The Disparate One
XIX

The two exchanged glances in silence as Oxford slowly sank into his seat of mourning. They were speechless. Even though the robot had no idea who Sion was, a stranger’s death should always be respected. He figured, by the looks from Oxford, Sion was valuable.

“When did this happen?” Ray asked, scooting closer.

“Just hours ago, I think when we left the penthouse. He was found dead on his desk,” Oxford further explained that the situation was currently being investigated. He even added that Sion was the first person to die in his team. Ray calmly gave his condolences when Oxford began to sniff, but he immediately cleared his throat, and all of the sudden, he jumped up and regained his composure, though it quickly faded away.

“Let’s not ruin this trip!” said Oxford with strong, fake enthusiasm, ”I’ll see you two tomorrow. Get some rest. The princess and the queen plan to go swimming tomorrow. Oh and also, any expenses in this ship will be taken care of, so… spend away,” then Oxford walked out of the room with Ray following him to the door.

Ray stood silently in the small corridor. He looked back at the robot with a confused and concerned look. What an odd way to start this trip. Oxford’s mourn somehow affected Ray. He waddled back to his bed and tucked himself in, turning off the lights in the process. Hands resting on his chest, he stared at the ceiling, thinking of a way to take his mind off from the moment. That was when he asked if robots sleep.

The blue glow from the other bed moved across the wall and the ceiling and eventually landed on Ray. The robot’s blue eyes appeared in the darkness.

“Not naturally, but we can still sleep, or hibernate…” he said, sliding his hands under his squashed pillows.

They remained quiet for a few more moments until the glow dimmed and Ray finally felt the need to sleep. In the middle of his slumber, he had a dream. His mind brought the moment of him being shoved by Sion near the glowing staff again. He never stopped thinking about it. And it even looked like he won’t forget it, especially after the news. He always wondered for the reason behind it.

He woke up and found the room still gloomy as if Oxford’s mood remained. Gently turning his head, he looked at the window with its curtains moved aside. He blinked a couple of times, rubbed his eyes. Did he wake up early? Did he really get any sleep?

Ray turned a little bit further, searching for those glowing eyes. He sat up rubbing his face while he stared at the digital clock. Seeing the time at five o’clock in the morning just answered his previous questions.

He yawned and grunted before tiptoeing his way to the bathroom, slowly shutting the door. He squinted on bright lights as he washed his face.

Sitting silently on his bed, bright hues began to emerge from the dark window. He was already wearing simple clothes when the sun twinkled over the blue horizon. He cupped his hands on his mouth as he let out another yawn.

Oxford came by, inviting him for breakfast with his family. Ray gazed over to Fier who was still asleep. He declined the offer. Oxford then suggested room service before quietly leaving.

Ray’s bed creaked when he reached out for the telephone while grabbing the menu. He ordered breakfast via room service, of course, he requested to leave the trolley at the door.

Minutes later, a staff member knocked on the door. Ray brought the trolley next to his bed, facing the morning sunlight, and dug in.

Fier comfortably rolled to the other side where he found Ray crunching pieces of bacon. The scent from those plates filled the room. Ray took a bite from his hotdog while staring at the robot.

“Seems like you haven’t slept for years,” he said, wiping the ketchup from his lips.

Fier groaned and his eyes blinked softly. He asked Ray how long he was awake. Ray glanced at the clock.

“About two hours now. They are eating breakfast someplace else. Oxford invited me, but I declined. It’s not wise to leave an asset alone,” Ray tossed another bit of bacon into his mouth, “Plus, come one, I dragged you here for a reason.”

Fier responded with a nod as he unwrapped himself from the blanket, sitting up. He thanked Ray for the odd invitation to this trip, even though it scared him to the core at the beginning. Now that they were behind him, he started to feel happy and free. More alive.

“It’s alright, at least you get a break from that penthouse,” Ray’s mouth searched for the straw for his mango juice.

After breakfast and taking their shower, they were putting on their clothes when Oxford knocked. He was wearing a polo shirt decorated with some colorful palettes, together with a pair of sandals, swim shorts, a hat, and a towel draped over his shoulder. A typical Hawaiian tourist. Nevertheless, it outcast the two’s boring clothes, long pants, and simple shirts, Fier was wearing long sleeves.

Oxford curiously looked at them.

“Not going to take a dip in the pool?” he asked.

“Can robots even swim?” Ray glanced at Fier.

“No,” answered Fier, remembering the time when he and Oxford tested it back at the pool in the penthouse. He sank like a titanic. He let out a soft chuckle.

Ray turned to Oxford, then to his opened luggage shoved into the closet. He was sure he didn’t pack anything to use for swimming. Oxford frowned but shrugged it off.

“Oh well, you two are free to roam around, like you two would swim out into the ocean,” said Oxford with a wave while heading out, his voice echoed in the hall.

Ray shut the door then resumed his shoelaces. He was making a knot when the anklet glistened. Ray immediately felt different when he saw it. Apparently, he had forgotten who he was and what he was.

Ray clasped his hands when he stood up.

“So… do you have any ideas we can do in this… floating town?”

Fier shook his head when he pressed the button on the device.

“I wonder if we can put Sion’s face on that thing. It will be hilarious,” joked Ray as they headed out.

People began to appear out of their rooms, some strolled and the rest gathered at the top deck, because of where the pools were. Fortunately, Oxford and his family got themselves a private one, just above the scenery of the entire deck, peering over the middle class.

Ray and Fier were walking around in the hall when they found a map of the entire ship. They examined it for a quick moment until Ray pressed his finger at the bow where they headed to admire and get some fresh, oceanic air.

As expected, the wind was so powerful that it almost sent Ray flying. Upon the moment they walked out of the doors, he quickly latched himself with Fier, thanking he had someone heavier. This moment also made him wonder about Fier’s weight.

They looked over the railings when Ray managed to fight against the blowing winds. He gazed down, seeing massive splashes and waves as the ship sliced through. He smiled, but not as wide because he didn’t want to swallow any bugs.

“How’s your life beyond the penthouse so far?” Ray shouted his question.

“The best so far!” Fier leaned closer to him when he replied.

After they soaked up all the enjoyment at the bow, they headed to the top deck where it looked like they hadn’t left the city. Children ran around while other adults displayed their tanned skins. They walked on the starboard side. Their clothes waved like a flag in the wind.

The two tried not to get themselves wet despite the sprinkles spraying around as kids dashed zig-zagged. They were trying to search for Oxford, but the countless faces moving about made it difficult, even for Fier.

“Maybe they got bored and went somewhere else?” Fier suggested when their search ended at the stern.

“Let’s hope so... it wouldn’t be really wise for him to leave his facility’s asset,” Ray turned, inserting his hands into his side pockets, looking over the railings for a chance to see the propellers.

Then, he noticed the robot’s look suddenly changed. He asked, hoping this wasn’t jealousy.

“I never thought of us getting along together like buddies. You really helped me a lot ever since we met. I just hope they’re done with what they’re doing to you now,” he replied, rubbing his own hands over the railings.

“Don’t worry, I’m confident this will be over soon, if not, eventually,” Ray patted his back.

Their peaceful moment was disrupted by someone’s footsteps behind them. Both looked frightened for a second, thinking someone might have overheard their conversation. They sighed with relief when it was only Oxford.

He was now wearing a white polo, same shorts and sandals still. The air blowing from his direction dragged his fresh shower smell to the two boys.

“Where were you?” the two asked in sync.

“Where were you two?” Oxford replied, placing his hands at his waist.

“We were just strolling arou-”

Ray was interrupted when Oxford suddenly kneeled while also ordering him to act naturally. They watched the man lift Ray’s right leg sleeve exposing the metal anklet. Oxford turned the device around and returned to his stand after. His sudden movement raised some brows.

“I-Is there something wrong?” Fier asked nervously.

“You didn’t tamper the device, right?” Oxford asked, scratching his head.

The two nervously shook their head No instantly. Oxford didn’t argue, instead, he gestured to them to follow.

They returned to the two’s cabin, instructing Ray to sit down on his bed. Oxford, who got back from his cabin, brought out a pocket-sized toolkit. He sat on the blue rug while grabbing Ray’s right leg.

He brought out the familiar key and unlocked the device in silence as the other two watched.

“What’s the problem?” Ray finally questioned.

“The tracker apparently stopped working. It couldn’t be the batteries.”

Ray asked if they should be worried about the device dying on them.

“That depends on how important you are to us,” Oxford murmured, pulling the device, liberating the man’s leg.

Ray retracted his leg and rubbed the area.

“Am I important?”

Oxford was at the desk, turning the screw when he paused. His eyes trailed off from the device and into his own reflection on the brown surface. He was reminded about what Sion told him regarding Ray. Ray glanced at Fier who was sitting in silence.

Oxford swallowed as he resumed removing the cover plate. He inhaled deeply with his eyes closed, thinking if this was the right time to tell them about it. Telling them would risk everything.

Damn… it was the batteries, Oxford thought, pulling two tiny cylinders out.

Putting the replacement batteries, his phone vibrated on the desk. He looked at the text message from Chap.

Call me now.

Oxford cleared his throat before turning around and handing the device back to Ray. After they locked it back into place, he excused himself for a moment before heading out to the balcony. He raised his phone to his ear.

“Did Sion say something to you?” Chap interrupted.

Oxford’s eyes were wide and stuttered for a moment.

“W-what do you mean?” He could sense his friend breathing heavily as if doing a marathon.

“Sion’s autopsy came back,”

“That’s go-”

“Twice.”

Oxford’s head straightened, quickly taking a look at the two boys in the cabin.

“Where are you?”

“It doesn’t matter! Sion must’ve known or found something,” Chap said quietly and wobbly.

“Why are there two autopsies?” Oxford finally asked, gripping the railing.

Chap explained that the first autopsy was conducted by the facility’s management; they “officially” announced that Sion took his own life, their first guess was overworked and stressed. Chap then explained the second autopsy, which was conducted by one of his friends, the result was death by poisoning.

He poisoned himself? Oxford thought, staring out to the ocean. Why would he poison himself?

Chap’s voice rang in his head. He was apparently asking him a question. Demanding to know if Sion told him something, or at least knew or found something. Oxford knew where Chap was going with this conversation. They assumed the management itself poisoned Sion. It could be one of their ways to silence something. Almost everyone in the facility witnessed their doings at least once. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ꜰindNʘvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Oxford’s mind scrambled through past interactions with Sion. Then, he remembered something. It could be it.

“Remember when he mentioned Micro?”

Chap immediately raised a brow when he began to recall that particular conversation. He stood with Oxford, both of them didn’t want to assume. Not a single detail written on Ray’s documents matched with Micro’s, based on their own memories.

Chap was about to say his side of the idea when their connection cut off. Oxford tried calling him back but to no avail. He tried many times as he gripped his phone harder and harder every time it failed. Texting him didn’t work either. He even checked if he had a signal from the facility. He did.

Oxford fought his anger to throw the phone out into the ocean before heading back inside, hoping that their connection was interrupted naturally. Ray, together with Fier, watched Oxford walk over to the door, peeping through the peephole as he slid the lock. He turned and stared at the two, rubbing his face, stretching it downward, cupping his mouth.

Oxford went back to his seat while staring at Ray. He wanted to assertively question Ray if he was only toying with him, but he reminded himself of the outcome of what he similarly did long ago. He decided to take on a different approach with a different question.

“Ray... be honest with me... do you really have no idea about yourself?”

“If I do then I would have told you since we met!”

Oxford huffed, staring at those white eyes, “Yes. You are important.”

Ray kept a straight face when he thought about his own blood again. It could be the reason or the color of his irides. His great combat skills perhaps? Oxford tilted his head ever so slightly.

“This... is just a theory...” he began telling Ray about Sion’s speculations from the moment they met back at the facility.

Since they were on the topic, he knew it was also a good time to tell him what Sion told him in private. This caught the robot’s interest. Oxford told Ray about Sion’s claim that the material found in the staff had the exact kind found in his microbots. He added the coincidence of Micro’s non-existing profile and their last location before disappearing during their trip where they also found Ray.

“So… basically… There is a chance that I am ‘Micro’?” Ray squinted.

“Possibly,” Oxford looked to the side, “But… as I said, it’s just a theory. There are too many holes to consider.

“That honestly still doesn’t answer the question of why I can’t remember a single thing about myself,” Ray sighed after.

Oxford agreed by nodding. Ray asked why he only brought this up now and Oxford defended himself by bringing up Sion’s autopsies. He told them about his hunch about the management’s secrets. He knew Sion wouldn’t do such a thing. If he were, then there would be a reason without a doubt.

A tear suddenly formed in Oxford’s eye. He casually wiped it off but more started to follow. Within seconds, Oxford sniffed and his face reddened. The tears which he had been keeping within him for decades had finally escaped.

Ray didn’t move when the older man burst into tears. He darted his eyes at Fier who was also struggling to form words. He remained neutral as the man sobbed and regathered himself.

After a few minutes of undisturbed silence, Oxford started another topic, resuming their conversation like it was nothing. He blew his nose in the process.

“I don’t have real parents.”

Ray shot a glance at Fier for the second time.

“I was... artificially made in the facility long ago,” Oxford continued.

At last, he finally admitted that he broke tons of rules throughout his life. Ray and Fier were dumbstruck when Oxford claimed he stole Fier from the facility because he didn’t want to be alone in his life: another reason why he had Zinnia and Azalea, and why he lied about them being his friends. He later added that the robot really had a name to begin with and it was indeed Fier.

Then, he brought up Micro again who killed his predecessor right in front of him. His predecessor was the only person who treated him as if he was his son. It was the main reason why he didn’t want to believe that Ray was Micro. It was a truly horrifying sight to never forget. As his revenge, he sparked the rebellion that occurred long ago while stealing another asset from the management themselves.

With those things out of the way, he was confident the management had eyes all over him from the beginning. He knew they were waiting for the right time to assassinate him, and that he feared seeing involving his family, his colleagues, and even Fier.

Ray gently scooted closer to him, resting his hand on the man’s shoulder, rubbing it softly. Oxford’s watery eyes looked at the two with his head weighing with shame and self-disappointment.

“Don’t worry Oxford, I promise no harm will touch anyone,” assured Ray, glancing at Fier who walked over, joining them.

The room felt like a roller-coaster, fortunately, their conversation came to an end where they hugged tightly. Once everything was starting to get back to normal, the three went to one of the fancy restaurants where Zinnia and Azalea were told to meet.

Fier, who was now more confident than ever, and after knowing his true name and purpose, chatted with the others as a normal human being would. The three were getting along like best friends reuniting.

A few more days have passed, the relationship between one another matured. The thought of Ray being a test subject and bringing him out of the facility in the first place as an experiment gradually disappeared from Oxford’s mind. The tablet remained in his luggage, untouched since they left the penthouse.

Their cruise ship docked, revealing Ray and Fier to another part of the world, Britain.

Even though the three knew one another, Ray and Fier still had no choice but to stay in another separate hotel room, next to Oxford and his family. When the two unlocked the door and walked in, Ray nearly dropped his luggage as he awed at the modern, spacious room. It felt like they returned to their penthouse in Britain.

Ray was in the bathroom taking a shower when he heard a muffled thud. Keeping the bubbles away from his eyes, he checked the door, as if he could see through it. He figured it was Fier hitting or moving something. It was only one thud after all.

When he got out in a robe, he found the living room empty. He stuttered as he searched the place for Fier. He only found his luggage next to his bed, untouched. He returned to the living room where he caught one of the curtains swaying.

Oxford was unpacking in his room when he heard someone knocking on the door. He checked the peephole before opening and when he was about to speak, Ray’s words made his heart stop.

“Fier’s gone!”

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