Chapter Four: Brothers

[Leo]

The world around us shifted once again, and I was sitting on the bed next to Autumn who was crying into my arms. She looked miserable and kept saying she couldnt believe that it had happened. I kept soothing her and trying to calm her down, but she simply refused to do so.

Youre not a freakyoure notyoure my little girlmy love.

How can you love a freak. She replied through sobs, and her plugged up nose made her sound all squeaky.

Because youre still my same Autumn. It was an accident; its bound to happen in Nomad researchyoure still the same woman.

She looked at me, the outer rings of her eyes blue.

Even when I look like this? Like a freak?

You could look like King Kong for all I care, and I would still love you.

She smiled and gave me a big hug before the memory shuttered and faded away, whirling into the wind. Another replaced it quickly before I got the chance to say anything to Allecto. I was at the dinner table with Autumn and another man, the man that I had encountered on Freeport 11 all those days ago.

So, Autumn tells me youre quite the pilot Leo.

I at this point and time only stared at the man with great hatred.

Why do you ask? I said simply, still glaring at him.

No reason, just trying to make idle conversation. After all Autumn wanted me to meet you, she speaks highly of you, you know.

Great. I replied with a sneer.

The memory almost, fast forwarded to a few hours later and the man had left by now, Autumn and I were washing dishes, arguing about something.

Hes a good man. Autumn argued.

Hes a goddamn liar, thats what he is. Talking about advanced technologythat man is dangerous; I want you to stay the hell away from him. Dont let him get involved in TANED. Doing so would only get you into more trouble.

More trouble? You make it seem like Im some kind of irresponsible child whos trying to play God Leo. For crying out loud honey, dont you want me to be happy?

I do, but believe me when I say, that man is bad news.

The memory faded and flew away, Allecto turned to look at me before going on.

I swear, what is it about human females and never listening.

Same reason I ask the question, why are AI so freaking cryptic.

Point taken, moving on.

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You fear oblivion. Yet you forget. The universe remembers every atom of your being. Even dust hums your name in the dark.
The Banished Legion