Teaching Feeling-3

“It doesn’t seem like our base has been discovered. However, it’s true that we’re in a situation where it could be discovered at any moment.”

NB, who returned to the base later than scheduled, said calmly after hearing about what had happened today.

“What should we do?”

“We need to know why they’re moving to determine our future direction. But, I don’t understand why the Ark is conducting such a wide-ranging search.”

We still can’t figure out the Ark’s intentions. If NB doesn’t know, how could I?

“Currently, I think the best approach is to observe the Ark’s actions.”

“What if we get caught before that? Should we move to another base?”

We needed a plan to prepare for this sudden emergency.

“If such a situation occurs while I’m with Kang In-ho, you can follow my lead, but if that’s not the case, Kang In-ho will have to move alone.”

NB took out a map from an old metal drawer. It was a map of the bases that NB had drawn for me.

NB’s finger moved along the crooked lines.

I moved closer and followed that finger with my eyes.

“The A-32 base is close to here, and the route there is discreet.”

Even though I was close, I couldn’t feel NB’s breath. At times like this, I’m reminded that NB is an android.

“The Ark conducts most of its operations through Drones. The integrated Drone active in Aaru is a versatile model equipped with all functions: search, reconnaissance, suppression, and execution.”

“So, we have to get through that?”

Even though that situation hadn’t happened yet, I swallowed hard.

“Yes. Of course, the Drones won’t directly harm Kang In-ho. According to the sacred rules, all artificial intelligence cannot harm humans.”

“That’s a relief.”

“However, they can use some physical force under the guise of safety.”

“…So, suppression is possible.”

“That’s right. That’s why it’s important to leave the base before the Drones raid it. If you’re in the same space as a Drone, it’s as good as being caught.”

NB drew a rough picture of a Drone and me. Then, they wrote the number 50.

“This is the range of the capture net. 50m. If you enter this range, you will be caught with 100% probability.”

“Okay. 50m.”

Then NB wrote the number 120.

“Next is the firing range. Since we won’t be using firearms anyway, you can just remember this.”

“Sounds like foreshadowing, but okay.”

NB wrote the number 300.

“Finally, 300m. This is the maximum recognition range of the Drone.”

“That’s too long, isn’t it? Is there a chance to escape?”

“If you hide behind cover, it won’t recognize you. And the heat tracking device can be neutralized in the following way.”

“What way?”

At my question, NB pointed to a Jerrycan in the corner of the base. Some kind of liquid was filled to the brim of the tightly sealed container.

I felt like I knew what the liquid was, so I asked NB to confirm.

“It’s gasoline. Before escaping, you can set fire to the base. This will temporarily disable the heat tracking device.”

“Hide the tree in the forest, huh.”

“That’s right. And even if it’s not the heat tracking device, it’s right to incinerate everything in the base.”

“Everything? What a waste.”

I said, looking around at the things filling the base.

Not everything is valuable, but NB risked their life to bring them from Aaru.

“Nothing is more important than safety. We can go back to Aaru and get the materials again. But, it’s hard to say about the books.”

NB, who had already prepared dinner, handed me a simple sandwich.

“I see.”

Tasting the salty flavor of the bacon, I repeated what NB had told me in my head.

My instincts were telling me that this was knowledge I would have to use someday.

The serious atmosphere outside was one thing, and NB and I faced the same night.

I sat and warmed myself by the fire, and NB read a book and asked me questions.

“What does it mean to have a name?”

Today, NB’s curiosity was about ‘names’.

“Why names?”

NB showed me the cover of a romance novel they had recently started reading and explained the story.

It was a novel about an office romance, and it was a scene where a boss, who had only called his subordinates by their job titles, expressed his affection by calling them by their names.

“Well, I guess being called by your name means you respect that person. Instead of saying, ‘Hey, you, you bastard, you gay bastard,’ calling them by their name makes you feel closer.”

“So, a name is necessary to move towards a more intimate relationship.”

“As I always say, that’s the case in general. There are cases where you don’t call them by their name.”

“Human thoughts and culture always seem to have exceptions.”

“It’s hard to understand, but it can’t be helped. That’s what humans are like.”

“I see. A name. Who decides it?”

“Usually, parents give it. Or a guardian.”

“Then, can beings like me, who have neither parents nor guardians, not receive a name?”

NB asked an unexpected question.

“You already have a name. NB.”

I pointed at NB with my finger, and NB shook their head in denial.

“NB is a serial number. If we apply this to humans, it’s similar to meaning the 23rd human born on December 11th.”

“Ah, um… Do you want to have a name?”

“If possible, I would like to have one.”

I felt like NB’s eyes had become sparkling.

The warm heat of the fire warmed my knees.

I stared blankly at the fire.

And slowly opened my mouth.

“Let’s make a name ourselves. A name you make yourself will be more meaningful.”

“But I can’t think of a suitable name.”

“You don’t have to make it right away. Think about it slowly. Someday, you’ll think of the perfect name.”

“Is it like emotions?”

“What?”

“Just like emotions that I don’t understand now, I will naturally come to know them over time, will a name that is perfect for me be created in the same way?”

“Yeah. Of course.”

I nodded at NB’s pure question.

The night continued to deepen, and NB and I welcomed the next day.