Chapter 305: Chapter 305 - The Fox That Keeps Moving
Sitting behind a ’steering wheel’ while not actually doing much of anything... felt what I would imagine being placed on a throne while your advisors governed the kingdom all by itself could be like. There was just something deeply uncomfortable about surrendering control to the machine and trusting it with my interests - whether it has the capability of selfishness or not.
Even if it is bound to be a much better driver than a first timer with no developed instincts for the same required responses it has been programmed for. A smooth digital voice spoke out once I picked the first spot in the app.
"Destination set. Please remain seated while auto-pilot system is engaged. Estimated arrival time: 33 minutes."
As we pulled away from the building, the subtle vibration of the engine paired with the way buildings slid past the windows felt uncomfortable. Almost as much as being a passenger in a rideshare.
Twenty minutes into the drive, I set the second destination to override. Then again. And again. Making a bit of a circuitous way towards increasingly rural areas. Because no matter what I was promised, the vehicle is trackable to some extent.
> It is hard to imagine there are others as capable as Claire, but it would also be foolish to assume there is no one that can compete with her. <
"You really won’t take a straight line to anywhere if you can help it, will you."
Kyrie’s voice was drowsy after the hour of driving... and she had fiddled with the seat controls more than once to try and find more comfort. A few coughs that were not so intense that they freaked me out, but were unnatural sounding enough that they made me uncomfortable.
I’d also noticed she was more interested in watching me than the passing scenery. Which made the feeling in my chest further disagreeable.
Studying the system map had shown that, several miles ahead, a service road branched off into what looked like state forest land. At least according to the phone map I was comparing information to.
But it was one of the closest locations I could find that would allow us to park at a hopefully not too suspicious location. A small rest stop that I feel should not be completely out of line for a vehicle to be found abandoned at.
"This is where we stop. But not where we are staying. We’re going to need to continue on foot."
"Citra, I can barely walk steadily right now. How do you expect-"
"I’ll carry you again. I’ve carried things farther in worse conditions."
Such a claim was not entirely true, but close enough by ratios. A few of the sneaking adventures I’d had in my original world had gotten out of hand with exactly what I was taking out or bringing back over the palace wall by rope.
> My current body is stronger than my original one had been. Our hybrid form should have no problem with her for hours. Though it’s not exactly how I was picturing letting you and me run together in the forest again, my friend. <
Vrika didn’t have much of an opinion on that - its mood was still slightly sullen and on edge. She didn’t say anything back, either, but did sit up straighter as the vehicle pulled into a parking space.
Hitting the button to kill the engine, I climbed out of the driver’s seat... very grateful to be moving around again on my own. Having high stamina when active doesn’t exactly make sitting in the same position any easier.
Not when you are scared that you will tap one of the pedals with your foot and somehow make the death box technology do something it shouldn’t. With someone near by you are sure may not survive a crash.
"I’ll be right back. Lightening the amount of things we need to carry."
"Oh. Your... storage ability?"
Nodding, at her through the door on her side I’d opened, I walk around and pull our things out of the back before looking for the easiest way to hide what I’m about to do. Lifting the suitcase, so that it does not make any sound dragging wheels on the asphalt, I wander over to a retaining wall that abuts a hill slope leading into ’nowhere’.
At least according to the system map and the satellite images on my phone. But it also means there is nothing valuable this way and no cameras likely to be out there. Taking a breath, I sat the white luggage down and test some hops.
> Doesn’t seem too high. But I won’t be able to reach back down. Maybe I should look for another spot... no, you’re right. I’ve already wasted a lot of time and not let her get the rest she needs. <
Everything I’m doing is probably making her tense instead of relaxing her. Which is why I hope she has not tried to climb out or watch in a mirror as I sling the suitcase up high and then leap to scramble up the wall. Catching it and falling back onto the grass, I sigh.
"What am I doing...?"
I know I should be hurrying - I mean, I just left her in the vehicle with the door open. It’s almost like how I wandered off that night in the forest - to go get our things - isn’t it? But the moment of *stopping* has gotten me again.
Laying there, looking up at the stars. Stars that Helene recognizes but I would not. Out here, helping someone that I would but she would not.
My mind drifts and my body doesn’t want to move. Until a bird I must be disturbing by being so near its nest sounds a short, alarmed squawk.
"I’m not after you, calm down."
Grumbling softly, I roll over and continue toward my goal. A break in the trees around the hill. The sight of the shipping container simply *appearing* after the moment of blue glow as I set the position is something I should be used to by now.
I quickly put away our things, pretty much ripping items out of my own bag to clear it, and gathered what we’d need. Draining a bottle of water while taking the scent blocker for the first time myself, I stuff more of both in the bag for Kyrie.
> Kind of funny that the first time I would use one of these to hide my scent... would not be because people were after *me*. <