Murder Drones: Three Days to Live

Episode 6.... Trying Something New

Luckily I was off today, and I was able to unwind with my family and friend much to Gambit's delight. Uzi had decided to catch up with V for a little bit, and so suggested that I explored around the Colony with Gambit while she dealt with V's current homelessness- which was no problem for me, obviously. The way she took interest quickly, and was fascinated by so much brought a smile to me as she pointed up at signs, and asked about certain wings. We were walking to the indoor gardens: an absolutely BEAUTIFUL garden with a singular type of interstellar tree, and exotic flowers both from earth, and on copper nine before the core collapsed. In fact, it was HERE that Uzi and I had our wedding! I couldn't wait to tell Gambit about how many special memories her mom and I made from this spot alone, and I turned back to see if she was okay when I spotted her intently observing something on the wall. Backtracking for her, I saw a brightly colored poster on the wall advertising a dance class that was taking on new students as Gambit reached up to touch the piece of paper. "Papa?" She began in a voice of curiosity, "What is a Ball-et?" Laughing, I explained, "It's called a "Ballet". A Ballet is a type of dance, but it's more graceful and flowy than regular dancing. If I recall correctly, Humans trained in the art for YEARS before their first performance!" "Oooooohhhhhh." Gambit replied, seemingly interested in the subject, and she tugged on the bottom of the poster ad lightly as she asked, "Could you help me get it down, please?" "What for?" "I wanna show Mhamaí!" She replied, continuing to lightly tug on the poster. Like she wanted, I helped her get the poster down from the wall, and she continued to look on at it before exclaiming, "Papa, look! The tryouts for the class are only a month from now! Could I do it? Pleeeeaaaaaaaassssssseeeee?" She held the poster up, and I took it to read for myself as I thought about my answer to her. "I don't know, Gammy. A month seems like a small amount of time. Not to mention that it's so complex that hiccups and clunky moves are not accepted, hence why younger humans at least begin tryouts a year from now!" I replied, hesitant to say yes to something so short noticed. "B-But I can do it, Papa! Just you watch, I can learn the dance in a few weeks and try out for the class." She replied confidently. I was still hesitant, but the fire in her eyes reminded me of when Uzi would task herself to reach a specific goal- how COULD I say no? I sighed, and kneeled down to her level; smiling as I replied, "Let's see what mommy has to say, and we'll go from there, okay?" I placed my hand softly onto her head, and ran it down her braid gently as she wrapped her arms around my neck. Deciding to save the garden trip for another time, I carried her back to our wing of the colony with the intent to talk to Uzi about Gambit's wish to take Ballet lessons as I slid through the door. "You're back early. I thought you two were exploring?" Uzi asked, raising a brow to me as I handed her the poster, and went to set Gambit in her room to continue her nap she had on the way back. After shutting her door softly, I returned to the kitchen where the girls sat; Uzi inquiring quizzically, "What's this about?" "Well," I began, pulling up a seat with them, "Gambit and I were exploring like you wanted us to, and just when we reached the indoor gardens where we hung out as kids she found that poster ad you're holding." V took the poster ad from Uzi, and adjusted her glasses to read the text on the front closely before saying, "So..... Little Gambit finds herself interested in Ballet?" "What?!" Uzi exclaimed, snatching the poster from V to read for herself. "The class tryouts are next month." She stated, pointing at the part on the poster before looking back at me in disbelief. "I'm aware of that." "You didn't give her a final answer, did you?" "No, I told her I'd discuss it with you first to see what you said. She's REALLY interested, and VERY determined- much like you when you get determined, Uzi." "Yeah, well, at least when I'm determined I keep my expectations real. You're talking years, YEARS of mastery in just a few weeks!" She exclaimed, putting her fingers to her forehead as she added, "Just WHAT is she expecting it to be?!" "She just wants to try something new. If she makes it, she makes it. If she doesn't, well, that doesn't mean we'll love her any less- but what matters would be that she tried, and enjoyed herself in the process." I persuaded, shrugging my shoulders as Uzi remained silent. Her eyes held concern that one who has experienced such a feat held, and to be fair, I get the feeling of being let down after you worked so hard for your goal. I lovingly placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her to look up at me worriedly as I smiled. Finally, she sighed, and replied, "Very well, I'm on board." "YES!" "BUT!" "But-?" "She will have to be diligent, put forth a TON of effort, and pay VERY close attention to every move and detail shown. If she's determined to become the best in a few weeks, then I'll hold her to that standard. And we'll be taking turns watching her progress up to the very day. Am I clear, N?" I nodded, overjoyed that I'll get to see Gambit try something she truly enjoys, and help her along the beaten path when a thought hit me like a moving train. "That's all we'll and good, but.... Do we actually KNOW anyone who can dance like that who would be willing to teach her?" Uzi's eyes grew wide in realization, then she looked away as she replied, "Dang, you're right...." "Ummmm, HELLOOOO!" V said, getting our attention, and we were astonished as we looked over to see her doing what was called the "Arabesque" pose. Her posture and poise was enough to make any ballerina fawn over, and she held herself with grace that even I didn't know she had as Uzi asked, "Since when were you into Ballet?" "I've always liked it; practiced in my free time when I was a server Drone, but it kinda slipped away after becoming a disassembly Drone. I'm no professional, but I know enough to at LEAST get Gam to pass as a born-to-be ballerina!" She offered, and I looked at Uzi with pleading eyes. After taking the offer into consideration, Uzi sighed before caving, "Well, it's the best we have. Counting on you, V!" "You know it! Now we just gotta break the news to Gambit, and we'll start after school tomorrow." And tell her we did. The bright look in her eyes, and the smile she gave held multitudes compared to anything; making the room light up, and hearts melt as she jumped around ecstatically, giggling and cheering! Needless to say that I felt good inside, seeing her horizons expand, while holding onto the slight concern my wife and I shared earlier.... I just pray they aren't too harsh on her....