Bringer of Death

Android Saga - Part 13: Tabula Rasa

Android Saga - Part 13: Tabula Rasa 

Flying through clouds really was enjoyable. It was breathtaking to see the mountains below looking like wrinkled carpet, tiny trees dotting the surface smoothly. The morning sun shot beams of light over the quiet horizon, signaling to the planet that another day was just beginning. Number 18 had never felt freedom like this before - such complete relaxation and genuine enjoyment. Despite its technological enhancements, her life was still fragile. That realization made her really appreciate being alive for the first time she could remember. 

Her former life was gone - after abducting the twins, Doctor Gero had wiped their memories. The evil genius had wanted a blank slate that he could mold to his own liking...a goal that clearly hadn't been entirely successful. Despite having no memory of who she once was, 18 felt a distinct sense of nostalgia as she spiraled through the dawn sky. Perhaps, she mused, her former self had always dreamed of being a bird. Maybe she had been a homeless romantic who longed to zoom over the horizon in search of her soul mate. She smiled as she executed a barrel roll and traced her fingertips through the misty edge of the clouds. It was so exhilarating - maybe it would cause anyone to lose themselves in thought. 

Her dark-haired brother flying behind her was having a good deal of fun himself. He would swoop around, over, and under, dodging and weaving through the clouds as if it was a game to avoid touching them. The trio had been flying through the night non-stop, without any care as to where they were going. Though they were following 18, she didn't have any destination in mind. For all she knew, they could have circled the Earth during the night. 

The entire time, she had been thinking, losing herself in contemplation. She was free now, so what did she really want from her life? Most people had their whole lives to decide who they wanted to become. But she had no idea what the girl in her past life had dreamed of. Who had she once been? As exciting as it was to have superhuman abilities - limitless power and even immortality - she felt herself missing a full life. Could she ever remember? 

"Hey, 18, see that city up ahead? It looks pretty big. Why don't we stop?" Her brother was trying his best to be nice - he had sensed the change in his big sister and wisely left her alone all night. He had entertained some of the same thoughts of purpose and identity, but not to the same extent. 17 just really wanted to enjoy himself before he tried to decide who he wanted to be. 

The girl wasn't angry with her brother any longer. As refreshing as her reflections had been, what she really wanted now was a little shopping. Smiling, she rolled onto her back and dove, signaling the trio's descent. 

They lowered their altitude gradually, the cars and roads below them becoming bigger and clearer as they descended. But as the roads got closer into view they also grew more and more crowded. The morning rush to the city filled the highways with vehicles, alternately stopping and starting and blaring their horns. Most the people who worked inside the city lived outside, so they backed up the bridges for miles leading to the main island. 

"Look at all the busybodies stressed out and yelling," said 17. "Should we have some fun with them?" 

"I'm not sure what kind of 'fun' you have in mind, 17. If last night is any evidence, our definitions of the word seem to be a little different." 

17 lit a small ball of energy in his right hand as he flew closer to his sister. "Fun? Well, killing them all would be fun, don't you think?" he jested. 

18 glared at him. "Not funny! You know I don't want to be a killer - it's not something I enjoy. There's got to be a better way to use the powers we have." 

"Relax, sis. I just thought we could grab a few of the cars and fly them into the city - like an express lane! Just imagine the looks on their faces!"