Unipsi, lovely entity

chapter 38c: holding

A blissful evening ended their day. The Ibarras offered a room to Idra but she declined the offer. Even with the extra space Scilla and Wiola decided to sleep in the same room equipped with a queen size bed. Nuria and Paz had their own room at the start of the same corridor on the first floor. At the end and in the middle of the corridor a couple of staircases to get down in the living zone and to the restaurant.

Around 3 AM Nuria woke up. She was thirst and wanted to get some cold water from the refrigerators downstairs. Silence and darkness ruled the farmhouse. At the end of the stair a dim light was coming in from the shutters. Light reflecting on Icar’s moons. She knew her home as her own body and didn’t bother to turn on the lights, but then a sudden sound, a drawer had opened.

A mix of fear and anger filled Nuria’s body that slowly approached the restaurant zone. She just walked in that something grabbed her and blocked her mouth.

“silence” Idra’s voice slowly whispered. She was almost invisible as her dark suit fused with the shadows. After almost giving a heart attack to Nuria she retrieved slowly disappearing in front of her eyes.

“what the fuck? The hell are you doing here in the middle of the night?” replied Nuria, whispering as well.

“I’m searching for something”

“the fuck are you searching in my house. At night like a burglar?”

“a pricing list.”

“I’m… why the fuck does it matter? If you want to know how much the food cost…”

“I want to buy one of your fields”

“what? They are not even ready. Why the hell…”

“I want the hectare near the forest. The one isolated”

“you still have to…”

“50k UC. Best case you make what… 6k or 7k UC? Then let me buy it”

“is this one hell of a trick? What do you really want? Why do you want to pay so much? Are you trying to trick me into selling you the terrain?”

“you are asking too many questions. All I need is your harvest, not really. I want part of your crops as they are right now. You can even keep the plants if they survive. 50K, no terrain, why the fuck should I buy terrain on a planet outside my domain?”

Nuria was even more confused. They were growing Mulliguan, a plat with a rich inflorescence that is totally useless during said blooming. After pollination the Mulliguan starts to produce several tuber almost at surface level. Those are edible and worth more compared to grain or akin. There was just no reason to buy them as they were. Deep in her thoughts and unable to detect Idra’s position Nuria didn’t notice a light sweet scent coming from behind her shoulders.

“Do you…” it was too late. She sniffed one of the many chemical compound that Idra could produce.

“do I what?”

“never mind… what was I saying?…”

“so can I have the field?”

Nuria’s mind was no more fully working. She was perceiving Idra as extremely trust worthy, friendly and comfortable to have around. She felt at ease.

“I… I will ask granny and we will tell you… is it ok… for you?”

Now she was starting to feel tired and sleepy again.

“sure… you look tired… maybe you should go back to sleep”

“you are right… good night”

“good night… Nuria”

Poor girl, she didn’t even get her cold water. At least she was alive. Idra’s relation to Scilla imposed a special behaviour. She was not going to use force but her natural ability to manipulate others to build deeper bonds with those dear to Scilla. In normal condition she would have killed all the people in sight and took what she wanted with force.

The next morning, around 7 AM a scream woke Scilla, Wiola kept sleeping as if nothing happened. Of course it was Nuria.

What the fuck?!!? what the fuck?!?! is she in danger?

Scilla rushed toward Nuria’s room to find quite the unique scene. Nuria was alone sitting at the edge of her bed. Her cybernetic leg was no longer the same. Now it was similar to the organic one even if it was clear that it was not real. It was also of the right size, a perfect mirror of the original.

“WHAT THE FUCK HAS THAT CUNT DONE TO ME?” yelled Nuria full with anger, even if what she was feeling was not the same. The new leg used the same “archaic” connections as the previous one yet it provide basic sensing capability. After years Nuria could finally feel the ground with both legs, she could walk normally as nothing had happened. The only source of anger was the lack of respect shown by Idra.

“the hell happened to your leg?” asked Scilla.

“and you are asking me?!! your friend did this to me, while sleeping…”

“o well, not the best way but… the new leg suits you. How does it feels?”

“perfectly that’s the problem. Why is she so… (friendly?)”

“why I’m so what?” asked a voice from the door. Obviously it was Idra, she was carrying a contraption that vaguely looked like an orthopaedic brace.

“wait wait wait, you can’t get in now” yelled Scilla turning around and blocking Idra’s view. She was doing so by instinct as Nuria was “not covered enough for Esterian standard”. Indeed she was just wearing a blue top with a bra underneath and a pair of underwear. She didn’t thought that to replace the leg she must have seen her in that clothing before. She also didn’t knew of their night meeting.

“what you mean? She is wearing a fully white pyjama”

thanks god her collar is blocking it.

“but I’m…” started Nuria to be immediately interrupted by Scilla.

“sshh! Don’t say a word”

“Scilla, as much as I appreciate your presence. Can you get the fuck out? I have to place this on your friend, fresh from printing”

“don’t you dare, stay away… you… you bedroom intruder!” replied Nuria.

“hey, we can do this peacefully or I can force you in. You walked for too many years with different size legs. Your spine is fucked so with this we can slowly put it back. So now put up your fucking arms and let me see if it fits”

“Scilla are you allowing this?!”

“well, to be fair I don’t really see the issue. She is helping you getting healthier. So get your arms up in the air”. Scilla was smiling widely. She knew that Idra’s actions were all but guided by altruism. Quite the opposite.

Why do I feel like she swapped her leg because the sound irritates her.

Scilla’s thought couldn’t be more spot on. Most Esterians and Idra especially show little to no tolerance for a lot of things. Common traits were the need for order and fixing. Most Esterians can’t stand disordered or chaotic things. It’s far from a mental disorder but it’s uncommon for Esterians to do things without thinking. Some places may appear messy but the Esterian’s behind such mess knows perfectly how to inspect it. However Nuria’s leg substitution was no driven by the need to reach an order, rather by the desire to fix issues. Maybe it’s their nature or maybe how their civilization developed, but if there is an issues Esterians flocks the place like moths with a light source. You are not a mechanic but your car broke? Open your hood and wait few minutes before a crowd forms around you trying to fix the failure. For Idra leaving a rusty leg walking around was too much to tolerate.

With Scilla’s help Idra forced Nuria to accept and wear the orthopaedic brace.

“so how is the new leg?” asked Idra.

“what if it’ breaks? We don’t have your level of technology.”

“don’t worry it’s a modular prothesis. I copied the base of your old leg and added in some simple sensors. That is also the reason why it’s so crude. So if my shit fails you just lose extra thing. It won’t happen but in case you don’t have to worry. The base stuff is the same as your old leg so your producer should be able to fix it. The brace is just a brace.” explained Idra in a deeply satisfied tone. Scilla was looking at her, she could feel her satisfaction.

When did she got so thoughtful. Oh well better for me I guess.

“well then I will be going… I will wait for your reply to my purchase request…”

“what purchase?” asked Scilla.

“I want to buy some of the flowers”

“really? They are not edible” replied Scilla.

“I know. But I want to buy them and so I will… now if you will excuse”

Idra didn’t wait for any replied nor she cared about any. She just walked out as if nothing happened. Where she was going was not known but none thought much of it.

“your friend is really something else” said Nuria.

“I know, she is unique. I have met several Esterians but none were like her. Not to force you but I can see your smile. You should thanks her”

“shut up, I know. Go to get the kiddo, I bet she is still sleeping like a rock”

“That’s no even a bet. Of course she is still sleeping. You can kick Wiola out of the bed and she would keep sleeping.”

Strangely Idra didn’t join them for breakfast but she appeared just after they finished.

“so… what about my field?” asked again.

“it’s not YOUR field…” replied Nuria.

“for now, but it will be soon”

“fuck. Grandma! Get down here. Our guests wants to buy a chunk of our fields”

As predictable Paz was also confused by Idra’s request. The flowers were completely useless, unless you wanted to make a bouquet. But even if that was the intention nobody would buy an entire field of them.

“you know that…”

“I know, I fucking know. Why the fuck can’t you just sell me this fucking flowers?” replied Idra irritated.

“it’s not that I can’t. I just don’t think it’s fair. You repaired our tractor, fixed my niece leg, gave us a lot of Karakani, so many to open up a store. Now you want to buy a flowers field for more than 5 time the price and you are only interested in the flowers and not in the plant that is not ready…”

“then collect the flowers for me. That way the price goes up…”

“even if...”

Idra’s patience reached a limit and she snapped

“you can either sell me the field or I can take it by force. Choose”

“Idra what did I said about violence?” said Scilla. Her tone however showed mostly confusion. She was not understanding why Idra wanted the field so much.

“ok, you can have the field, we will harvest it…”

“look at your bank account. I transferred the money. So you can work freely. My machines will prepare some crates to fill in front of my ship. Now I’ll be on my way”

Idra was crossing the door when Wiola’s voice stopped her.

“wait! Won’t you come with us?” asked.

Idra stood by the door, she didn’t turn back and reply.

“no, not today. Oh and before I forgot. The barbecue. Let’s make it tomorrow evening”

“it’s fine but is there a reason? The fresher the meat…” initiate Nuria to be interrupted soon after.

“there is. It’s an Esterian national holiday. I would like to celebrate it”

“ok”

Wait what? Really? She never told me anything. Do I have to give her a present? Is it that kind of events? Or it’s just a normal holiday for… don’t know the end of some war?

While Idra disappear somewhere, Scilla and Wiola went to Saryvona city centre. They took a long walk looking for what has changed and what seemed unfazed by time. A constant flow of memories both good and sad. As kids they spent a lot of time exploring around, time that never faded as to this day they both remember each street and small alley of what once was their territory. They spent several hours fooling around and eating at a restaurant. In the afternoon they first went into an old pastry shop that they grew to love as kids. Once they filled their hands with all the sweets they could desire they went for more walking around lake Sary. Moving from stony beaches to classic sand beaches, skipping flats rocks on the lake’s water as far as they could achieve. It was as if they recess to their old younger self. Hours of mindless enjoyment later they sat down at a small beach known only to few locals. There half covered by the trees shadows that were right behind them, they decided to have a break and eat what they previously bought.

“hey what’s that?” asked Wiola point at a far flat massive rock right beside the lake shore immersed in the woods. A black figure was sunbathing in the sun passing trough the tree leaves. Moving closer the shape assumed a humanoid figure and it was clearly their “friend” Idra.

“what is she doing?” asked Wiola. She was more curious than her sister.

“I don’t know” replied Scilla.

“should we… should we go talk to her?”

“emh, maybe, but maybe she wants to be alone… who knows”

“ok let’s go”

“wait didn’t you heard me just now?”

Wiola was not going to waste such opportunity to peep into the relationship between Idra and her sister. Now that Idra was isolated and alone was by far the best time.

Idra was in the middle of the rock formation laying down like a starfish and staring at the sky.

Wiola appeared in her view.

“HI! What you doing idra?”

Idra’s reply however was slow and come only 3 seconds later.

“charging… and thinking…”

“about what? My sister?” Wiola was smirking, she clearly was trying to embarrass Idra but the only one she embarrassed was Scilla.

“Wiola!?!?” shouted Scilla that was coming at the rock as well.

“what? You told me about it… I can’t even ask?”

“not in (that way)”

“partially, she is not my only thought but a considerable part of my resources are used on Scilla”

“oh, waoh… I… emh… I didn’t…” Wiola got immediately red and moved out of Idra’s view. Scilla that had reached the rock was embarrassed as well and felt the need to justify Wiola’s behaviour.

“I’m sorry Idra. I told her to be more discreet but as always she is doing what she wants”

“it’s fine. I predicted this much. You must be exited about the news right?” replied Idra while moving her head to stare at Wiola.

“well… yeah I’m. I’m really happy and thankful. Never knew someone would be so crazy to choose her”

“hey, what the fuck? You are supposed to praise me” said Scilla. This fast exchange made Idra laugh for a moment but then her voice lowered to a more dark and sad tone.

“your species must have something wrong. I’m surprised that she had no partner when we met”

“what did you like about her?” immediately asked Wiola.

“Wiola, could you mind your own business?”

“her impertinence and bravery. You would have been sister-less if she didn’t had that foul mouth of hers”

“was that a compliment?” asked Scilla while sitting next to Idra.

“I would say so.”

Why is she so sad. She is barely answering back.

“are you alright? Have we…”

“you two have done nothing to upset me. I was just thinking, it made me sad.”

Wiola laid down beside Idra as well. She was on one side while Scilla was on the other one leaving Idra in the middle.

“we can help you… no wait I mean that if you want…” said Wiola

“you can’t even help yourself with a proper phrase yet alone others” said Scilla. Her voice was stating a clear joke to cheer up Idra.

“maybe I can’t speak properly but who ran into the toilet because her raging boner broke her panties? Not me”

“Wiola! What the fuck?”

Idra laughed, her voice was shifting back to her usual.

“you are too stupid together. So who is gonna tell me what a boner is?”

“none”—”none”

“what? Why? And don’t speak in sync or I’ll smack both of you”

“it’s sex related, so even if we explain you won’t get it”

“uffi. (cute way to express drat) stupid collar”

“wait… now that I think about it. Wasn’t the chip suppose to also repress love or something of that sort?” said Wiola.

“yeah that was a lie. You know your big sis can lie really well” replied Idra.

“oh really?? how many more lies have you told me?” asked Wiola while looking ad Scilla.

“oh I told you a lot of them. You know you are not the only one that can lie. However the only one I’m keeping from you are all related to Idra so I would say that I’m being honest as far as I’m allowed to.”

“I forgive you…”

“can I hold your hands?” asked Idra out of nowhere.

“yeah sure… but weren’t we suppose to keep our relationship a secret?”--”sure here is mine” replied the sisters.

“does holding hands indicate a relationship?” asked Idra. She had all the reasons to be confused as Esterians barely touch each others. Holding hands was far from a common practice and the few time she saw such act it was a parent with their child while crossing a road.

“it could… nah never mind I bet you can come up with something that will make it not suspicious”.

“if I say that I wanted to try as I saw you holding Wiola’s hand before?”

“what when did I ever hold her hand?” replied Scilla.

“you keep taking it each time we are together” replied Wiola.

“lies I never did it.”

“you do, you do it a lot. You just do it automatically” said Wiola.

“I hold your hand when you were a kid so you would not get lost. I don’t…”

“you do” intrude Idra.

“see told you. It doesn’t bother me but sometimes you treat me like as if I’m still a kid.”

“but you are a kid. You will always be my little sister”

“if she is a kid then what am I? A new born?” intruded Idra.

“no! Well I… give me a break”

“why should you be a new born?” said Wiola.

“because if you are 31 year old and you are a kid, than what am I if I’m 26?”

Horror scarred Wiola’s face. Exactly as Scilla she forgot that she and Idra don’t belong to the same species and that Leans live up to 180 years old. Wiola rushed up and she was about to assault Scilla.

“you are a fucking disgusting paedophile… I don’t care if you are my sister…”

“wait she is human. They live less”

“oh right… sorry… blood just rushed to my brain…”

“nah don’t worry. I made the same mistake”

“why should she be a paedophile? Leans are adults at 26 right?”

“yes and no. I mean we grow up slower than humans but not that slower. Yet having a 15 years age gap is quite a lot. But not in your special case”

as they calmed down Idra moved and sit on the rock.

“whatever. Now if you have food? I’m hungry”