#and thus the brainrot continues

[cell151]

Okay, after this depressing Signalis idea, here's a happier one.

A much needed smoke break in a side corridor...

It was one of the few places in the facility where there was a spot that was out of view of the security cameras. No one would report such an oversight.

Maybe Adler, Star thought as she took a drag of her cigarette. She glanced at her superior officer fidget with her cigarette. The Storch was not a heavy smoker but always took a cigarette when offered. Sometimes she would light it and puff or she would do as she did now: roll it between her fingers. She often did that pens, paperclips or anything small she got her hand on.

"Ration for your thoughts, comrade," Star said playfully.

Storch took a deep breath and cleared her throat. "I really enjoy having you under my command. I value your skill and company, comrade."

Formal as always. "Is this my employee review?"

"If you like." Storch popped the cigarette in her and leaned down for Star to light it for her. "Danke." She took a drag on it and grimaced at the taste. "Would you forgive me for being blunt about something?"

Star shrugged. "You always are."

Storch took another drag on her cigarette and contemplated her next set of words. "I have feelings for you, Starling."

Star nearly spat out her cigarette, managing to grab it as she coughed. "What?" she wheezed.

"Shhh! Not so loud! The walls literally have ears." Storch checked the nearby vents for any eavesdropping Arars. For all their complaints about being overworked, the worker units had time to learn everyone's business.

"How come you didn't tell me sooner Legs? And why now?"

"To answer the latter, it's been pestering me lately and I wanted give you notice in case you wanted to switch to a different Storch." She noticed Star giggling to herself. "What? I want to be professional about this."

"Storch, be honest, is anything professional around here?" Star waved her hand around. As if on cue, a whole set of lights down the corridor flickered and died. "Not exactly Heimat or the space stations around Tannhauser Gate."

"I hold myself to a higher standards than most."

Star grinned. "Oh I know." She playfully poked Storch in the side prompting a snort from the taller Protektor.

Storch blushed and cleared her throat again. "Also I noticed you were quite close with the Eule in D Block. I didn't want to interfere and I didn't know if you were...interested...in me." She let the cigarette fall from her hand and she stepped on it. "That's it."

Star nodded and took one last drag of her cigarette before putting it out. "To answer that last question." She lifted her hand and placed it on Storch's chest armor. "I am."

Storch's eyes went wide. Protektor units didn't engage in casual physical contact, unless the Stars were sparing, and one certainly didn't put their hands on another unit's armor. A jab to one's chest armor was invitation for an ass kicking. A gentle touch was something different.

Storch nodded in understanding which prompted Star to cover her mouth to stifle a laugh.

"As for the conflict that you raised, I guess I'll just have to upgrade from a duo to a trio."

This idea was completely foreign to Storch. "Wait. What?"

"Of course. Having two girlfriends doesn't break the Rule of Six." Star grinned as she saw Storch fight back laughter. Her fingers started drumming on the hilt of her baton as the Replika had to find something to fidget with as she went through a round of mental gymnastics.

"Huh," was Storch's conclusion after she composed herself. "I'm quite surprised by all this, Starling."

Star shrugged. "What can I say, Legs? I like to live an adventurous life."

Now it was Storch's turn to grin. "You mean like the time you almost blew up the ammunition dump because you wanted a smoke break?"

"That happened one time!"

A few cycles later...

Eule was excited for her meet up with Star, who said she had a surprise. The door opened and Star greeted her with a kiss.

"Hello there. Little Owl, I want you to meet a close friend of mine and hopefully she'll be a close of ours."

The Eule was shocked to see the taller Protektor standing in the room.

"Guten tag," Storch said with an awkward wave.

"O-Oh! Hello!" Eule let out a yelp as Star picked her up, sat on the bed and placed her on her lap. The smaller Replika's cheeks burned as Storch came over and joined them.

"I'm hoping we could all be friends," the Star said, wrapping her arms around Eule's middle while the Storch gently ruffled her hair.

Eule nodded enthusiastically. JACKPOT! When the two Protektor units paused and then burst out laughing did she realize to her horror that she said that out loud.