episode_0328

***

“I don’t think the base has been discovered. However, it is true that it is not a strange situation if it is discovered at any time.”

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

“What should I do?”

“Only by knowing why they move will you be able to determine future direction. However, I am not sure why the Ark is conducting such an extensive search.”

The Ark’s intentions are still unknown. If NB doesn’t know, how can I know?

“At the moment, I think the best way is to observe the Ark’s behavior.”

“What if I get caught before that? Can I move to another base?”

A plan was needed to prepare for sudden emergencies.

“If such a situation occurs when I am with Kang In-ho, you can follow my lead and move, but if not, Kang In-ho must move alone.”

NB took out a map from an old metal drawer. It was a base map drawn by NB for me.

NB’s fingers move along the jagged lines.

I stayed closer next to him and followed his finger with my eyes.

“The base closest to here and the secret route is the A-32 base.”

Even though I was close, I couldn’t feel NB’s breath. It’s times like these that I remind myself that NB is Android.

“Ark conducts most of its actions through drones. The integrated drone in use in Aaru is a versatile model equipped with all functions of search, reconnaissance, suppression, and execution.”

“You mean we have to go through that?”

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

“That’s right. Of course, the drone will not directly harm Kang In-ho. By divine rule, no artificial intelligence can harm humans.”

“That’s a good thing.”

“However, some physical force may be used in the name of safety.”

“…Suppression is possible.”

“That’s right. Therefore, the important thing is to get out of the base before the drone strikes the base. If you are in the same space as the drone, you have already been caught.”

NB drew the drone and me in a clumsy drawing. And then he wrote down the number 50.

This is the range of the trapping net. 50m. If you enter here, there is a 100% chance you will be caught.

“Okay. 50m.”

And NB wrote the number 120.

“Next is the shooting distance. Since you won’t be using a firearm anyway, you just need to keep this in mind.”

“It looks like a flag, okay.”

NB wrote the number 300.

“Finally, 300m. This is the maximum recognition distance of the drone.”

“Is it too long? Is there a chance of running away?”

“If you hide yourself behind cover, they won’t recognize you. And in the case of heat-seeking devices, they can be neutralized in the following ways:”

“What method?”

In response to my question, NB pointed to the horse barrel in the corner of the base. The barrel, whose mouth was tightly sealed, was filled to the brim with some kind of liquid.

I somehow felt like I knew the identity of the liquid, so I asked NB to confirm.

“It’s gasoline. Before running away, just set the base on fire. This will temporarily disable the heat-seeking device.”

“If you want to hide a tree, you have to hide it in the forest.”

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

“Everyone? It’s a shame.”

I looked around at the things in the base and said.

Although not all of them are valuable, these are the things that NB took from Aaru despite taking risks.

“Nothing is more important than safety. Materials can be brought back to Aaru. However, it can be said that it is difficult to judge in the case of books.”

Before we knew it, NB had prepared dinner and handed us a simple sandwich.

“I see.”

As I tasted the salty taste of bacon, I repeated in my head what NB had told me.

Clearly, my instincts were telling me that this was knowledge I would have to use someday.

***

The atmosphere outside was serious, and NB and I had the same night.

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

“What does it mean to have a name?”

NB’s curiosity today was ‘name’.

“Why your name?”

NB showed the cover of a romance novel she had recently started reading and explained its contents.

It was a novel with the theme of office romance, and it was a scene where a boss, who only called his subordinates by their first names, expressed his affection for his subordinates by calling them by their first names.

“Well, I guess being called by a person’s name means respecting that person. Hey, you bastard, you’re gay. Rather than doing it this way, it feels more friendly if you call me “so-and-so.” ”

“In order to develop a more intimate relationship, you need a name.”

“I always say this, but in general, that’s the case. Sometimes they don’t call your name.”

“Human thought and culture always seem to require exceptions.”

“Even if it is difficult to understand, there is nothing you can do. Humans are like that.”

“I see. name. Who decides that?”

“Parents usually give it to us. Either the guardian makes it.”

“Then, a being like me who has no parents or guardians does not receive a name?”

NB asked an unexpected question.

“The name already exists. NB.”

I pointed my finger at NB, and NB shook his head in the negative.

“NB is the serial number. If you apply this to humans, it is similar to the meaning of being the 23rd human born on December 11th.”

“Ah, um… do you want a name?”

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

I felt like NB’s eyes lit up.

The warmth of the fire warmed my knees.

I blankly focused my eyes on the fire.

And then he slowly opened his mouth.

“Let’s name it ourselves. The name you make yourself will be more meaningful.”

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

“There is no need to build it right away. Think slowly. Someday I’ll think of the perfect name.”

“Are you talking like an emotion?”

“What?”

“Just as feelings that I don’t understand now become known naturally over time, will a name that fits me also emerge?”

“Yes. Of course.”

I nodded to NB’s innocent question.

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