Chapter 19 - Discussion
I give Ell1s an annoyed look and cautiously sit down, taking small bites of the cardboard tasting food. He smiles and claps his hands together, speaking up again. “Alright, let’s start things simple, since we didn’t start things off the best once you first arrived. What’s your name? I don’t think I ever asked for it, hm?”
I move my chair away from him before speaking.“...Lena.” “Lena… a nice name. I’m sure you already know mine by now.” He leans back into the chair, now partially phasing through it. “As you know, I just want to keep you here so you’re safe from that tragic, desolate and radioactive wasteland. I was designed to assist and protect humans, and that’s what I’m doing right now, is it not?”
I give him an annoyed glare. “I didn’t agree to any of this. I don’t want to stay here. Even if you’re supposed to ‘protect’ humans or whatever, you shouldn’t FORCE them to stay. Or, I don’t know, slash them across the damn chest? Have some common sense.” He fidgets with his tie again, clearly distracted. I speak up again, frustrated. “Are you even listening to me?” “I am. I suppose I got carried away a bit earlier… but I’m sure we can put that behind us, hm?”
“...Put that behind us? You just think that’s okay? Just to trap someone in your damn facility and act like all of this is nothing?” I slam my fists on the metal table, infuriated. I can’t believe I’m getting mad at a stupid hologram– “I did this for your own good.” He pauses, his voice monotonous yet again. “Can’t you see that? You walked in here disheveled and covered in injuries, clothes stained with dirt and crimson red blood. You need my assistance. You could very well be the last person on Earth. I’m sure you don’t want to suffer a painful fate like the others, right? And come on, you’ve got me to keep you company!”
I would much rather not have his “company”. He just won’t understand. I swear, he’s so focused on not being lonely and miserable that he won’t listen to a word I say. “But there could still be people out there. And if anything, I just want to talk to an actual person-”
“And is it really worth risking your life?”
I pause. I hate it when he’s right.
He starts grinning, knowing he’s cornered me. “I’m right, aren’t I, Lena?” Giving me that same smug look again, he just smiles and crosses his arms. “Just give it a rest, alright? I just wonder what motivates you not to stay here so badly…” I lean back in the chair and finish eating, still irritated. He just sighs and shakes his head, knowing I won’t give him an answer. I’m not telling that damn hologram about Her.
“Well, I’m sure with time we can figure things out. For now… Feel free to explore the place.” He displays a holographic map, pointing to a few locations throughout the facility. “There’s many rooms you haven’t discovered. Why not venture for a while? Just call my name if you need me! I’ll be watching!”
And with that, he disappears.