Story Reader / Affection / Noan: Arca / Story
—Three days later.
Noan has just seen off a few customers who were in for a short break. He is standing at the counter and washing their used cups.
The water spray makes a drizzling sound in the cup. He stops washing as his mind wanders away.
He has been staying in Babylonia for quite some time. Simon often said he was doing his part by helping the Science Council, but Noan is still concerned about the situation on the surface.
...
Realizing such thoughts cannot make the situation any better, he turns the tap off, takes out a coffee spoon, and puts it in the cup. The metal spoon knocks on the glass, making a crisp sound that echoes in the small sink.
This sounds familiar...
When Noan was still a human, he used to hear melodies made up from such sounds when he was taking shelter under the eaves from the rain.
Wandering Scavengers did not have the privilege of carrying musical instruments with them, but their cups and bowls could compose the simplest form of music.
This sound seems to carry their unique warmth. His mind wanders far away.
...I wonder how the battle is going on the surface. Wish I can be there just like any other squad.
He keeps knocking the spoon on the cup in the sink, as if he is trying to make the good memories last longer.
Just then, he hears footsteps coming from behind.
What can I do for you?
He turns back and sees a familiar figure.
Good afternoon, Commandant.
Do you need any books? Or would you like a drink instead?
...I suddenly recalled a song I learned in the past when I was washing the cups.
Nothing remarkable, just some boring memories. Do you really want to hear them?
Alright.
Noan smiles. He puts the cups in order and picks two stirrer sticks of the right size.
...My mother taught me this lullaby when I was a child.
He softly hums a gentle song, playing a simple yet lingering melody between the glasses.
The melody feels like scattered raindrops, resembling the tranquility that can only be found under the eaves on a rainy night.
But I only learned how to play it with glasses a lot later.
There was a child in our team. Each time it rained, he would struggle to fall asleep.
This is how his dad used to put him to sleep. I was always on night watch, so I often chatted with him. Over time, I also learned how to play music with glasses.
I had to put his child to sleep after that. He said it was the "fee" for teaching me.
Noan quickly cleans the cups and puts them in the sterilizer. He wipes his hands dry and walks over.
Quite a boring story, isn't it?
Do you find it interesting?
Yeah. People who stayed on the surface were used to finding moments of happiness in a tough life.
Do you have any other plans? Would you like to have some rest in the library?
Alright, I'll leave you to it then.
Noan makes a dry smile as he looks at the human commandant's still exhausted face.
Sure. I'm listening.
Noan turns back and looks into the human's eyes.
If you are asking about my vision, I no longer needed the glasses when I became a Construct.
But I have been wearing glasses or goggles all my life. Taking them off would remind me of... the days when I could not even see the road. I'm just not used to not wearing them.
Yeah. I probably lost them when I was injured, or during the Construct operation.
When I woke up, I only had this pair of glasses from a few years ago. I'm just not used to not wearing them.
Asimov also thought a familiar appearance would help me to stabilize the M.I.N.D., so he let me keep wearing them.
Same as before. Sometimes I go to experiments or checkups, sometimes to the training room.
He bends down to take out a new, clean glass cup from under the counter, and starts to mix a new drink.
Sometimes, I come here.
No, but I made the service robot here to help me check the quality when I was practicing. Constructs don't need to eat or drink, so I don't want to waste it.
I ate it. It tasted great, thanks.
Yeah, I'll probably be here until Dark Aries is ready for missions.
Of course.
The situation on the surface was already dire before I came to Babylonia. There are still people outside... and the Forsakens. I wonder how they are doing...
I really want to help, but I'm worried that I may bring over the trouble of Ascendants.
...
—When was the last time he had such a relaxed chat without any purpose?
Thinking of those days when everybody trusted and helped one another, Noan smiles and sighs.
How about you? Have you been having enough rest recently?
He already knows the answer, but still asks anyway.
It is not an intentional attempt to start a conversation, but rather an inquiry asking whether the other party is willing to talk about themselves.
I see.
He stops asking.
Just like Simon said, worrying too much only means he does not have faith in the commandant. Besides, he does not know anything about this human.
Whether the commandant really feels alright or does not want to tell him, he has no right to ask.
Neither of them talks anymore. They just remain silent in the tranquil library.
Have you seen a doctor?
Even a superman needs a break. Don't take everything on your shoulders.
Too much worry?
A lot of things happened lately. I can understand.
I know you are in grief. But you shouldn't hurt yourself to make up for the time lost.
Gray Raven, Commandant Simon... They all care about you and are worried about you.
If you can trust them and share your burden with them, I'm sure they will be delighted.
At least Commandant Simon will feel that way.
...
Noan looks a little surprised.
Does that matter to you?
He lowers his head and chuckles.
Yes. I'll be really glad if you are willing to trust me and share something with me.
