[And it is here, in amongst all the other glaring, blatant differences, that one greater still presents itself: what she says would have gutted the boy she knows, would have forced him to pull back and to isolate himself from her, at least for a brief period. He has fought, long and hard, to be more. He fights still to be more.
But for this Ben, an X5 is all he has ever wanted to be. He is a good soldier, he is loyal, he is fierce and strong and he carries out every order he is issued. He performs. He is trustworthy to those above him. He is their sharp-edged tool and he finds glory in it, finds serenity, finds purpose. He nods, confused, because she obviously meant to hurt him with the words, but they are only true.
He moves closer, first one tentative step, and then closes the gap quickly to catch hold of her wrist.]
Abigail. I would never threaten you. You are upsetting yourself.
Come here. Let me take you back to where it's safe.
[ Spam ]
But for this Ben, an X5 is all he has ever wanted to be. He is a good soldier, he is loyal, he is fierce and strong and he carries out every order he is issued. He performs. He is trustworthy to those above him. He is their sharp-edged tool and he finds glory in it, finds serenity, finds purpose. He nods, confused, because she obviously meant to hurt him with the words, but they are only true.
He moves closer, first one tentative step, and then closes the gap quickly to catch hold of her wrist.]
Abigail. I would never threaten you. You are upsetting yourself.
Come here. Let me take you back to where it's safe.