Does Omega Dream of Electric Friends? · Chapter 7
Gunfight at the O-K Warehouse
???
I'll give you one more chance.
Swear loyalty to me.
Cube Palace
Cross-referencing authorized commanders...
Negative. Identifier [Khan] is not registered as an authorized commander.
Additional note. Registration as an authorized commander requires qualifications.
???
Qualifications? What qualifications?
Cube Palace
Intellectual capability above a certain threshold.
???
Wh-why you little...!
Omega
Cube!! Cube, are you okay?!
Omega's here!
Gaunt Man
Ah, the brat who was hanging around with the relic.
Didn't think you'd find me so quickly... you're pretty resourceful.
I am—
Omega
Cube! Sorry for leaving you behind!
Omega's come to rescue you!
Gaunt Man
I am Khan, an offi—
Cube Palace
Caution. Omega Control's actions show poor judgment.
Coming to retrieve this unit is not a significant issue. However, Omega Control should not have come alone.
Immediate retreat is recommended.
Gaunt Man
I am Khan, an officer of Car—
Omega
No way! Omega's friend is trapped!
Gaunt Man
Listen to people when they talk, you damn tin cans!!
Omega
Oh, sorry!
Omega just had a lot to say to Cube.
...So, who are you?
Gaunt Man
...Ahem. Ahem.
Khan
I am Khan, an officer of Carbonpunk. Carbonpunk is where folks who—
Omega
So your name is Khan!
Now then, give Cube back!
Khan
...
Omega
Oh, looks like he wasn't done. Omega interrupted again.
Omega's sorry! Omega will listen properly this time!
Khan
...Nah, never mind. The mood's ruined.
Omega
Eh. Omega was listening, though?
Cube Palace
Evaluation. Identifier [Khan]is the type who masks a fragile heart with aggressive behavior.
Khan
Sh-shut up! You damn tin can...!
Who said I'm sulking?! I'll just start over, dammit!
...Ahem. Hmm. You're quite resourceful for a kid.
I am Khan, an officer of Carbonpunk.
Carbonpunk is where folks who decided to put [ancient relics] to [good use] come together.
Omega
Ancient relics...?
You mean the stuff Daddy made?
Khan
I don't know where they came from. Don't care, either.
What matters is that they make you stronger.
Omega
That's why you took Cube?
Because you thought Cube would give you power?
Khan
That's right. Don't know how this thing did it...
But word is, this tin can blew half of some boring church-folks' hideout to bits not long ago.
With that kind of power, the other Carbonpunk officers can't look down on me anymore.
And the offer's open to you too.
Omega
Eh, to Omega?
Khan
Right. From what I heard, you said you were lonely and had no friends, didn't you?
Same here. Before I got this enhanced exoskeleton, they treated me like gum on their shoe.
Of course, if you refuse, this tin can here won't—
Omega
Yes! Sounds good!
Khan
...
Just like that?
Omega
So you also wanted to be Omega's friend all along!
Were you too embarrassed to say it? Is that why you talked to Cube?
You didn't have to be—
Khan
Don't give me that crap!!
I'm Khan! Khan of Carbonpunk!
Don't you try to undermine my authority with that soft, mushy nonsense!
Omega
Looks like the new friend is shy.
Then, friend, let Cube Palace go!
Khan
What?
Omega
Cube is Omega's friend. And Khan is Omega's friend too.
Which makes Cube Khan's friend. You can't be mean to your friends!
Khan
...Hah, just as I thought!
Acting all docile, just waiting for me to release this tin can, weren't you?
Omega
Eh.
Khan
Planning to bare your fangs the moment I let it go?
Not a chance. This hunk of metal stays with me.
No release. Not until I'm sure you won't betray me.
Omega
O-Omega doesn't get it.
We're friends now. Why are you worried about that?
Friends trust each other, right? They help each other, right?
Khan
No, this is what [friends] really are.
Omega
Eh.
Khan
Friends turn their backs and walk away the moment you stop being useful, or the moment something doesn't go their way.
Power greater than theirs! Or weaknesses to hold over them! Get one or the other... or you can never trust a friend!
Omega
...
Omega doesn't really get it, but...
If you don't let Cube go, Omega can't be your friend.
Friends don't bully each other. That's what broken friends do.
Khan
...Fine. So that's how it's going to be.
Robber A
You little brat! Look at you, running wild!
Robber B
Time to pay you back for last time!
Omega
Huh? You're...
Guess Omega didn't fix you all the way. Omega didn't put in enough power! Right?
Robber C
...N-no, ma'am. We were fully repaired then.
Robber B
Civilization advanced thanks to dialogue and compromise, you see. Isn't that right?
Khan
Hey. My so-called partners.
You're getting awfully bold for guys within my arm's reach.
Robber B
Daaaaaaammn it all!
Robber C
Come at us, you damn brat!!
Omega
Okay, Omega can fix you as many times as it takes!
And Omega's going home with Cube!
Cube Palace
Threat assessment. Hostility level low. The enemies are no match for Omega Control.
Be mindful of remaining energy and eliminate them swiftly.
Omega
Okay! Got it!
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