The Split Sun and The Mechanical Moon

Chapter Fifty-One: You'll find trash among treasure here.

The area above these clouds are strange. The ground is flat and metallic with a thick fog covering the surface, its cold all the time because we're so high up, and all of these buildings need an airship tied to it to keep it upright. At the top of the central tower of the EMC, there's a large radar dish. Hopefully I can use it to send a message to Brandon, he's probably worried sick about me. That night, I was sheltered in a private room in the sub-levels of the Handling building. I was unbothered, as no one goes down there. Upon waking up the next morning, I made my way up the elevator. I passed by multiple loading docks, they were loading up these airships with weapons and supplies... which didn't give me much hope. I arrived at Jacob's office, opening the door to find him talking to someone. I closed the door behind me, and moved my heavy self over to him.

"I'm telling you Twelve, tell him I don't know!"

"You seem very keen on keeping this newcomer around, my master will remain suspicious of you."

This figure stood short, a black and red outfit that resembled a captains attire, a petticoat almost touching the floor, black boots that laced up to their knee, a studded belt around their waist with tassels dangling from their shoulders, their left arm armored with traditional metal like something Vee would have, black straps across both their thighs and a hat that was offset on their head. They turned around, their red eyes glaring at me with no emotion.

"Speaking of which."

They now took a step to the side, Jacob being almost relieved to see me.

"Good morning, happy to see you..."

"I see I have overstayed my welcome. Goodbye."

They now immediately walked out, shutting the door. Jacob sighed and flopped in his chair.

"Damn android."

I turned to Jacob, who took a deep breath.

"One of Centralis' creations, damn robots are growing more human with every iteration. Can't believe they're on my ass because I'm being decent to you, whatever the case I got a job for you."

I approached, standing close to his text. 

"I need you to find someone and relay a message, go to the second loading dock and look for junior director Jane. Golden hair and eyes, you'll find her on the second loading dock rafters. Give her this paper, Get to it."

I nodded, might as well. My goal here is to get on good terms with each department. I left the room and went down the elevator, fixing my hair and goggles to continue to hide my identity. The elevator came to a stop on the second floor, and I walked out. Looking around, there were many airships parked above me, people moving all around with crates and bags. They were preparing for something... I boosted up to the rafters, making a loud clang as I stood tall. I spotted Jane, she looked at me and seemed scared. I walked to her, eyeing her down. She began to panic.

"I-I-I don't have any money on me! I p-promise I'll pay next week I'm working a tight shift."

I stood tall over her, showing her the paper. She gently took it and read it, I got a good look at her. She did indeed have bright golden eyes, and bright golden hair, she wore a white suit tucked into black pants with a mechanics belt around her waist, a red tie, and a black jacket with lots of pins in the opening. She exclaimed in excitement.

"I get to be the right hand on The Retribution during the expedition! Yes! This is what I've always wanted! Thank you robot god!"

I put my hands up a bit, signaling I was no god but she skipped off in excitement. I didn't know what expedition she was talking about, but I can only assume The Retribution is an airship. With a name like that, it must be a warship. All of these flying machines arent armed, they're used for cargo transport. Whatever, I'm overthinking it. I made my way back to the elevator, where I found the android from earlier. They were leaning against the wall, as I waited for the elevator they spoke to me.

"Don't put your trust in anyone up here, you'll only find trash looking for treasure."

They quickly left, as the elevator dinged. I stepped in and went back up to the office, where Jacob was waiting for me.

"Good work! See, you're already doing good. I got another job for you."

For the next 4 weeks, I spent my days doing tasks for Jacob, big and small.  I delivered packages, I raced airships to test their engines, I tracked people down, it was tedious and rather boring. I got to know many people though which only helped my reputation.

I still have not said a word to anyone in the EMC, and I do not intend to. After a grueling 4 weeks, I met with Jacob one last time.

"You're moving up in the world Tin man, they're requesting your help in manufacturing. You've helped us out here big time, I hope to see you again in the future."

I nodded and shook his hand, leaving his office and making my way to the landing pad I arrived here on. I charged my engines, and now took off to the manufacturing building. I still don't know what those airships are preparing for, and lucky for me it's not hard to stick a tracking beacon and every single one. I laughed flying away from Jacob's department, but kept a straight face kneeling on the landing pad to manufacturing.