Don't get all worked up.

Nothing!

The pretty lady doesn't sleep.

Sleep is overrated.

My circuits are getting all tingly.

That's too bad.

( this time she winces. ) Maybe not so much lightning with all the rain and delicate electronics, meaning myself, standing around? You've been studying this for a while?

Oh, I'm imagining things, am I?

( her eyes follow the display, her expression remaining neutral, hard to read. ) Telekinesis and generation of electricity? No small feat. How do you access this force?

Well what more would you like to know?

Ha. Whatever you say.

I'm a machine, you should focus on yourself.

You sound like you have a crush.

As the day they switched me on.

I don't know what that is, but I'll take the compliment.

( she works quickly. the mattress is self inflating, thin but springy, and the rations aren't bad when they're warmed up. ) I'm unfamiliar with this force you mentioned. Can you explain?

You can't have met many people then?

You didn't, don't worry about it. Here, I'll inflate a mattress for you and get you something hot to eat. You must be tired. Sit. Get warm.

Oh. Well. Thanks.

So what if I'm not organic.

I hope it's not a problem? I'm quite independent. I didn't radiate organic? I'm sorry?

( she gives her a long look, eyebrows arching neatly. ) i'm battery-powered, that's why.

( a small pause. ) I don't eat. The food is just sent along with me in case of emergencies. Like this.

I'll see if I have any rations, but I usually don't travel with much food. Home sweet home. Make yourself comfy. I'll start a fire so you don't freeze to death.

( soon enough they're at her camp, though it's little more than a small damp cave, it beats the increasing rainfall outside. she's thrown some tarps up, but there's little sign of any human comforts. ) I should ask, do you have food?

It's hardly a problem.

People are testing me today.

Is it??? Ohhhhh.

Why's her gaydar beeping like crazy

I feel safer already. ( she shoots back a smile, navigating the rocky wastes with ease. she never slips or stumbles. ) Three long days. When did you crash? Let's walk fast, I think it's about to rain.

I'm not surprised, you look like you can handle yourself. Right this way. Stick close and we shouldn't be disturbed by the wildlife. Hopefully.

She's cute.

You crashed? Are you injured? I've set up a small camp in one of the nearby caves, I can assess you there. I'm Mae.

Recon mission. A small solar storm has disrupted my navigation equipment. Do you need help? I have some supplies I could share.

Tell me you're not lost out here too?

Peering at @empireofbeniko.bsky.social

Comms out. Getting dark. Uh oh.

She's happily tinkering away on something.

stop getting horny about it.

Who's up? She needs to do *something*.

Short hair is cute too, right?

She'll try not to be too mean.

What now?!

She's been studying all night.