“In a bit, Tilly. In a bit.” Nora grinned at her daughter, and then her eyes raised and she saw the drone, hovering. The smile fell from her face as she bit her lip, considering.That drone.
Ever since Simon told her what the drone was and about the truth on Mars, she hadn’t been able to ignore it like she had before. Especially when the drone stayed close to her, like now.
I gotta say something. Hanging over me every day.She looked up at the dark green metal.Literally hanging over my head.Nora walked a few steps away, out of sight of Tilly and the house, and impulsively waved at its dented side, beckoning it to come closer to where she stood alone.
“Hello,” she said, waving up as its dull green body came to a dead stop right out of reach above her head. “Can you follow me?” She gestured behind her and watched as the drone did as she asked, following her a pace behind.
Nora walked slowly to the other side of the garage, far away from the house, to be alone. She stopped then, wringing her hands across her front. “I know what you are. Up there on Mars.” Her voice was hesitant. “I won’t tell anyone what you really are. I promise.”
The drone didn’t respond, but Nora kept her head raised at its faded green side and the camera lenses pointed down toward the ground. How did you tell something that you understood their point of view, especially when they were denying you a spot in would-be paradise?It’s confusing, that’s for sure.But Nora accepted their hesitation.I get it.She’d ran away from humanity as well for many of the same reasons.
Nora had a different opinion of the drone, and Mars, than Simon. In fact, she felt better about Mars now, after having some time to think it through. She was relieved that no one would be coming after her and Simon.
Before, Nora thought it was humans lording over the less fortunate here on Earth. Now she knew that the androids were just fearful as she had been. She knew Simon was angry that they wouldn’t take any humans to Mars, but Nora didn’t see it that way.
She cleared her throat and spoke loud to make sure they could hear. “I know everything. And I understand.”
Silence hung after her words. The drone didn’t do anything except hover, making Nora feel even more awkward.Are they even listening?
She tried again. “I don’t even trust many humans myself. So I get it. I get why you don’t want any humans from Earth there now.” She let the words hang a minute before continuing, “But thank you anyways, for doing what you can. It means a lot. All the humans need the drops. There were a few times when Tilly got sick that the medicine from the drop helped.” She pulled on the shirt she wore, pointing to it with her other hand. “And this, I made clothing from what you sent too.”
The drone still hovered. But it did come a bit closer, until Nora could reach out her hand and wipe the dust from it if she wanted to.Androids are listening close, huh.Nora didn’t know what else to say now, with the drone so close she could see her reflection back in its faded side and feel a small wind as it kept itself airborne.
She took a step back. “Well, that’s all I had to say. Thank you. I know the other humans don’t know anything just like how I didn’t, but figured I should say something anyway because they all sure do appreciate it. Don’t know if you can see that though, hovering above.”
Silence.
Nora nibbled her lip as the drone came even closer still. “It’s not like I did anything for you to have you help me. So anything you do I’m grateful for. You really helped keep us alive all these years.” She added one more thing, “I tried telling that to Simon, but . . . it’s enough I tell you now too.”
The drone backed up a bit, but Nora could still reach out and touch it if she wanted to.It’s just looking at me now.She rubbed on her arms and took another step back herself. “I won’t tell, I promise. I won’t tell your secret about Mars not being all humans. Not gonna tell anyone.”
Nora moved away, ready to start her morning chores. But she continued to talk toward the spot right in the center where the camera lens was, showing what she was doing and why, just like how she’d showed Simon her life those first few days he woke up. Nothing was said back, but the drone came closer, trailing her throughout the day.
And Nora continued speaking and explaining, until talking to it throughout the day became as natural for her as Tilly talking to her dolls.
Chapter forty
Simon
Simonwasmoreforwardwith Nora that night in making his feelings known. He wanted her like she was something essential that had been missing from his composition. There were one hundred and fifty years of lost emotions and sensations he wanted to make up for. Nora was something that was just as vital as his machinery that now ran smoothly thanks to her gentle hands fixing him.
Now, in the deep night, he left Nora’s side to check Tilly, sleeping. Once he returned, Nora barely had time to flip off the radio before he picked her up. She exhaled in shock as he shifted her weight easily in his arms. “Nora, do you want to couple again?” He held her up, catching her eyes.
Nora’s cheeks were rosy. “You certainly do.”
“Yes. And you?” He focused on her hooded eyes.
In response she leaned up in his arms to kiss him. “Yes, Simon.”
He nipped at her lips. “Alright.” He walked them into the bedroom, locking the door behind them. He said softly as it clicked, “In case Tilly starts to stir.”
Simon placed Nora on the bed and began to take off his shirt. “The door closed will also muffle some of your noises,” he added, undressing himself fast.
“Just mine?” Nora shot back.
Simon chuckled as he leaned forward. “I can mute myself.”
Nora laughed. He relished Nora’s reactions as he helped her, taking off her shirt and bra band. He leaned forward and put one of her nipples in his mouth while rolling the other in his fingers gently.It tastes sweeter than any food.Every part of her did, because it was all Nora.
