Lunar Conspiracy

Try, Try Again

Tava held her ground as the Android advanced, his expressionless gaze fixed on hers.  She was partially aware of Yggdrasil picking himself up off the floor, and a scuffle coming from Jornea and Kartk.  She couldn't spare any of them much more attention than that.  The Android was practically on top of her.

She let out a breath when the Android reached up and grasped her right wrist in a gentle grip.  They both froze, staring for several nervous heartbeats until the Android's eyes flicked down to her hand.  Very slowly, with a delicacy that hadn't been present in the easy way he had flicked Yggdrasil aside, he carefully removed the glove covering her prosthetic hand, one finger at a time.

Tava watched a moment of confusion flash in the Android's eyes before it was replaced with fascination.  He pressed his palm against hers, perhaps studying the similarities and differences in the mechanical digits.  Compulsively, Tava rolled her fingers against his, pinky to thumb.  He cocked his head in curiosity, his gaze slipping lower down her wrist.  He lifted his other hand, trailing his fingers along the reconstructed forearm.

Tava pulled her hand away and shrugged off the shoulder of her jacket, letting him see where mechanical had been meshed and grafted into flesh.  His fingers lightly skimmed the prosthetic.  Then he froze as his gaze flicked back up to her face, questioning.

"You are human, and yet not.  Are you a cyborg, here looking for sanctuary?"

Tava blinked.  She had never thought of herself as a cyborg, but the description was apt.  "I don't need sanctuary.  I'm looking for help."

The Android cocked his head again, taking a step back and giving her space.  Tava continued when that appeared to be the extent of what he was going to say or do.

"My name is Tava Bismark.  I was a Colonel in the Allied Militia until I uncovered a plot to overthrow the Council so that one man could take power.  I'm starting a revolution to keep this tyranny from taking place and I need as many allies in this fight as possible."

The Android was silent for a moment, then straightened a little.  "Androids do not require names.  But my designation before leaving Earth was Remington.  You may use this name.  In regards to your quest for allies, why come to us?  The Androids owe the Humans nothing.  Why should we join with the ones who wanted to destroy us after they had barely allowed us life?"

Tava swallowed.  "It's been a long time since then.  Earth is destroyed.  The Humans are scattered to the corners of the universe, attempting to set up colonies.  Most of us don't even remember the Androids, much less what we did to you."

Remington arched one brow in a very human gesture of skepticism.  "I wouldn't call that a redeeming argument in your species favor."

Tava nodded.  "I know.  Which is why I offer something else.  You help me, and when everything is over and done with I'll open up trade and commerce with the Androids.  You'll find all the technology and tools you'll need or want if you trade with other species, and I'm sure you and your people can create all kinds of things that would be useful to others."

Remington went thoughtful for a moment.  Then he nodded.  "I must confer with the others.  Once a consensus has been reached, I will give you your answer."

Tava frowned.  "How long will that-"  A faraway look came and passed on Remington's face in the barest of moments while she spoke, and then he was cutting her off.

"We have reached consensus."

Gaping, Tava's brow furrowed.  "That fast?!"

Remington merely dipped his head.  Behind Tava, Jornea snorted.  "Hive minds.  Certainly makes voting easy.  Not sure I'd like a planet full of people in my head all the time though."