Since the release of the Caleb's new myth, I have been thinking of writing something that would combine Lucid Dream and Decoherence. Hopefully, I managed to give a glimpse of what two androids could dream of.
The pinwheel in A-01 hand turned lazily, barely moved by the weak summer wind. She looked at the small, strange, never-seen-before device curiously, unsure of its name. The name felt familiar, but she wondered how she came up with it all of a sudden.
âWhat if I dare? Will you do the same?â
She glanced to the side where the source of the voice was wearing clothes so unfamiliar and so uncommon for him. Calebâs gaze seemed mournfully hopeful, and yet, she could only vaguely understand the feeling he wished to convey. As if she was intruding on someone elseâs moment.
âProve it.â
The voice was hers, and yet it felt like she had no control over it. There was a sensation in her chest, not unlike pain, that made her feel like her entire body was about to shatter to pieces.Her ears were ringing as his lips grazed them gently, making it hard to breathe. The affection. Caleb talked about this. But it wasnât this Caleb. She had to go back.
âI like you.â
Her mind fogged, trying to make sense of it all. They were on the run, there was no time for this⊠Amusement park? Is this what Caleb wanted to show to her? It made no sense, this place was untouched, unlike the decrepit one they stumbled upon. Her fingers twitched as she fought the urge to touch the Caleb next to her. She could feel the warmth of his breath so clearly amidst the fog, so she reached outâŠ
âŠAnd took hold of X-02âs cold hand. He seemed startled at first, before pulling A-01 into a hug. Affection. He kissed her forehead and held her tighter. Affection. She nestled close to him to try and transfer the warmth she felt earlier.
âI fell asleep. There was no darkness this time. I saw pictures of another world. I saw pictures of home. There was pain. It didnât hurt my body. It hurt, I do not understand it, but it hurt elsewhere. Affection. And it hurt. Did I go there? Did you bring me back?â
Caleb was quiet for a moment, and still quiet as he responded with a question:
âYou never dreamed before?â
âDream?â
She looked up to see Calebâs face show a glimpse of pain before he composed himself.
âSometimes, when you fall asleep, you will see the images of the things you saw, or talked about. Sometimes it will be joyful, sometimes, it will scare you. And sometimes,â he looked at her as he said it, âit will hurt you. Here.â His hand clutched on his chest, as if he was holding an invisible pendant. A-01 reached for his hand, and smiled:
âIt did hurt, but I am still happy, because I have you by my side.â
X-02 held her tightly as he kissed her with everything he had this time. No fear, no confusion, no boundaries. Affection. Happiness. Caleb.
The dream was over and the supernova was born, to be witnessed by those that were yet to come.
***
Colonel Caleb woke up in cold sweat, clutching the necklace around his neck.
âMy name is Caleb, and I will always be by your side.â
