Glory to Mankind (Nier Automata) ch 19

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The speed at which the androids worked was beyond impressive.

Entire sections of the station had been transformed almost overnight. Once-bustling manufacturing centers were now luxurious living quarters, outfitted with the very best amenities the androids could produce. Under her direction, Fujikawa ensured the civilians wouldn't just have places to sleep but spaces to truly live. Libraries, parks, swimming pools, gyms, and more—anything to make the station feel less like a sterile outpost and more like a home. Camille, ever eager to pull miracles out of thin air, ensured that no request was too extravagant.

Fujikawa knew why the android Councillor was so eager to serve. It wasn't altruism. It was a performance—a way to prove her worth, to show just how valuable she could be.

If Camille thought this was enough to placate Fujikawa's resentment, she was mistaken.

Still, Fujikawa had to be patient. Loathe as she was to work with Camille, she couldn't deny the Councillor's usefulness. For now, that was enough.

The more time she spent with the androids, the more Fujikawa began to understand their psyche—their zeal. When she and the original team had created them, they'd programmed Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics into their systems as a failsafe. A simple framework of morality, nothing more. The androids were meant to be companions, friends for humanity when they awoke. It had seemed so straightforward at the time.

But something had gone wrong.

The androids' desperate devotion, their unrelenting willingness to serve—it wasn't part of the design. It wasn't supposed to be like this.

So Fujikawa investigated. She compiled reports, reviewed logs, and compared behavioral patterns across generations of android lines. The answer, when it came, was unsettling.

The long war against the Machines, coupled with centuries of human absence, had left its mark. The androids had developed an intensified, almost pathological need to serve humanity. It wasn't programming—it was trauma. Widespread attachment issues, ingrained over millennia, now defined their psyche.

This was... concerning.

Summarized simply, humanity now found itself the charge of an entire race of sentient beings eager—desperate, even—to please, no matter the cost. That kind of devotion, Fujikawa knew, could be exploited. Humanity had its share of predators, and the androids would be easy prey.

Fujikawa could already envision the worst-case scenarios. She knew exactly what humanity was capable of. The cruelty. The selfishness. The horrific things people would justify if given the chance. She couldn't stop every sick bastard from hurting the androids, but perhaps she could mitigate the damage. She made a note to pressure Smith to draft legal protections for the androids. Laws wouldn't stop everyone, but it was a start.

And then there was the programming.

Perhaps it was time for an update to the Three Laws of Robotics. A modification to account for the realities of this new world, to protect the androids from harm—not just from humans, but from their own self-destructive devotion.

Yes. That seemed reasonable. Now, she just needed to figure out what that update would look like.

And so, Fujikawa worked.

The office provided to her was expansive—more luxury apartment than workspace. A gift from Camille, no doubt. The Councillor's fingerprints were all over it. Fujikawa's android entourage lived with her, as expected. The Twins had a bedroom to themselves, while 2B and 9S were assigned their own quarters. Not that 2B seemed willing to let the Scout model stray far from her sight.

It didn't take long for Fujikawa to notice something unusual about 2B. Within the bounds of their mission, the Battle model always found ways to work with 9S, to remain close to him. Fujikawa couldn't help but wonder if there was more to it. It seemed like 2B had an interest in the boy. No one went out of their way to spend so much time with someone unless it was work-related—or they liked them.

Fujikawa would know. She spent far too much time with Gregory herself for that very reason. Sure, half of it was work. But the other half? That was something else entirely. She wanted to be with him.

Not that he noticed.

Fujikawa had to admit—it was amusing to watch from the sidelines. Like a soap opera brought to life, or one of those romance anime Gregory seemed so fond of. The setup was perfect: two gothic-lolita-style androids in space, one clearly interested in the other, who was hopelessly oblivious.

She couldn't help but wonder why 2B wasn't more open with her feelings toward the boy. From what Fujikawa had observed, 2B was curt and direct, not the type to mince words. Yet when it came to 9S, something held her back. Was it shyness? It seemed strange for someone as capable as 2B, but Fujikawa figured even androids had their emotional blind spots.

Still, android drama aside, Fujikawa had more pressing matters to think about—namely, the breeding program.

The original plan had been simple. A lottery system had been drawn up to ensure fairness. Names were pulled, and those selected were expected to fulfill their obligations. Once done, the process would reset, and the cycle would start again. It had been efficient, orderly—and cold. Fujikawa wondered if such a system was still necessary under the current circumstances.

Perhaps it was. Chaos was the last thing they needed. A structured approach would ensure things stayed organized. Fujikawa loathed disorder. It would be messy, inefficient, and prone to complications. And so, a lottery program it was. Both androids and humans would be free to submit their names, and once matched, they could proceed with… well, their duties. Like rabbits, if they wanted.

Of course, questions arose. What if the two matches didn't get along? What if there was no love, no intimacy?

From a clinical point of view, intimacy was of little consequence when the survival of the species was the subject. But Fujikawa would allow for some leeway. 

It only seemed fair to allow the winners an option to pass on consummation and try again. Fujikawa doubted this would be much of an issue, at least on the human side. The androids were aesthetically flawless, after all. The average android was already designed to be pleasing in every possible way. YoRHa androids, in particular, made human models seem downright ordinary.

A snort escaped her lips before she could stop herself. Humanity's future children, determined by gacha.

Still, she was confident that intimate bonds would form outside of the program as well. That was just how things worked. People weren't robots, after all.

She paused mid-typing as the doors slid open. Footsteps echoed into the room.

"Ma'am?" 9S called, stepping in. "I have the data packet you requested."

9S was a dutiful android. Like all androids, he carried an eagerness to please, but with him, it was more than that—it was honest sincerity. That sincerity made Fujikawa understand why 2B might be interested in the boy. She herself had a soft spot for dorks with big, idealistic dreams. And, of course, 9S fit YoRHa's aesthetically pleasing design to perfection.

Speaking of 2B, there she was, following silently behind him, as quiet as the night.

"Thank you, 9S," Fujikawa said with a nod, then paused. "You may leave now."

"It was my pleasure, Doctor!" 9S responded with a smile. Then he hesitated, blinking behind his blindfold. "A-Are you sure? Do you need any further assistance?"

Fujikawa smiled faintly. "No, I don't. You two may relax."

9S hesitated again, but after a moment, he nodded. Just as he turned to leave, Fujikawa spoke up again.

"Actually, I do have a few questions for you both. Would you mind staying?"

9S's expression brightened immediately. "Of course! How may we be of service, ma'am?"

Oh, he's cute, Fujikawa thought.

She leaned back slightly. "Now that the station's construction is almost complete, where do you see yourselves once the civilians begin moving into their assigned places?"

9S paused to think. The idea of more humans on the station was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Sure, the Doctor was intimidating enough, but more humans? In all their shapes and sizes? Yes, please.

"Well," he began, coughing awkwardly under Fujikawa's gaze, "assuming 2B and I are no longer assigned to you, we'll likely return planetside to resume our missions."

Fujikawa noted the subtle shift in his tone—he was calling her by her name now. It had taken him a while to stop calling her "ma'am."

"We YoRHa models are soldiers," 9S continued. "It would be a waste not to use us in the field."

Fujikawa nodded. That made sense. As beautiful as they were, they were still the most advanced androids in existence. A single YoRHa unit could turn the tide of battle. A squad of them could wipe a city's worth of machines off the map in a single day.

Still...

"You understand that with the civilian population settling in, a breeding program is likely to follow," Fujikawa said, raising an eyebrow.

9S froze, his cheeks reddening. "O-Oh. Um... G-Good luck to them!"

Fujikawa's eyes narrowed slightly, amusement flickering in her gaze. "It's going to be an open program. Androids will be allowed to participate."

2B remained silent, her expression unreadable. 9S, on the other hand, turned an even deeper shade of red. "A-Ah..."

"YoRHa units are included," Fujikawa continued smoothly. "Many humans would be thrilled. You're all beautiful, desirable creations. I imagine you'd be quite popular."

"I—I would be honored to be chosen by a human!" 9S blurted out, his voice cracking slightly. His face was practically glowing at this point. "...I just never thought I'd be part of that. I always thought I would be a soldier fighting in the front lines. But that?" 

He chuckled nervously, brushing back some of his hair with a hesitant hand. His expression was a mix of uncertainty and eagerness. "I... I just hope that I'll be enough for whoever I might be partnered with."

The more 9S spoke, the more Fujikawa felt something stir deep within her. She wanted to pull him into her arms, shield him from all the terrible things in the universe that might hurt him. She wanted to feed him like a starving Victorian orphan who hadn't seen a proper meal in days. And then—oh, the scandal—she'd commit unspeakable, lewd acts. Like holding his hand. Not that she'd ever admit such thoughts aloud.

Gregory was just like that. A silly, silly man.

"Some women find your attitude pleasing and adorable," Fujikawa said, her tone light but sincere. "Keep being yourself, 9S. You might just find someone who adores dorky men."

9S sputtered, his face turning an impossible shade of red as he stood there, bashful and shy. Fujikawa's attention shifted to 2B, who remained as still as a statue, her expression unreadable.

"And how about you, 2B?" Fujikawa asked, her voice softening. "Do you see yourself returning to the battlefield as well?"

"I will do my duty, Doctor," 2B replied quietly, her words measured and deliberate. "Whether that duty is in the field or in the program... assuming I join it."

Fujikawa leaned forward slightly, intrigued. "Oh?"

"I am a Battle model, Doctor. I was designed to fight," 2B continued, her tone calm and matter-of-fact. "My aesthetics are secondary to my abilities. I know how to fight. I was not made to procreate, and I have no experience in such matters. Would I even be suitable for anyone?"

Fujikawa opened her mouth to respond, but 9S cut her off before she could speak.

"Of course you would be, 2B!" 9S exclaimed, his voice rising with unusual fervor. "You're talented, you're skilled, and you're... you're really pretty too! Why wouldn't anyone choose you?"

Fujikawa froze mid-thought, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise at the sheer passion in his voice. 9S blinked, suddenly realizing the weight of his words, and began nervously rubbing the back of his head. "I-I mean, in the short time I've known you, of course! N-Not that I mean anything by it!"

"But you did just call her pretty and capable, 9S," Fujikawa teased, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Don't you mean it? Girls don't like it when you say nice things and don't mean them, you know."

9S practically steamed, his hands twitching at his sides. "T-Then I mean it!" he blurted, his voice cracking slightly.

"Thank you, 9S," 2B said softly, her expression shifting just enough to show the faintest hint of warmth.

Fujikawa watched the exchange unfold, her heart fluttering with glee. Internally, she cackled like a villain in a drama. Oh, this was too good.

"But you mustn't feel so bashful around me," 2B said suddenly, her tone firm, almost scolding. "We're partners in this. You shouldn't feel shy around me."

Ironic. Hypocritical, even, coming from the ice queen herself, Fujikawa thought, barely suppressing a smirk.

"Y-Yes, 2B," 9S stammered, coughing awkwardly.

2B nodded, as if proclaiming words of profound wisdom, her posture as rigid and composed as ever.

Fujikawa snorted under her breath. As amusing as this was, she had work to do. "All right, I'm satisfied with you two for now. Go take a break."

9S immediately perked up. "Oh! Yes, Doctor. Um, Glory to Mankind, Doctor!" he added quickly before pivoting on his heel and practically fleeing, eager to escape any further ribbing.

2B, however, stayed behind. Fujikawa raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.

"Doctor," 2B said softly, her voice uncharacteristically hesitant. "May... may I ask a question?"

Fujikawa leaned back in her chair, folding her arms. "Of course."

"You mentioned I could speak to you about anything, should I wish it. May I bring it up now?"

Fujikawa nodded again, her interest growing. "What is it?"

2B hesitated, her gloved hands twitching slightly at her sides. Then, with a small sigh, she spoke. "I... What if I have strong feelings for... someone?" she whispered, her cheeks coloring faintly.

Fujikawa's lips curled into a sly smile. She leaned forward, unable to resist. "For 9S?"

The words seemed to hit 2B like a bullet. Her gaze snapped to Fujikawa, sharp and piercing, her expression unreadable. A thousand questions swirled in her eyes. But then, as quickly as it came, the intensity faded. She let out a long sigh, her shoulders sinking under an invisible weight.

"Yes," she admitted, her voice low and quiet. "But something is stopping me."

Fujikawa tilted her head, her curiosity shifting into genuine concern as she noticed the tension in 2B's frame. The android's hands curled into tight fists, trembling slightly.

"This isn't the first time I've been with him," 2B confessed, her voice steady but filled with an undercurrent of pain. "He has been... destroyed. Multiple times. And each time, he's lost his memories. All of them. But I carry those moments with me—every single one."

Fujikawa's eyes widened in realization. Oh, shit. She had completely misread 2B. This wasn't shyness. Not even close. No, this was something far deeper—and far heavier.

"I want to be with him," 2B continued, her voice growing quieter, as if admitting the words aloud gave them unbearable weight. "I want to tell him how much I feel. But..." She exhaled, the sound almost a tremble. "I feel I don't deserve it. I feel I don't deserve him. Why... why should I? After everything? After every single time?"

Fujikawa sat in stunned silence, the full weight of 2B's words settling over her like a suffocating blanket. This wasn't about love in the way she'd assumed. It was about loss. Guilt. The crushing burden of carrying memories that weren't shared, of holding onto something that was erased again and again.

The doctor's heart clenched. She wasn't sure what to say. How could she reassure someone who had endured so much, someone who had been forced to relive the same tragedy over and over?

"Take a seat," she muttered. "We're going to be here for a long time." 

She glanced up towards 042 floating silently. "Can you take a step outside, please?" 

"Acknowledged," the pod said simply, hovering out the door. 2B walked up, sitting across her. Her fingers curled on her dress. 

Fujikawa took a deep breath, leaning forward in her chair. "Okay," she whispered carefully. "What makes you think you aren't worthy of him?"

"Because I was the one who destroyed him," 2B confessed, her voice barely audible.

Fujikawa's eyes widened, her mind stumbling over the words.

"...What?" she asked flatly, the weight of the statement hitting her like a blow.

"Doctor," 2B whispered again, her tone uneven. "I... I am not 2B. I am designated 2E. Executioner. My purpose is to assume different roles within YoRHa and eliminate deserters... or those who uncover the truth."

Fujikawa inhaled sharply, her hands clenching on the desk. "So if this isn't the first time..." she muttered, connecting the dots. "You've been doing this for—"

"A long time," 2B—no, 2E—admitted, her lips curving into a pained, hollow smile.

Fujikawa leaned back in her chair, stunned into silence. She stared at 2E, her mind racing to process the weight of the revelation. After a moment, she finally spoke.

"I can see why you feel like you don't deserve him," Fujikawa murmured, her voice soft but steady.

"Yeah..." 2E said simply, her eyes fixed on the floor.

Fujikawa tilted her head slightly, curiosity flaring. "And why are you telling me this now?"

2E hesitated, then answered, her voice quieter. "Because with humanity's return, my missions will no longer be necessary. I... I am free. Free to do what I wish. What I want."

Fujikawa's lips tightened into a thin line. If Smith were here, she thought wryly, he'd probably be swearing aloud, calling for Christ himself—not that the Redeemer would condone what 2E had just confessed. Fujikawa understood the necessity of the lie, of the illusion YoRHa had kept alive to sustain android morale for so long. But understanding didn't mean condoning. It didn't mean forgiveness. If anything, this confession only strengthened her resolve. Camille and the Council would pay for this. They would all pay.

"And what do you want now, 2B?" Fujikawa asked softly, deliberately using the name the android had clung to for so long.

2E's lips trembled, and for a moment, she didn't look up. When she spoke, her words came slowly, as though weighed down by a lifetime of suppressed emotions. "I don't know... I've never been allowed to think for myself. My whole existence has been about following orders, following the will of others. Now that I'm free..." She paused, her voice breaking. "Everything feels like a... a void. I don't know who I am without the mission."

"You're not a weapon," Fujikawa said gently, her tone firm but compassionate. "You were built to be one, yes. But that doesn't mean you're locked into that role forever. You can be more. With humanity's return, you can choose what comes next."

Fujikawa leaned forward again, her gaze steady and probing. "So, if you could have anything—anything at all—what would it be? Not as 2B. Not as 2E. But as you?"

The question hung in the air, heavy and unmoving, like a stone dropped into still water. For the first time, 2E seemed to hesitate, as though allowing herself to imagine a life outside the rigid roles she'd been confined to for so long.

"I..." she began, her voice faltering. Then she swallowed hard and tried again. "I want to live," she said softly, the words barely above a whisper. But then, as if drawing strength from within, she said it again, louder this time. "I want to live. I want to choose to be with him. I want to be with 9S. Not because it's my mission. Not because it's my duty. But because... because I want to."

Fujikawa's gaze softened, but she caught the hesitation in 2E's expression.

"But...?" Fujikawa prompted gently.

"I don't deserve to," 2E wailed suddenly, her composure cracking. Her hands clenched into fists, trembling with emotion. "I don't deserve him. I am his murderer. Over and over again... I've killed him."

Fujikawa's jaw tightened, her heart sinking at the depth of 2E's anguish. She stood slowly, her gaze hardening with determination.

"Not anymore," Fujikawa said firmly, her voice brooking no argument. "No longer. This vicious cycle of life and death you've been trapped in—it's over."

2E blinked, her breath catching as she looked up at Fujikawa.

"No more killing," Fujikawa continued, her voice rising with conviction. "No more suffering. No more watching 9S die in your arms. It's done. You are free now, 2E. Truly free."

Fujikawa's hands tightened into fists at her sides, her mind already drifting to Camille and the Council. By the end of this, they would suffer. They would all suffer for what they'd done. For what they'd forced 2E—and countless others—to endure.

2E's lips trembled once more, but this time, there was something else in her expression. A flicker of hope, fragile but unmistakable.

"...What now?" 2B asked softly, her voice trembling. "What must I do, Doctor? What can I do?"

Fujikawa let out a heavy sigh and sat back down, pressing her fingers to her temples as if trying to ease the weight of the moment. After a pause, she spoke carefully. "...You cannot tell him this. That much is certain."

"I can't," 2B whispered, a painful smile twisting her lips. "He would hate me."

Her voice cracked, and she choked on her words. "He should hate me," she wailed suddenly, her composure breaking. "But I love him. I love him, Doctor. I love him so much."

Her voice faltered, her hands trembling as tears slid down her cheeks.

"I love him," she repeated, her words barely above a whisper now, as though saying them aloud hurt more than keeping them inside.

"I felt nothing at first. It was just my purpose. But with every kill...with every experience...I...I...-" she choked.

"I love him..." she sobbed, burying her face in her hands.

"I love him."

Fujikawa sighed deeply, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. Rising from her chair, she pushed aside the mountain of tasks that had been waiting for her attention. There was no way she could focus on work now—not after this. Whatever had just landed on her desk, it wasn't something she could ignore.

She rounded the table quietly, pulling another chair forward and sitting down beside 2B. Her movements were deliberate, calm, as if trying not to startle the android. For a brief moment, Fujikawa hesitated, her hand hovering in the air before she finally reached out.

Gently, she held out her hand.

2B hesitated as well, her usually composed demeanor shattered. Then, as though a dam had broken, she leaned into Fujikawa's chest, trembling as soft, ragged sniffles escaped her.

Fujikawa wrapped her arms around the android, her embrace firm but comforting. "It's okay," she murmured softly, her voice steady, a quiet anchor against the storm of emotions swirling around them. 

"It's okay," Fujikawa whispered. 

For a moment, Fujikawa said nothing. What could she say? In all her years, nothing in her life had prepared her for this. She wasn't trained to mend hearts. She wasn't equipped to handle something so painfully human—or, in this case, something so painfully android. She wasn't even sure if words could help.

If she were in 9S's place, she thought bitterly, she'd likely refuse to have anything to do with 2B. How could he forgive her? How could anyone? After all, she had killed him—time and time again. A cycle of death and rebirth, of betrayal and duty, over and over again. And yet, somehow, against all logic, they always found their way back to each other. Like a thread being pulled taut, snapped, and then rewoven in the same pattern.

If Fujikawa had been superstitious, she might have called it destiny. Some kind of cosmic force or divine intervention. A ridiculous fairytale would no doubt frame their story with flowery language and grandiose nonsense about love and fate. But this wasn't a fairytale. These weren't characters in a story. These were real, tangible beings—beings with emotions so raw and deep that they rivaled anything humanity itself could claim.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of 2B's voice, soft and trembling, like the faintest whisper of wind through broken glass.

"I can't be with him," 2B murmured, her words barely audible. Her shoulders hunched as though the weight of her admission were too much to bear. "But I want to be. I want to be with him so badly."

Fujikawa's heart tightened. There it was. The quiet, desperate truth, laid bare.

"Take off your blindfold," Fujikawa requested. "Let me see the sincerity in your eyes." 

​2B pulled it away, the cloth falling on her lap. Fujikawa's breath hitched. 2B's eyes...

She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Then why can't you?" she asked gently, her voice low and steady.

2B looked up, confused.

"2B," she said softly, leaning forward slightly. "Maybe it's not about what you think you deserve. Maybe it's about what he chooses. Have you ever thought about that?"

2B's head tilted slightly, as though the thought had never occurred to her before. Fujikawa continued, her tone even but with a touch of warmth. "You feel that you don't deserve it because of what you have done. I understand why you feel that way. But what about him? It's not for you to decide what he should or shouldn't feel. And it's not for you to take that choice away from him because you think you're unworthy." 

"Should I...pursue him, then?" 2B asked softly. 

Fujikawa's gaze softened, a gentle smile curving her lips. "I can't answer that for you, 2B. But... if it's something you want, if he's someone you care about, then maybe it's worth trying. Not because you feel you deserve it, but because it's your choice to make. And his, too."

She leaned back slightly, her eyes steady on 2B. "No one's perfect. We all carry things we're not proud of. But if we only defined ourselves by our mistakes, we'd never move forward. Sometimes, it's not about deserving happiness. It's about letting yourself reach for it, even when it feels impossible." 

​Fujikawa reached forward, planting a gentle hand against 2B's cheek. The girl leaned into her hand, desperate and needing the warmth. "This is a new era. This will be a new era. A new beginning for all. Even for you. This is a chance for you to start anew." 

She pulled back, muttering. "I don't even know how to start."

Fujikawa's smile remained, calm and reassuring. "Start small. A conversation. A moment shared. You don't have to rush or force anything. Just... let yourself be honest. With him. And with yourself."

"But what if I... what if I hurt him?" 2B's voice was barely above a whisper, the words laced with a trembling uncertainty.

"That's a possibility," Fujikawa admitted softly. "But pushing him away because of fear—of hurting him, or of being hurt yourself—doesn't protect either of you. It just builds walls where there could be bridges."

2B looked up, her eyes searching Fujikawa's face for something—permission, maybe. Or perhaps courage.

"Let yourself be real with him," Fujikawa continued, her tone gentle but sure. "It's okay to be scared. It's okay to not have all the answers. But it's also okay to hope for something good. To try, even if it feels like you shouldn't."

2B nodded slowly, the weight of her own thoughts gradually giving way to something softer, something almost like hope.

"I...I will try," 2B swallowed. 

"Atta girl," Fujikawa praised, patting 2B's cheek. For the first time, she smiled.

​Let the girl try, Fujikawa thought. Let the androids be happy. She was going to do the nasty work of making sure Camille, the Council, and everyone else who made this misery happen pay. 

"Now, shoo," Fujikawa said, standing up. "I have work to do." 

​"Doctor!" 2B spoke up. 

Fujikawa turned. 

"...Thank you." 

+++

9S waited. And waited. Fear gnawed at him.

The two women had been inside for far too long. What could they possibly be discussing? Records showed that women often talked about makeup or gossip. At the Bunker, the all-female crew gossiped plenty. But here? What could 2B and the Doctor have to say to each other?

"153, 042," 9S said, glancing up at the hovering pods. "What do you think they're talking about?"

"Informative: The walls are soundproof," 153 replied with mechanical efficiency.

"Unit 9S does not have authority to interact with this unit," 042 added, its tone cold and indifferent.

A knot tightened in his stomach. Damn it, he wanted to know.

"Oho, what's this?" a voice called out.

9S turned. Devola and Popola stood at the entrance, trays of food and drink balanced in their hands. Smirks played across their faces.

"Looks like we found a lost YoRHa unit, sis," Devola teased.

"Lost and alone," Popola added with mock pity.

"Correction: Unit 9S is not alone. Tactical Support Units 153 and 042 are present," 153 chimed in.

Devola waved the pod off. "Yeah, yeah. Anyway, we've got lunch for the Doctor. Is she, uh… done in there?" Devola tilted her head.

9S shook his head. "Not yet. They've been in there for a while."

Popola raised an eyebrow. "What's the discussion about? Some kind of conference?"

"I don't know," 9S admitted. "2B said she needed to talk to the Doctor. That's all I know."

Devola hummed, stepping closer with the tray. The smell hit 9S like a wave—warm, rich, and heavy with spices.

"What's for lunch?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Fish curry," Popola replied, lifting the lid. "With carrots, potatoes, and coconut sauce."

"Indian food," Devola added casually.

9S blinked, the terms unfamiliar. "Can I see?"

"Sure, why not." Devola placed the tray on a nearby table and pulled back the covers. A decadent aroma filled the air—curry, fresh bread, and vegetables swimming in a thick, golden sauce. It looked like a feast.

"The Doctor can eat all this by herself?" 9S tilted his head.

"Not really," Devola said with a smirk. "She likes it when we eat with her."

"You… eat with your human?" 9S asked, astonished.

Popola smiled warmly. "Yes. She considers us her daughters. We… don't mind. We like it, actually."

That was something Operator 210 would love to hear about. He made a mental note to tell her later.

"With humanity becoming more active, the Doctor thinks living as a family is good practice," Popola explained. Then her tone shifted. "Have you heard about the lottery?"

"Lottery?" 9S frowned. "She mentioned it but didn't explain."

Popola nodded. "It's for fairness. Random selection of who gets to participate in the new program."

"My sister and I are entering together," Popola revealed. "We've asked to be treated as a pair. We don't want to be separated."

Devola grinned and leaned in. "How about you, pretty-boy? You joining in?"

9S flushed. "I am not a pretty-boy!"

Devola's grin widened. "Sure you aren't. You look like you'd—"

"Devola," Popola interrupted sharply. "Language."

Devola shrugged. "What? I'm just saying he looks like he'd bark if—"

"I wouldn't! I'm not a dog!" 9S snapped, red-faced.

"Bet I could make y—"

The door opened, cutting her off. All heads turned as 2B stepped out, her blindfold in place, her expression unreadable.

"9S," she said softly.

He straightened. "Y-yes?"

"Let's go."

He faltered. "Where are we going?"

"To relax," 2B stated, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"...Relax?" He blinked, confused.

"Yes," she confirmed. "The Doctor has given us some time off."

Pod 042 hovered forward. "Suggestion: There is an amusement park located in the ruined city. Records indicate humans used such places for relaxation."

Devola and Popola exchanged uneasy glances.

"The amusement park?" Popola asked warily. "Are you sure?"

"What's wrong with it?" 2B's voice carried a faint edge, daring them to question her further.

"It's… infested with Machines," Devola said. "Not dangerous ones. Just weird. They're dressed like clowns."

"What's a clown?" 2B asked flatly.

"Informative: A clown is a comic entertainer, often wearing exaggerated costumes and makeup," 042 supplied.

"Then there is no issue," 2B declared, grabbing 9S's arm. "Come."

As she marched out, dragging 9S behind her, the Twins watched them go. The door to the Doctor's office opened again, and Fujikawa stepped out, her expression heavy with thought.

"Doctor?" Popola asked, concerned.

"Don't mind me," Fujikawa said, rubbing her temples. "Just… thinking. There's a lot to unpack."

Devola raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Like what?"

"I can't say. Doctor-patient confidentiality," she replied, waving them off.

"But you're a biologist, not a therapist," Devola pointed out.

Fujikawa shot her a look. "How about we eat instead?"

Devola snorted. Popola chuckled.

The Doctor sighed, her gaze distant. "For now, things are resolved. Next, we need to focus on the breeding program."

Popola stepped forward. "Doctor, Devola and I want to participate."

Fujikawa froze, her eyes narrowing. "You realize what that means, don't you? Meeting a man."

"Yes," Devola said flatly. "Why do you think we're volunteering? It's been a long time since our ostracization. Way, waaay to long."

The Doctor's expression darkened. "I won't let just anyone touch you. You're my daughters, not some hussy!"

"Mother," Devola interrupted, rolling her eyes. "We have needs too."

"And humanity needs all the help it can get," Popola added, her tone gentle but firm.

Fujikawa exhaled, pinching the bridge of her nose. "If this is truly what you want… I'll find someone suitable."

Devola grinned. "Hope he does oral."

"Devola!" Fujikawa barked, scandalized.

Popola laughed, covering her mouth. Devola just shrugged and smirked.

+++

A/N: So here's how it's going to be with the smut

2B and 9S first. Then White and Smith. Then Anemone. Then Jackass with Cruz. As for the Twins, it is going to be a lottery. I am going to take a list of le patrons and whoever gets picked, gets to have an oc for a hawt android threesome. Slice of life will continue from there.