forum ENCOM OS-12 | OxO | Closed unless you're a fellow Program/User/ISO | Stalkers get a free Light Runner

Started March 25, 2021 by @murphysgirl

tune

"Good," Nora said, still keeping an eye on Bit.

Cor's smile grew as he finished sealing the remaining crack and set down the tools. “And done.” he told her, carefully picking up the helmet to look it over before handing it to Nora.

Nora gently took it from his hands and turned it over, examining it thoroughly. She nodded in approval. "That's very nice. Thank you."

“Glad I was able to help.” he smiled. “Though… Well, I have to admit that I'm curious why you came to me about a repair in the first place.” he shrugged, hoping that she didn't mind his asking.

Nora's mouth flattened into a thin line. What would she tell him? Should she just lie? But what about?
"I have a… there's something Kaira installed a while ago," she said, "that broke in the crash, and needed to be fixed."
Well, at least she wasn't lying. Kaira had installed the voice warping function. But would he take it? She knew it was a little vague.
And if he found out? She trusted him… right?

Cor raised a brow at her expression but gave a small nod. He could understand why Nora wouldn't want someone to mess up her friend’s modification… Though the rest of her explanation raised a few more questions. “So, kind of like your lightcycle. I hope I fixed that correctly then.” he hummed slightly. He had asked if there was anything special he needed to be aware of before he started… But she had said no.

Nora nodded. Her mind was racing. She wasn't usually one to jump to conclusions, but there was something in his expression that conveyed suspicion, wasn't there? The raised eyebrow, the look in his eyes? She took a breath and slipped off the stool. Maybe if she glossed it over, he wouldn't think too much of it. Or would he?
Think, Nora, think.
"The important thing is that it's fixed," she said. "Thank you."

Cor chuckled softly, recognizing what she was doing. But honestly, he couldn't judge since he had done the same thing quite a few times. “You’re welcome. And I really do hope I fixed it.” he managed to smile, gently reaching up to cup her face. He really did like her and did trust her but… If he wanted her to trust him, then it would be better not to push her.

"I hope you did too," Nora said with a smile, fluffing his hair softly.

Cor laughed at that. “That actually feels nice.” he admitted, smiling back and gently kissing her forehead. “Now… I believe I promised to show you something.” he added with a playful smirk.

"You did indeed," Nora said, her light lines pulsing a faint pink.

Cor smiled confidently and gently took her hand. “It’s this way.” he said softly, though his excitement was still audible as he started guiding her.

Nora stayed close to him as he walked her through the Recognizer, her heels clicking softly on the glossy black floor.

Cor smiled assuringly at her as they walked past several corridors and a few sealed doors, heading straight towards the main control room.

"This is a lot bigger than I thought it would be," Nora said as she followed him.

“Yeah… These things are pretty big.” he agreed. “But… they were designed to carry a whole platoon of soldiers and weapons. Not to mention other supplies. Oh! Watch your step here.” he warned quickly.

Nora stepped delicately around the obstacles, her fingers still entwined with Cor's. They were almost shoulder to shoulder, very close.

Cor's lights flickered pink for a moment before settling down. He really didn't mind the closeness. “A… Anyway, I have some plans for this old machine.” he admitted as they made their way past more of the wreckage.

"You do?" Nora asked, surprised. "Not to get it flying again, surely?"

“No. No, I don't think this will ever fly again without a User fixing it.” Cor laughed. “It’s more of an emergency plan that I hope never has to happen. But with how big it is… I could remodel this into a shelter for all kinds of programs if…” he trailed off.

"If…?" Nora pressed gently.

“If the worst happens again.” he admitted softly.

Nora's eyebrows furrowed. She didn't know exactly what he meant, but something told her it was a tender topic, so she didn't press.

Cor shook his head when he noticed her expression. “I just mean that if someone tries to… take over the Grid again.” he explained. “This place could be a haven for programs who need to escape or want to help others.”

Nora nodded, her expression clearing. Sidestepping a large piece of debris, she said, "That makes sense." Maybe she could bring programs here, anonymously, as Aurora, if such a thing happened. Cor wouldn't mind… right?

Considering that was what he was planning to do as well, if he knew, he wouldn't mind her help. “I know it's a little paranoid but I would rather be prepared.” he admitted as he started to smile before leading her around a corner with a familiar blue glow. “Besides, we have plenty of energy to go around.” he finished proudly. The makeshift exit had broken off during the crash and lead to a carved out section inside the mountain where a beautiful, full spring of pure energy sat completely undisturbed.

"Holy cubes," Nora said softly, staring at the spring. "Do you know how rare that is?"

“Very.” he nodded, gently leading her closer. “When I crashed, I was in pretty bad shape but finding this saved my life. It took me a while to carve out some of this so I could reach it better but it was worth it.” he smiled.

Nora stared at the energy, transfixed by the shimmering, glowing blue liquid. It was beautiful. It was the exact same colour as Cor's eyes, she realised, and moved her gaze to the latter. That stare had the same effect on her as energy did.

Cor's smile widened as he lead her up towards the edge. He couldn't help the feeling of pride as he showed off the source. Yes, it has been just dumb luck that he had found it but he had worked hard to hollow out this spot without disrupting the flow. “I don't come here very often, because I don't want others to find it unless it's necessary, but if you ever… If I’m not at home or at one of my jobs, you can find me here.” he admitted, taking a seat near the edge of the liquid.