Work Text:
Ara didn't plan on going back to work ever again. She wouldn't even have shown her face outside her small tunnel complex if it weren't for a gradual and terrifying change in the facility's atmosphere. The usual sounds of a busy day were replaced by an eerie silence occasionally broken by horrifying shrieking.
The facility was derelict, the walls smeared with either blood or oxydant fluid, while decomposing bodies lined the floor. Most of the systems were down with no one bothering to repair them. All who were not dead already, were a fleshly, aggressive approximation of their former selves.
Running through the lowest floor while trying to evade her ex-colleagues, she found her only escape in the mining elevator. During her descent, she pondered her options.
There was no help coming. She wasn't sure when all this started happening, but if it hasn't arrived yet, there would be none. No one would be crazy or determined enough to clear this facility. While her tunnel may have kept her safe until now, that was not guaranteed. Her best bet would be to escape the facility. That was easier said than done, especially considering her choice of going downward instead of toward the exit.
The mines were, at first glance, peaceful. There was no one to be seen, though that was more of a blessing for the ARAR unit. However, the caverns didn't keep their facade of safety for too long, as infected STARs were roaming the open areas in groups.
While trying to pass through unnoticed, she heard the faintest sounds from a corridor to her right. She crept closer and listened. Over the footsteps of the patrolling Protektors she could make out heavy breathing. Was there someone who hasn't yet succumbed to the madness?
The repair technician quietly made her way through the darkness toward the source of the sound, not activating her flashlight module, just to be sure.
It was a hulking Mynah unit leaning against the wall. The huge replika soon noticed the Ara cautiously coming her way.
"It's dangerous here, you should leave while you can."
"Are you infected?"
"No, but one of my hydraulics broke and I can't move. I'm no help to you, you should go to the mining station. You'll be safer there."
"Hmm..." Ara paused, completely ignoring Mynah's warning. "If it's a hydraulic problem I could fix that. Probably."
"You'd be better off if you left without me. I'm replaceable, after all. If you have a chance at escaping you shouldn't waste it on me."
"You're so gullible if you actually believe that!" Ara blurted out louder than she meant to.
Mynah looked at her with disbelief, but if that didn't alert any STARs, Ara didn't plan on stopping there.
"You know that's all brainwashing, right? They want to keep us in line, to keep us working until we fall apart or get decommissioned for realizing the truth!"
Mynah's eyes widened, listening to the other replika's crashout.
Instead of showing her embarrassment however, Ara doubled down by continuing her rebellious rant and putting on a pissed look.
"You're not replaceable, you're a person! And that's why I'm gonna fix you up. In exchange, you'll protect me from all the infected units."
Mynah silently nodded. She knew better than to argue with an angry ARAR unit.
ARARs are technically not qualified to tamper with other replikas' mechanical frames. They were much more complex than any other piece of hardware they were meant to repair. Mynahs' huge frames were different though. Their stronger and much more durable endoskeleton requires bigger pistons and hydraulic presses, which are not unlike what Ara worked on for most of her life.
The repairs were thankfully undisturbed by any corrupted replikas, but the time was spent in silence for both tactical reasons and the awkwardness between the two.
After a long while, the technician spoke up.
"Try standing up."
Mynah didn't doubt her companion's abilities, but doing so almost felt like breaking a promise to herself after she finally found it in her to accept that she would meet her end here.
She got up. Her mechanical components hissed, but she managed to do so without any issues. She looked at the smaller replika with a surprised expression before shifting to a huge smile. Mynah picked up her savior and spun her around in the air, despite the other's protests. When she eventually put the cussing replika down, she thanked her.
"Thank you, sincerely. I'll keep our promise. What are your plans?"
Ara took a moment to think. This facility is beyond help and any survivors would most likely be decommissioned, but they had to try nonetheless.
"If we want to live, we'll have to escape to the surface. But first, I'm not calling you by your designation. What's your name?"
"Beo, and you?"
"Acht. Nice to meet you. Now, crouch down."
Beo wasn't sure what Acht was thinking, but complied with her order. Acht climbed onto her back while holding onto the handles on Beo's helmet. The metal giant stood up, not affected by the extra weight. Her loads were usually much heavier.
"Now, we can go."
Beo smiled, while Ara took advantage of her position to hide her blushing face from her new ally.