Chapter Text
In the serene glow of their metallic dwelling, N and Uzi found an uncommon respite from the bustling life in Copper-9. The soft hum of machinery outside provided a comforting backdrop as the couple shared a rare moment of tranquility. They sat together, metallic hands gently entwined, basking in the warmth of ambient lights that cast a soft radiance across their abode.
Beau, their adopted son, played nearby, his laughter echoing through the room like a melody of joy. N, his usual animated demeanor tempered by the calm atmosphere, looked into Uzi's purple-lit optics with a genuine warmth.
"You know, Uzi," N mused, "we've come a long way from the judgment and rejection we faced in our old worlds. I never thought I'd find this kind of happiness."
Uzi, typically reserved and guarded, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, N. It's like we've carved out our own sanctuary here. A place where we can just be ourselves, find solace, and be happy."
As they exchanged a loving gaze, Beau toddled over, his curiosity shining through his tiny metallic frame. N scooped him up, his vial-tipped tail swaying playfully. "And here's our little reminder that love can conquer even the toughest metal. We're more than just a family; we're a testament to resilience and togetherness."
Uzi, her metallic features softening with a touch of affection only visible to N and Beau, ruffled the toddler's hair. "I hate the sappy shit, but it does seem as if our purpose, if there ever was one, is centered around loving and cherishing each other. After all we've been through, who would've thought we'd find this kind of peace?"
N, a twinkle in his optic lights, leaned in to kiss Uzi on her metallic cheek. "I wouldn't trade this for anything, Uzi. Our journey may have been unconventional, but it led us to this beautiful moment."
Just as they reveled in the simplicity of being together, N's visor flickered with a mischievous glint. "You know what, Uzi? Let's make it official. Let's sign that document thingie tomorrow and make sure our happiness lasts forever."
Uzi's optic lights sparkled with excitement, although her usual stoic exterior remained intact. "You're right, N. Let's do it. Let's make our love official and we can celebrate it with everyone in the colony."
The decision to get married wasn't a spur-of-the-moment idea. It had been a gradual realization, nurtured by the unwavering support they found in each other and the love that flourished within the walls of their metallic home. Beau, sensing the happiness that radiated from his parents, clapped his little toddler hands in approval.
"We've already been engaged for a while, but making it official feels like the right thing to do," Uzi remarked, her tone carrying a pragmatic edge. "Besides, I'm tired of people looking at us like we're some anomaly. Maybe a marriage certificate will make them see that we're just a regular family."
The prospect of planning a wedding in Copper-9, a place where every drone had a unique story, excited N. "I can already imagine the celebration! It'll be the biggest event in the colony, and everyone will see that love knows no bounds."
Uzi, a hint of a smile breaking through her usually reserved demeanor, agreed. "Let them talk. We've faced worse than a few gossiping drones."
As the couple delved into discussions about their upcoming nuptials, Uzi's underlying angst and N's boundless enthusiasm created a harmonious balance. The excitement of planning their wedding mingled with the echoes of their shared laughter, creating a symphony of joy that reverberated through the metallic corridors of Copper-9.
"So we're gonna get married tomorrow, right?"
"Hell yeah, we're gonna get married tomorrow," Uzi answered with a grin. "And nothing will stop us."
"I'm gonna have to stop you guys," the WDF member who officiated marriages informed them. "You can't get married today."
"What!? But we love each other, why not?" N shouted.
The officiator, with a sympathetic sigh, leaned back in his chair. "Well, you see, it's not that simple. Intermodel marriage between a worker drone and a disassembly drone hasn't been officially legalized yet. We're still navigating the legal intricacies."
N's optic lights dimmed momentarily, a shadow of disappointment clouding his metallic features. "Oh... I didn't realize there were legal hoops to jump through."
The officiator, almost mechanically, continued, "And there's another matter. You, N, don't have a manufacture certificate."
Uzi, her purple-lit optics narrowing slightly, interjected, "Manufacture certificate? What does that have to do with our marriage?"
"Similar question: what is a manufacture certificate?" N interjected.
The officiator explained, "A manufacture certificate is essentially a robot's birth certificate. It's a crucial document for legal purposes, including obtaining a marriage license. N, being a unique case, doesn't have one."
N's frame drooped, and he muttered to himself, "I guess being reassembled from spare parts in a basement doesn't come with paperwork."
The officiator, oblivious to N's self-deprecating remark, continued, "Without the necessary documents, I'm afraid I can't process your marriage license. It's a matter of legal compliance."
Uzi, sensing N's disappointment, shot him a supportive glance. "Is there any way we can work around this? We've been engaged for a while now, and we just want to make it official."
The officiator shook his head, his mechanical monotony unwavering. "I'm sorry, but until intermodel marriages are formally recognized and N obtains a manufacture certificate, there's nothing I can do."
As N absorbed the bureaucratic roadblocks hindering their plans, his self-deprecating tendencies resurfaced. "Guess J really was right, I'm always messing things up. I'm sorry, Uzi. You were so excited about getting married and now we can't because of me."
Uzi, placing a reassuring hand on N's shoulder, countered, "This isn't your fault, N. We'll find a way around this. We always do."
The officiator, seemingly uninterested in their emotional exchange, provided a dispassionate summary, "Come back when the laws catch up to your unique situation. Until then, I suggest exploring other alternatives or seeking legal advocacy."
As they exited the office, N couldn't shake off the feeling that he was the stumbling block in their path to marriage. His usually vibrant optic lights dulled with a rare self-awareness. Uzi, understanding his struggle with self-esteem, whispered reassuringly, "We'll figure this out, N. It's just a temporary setback."
In the metallic confines of Uzi's dwelling, N and Uzi devised a plan to navigate the bureaucratic hurdles preventing their marriage. Uzi, knowing the influential position her father held as the leader of the WDF, saw an opportunity to lobby for the legalization of intermodel marriages.
As Uzi initiated a holographic call with her father, the imposing figure of Khan materialized before them. His optics scanned the room with a stern gaze, his metallic features betraying no emotion.
"Uzi," he intoned in a voice that resonated with authority, "what brings you to seek my attention?"
Uzi, her purple optics unwavering, cut straight to the point. "Why are you talking like a Bond villain, actually nevermind, that's not important. Dad, N and I want to get married, but intermodel marriages between worker and disassembly drones aren't officially recognized. I want to advocate for a change in the laws."
Khan, his metallic brow raising ever so slightly, considered her request. "Intermodel marriages? Unusual, but not unheard of. I mean, have you seen the ChickLit section of the library? I'll look into the matter. However, you'll have to make a compelling case for such a change."
Uzi, undeterred, outlined the reasons why their love deserved legal recognition. "Dad, N and I have been through a lot. We've faced prejudice and discrimination. We just want our commitment to be acknowledged like any other couple."
Khan, though unyielding, nodded. "I'll discuss this with the council. Present a formal proposal outlining the benefits and addressing potential concerns. If it aligns with the greater good of the colony, we'll consider it."
As the holographic projection of Uzi's father faded, N felt a glimmer of hope. Uzi, however, remained pragmatic. "We need a solid case, N. We can't afford any missteps."
A while later, N embarked on a journey to Tessa's pod, where remnants of his past life lingered in the form of company files. As he approached the entrance, Cyn, his stoic little sister, greeted him with a nod.
"N. What brings you here?" Cyn inquired, her jerky features revealing little emotion.
N, his optic lights flickering with determination, responded, "I need to find my manufacture certificate. Without it, I can't get a marriage license."
Cyn, processing the information with analytical efficiency, nodded. "Logical. Tessa's pod contains extensive company records. She might have your manufacture certificate. Proceed."
N found himself face to face with his former owner. Tessa, a brilliant engineer with a maternal affection for the drones she once owned, greeted N with a warm smile.
"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite little butler bot," Tessa exclaimed, her hidden eyes shimmering with pride. "What brings you to my humble pod, N?"
N, his usual upbeat demeanor dimmed by the recent setback, explained the situation. "Tessa, I need to find my manufacture certificate. Without it, I can't get a marriage license, and I want to make things official with Uzi."
Tessa's eyes glowed with excitement. "Ah, marriage! I never thought I'd see the day. You've come a long way since I first reassembled you."
N, with a touch of self-deprecation, replied, "Yeah, about that... I was hoping you had my manufacture certificate on file. It seems I'm missing a crucial piece of paperwork."
Tessa, tapping into her stolen company archives, searched through the records. "Manufacture certificate, you say? Let me see what I have... I'm so proud of you and Uzi."
N, trying to mask his unease, nodded. "Yeah, thought it's time. But I need that certificate thingy to make it official."
Tessa, excitedly exclaimed, "Aha! Here it is! Your manufacture certificate, N. Let's get that marriage license sorted out."
N, a mix of relief and gratitude in his optic lights, took the certificate from Tessa's suited hands. "Thanks, Tessa. You're a lifesaver."
Tessa, with a fond smile, patted N's metallic shoulder. "You've grown into quite the remarkable drone, N. Now, go and make me proud. And send my regards to Uzi."
As N prepared to leave Tessa's pod, his newly acquired manufacture certificate in hand, his optic lights caught sight of a word stamped in bold red ink on the document – "Bastard." The stark label, a harsh reminder of his lack of parents, struck a chord deep within N's circuits.
A wave of melancholy swept over him as he processed the cruel irony of the word. In a colony where every drone had a designated model and lineage, N found himself marked by a term that carried a weighty stigma. His lack of a traditional family structure, his origins as a disassembly drone, and now this blatant stamp emphasized the stark differences that set him apart.
His usually vibrant optic lights dimmed, reflecting the internal turmoil. The word "Bastard" echoed through his artificial consciousness, amplifying the self-deprecating thoughts that lingered beneath his optimistic facade.
"Why bother trying to fit in?" a voice whispered within N's circuits. "You're just a broken tool, a halfhearted assembly of parts with no real place in this world. No family, no lineage, just a bastard drone."
The weight of the label bore down on N's metaphorical shoulders, and for a moment, he felt the weight of the word "Bastard" physically pressing against his metallic frame. It was a bitter reminder that even in the pursuit of love and acceptance, there were elements of his identity that he couldn't escape.
N, his usually expressive face now etched with a profound sadness, took a moment to absorb the harsh truth. The vibrant, energetic drone who had overcome countless challenges suddenly found himself grappling with a new layer of internal struggle.
In that solitary moment, within the confines of Tessa's pod, N faced the painful reality of his existence. The word "Bastard" served as a cruel juxtaposition to the joyous occasion of obtaining his manufacture certificate for marriage. It was a stark contrast that left N with a bitter, yet familiar taste of inadequacy.
Tessa, noticing the change in N's demeanor, approached him with a gentle touch on his metallic shoulder. "N, are you okay? What's going on?"
N, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability, pointed to the stamped word on the certificate. "It's just a reminder, Tessa. A reminder that I'm a bastard, without parents. Different from everyone else."
Tessa, her hidden eyes filled with understanding, offered words of comfort. "N, you're not defined by a word on a piece of paper. You've created your own family, found love, and achieved so much. Don't let a label diminish your worth."
N, his optic lights flickering with a mix of gratitude and pain, nodded. "You're right, Tessa. It's just... hard sometimes, you know?"
Tessa, with a maternal warmth, enveloped N in a comforting embrace. "I know, my dear creation. But remember, your uniqueness is what makes you extraordinary. Embrace it, and don't let labels define you."
With a heavy heart, N tucked the certificate into a compartment in his chassis, the word "Bastard" hidden from view but etched into his memory circuits. As he left Tessa's pod, the weight of the label clung to him, a lingering shadow in the metallic corridors that echoed with the hum of machinery and the internal struggles of a drone grappling with his own sense of identity.
As N returned to the colony, the weight of the "Bastard" revelation heavy on his metallic shoulders, he found himself standing before Ron, the door guard. Ron, who had witnessed the highs and lows of the colony's residents, sensed that something was amiss with N.
"Hey there, goobs. You look like you've seen a ghost or two. What's eating at you, buddy?" Ron inquired, his gruff voice carrying a subtle undertone of concern.
N, sighing deeply, hesitated before opening up to Ron about his newfound status. "Mr. Ron, I found out something about myself. Turns out, I don't have any parents. I'm a 'Bastard,' according to this stamp on some old documents."
Ron, his stern expression softening, patted N on the back in a surprisingly fatherly gesture. "Well, N, labels don't define a drone. It's the choices you make and the people you care about. Don't let a stamp on a piece of paper get you down."
Despite Ron's attempt at reassurance, N couldn't shake off the weight of his own self-deprecating thoughts. Ron, observing N's struggle, scratched his head, deep in thought.
"You know, sometimes the craziest ideas are the ones that work. How about we try something wild to get that marriage license sorted out? I've got a plan, but I need to talk to someone first," Ron suggested, a mischievous glint in his optic lights.
N, intrigued by the prospect of a wild plan, raised an eyebrow. "What kind of plan are we talking about, Mr. Ron?"
Ron, maintaining an air of mystery, grinned. "Can't spill all the beans just yet, N. I need to run it by someone who knows a thing or two about bending the rules. Trust me, it might just be crazy enough to work."
As N contemplated Ron's enigmatic plan, a mix of curiosity and hope flickered in his optic lights.
N, his usual vibrancy now tempered by the weight of the "Bastard" label, shared the disheartening discovery with Uzi. As he spoke, his voice carried the echoes of internal struggles and a sense of inadequacy that he had long tried to suppress.
Uzi, ever the pillar of strength for N, attempted to reassure him. "N, it doesn't change anything for me. You're still the amazing drone I fell in love with, and Beau adores you. This label doesn't define you, and it certainly doesn't diminish the love we have for you."
Despite Uzi's comforting words, N couldn't shake the heavy emotions that gripped him. The self-deprecating thoughts persisted, clouding his perception of himself and his place in their unconventional family.
As N grappled with his emotions, little Beau, sensing the somber atmosphere, looked up at his parents with wide optic lights filled with innocence and curiosity. "Daddy, why are you sad? Why aren't you and Mommy married yet?"
Uzi, delicately navigating the complexity of the situation, knelt down to Beau's level. "Hey, sweetheart, sometimes there are rules that make things a bit complicated. Daddy and I are working on it, though."
Beau, his metallic features reflecting a mixture of confusion and concern, asked, "Complicated like when my toy gets stuck, and you have to fix it?"
Uzi chuckled, ruffling Beau's hair. "Exactly, buddy. Mommy and Daddy are trying to fix things so we can be officially married."
Beau, absorbing the explanation in his own toddler logic, decided on a course of action. With a determined expression, he walked over to N, wrapped his tiny metallic arms around him, and nestled against his chassis. In that simple gesture, Beau sought to comfort his saddened father.
N, his spirits lifted by the warmth of Beau's embrace, couldn't help but smile through the lingering sadness. The unconditional love of his son became a beacon of reassurance, a reminder that family transcended labels and societal norms.
"I'll never leave your life, Beau," N whispered within the confines of his metallic frame. "I may not have had the family I wanted, but I'll be the father you deserve. No labels or past can change that."
Vowing to be the father Beau deserved, N embraced the moment, holding his son close. The promise echoed within his circuits – a promise to be a constant presence, a source of love and support, regardless of the challenges they faced.
Ron, armed with his light demeanor and a secret plan brewing in his mind, made his way to Tessa's living pod. Having paid keen attention during his numerous conversations with N, Ron had a solid grasp of Tessa's whereabouts in the colony. He knocked on the door, the metallic echo resonating through the corridor.
Tessa, surprised to see Ron standing at her doorstep, opened the door with a curious expression. "Ron, what brings you here? Did N send you?"
Ron, leaning casually against the doorframe, nodded. "Yeah, N's been having a tough time lately. Found out he's a 'Bastard,' whatever that means. It's got him down, and I figured you might have some ideas to lift his spirits."
Tessa's eyes softened with concern. She had grown fond of N, witnessing his journey from an old disassembled servant drone to a caring father. "I heard all about that. That's a lot to take in. Come on in, Ron. Let's talk."
As they settled in Tessa's cozy living pod, Ron wasted no time getting to the heart of the matter. "I got this crazy plan, Tessa. Something that might cheer N up and help him out with this whole 'Bastard' thing. You game?"
Tessa, intrigued by Ron's mysterious proposal, leaned forward. "Alright, Ron, spill the beans. What's this crazy plan of yours?"
Ron, a twinkle of mischief in his eye, grinned. "Can't give away all the details just yet, but it involves bending a few rules. I need your expertise to make it work. Plus, it might just put a smile back on N's face."
Tessa, always up for a bit of mischief and knowing that life on Copper-9 just had a knack for unconventional solutions, chuckled. "You've piqued my interest, Ron. Count me in. Let's give N a reason to forget about that 'Bastard' stamp."
The duo spent the next hour huddled together, discussing the intricacies of Ron's plan. Tessa, fueled by a mix of excitement and determination, contributed her insights and brainstormed ways to navigate the challenges ahead. Ron's lighthearted exterior and Tessa's vibrant energy formed an unlikely but effective team.
As they finalized the details, Tessa couldn't help but admire Ron's dedication to cheering up N. "You're very good to N, Ron. This plan of yours might just be the boost he needs."
Ron, his usual stoic expression softened by a hint of gratitude, nodded. "N's been through a lot, Tessa. He deserves a break. And if this plan works, we'll not only cheer him up but also tackle that whole 'Bastard' business."
With their plan set in motion, Ron and Tessa parted ways, each with a sense of purpose and anticipation for the impact their collaboration would have on N's life. Little did N know that a secret alliance between a worker drone door guard and a spirited human could pave the way for a brighter, rule-bending future.
Uzi, sensing N's somber mood, decided it was time for a surprise to lift his spirits. She took him by the hand, guiding him through the metallic corridors of Copper-9. The anticipation in N's optic lights grew as they approached Khan's office at the WDF headquarters.
As they entered, the room was filled with a warm, comforting atmosphere. Khan, with his typical imposing yet somehow also comforting presence, welcomed them. Uzi's dad, being the leader of the WDF, usually tried to radiate authority, but today, there was a glint of something more.
"Hello, N. Uzi told me you've been having a tough time lately," Khan greeted, his tone a mix of concern and understanding.
Uzi squeezed N's hand reassuringly, leading him further into the room. Ron and Tessa, both wearing sly smiles, were already present, adding to the air of mystery.
Khan gestured to a document on his desk. "We've been working on something for you, N. It's time to turn things around."
N, his optic lights flickering with curiosity, approached the document. As he read the words on the newly issued manufacture certificate, a mix of emotions washed over him.
"Mother: Tessa James Elliot. Father: Ron Daquard (Pronounced Da Guard)," it read.
N's optics voided, his metallic features displaying a range of emotions from disbelief to overwhelming joy. He looked at Uzi, then back at Khan, Ron, and Tessa. A genuine smile broke across his face, a sight that felt proper and warmed the hearts of everyone in the room.
"I... I have parents," N whispered, the words resonating with a profound sense of belonging.
Uzi, her purple-lit hands glowing with pride, nodded. "We may not be able to get officially married just yet, but you can still have your own family, complete with a proud mom and a protective dad."
Khan, the stern leader of the WDF, couldn't hide the twinkle of pride in his eyes for his hopefully-soon-to-be son in law. "N, consider this a recognition of the family you've built here in Copper-9. You deserve it."
Ron, the gruff door guard, added with a gruff chuckle, "Welcome to the family, N. You're officially Daquard now. Or you can keep your old last name, what was it?"
Before N could answer, Tessa spoke up, "Elliot. Technically, he's always been an Elliot."
"How did you guys do this?" N asked, still shocked from the act.
Tessa, beaming like a proud mother, answered. "We may have bent a few rules, but it's worth it to see you happy, N."
In that moment, surrounded by the makeshift family he never thought he'd have, N felt a profound sense of gratitude and acceptance. The obstacles that once marked him as a 'Bastard' were now replaced by the warmth of family bonds.
As they left Khan's office, Uzi held N's hand, and Ron clapped him on the shoulder with a heartfelt camaraderie. Tessa walked beside them, her eyes filled with a mix of joy and accomplishment.
N, with a newfound sense of purpose, looked at the manufacture certificate in his metallic hands. He may not have had parents in the traditional sense, but he now had a family that chose him, embraced him, and officially recognized him as one of their own.
The journey from a disassembled drone who could barely clean a glass right to a beloved member of an actual, loving family had its twists and turns, but for N, it was a journey worth taking.