<< Last night..>> A-01 replied, resting her hand on her chest << I woke up abruptly.. feeling very strange.. I left my room. I walked outside with no particular destination, just letting my feet carry me. The wind was fierce, but it didn’t stop me. Eventually, I knelt down, looking around, waiting for… something.. I didn’t know why I was doing any of it. Then, a voice surrounded me, saying “ You are lost, and this will be your punishment”. I didn’t understand what it meant, but I knew immediately it was my Superior speaking to me. I ran back, found my way easily – I wasn’t lost. So I realized it must have meant something else. I just… have this feeling that he could awaken me at any moment..>>


A nervous , short laugh escaped Tom’s lips. << That’s impossible. They need you..>>


<< No. They don’t need me. They could replace me in seconds. >>


<< Why would he tell you that ? >>


<< I don’t know.. It felt like a decision had already been made even though I don’t know what mistake I could’ve made.. Something that would warrant punishment..>>


Tom drew her closer into his arms, gently stroking her face to hide his own expression, which was shadowed by worry.


<< You are going to leave and I might end up returning home.. I worry for my people.. I can’t leave them in Griff’s hands.. I can’t leave you for ever ! >>


<< No, no. Everything will be okay.. You’ll see..>> Tom tried to reassure her.


<< How will it be okay? What if you come back and I’m not here? What if there’s a new leader? >>


<< What time period are you from ? >>


<< In Impersli, we don’t have a timeline.. We don’t define things that way.. It’s just a planet..>>


Tom bit his lip, his eyes shining with determination as his mind raced.


<< No matter what happens, know that I’ll find a way to come back for you..>>


<< How?>>


<< I just thought of something...and all I need is for you to give me the blueprint for building the time machine..>>


<< Tom… stop.. Now you are just dreaming..>>


<< Am I ? Just because I truly believe that, back in my world, I could create something entirely my own and find you in every universe , on every planet..>>


A-01 stared at him, struck by his unwavering belief. His plan sounded so wildly impossible, yet the conviction in his voice stirred a sense of faith and security within her.


<< I think you agree with me.. or am I wrong? >>


A-01 smiled broadly and suddenly kissed him. << Let’s go. Quickly! >> she exclaimed, grabbing Tom’s hand and pulling him along. They both ran, leaving their romantic hideaway behind , heading for headquarters.