Chapter 100: Bonding with the other me

Zairus

As we ate, the conversations flowed more easily. Varia and Vyran filled us in on the city's layout, key locations, and some of the customs we should be aware of. They also shared stories about growing up here, which helped us understand the place a bit better.

After dinner, we gathered in the living area. Varia brought out a holographic map of the city, and we began to strategize.

"Tomorrow, we'll split into three groups, each led by one of our Retran allies," Wilneth said. 

As the meeting wrapped up, I felt a sense of determination settle over the group. We had a plan, even if not perfect, and now it was time to put it into action. But for tonight, we could rest.

Vyran showed us to our respective guest rooms. Part of me wondered if this was fine. What would their parents think?

My Retran doppleganger smiled. "You can share my room with me, since we lack rooms for everyone. Well, we do have sleeping compartments, but those aren't exactly conformable."

Tira blinked. "Like pods?"

Vyran nodded.

"Yes, like pods," Vyran confirmed. "They are used mainly for short naps, when there's no space, or emergency situations. That said, they aren't too bad unless you have castrophobia."

Tira frowned.

I followed Vyran down a narrow hallway, the subtle hum of the house's energy systems a constant backdrop. As we entered his room, I was taken aback by the stark contrast to the sleek, modern living area we had just left. The space was filled with model airplanes and miniature mechas, their detailed craftsmanship evident even in the dim light.

"Wow," I said, picking up a small biplane from a low shelf. "This is incredible. I didn't expect to see something so... retro."

Vyran chuckled, a bit of color rising to his cheeks. "Yeah, I get that a lot. Most people here are all about the latest tech, but I have a soft spot for the classics. There's something satisfying about building these with my own hands."

I carefully placed the biplane back on the shelf, my eyes scanning the rest of the room. There were posters of vintage spacecraft and old-fashioned star maps, and even a few shelves lined with physical books—a rarity in this day and age.

"It's really cool," I said, genuinely impressed. "You must have spent a lot of time on these."

Vyran nodded, his smile widening. "I did. It's a bit of an escape for me, I guess. When the city's hustle and bustle gets too much, I come here and lose myself in the past."

I took a seat on a small, cushioned bench by the window, still marveling at the room's unique charm. "I can see why. It's like stepping into another world."

Vyran sat down on his bed, facing me. "So, tell me about your home. What's it like where you come from?"

I hesitated for a moment, thinking of my own world and the stark differences between it and this place. "It's a lot less high-tech than here," I began. "We have some advanced technology, but nothing like the holographic maps and energy systems you have. My home is more... grounded, I guess you could say. We rely a lot on natural resources and traditional methods. It's super cold. Glaciers on the north and south."

"That's what my data says too, " he said, tapping his head.

"Your data? You sound like one of those A.I.'s downstairs or a machine."

He snickered. "Part of me is. The people of this planet are already integrated with machine and artificial Intelligence to become stronger and smarter. Although I don't like depending too much on it."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his casual admission. "Integrated with machine and AI? That's... impressive. And kind of intimidating."

Vyran shrugged, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "It's just how things evolved here. The integration allows us to process information faster, heal quicker, and even communicate more efficiently. But it comes with its own set of challenges. Balancing the organic and the synthetic isn't always easy."

I nodded, trying to wrap my head around the concept. "I can see why you'd want an escape then. Your models and retro interests must help you stay grounded."

"They do," he agreed, glancing fondly at a sleek, silver spaceship model on his desk. "It's a reminder of where we came from and that not everything has to be about progress and efficiency. Sometimes, it's about the journey and the little details."

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, each lost in our thoughts. The hum of the house's energy systems seemed distant, almost like a quiet symphony in the background.

"So," Vyran said, breaking the silence, "what's your plan for tomorrow? Besides the group strategy, I mean. How do you approach gathering intel?"

I leaned back against the window, considering his question. "I try to blend in, observe, and listen. People often reveal more than they realize when they're not paying attention. Plus, I find that asking the right questions can lead to unexpected answers."

Vyran listened intently, his eyes reflecting a genuine curiosity. "That sounds fascinating. I bet there's a lot we could learn from each other."

I nodded, feeling a strange sense of kinship with my Retran doppelganger. Despite our different worlds and backgrounds, there was a shared understanding, a mutual respect for each other's experiences.

As we continued to talk, the tension of the past few days began to fade. For a little while, we were just two people, sharing stories and finding common ground instead of enemies. It was a brief respite from the challenges ahead, but it was enough to recharge my spirit.

Eventually, the conversation lulled, and we both realized how late it had gotten. "We should probably get some sleep," Vyran said, stifling a yawn. "Tomorrow's going to be a big day."

I agreed, settling into the makeshift bed Vyran had set up for me. As I closed my eyes, the room's comforting, low-tech ambiance enveloped me, and I felt a sense of peace.