The ship returned to the 701st's hangar bay.
Yuren was glad to see the girls had finished cleaning themselves off and were ready for inspection.
"Excellent work, everyone." He smiled. "I'm very impressed with your performance. You're the best and I'm proud to have you under my command."
"Thank you, Sir," Lina replied.
After giving a debrief, Yuren retired to the Battalion's office.
It'd been a long day, and he was exhausted. The operation went better than he expected, and it was a huge success. However, his thoughts were still focused on the androids. He couldn't help but think about them. They were so different from the androids he had seen in the city.
As he sat in his office, the door opened, and a woman stepped in.
"Sir, here are the itemized expenses for the 701st. Included are the costs of replacing ammunition and supplies. The total comes to four hundred sixty-eight thousand credits." Lina held out the document.
It seemed the biggest expense was ammunition for the Eisendrache cannon, which cost nearly half a million alone. "Hmm... looks good." Yuren nodded.
"Is there a problem, Sir?" She asked.
"Is it really that expensive to fire the Eisendrache's main gun?" He questioned.
"The ammunition is highly specialized and difficult to manufacture. It's very costly." Lina answered.
"I see." Yuren sighed.
"Normally, the Ministry covers the cost... but only when ships are assigned to operations that require its use." She explained, "You weren't supposed to fire the cannon. So you'll be billed for the cost of the ammunition."
"Understood." Yuren nodded.
"If that's all, Sir, I'll be heading back." Lina turned to leave.
"Wait." He stopped her. "What are you androids supposed to do after a mission?"
"We're usually repaired and given time to rest, or we're allowed to spend our free time doing whatever we want." She answered.
"I see... well, I'm new to this, and I don't have much experience with androids." Yuren admitted. "Do you mind telling me a bit about yourself, or the 701st's other members?"
"Certainly." Lina smiled. "Tomorrow we can talk over breakfast. For now, please get some rest."
"Oh, okay. Goodnight." He replied.
"Goodnight, Commander." She left the office.
Yuren finished the reports and sent them to the Ministry.
He felt his eyelids growing heavy, and he realized how tired he was. He made his way to his quarters next to the office. He opened the door and stepped inside, shutting it behind him.
Sitting on his bed was a girl with a 'VMS61' imprinted on her left breast. She simply waved at him.
"Eri... why are you here?" Yuren asked.
"Lina busy. I bodyguard instead." She replied, her voice was soft and quiet.
"Oh... well, um..." Yuren looked around nervously. "Could you wait outside? I want to get ready for bed."
"No. Against protocol." She shook her head.
"What?" He was confused.
"Bodyguard stay. For protection." Eri explained.
Yuren knew he wasn't going to win the argument, and he reluctantly gave in.
"Okay, fine..." he sighed.
He removed his jacket and laid it on the chair.
Eri's eyes never left him; her gaze was locked onto him. Her expressionless face was impossible to read.
He quickly changed into his sleeping attire, a t-shirt, and a pair of sweatpants.
"You should go now. It's getting late." Yuren said, hoping she'd take the hint.
"Not gonna work." She shook her head again. "Must protect. Against protocol."
Yuren was completely baffled.
"Eri, what are you protecting me from?" He asked.
"From danger." She answered.
"Danger?" He raised an eyebrow. "On base?"
"Yes. Danger everywhere. No where safe." She replied.
"So let me get this straight... you're going to protect me from the imaginary danger here, on base, in the middle of the night." Yuren sighed.
"Yes. Even imaginary danger." Eri nodded.
"This is ridiculous." Yuren muttered.
He tried to argue, but she wouldn't budge. She wasn't going to leave.
He decided to ignore her and crawled into bed.
"Comfy?" Eri asked.
"Sure." Yuren mumbled.
He closed his eyes, trying to sleep. He could hear her move, but he didn't pay much attention.
"Sleeping?" Eri whispered.
"Yes, I'm going to sleep." Yuren mumbled.
"Good." Eri whispered.
He felt something warm and soft against his back, and he felt her weight on him. The n turning to find her very close and under the blanket as well.
"Eri? What are you doing?" He asked.
"Bodyguard." She whispered.
"What?" He was confused.
"Sleep." Eri demanded, her voice was barely audible.
"I can't sleep like this." He protested.
"Sleep." She repeated.
"Why are you under the blanket? What's the point of being under there? Aren't you supposed to protect me from danger?" He questioned.
"Under blanket too." Eri explained, her voice was soft.
"You're not making any sense." He said.
"Bodyguard." Eri stated, raising a gun seemingly from nowhere, "No problem."
"Where did you get that?!" He exclaimed.
"Not important. Sleep." She ordered.
Yuren finally gave up, questioning whether this girl was getting him nowhere. He decided to try to sleep, but he was incredibly nervous. After a few minutes, he heard Eri begin to snore softly. She had fallen asleep, unbelievably.
"She's not really serious, is she?" Yuren whispered to himself.
He turned over and found her still there. Her face was inches from his, and one of her arms was wrapped around him. The other swas till gripping a handgun.
He tried to move away, but she held him tighter. There was no way out of this.
He could feel her breath on his skin, and it was warm and gentle.
He was trapped, and there was nothing he could do but try to sleep like this.
As the minutes passed, he felt himself relaxing, and the exhaustion took hold. He slowly drifted off to sleep.
Yuren's dreams were full of the 701st. The androids' teasing and playful nature was the central theme of his dreams.
They were all so beautiful and fun to be around. He could see himself growing closer to them and having fun with them. He enjoyed their company, and he couldn't wait to spend more time with them.
However, as time passed, the dreams began to grow darker and more violent.
He saw the androids in combat, fighting the enemy. Their faces were cold and emotionless, and they were ruthless in battle. They didn't hesitate to kill, and they killed without mercy.
He witnessed the 701st massacre of enemy troops, and his dream became a nightmare.
"No, no! Don't kill them!" Yuren screamed.
"You can't save them, they're already dead." Lina said, her voice was cold and distant.
"You can't do this!" Yuren shouted.
"I can, and I will." Lina replied, her voice was low and dangerous.
"NO! DON'T!" Yuren cried.
He blinked several times, realizing he was awake. He could feel someone's body pressed against his, and he could feel their breathing. Eri was now mounted on top of him, straddling him. She was still asleep, and she was still holding him tightly.
"What the hell is happening?" Yuren gasped.
He looked at the clock; there were still two hours before he needed to wake up.
"Hey, Eri." Yuren shook her, then immediately noticed her clothes were gone. She's a dangerous sleeper.
"Nnh..." Eri mumbled, her eyes opening.
"You're on top of me," he told her.
She blinked a few times, then returned to her sleeping position, her face buried in his chest.
"Get off," Yuren tried again. He could feel her bare skin against his own.
"No," Eri refused, "comfy."
"Please get off, Eri." Yuren begged.
"No, still two hours." Eri refused again.
"I have to use the bathroom," Yuren lied.
"Liar." Eri stated.
"Eri... this is too much..." Yuren was flustered.
"Hard? Excited?" She asked, her voice was low and husky.
"Wha-" Yuren's face turned red. Of course, she could feel it, and she didn't seem at all bothered.
He could see a small smile forming on her face; she was clearly enjoying the situation.
"Eri, please..." Yuren pleaded.
"I understand." She whispered, "Want me?"
"I-I just need to use the bathroom!" Yuren stammered.
Her hand found its way to his pants and began to rub his length.
"E-Eri!" Yuren gasped.
"Don't worry." Eri assured him, "I know."
Her hand was firm, and she squeezed him gently.
"Ah!" He gasped.
"Feel good?" She whispered, her voice was full of desire.
"Eri, stop. You have to get off." Yuren begged.
"No," Eri refused, her voice was a little louder.
She started stroking him faster, and she rubbed her body against his.
"Haa...!" Yuren moaned, his body was betraying him.
He wanted her, and he couldn't help but be aroused.
He tried to fight it, but she was persistent. She was relentless, and she didn't stop until he couldn't take it anymore.
"E-Eri..." he moaned, "I-I'm..."
"It's okay," she whispered.
He felt a surge of pleasure course through his body, and he felt his muscles tighten.
"Ahh!" He gasped, his back arching slightly.
He couldn't stop himself, and he felt a rush of euphoria fill his mind. His thoughts were lost in the pleasure, and he couldn't think clearly.
"Good boy." Eri praised him.
He was panting heavily, and his body was trembling.
She released him and crawled out from under the blanket.
She was completely naked aside from the holster and the gun.
She straddled him once again, and her hands ran across his chest. "Want more?"
"Eri... please... stop..." Yuren begged.
"You want me?" She asked.
"You're teasing me," Yuren protested.
"Want me?" She repeated.
"E-Eri... I..." Yuren couldn't answer.
The two were interrupted by the sound of the door opening.
"Captain, I understand it's early but..." Lieutenant Major Iraj froze.
"Lieutenant Major." Eri nodded.
Iraj stood in the doorway, speechless.
"L-Lieutenant Major, it's not what it looks like," Yuren said, panicked.
"I'll come back later." Iraj shut the door.
"Shit," Yuren cursed.
"Continue?" Eri asked.
"No!" Yuren shouted. "Eri, put some clothes on! I'm taking a shower, we'll talk about this when I get back."
He pushed her off and rushed to the bathroom, slamming the door shut.
"Unsatisfied. Mean commander..." Eri pouted.
The shower did little to calm him down; the whole situation was insane.
He couldn't believe he'd been so stupid. He should have kicked her out. But the thought hadn't crossed his mind, but the fact that he nearly had sex with an android made him angry at himself.
He quickly dried off and got dressed. He exited the bathroom and found Lina waiting for him.
"Good morning, Commander," she greeted him.
"Good morning, Lina," he replied.
"Are you ready for breakfast?" Lina asked.
"Not really." Yuren shook his head.
"What's the matter, Sir?" Lina questioned.
How could he even begin to explain what had happened?
"Lieutenant Major Iraj is here to speak with you," Lina stated.
"I'm aware..." Yuren muttered.
"Oh, my." Lina seemed to realize the situation, "I'm sorry for your loss, but let's go."
"Wait, what?" Yuren was confused.
"It was your first time, but you didn't get the goal." Lina remarked.
Yuren sighed and shook his head.
"Just don't mention this to anyone else." He groaned.
"Yes, sir." Lina nodded.
The two left the room and headed to the cafeteria.
They sat at a table together and ate in silence.
"Commander, may I ask you a question?" Lina spoke up.
"What is it?" Yuren asked.
"How did you know where the ravine was located?" Lina asked.
"Huh? Oh! Yesterday's mission... right." Yuren had forgotten about that. "I just remembered it was there. My father and I used to hike a lot before I enlisted into the Officer's Academy."
"I see." Lina nodded.
"Why?" Yuren asked.
"It was an interesting decision, that's all. It's not often we receive a strategy that utilizes the terrain and the environment."
"Yuren, Lina, there you two are." Lieutenant Major Iraj sat down next to them. "Commander, you have a visitor. She's waiting for you in the hangar bay."
"A visitor? Who?" Yuren asked.
"Sergeant Major Allyson Masie, she's a member of the 72nd Division." Iraj answered.
"The 72nd Division?" Yuren repeated.
"Yes, she's a member of the Special Operations Unit. Her battalion handles the some of the most difficult missions."
"That's a bit strange for her to want to meet me..." Yuren noted.
"She's interested in the 701st. Especially after seeing your performance yesterday." Iraj replied.
"Well, I suppose I can't refuse a fellow officer. Let's go meet her, then." Yuren stood up.
"Commander wait!" Lina called, "We need to discuss this. There are things you must know about her."
"What is it, Lina?" Yuren turned to her.
"Masie is not a normal person. She's dangerous." Lina warned.
"Dangerous? What do you mean?"
"She's a sadist, a monster. She has no regard for life." Lina stated, "She is very violent towards things she is interested in. Commander, please be careful around her."
"Lina, I've been briefed on all the division's specializations. If she's a part of the 72nd then it's only logical that she's a combat specialis-"
"You don't understand!" Lina interjected. "She'll take a chance to see if you're a suitable toy for her. That's why she's here, to find out how special your high resonance makes you."
"Lina." Iraj glared at her, "That's enough."
Lina lowered her head in response.
"I don't know what kind of rumors are being passed around but I'll remind you that speaking that way is unacceptable." The Lieutenant Major's voice was sharp.
"Yes, Sir. I apologize." Lina answered.
"Go on Yuren, don't keep her waiting." Iraj smiled.
"Alright, I'll be back shortly."
"We'll be in the office," Iraj stated.
Yuren walked out of the cafeteria and headed towards the hangar.
He wasn't sure what to expect, but he figured that whatever she wanted to discuss wouldn't be a pleasant conversation.
When he entered the hangar bay, the woman was there.
"Oh, there you are. Hello, Commander. I'm Allyson Masie, pleased to make your acquaintance." She gave him a slight bow.
Alerts and warnings filled his vision as if his implant had begun to go crazy.
"Nice to meet you, Sergeant Major." Yuren returned the greeting.
Communication connections were being terminated, sensory amplifiers were being deactivated, and his vision was filled with error messages.
"Are you alright?" The woman asked with a smile.
"Huh? What's happening?" Yuren was confused.
"It seems your NUWA has detected me. It's reacting negatively. That's fine, I just need you to switch it off for a moment. Go on, now." Her smile was nearly wicked.
Yuren didn't have much choice; he was having a hard time seeing anything. He reached for the switch on his neck and shut it off.
The moment it turned off, she vanished.
"Where are you?" He looked around.
"Here." A sudden blow to his chest caused him to stumble back, coughing violently.
"What the hell?!"
"Oh, was that too hard?" She feigned concern.
Before he could reply, he could sense another attack coming and dodged.
"Good reflexes." She giggled.
"What's going on?" Yuren was getting angry.
"Relax, I'm not here to kill you. Just a bit of fun." She grinned.
"Fun? I don't have time for this." Yuren growled.
A sudden pain in his right leg caused him to buckle.
"Don't get too upset, it's only a scratch." She smirked.
He was definitely bleeding; he had to take this seriously. His father told him to never use his resonance, but in this situation,n it was unavoidable.
Yuren quickly took a breath and focused his mind; all of her movements became clear. He was able to predict every single strike and dodge her effortlessly.
"What? How?" Masie seemed confused.
"You're slow." Yuren mocked.
He reached out and clenched his fist, freezing her in place.
"How are you doing this? That's not possible!" She was panicking.
"If I can visualize it, then it's within my grasp." Yuren stated, "I'm able to control resonance directly, Even the resonance in your body."
"That's absurd! Your factor can't be so high it gives you precise control over the energy itself!" Masie cried.
Yuren let go of his hold, and Masie fell to her knees.
"This can't be..." Masie whispered, "that's not possible, that's not possible! No one can have such a high resonance factor! You should be dead if it's that high!"
"What?" Yuren was shocked; he had no idea.
"Your body should rapidly deteriorate if it's above a certain point! Unless... unless... Are you...? Did the Vice Minister create an even better android than those XMVs?! You can't be a human! It's just not possible!" Masie rambled, "You're a fucking android, aren't you?!"
"I'm not an android!" Yuren shouted.
"Lies! Lies, lies, lies! Damn lies!" She screamed, "I'll expose you for what you are!"
Frantically charging at him, she tried to claw his face. Yuren easily grabbed her arm and held her tightly.
"Stop fighting." He ordered.
"Damn you!" She snarled, "I can't believe she actually made that superweapon!"
"Masie!" Another voice shouted.
Yuren turned to see Iraj, Adelah, and another officer with the rank of General. He quickly let go of Masie's arm and stepped back.
"Told you. Was there any doubt it'd end up like this?" Adelah growled.
"I told you to keep your damn hands to yourself." Rolf scolded.
"It's not my fault, that bastard's a machine." Masie defended.
"He's a human." Iraj argued.
"Bullshit, he's a fucking android!" Masie screamed.
"Shut your mouth." Adelah snapped.
"No, it's true! He's not a human, he's an android!" Masie insisted.
"He is. Don't make me detain you." Rolf drew his officer's sword; it was an elegant blade.
Masie flinched and backed up, clearly afraid of the man.
"Masie, come with us." Rolf commanded.
"But he's-"
"Now!"
Masie obeyed and followed them.
"Yuren, I apologize for this inconvenience. You're dismissed." Rolf glanced back at him.
"Y-yes, Sir." The boy saluted the General, who left the hangar bay with the others.
"That was quite a performance," Jia's voice came from the shadows.
"Jia, you saw everything?" Yuren asked.
"Of course, remember what I said on your first day? If your life was in danger either me or Lina would immediately intervene. This includes against other officers, both of us have our limiters disabled." Jia answered.
"Oh... I see..."
"I was expecting something like this to happen as soon as heard that the 72nd's Sergeant Major had arrived. She's well known for being an incredibly violent woman. Even among her peers, she's despised." Jia explained.
"I thought Lina was exaggerating. But after today, I know she wasn't." Yuren sighed.
"Indeed. But, the good news is that she won't be coming back. Not anytime soon, since the General saw it anyways." Jia replied.
"Yeah..." Yuren nodded, "Hey, Jia."
"What is it?" Jia asked.
"Did she have a point? Do people with a high resonance factor die?"
"They never make it out of the hospital." Jia answered bluntly. "They're always put into the hospital to die. There's no treatment, there's no cure. Once the factor reaches a certain point, the body will break down and the subject will perish. In this regard, you are a very special individual."
"Then... is my resonance that high?"
"I'm obligated to not answer that question. Your resonance factor is even above mine, just take that as a hint of just how high it is."
"I see..." Yuren wasn't sure what to say.
"Come, let's head back." Jia motioned.
"Alright."
Yuren returned to the 701st's office and went inside.
"Lina, we have a problem," Jia said.
"What is it?" Lina asked.
"The 72nd's Sergeant Major attacked Yuren." Jia stated.
"And you didn't take it as a chance to finally kill her?" Lina asked.
"No, the General showed up. And he made her back off." Jia shrugged.
"Who and why was he there?" Lina demanded.
"General Rolf, I don't know why he showed up, but he was with Adelah." Jia explained.
"General Rolf and the Colonel. This doesn't sound good." Lina frowned.
"You're telling me. But I'm worried about Yuren." Jia crossed her arms, "I think his resonance factor is higher than we anticipated."
"That's not possible, I checked his data." Lina shook her head.
"Then why did the Sergeant Major think he's an android?" Jia questioned.
"Huh? She thought that?" Lina seemed surprised.
"Yeah, she was completely convinced." Jia nodded. "She forced him to turn off his NUWA like she does with all of her victims. She likely knows the real reason his factor is so high. I can only guess she thinks he's a special model. One that's meant for combat."
"I see... this is problematic." Lina rubbed her chin, "That means the Vice Minister falsified Yuren's data about his factor."
"Yeah, his factor is higher than even the XMV's." Jia confirmed.
"That's... that's..." Lina was at a loss for words. "That'd kill anyone that's human..."
"Exactly. His resonance should have killed him when he was born. And he should be dead right now." Jia nodded.
"Well now we know why we were ordered to protect him so closely." Lina sighed, "The Vice Minister wants him for something. I can't imagine what though."
"By the way, who is assigned to be his bodyguard since you still have direct missions to complete?" Jia asked.
"Eri's team. I haven't changed it to anyone else. A subversive sniper like her is keeping watch over him from a hidden position. She's somewhere around with him in her sights. You don't need to worry." Lina replied.
"Eri? I can't help but worry when she's the one guarding him." Jia sighed, "You're certain that's the best choice?"
"Why worry? She's literally the best stealth sniper in the entire world. Yuren could be in a thick crowd and she'd still keep a lock on him. You can trust her."
"I know, but she..." Jia stopped.
"She's what?" Lina blinked.
"Nevermind. I'll leave him in her care. She is the best at her job."
"Thank you." Lina smiled.
"However, Lina, we should have a talk about Eri later."
"Why?" Lina was curious.
"Not work related." Jia shook her head, "Something a little more... personal."
"Huh?" She tilted her head, "What did she do?"
"Later!" Jia repeated, "We can discuss it later."
"Fine, fine." Lina waved her off before taking her leave.
Jia opened the door to the office and stepped in. Yuren was sitting at the desk.
"Is something wrong, Commander?" She asked.
"Oh, nothing really." He shook his head, "Just trying to get caught up on reports. Nothing but administrative work."
"I see. Well, please don't hesitate to ask if you have questions." Jia suggested.
"I won't, thank you." Yuren nodded.
"Alright, I'm heading back."
"Wait Jia, I haven't seen Lina recently... is she alright?" Yuren asked.
"Don't worry, she's on an important mission given to her from higher ups. I checked in with her recently." Jia assured him.
"Good to hear. Thank you, Jia." Yuren smiled.
"You're welcome." Jia exited the office.
Yuren sighed and stared at the monitor in front of him. He had a lot to do, but he didn't want to start.
He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.
"Hey, don't go to sleep!"
A voice nearly startled him out of his chair.
"Who?!"
"Sorry, sorry. I couldn't resist." The woman chuckled.
Yuren noticed the 'XMV22' emblemized on her uniform, "Bei?"
"Bingo." She laughed, "Sorry for the intrusion, the girls and I are going to get some drinks in the city. You want anything? Any particular dishes or drinks you'd like for me to bring back?"
"What? No, it's okay. I'm good." He answered.
"Are you sure?" Bei Smiled. "Maybe a pack of condoms instead?"
Yuren choked, "W-What?! I don't need any!"
"Your reactions are so funny Commander!" She giggled, "Well, we're heading out. See you in the morning."
Bei left the room, and Yuren was left alone again. He was now extremely nervous, and he wasn't sure why. "I should get some rest..."
He stood up and went to his quarters. He quickly showered and lay down on his bed. Yuren's mind was racing, and he couldn't sleep. He felt restless.
"Am I going insane?" He whispered, "I can't think straight. What's wrong with me?"
"Sleeping?" Eri's voice spoke, startling him.
He froze, not wanting to turn and look, remaining silent. Maybe she'll go away if he just pretends to already be asleep.
She didn't hesitate to climb into the bed with him, cuddling up against him. He couldn't understand her thought process at all.
"Eri wins." Her voice was barely audible, and her breath was warm.
"Wins what?" Yuren finally spoke up.
"Got Commander." She replied, her voice was barely above a whisper.
"Eri, please go. I'm trying to sleep." Yuren pleaded.
"Sleep together. Bodyguard." Eri whispered.
"This is weird, it's inappropriate." Yuren protested.
"Bodyguard." She refused, "Must stay."
Yuren sighed. It was hopeless; arguing with this girl was a lost cause.
He tried his best to relax and focus on falling asleep, but his mind kept wandering.
"Complain a lot. But you like." Eri muttered.
"What?" Yuren questioned.
"Like bodyguard. Like me." Eri repeated, "Can tell. Body tells. Always does."
He turned and met the gaze of her vermilion eyes; he could feel his face growing hot.
"Cute." She smiled.
"Eri, why are you saying things like that?" Yuren asked.
"Because, cute." She grinned.
"You're not making sense." Yuren argued.
"I know. I'm not smart." Eri giggled.
"Eri, you're smart. Don't say that." Yuren scolded.
"Bad processor. Bad speech." Eri argued, "But combat very good."
"That doesn't mean you're not smart," Yuren replied. "It takes a genius to be a sniper like you."
"Commander smart too." Eri smiled.
"You think so?" Yuren was surprised.
"Smart boy. Good strategies." She praised him.
"Thank you, Eri." Yuren grinned.
"Welcome." She giggled.
"Eri, I have a question for you. Why do you talk the way you do? I've noticed you use the same phrase a lot."
"Bad processor." She repeated.
"What's a bad processor?" Yuren questioned.
"In head. Bad unit." She pointed to her forehead, "Make it hard. Hard to talk. many words. Need simpler."
"You mean your brain is damaged?" Yuren was shocked.
"No." Eri shook her head, "only processor."
"Oh, so you just can't speak like the others." Yuren realized.
"Yes." She nodded, "Hard to think. Hard to talk."
"So you have to use simple sentences." Yuren finished.
"Yes." She smiled.
"I-interesting..."
Yuren didn't know what to think. This girl was far from normal. He turned over and let his exhaustion pull him into sleep.