Holmcross Project (Year 1)

Chapter 17: Test

"Are you ready?" Vassim's voice called over the intercom.

"Ready." Springfield replied through a microphone on his head.

Vassim nodded and pulled a switch on the other end. "Alright, the machine is now running on its own power. No more assist from the generator. Power her up."

Luger placed his hands on a nearby sensor pad and concentrated. The machine began to power itself, the magical runes on its side brightly aglow.

"Alright. How's it feel?" Vassim asked.

"She's enjoying her new freedom." Springfield said. "The energy levels aren't too high, and she can control herself well."

"Since when is it a 'she'?" General Lennox muttered while supervising.

"It's just part of how he works." Vassim explained.

The ARM was similar in shape to a motorbike sitting on a narrow foot-padded base that was propelled by small jets on its ends and sides. A set of energy cannons were set in strategic places around the body with the largest one sitting at the front.

"I think she wants to go for a flight. Can I take her out? We don't have to fire at anything." Springfield said, smiling as he felt the ARM's excitement.

"Uh, not just yet." Vassim replied. "Why don't you just do a little hovering for now, see how she turns in the smaller space." Lennox gave him a stern look. "We're not quite ready to let her out in the sun, so we'll make a bigger playroom for her later."

"He's got YOU doing it, too." Lennox remarked.

"Oh, alright." Springfield focused. The jets fired and lifted the ARM off the floor. "Alright, that's good. Good girl. Can you turn for me?" He murmured, smiling as the ARM did a slow turn in a circle. "Nice. Let's do a couple laps around the room, get your energy pumping."

Lennox watched with a raised eyebrow. "I know this is why we brought him, but I will never get over how weird he is to ARMs. It's almost as bad as Jaivan."

"Good, good." Vassim said as he took down information on the test. Lennox's concerns were ignored. "Alright, let's see what happens when we pump out some more energy."

Vassim hit a button that caused a target to emerge from the ceiling. It resembled a gagison. He hit the mic button and leaned in.

"Alright, can you hover her up there and give the target one good shot? We need a good reading on the energy drain."

Springfield looked at the target and nodded, focusing on the ARM. They rose up to be level with the target and then he spread his fingers more, nodding. "Let's destroy it." He murmured. The ARM bucked as it fired, Springfield holding on tightly as it blasted the target into pieces.

Lennox watched, not impressed by the damage. "Well, at least we know it can fire. Let's give it multiple targets, then move on to moving ones." He turned to Vassim.

"This wasn't meant to be a display of power." Vassim said, looking over his shoulder. "First we need to see how much power the small shots take."

"How was that?" Springfield asked over the microphone.

"Good!" Vassim replied as he looked back to the window. "How are the energy levels from where you're standing? Is she feeling any different?"

"She's alright. I think she can go a few more rounds." Springfield smiled. "She's a strong girl, lots of stamina."

"As I was saying." Lennox shook his head.

Vassim scribbled down the results and returned to the mic."Alright, I'm going to send out a few more targets. The General wants to see her really open up, so make sure you hit them all at once." He hit a series of buttons on the console. Inside the room a dozen or so dummy targets dropped from the ceiling and hung in place. Vassim turned to Lennox. "Best I can do."

Luger looked at the targets and then nodded, focusing on the ARM. The ARM begin to vibrate and then it fired, the beam splitting into several beams, crashing through the targets. As the last one fluttered to the ground in a tattered mess, Springfield rode the ARM around the room. "Well, you liked that, didn't you? So chipper!"

Lennox whistled quietly. "That was impressive. Do we have any live ones to fire at?"

"I think you confuse the kind of research we do here." Vassim said to the General. He took note of the results and spoke once more into the microphone. "Alright, Springfield. That's about all we can do for now. Time to put her to bed."

"Alright." Springfield let the ARM do one more lap and then coaxed it back onto its landing pad. After it shut down, he climbed off and took off the helmet the headset was attached to. "Sleep well." He smiled and touched the ARM's side gently before he stepped out of the room to join Vassim and General Lennox.

"Well, I must say I'm impressed. You've gotten it to be rather tame." Lennox said, walking over to him. "I was a little worried from your initial reports, but I'm assured of your future success now."

"The Guardian Blade isn't that hard to handle, you just need to be gentle and patient with her." Springfield said with a smile. Then he turned to Vassim. "Am I finished for the day, Vassim?"

"Maybe for the week until we get that new room set up." Vassim said with a shrug. "I might have you come in tomorrow just to see if we get the same results as today, but otherwise you're free for a while. Go enjoy yourself."

"Thank you, sir." Springfield smiled, then saluted to Lennox before walking out.

Lennox watched him go. "So, I hear he's been spending a lot of time with your sister. Have you noticed anything strange?"

"The soup's been chunkier." He answered casually. "She's gotten used to cooking for more."

"I see." Lennox nodded. "I imagine she will miss him once he's done here, then."

Over in the Elw Terminal, Springfield got on with a few Elw scientists that had been working in other sections of the base.

"You really seem to like it in the village." One of them remarked. "I heard you didn't like the outdoors."

"Well, I've had a change of mind." Springfield said softly.

"Or maybe just a change of heart?" One of the scientists asked teasingly as light engulfed them and took them through the Leyline.

Springfield was silent, watching the view as they were transported to the Elw village. 'I suppose I have had a change of heart.' He thought.

After arriving, he waved goodbye to the scientists and made his way to Mariel's garden. "Miss Mariel!"

"Oh, Springfield!" She looked over in surprise. "You're back earlier than usual!"

"It didn't take as long." He walked over and knelt next to her. "What's this, then? They look like blue Heal Berries."

"These are Potion Berries. They're stronger, and a new type." Mariel smiled. "They're not ready for harvesting yet, and we haven't shown them to anyone but the Elw in this village yet."

"They certainly look prettier." Springfield remarked. Mariel giggled and he looked up at her. "What is it?"

"It's not about looks, silly." She smiled.

"Oh, I know. I was just stating." He looked around. "Are you growing stronger versions of anything else? How about Magic Carrots?"

"No, nothing stronger yet." She shook her head, giggling with her hands in front of her mouth. "I thought you didn't like the carrots?"

"I was just asking." He stood up. "I guess you don't need help harvesting today?"

"Nope, just watering." She picked up a watering can and held it out. "Want to help?"

He looked around. "Is there a second one? Or a spray-hose?"

"Uhm...not really." She shook her head. "I mostly use the watering can."

"Doesn't that take hours?" Springfield frowned.

"Yes, but it's worth it." She beamed.

He looked thoughtful and took the offered watering can. "Okay." He began to water one of the drier plants.

"You're here AGAIN?!" They heard Sylvestre cry out. Springfield looked over to see him coming into the garden. "What in the Guardians' names makes you so attracted to this rabbit hole?!"

"It's not a hole, it's a garden." Springfield frowned, stepping closer to the path. "And it brings me peace."

"Whatever." Sylvestre waved dismissively. "I want you to come with me, Springfield. I haven't seen you for longer than fifteen minutes without Mariel or Vassim around, and I'm tired of it."

"Stop trying to act like some dejected parent." Springfield sighed heavily. "I know the real reason you want me alone. I'm not telling you a thing."

"You haven't had a proper physical since you arrived!" Sylvestre snapped. "I'm here to ensure you get your physicals and to check on your welfare, but I haven't had any chance to!"

Springfield winced and looked at Mariel. "...He's right. I guess I better go with him." He handed the watering can to her. "I'll see you at dinner, okay?"

"Okay..." Her ears drooped. "Take care, okay?"

"I'll see you soon." Springfield waved with a smile as he followed Sylvestre out.

-

At Vassim's house, Sylvestre took Springfield to the room he'd been given and pointed to the bed. "Take off your shirt and lie down while I get the equipment all set up. Honestly, you've been irresponsible. How are you feeling?"

"I feel fine." Springfield said as the Elw scientist bustled about, positioning various machines.

"Do you really? You don't feel your link is damaged in any way?" Sylvestre looked over at him.

"I know that's fine." Springfield smiled reassuringly.

"And your mental welfare?" Sylvestre asked, starting up the machines. "Well, I'll check your wave-lengths and find out. Also, I need to make sure you're not slowly breaking down without us knowing it."

"I feel fine." Springfield started to sit up, but was pushed back down by a firm hand. "Doctor..."

"You KNOW this is mandatory, especially when you have been stressing yourself out." Sylvestre said, looking at the monitors and taking notes. "Hnn...well, you seem okay, but I would advise you take a week or so of rest before trying what you've been doing again. And by rest, I mean REST. Sit down and relax, don't tire your body out doing rabbit work."

Springfield let out a quiet huff, but didn't say anything.

"I know you enjoy your time with Mariel, but you know you're not built for rabbit work! You are a weapon!" Sylvestre looked at him from around the monitor. "If you keep doing rabbit work, you will go soft and be unable to kill when it comes to it. Do you want to be seen as useless by the army?"

"...No." Springfield glanced to the side.

"Good. Then, no more gardening." Sylvestre turned the machines off and moved them from around him. "You can get up, now. Why don't you write? I haven't seen you writing in a while."

"Yeah." Springfield reached for his shirt, looking at a stain on it from gardening. "...Mariel might be disappointed."

"Mariel doesn't understand that you're not human." Sylvestre said dismissively. "She doesn't know anything about you, only that you're 'something like a human'. Bah. If she knew, I doubt she'd be doing rabbit-work with you."

"But, I AM human." Springfield stood up, pulling his shirt on. "I may be made of metal, but I was created to be a human! Wasn't I?" He turned to him after his shirt was on, frowning.

"...Yes, I suppose you were." Sylvestre sighed. "Still, you should rest. When do you next have to go in?"

"Tomorrow, for a quick test, and then I'm off for the week." Springfield replied, walking over to help him put things away in the metal shelf unit.

"Good. You can spend it with me." Sylvestre looked at him. "I know you're upset, but I'm only concerned for your well-being. You're my creation, don't you think I know how best to care for you?"

"...Of course, Doctor." Springfield closed the unit and walked out of Sylvestre's room, heading for his own.

That night at dinner, Mariel noticed that Springfield was poking at his food, not looking in the brightest of spirits. "Springfield? Is everything okay?"

"Oh, I'm alright." Springfield tried to give her a reassuring smile and took a bite of the food. Seeing him eating, she sighed in relief and nodded, going back to her own food.

"Springfield, I was looking at what you wrote today and it's very good." Sylvestre smiled. "Though, a little bit on the risqué side, don't you think? Hm?" He poked his shoulder. "Where did you ever read that kind of stuff?"

Vassim coughed and looked up from his food. "Risque?"

"Yes! Too much hugging and kissing and the cuddling is just...risqué! And they slept in the same bed with the male shirtless and the girl in a short nightdress!" Sylvestre looked at Vassim.

"Oh, is that all." Vassim shook his head at Sylvestre's very broad definition.

Sylvestre looked back at Springfield. "So, where did you see all this?"

"Various books. Sometimes it pops up without warning between two lovers." Springfield shrugged, taking a bite of his stew.

"Ahh. Well, you seem to be reading a lot of those books, hm? Such detail." Sylvestre chuckled. "Did you get those from a maid or something?"

Springfield shrugged again. "I don't remember. The story I'm currently reading is pretty intense, though. It's about a kingdom falling apart from a power vacuum, and one of the nobles vying for the throne discovers that the princess is still alive and is hunting her down to be his wife and ensure he gets the throne. But, she's already betrothed to a carpenter in the town she grew up in."

"Sounds fascinating, you must loan it to me." Sylvestre hummed. "It's no wonder you've been so tender, reading so many love stories." He chuckled.

Springfield nodded, looking at his stew. "I wonder how she is..." He murmured.

"Who?" Mariel asked, looking up from her stew.

"Oh, just...someone." Springfield glanced to the side. "I'll tell you later, if you want."

Sylvestre glanced at him, frowning a bit, but chose not to press the matter. "Well, Vassim, has Springfield been a help to you? I heard you're letting him have the week off. Do you mind my taking him away for a short time?"

"That depends on how far you're taking him." Vassim replied, pouring himself another glass of juice. "I'll need him to be on call this week, so he can't go very far."

"I just wanted to take him to town with me. I'm a little low on supplies, and I figure he can get himself something while we're out." Sylvestre looked at Springfield. "We could also contact the others; I know you've been missing them."

"I guess I could do that." Springfield nodded. "It'd be nice to check in on Colt's condition."

"Is that alright?" Sylvestre looked at Vassim.

"Shouldn't be a problem." He held the pitcher out. "More, Mariel?"

Mariel nodded, holding out her glass. "How long will you be gone?"

"A few days." Sylvestre replied, also holding out his glass. "I'm sure your garden will live without Springfield for that long."

Mariel frowned. "That's not why I asked, Alana."

"Well, you have your answer." Sylvestre said matter-of-factly.

"I was thinking you meant in town around here, something you could do in a day." Vassim added as he poured juice into both Mariel and Sylvestre's glasses. "How long does it take to get supplies?"

"I'm going to Ruskal to get some supplies not found in the village. Elw don't carry it." Sylvestre said, shaking his head. "I'm a little low on things for my personal projects."

"Well, I can understand that." Vassim put the pitcher down in the center. "It will take us a couple days to set up. You should be fine for that much time at least."

"Alright." Sylvestre nodded. "We'll leave first thing tomorrow morning and be back late the day after." He picked up his empty dishes and took them to the sink.

Springfield watched him before looking at Mariel. "Take care, okay?" He stood up, walking over to the sink with his own dishes.

Mariel sighed a bit. 'I'll miss the company.' She thought.

-

The next morning, Springfield waved goodbye to Mariel and paused to talk to Vassim for a moment. "You'll take care of her, right?" He asked quietly.

"I've always tried to." Vassim replied, surprised by the concern.

Springfield nodded. "Good. I can't help but be worried about her." He smiled softly and then turned to follow Sylvestre out.

As they went through the terminal to the submarine, Sylvestre looked at Springfield. "So, you're going to miss her?"

"Hn?" Springfield looked up at him.

"Mariel." Sylvestre clarified.

"Oh. Well, yes. She is a nice girl." He nodded. "We get along."

"Hm. Enough to ask her brother to care for her for you?" Sylvestre raised an eyebrow.

"No, I'm pretty sure Mariel can care for herself." Springfield shook his head.

"Then, who is the girl?" Sylvestre asked, looking perplexed.

Springfield looked at him like he was an idiot. "The ARM, of course."

Sylvestre face-palmed. "Ah, right. Your odd...connection."

Springfield walked past him and climbed into the sub. "It's not odd. It's perfectly normal to worry if the ARM is going to be alright. She's still new, after all."

'That's not what I meant.' Sylvestre thought, but chose to drop the matter as the two took their seats.

As the sub sped off to Ruskal, Springfield turned to him. "Alright, tell the truth. Why did you REALLY want to go to Ruskal? There's nothing there but black markets, casinos, and dance clubs."

"I needed to get out." Sylvestre tugged on his shirt collar. "That place drives me crazy, and I could see the rabbit-business affecting you, too."

"Hn. Well, what are we going to be doing?" Springfield asked.

"I wasn't lying about getting things for my project there. There's a really good mechanics shop there, too. Just because it's a bit shady doesn't mean it's a black market."

Springfield looked doubtful, but chose not to press the matter. "And there's a contact terminal there, right?"

"Of course." Sylvestre assured him. "You can call Colt in Arctica from there."

"Why is Colt in Arctica?!" Springfield sat up straighter. "He's injured! He can't be on the battlefield!"

"He's there with Tiggs." Sylvestre assured him.

"Oh." Springfield relaxed a bit. "Well, that means he's not on the battlefield."

"You can ask him about it when we get there in about five or six hours. Relax and enjoy the ride." Sylvestre smiled as he relaxed in his sea