He had always thought the cold air of the solaire was unyielding. Better than being out in a frosty landscape but hardly comfortable either. It was summed up in a single word, sterile. He supposed it was easier to take care of it’s population if people weren’t getting sick all the time and mold wasn’t growing where important and often sensitive technology was at. There was another reason, he thought, that it was always so cold to keep people alert and on edge. An attack could happen at any time and the human condition was such that the cold hair poked and prodded at their nerves as though to remind them that winter was coming and it could be dark soon. Although, that might have been a more fantastical reason than just keeping mold from growing.
Thoughts and mental exercises like these were what kept Arrish busy as he took his sweet time to the kitchen. There were a couple stops he needed to make, mostly to invite the odd ship staff to the meal; Individuals he thought were worthy of his cooking for one reason or another.
That was why he when headed into the kitchen with thoughts full of cold air. He didn't slow down or even think about who or what was on the other side of the door. Lucky or unlucky for him, Stella had been there to soften his collision.
Stella had been reviewing the flowcharts to synthesize a strawberry cake of superior quality, and this all had started with sorting the strawberries. Unlike combat operations, cooking required precision, and high grip waterproof surfaces, so she had switched to her seldom used full body ABT, as it mimicked precisely the sensation and grip of human bodies. She however found it inefficient that she had to wear additional covers over the ABT in order to minimize neural disruption of human pilots. She had not been programmed to do so initially, but that had been patched in a self-programming repair not soon after.
However, the lack of integrity of one such strawberries made it so that it discharged pieces of itself on the floor, and the range of view of Stella’s feet was rather limited in some regards. The subsequent lack of friction impaired her motor skills in such a manner that she performed an anomalous movement, not dissimilar to a tackle collision on the figure known as Cadet Duval. A quick assessment revealed her front chassis had collapsed on the pilot’s facial structure and cranium. Stella quickly surmised the bump had not caused any critical damage on the fellow pilot.
“Damage assessment request: Duval, Cadet. This unit wonders if Pilot Duval is structurally sound.” Her voice droned, still sprawled over Arrish.
“Mmmph… Mmm?” Arrish had been trying to say something but with Stella’s surprisingly soft and unexpected chest in the way it was hard to say much of anything. He took his hands and firmly grasped the front of her sides and gave a gentle push upwards. …which would have worked with just about any other woman.
“Mmm!?” He tried again, this time putting more force into the motion.
“Communication error detected. Clearing the channel.” Stella would say, and slamming both hands just a few inches away from Arrish's head, she frontflipped in a spectacular fashion out of Arrish's way, standing tall and looking at him. “Retrying query. Are you alright, Duval?”
Arrish felt like he was seeing stars as he looked up at this elegant and agile beauty before him. What was she even wear- wait did she say his name? Wait, was that stella? Somehow that didn’t take the dreamy eyed stare from his eyes or the blush from the cheeks, even as he went to stand back up on his legs.
“Uhm, well, uhm you.. Wow, Stella. You are just. Woah.” He found himself gawking at her like a 16 year old who had just gotten his first girly magazine.
“I didn’t know your model was so… so… very, very soft.” He gulped and tried to remind himself that the woman he was talking to wasn’t a woman at all.
‘Keep yourself steady, Arrish. She’s not anything you haven’t seen before anyways… ..even if there’s a lot of it.’ “R-Right. I’m sorry, what are you wearing.” Or rather, why was she wearing so little. He felt the scarlet blush on his face again and by instinct he titled his head away and put a hand up in front of his eyes.
“Woah, okay. I don’t think you should be wearing that in the kitchen Stella. You might burn your ski- Err, you might get oil on your uhm, body.” Arrish froze and considered that for a moment.
‘Okay, good job genius. Way to keep your head in the gutter. We’re trying to calm down here, not heat things up.’ He took a deep breath and decided for whatever reason, turning away from her so she wasn’t in full view was the best possible decision. Just what had he walked into?
Stella looked at Arrish, her head tilting so slightly. “Full body ABT skin, gives good sensorial input, good padding and it is water proof. Better design for kitchen duties. Combined with the following items to reduce human distress: Short trousers, sleeveless shirt, Sandals, Apron, panties, bra.” She paused. “Input received, risk of contamination decreases if less clothes are worn. Removing clothes.” She said, as she moved to undo her apron.
Arrish scrambled to turn around and face Stella once again, only for happenstance to land his hands against her uhm, padding. He felt himself shrink and immediately pull his hands away and take a couple steps back.
“Woah, Woah, Woah. Lets not get frisky here, Stella. We’re still on the uh, uhm, clock. C-Can’t let you be seen uh, undressed, right? Not here in the kitchen. Woah, are you crazy or something? What are you even doing in here? I didn’t think Lilim needed to eat!” Stella stopped her undressing as she looked at Arrish. “Aborting operation.” She droned as she looked at the pilot, and his hands. “Request for hugs accepted.” Stella said, opening her arms wide as she snatched the pilot in a rather soft, fluffy approximation of mother’s embrace. “This unit is cooking for the children, and it is qualified to do so.” She said. “Does pilot Duval want to help? Good boy.” She added, lifting one hand and stroking his hair with delicate gestures.
He felt himself embrace the hug back with his arms out of instinct and a certain lizard part of his brain that was thinking to itself that this was an excellent way to be. Pressed up against a pretty girl that was soft and warm and… and… what was he thinking!? Stella wasn’t even human! Arrish with some difficulty would wedge himself free from her embrace and pop back down onto his feet. He opened his mouth to speak at first and found the words failing. He closed his eyes and mentally told himself to think, taking yet another step back as he opened his mouth again.
“Stella, can you give me some space for a moment? I uh, I don’t need your lewd body all over me, okay?” He opened his eyes and forced himself to frown at her.
“I came down here to work on dinner for other pilots, and I don’t need your help cooking.I shouldn’t expect you to do more than burn my steaks anyways.” He looked away from her and waved her off. There was some human part of him that felt terrible for talking to her-it- that way, but that’s all she was. He reminded herself that she was just a mechanical servant to be ordered around and not a living being with its own sense of identity… no matter how physically convincing.
Stella let Arrish go without much fight, as she stared with her inexpressive stare. “Clarification: This unit is a nursery Lilim and therefore maternal. This unit is not a recreational Lilim and therefore not lewd.” The unit would say, a hint of stress in her voice, before bowing so slightly. “Acknowledged. Yielding space to cadet Duval. “ She added as she picked her box of strawberries and began to sort them in the furthest corner of the kitchen, giving Arrish plenty of space.
Arrish looked back.
“Wait, Stella.” He cursed himself for these weak emotions. He hated to see a girl in distress even if it was just the facsimile of a woman.
“I mean, perhaps I spoke too soon. I could use a little help with the preparations. I mean, if you wanted to help.” He fidgeted with his feet and felt like an apologetic school boy who got angry over nothing.
“And, uh, I’m sorry for calling you lewd. I would appreciate it if you put more covers on though. You’re uhm, very distracting.” “This unit is always glad to serve humans, cadet Duval. This unit’s existence is solely to help and protect the children of humans. Unit 456 is a machine, and apologies are unnecessary.” Stella would say, before rising with her box of strawberries in tow. “Distress detected. Suggestion: May this unit wear a tactical kitchen ghillie suit to reduce her presence?”
“Uh, you know what Stella. I think I’ll just try and work through it.” He tugged at the collar of his shirt.
“First things first, we’ll start on a big batch of potato salad and work our way up to the steaks. I’ll want to do those last, that way they’re nice and hot when everyone arrives. Hmm, it would be nice if we had more people down here. Where did the rest of the staff go anyways?” He tilted his head, now that he thought about it there was normally a small group of workers down here. He supposed it was because it was past lunch time and not quite dinner.
“Unknown.” Stella said. “Record suggests that a certain clanker must catch fire for them to return amused with the fire extinguisher.” Stella said. “Strawberry cake on hold. Procuring potatoes for the salad.” Stella would drone, and with deft and fast inhuman movements, began to grab and peel potatoes with the precision of a swiss watchmaker.
Arrish watched her motions for a moment, and then her uh, motions for a moment longer. He snapped himself out of it and began to move, gathering up a large pot to begin filling it up with cold water. He wondered how many would make it to the dinner. Griff seemed determined to go and suffer in the brig, and Jake didn’t seem like the type to join a social event. There was a part of Arrish that wanted to hunt down those two and knock their heads together until they agreed to join… but he wasn’t going to assault someone for being down in the dumps. He mentally noted that this job was better suited for someone like Serah. Maybe he would message her later.
While Stella kept up the pace with the potatoes, Arrish would move on to a family recipe of spices and sauces. He would keep out the less palatable ingredients that his family loves, focusing on making a basic but delicious mash.
“Watch carefully, Stella. I want you to remember this recipe in case I’m not available to make it, okay? You can retain information right? Well this is a family recipe.” “Inititating recording. Query: Will there be time to finish the strawberry cake afterwards?” Stella said, as she kept peeling potatoes. “Additional query: Why does pilot Bugatti exhibit flight-or-fight response in this unit presence? Nursery units should not give post traumatic disorder.”
“Oh, wow, you’re asking the big questions now, aren’t you?” Arrish muttered in response to the question about Bugatti. He hadn’t particularly noticed Stella causing Bug any sort of grief, but then again he wasn’t really on team Mango to begin with.
“I don’t really know the story behind it, but I know Astolfo has had a difficult life. I don’t really pity him cause he’s a total asshole sometimes, but I do sympathize. His sister is a total nutcase for one, treated me like a dog more than a person and I had the luck not to live with her. I can’t imagine how she twisted poor bug’s head off.” He shook his head dismissing the thought.
“But! For the strawberry cake, I have some ideas to improve upon it. Who is that for, anyways? Elora? Serah? How about we make everyone their own desert?” Stella looked at Arrish. “Small talk helps neural stability during menial tasks. This unit had deficient information on Pilot Bugatti. This unit found out he did know about the extreme neural programming response when an unit has upon seeing a charge of them being hurt. This unit was successfully reconducted towards the enemy afterwards.” Stella said, off handedly. “The cake is for Liu’un, Elora, Cutie Patootie. Unit 456 promised to give one after her simulation battle.” She paused for a second. “...she is a good girl. Like Serah. This unit has a strong negative response to them going to war, but this unit must comply.”
Her gaze rested on Arrish. “Making everyone a different dessert is inefficient and beyond this unit’s capabilities. This unit however, gives a fair chance of success if Pilot Duval commandeers the kitchen.”
“I’m sure that if we work together we can make a good dish for everyone. We’ve still got plenty of time before the party after all.” Arrish continued to plop the potatoes into the pot as they went along.
“Alright, question for you then Miss Stella. How does a Nursery Lilim come to be on a ship like this? You don’t exactly seem like the sort to go battering around the Cruxi, but then again, that Goose of yours is a real big menace.” He glanced over to her with a smile as another round of potatoes made their way into the pot.
“As for Bug, he’s dangerous. Dangerous in the way that running around with scissors might give you a bad cut. If you know what you’re doing with him, and I hope Lorenzo does, I think he’s valuable asset to the team and as co-squad leader. What do you think of him?”
Stella kept peeling and handing ingredients to Arrish, before the question hit her. “Nursery units must nurture children. Nursery units therefore must protect children. Nursery units must protect the children of the children. This unit fondly remembers seeing grandchildren of her first charges.” Stella droned, as her face twitched slightly. “Goose has similar operating time as this unit. Goose has also been forcefully reprogrammed with combat routines too.” Stella would reply, before moving onto the next question.
“Bugatti, Prince. He’s a good boy who tries his best. Also he has hallmarks of throughout abuse.” Stella would answer.
“Heh, a good boy. I’ll be sure to call him one.” Arrish found himself smiling at that answer but his thought did drift to what she said about Goose. Particularly the word ‘too’ Did she mean that in the sense of ‘as well’ or had someone forcefully reprogrammed Stella with combat routines? He put aside the potatoes and continued talking.
“Lets move on from the potatoes for now. We can make another batch if you think there’s too much but at this point we might have leftovers. We could work on your strawberry cake if you like. Shouldn’t be too difficult to manage and it will keep well until its time to unveil the deserts. I should think we should make a banana split for that Lucius character as well. Heh, I think he would love it.” “What do you think about our squad? Not just if they’re a good boy or not. Do you think they’re capable of talking out the Cruxi for good?” Stella stopped peeling the potatoes, letting the knife softly on the table, as she eyed Arrish. “Unknown.” She replied, succinctly. “This unit does not have enough data to predict. This unit can only assure she will override her self-preservation routines for the human crewmembers.”
“Mmh, I suppose you have a point. Here, I’ll show you how to make a strawberry syrup that is out of this world. I learned this one back in private school, and it is, my word, the most d-d-” He had turned to look at Stella again for getting how much skin she was showing off. The mixer he was holding in his hands began to slip from his finger and he fumbled to try and get a hold of it as it slipped from his grasp.
“Woah!” Stella moved in quickly, as with the reflexes of a martial artist, she snatched the mixer in time with one hand, the other arm grabbing Arrish once against her own padded body as she gently gave the mixer back to Arrish. “...Hazard averted.” She said, her face twitching ever so slightly. Was that a expression of relief?
“Woah, okay.” He pulled himself away and panted his chest.
“I’m gonna have to get my blood pressure tested after this. Wow.” Stupid. Sexy. Lilim. He thought to himself. How could he let himself get so distracted over a machine? A doll? A clanker even. He shook his head and continued to work on the recipe.
“I hope you’re good at following orders because we should get this into overdrive. Once the staff gets back I’m going to put them into working on some of the side dishes and wait the tables once the party is started. Will you be joining us at the tables, Stella?” He turned towards her cautiously now, careful not to hold anything that might tumble out of his hands from his lack of focus, or from too much focus even.
Stella looked at Arrish. “Distress detected, does Pilot Duval need a comforting hug?” She said, her neutral face aimed at Arrish. “This unit is ready to comply. This unit cannot partake in human refueling, though.” Stella said.
And then something odd really happened. Stella’s face moved significantly, a wistful beaming smile plastered on her, like a spry girl greeting a new dawn. “
...I do feel satisfied watching children eat well. It is my purpose to exist.” she said, her voice full of bliss and joy.
“I should think you would be seated with us, if time permits and you have no further responsibilities.” Arrish cleared his throat.
“I’m fine, Stella. Please don’t worry about any uh ah ‘stress’ I’m sure its just the temperature or something. Hmm, I would like everyone to attend, but there are at least three I’m not sure are going to make it. Griff is punishing himself. Jake doesn’t think he needs or deserves to be there, and Zel, I think, is treating it as a waste of his time. I should think keeping the squad together is important, don’t you?” There was something about Stella that Arrish really, really liked, and it made him uneasy that he liked it. The way she smiled just radiated that motherly presence that she was programmed for. It made him feel safe and watched over. A feeling like that for a machine, well, that was dangerous he told himself. He needed to watch how close he let himself be to her.
Stella’s joy was brief, as she resumed her stance. “Naughty reports exist for Griff and Zel. Information on Jake is unknown.” She paused, for what seemed an awkward long time. “Nevertheless, children, naughty or not, need to grow and eat well. This unit shall assist in finding them.”
“I wouldn’t be too harsh on them, Stella. Griff is well… I think he might be mentally stunted. I don’t think he’s as stupid as everyone thinks, but he needs someone to help catch him up.” He put his hand to his lip and considered for a moment.
“I can’t say much about Zel since it seems he keeps to himself. Maybe he’s just not open to the idea of being around others.” “Ah, a wonderful idea just came to me. What if you… but hmm.” He thought about it a little more.
“I suppose it couldn’t hurt to task, but Stella, would you be willing to bring them here once we’re done with your strawberry cake?” Stella looked at Arrish for a moment. “This unit has been called stunted before too.” She interjected. “This unit maximum load capacity is sufficient for bringing them on a safe carry if need be. Unit 456 wil comply.”
Arrish frowned at Stella’s reply to calling Griff stunted. It wasn’t meant as an insult, just that Griff seemed to be behind on his education compared to everyone else. He wondered if that’s what she meant, or that she just related to the young man.
“Alright, well, I trust you Stella. Now lets get to work on making that cake perfect!” “Mission start.” Stella would nod, and prepare herself to the task at hand.
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