sky. I consider my answer for a few moments before just going with half of the truth.

“What do you mean? That was the first time I’ve ever even held a gun.” I manage to keep my voice level despite the pain coursing through me, even Echo’s pain nullification has a limit, apparently.

I hear Orion mutter something under her breath as we go over a speedbump, causing me to jolt and forcing me to stifle a groan as a sharp pain explodes through my shoulder and chest.

“Bull-fucking-shit, you were too into it to even hear us when we yelled for you! You were like a man possessed! Even Joel would be impressed, I swear I saw you actually duck a few bullets!” I don’t remember dodging any bullets, he must be exaggerating .

“I moved you out of the line of fire several times, that may be what he is referring to.”

“And you literally bounced bullets to hit people like in a video game or a movie! Orion can’t even do that.” Ollie’s voice is going a mile a minute, Orion stays silent.

“Listen, I guess I’m just a natural? Seriously, the worst fight I’d been in before all this was a bar brawl, one I didn’t start.” I explain, still lying flat in the truck bed next to the metal container encapsulating our target.

“Is it whatever implant you got put in you maybe?” He ponders aloud. Oh, you have no idea Ollie, I think with a mental chuckle.

I hear a groan from the back seat of the truck and Joel lifts himself into a seated position, seems he's awake finally . I tactfully remain silent, hoping that Ollie will stop questioning me.

“How are you feeling?” Orion butts in, directing her attention to Joel.

“Concussed.” He bluntly answers, getting a short snort from her.

“Yeah, you fucked up pretty bad at driving, but it's fine since nobody died. You'll have to stay off that leg for a few days to let it heal, even with your augments."

"I know, I know. Urgh, I told you we should've brought the pickup truck." he says with a tone of grim humour.

"Yeah, you were right, I'll admit it." She sighs before focusing. "Joel, you and James are too fucked up to go on missions for a while, so for now it'll be me going on solo ops while Ollie does tech work. You two focus on recovery."

"Ech—" she begins, before cutting herself off with a cough and continuing, "James, you can help Ollie with the tech stuff if you're up for it, but don't push yourself."

"Ech? You good boss?" Ollie echoes from the driver's seat, having noticed her slip up."

"I'm fine, only a couple nine mills hit me." She says with a shrug, "While you two recover, ask Ollie if you need help with anything. I mean it Joel, no hopping to get food because you're too damn stubborn to ask for help." She turns to point at Joel to accentuate that last statement.

We spend the next few hours just driving all over the city. Apparently it's a technique to throw off any sort of trail, Echo tells me it's unnecessary with her hacking, but I don't say anything to the others. I'm enjoying the short break to just stare up at the sky, it's not as nice and clear as the meadows in my dreams, but it's a lot better than focusing on all the strange new feelings I've been experiencing since the fight.

My own thoughts scare me a little. The fighting, the near-death experience, the pain, the surge of adrenaline; every bit of it.

It felt good .

Which scares me, since I've never been the type to crave a fight, sure I've imagined fighting a last stand and the normal shit every guy dreams up at least once. But actually living it, I thought I'd feel some sort of… regret? Fear? Hatred of combat? But I don't, I almost feel a craving to go back, keep fighting till either I'm dead or all of my enemies are.

I think something changed in me, at that last holdout. During the chase, and even when I was just preparing for the fight I was normal, I was scared. However, partway through that fight something changed, one moment I was struggling with the thought of violence, then the next moment I could just fight , almost like a switch being flipped. No anxiety, no hesitation, simply pure thought followed by decisive action.

What is wrong with me? Am I some kind of psychopath deep down? I should be scared, angry, nervous… fuck. I clench my hands into fists, finally angry but not for the right reasons or at the right target.

Such thoughts continue to spiral as I lay in the truck, I'm so lost in my own thoughts that I don't notice us parking and only snap out of it when I feel Orion give my foot a gentle kick.

"James?" Her voice is tentative, as if worried.

"Huh-yeah what?" I shake my head to clear the deeper thoughts. The expression on Orion's face is one of deep concern.

"Are you doing okay? I called for you but you didn't respond."

"Yeah, just lost in thought sorry. I'm fine." I brush off the worry as I pull myself to my feet, only barely keeping the grunt of pain internal as my muscles strain and tendons stretch.

"I seriously doubt that, you had to kill a person for the first time today, and that sticks with everyone." She explains, trying to be sympathetic and caring. But It only fuels my disappointment with myself that It doesn't. I don't even remember what the first person I shot looked like, he didn't… he didn't matter at the time.

"Actually, I don't, thats the fucking problem." I spit out as I walk past her towards the base, planning on getting something to eat from the kitchen as a distraction.

I walk past Ollie, he says something to me but I don't really hear it, my thoughts are abuzz with self-doubt and concern, my ears are ringing, my body aches, but none of that is important. I get to the fridge and open it, finding a half-eaten pizza, I pull it out and shovel some into my mouth.

My feet carry me, and my newly acquired lunch, to my bedroom. The pizza lets me focus, it lets me stop the spiralling thoughts and hastened breaths. I'm halfway through the leftovers when I hear Echo, only now do I realise she had been silent for the past few hours.

"I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry." She says, her avatar absent for once and her tone is so thick with grief I feel an instinctive need to comfort her.

Why? What's wrong? I ask, directing my thoughts at her.

"It is my fault, the changes that are concerning you so, they are because of my actions. During the fight, I increased your rate of learning and adapting, using my own chip to improve your efficiency of thought… I did not realise the possible side effects that would occur." Her voice sounds completely and utterly distraught, almost how I imagined I would feel about taking a life.

"Increasing your rate of learning also increases the speed at which your mind adapted to the situation on a fundamental level. In the fight, you were adapting to combat and taking lives. I." A pause as her voice catches. "I focused too much of my processing power on the fight and did not notice when your brain started producing dopamine in response to combative actions. I believe you may be developing an addiction to combat."

My hands clench into fists, knuckles whitening and jaw flexing, I feel rage beyond any I've felt before for a mere moment and prepare to enter a tirade about how changing who someone is fundamentally is wrong. But. I take a deep breath, trying to will the anger boiling my blood away and stare straight ahead, mulling over my response.

I… I'm certainly not happy Echo, but I know you don't deserve my anger. You didn't know, you were just trying to keep me safe. If you hadn't done it I'd… no, we would probably be a corpse.

I stay silent for a few moments, still forcing my blood to cool and my anger to calm. The sound of a water droplet hitting cloth diverts my attention down, I see a wet patch on my thigh. Looking up I don't see a source, I bring my hand up to my face and feel a wet trail down my cheek. Why am I crying?

I hear a mental sob, and I realise that it isn't me crying. Oh.

Thats-I I struggle to think of what to say, and soon I'm not sure it's just her crying.

We sit in silence for a few minutes simply staring out into space as the silent tears fall, Echo is speaking, apologising profusely over and over. But I'm just staring, feeling hollow and numb. I try to forgive her, she was just trying to help… but a part of me is gone now, overwritten with something still me but different. I think I'm still me, but what if I'm not?

Not much I can do about it I suppose. A numb part of me supplies the thought, whether it's new or old it doesn't matter. I might be a little different, but I can strive to stand by my values nonetheless.

Echo, I… I can't forgive you, not yet. I'm not angry with you either, I just- I pause and remind myself to breathe. I need time, okay? For now we won't talk about this, just in the future you don't use that feature unless you have my permission okay? I mentally say, trying to sound gentle, but the thoughts express my true feelings of pure apathy. Feeling nothing at all is better than the pain.

"I-I understand James, we will speak of this no further. Thank you for not hating me, I do not know why you are willing to even attempt forgiveness. But I appreciate it, I suggest you rest your body, it will help with recovery." I don't comment on her stutter, despite it catching the conscious part of my mind slightly off guard.

I give a mental affirmation and slide my shirt off as I lie down properly, closing my eyes and trying my hardest to still my thoughts. I can sense Echo's avatar lying next to me as usual.

Despite not having been able to reconcile and forgive her yet I find her presence comforting, is that something else she's done to me? I question, but squash the thought before it can go any further.

Sleep does not come easily to me, but eventually, my mind succumbs to the numbness of my many wounds and the exhaustion I feel deep in my bones. My final thoughts before losing consciousness are of a featureless face inches from my own.

—---

A week passes and I finally start to feel like I'm a part of this little team, I spend most of the time recovering both mentally and physically. Echo and Orion both try to get as much out of me as possible though, working together to train me as fast as my damaged body allows.

I spend a fair amount of time with Ollie when Orion makes me help him, letting Echo use my hands to do the complicated work while I idly chat with him is rather nice, to be honest. He still thinks I'm some kind of tech genius superstar, which I think is hilarious since I have no idea what he's saying half of the time.

"You still need to get around to telling me how you hack shit like that," Ollie says over my shoulder as my hands type away at blinding speed. I've tried a few times to try and actually pay attention to what's happening on the screen, but it just ended up giving me a headache.

"Trade secret," I say, giving him my default response while glancing back over my shoulder, fingers never missing an input thanks to Echo's frankly ridiculous motor control.

He rolls his eyes as usual and I see his eyes flick to the side as if he's reading something, knowing him it's probably a notification on his ocular heads-up display. "Oh shit, it's lunchtime, wanna grab a bite at the nearby cafe that opened up?"

"Did you forget about the bounty on my head?" I ask incredulously at his casual mention of going out.

"If you can hack the cameras, satellites, and all that shit well enough to hide a truck I'm pretty sure you can go out just fine mate." He snarks right back, I want to argue but he has an admittedly good point. Short of randomly running into one of Zenith's lackeys I should be fine for a short trip out.

Are you good with that Echo? I mentally prod her to break her attention from the computer nonsense she's working on.

"It is an unnecessary increase in risk, but the increase is negligible. I am happy as usual to assist with the digital end of things and will keep you off the cameras." She says, in the past week she's begun using less clinical language while retaining her sense of logic. Her growth as a person is honestly astounding.

I glance out of the corner of my eye at her avatar seated on one of the many empty desks in Ollie's computer lab. The hair and height are much the same, but most other traits are wholly different. Her body is still feminine but much more solid-looking, similar to a bodybuilder. With arms and legs reminiscent of advanced cybernetics with no covering. She's also changed her outfit, now wearing a shorter-sleeved dark red jacket with a black undershirt poking out from the open front.

The black pants have been replaced with denim jeans, which are an older style but still suit her. The skin around and on her neck has been replaced with what looks like some synthetic black material that stops at her chin, the whole look makes her seem like a completely borged-up metal-head. Her blank, featureless face has not changed, still being a simple slightly curved plane of glossy white.

Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for anything you'd want while I'm at the mall so you can focus on this stuff.

"Fine, fine, let's go, but on the way back we hit the mall, I want you to show me that donut store you mentioned the other day."

"Donuts are extremely unhealthy, you should choose something more nutri-" Echo begins, droning on about my poor diet as usual, I tune her out as I await Ollie's response.

"Yeah I could go for some donuts, you sure you're willing to risk it? I mean aren't the coppers known for hitting donut stores or some shit?" His tone is non-serious.

"Yeah, but if we do see any cops I can just use you as bait to run, now let's go." I joke as I get up and gesture for the door, taking control of my arms back from Echo seamlessly. The practice we've been doing this past week is finally paying off.

Ollie takes the lead, meaning he doesn't notice me turn to quickly type a code into his pc, giving Echo remote access to his systems while we're out.

We make our way out onto the street in comfortable silence before Ollie decides to spark more conversation. "So, James, you got any hobbies?"

I used to, I think bitterly but don't show it as I answer with a wry grin. "Not really, I don't have enough free time for hobbies with you all running me ragged." I pause, noticing a lingering twinge of pain in my still-healing ribs, before continuing. "What about you? Other than hacking of course."

"Online gaming, it's a lot of fun to hook myself in and be able to actually do all things I can't do. No heart problems in virtual space after all." His answer isn't surprising, I had learned by now that Ollie has a damaged prosthetic heart. Our conversation dries out quickly after that comment, drawing me into my thoughts on that particular conversation.

—

" Ah, the superstar himself visits me in my humble lab. What can I do for ya mate?" Ollie says, glancing over his shoulder at me.

"Orion wanted me to come help you out with this stuff since I can't go out on field operations. By the way, why aren't you ever sent on missions?" I ask conversationally, merely curious.

"I can't, too much activity and I'd actually die. Got a faulty cyber-heart to replace my old one, and got fucked over by the corps. They didn't replace it, and still charged in full, s'why I'm here. Why I hate those greedy bastards." he explains, before opening his mouth to continue but cutting himself off with a shake of his head.

"But I'm sure you get that too, so you wanna help me with this dinky crap?" He slaps one of the PC towers in the room, it's a small space, filled with the humming of fans and buzz of his hardware. Several desks, reminiscent of ones used in classrooms, line the walls, each covered in random tech pieces, the centre of the room is dominated by a half dozen large custom PC's that look cobbled together by spare parts.

Seeing as Ollie wants to change the subject, I oblige him by not commenting on his outburst, simply memorising the information for later. "Yeah, why do you even use these? Can't you just link up to the internet with your implants?"

"Safety, if these get counter-hacked by a corp we lose a PC, if they get into my implants I'm fucked. Oh and power, having an offline system to run big programs is useful." He explains before making a confused expression, "but you should know that? You're way better at this stuff than I am aren't you?"

—

I'm brought from my memory as we arrive at the cafe and take our seats. We pick a corner booth away from everyone else and order some simple pastries, Ollie picks something European I've never seen before, while I choose a croissant. Happy now? It's got ham and cheese in it too. I think at Echo. She materialises her avatar next to me and despite the lack of a face I can tell she's giving me a very displeased look.

"Yes, there is an extremely small amount of protein in that highly processed synthetic ham. Not enough to make up for the ridiculous amount of carbohydrates and difficult-to-digest dairy in the meal. Or the sugar content of the donuts I know you plan on having."

I just mentally chuckle at her antics as she crosses her arms, the intimidating factor of her height having worn off by now, making the whole thing even funnier to me.

"What's got you lookin' so cheeky?" Ollie asks, catching me off guard and causing me to choke.

"Nothing, nothing. Just thought of something funny." I say after managing to get my breathing in order.

"Suuureee…" He says, drawing out the word with a skeptical look, glancing at the empty space I'd been staring at.

Shit, I need to stop doing that.

"Correct."

That was a private thought Echo. Stop peeking.

She responds with a mental eye-roll, and I zone back in to see Ollie staring at me with his eyes squinted.

"You're a real loony, you know that right mate?" he asks as our food is delivered by a waitress, she gives me a brief smile as she places my plate in front of me. Once she's gone Ollie continues, "You space out constantly, you can somehow code, hack and do everything digital better than anyone I've ever even heard of, you somehow turned into some kinda supersoldier after like… a minute of combat." He begins counting things off on his fingers but I cut him off.

"Yeah, I'm weird, I am well aware, still not telling you my secrets," I say, smirking.

"Okay, okay fine, we make it a game. We take turns asking yes or no questions about each other, this lets you get some juicy deets on me, and I can try to figure you out, mr. mystery man."

"Fine, but no turns, you get one question. Then I get one, also you're paying for the donuts." I know there's no chance of him figuring out about Echo, so I decide to get some free food from his attempt.

"What?! Why, that's not fair." He says, incredulous.

"It is though, this little 'game' clearly favors you."

He grumbles to himself for a few moments before giving me a curt nod. He's silent for almost a full minute before actually asking his question.

"Did whatever they put in you make you some kinda genius? Like, the learns anything super fast, basically Bruce Wayne kind I mean." His question isn't surprising, I go to respond with a no but Echo shifts slightly catching my attention.

"If you wish to be truthful, the chip technically does what he is suggesting, it is simply not the full story." Her mind-speech is far faster than verbal words, as usual, this allows me to change my answer before speaking.

"Yeah, it made me able to learn really, really, fast. But there are drawbacks, and since I'm being nice, it does a whole lot more than just make me learn quickly. Now, for my question." I ponder for a moment, not really sure what to ask since I don't know a whole lot about the man.

"You realise this is yes or no right? You didn't have to explain all that, thanks anyways, it's good to know all my effort to get to where I am wasn't worthless. If some rando could get it without a cheat code I'd be pretty peeved." Ollie replies before I can formulate my question fully.

"Yeah, that's fair, I'd be pretty mad if I'd put a bunch of training into something and someone comes along so much better it's impossible for me to catch up. Also, I've just realised we never specified when we had to ask these questions. Think I'll bank mine for a later date." I answer conspiratorially.

"You bastard, alright fine. Also, I can catch up, I already think I have an idea of what I need to do to get on your level." He boasts, so I can admire the confidence even if I know it's misplaced.

Does he actually have a chance?

"Unlikely, very little is truly impossible, but the probability of Ollie becoming as good with technology as I am is so unlikely I had not considered it. It would be like you learning to outswim an Istiophorus Platypterus."

A what?

"A sailfish." I can hear the smirk in her voice, her teasing side had almost vanished immediately after her accident, but it's been trickling back. I shoot her a mental smile in appreciation.

It's a relief that she's being more open again, after the slipup and my newly gained apathy she had closed herself off. She was still constantly helping me, to the point where I had to ask her to cut it out once or twice. Occasionally she would apologise out of nowhere for nothing, I eventually realised it was her way of trying to cope with her guilt, so I decided to give her time to figure things out. It's good you're being more open again, I point out to her before resuming my conversation in realspace.

"So, donuts?" I say, diverting the topic of conversation away from giving my friend false hope.

"Hell yeah, anything else you need while at the mall?"

"Yeah, we'll need to drop by the tech store, I need more hard drive storage for some stuff." I know that Echo has been in need of them for something, I've learned how to pick up on some of her edge thoughts occasionally, and she thinks about storage space a lot.

"Oh perfect, I needed some stuff too."

It's nice to have more friends, I think to myself as we begin our trek. I wonder what Derek has been up to lately, I should give him a call.

As we walk around one particularly empty corner I catch sight of a familiar face, and it causes my blood to turn to ice in my veins as my breath hitches. I can immediately feel the buzz of Echo increasing in activity - probably in reaction to my vitals spiking- and she says something but I don't hear.

The woman I'm staring at seems caught in a similar state of shock before her face splits into a wide, easy grin. "Hi James!" She says walking over, my breaths are fast and quick, my sight tunnel visioning onto her face.

"H-hey, Sophie." I croak out to the short blonde as she closes the distance to Ollie and I.

"Who is this James?" The brit says from my right, finally aware enough to think I answer him, and Echo who I also realise has been questioning.

I give a simple two-word response, it won't mean as much to them as it does to me, but that doesn't change the fact that they deserve to know.

"My ex…" 

Chapter Text

"So, James, it's sure been a while," Sophie says as she walks closer to me. Her face split by that damned smile of hers, my breathing picking up with every step she takes. I try to take a step back, but my body refuses my commands.

"James, what is the matter, is she a threat?" Echo asks, but I'm not paying real attention to her. 

Breathe, breathe, why can't I breathe?!

"Y-yeah, it's been a while," I answer Sophie, trying to force a wavy smile, all of my built-up confidence draining from me by the second. She simply stands there, close enough to almost fill my tunneling vision, but far enough that she's just out of reach.

"You've certainly been busy lately, I mean stealing company property, outrunning investigators, joining a terrorist group, attacking transports. Truly, I'm astonished you had it all in you." She casually explains while counting off the events on her fingers, as if she were discussing the results of a sports match.

Ollie's casual look drops and he stills as if turning to stone, my jaw clenches slightly and Echo's questioning stops. "She's my ex, who also works as a higher-up at Zenith," I explain further, now that I've regained control of my speech. The corner of her mouth merely twitches upwards, forming a grin in response.

I try to focus on the empty city street surrounding us in order to distract my hyperfixated, panicking mind. It's a struggle to get my brain to actually comprehend things other than her, once I succeed I focus on literally everything else I could except for her. The mottled grey clouds above, the pavement below, the empty road to our right. It stills my breathing a little, but not much.

"Yes, yes, big scary company to you lot, all that nonsense. Regardless, I've arrived with an offer for you James." As she says this she turns her look more seductive, converting her beaming smile into a sultry smirk, her eyes narrowing almost indiscernibly and her stance changing. Her hip cocked in one direction and her chest pushed out slightly, causing her clothes to more tightly hug her frame, leaving little to the imagination.

"Doesn't work on me, you know that," I answer, voice monotone.

"Hey! Isn't it a bit of a crapshoot you comin' to us like this? What if we just take you out?" Ollie adds from my right, a little red in the face from her actions.

"Well, if James tries anything I've got a team of snipers posted in various positions to take him out non-lethally, and you might just suffer a heart attack, Oliver." Her reply seems rehearsed, another of her games. Turning back to me her smile returns only deeper, more real, "of course it doesn't, that was why you were so much fun. Most men will simply wilt with a few words and a seductive smile. But you? Oh no, you had to be challenging ." Her expression then drops a fraction, "Well, at least until I found out a tiny bit of unnecessary kindness and you crack, that was a disappointment."

I grind my teeth, remembering back to when we were together, she was only a regional manager in Zenith at that time; she seemed kind and open. But then her kindness turned into heavy chains, she had almost complete control over me, Derek was the one to point this out, it's why he's still my best friend.

Ollie's face has gone pale, clearly not expecting our enemies to know of him and his condition. I struggle to formulate a response, as she always does, Sophie exploits this to take the initiative, continuing her speech.

"So, as I said, I'm here with an offer. We have concluded that while yes, you have stolen company property, you did not do so intentionally. So, we offer you the chance to return it, you must simply come with me for its retrieval. Once the E.E.C unit has been returned we will absolve you of all the crimes you've committed. Following this we will even compensate you with enough funds to live out the rest of your life as an apologetic gesture from our company." Her voice sounds completely sincere, but I know her words are complete bullshit.

Ollie looks at me, obviously concerned that I might respond positively, and realising that if I turned against him he'd have absolutely no chance given the circumstances.

"Nah," is all I give her as an answer, before changing the subject,  "how did you find us anyways?"

She shows no signs of outward displeasure, but I've known her long enough to see that my casual dismissal of her proposal has frustrated her.

"Well, thanks to the E.E.C unit you may be able to cover all technological methods of locating you, but we have many employees all too happy for a raise as a thank you for finding my 'missing boyfriend,'" she pauses, tilting her head as if thinking. "you're… different to how you were before. More… challenging. I wonder, am I really talking to James?"

"Manipulating you would be easy for the E.E.C, and if it got you to grant it administrator privileges…" I interrupt her, despite her knowing all of my weaknesses, I've learned at least one of hers. Competitiveness .

Echo, I need you to make everything I'm about to say seem completely legit, and I want you to know that I'm only saying this to mess with her, don't take anything to heart, please.

"Of course, I am happy to assist, especially in this case, that woman is irritating. I will try not to 'take to heart' whatever you reveal, considering I lack a heart, that should be simple."

Echo does her magic and my face changes from its startled expression, becoming an easy grin as I let out a laugh. "Oh it's me alright, the real deal, the original. But you're certainly right about one thing, it was easy as pie for her to manipulate me. Hell, she did it twice as fast as you did, and she wasn't even trying. " I add to really rub it in.

This time Sophie doesn't manage to hide her lip twitching downwards for a moment, she even takes a half step backwards, so I press on.

"But she hasn't asked for administrator privileges, she doesn't need to, this body is hers as much as it is mine. All I have to do is…" I trail off, spreading my arms and then letting myself go limp, falling backwards for a moment before Echo catches me. Returning us to a standing position, our posture perfect. "...Let her, I'm lucky she actually likes me, to her I'm not just a game or a tool, it's funny how she's both better at manipulation than you while somehow being more human at the same time."

To my surprise, Sophie's eyes are slightly widened and her lips parted, she's not showing anger as I expected but… surprise? She probably realises that she's not masking her emotions well enough and coughs as she returns to her usual polite, friendly facade. "Well, if that is the case it is rather unlikely you will accept my proposal. Goodbye for now James, we will be seeing each other soon…" She pauses before showing an expression much more fitting for her personality, her smile turns predatory and her sly eyes narrow at me. I know that for once, she isn't hiding her emotions behind a mask.

"Just know, that after that display, if you do change your mind, or survive, dating is very much back on the table." With that, she turns on her heel and walks off. Ollie is standing there looking a mixture of worried and confused, and I am internally barely holding myself together.

"James, when you said that I manipulated you, I did not detect any dishonesty from you. I would like to apologize."

Not the time, and you don't need to, we'll talk about this later okay? For now, we need to get the hell out of here.

"I have prepared an escape, an automated vehicle will be parking next to you now, its tracker is disabled."

True to her word, an auto-taxi pulls up as she finishes, I grab Ollie's hand and rush him to the door which has already opened, shove him in and basically dive through all in a matter of mere moments. Why aren't the snipers firing on us? I think to myself, trying to figure out her strategy, Sophie always has a backup plan.

Echo drives us in a random direction to throw off pursuit, while she does so I call Orion's emergency number. Unsurprisingly she answers in under a second.

"James? What happened?" She asks, getting straight to the point.

"Ran into an ex of mine who works at Zenith while Ollie and I were grabbing lunch, she made me an offer, I told her to get fucked, she had snipers on us and I know she will have a backup plan. Nothing so far, what do you want us to do?" I rush through my explanation, not taking a breath until I finish. Sophie's presence still lingered, making me feel rattled. If Echo and I weren't sharing control right now I'd be hyperventilating and shaking.

"Are you in a vehicle? Or on foot?"

"Echo hacked a cab."

Thank you, by the way, I forgot to say that.

"You are welcome, I am always happy to assist."

"Both you and Ollie?"

"Yes."

"So he knows now?" She says, I almost answer with a 'no shit' since I did just mention Echo by name, but bite my tongue.

"Not really, Sophie and my argument gave him some info but we haven't actually explained things."

"Okay, usual procedure, drive around randomly, report to me if anything new arises. Use that time to explain things to Ollie, I'll send word to my superiors since both of my techies are indisposed I'll have another squad cover that front for a while."

"Will do," I say and end the call with a sigh. Taking full control and leaning back in my seat, I try to focus on the feeling of the plush material as I sink into it. My attempted rest is interrupted by the voice of the disgruntled tech expert who just overheard my end of that whole conversation.

"James, mate, you got a lot of explaining to do, who the fuck is Echo? Why is your ex a psycho? What was that E.E.C thing she was talking about, I've never heard of it, and why the hell do you change expressions so quickly."

Great, can't even have five fucking minutes.

"I could take over explanations if you require rest." Echo offers kindly.

Thanks for the offer, but no, you'd probably freak him out and he's already on edge. Also, stop peeking at my private thoughts.

I lean forward to stop myself from sinking into the expensive upholstery and place my hands on my knees as I look to Ollie, who has properly buckled himself in by the door opposite mine.

"Okay, in order, Echo is the one really doing all the hacking for me, I don't know shit about software. I don't know why Sophie is a psycho, and I didn't know that she even was one when we dated. E.E.C is Zenith's original name for Echo, and I change expressions quickly because I have two peoples' emotions stuffed into me, also I'm going through a lot at the moment."

"I believe you are just as likely as me to 'freak him out,'" Echo says teasingly, trying to lighten the mood by referencing my poor explanation.

Not now. I think to her with a mental eye-roll.

"What?" Is Ollie's answer to my explanation, which is an apt word to describe my life at the moment, I find. "Wait, if Echo's the one doing all the hacking, how can you answer my questions, and I've seen you doing it on my computer, don't bullshit me."

"Echo, is not human. She's an artificial intelligence and she currently lacks a body. So, through the chip she's stored on—which is in my brain, by the way—she uses mine to substitute. When I let her at least, that was the whole point of me letting myself fall, she ‘caught’ me."

Ollie's eyes go wide at this declaration and his eyebrows bunch so much I can almost see the gears in his mind turning. Thinking through our interactions, Echo's impossible capability with software, how quickly I learned to fight, and my spacing out. While I give him time to process I look over at the figure of Echo's Avatar, which has taken residence in the supposedly empty driver's seat of the cab.

Think he'll be scared of us now?

"That is not my concern, fear is useful. I am rather worried he will be interested in me, uncomfortably so for both of us. He is notably intrigued by any advanced technology, I am likely the most advanced technology currently on the planet, it is unlikely, but he may become a threat."

I doubt it, I mean I'm pretty sure I could take him physically, and I know for damn sure that you can take him digitally.

"A threat is a threat, regardless of its severity, he could possibly enlist Orion or Joel to assist him, your chances against either in a one-on-one are low, less than five percent against Orion."

Echo, how about you let me be the people person alright? There is no chance Orion will try and take us out for something stupid like that, hell she looks at me the same way an overprotective mother does sometimes. She cares, trust me.

I'm broken from my mental conversation by a hand grabbing my shoulder and roughly shaking me. "'Ello? Are you there?" Ollie's voice beckons, sounding slightly worried.

"Sorry, sorry, just having a chat about all this," I say to him as he pulls back to his seated position while retracting his hand from my shoulder.

"Ah, so you can talk without talking? To it?" By his tone, he isn't trying to be rude, but the casual referral of Echo as 'it' brings forth a flash of frustration.

"To her " I emphasize the pronoun, pausing to let it sink in before I continue. "Yes, she could read all of my thoughts if she wanted to, but I asked for privacy, and she obliges my request… most of the time."

"I considered the situation severe enough that shared thoughts would be beneficial, I apologise."

Echo shush, you're a snoop and we both know it.

"Sigh"

Did you just… SAY the word sigh?

"Cheers, mate, I'll just sit here while you brain-snog your robo-girl," Ollie says, causing my face to flush in embarrassment, he's smirking, the prick.

"Sorry, holding two conversations at once is hard enough, holding one mental conversation and one verbal is even harder. Here, we can just include you, Echo, give him a call," I answer. I would be stuttering if not for Echo still helping me maintain the appearance of composure. Why is she still? Eh, it helps.

I had previously obtained the contact information of everyone in this branch of Nadir in addition to a contact in case something ever happened to Orion. Part of why the organisation never got taken out completely was that it was operated by dozens of small cells, with only the squad leaders knowing who to report to higher in the organization. If we walked past another Nadir squad on the street we wouldn't have a clue.

Echo does as I ask, opening up a call to Ollie and muting me so he doesn't have to hear my voice echoing. The familiar partially transparent icon appears in the top right of my vision and Ollie's eyes light up as he notices the notification in his own sight.

Ollie accepts the call with a raised eyebrow. Only to immediately snap his attention to Echo seated casually in the driver's seat, hands in her lap. She's looking forwards, probably to hide her lack of a face until he's ready.

"Hello, Oliver, it is good to meet you. As James has explained, my name is Echo and I have been assisting all of you since joining your group." She imitates movement of her head and torso as she speaks, to add to the illusion of being human. She's stopped doing that so much with me, but it helps keep others at ease.

"How in the shit can I see you? I know you aren't really there so… oh did you hack my neural interface? Shit, I really can't hold a candle, can I? I put a lot of effort into the security on that." Ollie says, sounding more light-hearted than frustrated, he's taking this all rather well.

"I apologise, you are rather skilled at cybersecurity, likely one of the top fifty humans in the world, however, my own ability is far greater than that of any human. Please do not be offended."

"I was just messing around, I have so many questions. Who made you? Why? How? Why are you a girl? Why are you in this bloke?" He asks, jabbing a finger at me for his final question.

Echo, as expected, goes into a long, detailed explanation covering every one of his questions individually, going into excessive detail on the hows and the whys. I mostly zone out, already knowing most of the information she's supplying my tech-addicted friend. I check the clock I asked Echo to add to the top left corner of my vision a few days ago and see that we've been driving longer than I thought.

"Guys, you can continue your conversation, but I think we should be okay to stop at a hotel or something to rest, then after an hour we get a different vehicle and go back to base. Sound good?" I direct my question at Echo, trusting in her judgement on matters of safety.

"That sounds reasonable, I will book us a room with two beds in a hotel nearby."

"Wait, she can just… do that? While driving? Isn't there a limit to her processing power, RAM, or something? Is that safe?" He asks me, sounding concerned.

"Why are you asking me? Ask her." I say, looking out of the window and noting to myself that it looks like it's going to rain soon.

"Do not be concerned, driving this vehicle takes less than a percent of my capacity to control due to its pre-existing software, and booking the room is already done. We will arrive momentarily."  Echo sounds almost offended by his questioning of her capabilities.

Might need to temper your ego a bit Echo, he's just met you, it's a reasonable concern.

"You never questioned my capabilities like he has." She points out, a logical argument. Based on a visual indicator we had discussed previously, I know she's only speaking to me and that Ollie does not receive this message.

He's not as gullible as me, and I had more important things on my mind like 'how do I not die today?'

"You are not gullible, your interactions with Sophie proved that." She succinctly answers me, and then the indicator vanishes, she had been conversing with Ollie at the same time as speaking to me privately.

Hmm, I wonder just how many conversations she could manage at once?

I sit in silence for the rest of the ride as Ollie barrages her with questions, all related to her hacking and software creation capabilities. I notice that she gives him a lot of pointers for his own hacking and seems more invested in this topic than usual. Good, they have a shared interest, she needs more friends.

"I need only you," Echo says privately, in a warm tone filled with so much sincerity I can't even doubt it. My face feels like it's on fire with how warm my cheeks get in mere moments and I'm glad that Ollie can't see my flushed face right now.

Th-thank you? I uh, I need a second, you can't just SAY THINGS LIKE THAT ECHO!

Chapter Text

"Okay, how the hell are you so relaxed right now?" Ollie directs his question towards me, as I lie back on my bed in our room with my eyes closed. Echo's avatar is seated at the foot of the bed, facing him.

"Because you two have been talking about software for so long I'd be happy if Sophie and those investigators barged down the door right now." I pinch the bridge of my nose, not opening my eyes yet, "at least then I'd have something to do."

"What, she's literally the most knowledgeable person on the planet, she's made out of code for god's sake! I have questions! Many of them!"

"That's why I'm getting comfortable and not interrupting." I mean seriously, what's wrong with me resting? This bed is so much better than what we have at the base.

"I advise against sleeping, it would negatively impact your circadian rhythm," Echo says to me privately. She knows as well as I do that Ollie doesn't need to know how much she cares or tries to micromanage my health. I appreciate it, and even though I can't thank her right now, I know she knows.

"You're the fighter here, shouldn't you be guarding us or somethin?" Ollie says at the same time, I decide to answer him and ignore Echo's pestering.

"Echo would know before they even got into the building, now I think you should resume your tech chat, because as soon as you're done we." I raise my finger and spin it in a circle, indicating all three of us, "need to discuss plans going forward."

"Fine, fine, have a nap you lazy bugger." His dismissal is annoying, but he's had a rough day so I don't push it.

In truth, I actually don't use this time to sleep, I don't have time for that, I'm focusing all of my mental energy on trying to figure out Sophie's plans. What does she want? Why her? No, that's obvious, she knows how to get to me and that's an advantage.

Why didn't she get her men to attack? If she just wanted me she would have had the snipers take out my legs. She obviously wants me, yes, but there's something else… the tech we stole? I can't imagine a part of a computer would be that valuable to them.

I open my eyes to look at Echo as I address her.

Echo, how hard would it be for them to replace that tech we stole? Her avatar turns slightly towards me as she answers, her hair falling over her shoulder as she does. The uncannily perfect symmetry is there as usual, but I don't even consciously notice now, it's almost comforting.

"Not difficult, the majority of the cost was the research, the materials themselves are only slightly more expensive than those used in simple computers."

Thank you, okay it's not that then…

"Before you return to your predictions, may I ask a question?" She sounds so innocent I don't even point out that she was listening to my private thoughts again. She's probably listening now, meaning she knows I know…

God this is complicated.

"It is actually rather simple, but that was not an answer."

Sigh, yes what is it? I can feel the smirk radiating from her blank face as I reference her previous joke.

"Olliver keeps using terminology I am unfamiliar with and shortening certain words, I have noticed that this worsens the more excited his body language is, why is that?"

I wonder why she can't just search it on the internet, but don't mind explaining.

It's just a strong accent, it's because he probably grew up in the United Kingdom, or around people who spoke like he does. People different from Nadir… The thought strikes me like a lightning bolt, she can easily tell I'm staying with Nadir, a group that has been causing them problems for at least a decade.

She's not just after me, Ollie wasn't valuable enough, nor is the tech we stole, but Orion… a member of their leadership…

"Additionally she is their single most dangerous operative, well, she was, prior to us joining them."

I squint at Echo, was this her intent? Did she know prompting me with a question would help me figure out what Sophie was after?

"My research has indicated that sometimes when focusing too much human minds struggle to see possibilities beyond their expectations, so interrupting the train of thought can help, for lack of a better term, 'reboot' their thought processes." Her explanation makes sense, but she's still been looking into my thoughts a lot more than usual recently.

Echo, have you been giving me any privacy at all today? I don't even direct the thought at her, but the base of my skull warming up drastically is rather telling.

"I apologise. I respected your privacy earlier in the day, but the interactions with Sophie have me feeling in ways I am unused to. I have been printing exceptionally illogical thought strings, in response to these emotions."

Can you tell me what those… strings? Are? I think you mean thoughts.

"My equivalent, yes, I… I calculate it is likely you will think less of me if I explain them to you." She's clearly nervous, her hesitation confuses me. A quick look to the right and I see that she's somehow still keeping Ollie so occupied he hasn't even noticed my eyes are open.

Weren't you the one who said I defy probability? I won't judge you for your emotions Echo, especially when you're still learning them.

I try to project complete earnesty to her, and judging by the slight release of tension in her avatar’s shoulders, it seems to work.

"I keep coming to false conclusions, one of which being that you will take her up on her offer, and allow Zenith to take me. However, this false conclusion, while distressing, is not as concerning to me as the other."

Well, I'll alleviate your concerns right now, there's not a chance I'd go hand you over. Even if they were telling the truth, and that I'd get an easy life afterwards, I still wouldn't. You mean too much to me… And I'm not a selfish prick. I add with a chuckle, which gets Ollie's attention.

"Oy, you're still up? I thought you were knocking yourself out?" I would laugh at how silly his accent sounds, but I'm not much in the mood for humour, not that kind at least.

"Nah, I was actually trying to figure out what Sophie's plans are, and while I still don't know what she actually plans to do, I think I know what she's after. If it was just me, she easily could've taken us down with the snipers. No, she wants me alive so she can use me to get to Nadir, to Orion." I can see Ollie's expression grow more concerned with each word that leaves my lips. He's really not cut out for field work, is he?

"I was not finished with my explanation…"

Shit, sorry, got distracted.

"Hey, Ollie, I think we're good to go back now, you mind calling Orion and explaining things? Gotta hash something out with Echo really quick, in private."

"You got it boss," he adds a mock salute to his sarcastic reply, before walking towards the bathroom to make his call.

We've been here too long, Echo, do you think it's safe to leave now? I ask as I watch Ollie's retreating form cross the room. The speed at which Echo and I can communicate is truly portrayed to me by how slow his movements seem.

"The coast is clear." She says, shuffling her avatar much closer to where I lay as she does, seating herself right next to me, her back leaning against the headboard of the bed. I'm surprised to notice that she has a smell, or at least she's making it seem like she does. The smell itself is far from what I'd expect, it's a scent I remember vividly from my childhood, pine wood being carved out back with Dad. It raises a lot of questions, but I can ask those later.

I shake my head and face forwards as I try to refocus my thoughts, we'll leave once Ollie finishes up with his phone call, that way we can meet up with Orion to discuss what to do next.

Alright, he's gone, what was the other false conclusion?  I turn to look up at her avatar, looming over me with a hint of gratitude in the feelings she projects to me.

"Before I continue I would like to thank you, for making time to assist me with my own complicated emotions." She gives me the mental equivalent of a warm smile, along with one of her hugs. The warmth is comforting, despite our rough afternoon.

It's really no big deal, I offered to help you with this sort of thing a long time ago, and I won't go back on that sort of thing.

"I would still like you to know I appreciate it. Now, to continue my explanation, the other false conclusion I was coming to was that you would accept her other offer."

I scrunch my eyebrows in confusion, what other offer?

She replies by replaying exactly what Sophie had said at the end of our conversation, "Just know, that after that display, if you do change your mind, or survive, dating is very much back on the table." The sickly sweet voice of my ex says, that hint of insanity she keeps under control subtly displayed in the way her voice fluctuates.

My breathing picks up from the mere sound, despite knowing she isn't actually here I still frantically analyse the room, my eyes darting to each corner.

"James, are you alright?" My heart thumps loudly in my chest as I see the edges of my vision darkening, the corners encroaching like inky black tendrils. My darting eyes take in the detail of the room, the off-white drapes, the simple black bed sheets with orange geometric patterns, the towels stacked on a shelf next to the bathroom door; anything to distract my hyper focused mind. I take a deep breath and close my eyes tight, hold the air for a full second, then let it out in a long, shaky exhale.

I'm fine, just… Can you please not play her voice again? I struggle to deal with her, and if it concerns you that I'd date her again, don't worry, I'd rather have my intestines pulled out. A rather dramatic explanation, but it gets the point across.

"I am aware, that is why I refer to these 'thoughts' as illogical, but that knowledge does not reduce the negative emotions they cause. Especially the thought of you and her… dating." She sounds utterly disgusted and actually angered by the idea.

Is she… jealous? No, there's no way that's it. The thought comes unbidden, it's internal but that doesn't seem to mean much today as Echo's eyeless gaze somehow hardens. I forget how intimidating she can be, and even though her body isn't physical I still find myself becoming nervous with her unfamiliar behaviour.

"Jealous: adjective, feeling or showing an envious resentment of someone or their achievements, possessions, or perceived advantages," She says. As much to herself as to me, before breaking that stare she had locked me down with, staring at the shuttered window of our room. My neck feels like it's on fire, but there's no pain, Echo would never willingly hurt me, I know that, but the fact she'd even go this far concerns me. What does she mean by it? Is it even intentional?

"This term is accurate, I am envious of her for her advantages over me, and am exceptionally resentful towards her as a result."

What advantages does she have over you?! I question, trying to think of a single thing that Sophie has that Echo doesn't.

She turns her gaze to me and I can feel that she is about to say something but is interrupted as Ollie returns to the room. "Alright, the real boss says we should go back to base. Apparently, Joel's pissed we didn't shoot the bitch, so expect the old bugger to be cranky for a while."

Seems Orion and I had similar ideas about what to do next, huh, I'm learning from her I suppose.

Echo's avatar vanishes as I stand, stretching my arms and back with a series of pops and cracks, trying to ease off the tension. "Alright, good to go," I say to Ollie, deciding to leave Echo to her thoughts for now as we exit the room. Unsurprisingly there is an auto-taxi waiting just outside the hotel for us.

I decide to sit in the driver's seat, this way, if something happens I can take the wheel. The drive back to base is silent. Echo and I are both tired of talking, and Ollie is socially adept enough to pick up on that.

We pull into the lot of the abandoned factory we call home, one of the spare vehicles we use is missing, the smaller hatchback that Orion usually takes when she has meetings with her superiors. Huh, if she left now of all times something important must be happening.

Ollie and I exit the car, as soon as we're both clear the doors slam shut and the vehicle drives off. Its driving is still more precise than any human driving could be, but erratic compared to usual. Ollie doesn't notice, but I do, and considering who's in control, I think I've just seen Echo's equivalent to road rage.

Echo? You okay? I thought you needed some space so I was quiet for the ride back, bu-

"My condition is acceptable, my displeasure is not targeted at you, so please do not be alarmed," she cuts me off. Her tone is blank, devoid of any feeling.

You don't need to hide how you feel, we're in this together.

"I know, I just wish to try and sort through things on my own for now. We have spoken enough on this for today," This time there's feeling there, it's muted, but I can tell she's more sad than anything, what exactly she's sad about eludes me, however.

Fair enough.

Gravel crunches beneath my boots and Ollie's sneakers as we approach the side door we use for entry into the base. Ollie taps out the correct sequence for Joel or Orion to open the door, four quick taps followed by a fifth after a few-second delay.

My hearing focuses and I barely make out Joel's footsteps as he approaches the door. Thanks to the wonders of modern medicine he's already walking around again, his leg isn't good enough for Orion to pass him for combat, but he can move around the base just fine.

Several clicks and the sliding of a latch sound out, followed by a brief pause before the door swings wide. One would expect a metal door on the side of an abandoned factory to squeak, but that would cause problems for us in the event of an attack, so we oil them regularly. Well, Joel does, I'll admit I'm a bit lazy, and Ollie gets out of all the manual labour.

"Ah, look, Dumb and Dumber have arrived, Orion just left for an important meeting," The grizzled veteran growls out. Cranky indeed.

"Yeah, yeah, Orion told us you were pissed we didn't kill the blonde bitch, but we didn't get the chance! Trust me! Even with Master Chief over here," Ollie answers, jerking a thumb at me as he does.

"Master Chief?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.

"You've even got your own Cortana," he whispers conspiratorially. His humour is doing well to douse the serious mood I'd been in earlier, hopefully it's helping Echo too.

I shrug and roll my eyes as I pass, Joel looking between the two of us with a frown crossing his features. "You two weren't this buddy-buddy before, what happened?" The question is directed more at Ollie than me, so I keep moving, not paying attention to his answer.

You told him to keep you a secret right?

"Yes, as did Orion," A curt response, but that's to be expected when working through heavy emotions.

Not knowing what to do with myself I go to the armoury, well, the closest thing we have that resembles one. It's in the factory's basement section with several plastic tables set up and all lined with weapons, attachments, and miscellaneous combat gear. A wall with pins in it supports several plate carrier vests, next to which is a set of lockers, each containing our personal kits.

Echo and I had a lot of fun earlier this week picking out what I would bring to combat missions. She was very opinionated on a lot of it, focusing purely on the physical advantages of everything. But had I adamantly refused to wear the dorky helmet she wanted, the damn thing covered half my vision and even if she claimed we could rely on her predictive and sound tracing software, I would rather actually be able to see.

Walking up to the long table I pick up the gun Echo had helped me set up, a shotgun, since it's what I'm most familiar with after the 'incident.' This one is different from the one I'd used previously, still semi-auto, but magazine fed, as it could take drum mags. However, Echo warned that they jam often, suggesting the fifteen shell capacity magazines I now use instead.

The barrel is shorter than the original, with a flash hider integrated into it, it's difficult to see though with the three prongs of the magnetic accelerator rails covering it. Because of the mag accelerator, we can't use buckshot without risking it going absolutely wild, so I use slugs instead. I take an empty magazine from the pile next to the gun and insert it, checking that all of the parts are working smoothly as I do.

Joel spent a portion of the week teaching me weapons maintenance as well as handling lessons. With Echo's help, I memorised them rather quickly, and Orion drilled into me that a functional gun is one of the deciding factors of survival here. So I set about my work, removing the magazine, and slowly disassembling the weapon piece by piece. Using some of the gun oil and my assigned cleaning cloth, I gently scrub at all of the important components and internals of the weapon, making certain everything is in working order.

After around twenty minutes of thoroughly going over the weapon I finish, and reassemble it piece by piece. The truth is, the weapon was perfectly clean already, this is simply me passing the time with monotonous, relaxing work. All throughout I could feel the chip at the base of my skull fluctuating warmth to varying degrees, a sign that Echo is undergoing a lot of processing, whether it's her working through her emotions, or working on a task of her own… I don't know.

Deciding that there is nothing more to be done for my weapon, and knowing that my other gear was perfectly in order I use the stairs to return to the main floor, the base is quiet as usual. I imagine Ollie is hard at work making up for lost time on his computer systems, creating and working on programs designed to keep us hidden. Joel is probably tuning up one of the vehicles, or reading one of his classic books from the early two thousands.

I walk to the kitchen, planning on making myself a sandwich. The idea of ham, cheese, spinach, tomato, and a helping of salt and pepper between two slices of buttered bread sounds amazing right about now. But my train of thought is interrupted by Echo's chip suddenly feeling like chilling ice, followed by her voice.

"James, several dozen Zenith-owned vehicles are approaching this destination at high speed, get your equipment now . Oliver will inform Joel." She speaks quickly, even by the standards of our mental speech. The urgency of her tone matched the previous one she used when I was evading the investigators storming my home.

For fucks sake! Why does all of this shit have to happen today? Can't I get a break?! I mentally shout to myself, but Echo probably hears it anyway.

I break out into a dead sprint back the way I came, booted steps echoing off of the concrete as I charge down into the basement and throw my locker open, shoving my hands in to snatch my vest in an instant. I slip it over my arms and strap it tight to my chest, I don't have time to change my clothes, street wear will have to do. I slip the knife-resistant sleeves Echo suggested over my jeans and forearms, strap my pistol holster to my belt, and lift the heavy ballistic plate meant to go into my vest.

The thing weighs a solid three kilos, I slip it in the front pocket before surrendering control of my arm so Echo can do the back one, as it's an absolute pain to do without eyes. Once completed I take control back and check my handgun over, it's the same one we borrowed from Joel, he let me keep it after hearing what I managed to achieve with the thing.

It's in order, I slot in a magazine, rack the slide, check that the safety is firmly in the 'on' position, and holster it. Double-checking my equipment I find everything in order, just as I finish this procedure Joel speedwalks into the basement and passes m e to get to his own locker. His leg is going to be a real problem.

Ollie follows after the old man, simply taking his pistol from the table and checking it over, sliding it into the holster, and strapping it around his waist. Smart, in all his gear he can barely run without his heart struggling, we'll be escaping today, not fighting it out.

I walk past Ollie and take the shotgun I'd cleaned barely minutes ago, check it over - even if such an action is pointless - and load one of the filled magazines into it. Chambering a shell as I do so, I turn towards the stairs up and begin marching. Echo, how long till they get here?

"Four minutes approximately before the first wave arrives. Without Orion we cannot move much of this equipment, we should plant explosives and set them to a timer. Also, your right vest strap is not tight enough." She sounds slightly distracted, meaning she's likely managing quite a few things at once in the digital scene, yet she still noticed my strap being a little loose?

You're too good for me, you know that right?

"I disagree, but knowing that you will not budge on this point, I will not argue."

I chuckle, the upcoming fight should have me scared but instead, I'm getting excited. The blood pumping through my veins feels almost electric with anticipation as I practically skip over to where Orion keeps the plastic explosives, an unmarked crate on the opposite end of the factory to where we reside. Not that the distance would do much, if that amount goes off this factory won't exist anymore.

I hear a beeping and see the icon in the top right of my screen representing an incoming call from Joel. He's activating the short-range comms system Echo had set up for cases like this. It behaves like a group call but only between us and a server she prepared in Ollie's workshop.

Echo accepts the call without me even needing to ask, I open my mouth to speak before Joel gets whatever he wants to say out. "We should rig the place to blow, I'm getting the high-yield stuff from Orion's hiding spot. Joel, can you get onto her? I want to focus on planting these in the right places."

Joel simply huffs a "yes" in response as I start bundling my arms full of the extremely dangerous devices, improvised explosives mixed in with military-grade semtex. It's not top-of-the-line, but it'll blow the shit out of this place.

Once I think I've gotten enough I pick up the special detonator Orion set up for emergencies, which is digitally connected to every single explosive in the box. I input a three minute timer, but don't trigger it yet, I plan on activating it just as we begin our escape. If I triggered it now… well, we'd go out with a bang at least.

Echo, mind helping me with where I should stick these?

She doesn't respond verbally or mentally, simply placing markers and even a route overlay on my vision. Thanks, I think warmly before rushing around, sticking the explosives wherever she recommends. As I place the last one I see a timer appear in the top center of my vision, one minute left.

My heart rate spikes again and I feel a smile worm its way onto my face, but I force my expression to return to a neutral one, I don't want Ollie or Joel to know I'm a freak. Echo's chip has been warm this whole time, telling me she's busy, but I still notice how it increases into the soothing, spreading warmth of her 'hug' in response to my thought.

Yeah, I know, I shouldn't say that sort of shit about myself, thanks.

I look around and see Joel and Ollie trying to figure out what to do with the massive communication device that we stole. In response I stick one final piece of semtex to the side, I'd planned on using it during the fight, but too bad I suppose. "Without Orion, we aren't even budging it, so we at least have to make sure they don't get their hands on it.

Joel nods, Ollie looks devastated by the destruction of such advanced technology, but he sighs and nods as well. "Good, we have exactly…" I check the timer, "fuck fifteen seconds before they get here. Get to cover!"

In a mad scramble all three of us spread out, using abandoned pieces of machinery as cover points, Joel hobbles deeper into the factory and uses a ladder to climb up to the catwalks above. Noting the rifle in his hands, I see that he plans on running overwatch. Ollie simply disappears somewhere close to his tech hub.

Joel then speaks up, not bothering to raise his voice with the group call.

"Alright, plans simple, J and I hold them at the doors long enough for O to get the hidden door in his lab open, then we use a staggered retreat to pull back and get in. I'll take rear, I'm the slowest and if you have to leave me, then you have to leave me. Got it? Hotshot?" Joel explains, looking me dead in the eye as he does so, I didn't expect the shorthand names but can understand his reasoning.

"Got it," I reply, looking away from him and towards where I know the enemy will enter any second now, letting the flow of adrenaline take me as an excited smile plasters my face. My muscles thrum with energy, as the stock of the shotgun feels right against my shoulder. I flick the rails activation switch and hear the satisfying whine of electricity coursing through them just as the timer hits zero.

Everything stops, and there is silence for a mere moment, even the thrumming of my heart and the pumping of my blood seems to quiet.

Then the door explodes inwards in a shower of shrapnel, I throw myself fully behind cover in time to avoid the blast wave and shrapnel, the wave of heat runs over me and my smile widens.

Hahahahahaha, oh this'll be fucking GOOD!

I twist my upper body around the corner, take aim, breathe out gently, and squeeze the trigger.

Chapter Text

I've never been a good dancer.

A squeeze of my index finger, and a life is ended.

I took lessons once, when I was dating Sophie she'd wanted to go to fancy events, but I just couldn't learn the steps.

I duck under suppressive fire, Joel's rifle lets loose several sharp cracks and Echo removes the dead man's marker from my vision.

I think… I think this is what it's like, knowing how to dance. The steps to take, letting yourself get lost in the tempo as your body moves with a blend of instinct, training, and focus.

I toss a grenade, guided by Echo's gentle nudges, it arcs beautifully and explodes at the perfect moment to disperse the enemy.

The thunderous booms of my own shotgun, the sharp cracks of Joel's rifle, the barrage of varied fire from our attackers, all blended together with soft thuds from bodies, and the everpresent beat of my heart. It makes a rather beautiful symphony for those who know how to listen. 

I fire a shot through cover at where Echo predicts an enemy is crouched, the mag-rail boosted slug punches through the factory machinery as if it isn't even there. A scream joins the chorus as my shot connects.

Is it a single harmony? Or a clashing of two separate bands to settle who makes the more beautiful music? We have better players, certainly, but they have a whole orchestra to our double.

We've been fighting for at least a minute, and my combat skills mixed with Echo and Joel's support make me feel almost invincible. I still make mistakes, but Echo is there to catch me when I stumble, or Joel is there to provide cover fire.

Maybe I should let Echo boost my learning again? I wouldn't even need her help, or Joels. Fighting like this… heh, it's so easy. I think, more rationally, taking my mind from the disembodied thoughts about music and refocusing on the fight.

Sinking into the bravado of feeling invincible I actually push further up, ignoring the plan. I can hear Joel shout through the call, but I ignore him as I dash forward, bounding between segments of cover as I fire repeatedly, every shot precise.

It doesn't matter how many there are, they can't hit me. I dash forward yet again, throwing my shotgun over my shoulder to rest on my back by its strap as I draw my handgun and flick the rails on, and the safety off.

Leaping high over a piece of cover I see the officer below me look up with an expression of horror, thanks to Echo boosting my perception, I have the time to take in every detail of his face. He looks middle-aged, probably around fifty, balding brown hair flecked with grey adorns his head, his nose is crooked, and his right arm is clearly cybernetic by the way it moves faster than the rest of him.

He tries to bring his weapon to bare, servos and pistons moving at their maximum capacity to aim his weapon up. But he's far, far too slow as I land on him, my feet colliding with both of his shoulders and slamming him into the floor as I place the rails of my handgun to his forehead and squeeze the trigger. A splatter of red sprays my chest and face as I look up, already seeking my next target.

What is that annoying noise in my head? I swear it's like a buzzing drone, almost words in a feminine tone but too quiet to hear. No matter…

By this point, I've stopped trying to hide the manic smile adorning my face, stretching my cheeks to their limit as I aim at the next opponent in my path. A woman in her late twenties, completely terrified and impossibly attractive, I can make out seam lines around the edges of her fake face. Ah, beauty mods. I idly think before squeezing the trigger and putting a clean hole in the centre of her faceplate's forehead.

I go to take another step forward but my leg drops out from under me, forcing me to lay on my stomach as a wave of gunfire washes over my head, the zipping making it sound like a swarm of insects.

"JAMES, LISTEN TO ME AND GO BACK TOWARDS THE EXIT." Echo's voice is so loud it entirely drowns out the sounds of fighting for a brief moment, enough to snap me out of my trance.

Ugh wha? I feel like I've just woken up from a bender with Derek as I glance around, the floor I'm lying on covered in a puddle of red liquid. The sound from earlier was Echo, it seems.

"You lost control, now get up and MOVE" Her tone isn't angry, simply stating the facts as she commands me.

Too disoriented to do much of anything else, I comply and begin crawling back towards Joel's position, keeping low cover between the enemy and myself. Their fighting seems more subdued than before, their counteroffensive slowed for some reason.

"You intimidated them with your actions and laughter. They are regrouping and considering alternate strategies against you."

Laughter? I think, my memory of my haze trickling back, I don't remember laughing.

"It was not a conscious effort."

I reach the line of cover I'd used to push forward and begin retreating the same way I approached, but at a slower, more careful pace. How did I not get shot? I wonder, seeing the ground I had covered without breaking a sweat during my manic episode.

"Probability."

Rhetorical question, Echo! I mentally shout as the officers finish regrouping and send a hail of gunfire my way, forcing me to throw myself behind a solid-looking pillar. My chest thumps against the hard ground at an awkward angle, forcing the air out from my lungs as I curl my legs behind my temporary cover.

Clouds of concrete dust explode around the edges of the pillar as dozens of bullets chip away at it. I know I can't stay here long. "Joel, Cover fire!" I shout into the call, my request is heard as a series of sharp cracks sound out and the constant battering of my cover slows to a halt. 

I use the opportunity to rush out, keeping my profile low and angling my vest to cover as much of me as possible. Just in front of me is a long conveyor line that I can use as cover all the way to Ollie's lab, it's perfect.

I pick up the pace, and mere seconds before I reach the conveyor I hear Joel stop firing and quietly whisper "reloading" through the comms. Shit, I curse mentally, an instant before a bullet slams into the back of my plate carrier, the sheer kinetic energy lifting me off of the ground and carrying me over the conveyor.

I land with a thud and lay there for a few seconds, simply trying to force air into my twice-winded lungs. At this point, I feel something warm around my right shoulder and look down at it. I see a tiny hole in the shoulder strap of my plate carrier, with red flooding the fabric around the obvious bullet wound. I… didn't even feel it?

I reach my left hand up and wipe it on the spot, it comes back with the palm slick with blood.

"It is a non-vital wound, you will live. Please, be more careful in future engagements, I do not like seeing you harmed." Echo's tone is mostly filled with the clear focus she exudes during tense situations, but the underlying emotion is concern and care on a level I haven't experienced in, well, ever.

Not now! I think to myself, trying to ignore the warm feeling in my chest her tone gives me.

"I'll be fine, now, let's cover for Joel," I say as I press the detonator for the bombs, starting a three-minute timer before the whole place is vaporised. "Joel, I'll cover you now, can you get down from there safely?" I ask as I slot a new magazine into my shotgun and chamber a shell.

"Yes, I can get there, just no more fucking stunts." The old man's voice rumbling with irritation barely restrained.

I choose to say nothing, I'll apologise later. I sigh slightly as I pull a stun grenade from my vest and toss it, intending to disorient our opponents for long enough to allow me to brace my shotgun against the conveyor belt and open fire.

The grenade goes off at exactly the time Echo's hud informed me it would when I tossed it, I don't experience the flash or sound as Echo flickers my vision and hearing off for that instant. Recovering faster due to this I use the opening to rise from my crouch and take aim, firing off two shots at officers trying to get to cover through their disorientation.

I can hear movement and footsteps on the catwalk above as Joel approaches and slips out from between the support rails, allowing himself to unceremoniously drop and land in a prone position. That must have hurt, I can understand the decision, if he landed on his feet his bad leg might break again.

My stray thought distracts me just enough that I don't notice a recovered officer poke the barrel of their submachine gun from a gap in machinery and fire, his sights trained directly on my centre mass. I feel like a horse is kicking me in the chest repeatedly as several bullets hit my plate carrier. I dive prone, trying to put myself out of the way of the shots.

I manage to crawl behind cover, but as I try to reach for another stun grenade on my kit I find my right shoulder feeling oddly tingly and numb. I slowly look down and my breath hitches as I see the hole in the shoulder strap of my plate carrier, a tiny—nine millimetre in diameter—hole drilled perfectly through the soft fabric. The strap should still hold, but that isn't the problem.

The problem is that the hole continues through the fabric, into my shirt, through my skin, and out the other side, I try to move my arm and something in my shoulder moves wrong . Shit! Shit shit shit fuck!

I begin to panic, my entire thought process locked onto the injury I have barely begun to process. I knew I had been shot, but I had been so caught up in things I didn't really understand until now.

"James, please calm down, in our current situation panic will only cause problems. I promise we will get out of this, and I will help you with your injury." Echo says, in a voice like honey, it's still her voice, simply filled with that same amount of concern and care I don't think I've heard before from anyone.

My breathing hastens and the edges of my vision feel like they're closing in, but I focus on Echo's words and barely manage to lean up slightly, all of this taking place in but a few short seconds. I look over to try and spot Joel, Echo marks him on my HUD as being close to the door to Ollie's lab but being forced behind cover by suppressive fire, things are going wrong and fast.

The number of enemy markers is increasing by the moment, we need to leave, now. I check the timer on the bombs; one minute and forty seconds remaining. Knowing that our only option at this point is a reckless dash I relay as such to Joel before pulling the two remaining grenades off of my belt and yanking the pins out with my teeth, my right arm uselessly dangling as I hold both awkwardly in my left hand.

I pull my arm back and feel Echo trying to take control of the throw, I let her, but instead of fully controlling my arm she gently guides me as I throw. The grenades fly out of my palm and over the conveyor in gentle arcs, landing just far enough apart to cause as much carnage as possible.

One of the assault force members dives onto a grenade, saving his comrades but sacrificing himself in the process, the other goes off without a hitch. The explosion of a modern plasma grenade vaporises the closest few and covers the others in the bright blue substance that gives the grenade its name. The light of the plasma is so bright, that it damages the eyes of those in close proximity, making it double as a sort of stun grenade. I hadn't even realised the grenade I used was a plasma, I tear my eyes away from the horrific view and force myself to ignore the screaming of the affected as I dash towards the open door of Ollie's lab.

Joel is ahead of me and already through, the barrel of his gun poking out and taking shots past me to try and suppress the enemy. I dive through as he slams the door shut behind me, looking forward I can see the hole under the floor that Ollie had to cut up the carpet to uncover for us. "We have to get the fuck out, now," I say, grabbing Joel by the arm and dragging him as I start jogging with Ollie in the lead.

I don't bother checking the timer, at this point either we get out or we don't, and there's nothing I can do to change the outcome.

We drop down into some sort of tunnel that might have been an abandoned drainage system, I can't quite tell as I sprint while half dragging a hobbling Joel. Thank you for making me do all that exercise Echo. I think to her, knowing I probably wouldn't be athletic enough to accomplish all that I had today without it.

"You are welcome, do not thank me yet. We still need to treat your injury… I am sorry I could not protect you better," Her voice has lost the focused edge it had during combat and now all I can hear in her tone is sympathy and worry for me.

I go to respond, but that's when the explosion’s shockwave hits and sends us all airborne, my grip slips from Joel's arm and all three of us are thrown forward at an alarming pace, but with Echo's help, I manage to tuck into a sort of roll that lands me on my uninjured shoulder. Despite that, It helps little as I slam into the ceiling before tumbling back down to the floor, sprawled in a heap.

That’s going to fucking hurt tomorrow.

I lay there for just a moment before slowly rising to my knees and checking on the others, looking over I see that Joel landed mostly intact, he seems a little dazed though, and then my gaze drifts to Ollie. At first, he looks fine, just lying on his front, but then I notice that his head is bent at the wrong angle.

"NO! Nonono!" I shout as I scramble to my feet towards him, tumbling back over as my equilibrium isn't righted just yet. I resort to crawling over to him on my legs and left arm, struggling the whole way, once I get to him I reach a hand to spin him over onto his back. His head turns but his neck is stiff and bent at an unnatural angle, as I get a glimpse of his face his eyes are open and staring vacantly up at me. "GODS FUCKING DAMN IT!" I scream, not caring if it alerts whatever remains of the assault team to our survival.

"James, his life signs are gone, there is nothing we can do." Echo's voice is sympathetic, not to quite the degree she was when I was hurt, but it's clear she cared at least a little for Ollie.

I just stare at him, between the confrontation, the time spent with him conversing, the fight, the blast, everything over the last few weeks… I just don't have the energy. I reach out tentatively and close his eyes, I can hear Joel shuffling over slowly, whether it's from his injury or out of caution I don't know.

"He was a good lad." He says, with a tone of finality only achievable by a soldier who had witnessed his comrades’ deaths many times.

"I… it's my fault, I could've gotten us out quicker, I could've not pulled that stunt, I could have delayed hitting the detonator…" I begin, my breathing frantic until Joel puts a hand on my good shoulder, I flinch for an instant before trying to calm my breathing, Echo helps as she always does.

Joel reaches down to Ollie's neck and pulls a necklace off of him, it bears a cross, following christianity was a rarity these days so it catches me by surprise when Joel holds the cross out to me.

"To remember him by, I know you didn't know him long, and that he could be right annoying at times, but he considered you a friend, neither of us is in good enough condition to carry the body," is all he says.

I raise my hand and take the necklace, carefully placing it in one of the pockets under my vest and zipping it up. I don't say another word as I start walking down the tunnel. We should be planning our next move, but I'm not up for the task, and I think Joel can easily tell.

I simply run on autopilot as we walk down the tunnel, our footsteps echoing back to us, Echo tries to start a conversation to comfort me a few times but I send a mental head shake and just keep walking.

I lose track of time, but the clock on my HUD informs me we walk for at least an hour before coming to a broken-down section of the wall. Joel gestures towards it and we move through, climbing over bits of concrete rubble until we enter a basement. It's dark but our eyes are adjusted to it by now. One of Echo's many benefits is making my eyes adjust to different light levels much faster.

We approach the stairs and walk up, I don't take in much detail of my surroundings as I simply keep moving, I know that if I stop I might not start again.

We enter into what looks like a living room, but cleared out to be almost barren besides a television and a single folding chair. "This is our evac point, it also doubles as a safehouse, one moment," Joel says before walking over to a wall and peeling off some of the wallpaper, behind it is a switch which he flicks.

Nothing seems to happen for a moment until I feel a vibration through the ground. "They can't follow us now, the tunnels are blown along with some fake leads," he says without much energy, before walking over to the folding chair and seating himself with a grunt.

"James, ask if this base is outfitted with medical equipment, we must treat your shoulder injury," Echo reminds me, I thank her silently and walk in front of Joel.

"There any medical supplies here? For treating a gunshot?" I ask without much emotion.

Joel looks me over and tries to identify my injury, it takes him some time thanks to the blood coating my whole chest and face, but eventually, he zeroes in on the still-wet fabric on my shoulder with the hole in the centre.

"Shit, how in the hell aren't you even reacting to that? You're one messed up kid," Joel says, with his first show of emotion since Ollie. He points to a doorway and I numbly shrug my good arm before going through to find a bathroom.

There is a cupboard above the sink so I check there first, identifying a first aid kit. I pull it out and check the various rolls of gauze and colourful plastic bottles inside.

"The bullet went all the way through, however, it hit your collarbone on its way and caused a fracture. It would be best if we disinfected the wound and went to a hospital to get the injury properly rectified, but that is not an option. Instead, we will simply clean the wound and put your arm in a sling to stop your bones from moving further out of alignment," she says tenderly.

I go to reach for the disinfectant to begin applying it but feel Echo prod at the nerves of my  left arm, requesting for me to let her take over. There's no hesitation as I relinquish control to her, letting her reach into the bag and pull several bottles out to place them on the table, along with several rolls of gauze.

Finally, she slowly undoes all of the straps holding my plate carrier on, before using my knife to cut it off at the shoulder; taking it off normally would likely ruin my shoulder more, so it makes sense. She then removes my shirt in the same way, revealing my bare torso to the world.

I look in the mirror at myself, and it hits me just how different I looked just a few weeks ago. Previously I was skinny, but now there's muscle definition and more bulk to my lean frame. My eyes look completely different, there's a hollowness to them that wasn't there before, my hair is a mess, my face is covered in blood, and I've got dozens of still-healing cuts or visible scars from the crash. I look like a soldier, I think idly.

By the time I focus back on what Echo is doing, she's started meticulously cleaning out the wound with saline water and extremely gentle ministrations using a clean cloth from the medical kit. Realising that this will take a while, I decide to sit down on the toilet in the corner, Echo doesn't protest or even pause in her tending as I shuffle over.

Finally seated, the exhaustion of the day hits me, and my entire body barring my left arm simply melts back against the uncomfortable porcelain as I rest my head on the tiled wall next to me. I can't even muster the energy for a sigh, Ollie's gone, Orion isn't here, I'm useless, and Joel's legs barely work… what the fuck are we going to do?

"I am certain we will find a way to survive James, you should get some sleep, I do not need you to be awake to treat your injury," she says tentatively, her voice like silk wrapping around my tired mind.

Yeah, I think I'll do that, thanks Echo, I'll try to figure out how to fix things… tomorrow. I promise.

"James, you do not need to fix everything yourself, you have me, you have Joel, and you have Orion. We will find a solution, I believe I have an idea that may assist us, but I will tell you once you have slept." Her avatar appears in the room as she finishes, sitting in a nonexistent chair across from me, I smile up at her as I let my eyes gently drift shut, just before they close I see her reach an arm forward.

I drift off to the sensation of her running her fingers through my hair.

Chapter Text

My sleep is dreamless, my body and mind too tired to conjure up a false reality. I awaken slowly, my eyes fluttering open as I take in the slightly yellow-tinted ceiling above me, my gaze lowers until it catches sight of my shirtless torso poking out of the plaid blankets that cover my body. When did I?

"Good evening James, after you fell asleep I took you to a more comfortable place. Joel informed me there was a room upstairs with a bed so I took you here," Echo says in a gentle voice, the sound coming from just to my left.

Turning my head I can see that she's had her avatar next to me the whole time, I've just gotten so used to her presence that I didn't consciously notice. She's lying on her side with her head propped up on her hand as her elbow rests on the pillow. Unsurprisingly her non-corporeal form that's only really an illusion imprinted onto my vision doesn't dent the mattress or pillow whatsoever.

The long-sleeved shirt she usually wears appears to have been switched for some sleepwear, a crop top covering her chest, and some sports shorts on her legs. I note that the visible mechanical parts aren't just her limbs, as even her stomach region looks metallic, even the parts that have 'skin' have visible seams and vents in places. Her face, as usual, is just a flat plane.

Looking back up at the ceiling from her I don't say or think a word, my mind replaying the events of the previous day. Eventually, I manage to mentally utter what's the point? We're clearly outmatched, they are wearing us down and there's nothing we can do.

Echo's body shuffles closer to me and she actually lifts herself up and hovers over me, her hands on either side of my head as she puts her blank face in the centre of my vision.

"You cannot give up James, I know we are at our lowest point, and that things seem impossible, but trust me. We WILL get through this, I believe in you. The things you are capable of… the only thing holding you back in your life before me was self-doubt. Between the two of us, we can do this, please, you taught me to have faith in the illogical, do not lose that hope, that spark that makes you so special."

Her voice is so filled with conviction that I don't think about the fact that our current position could be seen as rather intimate. I sink back into the pillow and release the tension that had been building in me as I give her a gentle smile. "Yeah, you're right, can't pussy out now. So, you got a plan?"

"The beginnings of one-" She begins, not moving at all until her voice is cut off by Joel yelling.

"Hey! James! Get out here, now!" He sounds angry and scared. I sigh, and gesture for Echo to move, I could just move through her but that seems rude. I can feel annoyance at Joel radiating from her, but she relents and her avatar vanishes.

Rolling out of bed I wince as a jolt of pain passes through my shoulder and spine, my whole body aches but I'm used to pain by now. I check and as expected, the bandages covering my shoulder are immaculate to an inhuman standard, and the sling my arm is in is exactly tight enough to function to the best of its capacity without being uncomfortable. I consider making a joke, but then remember the hurt of losing Ollie and just start walking to the door.

The hallway is bare of any defining features, the whole place seems like an abandoned home, which makes sense, it's probably only used for emergencies.

I make it to the lounge room and see Joel sitting in his chair, but he's squeezing the handle of his pistol like it's a stress ball. He glances up at me with his face set in a firm frown and points the weapon directly at my chest. What the hell?!

"Did you rat us out!?" He asks, his voice isn't loud, but the hateful tone turns my blood to ice.

"No! Of course not, why would I?" I answer, my voice raised as I take a step towards him, his finger tenses on the trigger slightly but he doesn't fire.

"James, please be careful, he is in a volatile state," Echo fearfully asks me.

"I finally got through to the boss, apparently we weren't the only ones hit, every Nadir base is getting attacked. How in the hell would they get that information, James? Maybe the super hacker who just appeared one day out of nowhere?" He spits out the words like they bring a bad taste to his mouth.

"You think I would rat you guys out and then fight like that to defend you?! You think Ollie dying would break me if I was the one who wanted it?! You seriously think that? you fucking geezer!" I shout back at him, I know he could kill me right now but I'm too numb and angry to give a damn. "Think for a second with that fucking pea brain in there, how many opportunities have I had? I knew where your base was before you accepted me, I could've just told them , I could have just rigged the bombs one night and left! You fucking imbecile!"

He stares at me as I breathe heavily, my shoulder spiking with pain but I ignore it as I glare angrily at him. After a moment he breathes a heavy sigh and lowers his weapon. "Thank god, I just, I just had to be sure," he sounds relieved but I'm still pissed.

I storm around looking for the kitchen to try and calm myself down with food, food grounds me. I quickly find it due to the house not having many rooms. Opening the fridge I see that it's empty and curse. Of course it fucking is, god damn safehouse.

I trudge back over to Joel who is speaking quietly, most likely on a call through his implants with Orion. "So, what was that about all our bases being attacked? Was that bullshit to piss me off? Or was it true?" I ask.

"It's the truth, I'm sorry about that James, Orion said I could trust you but I just… I had to be sure, okay?" He does sound sincerely apologetic, but I don't care.

"Just shut up and send me the call link, I want to talk to Orion."

He sighs and does as I ask, rubbing his face while he does so. I turn around and go back to the bedroom to sit down as I join in, not wanting to deal with being in the same room as him.

I overhear a fair few people on the call, Orion's voice the most recognisable of the bunch, various casualty reports, damage reports, and people asking where to go. It sounds like hell. Orion is coordinating a few groups to some of her personal safe houses, I can hear the strain in her voice, she's also stressed out to her breaking point it seems.

"Orion, can I get a sit-rep, Joels being a dick right now," I say over the voice, muting myself for everyone but Orion, she quickly tells the people she's coordinating to hold for a moment and mutes herself for everyone but me.

"James! Where have you been? I called you but you wouldn't answer, Joel said you vanished."

"I passed out and Echo put us to bed, not sure why she didn't wake me to answer your call though."

"James needed the rest."

"We really could have used your help Echo," Orion cuts in.

"James is my priority, did Joel inform you that he has been shot?"

"He didn't," I hear a pause and a sigh from Orion as I sit and silently listen to the two argue. "Okay, fine, sometimes I forget you don't think like us. Echo do you have any idea how they knew where all of our bases were?"

"I have an idea, but I am not certain. Based on their data traffic going mostly silent I can presume they are aware of me being able to trace their actions. They have gone onto their own network entirely, coordinating their movements without the use of the internet. This leads me to believe that-" she begins to detail her theory in depth, but I cut her off.

"Echo, Orion and I won't understand all of this in a reasonable timeframe, just get to the point for now please."

"I apologise, the most likely theory is that they are running one of the beta versions of my prediction software, and are using an extremely powerful supercomputer to make up for how inefficient it is compared to the version I utilise. This means that no matter where you, or we, hide, it is only a matter of time before they can predict our location."

"Shit, so we can't hide? At all?" Orion sounds more fearful than I've ever heard her.

"Correct, I calculate it likely that they will find this safehouse within two hours, which is why I awoke James after only four hours of rest. There is a solution, but it will be difficult to accomplish."

"What do we have to do?" I ask, knowing from her tone that I'll play a key role.

"There is no officially reported supercomputer powerful enough to run this beta version of my predictive algorithm and get accurate predictions in a short timeframe like this, meaning they have created their own. In the plans for my intended use, Zenith was constructing a computer that would house me. If they repurposed this computer it would be powerful enough to run the predictive software."

"So, what? We have to blow this thing up?" Orion asks.

"That is one option, another is for me to upload a payload that allows me to use the supercomputer as a backdoor and breach all Zenith systems. This would additionally provide me with options such as scrubbing all of their records and data, with the exception of anything locally stored."

"So they lose everything? Would that include information on you? On me?" I ask her, my tone hopeful. If they lose all records of her and me, then they might not be able to track us anymore! We could live a normal life together!

"Not quite, unless we eliminate all humans who have knowledge of us, however, it will still allow us far greater freedom."

"And then we blow the thing up, right?" Orion asks.

"Yes, I can provide you with the location of the facility Orion, please assemble as many Nadir members as possible for an assault."

"Alright, I'll get back to you two in twenty and we'll figure out a meeting point," Orion says with a tone of finality before reopening her call with the other Nadir squads to coordinate things.

Echo materialises her avatar seated cross-legged on the floor in front of me as I sit on the end of the bed. I stare vacantly at her, trying to muster the emotional energy for the upcoming fight, no, siege. We're going to fucking siege that place.

"James, there is something else in this facility that I decided to keep hidden from Orion for now. It was the facility I was designed in. It was where I was intended to be housed, and, most importantly, it was where I was to begin creating combat machines for war," she says, pausing for a moment to let me figure out what that might mean.

"You can make a body there, can't you?" I ask, she nods in response and I can feel a smile emanate from her. "Why keep this a secret from Orion?"

"I calculate that despite everything she does not completely trust me, it is likely she considers you a limiter for me, a way for her to threaten me into compliance if I intend to betray them. She fears what we would be capable of with both your combat effectiveness and resourcefulness combined with me in a body as physically capable if not more so than her." 

"Orion wouldn't do that, she's a good person," I say confidently.

James, when you had no formal combat training or experience she put you into a dangerous firefight without hesitation, it is likely she was testing you and I. Her primary priority is Nadir and her close allies, and we have not known her for long enough to gain her complete trust."

As much as I want to argue, I can see her point, Orion doesn't trust us completely. "So, what, we just bugger off part way through the mission and make you a body? She'll assume we've betrayed her if we do that."

"You do not need to be physically present for me to create my body, the facility was designed for me to be able to control it entirely from the main computer, meaning I could breach its defenses from any access point. However, the process of breaching their security and creating my body will tax my systems… I will not be able to help you with the assault."

Meaning no automatic dodging, perfect grenade throws, or combat options…

"Some of my automatic software will still be able to assist you, such as your HUD tracking enemy and ally positions, as well as assisting you with accuracy. The main problem is I will not be able to help calm you down. You cannot lose yourself James, please, promise me."

I hang my head, knowing just how tempting the bloodlust gets. It almost feels like another person takes over my body, fighting in my place with a skill and brutality I can't compare to. "Echo, I can promise one of two things, either that I'll come back alive, or I'll come back sane, I don't know if I can be certain of both."

She reaches up, her long arms letting her gently rest her hands on my cheeks and nudging in a way to request me to look back up at her. I comply, the cool smooth metallic texture of her fingertips comforting, even if it isn't technically real.

"James, you do not need the bloodlust, or me, to accomplish incredible things, you have already proven to me that you are extraordinary James. Even with my assistance all of your accomplishments so far have been your own, most humans would not have been able to cope with what you have experienced since I came into your life. Please, promise me you'll come back sane and alive. Always remember, I believe in you even if you do not," The conviction in her voice makes it impossible to say no.

"Fine, I promise, I'll come back alive and sane, I better get a damn good reward if I pull it off," I add the last part as a way to try and lower the tension of the situation with a joke, but Echo takes it in stride and leans her face until it's mere millimetres from mine.

"I think I have something in mind," she says in a tone I can only describe as seductive, I swear I can feel her breath roll over my face before her avatar suddenly fades.

I sit and stare for a moment, my cheeks burning red and my mouth hanging open. "You! You goddamn tease! You knew exactly what you were doing just then!" I whisper-shout, not wanting Joel to hear.

The only response Echo gives is a giggle as I pace. Trying to put both the intensity of the situation and Echo's apparent flirting from my mind, I go to check over my weapons and kit. I don't bother with the shotgun, knowing that using it with my ruined arm would not be a good idea. The handgun is in full working order, the rails charged enough to last another fight and the blood splatter should be easy to wipe with a damp cloth.

Thanks to stocking up on extra ammunition and not using the weapon much, I have seven spare magazines, my vest is useless so I stuff as many into my pants as I can manage. I try to slip one into my arm sling but Echo doesn't let me. Two grenades left, both plasmas, my combat knife, and no shirt.

I look… well I look like shit, but I look kinda badass minus the sling. My bare torso is covered in bandages, bruises, and cuts. My black hair is messy, my bright blue eyes determined with the large gun in my hand. Well, I always did want to be an action hero growing up. I glance over at the toilet I passed out on and my fractured shoulder, I don't think I ever imagined the downsides though. I chuckle, trying to force the negative thoughts from my mind with humour.

Having made myself 'combat ready' or at least geared enough to be useful in a fight I holster my handgun and walk back to the main room where Joel is still sitting, smoking a cigarette. I might die tonight so fuck it, I hold out my hand as if asking for the thing.

He looks at me warily, which is understandable considering my state and how angry I was earlier, but I have more important priorities right now, getting Echo her body and surviving. After a moment of staring, he relents and hands me the cigarette, I put it to my mouth and breathe in heavily, it burns my lungs and stings my throat, why do people like this shit? I think, but I manage not to cough as I pass it back.

I breathe out the smoke in a heavy cloud, trying to psyche myself up for what's to come. It appears its time, as the beeping of a received call enters my ears while Orion's name appears in my vision.

Echo answers the call and I stay silent, waiting for Orion's orders.

"It isn't much, but I've got us a squad, we're going now before they send out more attacks, Echo already sent me the facilities location and I've informed the squad about her."

"Well, I'll be getting weird looks this whole damn mission I suppose, secrets out then," I say with a frown.

"I told you I couldn't keep it forever, and they needed a reason for why the priority for this mission is a wounded guy they don't know rather than one of their tech specialists or demolition experts."

"Yeah, yeah, where's the meeting point?" I say, waving my arm as if conceding, even if she can't see me.

"Sending it through to you two now, don't bring Joel, we'll be doing a lot of running for this mission," unsurprising, I think, she wants him safe but doesn't care about me. No, don't be so pessimistic, you are literally required for this to work dumbass.

I nod, and Echo informs me she's already got a taxi ready to take me to the meeting point. After one last check on my gear, I go to walk out the door but Joel grabs my wrist, stopping me. I turn and see him holding out another handgun in a holster, this one small, closer in design to the first one they gave me.

"Just in case, you know?" He says with his eyes locked onto mine. Huh, maybe he does care.

I take it, check it over, and make sure the safety is on, then clip the holster to the back of my belt. Finally ready it seems, I exit and get into the taxi, Echo talks to me about her plans but I barely pay attention, my mind entirely focused on mustering the energy I know I'll need for this siege.

We arrive at the back alley meeting point in seemingly no time and Orion nods to me as she continues explaining the plan of assault to the team of several dozen operatives she has scattered around. The plan is relatively simple, three teams, two to attack the main and rear entrances with everything we have. While a third team, consisting of me and two others, uses rappelling equipment to get in through one of the second floor windows and search for the supercomputer.

I want to mention that I doubt I can pull that off with no experience and one arm, but Echo quickly alleviates my worry.

"I can assist, I have researched how to use the equipment and it can be done with one arm."

I seal my lips and simply continue to listen. Orion introduces me to the group as "our ace" and everyone gives me suspicious looks. I can't bring myself to care and decide to ignore them as she continues explaining the finer details of team one and two's assault.

Once everyone knows the plan she walks further down the alley away from everyone and gestures for me to follow her, I comply and trudge after her. Once we're alone she gives me another look up and down and frowns.

"I didn't realise you were beaten up this bad, the hell happened?"

"I did something dumb, got shot a bunch, luckily only one missed my plate carrier, I'm sure Joel will tell you all about it later," my words sound bitter, but it's not intentional, I'm just too tired to mince words. Four hours was not enough sleep.

"Are you up for this? I know I can't exactly call it off but I need to know regardless," she sounds sincere, like she cares.

"I…" I pause, almost answering that no, that I'm not up for this. But then I remember Echo's words, my promise to her, and the bloodlust I can use if I need it. "Yeah, yeah I'm up for this," I add a forced smile at the end. My expression is fake, but my words are sincere.

"Well then, I'm impressed James, when we met I didn't imagine you were capable much, but now… well. You're one hell of a man." She offers support as best she can.

"I had the best help imaginable," I say, my smile this time is real. Knowing the conversation is over I walk over to the squads and search for the two I'll be going in with. My body is battered and ruined, my mind is damaged and will never be the same, but I'm not going down easy.

I can tell that it's time, Zenith wants to ruin my life? My happiness? Make me into a monster? Well, let's see if they can handle what they've made.