I am KC, a bionic person.
In my hundred years of life, I spent ninety-two unconscious, and I remember little of the rest.
The first appointment I attended after waking up was my own memorial service.
The invitation allowed me to bring one family member.
Sind said he'd repaired my shoulder, so he counted as half a "second father." He borrowed two black suits and came with me to collect the honors due to the deceased, and enjoy a free lunch while we were at it.
During the meal, an elderly woman misunderstood our relationship and held his hand, telling him to take comfort in his grief.
I, the deceased, sat beside them and accepted the white roses offered in tribute on his behalf.
On this planet, individuals need a legal family member to register.
The most convenient family member is a spouse.
"What is a spouse?" I didn't understand.
"Just sign here," Sind said. "Then I'll tell you."
That afternoon, the elderly woman's misunderstanding became a legal fact.
I remember nothing. I only know that KC means Keep Caring, and I was created to comfort humans on the battlefield.
But later, they also told me I was a military weapon.
The research institute promised to replace my parts. The military was willing to restore my status. The museum offered me the rest of my life in temperature- and humidity-controlled conditions...
I want none of it.
I want to be with Sind.
The poster for the War Legacy Exhibition bears a solemn declaration: KC belongs to all humanity.
As for Sind, he bought two tickets for a ferry leaving the port that night. He told me that if I said the word, we could leave tonight.
"Wherever Sind goes, I'll go too. Is that all right?"
"Sure. Where to? Got any interesting ideas?"
And so we set off.
A journey around the entire planet: the Ice Sea Port, Beacon Island, the Wintering Station, as well as countless decommissioned factories, postwar ruins, and uninhabited wastelands.
Notices from the Federation were posted at every port: If you find an old military bionic person, turn them over to the Federation immediately.
Sind tore them all down and used them to line the stove.
You see, Sind is this reckless, and he also lacks the necessary caution around me, so trouble always ends up paying our travel expenses.
I am a bionic person. I will live a little longer than he will.
He asked me, "I picked up a cemetery brochure. When are you planning to bury me?"
I can't bear to lose him. "Do you want me to stay here alone?"
I know humans are so fragile, in both mind and body.
But Sind is resilient. He has the will to push a boulder uphill. Even knowing hardship will never end, he can still find the taste of life in small moments of sweetness, and sing from his sickbed.
"KC, your purpose is to keep caring. I'm just the person you care for."
"I love you, Cindy."
"..." Sind didn't believe me. "Who taught you that? When did this happen?"
I thought for a while.
"Maybe from the very beginning," I said. "You were my little spark."
-
The main story is told in third person.
A fictional planet, an invented calendar, and a cross-regional adventure between the bionic person KC and the human Sind.
Theme: Have I started to mean something to you?
