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"Humans celebrated anniversaries for a number of reasons.
Births. Deaths. Graduations. Relationships…Weddings."
2B gazed at the pristine ornament before her. It was clean.
Lights shined on glass, sustained by scraps of metal and concrete.
It was crude. Like all forms of art made in this wasteland.
A mere reimagining of what could only vaguely resemble anything.
But 9S persisted. 2B saw him.
Though he thought he was clever and managed to work in secret,
she of course saw him in the corner of her sight each time.
Sneaking off. Making excuses to go work on this piece of junk.
It was such a waste of time. But of course, she never stopped him.
She saw it each time, unable to decipher what this item even was.
But she wanted to see its finished state, nevertheless.
She wanted to see what kind of art 9S could make.
"This isn't even the best part though. Close your eyes."
"What even is this mess?"
"Just do it…please?"
2B felt the chill of the wind captivate her. She couldn't move.
She did not wish to miss this moment.
"Okay. You can look now."
"It lit up…"
"That's right. I found some electrical wirings and rigged up a
little system just for this. It took me ages to find glass pieces
in just the right shapes to refract them into just the right colors."
"It's beautiful."
9S froze, as if he was discovering his own creation for the first time.
"Is…is it?"
"The way the light bounces around and refracts with the tinted glass.
And when it bounces off the shape of that koala head, it's almost
as if the glass is dancing. The lights simulate movement. A ballet."
"Um…it's a swan."
"A swan?"
"It's not a koala. Those are the wings, see? And here's the head."
"...a swan then. Fitting."
"It sucks, doesn't it? You don't have to pretend for my sake."
2B gently slid her finger against the glass. She felt resistance.
The glass pieces were arranged in such a way that she could
perhaps cut her gloves with enough force, but with gentle touches
it was merely soft edges gently poking her. There was no pain.
"I think…it looks beautiful. Your koala swan, that is."
"Come on, don't make fun of me."
"You said this was for an anniversary?"
"That's right. It's been exactly one year since our first mission together."
"It's amazing we both survived that long. I usually…
I usually don't get to work with a partner this many times before…"
2B clutched at her wrists. By now, 9S usually broke something.
A rule, or perhaps simply his ability to avoid exploring his
curious inclinations. He was always digging too deep.
And every time he did, it was 2B's responsibility to…
She didn't want to execute him again. It was too much.
Each time, it became harder and harder. She was scared.
9S couldn't help but search for the truth and break the rules.
He always found a way to get an order put out against him.
2B would be forced to put an end to his thoughts.
And 9S would be reborn, with none of his memories.
The time they spent together would disappear into dust.
It was 2B who suggested he help clean up the Resistance camp.
The new location was far from large machine activity. It
was ideal to make it into something manageable. Especially
for the less battle-ready androids. They had 2B to help in
case any major attacks happened. But they never did.
2B had grown content with her temporary status as a bodyguard.
No major attacks necessitated her activity elsewhere, most days.
The few times she was called out, she urged 9S to stay.
The more time he'd spend on the field, the more likely he'd…
What if he asked too many questions?
What if he saw something he shouldn't?
What if he suffered enough to break down?
Here at the camp, he could preoccupy himself with lesser tasks.
But 2B knew it was only a matter of time before the moment ended.
The camp would soon be cleaned, and the androids would be
tasked with new missions, just like before. Just like always.
"2B."
9S was fidgeting. He always struggled to find his words.
"What is it, 9S?"
"I just…well, I've worked on this glass stage for despite it, I don't think it's good enough."
"Art isn't something we can ever fully understand."
"That's not it. I just feel like…it's not beautiful."
"I like your koala, 9S."
"Well I think…you're more beautiful."
2B saw 9S raise his hands. He always kept still.
But today, he was ready to strike.
His soft fingers grazed her cheeks. She felt them burn.
"Happy anniversary, 2B. Here's to another year."
A tear glistened from deep with 2B's eye.
She couldn't handle this. 9S always dug too deep.
"It's only a number. Years are meaningless to us."
9S leaned in. He was getting too close to the truth.
"No time spent with you is meaningless…"
2B felt his presence get closer. She had to defend herself.
She had to ward him off. He had to be stopped.
But she stood still. Unable to dance like the glass before her.
She let the other android press his warm lips against her cheek.
The burning was unbearable. 2B felt like she'd find redness
all over her body. Revealing her shame for all to see.
I want to hold him , she thought.
I want him to touch me more.
2B did not trust her own thoughts. They were not sound.
She was beginning to lose sight of her mission again.
She was beginning to understand her own limits.
Shink .
"Ah!"
9S gasped. His voice paused unnaturally.
His body grew weak and his hands trembled as he reached down.
Down to where 2B had stabbed him. Deep in his chest.
Blood trickled down onto the blade. Familiar blood.
"What…what happened?"
"I'm sorry, 9S. I need you to stop. I can't…"
2B pulled on her blade. It should be a swift motion.
She had done it countless times before with no issue.
But the weakening android's body proved too strong.
There was too much resistance to her pull.
She had to press hard against him to yank the sword.
It felt heavier than a million swords combined.
9S slumped down to his knees. His blindfold came loose.
He reached out in shock. He was completely helpless.
"2B…what…did I do wrong?"
2B could hardly tell what was happening anymore.
The tears in her eyes were beginning to get in the way.
This is how it always ended. This was her mission.
No matter how hard she tried, she'd have to end 9S.
If he got too close. If he became too dangerous.
This was their fate.
"Distress signal detected. Beginning to locate source."
2B walked down the road with her "new" partner, 9S.
He knew nothing about her. He was a complete stranger to her.
She felt relieved by his presence. He was so overly curious,
and he had the strangest of habits, but she enjoyed the company.
"Does this area match the mission briefing for our informant?"
"Yeah. He should be around here somewhere. Weird place, though."
2B was cursing her past decisions. How could she be so stupid?
By letting the old 9S spend so much time at the new camp, it
was now impossible to take him there. Too many androids would
recognize him as her partner. Too many questions to answer.
She needed a mission that wouldn't make him any more curious.
"Do you really think this is worth following up on?"
"It's rare to detect machine activity out here. It could be something."
"True, but the camp seems like a bigger priority, don't you think?"
"All the more reason to make sure there are no surprises."
"Woah!"
2B pulled out her weapon. 3 seconds later, 9S joined in.
The two were ready for action against the mysterious voice.
From underneath a pile of rubbish, a small hand popped out.
"Little help here?"
9S stared at the rugged hand creeping its way toward them.
Pod 042 continued scanning the area to be safe.
"Source identified under that pile. No machines detected."
The hand creeping out twitched helplessly, like it was part
of the same scenery surrounding it. Just a lifeless hand
beckoning all who pass by to gaze at it and move on.
2B pulled out her weapon and smashed the pile to bits.
Rubble went flying everywhere, revealing a small android.
He wore a large coat that looked like it was worn down even
Before its owner was banished under his concrete grave.
Underneath the coat, the rest of him was just as disheveled.
Miraculously, he looked unharmed, though, aside from the shock.
"Geez, I'm glad you showed up. I've been under there for days.
Something spooked some of the wildlife and caused all sorts
of junk to pile onto me like an avalanche. I could've died."
"Are you not backed up? A new body would be better than
being under a pile of rocks for days. Are you connected properly?"
"Oh, see, I sent out the distress signal, and I didn't wanna forget.
My operator, she's always telling me my intel is so unreliable.
I'll report something and then fall down a cliff or something.
Can't even read my own report afterward. I'm still trying to
figure out what I meant when I wrote 'too many berries.'"
The crumpled looking android was helped back onto his feet.
He had little to no defensive tools on him. Definitely no weapons.
2B concluded he was likely not expecting to run into machines.
It was foolish not to be prepared, however.
"So you're the informant we've been told about?"
"That's right, ma'am. I believe you're here 'cause of me.
The name's C0. Folks call me Columbo, though."
"Ma'am?"
"Columbo?"
He seemed an odd android. He was looking at the scenery.
Despite being trapped here for days, he looked lost still.
"Oh that's right. You YoRHa units don't get so personal.
My apologies. I just waited here for help to arrive, you see."
"But the distress signal was only sent out this morning."
"That's true. I figured I'd keep an eye on things first.
Didn't want to call for backup so hastily, you see.
Phoned in once I knew for certain it was a machine I saw."
C0 began wandering around the empty road leading out.
It moved out to an abandoned part of the city by the beach.
It was a poor way to enter from the beach for machines.
And the buildings in the way were too dangerous to traverse.
Hardly anyone had need to come around to these parts.
"If machine activity has spiked in the area, it could mean a
new route was discovered by them from the shoreline.
We should check to make sure there's nothing else here."
2B continued forward. She had what she needed now.
This was a mission. An important one. Just like she wanted.
There could be an upcoming invasion. Or reconnaissance.
The machines had to be stopped by both her and 9S.
Every moment away from their past was a blessing.
There would be no uncomfortable truths from the camp.
There would be no getting to know each other better.
This task was the distraction she had desperately hoped for.
A part of her felt a shock of guilt as she realised she was
secretly hoping the machines were plotting an attack on
the nearby camps, awaiting their inevitable destruction.
If she needed the whole world to burn down, she'd take it.
Any opportunity to stay away from the truth 9S sought.
"So why do they call you Columbo, sir?"
"No need for the sir. You can just call me Columbo.
It's just a name I read on an abandoned vehicle once.
Probably some brand the humans bought. Plenty of those.
I had some camp-mates once who collected those.
Humans used to make all kinds of junk with strange names."
"You mean like comics? Movies?"
"Yeah, sure. But it wasn't just their media, you see.
Humans named everything. Cars. Sodas. Cafes.
Everything had a designated name. Just like us."
2B was expecting the usual small talk from 9S, as usual.
She rarely had company for him to talk to. It almost hurt.
The pain of holding back her thoughts as he inquired.
9S was curious about anything. Especially about her.
She wanted his silence, but also missed it sometimes.
When he inquired about anything else she felt…
Well it certainly wasn't jealousy.
"Androids receive product names for distinction.
It's purely for efficiency. Names have no other meaning."
"That's true, miss. At the end of the day it's all just words.
But communication is what made humans truly unique.
Animals can communicate too, but none like humans.
All kinds of studies were done on their brain capacity
and none were able to process information like humans.
Even us androids are modeled after them, but different.
The way we communicate is similar, but also unique, see."
9S was nodding. 2B could sense it behind her and hated it.
"You're an interesting guy, Columbo. You know, maybe I
should start using a name. Like, a real name, you know?"
"That could work. You look kinda like an Andrew to me."
"Well, some folks who know me call me Nines. I like that."
"Nines? Gee, that's so close to 9S already. You sure?"
"Well, it wouldn't hurt to try something out. Andrew, huh?"
"Nines is good enough."
2B was growing impatient. She did not like this conversation.
9S was 9S. What kind of absurd name was 'Andrew'?
Even 9S was satisfied with Nines. That was his name.
"W-well, if you think it sounds good, you can call me Nines."
"9S is good enough. I was just giving my own thoughts.
If you want a new name, pick one that won't cause confusion."
"You're right. But Nines shouldn't be confusing, right?
I could…call you something else, if you'd like, 2B."
"How about Tubby?"
C0 was continuing to aggravate 2B.
"9S has never called me Tubby, and he won't start now."
"I was just using your logic, miss. Sorry about that."
"You don't need to call me miss, either. It's unnecessary.
We are on a mission and that should be our focus."
The two androids followed in silence afterward.
That was good.
2B did not wish to entertain this oaf of an android any more.
More and more she hoped to encounter new enemies.
She'd turn a corner and destroy machines. A good distraction.
Anything that served a good cause was welcome, but not this.
She refused to waste her precious time on pointless thoughts.
And what kind of name was Tubby anyways? This C0 was
completely lacking in basic communication, that was certain.
As she explored the empty buildings in silence, 2B listened
and heard small noises. Footsteps. Merely small animals.
But an animal fleeing could still be signs of machine lifeforms.
There was something here to kill, and she welcomed it.
All she wanted was for things to be back to normal again.
CREEEAK.
More sounds drew 2B to her combat ready stance once again.
She was thankful for this mission inviting silence onto her guest.
This was how it should be. Her and 9S fighting in silence.
The silence is what gave their talks afterward more meaning.
Blabbing with some stranger would never amount to that.
"2B look out!"
An even louder crash came through the wall, sending out
another rain of rubble, like the one 2B had made earlier.
But this one was followed by a large metal machine fist.
2B couldn't dodge, but she managed to brace for the attack.
Unfortunately, and perhaps tragically, 2B sensed a problem.
The force of the punch sent her flying. It was a big machine.
But right behind her was a broken window, leading outside.
And beyond that was a large chasm, with no visible floor.
"2B!"
A poor calculation on her part. She was getting distracted.
As she saw the building escape her vision, she pondered.
Why was she getting so sloppy? This wasn't like her.
Her judgement was growing less trustworthy. Less reliable.
Even with a new mission, and a "new" 9S, she was not well.
The pain would only continue to grow with each moment.
But she made sure she would never let go, no matter what.
What awaited her at the bottom of this chasm was welcome.
-vital signs missing-
-2B has lost function from a strong collision-
-beginning restoration-
9S made 2B a promise to see the beach, and she liked it.
She longed to be able to feel the waves as they relaxed.
9S made 2B rest after a difficult battle, and she liked it.
She felt great warmth seeing his worry as she recovered.
9S made 2B a stage made out of glass, and she liked it.
He was thoughtful of their anniversary. Of their history.
2B did not wish to let go. She had to carry out her mission.
"2B…please wake up."
A dim, hidden resting spot. Grating and barrels everywhere.
The familiar bustle of traveling androids repairing their parts.
All around 2B, she could sense the familiar air of the camp.
The same camp she had guarded as it was constructed.
The place that she…
"Finally got you up and running. How you feeling, Tubby?"
"That's not my name!"
2B shot up. Her head felt fuzzy. Full of useless static.
The last thing she remembered was getting in a fight.
9S was by her side now, though. She was thankful.
"That Goliath knocked you into a chasm and your body crashed.
Unfortunately, there was interference in the area. We were right.
The machines are definitely planning to move through the
abandoned parts of the city. They made it difficult to back up
your memories, but Columbo here managed to help us."
"My memories…"
"I've seen this kind of thing before. Androids back up their
memories but are interrupted before they can complete.
The system takes a while to decide what data to upload
to their next bodies and you pop out completely unconscious.
Thankfully we got your body to a good signal and you managed
to finish waking up, good as new, and with all your memories."
2B looked around. It was the same camp as always. Almost home.
"Why are we…here? What do you mean a good signal?"
"Columbo knew of a resistance camp that was recently constructed.
They built this place where they could maintain a stable connection
to The Bunker, so we figured there'd be no interference in here."
"It's a good thing, too. If we didn't get you up and running, then I'm
afraid your recent memories may have been lost. Lucky you, huh?"
"I'm so glad you're safe now, 2B. I thought I had lost you."
"I just lost a fight. It's nothing to get concerned over."
"But when your body came out of the Access Point and still wasn't
moving, I just…I panicked. I'm glad Columbo here managed to help."
"I'm just doing what I can, Nines. You're the one who saved the day.
This guy here fought that Goliath biped machine all by himself.
It's very nice to see how much you two care about each other."
2B stared daggers at C0. He had brought her here, of all places.
The one place where she didn't want anyone to see 9S.
What if someone had spoken to him? What if he got suspicious?
9S was too curious to resist finding out what had happened.
If anyone could find out how he had previously died in this spot…
How he forced her into a difficult situation she'd never forget…
"I'm going to ask for some recovery chips before we go back."
"Wait! Don't talk to anyone here. I'll handle all of that."
"It's okay, 2B. I got to know the folks here. They're very nice."
"You…you got to know them? What do you mean?"
C0 placed his hand firmly on 2B's shoulder. It wasn't welcome.
"It's been a whole day since we arrived. Your reboot was slow.
But that's okay. Nines reported the whole incident already.
As soon as you're ready, you can head on out. Just stay safe."
9S walked out of the room, leaving the grizzled android to talk.
His voice was irritating. Wasting everyone's time when speaking.
2B couldn't stand his presence and how often he interfered.
The sooner she and 9S could get away from him, the better.
Before she could go after 9S, 2B was interrupted yet again.
"Oh, one more thing, though. You might get a kick out of this.
Turns out you're not the first Type B and Type S units to show
up here together. It makes sense, on account of your functions.
These new Scanner units need a proper battle ready escort.
It actually caused a bit of confusion when we first got here.
But I helped straighten it out. 9S didn't recognize anyone here."
2B's fingers were shaking. She couldn't understand why.
Everything was fine, and her lies could be easily maintained.
But she knew more than anyone how clever 9S could be.
What would he wonder?
What would he ask?
What would he notice when confronted with inconsistencies?
"If you don't mind, me asking, you and Nines, how long have you
been working together? I noticed you seemed awfully close."
2B calmed her nerves. There would be no slip-ups this early on.
"We only had our first mission recently. He's just like that.
9S is overly friendly. I think that's his biggest weakness.
No offense to you, but he warmed up to you too quickly, too.
There's no need to act so emotional during a mission."
"You know what, you're absolutely right. I noticed that too."
"…you did?"
"Yeah, Nines, he's a great guy. I could tell right away. But…
well you're right that we're all down here for a reason.
Us androids, we each have our missions, and we oughta be
more…you know, efficient. Can't let our wires get crossed.
I trust you can keep a boy like that in line in an emergency."
"Of course. It's our jobs to keep each other safe."
"Good, but also, I don't think you have to worry so much.
Nines, he's smart. I don't think he's just naive or somethin'.
He acts the way he does cause he knows he can trust you.
So I figured you must've known each other for some time.
But I suppose if you've only recently met, maybe he's just
very intuitive. A good judge of character. He notices things.
"Like how your skirt is a few centimeters shorter than your
basic Type B unit is equipped with. Your proportions are all
off, too. Your arms are less bulky. You got more muscle in
your legs. Nothing major, but you clearly made some changes.
These days, it's rare to find field androids who use their
base designs. But you know, Battle units tend to be very
frank and direct. No offense. You seem like a no nonsense
kind of gal. You take your mission too seriously to accessorize.
I think that's what Nines noticed. You pretend to act one way,
but deep down you doll yourself up like everyone else."
…
2B clutched her arms. She felt almost violated by C0's gaze.
Who did he think he was, pointing out her features like that?
What business was it of his to question her? He was just
an old Collection unit, barely able to survive on his own.
"Don't act like you know me. You shouldn't make assumptions."
"Oh, my apologies, miss. No, sorry again. You prefer 2B, right?
If I'm incorrect then it wouldn't be the first time. Simple mistake.
I just figured, if I noticed, then maybe Nines did too, you know?
And maybe that explains how he acts around you, of course.
Unless…there was another reason you changed your looks."
"2B, are you feeling any better?"
9S had returned, like a lost puppy searching his way home.
He clearly wasn't too happy to get back to the mission.
But he and 2B had work to do. That area had to be scoured.
"I'm feeling fine, 9S. I believe this is where we part ways, C0."
"Oh, you sure about that? I still know the area pretty well.
I know I can't fight, but I can notice if anything's changed recently."
"I think we should bring him, 2B. 21O suggested we get
this done quickly, before anything escalates by the beach."
2B clutched her sword tight and jammed it into the ground.
It was the perfect weight to pull herself up as she eyed C0.
"I'm ready."
"Wait wait, look to the left real quick."
"No, your other left."
"Oh shoot, you just missed it. My bad."
"Why don't we start over? I can direct you from there?"
"See that rock? It's been moved. Wasn't there before."
2B wordlessly cleaned out the abandoned city district.
There was no sign of the machine they had found earlier.
What they did find, however, were various little beacons.
9S determined they were the source of interference.
Whatever disturbance prevented 2B from recovering
properly was coming from these odd little constructs.
"There's another one. Across that chasm. Can you see it?"
2B aimed her pod's guns at the object. Watching it burst
into pieces of burnt metal and wires was almost cathartic.
"I'm not picking up any more signals. I think that's it."
"Good job, Nines. You two make a really good team.
Sorry if I was just in the way. I meddle too much sometimes."
"Not at all, Columbo. We're glad to have you helping."
2B was not glad at all. She did not like C0's stares.
They were inquisitive, like 9S. But something was different.
It wasn't a sense of joyous curiosity this android had.
He was…perceptive, but in an almost hostile way.
What was he looking for? Why did he pry when he did?
"No sign of the machines still?"
"I'm picking up something over in that building."
Without waiting, 2B lept into action, gliding across rooftops.
She inched her way into a hole in the building 9S spotted.
Her sword was ready to make sparks from machine bodies.
"Noooooo! Go away! You've already doomed me."
"2B!"
9S flew in shortly afterward. He didn't want 2B out of his sight.
Before them was a half damaged Goliath biped machine.
It was hulking over them, but barely standing. 9S's work.
It wouldn't get the upper hand on 2B a second time…
"Do you realise what you've done? She'll find me!
No one comes here. I was safe. I was all alone."
"Hey, calm down. You attacked us first!"
"Don't talk to it, 9S. It's just a machine. We must kill it."
"You monsters. This part of the city serves no use.
I did you all a favour. I made your blind spot look like
it was being observed by your superiors. I helped you.
It was the only way I could hide from her. She'll find me. "
"What's this thing talking about? Who is 'she'?"
C0, forced to take the long way around, climbed his way up.
"I thought I heard noises here before. Was that this guy?"
" You're the funny little android that kept watch here.
I thought you were an idiot. You never even saw me. "
"You got me there. Didn't know we had squatters here."
9S stepped forward, past 2B's blade. She couldn't swing now.
"You're hiding from someone? What happened?"
" You wouldn't understand. I'm such a disappointment.
She would never accept my failures. She wants me dead.
Now I can't hide myself from her. I should just die.
I'm sorry, honey. I'm sorry, honey. I'm sorry, honey.
I'm sorry honey. I'm sorry, honey. I'm sorry, honey."
KABOOM!
2B braced herself as the machine's head exploded.
She tried not to fall to her knees as she noticed 9S's
hand held out to protect her. A futile gesture from him.
A single hand would not have kept her safe from this.
But he tried nonetheless. He always tried his best.
"Is everyone okay? Nines? 2B? No machine guts on ya?"
"What just happened?"
"Can't say for sure. Machines think different from us.
Maybe whatever it was hiding from is something we've
never even encountered. A runaway. Or a deserter."
"So even machines can turn against each other?"
"Looks like it. Poor guy. If I had known he was harmless
I'd have just left him here without reporting anything."
"There's no point in letting machines interfere with
our scanning technology the way it did. It was best
that we got rid of it before it caused serious danger."
"I wish we had learned more about this 'Her' though."
"I doubt it's important. We can only speculate for now.
My guess is maybe machines have a punishment unit.
You know, like those Type E androids. Execution models."
"They make those?"
"Sure. Like I said, there's always runaways. You know,
traitors and runaways who go against their missions.
Say you went rogue and decided to kill everyone at camp.
Can't imagine why you would, but stuff like that's happened.
So Command has to be ready to send someone down,
in case there's need to punish anyone outta line, you see."
"You know an awful lot about Execution type androids."
2B did not trust C0. She did not trust what he was hiding.
Everything about him was a lie. She could already sense it.
"I'm a Number 0 unit. Very old prototypes. Just falling apart.
My operator, she's telling me I'm lucky if I can get outta bed.
Once you've been around as long as I have, though? You
learn about all sorts of scary stuff running around in secret."
"So you think this machine was hiding from its own allies?"
"Maybe. It seemed awfully scared. Disappointment, it said.
Few things can frighten you as much as letting down a
person you thought you'd never let down. Sad thing."
2B put her sword away. It hadn't gotten any attention.
She needed to find a new mission soon. One that would
let her vent her frustration on more machines to destroy.
"Well, let's not dwell on it. How about we go back to camp?"
"You can go on your own. 9S and I have things to do."
"Oh, just help me out. My joints aren't what they used to be."
C0 began trying to climb back down before 9S stepped up.
He graciously offered his pod to help glide to ground level.
There was no further discussion. 2B would have to return.
Back to that camp. The place that only made her angrier.
"2B, come on! Let's go!"
Androids gathered around the dimly lit campground.
Surrounding the square of sunlight poking in from roof,
they were all busy sorting parts or simply passing time.
There was always less to do if not a combat android.
2B felt uncomfortable here. Like everyone was staring.
"She's definitely different from the other one."
She heard them whispering. Looking away as she peeked.
The warmth from before was gone. She was a stranger now.
Perhaps C0's story had convinced them. She was just a
regular Type B unit here. Nothing like the one they knew.
No one would have to dig any deeper than that. Really.
And if they did, they'd better hope they kept quiet.
"You seem a bit tense, Tubby. Why don't you loosen up?"
"That's not my name. I already said it was pointless."
"My bad, force of habit, really. I told you before, about
how there was another Type B unit around these parts?
The camp members started calling you that, you know,
to differentiate between the two, if she ever came back."
2B was upgrading her weapons. She wanted a target.
At C0's request, she and 9S were now stationed here.
There was no telling if the machines would notice the
now open area of the city without the rogue machine's
distortion getting in the way. It was no longer safe here.
Just to be safe, 2B had to stay here a little longer.
Just to be safe, she had to let 9S roam freely.
She never felt safe here, however. It was sickening.
"I hear they say this other Type B looked like you, yeah,
but in terms of personality, completely different story.
They said she was very soft and sweet. She loved
her Type S partner. Maybe a little bit wishy washy."
"Androids don't feel love. I doubt any Type B was like that."
"Oh, I'm just saying what they told me. But see, that's
what I mean. You're a no nonsense kind of android.
You always think of the mission first and don't let any
thoughts cloud your judgement. The folks here? See,
they prefer the other Type B, but I like who you are.
You're reliable, and strong. You must have some wild
stories to get as hardened as you are. I respect that.
"Of course, it's never that simple. I think all units like you
must deal with some nasty things. Even this sweeter one.
She's probably dealt with some rough moments too.
And, you see, when an android can hide their pain,
I think that also takes a lot of strength, don't you think?"
"I'm not interested in discussing philosophy. Where's 9S?"
"He should be back soon. He just stepped aside a minute."
On cue, 9S walked into view. He still acted concerned.
More so, in fact. Like 2B was worrying him again.
He didn't like leaving her alone, but thankfully he had C0.
"You guys doing alright? We seem to be finished here."
"Good. Can we head out now? I need to fight more."
"2B, you seem a bit…eager to kill machines these days.
Don't get me wrong, we all appreciate your hard work.
The machines never seem to end, so I'm glad. Really.
But you seem a bit…different. You're not upset are you?"
2B looked at her sword. It was shiny. Perfect condition.
"I'm fine. It's just strange, keeping us in this one area.
We should be exploring more. Checking out other spots."
"Sometimes protecting these camps is most important.
Nines, you're probably stressed too, aren't you? It's
tough going back and forth like this. Oh, I'm certain."
"We don't need to worry about getting tired, C0.
We're not human."
C0 smiled. 2B hated it when he did that.
"It's true. We can't understand humans. Why try?
The hoops they jump through to get us to even know
what a human is. That's why they give us memories.
Or have they stopped doing that? Could be just us
older models who have that. False human memories.
Kind of like a bedtime story. And they're all different."
"I read they did that to avoid large scale errors."
9S knew about everything, of course. Even this.
"If every android was the same, we'd be vulnerable.
A virus that could take one out would work with every
other android, unless they all functioned differently."
"That's precisely why, Nines. We need to know what
we're all fighting for. Maybe someday the humans will
get to return home. And they won't be alien to us. They'll
feel just like family to us, and that's how it should be.
You know my fake memories are of a man coming home.
A working man, greeted by his wife. Older fella, too.
Maybe that's why I'm so useless. This guy was a dope.
And his wife, always telling him about the silliest things.
But he was never annoyed. No, he loved her, in fact."
2B wanted to get up, but if she tried she'd be questioned.
She never understood what C0 was doing. He was odd.
He seemed at times like he wanted to be friendly. Like 9S.
But he wasn't a friend. Something was missing. He was
something different. He did not hate or love. He felt nothing.
He was just another android. Nothing to be afraid of.
But he never felt right. He was hiding something from her.
"Of course, the memories are fake. Like reading a book.
Humans used to read them even though they knew it
wasn't real. And yet it was to them. A fake story can go
a long way. How about you, 2B? You got any stories?"
2B didn't want to tell a story. She just wanted to destroy.
She wanted to stop thinking of that terrifying moment.
The moment she felt 9S stop functioning in her hands.
His memory would be wiped. Gone forever. Her 9S.
Just like all the other ones before him. Like the one now.
She didn't want to tell her story.
"I…I think I have a memory of someone…killing another."
"Yikes. Maybe that explains why you're so good at fighting."
"She was…killing a lover. Someone she held very close."
"Could humans really do that? Kill someone they loved?"
"She was…afraid. I'm not sure what. It's…it's just a story.
None of these memories are real. It's just meaningless code."
She was meaningless code. She was a machine.
A machine built to destroy. Her feelings only got in the way.
"Oh, one more thing. My guy's story. I forgot something.
This job he did, it wasn't just any job. He was a cop, see.
Detective. He went around solving crimes and murders.
I always found that fascinating. Lawkeepers. Justice.
Humans needed someone to uphold the rules of society.
But what happens if a cop breaks the rules? What then?
What happens when an Executioner goes off script?"
"We can't know how humans functioned. Maybe they didn't."
"Oh, but see, we can know. Cause we're the same. We
all follow our orders. We have rules, from higher up, right?
Remember what I told you, they got android types that
are made just to punish us if we go against our missions.
If you ran into a rogue android, you'd be ordered to kill her.
But what if she went rogue for just that reason? Killing?"
9S stared at the tools 2B was working with earlier.
His mind seemed to drift more often. He seemed lost.
"I keep thinking about that machine we found.
It must be lonely, turning against your kind like that."
"Sure, and we may never know his story. Just like we'll
never know the story of the real humans on the moon.
But I like to think even machines have their reasons.
I don't think there's such thing as meaningless code.
Cause it's all like the false memory problem, you see?
We all have to be different, or else we're more vulnerable.
If an android went rogue, I'd ask why they did it.
Maybe they did something unforgivable, but, see, I
don't think anyone does something without reason.
I'm a simple guy. I like folks. I like the two of you.
Maybe not for the things you do, but cause you're you."
2B felt uncomfortable. She was warm. But also cold.
She wanted to run away, where no one would find her.
"What about you, 2B? What kind of android are you?
I don't mean the things you do, but who are you ?
Cause I've seen a lot of you these past few days.
But I bet I still don't know the real 2B, now, do I?"
"2B? You're shaking."
9S placed a hand on 2B's shoulder. She pushed away.
Her hand held her face together. It was falling apart.
Tears rolled down her eyes. It was becoming too much.
"I killed him."
"What's wrong, 2B? What are you talking about?"
"I killed 9S!"
Many others around the camp looked up at the shouting.
The trio was huddled in a corner, but still audible to all.
2B had revealed the secret she was taking with her.
"What…what do you mean you killed me? You didn't-"
"Type E. Execution model. You killed a traitor, right?"
2B looked up. Pod 042 was showing C0 its data.
No one had instructed it to do so, but it still did.
C0 was in control of the situation completely.
"That's in your report, right here. For the execution.
Just like the ones before. You killed him many times."
"Hold on, what are you two talking about? I didn't-"
"Scanner types are very smart, Nines. Maybe too smart.
They're not the type to go around unsupervised, see.
That's where your partner comes in, with her orders.
Execute 9S in the event that he learns something.
Something confidential he's not supposed to know."
2B was barely holding it together. She looked around her.
All the resistance members overhearing were focusing.
Everyone was hearing about her shame. Her crime.
"I…I couldn't let him continue…he was…"
"2B, did I…do something to make you kill me? Is that…
Were my memories wiped? How much did I forget?"
"Everything past your first meeting with partner 2B.
Standard protocol to be completely wiped in these cases.
You must've done something really bad, Nines."
"Th-that's right. He was…he was asking questions, and-"
"Well, that's what this report said. He can read it all here.
But see, something always bothered me about it.
It says 2B was asked to accompany 9S somewhere.
This was a secret thing nobody knew about. All hush.
Then he said he wanted to break into The Bunker.
Find out what was hidden there. It's all on here."
"Hold on. What did I…no! I shouldn't ask! That's what
put us in this situation in the first place. I shouldn't know."
"What shouldn't you know, though, is the question.
All the other reports are specific, but not this one.
There's no detail on what 9S was looking for. Just…
treason? A flimsy justification to kill without evidence."
"I swear, he was…I didn't want to…"
"Here's the thing, 2B, I asked around the camp here.
About the other Type B and Type S from before?
They told me this secret meeting happened, but
it was here, at the camp. They all saw the two sneak off.
Why would a smart guy like 9S discuss treason here?
You can't hide anything. Look, everyone's listening."
2B glanced around the room. Everyone was engrossed.
They were watching her memories leak out, like a story.
They were getting a show about a pitiful android…
"You know…don't you…C0? You were investigating me."
"Maybe. I just wanted to find out what really happened.
Cause, see, if an Executioner killed for bad reasons,
say she lied in her report and pretended it was treason.
Well, that's against the rules now, isn't it? It's treason."
"I'm a traitor…I killed 9S…when I didn't have to.
I didn't want him to…he was asking too much.
I needed to start over. To keep him safe. And me.
I just…panicked. I tried to reset his memories."
"But why? I don't understand. Tell me, 2B."
"I think that's enough, Nines. You said it earlier.
If you learn too much, you might get reset too."
Too.
2B understood her fate now. Just like 9S before her.
She was too much now. Unable to follow the rules.
She needed to have her memories wiped just like him.
"Please…
I don't want to remember. Just…take me in already."
"2B…"
C0 pet the pod gently, signaling it to send something.
"Report submitted under Unit C0. Requesting arrest."
"You committed a crime, 2B, so I have to do this.
But 9S hasn't done anything wrong here. He's fine.
I can't risk him finding out something he shouldn't.
Otherwise, I might have to take you both in…"
"Take us both in? You mean…we'll both be reset?"
"Completely wiped. No memories whatsoever.
It'll be like you two were meeting for the first time.
Of course, that's how it's always been, right 2B?"
"They're not going to let us work together, will they?"
"I'm not sure, but I have my suggestions. Consider this.
You two lose your memories, you're basically not you.
You'll be strangers with no reason to suspect each other.
So I don't see a reason to punish those two folks.
Cause, well, the 2B and 9S you are now will be dead."
2B glanced up at 9S. She understood his look. His pain.
He was struggling to process everything, or press on.
But he was hurt by his refusal to sit still the most.
He didn't want to ignore what was happening right now.
"I think it's time I died too. I don't think I'm good at this job."
"Then please tell me why you did it, 2B. I want to know."
C0 gestured at the other androids. On cue they looked away.
They listened in enough to know this was confidential and
any attempt to find out more could get them punished too.
The older model leaned in close to the YoRHa units.
"You really wanna know, 9S? Cause my suggestion I gave,
it's only if you're both reset. Just to be safe and all that.
But if you retain your memories, you likely won't see 2B
again. It's either die together, or forget about her yourself."
9S looked at 2B. She felt her cheeks burning like before.
Like when she thought everything would be alright.
Her tears cooled them down, waiting for his move.
Slowly, he raised a hand out. He was waiting for her.
2B was trembling. She wanted to hold his hand again.
She didn't care what happened to her. She'd still die.
She'd never get to see 9S as she was in this moment.
One final moment before she lost it all, was all she had.
The two androids reached for each other lovingly.
Their hands wrapped their little fingers around each other.
"I want to know the truth. I can't lose her."
"I'll tell you everything, 9S. I'll tell you…"
C0 stood up. He shooed away the onlookers trying to peek.
"Get a room, you two. Somewhere quieter than here.
You don't have long before backup gets here for you both.
I issued a warrant for 2B and 9S. You better come peacefully."
The two androids nodded and stood up as well.
They made their way to another corner to speak.
Their story would end here, but only in this form.
Perhaps there would come a story of another 9S.
Perhaps there would come a story of another 2B.
For now, it was an end for these two.