The Last Place to Stand by Redshaw Aaron K

Author:Redshaw, Aaron K. [Redshaw, Aaron K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Setzel Publishing
Published: 2014-03-18T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 31

While Poke was busy stoking the fire, getting ready for lunch, X4287 approached her. She had not seen him all day even though he was still staying with them. He seemed to be doing better and was going regularly to the meetings to cope with the transition. He was not a talkative man, but more contemplative. He stepped up to her and stood by the fire. “Hi,” she said.

“Hi,” he answered back.

“Have you had a good day?” she asked.

“I think so,” he said. “I hope so, anyway.”

“So,” she said uncertain what to say next, “have you come to any conclusions?”

“Yes,” he said. “I like it here. I have also decided on a name. It has taken me a lot of thought, but I think I have one I like.”

“Let me hear it,” she said.

“Zosimus,” he said. “I learned the name after talking to the boy, Hamlet.”

“I have never heard a name like that before,” she said, “What does it mean?”

“It means ‘likely to survive’ in Greek. I am happy that I have survived so far, but I like the idea that I will continue to survive.”

“That sounds good,” she said. She poked at the fire. “It is a name with some hope attached, and that is always needed.”

“I think so too,” he said as he sat down. What gives you hope?”

“I don't know. I guess my family.” She looked to one side for a second as if thinking of something else and said, “and...something else.”

“What is that?” he asked.

“The past,” she said. “The past life I had with the Technos was dark and lacked any sense of hope. I was rescued, and knowing that can happen for people, that they can be so lifeless one day and the next full of thoughts about the future. That gives me hope. Not just for myself, but for others. It gives me hope to see them have hope.”

“That is a good thought,” said Zosimus. “That is a very good thought.”

After a short pause, Zosimus continued, “You know, I enjoy thinking more than I ever imagined I would. When I had the feeds, I never could think. I did not have time, or headspace. I was lacking a whole life in just thinking. Now I like to observe and then think about what I observed. I like to listen and then think about what I heard. Then there are times that I will just think about things I have thought about before, but from a different perspective. I think that is one thing I enjoy most: the ability to think.”

She looked at him and smiled. “It's a wonderful thing, isn't it?”

“It certainly is,” he said. “And what you told me about the past tragedy giving me hope for the future. That was something to think about too.”

“I'm glad to hear it,” she said.

Odysseus approached the fire.

“Hello, Odysseus,” said Poke.

“Hello, Poke,” said Odysseus. “And hello to you X4287.”

“My name is Zosimus,” said Zosimus. “It means likely to survive.”

“A very good name,” said Odysseus. Then turning to Poke, “My wife and I are very excited about the new place.

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