Believe in the sign of Theta

[mecha_eihwaz]

[A new ship appeared in the hangar, right next to Lily's old one. This new one looks similar, but it's much smaller, with just enough place for one person and not much else, and clearly built for speed. And unlike that crashed one, this one works.

And then there's Lily herself. Her robotic parts might've changed, with a more armor-like appearance to her dress, but it's definitely her, wandering all over White Chalice, looking at all the oh-so-familiar places, even if some of them changed a bit in the weeks when she was gone.]

I missed all of this...

White Chalice... I am back.

Comments

[better_than_aliens]

...Lily?

[Yep, she's more than a little stunned at that.]

[mecha_eihwaz]

Yes. It's really me, Christine.

[better_than_aliens]

...you look great, Lily. You had us worried there, too!

[mecha_eihwaz]

Thanks! But you knew I'll be back, right? I said it many times; we, Cosmic Ark robots, are hard to kill.

[Not here, but...]

[zetahatsudo]

[Zeta is superior to Theta as a letter. People should totally believe in the sign of Zeta over the sign of Theta.]

[paladin_robot]

So was the dramatic timing... deliberate? Or had you just arrived when someone told you what was happening?

[mecha_eihwaz]

Ah, no, it was just a coincidence. I hurried back to Earth as fast as I could. I wouldn't just watch and wait, knowing people are in danger!

[paladin_robot]

People, or your girlfriend?

[Richard's chuckle probably means he's just messing with her, and he gives Lily a pat on the back anyway.]

Well, you certainly helped. I don't think we'd have managed without you.

[mecha_eihwaz]

H, hey, just because I care about Laura doesn't mean I don't care about others!

Ahem. Glad I could help. It seems I arrived at just the right moment.

[leftjoker]

[A detective is now hugging you, Lily! What do?]

[mecha_eihwaz]

[Have a hug back, a bit awkward.]

Ah... You missed me a lot, didn't you, Mr Double?

[leftjoker]

Yeah. We've lost a lot of good people, and I'm glad we don't have to add you to the count.

[mecha_eihwaz]

Anyone since I was gone...?

[emorangerpink]

[Of course, as soon as Lily's out of her ship she's tackled. In the time it took her to land in the hangar, Laura's touched down, unsummoned The Great Pretender, and unbuckled the bulky parts of the body armour she wears underneath it. She wraps her girlfriend in the tightest embrace her unenhanced strength will allow, kissing her fiercely. After a moment she pulls back, an expression of mock anger on her face.]

You took your time, you know that!?

[And she pulls Lily close again, letting her tears fall on to her shoulder while at the same time she can't help but laugh.]

[mecha_eihwaz]

[Lily returns both of those. She might be gentler and softer with them, but it's not at all less warm, or less genuine.]

I'm sorry... If I could, I would move Cosmic Ark closer to Earth, just to bring us closer together...

[emorangerpink]

I wasn't sure I'd pick up any message properly. I thought, even if I did, it'd take you a long time to return. I was trying to find ways to go to you - I'm sorry I wasn't there when...

[After a while, Laura draws back to hold Lily at arm's length, looking her up and down.]

You look different. Are you - I mean, you're okay, but are you... okay?

[mecha_eihwaz]

It's okay, don't apologize. I asked you to wait, didn't I? I travelled back to Earth as fast as I could, and it seems I almost outraced even the message that I got better.

[Lily takes Laura's hand and puts it on her own heart.]

Can you feel it? My parts might be different, but deep down here I'm still me, same as before. And Eve is here too...

[notruined]

... Lily?

[ He's stunned as well. He believed in her. He knew she'd keep her promise, and she did. So after a while... he'll just run up and embrace her now. ]

... I knew you'd make it.

[mecha_eihwaz]

Ah...! C, Casshern!

[One would think Lily got used to all the surprise hugs she gets this day. Nope!]

Yes. I wouldn't let something like that kill me. My life... is too worth living.

[notruined]

... yes. It is.

[ For more reasons than she's implying. He finally releases her after a few seconds. ]

You kept your promise.

[mecha_eihwaz]

Of course. Giving your word would be meaningless if you didn't keep it.

[themomentoftherose]

Are you tired of hugs yet, Lily? Because Doctor Zero comes nearly sprinting out of her airship to embrace you.

"We were all so worried..."

[mecha_eihwaz]

I'm sorry, Dr Zero. At least you're not worried anymore, right?

[themomentoftherose]

She reluctantly let her go and shook her head.

"I'd still like to take a look at you, if you don't mind. I'm sure being frozen wasn't good for your circuits."

[mecha_eihwaz]

Please don't worry about that. I was in a very good hands on Cosmic Ark.

But then, I'm not there anymore, and I can't do my own maintenance myself...