Cyber Chronicles 2: Prime Voyage

Chapter 34: Present

The two strolled around in the Upper Imperial, where the ground was exclusively for pedestrians, whether they were walkers, skaters, cyclists, or other pedestrian-based vehicles. 

Meanwhile, the sky above bustled with vehicles, gliding smoothly on designated aerial highways. These vehicles could only be parked in specific spots that were integrated into some of the towering buildings. Their occupants would then need to descend many stories to reach the ground.

The walk was mostly silent, with only the distant hum of the city's technology and conversations between people breaking the quiet. Occasionally, Lincoln stole glances at Ketsukii, sensing something was amiss. After a while, he couldn't hold back his curiosity.

"Something the matter?" Lincoln inquired gently. Ketsukii turned to look at Lincoln briefly, his eyes then returning to the cars soaring above.

"I'm just confused," Ketsukii replied, his gaze locked onto the skies.

"Confused about what?" Lincoln asked, his interest piqued.

Ketsukii hesitated for a moment as if deciding whether to voice his concerns. Then, he spoke with a touch of uncertainty, "I'm confused about whether you're a complete fool..."

"Huh?" Lincoln interrupted, taken aback by the unexpected comment.

"...or if you really had some reason to just trust a guy you met a day ago," Ketsukii finished, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Lincoln blinked, absorbing Ketsukii's words. It was a question he had anticipated, one he knew he had to address. Trusting Ketsukii was indeed a leap of faith, especially since the man now knew almost everything about him. 

As much as Lincoln struggled to find the right words to explain his actions, he understood that Ketsukii deserved an answer. Furthermore, the last thing Lincoln wanted was to appear foolish in the eyes of his newfound companion.

Lincoln cleared his throat, slowing his pace to match Ketsukii's. "It can seem reckless," he acknowledged. "But over time, I've become good at reading people. I can usually gauge their intentions and character," Lincoln explained, though he couldn't help but smile wryly. "I know that might not be enough for you."

Ketsukii gave him a quizzical look, clearly wanting more insight into Lincoln's thoughts. Lincoln let out a sigh, realizing he needed to provide a more comprehensive explanation.

"I've placed my trust in people before, and it hasn't always turned out well. I've even had a nice friendly chat with someone who, I then realized, was sent to capture me. Though, that encounter had a lot more to it than just that," Lincoln admitted. "I've been cautious since then, obviously. But sometimes, you can just connect with someone. Like, me and you, we're kinda similar, you know." Lincoln explained, and Ketsukii shifted to make eye contact, his curiosity piqued.

"We've both lost our families and homes, and we both don't want it happening again. You don't like teamwork, I don't either, whether it's with the military or the council. And you don't really believe that a complex problem such as this can have a single, foolproof solution, and I share that sentiment. Though I guess, we don't have much of a choice." Lincoln concluded, hoping his words shed some light on his rationale.

Ketsukii mulled over Lincoln's words, and after a moment, he nodded slowly. "I guess I can understand that. But I won't give up on finding a better solution."

Lincoln smiled, relieved that Ketsukii seemed to grasp his perspective. "Me too."

As they continued their walk through the bustling Upper Imperial, the conversation lingered in the air, a newfound understanding between the two travelers.