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n“You’re raising the level of my security clearance?” Sam said, doing his best to hide his true reaction.

n“In this base at least.” Alice said with a smile. “I want you to keep an eye on the weapons and make sure they aren’t showing any wierd signs.”

n“Aren’t you being too paranoid? I don’t think they would be able to function normally if there is a bug in their AI.”

n“Well, this is just a safety precaution. We don’t want anything catching us by surprise.”

n“Not that we could do much even if we knew.” Sam replied, following it with a sigh.

nIt’s not like they could just replace the Valkyries that lose control. Looking at the AI blue prints it would be a complete disaster if the restrictions placed on the weapons are broken. They would stop functioning entirely and since each one is unique and no backups exist they would have to build a new one from the ground up if they want a replacement.

n“I’m already aware that you have a lot of free time.” Taking another piece of paper, the commander held it up for him to see. “I’m not ordering you to spend every waking hour monitoring them, however I would appreciate it if you check on them until they go out on their patrol.”

nThe paper contained Sam’s schedule which puts him on standby for almost the entire day with the examination being the only duty he had to take care of. With that much free time on his hands he had no excuse. Not that he wanted to anyway.

nThe increased security clearance means that he can now enter the Valkyries’ quarters, one of the most restricted areas on any of the Resistance’s military bases. It was a section that only the commander could enter as far as he is aware, with only rumors about what goes on in there circulating among the soldiers.

nOne thing he could be sure of is that the quarters contained bedrooms for each of the Valkyries. Bedrooms mean beds, and there is one thing he wanted to do on them and it’s not sleeping.

nSam began to feel that something odd was going on with his life. No one person could have this much luck. Just when he thought that he would need a place where he could peacefully enjoy banging the three weapons the commander calls and gives him the keys to their rooms. It’s almost as if the whole thing is scripted. Maybe some kind of hidden camera prank aiming to expose his deeds. Or it could be an elaborate plan to ruin his reputation.

nWell, I guess I already did that…

nHe had already done things he wouldn’t normally get away with. If there really is someone out there watching and waiting for him to do something he isn’t supposed to do then they should already have all the evidence they need to destroy him by now.

nThis was just another incredible stroke of luck, one that he planned to exploit as much as possible.

nBut Sam wasn’t an idiot. He wouldn’t jump at the opportunity just because it was presented to him. Alice should already know that he hated his job. It wouldn’t make sense for him to suddenly accept this new mission without pushing back against it.

n“Do I really have to do this?” He said, pretending to grimace. “You know I don’t really like interacting with those things, right?”

n“Well, we don’t have much of a choice.” The commander said. “You’re the only one whose job concerns them so it’s only natural that you have to be the one to do it.”

n“This will be a major pain…”

nOn the inside Sam was dancing. He was already starting to contemplate which of the Valkyries would be the first.

n“You really don’t like being around them, huh?” Alice commented. “I heard they’re really popular. To think you actually aren’t a fan of theirs.”

n“Admiring them from afar is one thing.” Sam let out an exasperated sigh. “But working with them isn’t as good as it might sound.”

n“Really?”

n“You might not know this since you’re a woman, ma’am, but being subjugated to the temptation on a daily basis isn’t good for one’s mental health.”

n“Are you saying that… you want to sleep with the weapons?” Alice asked with a nervous smile.

n“I would be lying if I said I don’t.” Sam said, his expression unchanging. “I’m still a man, you know.”

n“I… see…”

nIt was only after a few seconds that Sam realized what he just did. Putting aside how creepy it sounded, he had told Alice directly that he was a normal man that has the same thoughts and urges as anyone born with a penis. It was something he wanted to do ever since he realized he had a crush on her but was never able to. To think he would one day just blurt it out in a formal conversation when she’s acting as his superior.

nLooking up to confirm Alice’s reaction he realized that he had really done it. The white haired woman was looking away, her face flushing red. His statement reminded her of what happened after he took her to bed the other night and she couldn’t stop her professional mask from falling off.

n“Um… right… I guess you really are a man…” Alice said, sounding rather flustered. “I guess I… sometimes forget about that…”

nSensing the awkwardness spreading Sam decided it was time to leave. But before he does that he needed to confirm his duties.

n“So, all I have to do is check on the weapons from time to time and report to you if I find anything wierd?”

n“Hm? Ah! Y-yes! That’s right!”

n“Well, I better get going then.” Sam said as he got up. “I want to get lunch before they return from their patrol.”

n“I see…” taking a deep breath, the commander tried to calm herself. “Well, I will be looking forward to your reports.”

nFor some reason the hurry Sam was in to leave made Alice feel a hint of anger. She watched as he reached the door but just when he was about to open it she was surprised to see him stop.

n“By the way, Alice.” Sam turned around, His eyes carefully studying Alice’s reaction and expression. “How are you feeling?”

nBlinking at him repeatedly the white haired woman tilted her head and asked.

n“What do you mean?”

n“Well, usually when your engagement gets broken you would cry about it for a week.” Sam said recalling the half a dozen times it had already happened. “You didn’t call me yesterday so I was starting to get worried.”

nOnce again the only thing Alice could think of was what had happened that night. However seeing the concern on Sam’s face washed away her embarrassment allowing her to respond normally.

n“You dont have to worry about that.” She said, her lips curving into a warm smile. “I’m over it already.”

n“Really?” Her response caused him to raise an eyebrow, however if she was hiding the truth then she was doing it pretty well.

n“Really.” Alice said, waving her hand as if shooing him away. “Now, you better get going. Weren’t you in a hurry a moment ago?”

n“Well… if you say you’re fine then…”

nSam still had some doubts but decided to trust what she said. Once he closed the door to the commander’s office Alice was finally able to relax.

nShe let herself slump over her desk pushing the piles of papers aside. The conversation they had played in her mind on repeat. She was sure she was doing just fine until he started talking about sleeping with the weapons. At that point the mask hiding her true feelings slipped off and the embarrassment she had been suppressing resurfaced.

nAlice was sure Sam doesn’t know that she knows what he did the other night, however it was clear that he felt something was off which is why he decided to end the conversation right then and there.

n“But… he really is a man, huh…” Alice said, the image of her childhood friend appearing in her mind. “Does that mean he wants to…”

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