Chapter 453: 418. Curie New Body
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In the quiet of the room, Sico lay back on the bed, staring at the cracked ceiling. His thoughts drifted to the future, to what lay ahead for Curie and for all of them. With that comforting thought, Sico closed his eyes, letting sleep take over as the sounds of Goodneighbor hummed softly in the background.
The next morning, Sico woke early, the first light of dawn filtering through the cracks in the walls of his room at Hotel Rexford. The sounds of Goodneighbor awakening were faint but growing—voices, footsteps, the occasional clang of metal. He stretched and sat up, feeling the weight of the day ahead pressing on him. Today was a significant day for Curie, and he hoped everything would go smoothly.
After a quick breakfast with Nick and the Minutemen soldiers, they set off for the Memory Den. The streets of Goodneighbor were just as gritty and tense as the day before, but there was a sense of purpose in their steps. They greeted familiar faces along the way, receiving nods of recognition and respect.
When they reached the Memory Den, the familiar scent of the place greeted them as they entered. Irma was seated in her usual spot, her eyes lighting up as she saw them.
"Back so soon?" Irma said with a knowing smile. "Dr. Amari's expecting you. She's been working through the night."
Sico gave her a grateful nod. "Thanks, Irma. We'll head down."
Without further delay, they made their way to the staircase at the back of the room. The familiar creak of the stairs accompanied their descent into the basement, where the hum of machinery and the glow of monitors created an atmosphere of focused intensity.
As they entered, they saw Dr. Amari standing near one of the memory pods, her attention focused on the two figures in front of her—a woman and a human synth body lying in the pod. Curie was nearby, her expression a mix of anticipation and calm.
Dr. Amari looked up as they approached, a tired but hopeful smile on her face. "Sico, Nick, good to see you. We've made some progress."
Sico's eyes flicked to the synth body in the pod. "Is that the body Curie will use?"
Amari nodded, her gaze softening. "Yes. This is G5-19's body. The synth was one of those who escaped the Institute with the help of the Railroad. Unfortunately, during the process, we had to perform a memory-wiping procedure, which left the synth in a vegetative state. The woman here is the caretaker who's been watching over G5-19 since then."
At that moment, the woman stepped forward, her face etched with lines of worry and weariness. She looked directly at Sico, her voice soft but steady. "You're the one who needs the body of G5-19?"
Sico met her gaze, his expression serious. "Yes, that's correct. My friend Curie will use the body. She's a medical robot with incredible knowledge and skills, and transferring her consciousness into this body will allow her to help improve healthcare across the Commonwealth."
The caretaker's eyes widened slightly as she glanced at Curie. There was a moment of silence as she absorbed Sico's words. Then, with a deep breath, she nodded, relief washing over her features. "If this will help people… if this will give G5-19's body a purpose, then I agree to the procedure. It's what she would have wanted—to help others."
Sico placed a hand over his heart, his gratitude evident. "Thank you. This means a lot to us and to everyone Curie will be able to help."
The caretaker gave a small smile, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'll leave you to it, then. Take good care of her." With a final nod to Dr. Amari, she turned and walked out of the basement, leaving a sense of solemnity in her wake.
Dr. Amari took a deep breath, turning back to the group. "Now that we have her approval, we can proceed. Curie, are you ready?"
Curie stepped forward, her voice steady and full of resolve. "I am ready, Dr. Amari. Let us begin."
Amari gestured towards the memory pod. "Alright, Curie, lie down in the adjacent pod. This will be a complex procedure, but with your cooperation, I'm confident we can make it work."
Curie moved to the pod and settled herself inside, her metal frame fitting snugly into the contours. Amari began adjusting the settings on the console, her fingers moving quickly over the controls.
Nick stepped up beside Sico, his brow furrowed. "This is it, huh? A big step for Curie."
Sico nodded, his eyes fixed on Curie. "Yeah. She's come a long way, and this is just the beginning."
As the procedure commenced, the room was filled with the low hum of machinery and the occasional beeping of monitors. Dr. Amari worked with precision, her focus unshakable. The transfer process was delicate, involving the careful extraction and implantation of Curie's consciousness.
Minutes felt like hours as the team watched in silence, the tension in the room palpable. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the hum of the machines began to quiet, and Dr. Amari stepped back, wiping her brow.
"It's done," she said, her voice tinged with both exhaustion and triumph. "Curie's consciousness has been successfully transferred into G5-19's body."
The pod holding the synth body hissed open, and slowly, Curie—now in her new human form—sat up, blinking as she adjusted to her new perspective. She looked at her hands, flexing her fingers, a look of awe and wonder on her face.
"I… I can feel," she said softly, her voice now carrying the warmth of a human tone. "The air, the textures… it is all so vivid."
Sico stepped forward, a broad smile spreading across his face. "Welcome back, Curie. How do you feel?"
Curie looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. "I feel… alive. It is an incredible experience. Thank you, Sico. Thank you, Dr. Amari. This is beyond anything I could have imagined."
Dr. Amari smiled warmly. "You've done well, Curie. This is a new beginning for you, one that will allow you to help so many more people."
Nick clapped Sico on the back, a grin on his face. "Looks like we've got ourselves a new ally in the fight to make the Commonwealth a better place."
Curie stepped out of the pod, taking her first tentative steps on human legs. Sico reached out to steady her, and she smiled at him, the expression filled with genuine affection and gratitude.
Dr. Amari stepped closer, her keen eyes observing every detail of Curie's newfound human form. She noted the slight hesitation in Curie's movements, the way her gaze flickered between her hands and her surroundings, the subtle twitch of her lips as she processed the flood of new sensations and emotions.
"Curie," Dr. Amari said gently, her voice a calming anchor amidst the storm of new experiences. "I need you to follow my instructions for a few basic tests. We need to ensure that everything is functioning correctly, both physically and mentally."
Curie nodded, though her expression revealed a mix of determination and underlying uncertainty. "Of course, Dr. Amari. I will do my best."
Amari smiled reassuringly. "Good. Let's start simple. Can you lift your arms for me, one at a time?"
Curie raised her left arm, her movements tentative but precise. She followed with her right, glancing at Amari for confirmation.
"Excellent," Amari said, making a note on her clipboard. "Now, rotate your wrists and wiggle your fingers."
Curie complied, watching her fingers move with a mixture of fascination and mild confusion. "It feels… peculiar. I can sense the muscles contracting, the tendons moving. It is both familiar and strange."
"That's completely normal," Amari assured her. "Your brain is adjusting to controlling this body. It'll take some time for everything to feel natural."
Nick leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're doing great, Curie. Better than most of us would, given the circumstances."
Curie managed a small smile in return. "Thank you, Nick. Your encouragement means a great deal to me."
Amari continued with the tests, having Curie walk a few steps, bend her knees, and perform other simple tasks to assess her motor functions. Each movement seemed to bring a bit more confidence to Curie's demeanor, though the underlying confusion about her new human feelings remained evident.
After a while, Amari placed a gentle hand on Curie's shoulder. "You're doing wonderfully, Curie. Now, let's talk about the emotional aspect. I can see this is overwhelming for you."
Curie's eyes softened, her brows knitting together as she processed her emotions. "Yes, it is… overwhelming. I feel things I never could before. There is a warmth in my chest, a tightness in my throat. I do not know how to describe it."
Sico stepped closer, his voice calm and supportive. "Those are human emotions, Curie. Happiness, fear, excitement, even confusion. It's all part of being human."
Curie nodded slowly, her gaze meeting Sico's. "It is a lot to take in. But it is also… beautiful. I am grateful for this opportunity, even if it is challenging."
Dr. Amari gave her an encouraging nod. "That's the right attitude, Curie. Remember, you're not alone in this. We're all here to help you navigate these new experiences."
Curie took a deep breath, the act itself feeling foreign yet comforting. "Thank you, all of you. I will do my best to adapt and learn."
Amari motioned for Curie to sit down. "Let's talk about what you're feeling, emotionally. It's important to acknowledge these sensations and understand them."
Curie hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice soft but resolute. "I feel… a sense of wonder and gratitude. But there is also a hint of fear. Fear of the unknown, of making mistakes, of not living up to expectations."
Sico crouched down in front of her, meeting her gaze with unwavering sincerity. "Curie, it's okay to feel that way. Everyone feels fear at some point. What matters is how you handle it, and I know you'll handle it with grace."
Nick chimed in, his tone light but supportive. "And don't forget, we've got your back. You're not in this alone."
Curie's lips curved into a genuine smile, the warmth of her friends' support easing the weight on her shoulders. "I am fortunate to have such wonderful friends. I will do my best to embrace this new life and all it entails."
Dr. Amari stood, her expression one of quiet pride. "You've already taken the first steps, Curie. The rest will come with time and experience. For now, I'd say you're off to a great start."
Curie rose to her feet, her movements now more fluid and confident. "Thank you, Dr. Amari. I will continue to learn and grow. This is just the beginning of my journey."
Sico nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. "And we'll be with you every step of the way, Curie. Let's head back to the surface and get some fresh air. You've earned it."
As they wrapped up their session, Sico turned to Dr. Amari, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Dr. Amari. We couldn't have done this without you."
Nick echoed the sentiment, his voice warm. "You've done a lot for us today. We owe you."
Dr. Amari smiled, though the weariness of a long night was evident on her face. "You're welcome. It's been a privilege to help. Curie, you've got a bright future ahead of you. Take care of yourself."
Curie gave a small, respectful bow. "Thank you, Dr. Amari. Your expertise and kindness have made this possible. I am deeply grateful."
With their goodbyes said, they made their way upstairs. The familiar creak of the wooden steps accompanied their ascent, and as they stepped into the main room of the Memory Den, Irma looked up from her desk.
"Done already?" she asked, a curious tilt to her head.
Sico nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Yep, and everything went well. Thanks for all your help, Irma."
Irma smiled, giving a small wave. "Anytime. Take care of yourselves out there."
The trio exchanged a few more pleasantries before stepping out into the bustling streets of Goodneighbor. The sun was higher in the sky now, casting long shadows across the cracked pavement. The familiar sights and sounds of the city greeted them—vendors hawking their wares, people chatting in small groups, and the distant hum of everyday life.
Sico turned to Curie, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Curie, now that you've got a human body, how about trying something new? Ever had real food before?"
Curie blinked, her head tilting slightly as she considered the suggestion. "Food… I have never consumed anything in the traditional sense. It would be a novel experience."
Nick chuckled, hands in his pockets. "You're in for a treat. Eating's one of the best parts of being human."
Sico led them toward a small street vendor nearby, the smell of grilled meat and fresh bread wafting through the air. The vendor greeted them with a friendly nod, and Sico quickly ordered a few simple dishes—a bowl of hearty stew, a fresh bread roll, and a small plate of roasted vegetables.
Curie watched intently as the vendor prepared the food, her curiosity piqued. When the meal was handed over, Sico took it and guided Curie to a nearby bench. They sat down, and Sico handed her a spoon.
"Alright, give it a try," he encouraged, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Curie took the spoon hesitantly, scooping up a small amount of stew. She brought it to her lips, her movements careful and deliberate. As the flavors hit her taste buds, her eyes widened in surprise.
"It is… remarkable," she said softly, her voice tinged with wonder. "The flavors, the textures… it is a complex and delightful experience."
Sico grinned, pleased by her reaction. "Welcome to the world of food, Curie. There's a whole universe of flavors out there waiting for you."
She took another bite, savoring the taste, then tried the bread and vegetables. Each new flavor brought a fresh wave of astonishment. "This is truly fascinating. I never imagined that eating could be such a pleasure."
Nick leaned back, watching her with amusement. "Told you. Food's one of life's simple joys. You're gonna love trying out different dishes."
Curie smiled, a genuine warmth spreading across her face. "I look forward to it. This is a wonderful new facet of human life to explore."
They spent a while longer enjoying the meal and each other's company. Curie's excitement and curiosity about her new human experiences were contagious, and Sico couldn't help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction seeing her so happy.
As they finished their meal, Sico leaned back, stretching his legs out in front of him. "You know, Curie, this is just the beginning. There's so much more for you to experience—good and bad. But with us by your side, you won't have to face it alone."
Curie's eyes softened, her expression filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Sico. Your support means more to me than words can express. I am ready to embrace this new life, challenges and all."
Nick gave her a thumbs-up. "That's the spirit. Let's head out and see what else the day has in store."
With renewed energy and a sense of purpose, they stood and began making their way through the streets of Goodneighbor, ready for whatever adventures awaited them next.
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• Name: Sico
• Stats :
S: 8,44
P: 7,44
E: 8,44
C: 8,44
I: 9,44
A: 7,45
L: 7
• Skills: advance Mechanic, Science, and Shooting skills, intermediate Medical, Hand to Hand Combat, Lockpicking, Hacking, Persuasion, and Drawing Skills
• Inventory: 53.280 caps, 10mm Pistol, 1500 10mm rounds, 22 mole rats meat, 17 mole rats teeth, 1 fragmentation grenade, 6 stimpak, 1 rad x, 6 fusion core, computer blueprint, modern TV blueprint, camera recorder blueprint, 1 set of combat armor, Automatic Assault Rifle, 1.500 5.56mm rounds, power armor T51 blueprint, Electric Motorcycle blueprint, T-45 power armor, Minigun, 1.000 5mm rounds, Cryolator, 200 cryo cell, Machine Gun Turret Mk1 blueprint, electric car blueprint, Kellogg gun, Righteous Authority, Ashmaker, Furious Power Fist, Full set combat armor blueprint, M240 7.62mm machine guns blueprint, Automatic Assault Rifle blueprint, and Humvee blueprint
• Active Quest:-