Chapter Text
“YoRHa Unit Number 2, Type E.”
This was the formal language she had come to expect of her Commander. It was jarring sometimes, going from the cheerful – clearly emotional – voice of her Operator, 6O, to the ‘emotions are prohibited’ attitude she received from her Commander.
The Commander’s back to her, 2E wondered what this meeting was about. She felt flutters of what could only be nervousness in her chest, her circulatory system experiencing mild palpitations, but she did her best not to let it show. It was unusual that the Commander summoned her directly. Orders usually came through the mail, not like this.
“I have a special assignment for you.”
At least now she knew why she had been summoned, which helped the whole matter not feel quite as ominous.
“You will be monitoring a new field unit, Number 9 Type S, to ensure he maintains appropriate adherence to YoRHa regulations.”
Monitoring him, as an E-type? She wondered if that meant she was to kill him if he stepped out of line. After all, monitoring usually fell under the tasks of Operators, not field units… let alone Executioner models.
“We don’t want him to realize that he is being monitored. As such, you will take a codename: YoRHa Unit Number 2, Type B.”
Type B. A Battle unit. She was stronger than a B-type, but she could see where that was the next closest thing to an E-type. That said, wouldn’t her going undercover alongside him in this way raise suspicions? Determining that this fell under the category of seeking clarification necessary for her mission, 2E asked, “But isn’t it standard for an S-Type to conduct field surveys independently?”
The Commander seemed as neutral as ever. Truly, she seemed to be someone who had mastered the rule that emotions were prohibited. “You’re too concerned about what’s standard. There can be exceptions. For example, what if it were an area showing multiple enemy responses? S-types are unsuitable for battle, so that would create the need for someone to go along and support them.”
Once she had processed this information and felt she understood how to proceed, 2E responded, “…Understood. Then I’ll proceed with that.”
“For the time being, I only want you monitoring him. You’ll be given more instructions at a later date.”
So she wasn’t meant to take any independent action regarding killing him unless directly instructed to do so. Knowing that she would have clarity about the point at which she would need to terminate him was a good thing, since it ensured she would not waste YoRHa resources by making an incorrect decision.
“Because he is an S-type, some of your chips will be replaced with those of a B-type, though you will maintain your strength. The only functional difference you will notice is the addition of an ID recognition program that prevents you from attacking other YoRHa units. On occasions in which you are called upon to act as an E-type, your pod will change your battle mode to anti-YoRHa and disengage this. Since this is beyond the capability of a true B-type, you must never let 9S catch you doing so.”
“I understand.”
“Good. Now, to ensure your ability to maintain the cover story appropriately, as well as to acclimate both of you to the name ‘2B,’ I would like you to spend the remainder of the day practicing with your Operator after the B-type chips have been installed.”
That was a somewhat odd assignment, but to tell the truth, she did enjoy spending time with 6O. Well, even if she didn’t, how she felt about the assignment was many levels of irrelevant.
“You are dismissed.”
“Yes, Commander.” She saluted, then went to the maintenance area to get her new chips installed. Normally she could install her own chips, but installing a chip that was universally compatible or compatible for an E-type was a bit different from overriding E-type chips with B-type chips. It wasn’t outside of the realm of possibility for her to do, but it was safer to be conducted by an S-type or H-type who could scan for and troubleshoot any issues that might arise from the process.
3H was waiting for her when she arrived. “The Commander briefed me on this process,” she said, motioning for 2E – or 2B, as she ought to start thinking of herself – to follow her.
She wondered how many others in the Bunker were aware of this situation. Obviously the Commander and 6O knew, and 3H must as well. Would 9S’s Operator know? The more people knew, the harder it was to keep a secret, so it was probably better that it wasn’t spread too widely… but perhaps that was why Commander had appointed one specific H-type to provide this maintenance, and moreover, had chosen the quietest of the bunch.
2B laid down on the bed and allowed 3H to install the new chips. A wave of dizziness passed over her as her internal logic struggled in confusion when presented with the new chips, which didn’t even really belong in an E-type system. But by the time 3H stepped back, her programming seemed to have caught up.
It wasn’t unheard of for a unit to request a different assignment, and sometimes that would even be approved, especially if there was a shortage. But this was a bit different, because she wasn’t being changed into a B-type; she was still an E-type, just masquerading as a B-type. Perhaps there were others like her and she simply wouldn’t be privy to that information, but… it felt a bit like she was a guinea pig. “Are there any anticipated side effects?”
“Not that we know of.”
“Understood. Thank you for the maintenance.”
Once that was taken care of, she sought out 6O. The Operator was at her computer, pretending to be focused on her work but looking up to scan the room for 2B a little too often for the act to be convincing.
When 2B approached, it seemed to take 6O a moment to recognize her. “6O, it’s me.”
6O blinked, then shook her head as though to clear it. It was a bit disconcerting for the one she was used to seeing registered as ‘2E’ to suddenly have her ID signal changed to ‘2B.’ Usually when people had changed types, their old name would still appear for a time so as to allow others to adjust, but… usually it wasn’t a secret like this was. “Right! Of course, 2… 2B.”
Now she understood the reason for this assignment. 2B had already been programmed to respond to ‘2B’ as though it were her name, but 6O needed to become used to referring to her as such too or she would blow their cover. “Shall we… have lunch together?”
6O’s expression had been downcast, but now it brightened with pure joy. “Really? Yes, I—let’s do that!”
The two of them walked to the cafeteria together. 6O got a sandwich and water, while 2B got only a glass of water.
“Hey, 2B… you know, eating is good for your psychological functioning.” She was making it a point to use 2B’s new codename as much as possible in an effort to acclimate herself to it.
2B shrugged. “Eating also begins the process of digestion, which can cause unnecessary challenges on the battlefield.”
It took her a few seconds to put together the implications. When she did, her face began to overheat at the realization that they were discussing such a private function. “Ah—that’s… I-I never thought about that. True… that, that would pose a problem.”
2B sipped at her water. It wasn’t that water couldn’t cause similar problems, but it was a bit easier to time that so it didn’t need to be dealt with while on the battlefield. Water also wasn’t optional, as their circulatory and respiratory systems did require hydration to function properly, so it couldn’t be avoided entirely.
“Still…” 6O seemed troubled again. “I’d like to support your psychological functioning however I can.”
“You’re concerned on my behalf,” she observed. That seemed obvious, but she didn’t understand why. She was merely carrying out the type of mission she had been created for, after all.
She looked away, seeming lost in thought. “I just… think it might be hard, you know? Having to hide who you are, and… whatever comes after that.”
2B shrugged. “Your concern is noted. However, I play a necessary role in removing any soldiers from operation who have violated rules and must be reset.”
That didn’t seem to reassure 6O, but she tried to force a smile. “Just remember that I’m here for you… okay, 2B?”
She started to smile, but intentionally wiped it from her expression. “Emotions are prohibited.”
Seeing those hints of a smile on 2B’s face, 6O found her own smile turning genuine. As long as she could bring her a bit of happiness… she could feel she was doing right by 2B as her Operator. No, it wasn’t anything so professional as that. Speaking honestly, she wanted to support 2B because she cared about her, but she couldn’t say that directly.
“I imagine this will be strange for you as well, becoming accustomed to calling me by a different name for the duration of this mission.” Little did she know how long this particular mission would last…
2B… was worried about her? That made her happy. She wasn’t used to having anyone willing to worry about her, much less express it. Perhaps some of that was made more complicated for the Operators, who had to work right under the Commander’s nose, potentially risking consequences if they were caught expressing too much emotion. “Thank you. I’ll be alright, though.” As long as she was working with her… whatever the android whom she was Operator to was called, so long as it was her… 6O was happy.
2B took another sip of her water, watching 6O eat her sandwich. She couldn’t deny that she was curious, even if it seemed more trouble than it was worth. “What is eating like?”
The question caught 6O by surprise. “2B, you’ve never… eaten anything?”
“Why would I?”
“Because it tastes good!” Now she wished she had gotten something special instead of a plain sandwich. Something like those parfaits she had seen pictures of from when humans were on Earth… as if they had something so sweet and frivolous in the Bunker. Realistically though, there was no real reason for the Bunker not to have them, considering that eating provided no nutritional value to them and all foods were broken down the same so long as they contained no toxins. If food was only to support their psychological wellbeing, what was wrong with sweets? “I’m going to propose some sweets to the Commander!”
“…What?” That sentence didn’t even make sense to her, but 6O’s eyes were practically ablaze with determination.
“Sweets! Food that tastes so good, you can’t help but want more!”
She frowned. “It has addictive properties?”
“Not addictive!” 6O sighed. “Just wait, I’ll get us some parfaits in this cafeteria even if I have to make them myself, and then you’ll see.”
…Well, if the Commander cleared them from a safety perspective, she didn’t see any harm in it. “Sure.”
Yes! Parfaits with 2B! Just like that, 6O had already started to think of the one she monitored as ‘2B.’ It wasn’t that she had forgotten 2B’s original name, but she had adjusted to thinking of her as a B-type. In some ways, maybe that suited her better anyway. When she saw this side of her, 6O couldn’t help but to find it hard to believe 2B was an E-type model anyway.
Even if 2B didn’t let it show much, 6O knew that she had a big heart deep down. That was why she was so worried about her going into this. If she was monitoring this ‘9S’… the implication was surely that she might have to kill him. She worried that 2B was going to get too close to him and would get hurt as well. There was little she could functionally do to support her, but at least if she could give her some small moments of joy like this, that would make 6O happy too.
Once 6O had finished her sandwich and 2B’s glass of water was empty, the two stood.
“It was nice having lunch with you, 2B.”
2B caught herself just in time before she started to smile. “I wouldn’t be opposed to doing this again sometime, if time permits. …To ensure our adequate psychological functioning, of course.”
She beamed. “I’ll look forward to it!”