A low thrumming burbled through the air of the ship.
It was nighttime in this particular part of the planet called Earth.
Some humans slept. Others worked tirelessly, "running on fumes" as they called it.
A clangorous chorus of noise reverberated off the walls.
« "Do you really think the humans are worth it? All the trouble?" »
There was stillness before Abbott thoughtfully vocalized.
« "Yes. Despite everything, they seem to be good of heart. Loyal, empathetic, a bit flighty but we're quite confusing to them no doubt, so I don't hold it against them." »
« "You're thinking of what they did again." »
He felt the heat from the explosion pulse through his body alongside his hemolymph.
« "Just... I see you there, withering away, and it hurts me." »
Abbott let out a chitter.
« "Costello, I thought you weren't sentimental!" »
« "I am not being sentimental. I'm simply stating that I'm frustrated that your death was preventable. If those humans had half the foresight—" »
Abbott's voice had mirth.
« "They have no foresight!" »
The air pulsed again as Costello thrummed.
« "How can you not hold anything against them? We come here simply out of kindness to share our language's gift and they kill you. It's vexing." »
Abbott thought back to the image of himself. Slumped on the floor of the ship, body collapsed. Gaping holes pockmarking his form where his flesh sloughed off.
« "I think it was worth it. The last moments I had were with Louise. I was helping her form a logogram, as best as she could." »
Costello looked towards Abbott, knowing what he was going to say.
In his head, he parroted Abbott.
« "It reminded me of teaching younglings. Louise is so inexperienced yet eager to learn, if apprehensive. I do wish I could've at least felt her small hand on my tendril..." »
« "You are far too sentimental for your own good." »
« "Perhaps that's why they paired me up with you, King of Stoicism and Never Having Fun." »
Abbott let out infrasonic throbs paired with chirps.
« "It was cosmic balance, you know." »
Time was passing by and enveloping them at the same time. It was soon to be sun-rising-time in this particular part of the planet called Earth.
« "You know, when my lifetime first rushed to me, I was disappointed that I got paired with you on this mission. So talkative, unserious." »
If Abbott could, he would've smiled fondly.
« "Well... when I experienced my lifetime, I was honored to be paired with the senior specialist. So knowledgeable... so easy to annoy!" »
