Records from Detroit: Craving Recognition

"Records from Detroit: Craving Recognition" is a story set in the Cyberlife Bus universe, and a part of the "Records from Detroit" additional content pack. The story is focused on the social turmoil of Cyberlife Bus 5 during her time in vehicle school.
The story was written by Mihajlo G. and released on the 27th of March, 2021.
DISCLAIMER: This story is recommended to be read after A Desolate Past, as its plot is partially connected to events from that story.
== Plot Synopsis ==
=== New Beginnings ===
The story starts off during early April, 2035 in Elmwood Secondary Vehicle School. Cyberlife Bus 5 just finished taking her second class of a new science course she was qualified for. This is her second year of vehicle secondary school and even after a year, Cyberlife Bus 5 still struggles with making new friends. She figured the new science course could pave the way for new possibilities, so she decides to go out of her comfort zone and tries to make some acquaintances from her new science class. After a bit of time, she spots a Cyberlife bus in the hallway whom she recognizes from her science course. She goes up to him and starts some small talk.CB 5: Hey there, you were chosen to attend the new science course as well right?The bus: Oh, hi! Yeah, I was. CB 5: Yeah, I was just wondering if maybe you were interested in doing that paired project with me? If you haven't already decided to do it with someone else that is. All those people are just kinda new to me so I don't know where to start.The bus: Yeah sure, why not? CB 5: Okay, thanks!The bus: I'm Cyberlife Bus by the way. Cyberlife Bus 1.CB 5: And I'm Cyberlife Bus 5, great to meet you!CB: Mhm, you too. So did you get when the deadline for that project is? I wasn't exactly paying attention.CB 5: Yeah it's due April 5th, when our next class is.CB: Christ, second class of the year and they're already giving projects with tight deadlines.CB 5 chuckling: Yeah, they always said vehicle secondary school was gonna be hell, but you'd never wanna believe it..CB: Exactly! Makes you miss the days when 5 hour driving shifts were your biggest worry.CB 5 nods: Yeah. So, when do you wanna start this?CB: To be honest with you I don't even know how to start this, this stuff doesn't exactly interest me, they only forced me into this class because of my grades.CB 5: Ah, well don't worry, I've actually been interested in this field for a long time now, I'll help you get through it!CB: Okay, thanks. At least this isn't hell for both of us.CB 5: Yeah...CB: But I don't really feel like working on this project today, though I also don't really have much else to do as my boyfriend is on an afternoon driving shift. I thought we could go out together before this 2 hour free roam break ends, since you said you don't know anyone in this school, if that's all right with you of course?Cyberlife Bus 5 is caught off guard by the question, as she's never been that close with anyone, even her old primary school friends. It takes her a moment to respond.CB 5: Oh, uh, yeah! Great! That sounds great, I'd love that. Where were you thinking we go?CB: I was thinking maybe some vehicle café in town, get to know each other a bit, y'know?CB 5: Sounds good!Some fifteen minutes later, the two arrive at a vehicle-serving coffee shop in the Rivertown district of Detroit. Cyberlife Bus 5 is nervous about the whole ordeal, but tries her best to hide it. She doesn't want to ruin a new friendship. The two sit down and both order a CyberDeluxe Espresso and some light snacks. They start talking and getting to know each other.CB: So tell me a bit about yourself. This is your second year of secondary school I assume. Which primary school did you go to?CB 5: Oh I went to the one in North End, don't know if you heard of it. CB: Yeah, I've heard of it. There's only like four in the entire city, not too hard to remember.CB 5: Okay, what about you?CB: I went to Motown Elementary, the one in Corktown, near the Central Station. You know the one?CB 5: Who doesn't? That place was talked about like it was some private school or something. Was it that good?CB chuckling: Nope.CB 5: Thought so. ...CB 5: Oh right, you mentioned you had a boyfriend, didn't you? When'd you two meet?CB: Ah, we actually met in primary school. The summer of 2032, it was at a party. We started out as friends, but then things... developed.CB 5: And now you both go to Elmwood?CB: Yep.CB 5: Who is he, if you don't mind me asking?CB: Cyberlife Bus 106.CB 5: Oh, I never would've guessed! He's always seemed so... intimidating to me, no offense.CB: None taken, I don't blame you for thinking that. It's just a little act he puts up around others though, he can be quite sweet in private.CB 5: Aw, that's nice!CB: And you? Did you ever have a partner, or at least a really close friend?CB 5: ...No. No, not really. I've had some friends in primary school, but I always felt left out, even when around them. So as of recently, I've kinda given up on trying to become popular and stuff like that.CB: Oh, I'm sorry to hear about that. Well you can hang out with me whenever you like!CB 5: Thanks! Appreciate it. It's just that I've always felt a stronger need to study rather than to hang out with other people. I've always been paranoid of failing, and I know it makes me seem like a nerd but... I feel like I just can't do anything about it, you know? It's hard to drive out of your comfort zone. I always thought I'd have more time to socialize after school when I'm officially in service but that's really not the case, you don't have much freedom after school at all, you just drive around, delivering passengers. So really, I've just been wasting the "best years of my life", looking forward to a future that's never gonna come.CB: Yeah, I get that. You know, in primary school, I had a friend with whom I'd hang out with all the time. But one day I realized I didn't want to be around him anymore, that he's made me go through things I felt like I didn't deserve to go through. And when I was given a disciplinary warning after the two of us got caught doing something dumb, I decided that was it. It was my last year, and I wanted to focus on my studies, so we parted ways. We didn't talk much at all for the remainder of the year, we cut contact, and now he goes to a different school on the other side of town. I just- I feel like I could've handled the situation a bit differently, I can't help but feel guilty about it now. But I can tell you that those years of hanging out with him were the best years of my life, and it's never too late to start anew or to start over. The best years of your life are still ahead of you, and I'll be more than happy to help you if you need help making new friends.CB 5: ...I- thank you so much!CB: Of course!CB 5: So you said you cut contact with your old friend, right? Do you know him on any social media or... anything?CB: I think he has a Vehagram account but I don't have one myself.CB 5: Then make one. As you said, it's never too late to start over. Maybe eventually you two can meet up, just like this.CB: I've been thinking about it, just don't know if I can gather the courage to do it after such a long time... But I'll try.CB 5: How's this, if you haven't tried contacting him by the next time we go out like this, you're paying for both of our meals!CB chuckles: Well you've got yourself a deal! The two continue talking for another hour or so before they head back to the school. Cyberlife Bus 5 spends the rest of her day studying and doing other after-school activities, making some new acquaintances in the process. When the sun sets and the school campus is basked in moonlight, Cyberlife Bus 5 decides to get some rest. She has a long day ahead of her tomorrow. As the crickets chirp, Cyberlife Bus 5 drifts off to sleep.
=== A Suspicious Request ===
12 PM the next day, classes ended early and Cyberlife Bus 5 is using her free time to study for her and Cyberlife Bus' project. She's on the campus, filled with cherry trees swaying in the breeze.
Cyberlife Bus notices her and approaches her.CB: Hey, what's up?CB 5: Oh, hi Cyberlife Bus. Nothing much, just studying for this project of ours.CB: Ah crap, I completely forgot about that...CB 5: Don't worry about it, I can do most of the work, I'll tell you what you need to know when I finish.CB: Alright, thanks. Man, who decided to punish the ones with good grades by forcing a science class onto them?CB 5: Wasn't it because Cyberlife wanted to test out the artificial intelligence in vehicles? Test out their capabilities? Something dumb like that.CB: It was, I just don't see why they can't have it be optional.CB 5: Gotta punish the good kids I guess...CB: Anyway, I'm actually going out with Cyberlife Bus 106 and his buddies right now, figured it might be nice to introduce you to him. When will you finish studying?CB 5: Oh, I'm sorry Cyberlife Bus but I don't think I'll be able to make it today, there's just too much work.CB: That's fine, we'll see about that another day then. I'll leave you alone now, see you.CB 5: See ya!Cyberlife Bus 5 returns to studying, knowing there's not actually much work at all, she just isn't ready to meet Cyberlife Bus 106 and his group of friends. She slightly regrets not being upfront about it, but she tries to forget about it. She studies for another couple of minutes before a Cyberlife bus rushes past her and takes her book. She thinks it's Cyberlife Bus 1 at first, but realizes that the serial number is different. She didn't have much exposure to direct bullying in her past, but she could tell that the bus is trying to tease her. She's unsure of what to do and starts overthinking, as telling faculty members might come off as pathetic, while chasing after the bus is exactly the type of reaction a bully would want. Eventually, the other bus speaks and breaks the silence.The bus: Hey mute! You want this book back or what?CB 5: Well obviously I do.The bus: Why don't you come and get it then!CB 5: No, I'm not interested in chasing you around for it, I know what you're trying to do.The bus: ...What?CB 5: You're trying to humiliate me, don't think I haven't seen how this stuff plays out.The bus: No, I..- look, I need your help with something.CB 5: ...Could've just asked.The bus sighs: Just follow me.The bus takes Cyberlife Bus 5 to a more secluded part of the school behind the main building. There, she sees three other vehicles, a red Cyberlife Car, a gray Cyberlife Car and a Cyberlife Truck. The truck: The hell took you so long?The bus: Girl's just too smart for your dumbass tricks, go figure.Cyberlife Bus 5 waits in silence as the group discuss something between themselves. After some time, she speaks up.CB 5: Why did you call me here?The bus turns to the gray Cyberlife Car.
The bus: Fifty-Seven, would you be a dear?CC 57: Okay, to cut it short, that dumbfuck principal took our firecrackers after he found us playing around with them, just harmless fun you know? And we-CB 5: Wait what? I'm not a part of this, just buy some more if you really need to and leave me alone.The red CC: Wow, listen to this smartass-The bus: Cyberlife Car 2, cool it....The bus: We can't buy more, that's the thing. That fucking hag banned us from every single firecracker store in the city. We can't let him limit us, that's why we need your help.CB 5: But.. why me?The bus: You're one of the vehicles that got admitted into that special science course, aren't you? And don't think we don't know what you're doing there, it's some hardcore shit. Explosive structure, defusing bombs, electronics. It's like they're prepping you for the army or some shit. We figured, if anyone would know something about making firecrackers it's you.CB 5: You want me to make firecrackers for you?The bus: Yes. How else are we gonna obtain them? We're not gonna make you go out and buy them, way too easy to prove you were involved, and we're not about ruining some loner's precious school life.CB 5: What are you gonna use them for?CC 2: None of your fuckin' business what we use them for, either you make that shit for us or you don't!The truck: We're not gonna go out and terrorize people, girl. Just looking for a fun way to pass time in this hellhole, what's it gonna be?CB 5: I'm sorry but... I shouldn't, I really don't know what you guys are going to use them for... I can't. I'm sorry....The bus: Fine, fine, fine!She angrily throws the book back to Cyberlife Bus 5. The bus: Now get out of here, you saw nothing.Cyberlife Bus 5 is preparing to drive away. CC 2: If you tell anyone about this-CB 5: I won't!...Cyberlife Bus 5 makes some fair distance from the group and herself. She starts wondering if she did the right thing by denying their request. She gets back to campus and tries to resume studying, but she can't concentrate on anything at the moment. All she can think about is what just happened. "What if what they were doing really was harmless?""Will they tell others about this?""What if I missed out on an opportunity to make new friends?"She spends the whole day thinking about it, and is unsure of what to think. The more time passes, the more she regrets her decision. She wasn't able to study or do any after-school activities after the event, so she decides to try and fall asleep early, hoping to wake up in a better mood. 
=== Seeking Advice ===
The day after the incident, Cyberlife Bus 5 still has it fresh on her mind. She decides she doesn't want to keep it to herself anymore, and thinks that the thought would go away if she told someone. At lunch time, instead of spending time outside in the courtyard, she goes to the cafeteria and sits with Cyberlife Bus.CB: Oh, Cyberlife Bus 5! Didn't think I'd see you in the cafeteria in a million years.CB 5 chuckling: Yeah I usually just buy my own food and spend time alone but I wanted some company today.CB: That's fine with me!...CB 5: So... I think I should tell you something.CB: Sure, what is it? CB 5: Yesterday, after you left, I got approached by a group, they... said they needed help with something, and now I'm having second thoughts about refusing to help.CB: Huh? Well what'd they need?CB 5: They just asked if I can make something for them, something fun, it was no biggie, and I refused. It feels like I always do that, I always screw up possible friendships. I'm trying, I really am, but in the moment I just cannot for the life of me make the right choice! I feel like I always come off the wrong way.CB: Oh, I see. Don't worry too much about it. What's stopping you from reaching out to those guys again, offering to help this time? As I said, it's never too late to start over.CB 5: I don't know, guilt?CB: Guilt of what? You didn't owe them anything. If you come back again and make it clear you've changed your mind, they'll see you in an even better light than they would've if you accepted right away.CB 5: I guess that makes sense.CB: Yeah, so will you do it? For me, c'mon.CB 5: Okay, I'll try.CB: Great! Speaking of trying, I tried and succeeded in making a new Vehagram account yesterday, like you told me.CB 5: Oh? That's awesome! Did you request your friend?CB: Nah I can't seem to find him, there's just way too many Cyberlife Trains on the app.CB 5: Well what number is he?CB: One, but if you search that up you get all the Cyberlife Trains in the one hundreds. Knowing him he probably didn't even name himself after his model and name anyway. But I'll find him eventually, don't worry!CB 5: Alright, that's what matters most....CB 5: Also sorry for not being able to study that much yesterday, the whole... group incident was still fresh on my mind. I'll get a majority of the project done tonight, for tomorrow.CB: Oh yeah, that's fine. I've been studying a bit myself to not be a total burden. I can come help.CB 5: You don't have to, don't worry about it! I know you didn't ask for this.The school bell rings and everyone rushes to their classes. Cyberlife Bus 5 is determined to reach out to the group herself this time, and offer help. She's done some further research about making firecrackers in the computer lab before classes, hoping to make up for yesterday's mishap.
=== Change of Mind ===
After a few more hours of Cyberlife Bus 5 barely being able to focus, the school bell for the end of the day rings. Cyberlife Bus 5 is eager to reach out to the group that wanted her help yesterday, but there was just one problem. She didn't know where they could be, and she hasn't seen any of them in any of that day's classes. She keeps looking around the campus until she sees who she believes to be the Cyberlife bus from yesterday. The bus is talking with some of her friends, so Cyberlife Bus 5 loiters around and waits for the friends to leave. She catches herself staring at them for some time, but manages to snap out of it before they notice. After a couple of minutes, the bus' friends leave, and Cyberlife Bus 5 approaches the bus.CB 5: Hey, wait up! You're the one that wanted my help yesterday, right? You remember me?The bus: Oh, you're that loner that refused to help us with those firecrackers. Who'd you tell on us to?CB 5: I-- didn't tell on you to anyone. I actually just wanted to say I reconsidered, and that I'm willing to help you with those firecrackers you wanted now.The bus: Yeah, sure thing. You're probably recording this conversation to send to the principal or something.CB 5: I'm not, I promise! Look...She takes out materials necessary to make firecrackers out of her backpack.CB 5: I'm not allowed to carry these outside of the lab. The bus: Hmph. And why did you suddenly have a change of heart, eh?CB 5: I felt bad, it's as simple as that. I guess you could say I was running on instinct, I didn't really make a choice back there.The bus: Uh huh. So what exactly do you wanna do with all of that?CB 5: Well, make some firecrackers for you, maybe test them out, that's what you wanted, right?The bus: Yeah, it is.CB 5: Then we'll do that. You wanna do this right now or..-The bus: No, I've got some shit to do now. If you're really up for this, then we can meet at sunset by the back gate.CB 5: The back gate?The bus: Yeah, where else? We need to sneak out, we're not testing firecrackers on school grounds.CB 5: Sneak out? Are you sure that's a good idea?The bus: Listen, we've done this hundreds of times, no one ever guards the back gate. You'll be fine. You're not getting anywhere with us if you refuse to do something as small as sneaking out.CB 5: Okay, okay. I trust you.The bus: You don't have much choice. See you around 8 then.CB 5: See you.There's still a while before 8 PM, so Cyberlife Bus 5 decides to go to the dorms to work on the science project with Cyberlife Bus. She's a little anxious about having to sneak out, but she has to be brave and step out of her comfort zone if she wants to make it up to the group.
After finishing the project, Cyberlife Bus 5 sparks up a conversation with Cyberlife Bus about what she plans on doing.CB 5: Okay, so I didn't wanna mention this earlier but I reached out to that group from yesterday, like you told me to do.CB: Oh, nice! I knew you could do it. How'd they respond?CB 5: I talked with the bus of the group. She was skeptical at first but she got around, I'd say. And uh, you can keep a secret, right?CB: Of course.CB 5: We're sneaking out at sunset through the back gate. To hang out and stuff.CB: Oh, alright, be careful with that though. I've snuck out before, smartest thing to do is choose the right time if you don't want to get caught. You're going out at sunset?CB 5: Yeah, but the bus said that she and her group had done that multiple times and that no one ever guards the back gate.CB: Okay, I hope you have some faith in their words then.CB 5: I do, I'm just a bit nervous. What if I get caught? They won't kick me out of the science course will they? Or out of the school?CB: Nah, don't worry about it, unless you've gotten multiple warnings in the past you'll be fine.CB 5: Okay, thanks for the reassurance.CB: You're welcome. Who's in that group anyway?CB 5: I actually don't know some of their names, I know of Cyberlife Car 2 and 57, but the bus and truck I haven't actually asked.CB: Wait, Cyberlife Car 2 and 57? Did you hear that right?CB 5: I'm pretty sure I did. Why?CB: I've heard of those guys getting some major disciplinary warnings in recent months, seemed like they were always up to something. Are you sure you wanna do this?CB 5: ...I have to. What's the worst that could happen? Come on, I've gotten this far.CB: I'm not stopping you, just be wary of them, okay? I don't want you to be involved in whatever dangerous crap they're doing.CB 5: Don't worry about it, I'm sure it'll be fine. Cyberlife Bus hesitantly nods.CB 5: Anyway, it's gonna be sunset soon. I should go.CB: Okay, stay safe! I'll make up an alibi for you if necessary!CB 5: Thanks!She leaves the dorms and parks near the back gate, waiting for her new group of "friends" to arrive.
=== An Explosive Venture ===
Cyberlife Bus 5 doesn't have to wait long before the bus and the rest of her group show up at the gate. They manage to sneak out without issue. A minute of sneaking out and driving away from the school felt like hours to Cyberlife Bus 5. Her engine was revving fast and she could barely drive forward due to her anxiety. Thankfully, the other members of the group didn't seem to notice. Cyberlife Bus 5 doesn't know where exactly they're going, so she keeps following the group until they stop at a mostly abandoned remote area in the outskirts of the city.The truck: We've gone far enough, you can give us those firecrackers now girl.CB 5: Oh, I've yet to make them actually, I was thinking of teaching you.CC 2: What the fuck? We didn't ask you to be our fucking tutor, you were supposed to give us ready made ones.CC 57: Shut the fuck up man, I wanna know how to do this.CC 2: And where will you get these fancy materials?CC 57: I steal them, take a wild fuckin' guess.CC 2:...CC 57: Go on.CB 5: Okay, it's more simple than you think. First, insert some clay into a tube like this, I'm using a pen to press it down but really anything thin enough will work, like a stick for example. Use the erase end to pack down the clay to make a plug. Then add some nitrocellulose to the tube, and of course insert a piece of fuse. Then just keep adding the powder around it until it reaches the top. All that's left to do is light it. CC 57: I actually think I understood that.The truck: Fucking nerd.The bus: Excellent craftsmanship Cyberlife Bus 5, I'm impressed.CB 5: Thanks. I'll uhh, make a few more of these for you real quick.She begins crafting new firecrackers while talking to the group.The bus: Oh, I don't think we've introduced ourselves. I'm Cyberlife Bus 8. The fat one is Cyberlife Truck 14, the red edgy one is Cyberlife Car 2 and the gray nerdy one is Cyberlife Car 57, he's my boyfriend actually.CB 5: Wait... You're Cyberlife Bus 8?CB 8: Yeah, did I stutter?CB 5: Holy shit... Weren't you one of the popular girls? In the 1st grade at least?CB 8: Uh yeah, some would say I still am.CB 5: Oh my god. Well what have you been up to? I don't see you in like the mess hall as often, or around the other girls you used to hang out with.CB 8: Cause I'm not interested in being around some basic bitches all the time. I've found who my real friends are now.CB 5: Yeesh, you must have some really low standards if you consider that CC 2 guy a friend.CC 2: The fuck'd you say about me?
The entire group besides CC 2 laugh.CB 8: Daaamnn, loner girl's packing heat! You gonna say something back, 2?CC 2: I don't feel like wasting my time with her, she couldn't handle what I have to say anyway.CB 8: Uh huh.Cyberlife Bus 5 finishes crafting a handful of firecrackers.CB 5: Here, let's make some noise.CB 8: That's the spirit! Fourteen, lighter.CB 5: Wait you're gonna do it here?CT 14: Why the hell do you think we stopped here?CB 5: But aren't there people living here?CT 14: Hardly. Anyone who hears this will just think it's another gang shooting. We'll be on the move, we never get caught around these parts so calm your tires.CB 5: Okay...CB 8: Let's go!Cyberlife Bus 8 quickly throws a lit firecracker on the streets of the neighborhood, causing the others to follow suit. They're constantly on the move, to avoid being spotted or attacked. Cyberlife Bus 5 is offered to throw firecrackers herself, due to her excitement she accepts without a second thought, as long as it's not harming anyone. The crackling of the firecrackers echoes throughout the abandoned part of the neighborhood, and soon after the group run out of firecrackers and retreat back to the school. Cyberlife Bus 5 feels elated, yet also a bit anxious and guilty. As long as no one got hurt, she thought hanging out with new acquaintances made up for some disturbance of peace. After the group makes it back to the school, they talk a bit more before parting ways.CB 8: That shit was fucking awesome, CB 5. You have no idea how long it's been since we did something that exciting.CC 2: Your firecrackers are a bit less loud and "explosive" than what we're used to though, make better ones.CB 8: Shut up Cyberlife Car 2. It's for the better they weren't as loud. Anyway, thanks for offering to do this for us. You're more than welcome to hang out with us some more.CB 5: That sounds great! What are your plans for next time?CB 8: We'll figure that out when the time comes.CT 14: You could always try to make some pipe bombs or something, Cyberlife Bus 5!CB 5: Oh, I... I'm not sure if-CT 14: It's a joke.CB 5: Oh, yeah I knew that. [Chuckles]CT 14: Can't say I don't have experience with that though.CB 5: What do you mean?CT 14: I don't need to dwell on it.CB 5: Oh, okay. Sorry.CB 8: So we'll see you tomorrow. Wanna join us for lunch?CB 5: Sure, sounds good.Cyberlife Bus 5 parts ways with her new group of friends, and heads back to the bus depot. The excitement of the situation hasn't worn off yet. The normality and calmness of her surroundings perplexes her. She feels like she should be suffering the consequences of her actions, yet there's nothing. 
After today's events, Cyberlife Bus 5 got an idea. She decides she'll grab the necessary materials for it tomorrow from the lab, but for now, she goes back to the depot and tries to fall asleep. She's still thrilled to have made some new, possibly long-term friends, so it takes her a while before she drifts off to sleep.
=== Facing Irrefutability ===
The next day, Cyberlife Bus 5, instead of waiting around for science class to begin, opts to wake up early and sneak into the science lab to steal the supplies she needs. It's a thursday, and since the school extends the free roam break on that day Cyberlife Bus 5 settles on using the extra time to go out and buy the more inconspicuous supplies she'll need for her project. She hopes she'll be able to finish it the same day.
At lunch, Cyberlife Bus 5 goes to the cafeteria and towards Cyberlife Bus 8 and some other girls. She passes by Cyberlife Bus who is sitting with Cyberlife Bus 106 and his friends, but he doesn't seem to notice. The whole group actively talk with and include Cyberlife Bus 5 in their conversations, "Guess she told them about me." she thinks. Cyberlife Bus 5 doesn't tell Cyberlife Bus 8 that she's working on anything, as she wants it to be a surprise. CB 8 informs her that they'll be going out once again the same day, but during the break, so CB 5 is relieved she won't have to sneak out again. 
Several hours later, the classes end for the day. Cyberlife Bus 1 and 5 got a positive mark for their project, however their project hasn't been on CB 5's mind as much since yesterday. She goes to her dorm to swiftly finish up her project. After she's done, she contacts Cyberlife Bus 8 and they go out along with the rest of the group.
The group makes it to a remote field far from the main city.CB 8: Is this far enough for you?CB 5: Yeah it's good enough.CC 57: So why'd you want us to come here?She takes off her backpack and starts rummaging through it.CB 5: Well... after what happened yesterday, I got an idea on what else I could make. Cyberlife Car 2, if you complained that those firecrackers weren't explosive enough, you're gonna enjoy this...She takes out a contraption from her backpack.CB 5: It's no pipe bomb and it's certainly not that destructive, but it's something, eh?CT 14: Holy shit! You made that?CB 5: Yeah.CB 8: I'm telling ya this girl isn't all she's cracked up to be!CC 57: Was something like that not a tad bit excessive for you?CB 5: I mean it's pretty low power, just slightly more destructive firecrackers basically.CB 8: Well let's see it in action.CB 5: You got it.CT 14: Wait, how many of those have you made?CB 5: Four in total.CT 14: Give one to me, I wanna see how you did it.CB 5: Right, you said you have experience with this, didn't you?CT 14: Yep. Let's just say I had an exciting childhood.CB 5: Alright.
She gives one of her explosives to Cyberlife Truck 14 for further study, then she goes forth to test it out on the field. She sets it on the ground and pulls a lever, then drives back.CB 5: Wait for it...Around 10 seconds pass, yet there's still no explosion.CB 5: Damn it, I think I might've fucked something up. It's supposed to explode in like five seconds.CC 2: Well great, we came all the way out here for nothing. CT 14: Well did you even light it? There's no fuse on this thing.CB 5: Oh there is, it's just hidden inside. The kinetic energy from the lever lights it so you don't need a lighter.CT 14: Oh I get it, resourceful.CB 5: I don't know why it's not working though, sorry guys-The contraption suddenly makes a high pitched sound shortly before exploding. Cyberlife Bus 5 barely manages to get out of its range.CB 5: Ahh!CB 8: Shit! You good?!CB 5: Yeah, yeah I'm fine, not a scratch!CC 2: Nice going, idiot. If I wanted to watch people commit suicide I'd go to Vegas.CB 5: Yeah, yeah, very funny CC 2, this is obviously not how it's supposed to go.CC 2: Yeah, no shit.CC 57: Was a pretty sick explosion regardless, even if you do have to wait a bit. Let's test it out some more.CB 5: Yeah sure, just have some patience.Cyberlife Car 2 spots something in the distance and gets an idea.CC 2: Yo, you all seeing that bird's nest? I wonder what those bombs could do to it.CT 14: That's cruel man. CC 2: Blueballing me by refusing to do this is cruel, come on it'll look sick, not like the birds are there.CB 8: Yet.CC 2: Oh well, it'll just add to this city's ever expanding homelessness rate. Give me the bomb, Cyberlife Bus 5.CB 5: I'd rather plant one in you.CC 2: You sure are talking a lot of shit for someone we managed to manipulate into doing our bidding.CB 5: And you're talking a lot of shit to someone who knows to make bombs.CB 8: Ohoo, get him CB 5! CC 2: The fuck? You guys are falling for this shit?CT 14: Give up, man.CC 2: Fuck no. It's clear she only wants to hang out with us cause she knows she can't earn any real friends, so she goes after us "juvenile rebels" to seem cool to others.CB 8: CC 2 this is the second time a girl has made you cry this week, maybe you should take your own advice and "be less sensitive".CC 2: Agh fuck you, I'm getting out of here.CB 8: See ya later, breadbox!CC 2 from a distance: Your boyfriend looks like a breadbox too.CB 8: Yeah well he's my breadbox....CB 8: Don't mind him, he acts out like that sometimes.CB 5: Alright.CT 14: Give him a break, he lost his brother, it's been tough for him.CC 57: More like he uses his brother as an excuse to act like a little bitch.CB 8: What he said. Come on, let's dip, I need to calm my systems. Move it, CB 5.Cyberlife Bus 5 picks up her bag and follows the group, headed toward a nearby forest. She keeps thinking about what Cyberlife Car 2 said, "Not like I can disprove it". She reflects on how much she's had to change herself in order to be with this new group of friends and starts questioning if it was worth it. "At least these other guys seem okay." she thinks. She tries to forget about it, at least for the moment, as the group head deep into the woods.
=== Alone Time ===
The group arrive at a small forest clearing after a few minutes of driving.CB 8: Ah, great. Perfect spot for the Elmwood Stoners.CB 5: "Elmwood Stoners"?CB 8: It's an ironic thing, we're not eight. But yeah, this is way better than some fucking ghetto, let's chill here for a bit.CB 5: Yeah, let's. Nice to get away from that CC 2 guy.CB 8: I'm sure it is. Don't think too much about him, he acts out like that a lot.Cyberlife Car 57 puts down his backpack and takes out a couple of drinks and marijuana.CT 14: Finally, we can blaze in peace without fearing any crackheads or police.CB 8: Bet....CB 8: Cyberlife Bus 5, you want some?CB 5: ...Just the drink, thanks.CB 8: Hmph, suit yourself.Cyberlife Bus 5 takes one of the bottles of alcohol. She doesn't feel like drinking at the time, but she feels like it a lot more than smoking cannabis. She also doesn't want to seem uncool, so she settled to drink.CC 57: Now watch out, that's not beer.CB 5: Eh, how bad can it be?...CB 5: Ughh, god! That's strong! What is this?!CC 57: [Chuckles] Told you. It's my own secret recipe.CB 5: And what's in your "secret recipe"?CC 57: Hey, it's a secret for a reason.CB 8: I wanted to say it's his piss but his piss probably tastes better than this.CC 57: Yeah you'd know from experience.Cyberlife Bus 8 smacks Cyberlife Car 57 while the group laugh. They all talk a bit before the subject changes to Cyberlife Bus 5.CT 14: What about you, CB 5? Who'd you used to hang out with before, when you still made good life decisions?CB 5: Well, no one really. Had some friends but never really hung out with them.CT 14: Trust me, you were better off. CC 57: Leave her alone man, she's found her place. CB 5: I mean, I also hang out with Cyberlife Bus 1 now, we go to the same science class. Would be cool for him to hang out with us too.CB 8: Who, Cyberlife Bus 106's boyfriend?!CB 5: Uh, yeah.CB 8: Oh please... I'd rather fucking die than be friends with any of his little minions. Fuck that guy!CB 5: Why, what'd he do?CB 8: Just ask Cyberlife Truck 14.Cyberlife Bus 5 turns to CTruck 14.CT 14: Some pathetic fucking backstabbing is what he did. I used to be a part of his little gang during the first grade in Elmwood. We'd go out, party, pull pranks on others, do dumb shit like that. Besides him hitting on me like a fucking fag, it was fine for a while, until one day when we were out doing our shitty pranks. It was my turn in some of his ding dong ditch type shit, and when I got close to the house the fucker bricked one of its windows, and the camera caught me in front of it. When I got back to him, he was just fucking laughing, same with his little minions. I got into a fight with him about it but they all ganged up on me, knocked me out clean. Then the police came, and I was taken into custody. I tried to tell them I wasn't involved, and that it was CB 106's doing, but that fucker is too smart, he managed to convince them. I got harshly demoted, almost expelled if it wasn't for CB 8 intervening. After that, Cyberlife Bus 8 helped me spread the truth around, but there was no point. They had their "video proof", some high school gossip wasn't changing anything. CC 57: And now whenever he passes by he just has to call us some petty insults, cause why wouldn't you? Not like we can do anything when they outnumber us, right? What a fucking ass.CB 5: Jesus Christ. Why'd he even frame you, CT 14?CT 14: I've just come to the conclusion that he doesn't view all of his buddies as equals. Some of them he takes in just for doing shit like this, because he finds it funny to ruin peoples' lives. Fucking cunt.CB 8: So know that Cyberlife Bus 1 is probably just another clueless victim of his. Trust me, they won't last long.CB 5: I don't know if I'd go that far, they seem to be all right together.CT 14: And CB 106 does a good job of making things seem one way, when they're really the other. Don't trust it. If you do you've just proven he's done a good job of manipulating you too.CB 5: Okay......CB 8: Well that ruined the fucking vibe. Cyberlife Car 57, speaker!CC 57: Oh, right!Cyberlife Car 57 rummages through his bag for a speaker. The group plays some music and just relaxes in the forest for a while.CB 5: So uhh, it's getting kinda late. Free roam period is gonna end in 40 minutes, we should probably go, right?CB 8: Nah, we can just sneak back in, not like anyone'll notice.CB 5: ...CB 8: I mean... you go if you want, but I just wanna listen to some Low Roar and blaze for a bit.CB 5: Okay, I'll see you later then.CC 57: Yo, CB 5, before you go, you've gotta make some cool new shit for our next heading out.CB 5: Well, I was mostly just planning on seeing what's wrong with these bombs I made, but I can't say I don't have other things in mind.CT 14: Leave the bombs to me and I'll see what's wrong, you just focus on those other ideas.CB 5: Okay, cool! You mind helping me work on what I have in mind? Don't wanna disappoint again, like today.CT 14: Kind of depends on what it is, but I'll try.CB 8: Fucking simp.CB 5: Cool, thanks! So I'll see ya around.CC 57, CT 14: See ya.Cyberlife Bus 5 leaves her bag of explosives for Cyberlife Truck 14 and drives back to the road which leads back towards the school. Overall, she felt like this was their best hangout yet, but CC 2's words can't leave her mind. She tries but fails to convince herself that what he said isn't true.
When she returns to the school, she sees Cyberlife Bus and Cyberlife Bus 106 talking on campus. She decides to join in.CB: Huh, look who it is.CB 106: Oh, is this your new girlfriend? Wanna turn me into a cuck, ey?CB: Shit, how'd you know?!CB 106: I'm all ears in this city, you can't hide shit from me, CB.CB: So where were you?CB 5: Oh, I went out to hang out with Cyberlife Bus 8 and the others.CB: How was it?CB 5: It was pretty great! For the most part at least.CB 106: Cyberlife Bus 8? The hell you doing hanging out with that whore?CB 5: Why? Is it because you're afraid of people knowing the truth?CB: What are you talking about?CB 5: About Cyberlife Truck 14. He knows.CB 106 scoffs: Oh please, don't tell me you believe that shit. He was guilty and he knew it, he just tried to take the rest of us down with him.CB 5: Mhm.CB 106: Anyways, I'm off to the sports field. I better see you there CB.CB: Copy that.Cyberlife Bus 106 leaves.CB: What was that all about?Cyberlife Bus 5 isn't sure of what to think anymore, she doesn't feel like talking about it any longer. All she wants to do is de-escalate the situation.CB 5: N-nothing. He's probably right.CB: Hm. Are you sure hanging out with that group is a good idea? They seem to be doing a lot of dangerous things. Maybe it's best you don't get involved-CB 5: It's fine, trust me, we're not doing anything dangerous! Just having some harmless fun.CB: ...Whatever you say.CB 5: You didn't tell any staff about us sneaking out or anything, did you?CB: Didn't tell a soul, don't worry about that. I'm just saying what I think is best for you.CB 5: Well I appreciate your concern, but really, it's fine.CB: Okay then.CB 5: So you're going to the sports field?CB: Yeah, I am. Sorry if you wanted to hang out or something like that-CB 5: Yeah, yeah, it's all good.CB: So I better go! We'll talk later.CB 5: Alright!Cyberlife Bus leaves for the sports field as well. Cyberlife Bus 5 isn't sure of what to do, she regrets not staying with her friends in the forest for longer, but it's too late now. She decides to go to the sports field to watch the others to pass the time.
=== Losing Self-Control ===
Over the next few days, Cyberlife Bus 5 spends most of her free time working on her new idea, with some big help from Cyberlife Truck 14. She learns a lot about bomb making and defusing from him, as well as from her science course. During these couple of days, Cyberlife Bus 5 has been offered to join multiple new special vehicle classes, but she declined them all in order to have more free time. She hasn't had a proper conversation with Cyberlife Bus since returning from the forest, and opted to hang out more with Cyberlife Bus 8 during lunch and their few shared classes.
A few days since starting it, Cyberlife Bus 5 and Cyberlife Truck 14 finally finish the project they agreed on making. It's the weekend, meaning a 12-hour free roam period for the entire school, so Cyberlife Bus 5 wastes no time arranging another meeting. This time, she meets up with everyone behind the school to tell them about what she's been making, to hear their thoughts.CC 57: Wait, here she is.CB 8: Cyberlife Bus 5, haven't seen you all day yesterday! You must've been hard at work. How was it?CB 5: What? Working on the project?CB 8: No I mean Cyberlife Truck 14's dick.CB 5: Oh very funny, you know I don't like him like that!CB 8: Damn, guess there's no one left in his league...CB 5: He said he'll come here soon, if that's what you were wondering.CB 8: Wasn't, but good to know.CB 5: CC 2 not here?CC 57: Nah we haven't seen him in days. Well we have, but he just ignores us like a moody bastard.CB 5: Okay, good. CB 8: So what have you lovebirds been working on all this time?CB 5: Oh, it's with 14, you'll see it when he comes. Should be soon.CB 8: Oh he's the type to come soon alright.Their conversation is interrupted by one of them seeing Cyberlife Truck 14 approaching with Cyberlife Car 2.CC 2: 'Sup bitchesss!CC 57: My man's finally come back from his hibernation!They all high five each other. Cyberlife Bus 5 is disappointed that her friends are so accepting of his return immediately, and CC 2's words rush into her mind again.CC 2: So what's been going on? What are ya planning? Did your new nerdy BFF over here come up with some cool new contraptions she refuses to test out?CB 5: [Dick.]CT 14: Me and her both, actually.CC 57: Well reveal it already, else we'll rust away before you do.Cyberlife Truck 14 opens his bag and reveals a plethora of small contraptions.CB 5: Lo and behold, the new and improved bombs from last time!CT 14: Now more compact and material efficient!CC 2: Ooh let me guess, these ones won't work either, will they? CB 5: Actually Cyberlife Truck 14 helped me with these, and we got the chance to test them out ourselves. They work just fine.CC 2: If you say so.CB 5: We can mess around with these a bit like how we were supposed to last time. Somewhere remote of course.CB 8: 'Ight, let's.CC 2: Man, we could use these to spice up the ghetto or something. Why aren't we doing that instead?CB 8: Cause there's no way we won't get caught? Dumbass?CC 2: What's the big deal, we've gotten caught countless of times already.CC 57: But we weren't caught terrorizing neighborhoods. We do your wise idea and we get caught, expelled and promptly scrapped.CC 2: Whatever.CB 8: And it's not our fault you missed out on all the exciting stuff, like the weed session near that field after you left that one day.CC 2: You guys had a weed sesh?? Not fuckin' fair, why didn't you call me?CB 8: Cause you were obnoxious, does everything need to be told to you?CC 2: Well fuck you too!CB 5: Uh, guys are we gonna head out or not?CB 8: She caught you slackin', CC 2. Stop slowing us down, and let's dip!CC 2: And where are we going for this?CT 14: The same field as last time would be best.CC 2: Ughh, lame.CT 14: Just move your ass!The group rush out of the school and to the field they went to last time. When they arrive, they start discussing what to do with their newly acquired contraptions.CC 2: Okay, now we test them out on the bird's nest.CB 5: No.CC 2: How about... a squirrel's nest? There's gotta be one around here.CB 5: No! I didn't even know squirrels had nests.CC 2: Well they do, they're called dreys. I guess I'm just smarter than you, CB 5. Missed opportunity to have me take up that special science course.CB 5: Yeah... I'm sure they'd love to have you.CB 8: So how do these work? They're a lot smaller than the last ones.CT 14: Smaller, but more explosive, be careful with them. This time they need to be lit, Cyberlife Bus 5's lever ones were too easy to accidentally detonate. Just ask her poor backpack.CB 5: You didn't have to tell them, dude...CT 14: [chuckles] Anyway, we made quite a lot of these, so everyone can try them out, as long as they don't do anything stupid with them. Lookin' at you CC 2.CC 2: What? These birds... their rent is long overdue!CB 8: My therapy is long overdue after having to listen to you, yet you don't see me complaining.CC 2: You love mee, don't lie!CB 8: [chuckles] Yeah, yeah I kinda do.CB 5: Keep in mind, it only takes about 5 seconds for these to detonate after being lit. You're gonna want to throw them far away from you, fast.CC 2: Yeah yeah, we know how bombs work. Give 'em to us already!Cyberlife Truck 14 gives out the contraptions to everyone.CB 8: Let's fuck this place up!CC 57: How big are these explosions gonna be?CB 5: Not huge, but you should at least be like... fifteen meters away.Cyberlife Car 2 gets a lighter and lights the fuse of his bomb.CC 2: Let's see the damage!CT 14: Where'd you get that?!Cyberlife Car 2 throws the bomb on top of a tree. After a few seconds, it detonates and leaves and branches fly off the tree.CC 2: Yooo, this is sick!CT 14: I-... Yeah, it sure is.CB 8: How about that log? CC 2, the lighter..Cyberlife Car 2 lights Cyberlife Bus 8's bomb and they throw it at a log near the forest. The force from the explosion sends the log rolling down the small hill it's on.CB 8: Shit's powerful!CC 57: Just imagine what all of these can do at once.CC 2: We don't have to imagine...Cyberlife Car 2 lights multiple bombs at the same time and just barely throws them away from himself on time. The combined blast from the bombs is huge, and loud.CT 14: Holy fuck, man.CB 5: You shouldn't do that, you could seriously hurt yourself!CC 2: Oh, that wasn't even close!The group continue to have fun with their explosives, testing out their power. CC 2: Hey Cyberlife Bus 5, catch!Cyberlife Car 2 throws a bomb in Cyberlife Bus 5's direction.CB 5: Oh my god!!Cyberlife Bus 5 tries to quickly get out of the bomb's radius, while Cyberlife Car 2 and the rest of the group laugh.CC 2: That wasn't even lit!CB 5: Like I was supposed to know that! Asshole...After some time, the group, worried about the noise they've been making in one spot, drive further away from the field, through a forest. While there, the group continue to have fun with their explosives. Cyberlife Truck 14 throws one into a stream, causing a big splash of water to soak the surrounding area. After a while, they near the edge of the forest, next to an abandoned industrial zone.CC 2: You know what? Fuck it. Let's see the real damage these things can do.Cyberlife Car 2 lights the fuse and throws it through the window of an abandoned building in the industrial zone.CB 5: Jesus Christ! Don't!CB 8: Calm down 5, no one lives around here!CB 5: That's not the problem! We're gonna get caught-The explosion from inside the building can be heard. Old, metal equipment can be heard falling and breaking inside the building.
Cyberlife Car 57 and Cyberlife Bus 8 also throw some bombs around the industrial area, annihilating fences and rusty old cars. CB 5: Okay, that's enough! We have to get out of here!CC 2: I'm not going anywhere, I came here to have fun!Cyberlife Car 2 throws another bomb through a warehouse window, breaking the glass and exploding the contents of the warehouse.CB 8: Yeah chillax, 5! This area's a safe bet!CB 5: Look, I'm getting out of here! You get caught I had nothing to do with this!CT 14: What? You can't just leave!CC 2: Oh no, the goody two-tires is leaving us! Well you're the one that made these so don't act like you had nothing to do with this!CB 5: Hey screw you, I didn't ask for you to go this far!CC 2: Well neither did we! We never fuckin' asked you to make these bombs for us, or to start hanging with us!Cyberlife Bus 5 is unsure of what to say in response, she keeps quiet. CC 2: Yeah, that's what I thought.Cyberlife Car 2 throws the last bomb he has towards another window, however this time the glass is too thick, and the bomb bounces back towards him. CB 8: Watch out!Cyberlife Car 2 doesn't have time to react, the bomb detonates at near point-blank range. CC 57: CYBERLIFE CAR 2!CB 8: Holy shit!!CB 5: Oh my god!CT 14: Fuck!The group quickly rush over to Cyberlife Car 2 to check on him, Cyberlife Bus 5 staying behind. CB 8: His engine's running, it's still running!CT 14: Jesus Christ, are you okay?! Can you speak?The explosion seems to have destroyed Cyberlife Car 2's voice box, as well as a majority of his front exterior. His tires are deflated, front wheels completely disconnected, he can't move. The group desperately try to salvage CC 2 as best as they can. CB 8: Holy shit... Cyberlife Bus 5 call an ambulance!CB 5: An ambulance?! They don't take ambulances for vehi-CB 8: Call someone, anyone! Call the fucking school!CB 5: What do I tell them?!CC 57: Tell them the fucking truth, who gives a fuck anymore?!Cyberlife Bus 5 calls the school and explains the situation vaguely. The school calls the police to come to the area and escort everyone to the school. After taking the phone call, Cyberlife Bus 5 approaches the group. CC 57: We're gonna get you outta here, okay bud? You're gonna be okay.CT 14: Just keep those systems running, okay? Don't give up! Help's on the way.Cyberlife Bus 8 can't bring herself to say anything, she is sobbing. CB 5: Cyberlife Bus 8, I'm... I'm so sorry...CB 8: Don't you fucking talk to me!CB 5: ...CT 14: Cyberlife Bus 5! Put some pressure on this, I'll try to reconnect the wheels!Cyberlife Bus 5 helps as much as she can. The area they're in is remote and disconnected from the main city, it'll take a while until the police arrive. After a couple of minutes, Cyberlife Car 2 completely stops moving. CT 14: No, no, no! Cyberlife Car 2?!CC 57: He's not moving, dude!The group attempts to connect with his program, but it's completely shut down. CB 8: He's not dead... He's not fucking dead!CC 14: I can't connect to him!CB 5: His systems shut down!CB 8: Shut up! BOTH OF YOU!Cyberlife Bus 8 begins breaking down, all the while Cyberlife Car 57 is comforting her. Cyberlife Bus 5 is traumatized, she just saw a vehicle die before her own eyes. She's speechless, and decides to stay with the group, mourning the death of their friend. Police sirens can be heard in the distance.
=== Consequences ===
The police bring everyone back to the school and send them to the principal's office while they accompany him. It takes about an hour for all the staff to understand the severity of the situation and discuss the options. Sitting in silence for an hour, waiting to hear the consequences of her actions and the severity of Cyberlife Car 2's injuries, was the most anxiety filled moment Cyberlife Bus 5 had experienced in a long time. She's deathly afraid of being expelled, which would most likely mean getting scrapped and thrown in the scrapyard, and she doesn't want that to happen to any of her friends either. Thus, she's prepared to defend herself and her friends to the best of her abilities. However, even if she manages that, she knows she can't hang out with them anymore, at least not in the same way as before. Waiting gave the entire group a chance to calm down from what they had to witness.
Police involvement in a situation with Cyberlife Bus 5 and 8 shocked and perplexed the school, thus a small crowd had gathered in front of the principal's building, Cyberlife Bus included. He knew that something like this would happen, and he regrets not trying harder to talk Cyberlife Bus 5 out of hanging out with such a dangerous and infamous group.
Eventually, the principal enters the building and sits in front of the four vehicles. This is the moment Cyberlife Bus 5 has been anxiously waiting for.The principal: I think you're all well aware as to why you've been called here, especially with police presence. First things first, you got one of your friends, and one of our dear students destroyed by your reckless actions. On top of that, you've violated multiple disciplinary and legal rules, such as sneaking out of school grounds when you're not allowed to, disturbing public peace, putting yourselves and others in danger and damaging public and private property, and that's just to name a few.CC 57: So... is Cyberlife Car 2 dead?The principal: Yes. Unfortunately, his damages were too serious and he's beyond repair.The group is in disbelief, feelings of guilt overwhelm Cyberlife Bus 5 and Cyberlife Truck 14. The principal turns to Cyberlife Bus 5.The principal: Cyberlife Bus 5, I'm especially shocked at your involvement with this reckless group. You used to be such an exemplary student. Tell me, what caused you to do such a thing? Before the principal arrived, all Cyberlife Bus 5 could think of was ways she could defend herself, but now that the principal is here and the direct attention and pressure is on her, she's found it hard to express herself. CB 5: I... Um...The principal: Take your time. I'm aware that this is a traumatic and stressful situation for all of you.CB 5: I'm s-sorry, sir. I just... I wanted to make some new friends, and I had no idea that something this drastic was going to come of it. I'm very sorry.The principal: Yet you've been proven to be directly involved. In fact, your dorm room contains multiple, dangerous explosives in it, which we can determine you made by taking supplies from the science laboratory, and buying supplies, as seen in your expense account.CB 5: ...The principal: I should also tell you all that one of our students informed me of this whole situation a few days ago. He reported you sneaking out, so from there, we decided to watch your actions carefully. Cyberlife Bus 5 and Cyberlife Truck 14, you two were the ones involved in the making of these bombs, is that right?CB 5 and CT 14: Yes.The principal: And did you not think about what danger you'd be putting yourselves into? That what happened to Cyberlife Car 2 could've happened to any of you?CB 5: I didn't... I thought we'd be careful but... I was wrong.The principal: Thank you for your honesty, Cyberlife Bus 5. The student that reported you also claimed that you willingly sneaked out with this group, and as previously mentioned, made dangerous contraptions, even before today's event, such as the explosives left in your dorm room. Can you confirm that you did these things willingly? Or were you forced to do them?CB 5: I wasn't forced to do anything.The principal: Very well then.CT 14: Who told you about us sneaking out?The principal: The person who told on you is of no importance. With what you've been doing, you would've been found out regardless.CT 14: Whatever...The principal: Now Cyberlife Bus 5, you claim that you had no idea something this drastic was going to come of the situation, yet you accepted to sneak out, make multiple contraptions, knowing full well that they were dangerous and going to be used, and allegedly accepted to be a part of the firecrackers situation days back? CB 5: I'm sorry sir, I know that I made a grave mistake in doing such reckless acts. I didn't know what I was doing, I just wanted to be accepted.The principal: I respect that, Cyberlife Bus 5 but this situation is far too serious for you to expect to get out of this without consequences.CB 5: I know, I deserve to be punished.The principal: Now Cyberlife Bus 8, you are another unpleasant surprise. You used to be quite an average student, with lots of friends and decent grades. You've shown no signs of being involved with Cyberlife Truck 14, Car 2 and Car 57 in the past. CB 8, distraught: Yeah well I wanted actual friends, not some fakes pretending they give a rat's ass... and now one of them is fucking dead and it's like you people don't even care! The principal: Now of course the death of one of our students is a tragedy, but whose fault was that?CB 8: Well it's not mine! I didn't make these fucking bombs, I-... goddamn it!The principal: You were still willing to engage in these dangerous activities, Cyberlife Bus 8. You need to start taking accountability.CB 8: It's not my fault these bombs were made, I never wanted or asked for any of this! Cyberlife Bus 5 may not have been able to defend herself the way that she hoped, but she still feels responsible for the entire situation, and doesn't want anything bad to happen to Cyberlife Bus 8. She speaks to her through her program, and tells her what to say in response to the principal, since she seems to be having trouble keeping calm. Cyberlife Bus 8 is desperate and accepts her help. Eventually, Cyberlife Bus 5 gets Cyberlife Bus 8 out of the spotlight, and with the mildest possible punishment.The principal: Fine, Cyberlife Bus 8. That's enough from you. Taking into account the amount of involvement in these activities you and Cyberlife Bus 5 have and your school success, I won't be expelling you. For the following weeks you'll be selectively isolated, tracked, and have your movements in and out of the school restricted. You may only ever leave school grounds under direct staff permission or supervision. Every day, from 5 PM onward you are required to stay in your dorms or stay parked in the depot, and your access to your own calling programs and social media will be denied. This is your final warning, I hope you manage to learn from your mistakes and don't intend on repeating something like this ever again.CB 8: Thank you...CB 5: Thank you sir, I don't intend to.The principal turns towards CC 57 and CT 14.The principal: As for you two, the situation is going to have to be different. Your number of violations of school rules and the law are too vast for a mild punishment. You all have been doing this for two years now, and you've been warned many times in the past. During your time in Elmwood, you've snuck out, stolen, used drugs, vandalized private property, put citizens in danger, disturbed public peace, solicited staff, trespassed, assaulted and now even killed fellow students. Students like you hinder our school's reputation and success, and you've been given multiple chances to improve upon yourselves, yet you've taken none of them. You've given me no choice but to permanently expel you. As of now, you are no longer a part of this institution and will be disassembled on sight if spotted on these premises again.Cyberlife Bus 8 starts crying, and Cyberlife Bus 5 is in disbelief, feeling immense guilt. She can't even bring herself to comfort Cyberlife Bus 8 at the moment, she also knows it'd be unwanted.The principal: Cyberlife Bus 5 and 8, you may now leave. Your restrictions officially start tomorrow.Cyberlife Bus 5 leaves in shock, while Cyberlife Bus 8 stays behind and begs to the principal not to expel Cyberlife Car 57. When Cyberlife Bus 5 exits, she's surrounded by vehicles on all sides, interrogating her and asking questions. She can only answer so many questions before she starts to self reflect and break down. She rushes to her dorm room. Cyberlife Bus spots her, but figures that she needs some time alone, and doesn't bother her.
The police can be seen exiting the building, escorting Cyberlife Car 57 and Cyberlife Truck 14 in wheel cuffs, while Cyberlife Bus 8 remains inside talking to the principal.
After locking herself in her dorm room, Cyberlife Bus 5 begins to break down. She hates herself for what she's done, she blames herself for the death of Cyberlife Car 2, for coming up with dangerous ideas and for not listening to Cyberlife Bus. She doesn't want to leave her room, and is actually glad she was put in isolation. She can't even imagine how it'd be like to go back to the outside world after something like this.
In an attempt to stop the emotional pain and calm her systems, Cyberlife Bus 5 goes to sleep.
=== Starting Over ===
The next day, Cyberlife Bus 5 is still in her room, not getting any better. She realized that being isolated from others is not as good as she thought it would be at first, and that it would only make things worse. In an attempt to lighten the load, Cyberlife Bus 5 offered to help fix any destroyed equipment and property she and her group destroyed yesterday. The principal wanted to accept her request, but the property owners denied it. However, Cyberlife Bus 5 was still commended by the principal for offering to help. Whenever she has to leave her dorm, all around her are people staring at her, talking and gossiping about her. Deep down she knows she deserved it. She hasn't seen Cyberlife Bus 8 anywhere and has no idea what happened to her since yesterday, but at the moment she doesn't even want to know.
Over time, the school becomes aware of Cyberlife Bus 5's deteriorating mental state. Cyberlife Bus offers to help her, as he's curious to learn what exactly happened himself, so the school arranges a meeting. Cyberlife Bus wants to take Cyberlife Bus 5 out to a coffee shop and chat with her to cheer her up, so the school updates the tracker alarms for the occasion accordingly. 
Cyberlife Bus notifies CB 5 about the arranged meeting and she gladly accepts it, as it's coming from the only person she can trust at the time. The two drive in silence to the same café they've been to the first time they met. Cyberlife Bus 5 is reminded of the good times before she ruined everything. It almost makes her forget about the guilt. The two sit down and Cyberlife Bus orders and pays for their food, as Cyberlife Bus 5's purchases are restricted. Cyberlife Bus is eager to talk to Cyberlife Bus 5.CB: I think now would be a good time for you to tell me what happened, get things off your mind.CB 5: I doubt there's anything I can say that you, or the whole school don't already know...CB: Believe me when I say that no one knows anything besides Cyberlife Car 2's death, the situation as a whole has been a mystery for us.CB 5: *sighs* ...CB: Cyberlife Bus 5, talk to me. You'll feel better.CB 5: I know, I know. Just-- give me some time.CB: Of course....CB 5: It's my fault.CB: Don't say that-CB 5: It's true. My ideas were the ones that got Cyberlife Car 2 killed. I should've listened to you...CB: Tell me what happened. Start from the beginning.CB 5: Well, at first... the thing those guys asked for help with was making firecrackers.CB: Ah. I kinda figured it was something like that.CB 5: And so after I offered to help them with that I just... went out with them, to test them out, teach them how to make them... it was stupid! I should've given them ready made ones, stayed at school and never talked to them again. But I didn't, I went with them, and stupidly enough I almost felt like I belonged. I felt accepted in a way, especially with how "cool" and out of my league they seemed... and that made me want to hang out with them even more.CB: So what'd you do?CB 5: I got a really stupid idea, that I thought they'd like... it was making explosives. Not the most recent ones but still, fucking explosives. And on the day we tested those explosives out, we just bonded even more. And when one of them offered to help me make our next cool contraptions, I couldn't decline. And that led to Cyberlife Car 2's death. I tried to warn him, but he wouldn't listen. I shouldn't have made those in the first place, I was stupid. Maybe I just wanted popularity, to be recognized in school, have lots of friends... But I can't say I didn't genuinely enjoy their company... Damn it.CB: Look, I get it. You were blinded by false hope, you didn't plan on doing anything wrong... but the others are just as guilty as you are, you shouldn't blame yourself.CB 5: I killed a vehicle, CB!CB: No. Unless you were the one that threw that bomb directly at him, then no, you didn't.CB 5: I just don't see it that way.CB: I don't expect you to, not with the way things are right now, but eventually I hope you'll realize.CB 5: ...CB: So what happened with the principal?CB 5: Cyberlife Bus 8 and I were let go with... restrictions, as you can tell, but the other guys... they didn't fair so well.CB: They got expelled.CB 5: Yes, they got expelled and it's all my fault.CB: No, once again, their own actions got them expelled.CB 5: ...Fuck, CB! Do you know what it means to be expelled?! You get tossed out, thrown in the scrapyard, and left to rust by the humans! I didn't just kill Cyberlife Car 2, but 57 and 14 too! I got them all killed and it's all my fault. CB: Listen, Cyberlife Car 57 and Cyberlife Truck 14 would've been caught either way, regardless of whether or not you started hanging out with them. What happened to them was... inevitable!CB 5: Wish I could see it that way. Fuck... one of them was dating Cyberlife Bus 8 too. It's clear she fucking hates me now.CB: Even if she does, I'm sure she'll come around. Right now she's probably just angry and confused, but it will pass.CB 5: If someone else took away someone close to me I sure wouldn't come around.CB: Except, as I said, this was inevitable, there's nothing you could've done. She'll have to realize that sooner or later.CB 5: *sighs* Maybe you're right... I just-... nothing....CB 5: Cyberlife Bus?CB: Yeah?CB 5: Can I ask you a question? And please, be honest.CB: Absolutely, CB 5, anything!CB 5: The principal said that one of the students in Elmwood reported us sneaking out to him. Was it you?CB: No, no of course not. I would never do that, I promise you.CB 5: Then do you know who it could be?CB: No person I can think of.CB 5: Okay...Cyberlife Bus 5 believes Cyberlife Bus, but one person who could've reported them comes to mind. As she's sitting with Cyberlife Bus, she represses that thought. She doesn't want to lose another friend.
Cyberlife Bus and Cyberlife Bus 5 switch to some lighter topics and chat for a bit, before another bus enters the café. The bus: Cyberlife Bus 5?Just the voice of the bus was enough to terrify Cyberlife Bus 5. It's Cyberlife Bus 8, she didn't prepare for this.
The bus drives over to their table.CB 8: There you are.CB 5: Cy-Cyberlife Bus 8... I'm so, so sorry!CB 8: [sighs] Look, you shouldn't be. You were the one telling us to get out of there, telling Cyberlife Car 2 to stop. You warned him multiple times, it was me who kept encouraging it. His death had nothing to do with you, or Cyberlife Truck 14. In the moment I just wanted to pin the blame on someone.CB 5: I still got Cyberlife Car 57 and Cyberlife Truck 14 expelled. If Cyberlife Car 2 isn't on me then they are. I'm sorry. 
CB 8: You shouldn't be. 
CB 5: Why? Are they okay? 
CB 8: Cyberlife Car 57 is, as far as I know. He managed to find some sort vehicle labor job in Ann Arbor, so they won't be scrapping him. Whatever's better than dying in a junkyard I guess. 
CB 5: Oh, thank god... But you guys aren't even allowed to talk to each other now, are you? 
CB 8: Nah, we're... taking some time apart either way, probably for good. It's unrelated to you, don't overthink. 
CB 5: Okay... Still, I'm sorry, I never should've made those stupid bombs. 
CB 8: Look, I was angry and blamed you for a while but... we were all kind of responsible back there. It wouldn't be fair to take all the blame out on you. What happened to Cyberlife Truck 14 and Cyberlife Car 2 was gonna happen regardless, if Cyberlife Car 2 hadn't died by the bomb he'd have gotten expelled and thrown away too, as hard as it is to accept. Try not to worry about it. 
CB 5: I'll try. What are you doing here? 
CB 8: Don't worry, the school sent me here. They wanted to me to set things straight with you, make sure you're okay. 
CB 5: Oh, alright. I haven't exactly been feeling "okay" these past few days. 
CB 8: I can tell you it's the same with me. But I'm gonna stop all that shit, and start over. It'll all be okay in the end, it has to be. 
CB 5: Yeah, same with me. I should... go back to focusing on my studies again. 
CB 8: I should too. And I'd appreciate it if you could maybe help me out with some of the work. 
CB 5: Absolutely. 
CB 8: Thank you. Can I... sit here? 
CB 5: Yeah, of course. 
CB: You want me to order something for you? 
CB 8: Uh, just a coffee, thanks. 
CB: You got it. Cyberlife Bus drives over to order the coffee for Cyberlife Bus 8. CB 8: Also, I just wanted to say thank you.CB 5: For what?CB 8: For helping me out in the principal's office. I didn't know what I was saying then. I was definitely coming off the wrong way, and if I kept that up... he would've probably expelled me too.CB 5: Don't think that.CB 8: I don't think it, I know it. He told me, when you all left. I've always been on thin ice with that guy. CB 5: Oh.CB 8: So if it wasn't for you, I'd probably be rusting away in a junkyard right now. You saved my life back there, and I owe you an apology, for ever getting mad in the first place. Thank you.CB: Here's your coffee, Cyberlife Bus 8.CB 8: Thanks, Cyberlife Bus... 1?CB: You got that right.CB 8: Cyberlife Bus 5's told me about you. CB: Oh really? I wonder what there is to even say about me.CB 8 chuckling: She just thought it would be cool if you could hang out with us sometime.CB: That'd be just fine by me.Cyberlife Bus and Cyberlife Bus 8 get to know each other, and soon enough the trio happily chat in the café until sunset. From that day onward, Cyberlife Bus 5's mental state improves over time, and she's stopped blaming herself for the fates of Cyberlife Car 2 and Cyberlife Truck 14. She spends more and more time with CB and CB 8 and eventually gains some new friends, who accept her for who she is. Cyberlife Car 2's words no longer echo throughout her mind, but rather Cyberlife Bus 8's words. 
"It'll all be okay in the end. It has to be."
Category:Episodes