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“Commandant, we will be landing 18 kilometers northwest of the former European region of Bresse,” a female construct with red horns briefed. Her focus was intense as she waved her hand, swiping across various holographic screens. “We are to investigate the condition of several ISO-devices spread around the area, repair them if needed, and clean up any Corrupted present until the Engineering Force arrives. They will then take over and assess any damages to the region's infrastructure. If all goes well, this area will likely become a new stronghold for humanity.”
“Sounds simple enough,” the bright-eyed commandant said. “Thanks, Captain Lucia!” The commandant turned in her seat, facing the three constructs under her wing and gave a thumbs up. She had hoped her open body language would invite some sociability. Dismally, only Lucia maintained her eye contact.
“You don’t have to call me captain,” Lucia said. She shut off the holo-screen of her terminal, and the last remaining buzzes from it dissipated into the air. A ripple of silence filled the transport craft as the commandant looked at the three seated in a row, each stuck in their own world waiting for the ride to end. Even the pilot wasn’t feeling generous enough to spare a word or two. Only a mere grunt left his throat, leaving much to the imagination on what he thought of them.
The second construct with blue horns silently watched the transport craft’s trajectory on a radar. Shifting in his seat, he turned his head to the commandant, “We are now past the von Kármán line and should be arriving quite soon,” he said. “You might as well enjoy the last few moments of respite here.”
The tension was becoming unbearable. The commandant clenched her fists and hurried to think of a small conversation piece. Her eyes suddenly lit up, and the corners of her mouth turned upward, trying to invite some warmth in the cold vacuum of space. “Hey, Lee,” she said. “Do you know what are the chances of being born a human?”
“You had a one-in-four trillion chance to be who you are right now,” Lee sneered. “Aren’t you quite the lucky one, sitting here and commanding us?”
“I guess you are lucky too,” she replied, a faint chuckle escaping her breath. The ignorant smile remained plastered on her face. Lee scoffed and turned to look out the window, ignoring his commandant’s offset compliment. “Then, do you know what are the chances of being born a Babylonian?” she continued, leaning in.
“What’s the point of asking such useless questions?” Lee sighed. He folded his arms and pursed his lips, “I’m not some trivia bot to utilize at your convenience. It’s better to save your breath when it’s crucial during the mission. Maybe if you perform well, I’ll tell you after.”
The commandant's voice gently trailed off, along with her smile, “It’s just too quiet here. I thought we could all benefit from a little noise until we arrived…”
“Then we can go over the mission briefing once again. It's to make sure we’re all on the right page.”
As Lee was about to turn on his terminal, the last construct in pink turned in her seat to directly face the commandant. Her eyes creased, and she made eye contact for only one second before quickly glancing away. “Um, don’t worry Commandant…" she said. "It’s not too long until we’re there. Why don’t you take a quick rest first to be in optimal condition?”
“Thank you Liv…" she replied. "But this isn't a difficult mission. I can handle myself."
"Oh... I see."
The commandant let out one last prudent smile and turned away from them. Properly socializing and ice breaking isn't something that can be learned in the textbooks... she thought, squinting her eyes. What can I even do to have them open up... I know they are great people deep down. If we're going to be together for so long, might as well have it enjoyable.