Chapter Text
There was something off about this case. It wasn't just because of their own crewmates trying to kill them or the fact that Cook was dead. Something had been itching at Guard’s mind the whole day, demanding their attention like a bored petmate screaming in their ear. Actually, it wasn't just the case that was off, it was everything. Maybe it only felt that way because Cook was dead.
Cook was the one person that they could trust on this hellhole of a ship. So why was it that memories of them felt so vague? It wasn't right. There were details that stuck out to them such as the warmth of Cook’s smile, or the friendliness of their demeanor, but the details were just so fuzzy.
Actually, everything from before starting the day in security was as fuzzy as an apple left out on a table for a month. Gross… That was a mental image Guard regretted giving themself.
There was something wrong and they weren't going to stop until they found the truth.
Thinking aloud, they muttered to themself, “something's missing. Like a book on the top of a shelf, there's a key detail that's just out of reach. If I can't figure out why my memories from before today feel vague as a water color painting made by a mini crewmate, how will I be able to solve this case? I've gotta get to the bottom of this.”
Just then, it felt as if reality flickered. It was if someone was messing with a light switch switch, but instead of lights it was time being messed with.
They must've imagined it, but they still strained their senses to try and pick up anything.
The faintest whisper of a voice, one that belonged to nobody they knew, could just barely be heard. It was like listening to something while under water, but their finely honed sense of hearing could mostly make out the words.
“Why did they say that? Why does it sound like they might suspect things aren't real?”
“Relax, Operator. This is perfectly normal, Guard just says random things occasionally. There is no chance of any of our AIs becoming self aware. Just keep going with the simulation and find out who the imposter is.”
That can't have been real, right? Has their own brain been added to the list of things they can't trust? It just doesn't make sense. They can't afford to let themself slip, not when there's still an imposter to stop. Best not to think about anything else for now.
What are they even saying?! How could they possibly ignore what they just heard? That would be closing their eyes while watching the cameras, preposterous!
They'd find the truth. Just like they'd find the imposter and clear their name, they'd figure out exactly what's going on.
The case took precedence, but they'd keep an eye out for anything else out of place. This would stick to their mind like gum in their fur.
…
Operator exited the simulation, they'd run out of time for the day. Removing the headset and stepping out of the machine always left them just a bit disoriented.
Something had been bothering them about what Guard had said. Management insisted that it was nothing, but could they really be certain? What if they were wrong, what if Guard was alive?
Would Guard hate them? They probably would. That wasn't fun to think about. They liked Guard a lot, they were so cool! Getting to play the role of Guard was fun, it was like they were the protagonist of one of their mystery holo shows.
Was it selfish to secretly hope that Guard could somehow be their friend?
“Operator, it's time for me to show you where the dorms are. Follow me!”
That snapped them out of their thoughts and they began following Management.