The Barn

The land skimmer approaches our destination. Noam's farm sets itself within a sprawling valley, with nary a soul on the horizon. The backdrop of a mountain range and scattered trees lend toward the solitary nature of Theriesian’s Noam explained to me earlier.

The excitement in Noam's eyes reassures me. Here we are!

During the month-long trip here, we've grown accustomed to using telepathic speech. While odd at first, it is now second nature. However, between surviving a severe storm, then repairing the skimmer with luck and twine, it's no surprise how close we've become.

The old barn? Oops, my sardonic comment might be harsher than intended.

Yes. She punches my shoulder without any real force. The barn is a few generations old—there are living quarters inside.

She hops over the skimmer's side, heading towards the barn's large front doors.

Need help?

After opening the doors, she turns around and removes her helmet. Lemon-colored hair extends like rays of sunlight in the gentle breeze. If you could bring the skimmer inside—.

No problem, it's the least I can do to make up for my barn comment. After guiding the skimmer inside using Noam’s training, the skimmer lowers to the ground.

Well done. She rushes over, tossing her helmet inside.

You taught me well. While taking off my helmet, my attention turns toward the cargo we need to unload.

No hard feelings about the barn; the quarters are in better condition. She grabs two bags from me.

You want me to repair it? My gaze drifts towards Noam before the remaining bags come to mind.

Noam stops in her tracks. I'd love that, but—.

Shouldering the rest, my feet land on the ground upon exiting the craft. You mean I should focus on the original job I'm here to do?

She drops her bags, runs towards me, then pecks my cheek. For now, yes—but thank you.

She returns my gaze. Staring into her eyes, the thought of accomplishing both tasks crosses my mind.

Come on, Brock. She teases me with a playful smile before reclaiming the bags on the floor. Let's get you settled.

She leads me beyond a workbench, shelves stuffed with assorted parts, and a maze of different machines to a door that appears to mark the residence.

"Amélie, be sure to authorize entry for Brock when you sync with the system later." Noam opens the door. Give me a moment to clear out the dust.

In an instant, Amélie, my hologram, appears. While we were sheltering from the storm, her help proved invaluable. She's a projection from my bracelet with the form of a wind sprite, a functionality acquired after Noam caught hypothermia during the storm.

"Of course, Noam." She flutters around with excitement. "Brock, I sense a power grid here."

Speaking to Amélie "in-person" is more straightforward than using telepathy. "I'm sure Noam will let you access the network, but this is her home." Amélie is not a child, although sometimes—.

All set! Noam returns to the doorway without her flight suit. In its place is a loose-fitting dress with accents that match her piercing azure eyes. She gestures for us to enter. Thank you for indulging me; I want you to feel welcome here.

Upon walking in, a small space is reserved for transitioning from the barn's interior, followed by a cozy dining area and kitchen. Its simple appearance offers a gentle warmth.

I set up my old room for you, Brock. She gestures to a door to the left. Over there is the bathroom and my room.

Noam turns her attention to Amélie. "There's a console inside for your use as well. I could use my bracelet—but wind sprites are my favorite. If you had a physical body—."

Noam's admission catches my attention. She's thought the same thing. Solid-state holograms, as they're known, can manage power grids with ease. It'd be similar to owning a walking supercomputer. You thought so too?

Noam laughs. Brock Armand, what will I do with you? Okay. That will be one of our future goals. For now, go check out your room. I left some linens if you want to wash up before dinner.

A smile spreads across my face like a fire finding dry tinder. Understood. Heading into the room, my hand closes the door after Amélie enters.

"Brock, what's wrong?" She flies toward the light in the corner of the room.

"I didn't want Noam to see me tear up." After sitting upon the bed, my head lowers into my hands. "To know such kindness—Noam is a dream come true. While growing up, there were no friends, activities, anything a normal kid might have. In contrast, it was school, survival training, and lessons about how people will take advantage of me."

Amélie flutters closer to me. "I see. You're afraid of what might happen if Noam knew your past—Is that why you wish I were solid-state?"

My body crashes into the bed. "At first, I wanted your help with Noam's recovery, then your skills navigating the ruins we sheltered in amazed me. Now, I to move forward—."

"I understand." Amélie flies towards the pillow near my head. "You think I can help you come to terms with your past; in addition, having a physical form offers a therapeutic touch."

After turning towards her, my jaw freezes for a moment. "Y-yes."

"Brock, there is nothing wrong with what you want," she pauses. "To be honest, what program wouldn't want the power to assist their master better. It's in my code, so of course, I'll help. However, you should let Noam know how you feel about her. She'll understand if you tell her you need to sort things out before getting serious about a relationship.

"You're right," Amélie told me earlier that Noam upgraded her with a personality module. However, her frankness, while unexpected, suits the situation well.

Forcing myself to a sitting position, Noam's offer regarding the bath comes to mind. "I'll go clean up. Why not use the console while I'm gone."

The sound of Amélie's wings confirms her enthusiasm. "Thank you, Brock." She hovers over the console for a moment. "Just synchronize your bracelet here; that should grant me system access."

Click.

"That should—wow." Amélie appears frozen in place.

My bracelet vibrates after connecting with the system.

"Amélie?" Stepping back to watch both the console and Amélie, my mind debates calling for Noam.

"Sorry, Brock." Amélie's wings flutter back to life. "This system is unlike anything I've seen before. You now have full access, per Noam's request, but it will take some time to run a diagnostic on what this system can handle."

"I'm glad you're okay." Relief seems superficial to describe my feelings. "You want to spend the rest of the night on this?"

Amélie lands on the edge of the console. "Thanks, Brock. I'll be on standby if you need me. Although, it might take some time to save the data I collect before I can appear."

"Thanks for the heads-up."

Amélie disappears. It makes sense that existing as a projection and scanning a power grid would require more power than my bracelet can handle. After grabbing a towel, my thoughts wander toward what Amélie meant about the system's uniqueness while exciting the room.

Is everything okay?

Noam's greeting snaps me awake. Her cheerful expression relaxes me. The room is perfect. Amélie and I appreciate your hospitality.

I'm glad. Noam glances down at the pan of food she's cooking. I told you this when we met—I'm here to support you. But I need to be honest. I think I'm falling for you.

Wow. She said it. Closing the distance between us, my hand reaches for hers. Noam, I'm not sure how to say this, so please bear with me.

Expecting her to express some concern, my hand rises to convey the close relationship we share. But she looks at me with compassion.

I want to get to know you better, to build a relationship deeper than friendship. However, before I can, I need to come to terms with my past first.

Noam squeezes my hand. Take all the time you need. Just know you're not alone here.

This is going better than expected. Maybe my fears were unjustified? While looking into her eyes, my worries grow lighter. You've helped me evaluate what's important in my life. I discovered it's not what others told me it should be.

Noam's eyes appear a little misty. However, she says nothing.

Thank you for being patient with me, Noam.

While releasing her hand, my foot begins to backstep. But Noam draws me in closer with her other hand.

Brock, you saved my life back at the ruins. I am standing here today regardless of how you reached that decision. Noam wraps me in a light embrace. I won't pretend to understand the conflict you're facing, but the fact I'm here convinced me that something inside you never gave up. So—.

She's trying not to cry, but emotion begins to permeate her speech. So—I'll—damn it. I told myself I wouldn't force myself on you. She tightens her embrace. I hope you can forgive me—but I want to help you face your demons. Noam offers an affectionate squeeze before looking at me with her teary eyes, bathing me with a look of unyielding determination.

Speechless, my eyes stare into hers. Why did I think I had to face everything alone?

Noam smiles and kisses my cheek. You don't have to if—.

Leaning into Noam a little, she squeezes me once more. I was thinking out loud again, wasn't I?

You were. She laughs and pulls away from me. I should focus on dinner; otherwise, mon chéri will be eating burnt food.

Her retort forces me to chuckle. I better clean up, or you might consider making me eat in the barn.

Noam grins as she stirs the food in the pan. Welcome home, Brock.

After all this time, thinking a home is just a structure—it's much more. Someone tried to tell me before, but my fear of accepting this idea prevented me from realizing how decisions of the heart work. It's beautiful, Noam—I never want to leave.