Loading — Booting System:
Commencing Analysis
Data Source: YoRHa Unit No. 27 Type H
Uploading Data
57% Complete
ERROR: Minor data corruption from an unexpected encounter with machine lifeforms
Attempting recovery

She tuned out the sounds from where she lay. Surrounded by Operators, she was used to this. Laying there motionless for hours while they extracted and analyzed the data she had brought from Earth.

Recovery succeeded.
Report: Data was of miscellaneous detail from Old World archives.
Discard or save?

A nearby Operator rapidly typed into her interface, saving that data for later. How typical, the android being analyzed noted.

Data archive saved
Commencing Extraction
45% Complete

It was a bore, she wouldn't lie. Having to spend half her day lying down on a cold piece of metal when she could be doing other things. But it was necessary. And it for the good of YoRHa. So like any good soldier, she laid down and did what she was told.

Data extraction at 98%
Activating visual sensors
Activating auditory sensors
Report: Combat data in need of examination
Initializing setup

She'd begun to lose track of how many times she had done this. The first few times years ago, she meticulously took count of when her next analysis was scheduled. She was a good soldier. Everything she did was for the sake of humanity and YoRHa. But now they blurred together, melding into one another in her memory bank. She was grateful she could still tell faces apart, at least.

Launching brain scan
Unauthorized data detected

Drat, how did they find that?

Attempting deletion

"27H…" the Operator near her head spoke. "We've talked about this. You're not allowed to save machine data."

The android on the table, 27H, only smiled softly. "I wasn't aware it was stored away."

"I wasn't aware you were such a delinquent," the Operator swiftly took care of the rogue data. "At least your motion sensors are intact. We can't have you collapsing on us before the project is complete."

27H was all too aware of that. She'd signed up for it, after all.

"What of the rest of the data?"

The Operator squinted, looking for something the Healer didn't know about.

"Top notch, as always," she replied. "I expect nothing less from one of our oldest soldiers." 27H said nothing, opting to let the Operators finish their thing and be done with it. "However," there it was. "We did detect signs of unwashed mud on your flight unit."

"Who ratted me out this time?"

"You did." The Operator swiped on the holographic interface. "Was there another rainstorm on Earth?"

"There was," 27H said. "And it was beautiful."

The Operator simply continued, not one emotion seen in her veiled face. "Emotions are prohibited at YoRHa," she reprimanded coldly, loud enough for her fellow Operators to hear. Then her eyes turned soft, looking at 27H. "Just don't let it get to you."

"Right."

Soon enough, the analysis ended. The Operators all chattered excitedly about the new data 27H had brought back. Looking at the log for the analysis, 27H skimmed over the long list of image codes and progress percentages and whatnot. She'd forgotten or tuned out most of the technical jargon the Operators used. And she didn't care to relearn it. Only enough to communicate with them, but that was it. She was tired and done for today. Once she was allowed to stand, she took hold of her trusty Virtuous Dignity spear and activated her combat systems.

"27H," her Operator called out.

"Yes, 18O?" 27H asked.

"The Commander wishes to see you."

Oh.

"I see. Thank you for telling me."

18O nodded and turned around to continue sorting the data. 27H exited the analysis room into the white halls of the Bunker. The pristine order and geometry of the Bunker were strangely comforting. The wide windows allowing a view into outer space, 27H frequently lingered a few minutes just to stare out in awe at the beauty before her. She still had time. The Commander could wait a bit. So long as she showed up within half an hour, she would be spared a lecture on punctuality.

How funny. From what Operator 6O had said, the Commander's private quarters were a pigsty. 27H didn't dare ask where or how Operator 6O got that information from. She simply nodded along and smiled. The irony was not lost on her, though she wisely kept quiet about it when the Commander was present.

It wouldn't do to start acting out this close to her deactivation.

A sad sigh escaped from her lips. 27H had known and accepted she would be deactivated after her service to YoRHa was complete, but it didn't make it any easier. She thought about 2B and 9S, who were currently down on Earth for a mission. Something about a Goliath-class machine, she heard an Operator say. It was big enough that they sent out an entire team to take the machine out. Hopefully, she crossed her fingers, it was enough.

But knowing how the machines ticked, she knew it would be anything but easy. Goliath-class machines were no walk in the park, as the humans put it. It'd be great if they could capture one and study it, maybe even use that information to better the Battler units. But alas, their technology hadn't quite reached that level yet. Or maybe they did. 27H didn't have access to that sort of information. Not like they'd give a unit who was close to deactivation sensitive information on that level.

"Excuse me?" someone asked.

"Hm?" 27H turned to face who spoke. Oh, it was a Scanner model.

"The Commander wishes to speak to you, ma'am," the Scanner said. Had it been past half an hour already?

"Ah, I… see. Thank you." The Scanner paused for a moment, head tilted quizzically.

"Uh, ma'am? Are you alright?"

"Hm?"

"You seem rather out of it."

Oh.

"I did just come from an analysis. Maybe that could be it?"

"Oh, I see. I'd better tell the Commander, then," the Scanner said.

"Is that really necessary? I can go to the Commander right now," 27H replied. True, going through an analysis wasn't her idea of a fun time, but it was something she had to do for YoRHa. Now if only they could figure out a way to make it not so energy-draining.

"Are you sure, ma'am? The Commander needs you to be in top shape for the mission ahead."

A mission… go figure.

"I'm certain."

This is for humanity and YoRHa, she told herself. I can't back down now.

"Well… alright," the Scanner relented. "Please be sure to take care of yourself, ma'am. Have a good day."

"A good day to you, too," she replied. Both the Healer and the Scanner raised their hands to their hearts in salute.

"Glory to mankind," they spoke, departing.

How kind of him, 27H mused. As kind as other YoRHa units could be, given what she'd seen from two other androids. Well, I mustn't keep the Commander waiting.

9S was in bad shape. His Flight Unit had been struck by the Goliath, and now he was down for the count. His arm and leg had been severed, he could hear the sparks from the exposed wiring that made up his structure. Just now, he heard 2B shout, ejecting from the Flight Unit.

Would you just… die already!

He had to admit. It was extremely satisfying hearing her say that. This Engels Goliath was a real pain. Both to hack and to fight. He'd avoid another fight like that again if he could help it. Maybe get himself a nice bath…

2B's data needed to be uploaded to the Bunker. With those new field medic models they were developing, they wouldn't need to do this anymore. They could just upload to an access point and start from there. Easier said than done, he thought.

He spotted 2B sprawled over the platform. Impressive, having killed that beast. Hoisting himself on his remaining arm, 9S dragged his limp body towards her.

"Heheh," he let out a weak laugh. His hand plopped on hers. "Talk about… bringing the battle to them… huh, 2B?" He helped 2B into a sitting position, as much as he could. Both androids panted, out of breath from the arduous fight.

"Contact Command. Request assistance," 2B gasped. 9S was inclined to follow her request, had his sensors not picked up nearby machine lifeforms.

"No…" he wheezed. "It doesn't look like… that's going to be necessary..."

He looked out at the surrounding sea, 2B following his gaze.

"Oh, great."

Several Engels Goliaths emerged from the waters, chanting in unison their intent to kill. Oh great, indeed.

Water splashing with every step, they advanced upon the androids.

"I don't imagine that…" 9S coughed, "this is going to end well." 2B looked down at his hand. It didn't take an Operator to see what he was going to do.

"The black box…" he said. "It's ready."

The impending approach of the Goliaths — three she counted — were drowned out by the decision she knew they were going to make. Detonate their black boxes, and wipe them out along the way. How fitting.

"… Right," 2B said. With a gesture of her hand, she activated her black box. The golden geometric lines sprung to life with a sheen. It made the box look quite beautiful, as strange as it sounded.

The Engels were fast approaching, their wide steps closing the distance between the two.

"Requesting… destruction of enemy hostiles via black-box reaction," 9S choked out. He was in so much pain, but he couldn't fail. Not when they were so close to succeeding. He needed to do this. For YoRHa. For humanity.

"Request accepted," he heard his Operator say. Smiling ever so faintly, he looked up at 2B, his partner.

"2B…" he began. "It was an honor to fight with you. Truly." If 2B would've allowed it, she'd have returned his smile. Now, though, they had to be soldiers. They had an honor and a duty to fulfill.

"The honor was mine," she said. Nodding, and smiling, 9S held out his black box, and 2B held out hers.

The light from the detonation engulfed both of them, eliminating everything within a mile-wide radius.

27H always thought she'd never again be surprised by mission results from Earth, but this particular report from the Operators left her stunned. Out of the team of androids sent to take down this Goliath, 2B was the sole survivor. The others had been shot down before they even landed. And by the looks of it, it was only 9S and his Flight Unit who provided support.

He's always been a brave one, that Scanner…

"Ah, 27H," a voice addressed her. 27H immediately stood at attention. The Commander was speaking to her.

"Unit 27H reporting for duty, ma'am," 27H responded automatically, saluting.

"At ease. There's no need for that level of formality." 27H lowered her hand. "I take it the analysis went well?"

"Yes, Commander."

27H sometimes swore the higher ranking members read from a script sometimes. Not that she was one to talk. She felt like she wrote one herself every time she had to speak to the Commander. It never got any easier, despite what most of her peers would say. She crossed her fingers and hoped with all her circuits she didn't say something stupid.

"I was told something about a mission?" 27H inquired.

"Is that what 58S told you?"

"Yes, Commander."

"Then he was right." Go figure. "There is a mission I have for you."

Ten G says it's another data collection mission. That's all she's been giving me lately.

"We're almost finished with the research for the newer field medic models, but there is one last bit of data we need from you."

"Yes, Commander?"

Called it. It's another data collection mission. 27H gave a brief pause. Although… did she say last?

"We need you to finish the testing on saving the consciousness data from other androids and uploading them to the access points. Our engineers have been happy with the data you've collected, though there is that last piece they need," the Commander briefed. "After this, it'll be time to deactivate you."

No one spoke out loud, either too engrossed in their work or they didn't hear it at all. 27H's heart dropped, though her face remained passive. Her time to come had already arrived? This soon?

"I… understand, Commander," 27H spoke. "It has been an honor serving YoRHa."

"You've been one of our best soldiers, 27H," the Commander said. "Your service will not be forgotten."

"I… thank you, Commander," 27H said. She wished she could imagine a sympathetic look on her Commander's face, but none was found.

"You will be assigned to Units 2B and 9S for your last mission. With the recent success of this mission, your data collection should be unmatched. I will expect full cooperation from you for the success of your final mission. Do I make myself clear?"

You always make yourself crystal clear, Commander, she wanted to say. Instead, she settled for her usual "yes, Commander."

"Excellent. I look forward to seeing what you three will do."

"Understood, Commander."

"Very well. You are dismissed." The Commander held her hand to her heart. "Glory to mankind."

27H imitated the gesture, hoping it will look enthusiastic. "Glory to mankind."

The trek back to her room had been mercifully short. 9S and 2B should be returning anytime soon. Her mission would start as soon as all three were up and ready.

She could wait. It would be her last mission, after all.

Seven years of service, and this is how I go.

27H sat on her bed, eyes downcast. Seven years ago, she was a newly-manufactured YoRHa unit. Eager to fight, always ready to lend a hand against the machines.

And this is how it all ends.

What a joke, she wanted to say. To think. And yet, she knew this was how it was going to end. To the public eye, she was a hero to the cause of YoRHa and the Council of Humanity. A celebrity of sorts, the humans would say. And she was going to die.

To die.

27H wanted to punch something, anything. Emotions were prohibited, but damn if she didn't feel angry right now. Angry and sad. Her service would be completed after this mission. The Commander had made that clear. She should be honored, right?

… her impending death did not feel so honorable. If anything… she was terrified.

It was shameful.

She was from YoRHa. She wasn't supposed to be scared! She was supposed to take pride in her work! She was a soldier!

27H felt something liquid leak out from her eyes. Tears? When had she started shedding tears?

So this is how it all ends, she thought ruefully. Well, all good things come to an end, someday. I'll have to make this last mission count.

Unseen to the rest of her fellow androids, much to her shame, 27H let her tears fall.