Carolina (Wall-e human AU) perezaliv

      New York is illuminated by the early rays of the sun, announcing the beginning of a new day. The alarm clock on the cryocapsule goes off and awakens the ranger from the shackles of sleep. Evelina reluctantly opens her eyes, gets out of her sleeping place and stretches. The first thing she feels is thirst. Yesterday, Muller had dinner just before the assignment, and then there was no time, Caroline changed all her plans.       Taking the lunch box from her belt, Evelina took out a drink. It is a mushy mixture of nutrients, in other words, food in liquid form. Usually, this is prepared for babies whose teeth have not yet grown. One cup is enough for three meals, and their total number was eighteen pieces, just for more than two weeks. Just in case. Such food was convenient from the point of view of storage in a small chemondan, but there was one disadvantage for Muller personally. All this stuff didn't really taste like anything. This miracle cocktail will only give you a feeling of satiety, but there is no pleasure. Usually, after expeditions, Evelina would go to the restaurant on the main deck of the Lido to finally have a proper meal of human food. But, unfortunately, there are still thirteen days left until this long-awaited moment.       Having satisfied her hunger, Muller folded the capsule and was about to go to the lever, but stopped. That eerily unnerving sound of old, unlubricated machinery floated into my head. Surely, Caroline won't say thank you when her morning starts this way. But a second later, the ramp was descending. A joyful Archie ran out of the trailer, who is looking forward to the game and Lina, who is still not fully awake.       — Good morning —       — Good morning... — Caroline said, half asleep, hesitating a little. This little phrase comes out of the blue. Lina can't remember the last time she heard someone say that to her. And did you even hear it?       — How are you feeling? Can we move out? —       — Yes, only... — Caroline began to look for something in the truck and pulled out a canned food. As a rule, she eats closer to lunch, and then in the evening, but yesterday Lina was too enthusiastic about the new guest.       — Wait, let me take a look — Evelina came closer, and as soon as this prehistoric jar was in the palms of her hands, she found the expiration date. Mueller suddenly felt sick. The can was made shortly before the ships left, but how it eventually got here was a mystery. But an even bigger mystery was how Lina, consuming such food, did not get food poisoning or worse as a bonus. There are hardly any food manufacturers on Earth. There were reserves, but according to current data, they ran out like two centuries ago.       Caroline will definitely not eat this, Evelina will be gnawed to the bone by her conscience. It seems that the high point of those five drinks has come. And then you will have to divide it. Muller could just use a few pounds off. From now on, she's on a diet.       — This can is ruined. You might feel bad after it," Evelina put this one back... This is a natural mockery of the body, and I took out a cocktail — Try it —       Lina looked at this drink with disbelief.       — Believe me, it's much more useful than this one... Food — Muller would have chosen a more accurate description, but restrained herself. It's not decent.       Caroline stood for a couple of minutes, thinking. And I decided to take a chance. Picking up the bottle, she took one sip. The unusual absence of the vile taste of a century-old meal, to which Lina had managed to get used and eat through the gag reflex, confused her. Caroline had a different idea of fresh food, but it was definitely better than that canned food.       — Well, how is it? —       — This... — Lina paused, choosing her word. Nothing came to mind. She shrugged at Evelyn's questioning look.       — Okay, then let's start, — Muller somehow thought that Caroline would have a more violent reaction to something new. However, it doesn't matter — First of all, could you show me the place where you found the plant? — Lina nodded.

***

      — Wait, did you really find a sprout inside the refrigerator? — Evelina doesn't believe she said that. It's just ridiculous. It's unrealistic. If she had said that in front of people who studied biology, Mueller would have immediately become a complete fool for them that she just bought herself a place in a research center. Can a tree like an oak grow without sunlight? It turned out that it could.       Caroline looked at her, puzzled.       — Ahem, this is strange — Evelina took the tablet from her belt. Oh, what an interesting record it will turn out to be. Mueller will not be surprised if they get the award for "The top most unimaginable, but truthful articles from members of the Research Center." She will be the first both in the ranking and in the galaxy.       It's time to get to work. It was usually a boring routine, which was diluted only by podcasts and music that Evelina secretly downloaded before the task. Well, secretly. Now control over this has significantly decreased due to the decrease in demand for the Rangers directive, which over the past couple of hundred years have found only the remains of those poor fellows who remained on Earth, and the fading hope of restoring the planet. Therefore, Muller's colleagues and she herself tried to at least somehow brighten up the disappointment of the time and effort spent in such a not entirely legal way. Among them were those two-hour videos on the topic of theories about the appearance of the universe. About how well-known religions appeared, such as Christianity or Islam, lectures on quantum physics, analysis of the psychological portrait of murderers and all sorts of near-philosophical moral teachings that have lost their relevance for a long time. In fact, all these videos were beyond Evelina's interests, but walking through the ruined streets without outside noise in headphones was completely boring.       But this expedition promised something big, a huge breakthrough and the beginning of a new era, where the Earth would flourish again as before. Therefore, those podcasts will wait. Here in front of her is a walking clue to the questions that have long plagued the minds of the rangers.       Muller went up a couple of meters, starting to check the entire area around the wreckage of the freezer. There was silence. If this continues, they won't get far.       — I have a question — As if Caroline had heard Evelina's thoughts. Perhaps she was also burdened by this silence.       — I'm listening. —       — Cooling in the refrigerator... Why is it strange? — Caroline had a hard time building sentences. The letters didn't want to form words, and they didn't want to form connected speech. This feature jarred on Muller's ears.       — Well — Evelina paused for a moment, then continued — As a rule, they need the sun for their growth. Thanks to the special things that are contained in cells, chloroplasts are called, sprouts can convert sunlight into vital energy. This is called photosynthesis. Without it, plants cannot receive enough substances and they dry up. Is that clear? —       — Do plants eat light? —       — Roughly speaking, yes — Technically speaking, there is a little bit different, but she will get tired of explaining all this, let it be so for now. But Muller noticed for herself such an unusual comparison of photosynthesis with eating in the usual sense, — is there something else? —       — Yes. Where are you from? —       — Hmm, I ... — Evelina doubts whether it is possible to tell that she is from the Axiom. On the one hand, after the answer, Lina may have even more questions, and on the other... And where do people live now, except on earth? Caroline had undoubtedly seen the advertisements for ship tickets. That's what you can't take away from Bnl, so it's quality. Even after five hundred years, holograms work. If he lies, there will definitely be no trust from Lina — I will start with the Axiom —       — Stop... Really?! — Caroline just can't believe it. She had heard from the workers that there was still a lot of life on those starships, but she never thought that she would see a person straight from there.       — Yes —       — Why come here... —       — I've already said that I can't say — Mueller snapped, and Caroline stared at her blankly, — I'm sorry. Maybe I'd better tell you about life on the ship? —       — Okay... —There was disappointment in his voice that even now it was not possible to find out the reason for Evelina's visit. But this sense of defeat was quickly replaced by an interest in Mueller's story. Lina sometimes fantasized about what these starships looked like in person. But as it turned out, all her ideas were not too similar to reality. They were limited to the narrow horizons of the mistress of dreams. In Caroline's mind, the Axiom was about the size of that one hundred and two-story skyscraper in the Manhattan area. It was the tallest building in New York City. But Evelina refuted the guess, saying that starships are more than ten times. It is rumored that at the moment of launch, one starship cast a shadow over almost the entire city. And also how big the technology gap really is. There are passengers on flying chairs everywhere, the same cars. It turns out that Muller's ability to levitate freely in the air is commonplace for Axiom residents. Oh, Caroline wants to fly like that too! And cute little robots that have replaced cleaners, waiters, store consultants, and even hairdressers. There seems to be almost nothing left of physical labor there. According to Evelina, there was also a pool on the main deck. Lina had never swum, she had never been anywhere, but now she really wanted to try. Mueller promised that one day he would take her to see him. If, of course, Caroline goes with her.       With such a friendly atmosphere, time flew by unnoticed. They scanned one section after another, reaching the navy, but without the sea. There, at the bottom, were ordinary ships that once sailed, but at the moment, completely useless huge pieces of metal. If they had emotions like in some cartoons, they would grieve for the old days.       They approached the ships that were on the "land". Although, it's dry everywhere now. Apparently, they were taken out for repairs then, but then abandoned here.       — We'll have to climb through the top. The ladder does not work here, this is the only way out — Evelina stretched out her hands to take Lina, but she only recoiled.       — Oh, I see... — Caroline said guiltily. It's just a habit, a reflex. Or maybe something more? It doesn't matter.       Muller easily lifted Lina up, even without the help of a spacesuit, slowly taking off. Somewhere at a height of five meters, Caroline was shaking, just like when climbing mountains of garbage. But this time without a doubtful foothold. Now the support is Evelina, who was hugging her tightly. Lina did not doubt Muller's strength, but it is not so easy to overcome fear.       — Don't worry, I'm holding tight, — Evelina said soothingly, feeling trembling, — There's not much left —       Inhale and exhale. Inhale and exhale. Inhale and exhale.       Caroline tried to get her breathing in order and looked away into the distance. And it really got easier that way. A couple of seconds later, the floor of the upper deck was under the boots. Lina looked around. I've never been here before. What's the point?       — We need to split up, it will be more effective. I'm on the right, you're on the left — Muller pointed towards the large cargo magnets. Probably, some cars and airplanes were transported on this ship before.       Caroline nodded and walked along the side. But so far I have found nothing but rust and dirt. Just a den of cockroaches that quickly scattered when Lina stepped next to them. It's an unpleasant sight. But Caroline managed to get used to such insects.       But later I felt something pulling the prosthesis and pacemaker up. Even the glasses that had been on his forehead all this time came off. What could it be? This "something" almost immediately gave itself away with a loud screech. Magnet. A strong magnet. Which he instantly pulled, pressing hard against the cold surface. Lina screamed from the pain in her head, as if she had been stabbed in the back of the head. His right arm was firmly magnetized, and there was also a strange pressure in his chest. Caroline tried to move, but to no avail, only her legs were dangling.       Mueller reacted to the noise almost immediately. She wanted to get closer, but pulled herself away in time. Although the suit looked like some kind of dense fabric, it was created on the basis of nano-fibers and, as unrealistic as it might sound, ceramics. Such a kind of flexible armor, knights would envy. If he fits, he will be in the same predicament.       If Evelina had been in Lena's place, she would have simply blown up this unfortunate magnet, but under the circumstances it was dangerous for Caroline. We need to do something different.       — Wait a second, I'll think of something! Just, please, don't move — Muller began to look around, trying to find something that would free Caroline. The remote control of this very magnet caught my eye. Perhaps it can be disabled. But where does Lina fall then? From this height, she will definitely break something, if, of course, she survives.       Theoretically, the distance here is small, Evelina can catch it, but the risk of failure is too high. Unless, of course...       An idea appeared in my brain, with the lowest possible percentage of mistakes.       Caroline winced when Mueller "fell" into this trap with her. Now Lina was pressed from two sides, on one side iron, neodymium and boron, on the other Evelina. It seems that a slight blush appeared on Caroline's cheeks. Something has been pressing her a lot lately. What kind of attack is this?       With the help of the suit's amplifiers, Mueller pulled back the brush with the gun and aimed at the control panel.       Shot. And the Earth's gravity took over. Lina fell into Evelina's safe arms. She's safe now. The natural smell of Muller hit my nostrils, mixed with some kind of perfume, and Caroline's tense torso relaxed her warmth. I wish I could hang on Evelina's arms like that forever. Even the ringing pain in my head couldn't spoil this moment.       Muller fired at the other magnets again, just in case.       — Are you okay? —       — Yes... — Lina muttered indistinctly, — Thanks —

***

      After exploring the ships, they descended to earth, eventually coming across those very broken rails.       — What is it? — Muller saw that Caroline had stopped dead in her tracks.       — I... Nothing — Lina waved off, stepping forward with feigned confidence. But only Evelina wouldn't fall for that. It looked too childish.       — What happened? Just tell me — Muller put her hand on her shoulder — If you don't want to go or are tired, you can rest, I'll go myself — Evelina looked into the eyes opposite.       — Everything is fine — But the timidity in the tone spoke exactly the opposite.       — But I can see that something is wrong. If you keep quiet, I won't be able to help — Muller blocked the way, waiting for an answer. To which Caroline nodded towards the magnetic road. Like, look for yourself.       Muller zoomed in on the glasses and understood Lina's motive. Skeletons of workers lay around the rails, just like Caroline herself. But those who failed to survive here. This place looks more like a cemetery than a railway station. But without the tombstones and coffins buried underground. Here, all the dead were scattered like broken toys in a storeroom. As soon as they were no longer needed, they were immediately thrown into the darkest corner. If you think about it, then all the cleaners were led to certain death, leaving them on the Ground. There simply wouldn't be enough room in the Axiom for everyone. And they disguised it as a rescue operation. This is a truly creepy place. In the narrow circle of rangers, these magnetic rails were nicknamed the "Bony Road".       — Are you sure you want to come with me? — Evelina stared into his eyes once more. There was anxiety and fear in them, as if Lina was about to run away again. But for some reason she was standing here, next to Evelina. — Yes, everything is fine — Caroline did not want to cause problems for Muller. She didn't want them to stay here because of her problems and the eternal memories that this place evoked. She must accompany Evelina. No, Lina needs to accompany her. Caroline had been alone for so long, she would never let some bones separate her from Muller. It's not the first time this has happened, it's okay.       — I didn't oblige you... — Evelina didn't have time to finish before Lina had already walked a couple of steps. Sighing, Muller followed her — Listen, if something is bothering you, then you can trust me. I promise it will be just between us. —       Silence.       — Okay, tell me when you're ready — In response, there is only a crunch of wrappers, papers and other debris underfoot. They passed skulls, pieces of houses, scattered cubes, which the cleaners had done before their death. This whole railway station was soaked through with the spirit of Death. The one with the scythe that takes desperate souls with it. It was morally oppressive, as if a huge weight had fallen on his shoulders. Even Evelina, who had seen this before, was uneasy. For sure, the incident that happened here was terrible. Most of all it looks like a sandstorm.       Only Caroline can know what really happened. But she doesn't say anything. So he definitely remembers something. Obviously, something that brought a lot of pain to Lina.       Mueller will not pry into someone else's personal space. Although the curiosity that is instilled in all rangers consumed her.       Suddenly, Caroline froze, and her gaze was fixed on the broken skeleton that was under the rubble of the roof. The skull was split in half, and the spine was also fractured in two. The bones of the arms were lying in front, as if this man was trying to crawl out. Couldn't. This skeleton was wearing clothes. Apparently, it was difficult to pull it out from under the piece.       Lina did not move, as if her body was bound by a stone.       — If it's difficult for you, we can go somewhere else — Evelina said carefully, —Next time I'll check here myself —       — Y-yes?... — Caroline murmured in a whisper       — Yes — Muller patted her shoulder encouragingly, — Come on —