#constellation droids

"Yay! You came!"

If Bass's presence wasn't enough of a shock, Rock was dumbfounded by the fact that Roll jumped to her feet and raced across the field, stopping just short of glomping him, although it was clear from her body language that she was fighting hard to resist giving the Wily 'bot a big hug.

"Pinch me, I'm dreaming," Rock said under his breath, then yelped when Capricorn took the request literally.

"Did I do something wrong?"

"No, no, it's just-- I can't believe this is happening." Bass was there? …to help garden? …because Roll invited him?

"So you guys are, what, teachin' aliens how to plant vegetables and crap?" He was every bit as incredulous as Rock, albeit for completely different reasons. "Does that make any sense? They're robots, just upload a database about it or something."

"Well, that's actually one of the things we're doing," Dr. Astil said with a smile. "We're also studying the samples and records of vegetation from the Constellation Droid's home planet. Researching what specimens from Earth would be appropriate, and would help revitalize the soil to allow their native species to thrive, without invasively pushing out what little has survived. While we're doing that--"

Plant Man couldn't help himself, he excitedly started talking over Dr. Astil. "--We've started sequencing the DNA of the alien plants so that we can genetically modify the seeds and rhizomes that they take back with them. If there's enough compatibility, we might even be able to create hybrids. We've started working on cloning the plant samples they have to create a larger seed bank for future replanting." He clapped his hands together and bounced on his heels. "And we're investigating strains of fungi and bacteria that would provide beneficial, symbiotic relationships to support that regrowth, also with possible genetic modification to best suit their environment!"

"Wow. That's amazing," Bass actually sounded impressed, "…somehow they managed to build a Robot Master that's even nerdier than you, Rock."

"Why don't you stick your tongue in an electrical socket?" asked Viv.

"Why don't you mind your own beeswax, bumble butt?"

Aquarius gave Rock a concerned look as he approached, before watering the seed they'd planted. "That robot is an affiliate of Dr. Wily, he was not deceived the way we were."

"Y-yeah I know, it's okay."

Blues cut across the field. Bass seemed annoyed but didn't protest when he threw an arm across his shoulders and started herding him towards where they were working.

"Dr. Light is still repairing Apollo and Luna," he explained. "And Dr. Astil's research will take time. So yes, for now we are 'teaching aliens how to plant vegetables and crap'. There are a lot of variables when it comes to dealing with living organisms that goes beyond downloading a database, and the Constellation Droids are a lot like us-- designed to adapt new skills through observation and practice." Blues grabbed a spade and shoved it into Bass's hands. "Here. Get to work."

He scowled as he looked at the tool. "…I don't know how to do any of this stuff either."

"No kiddin'?" Blues gave him a playful shove in Rock's direction. "Looks like you got another student," he said to his brother.

They'd split the Constellation Droids into four groups and divided the work into shifts, in order to keep things from getting too overwhelming. Rock showed Bass the steps, just as he had shown Capricorn, Aquarius, and Scorpio, and Roll had taught their group. He struggled to stay focused as Bass leaned in close.

He'd noticed his slightly uneven gait on the way over, and up close the battle damage was pretty obvious. It made sense once he thought about it (there hadn't been time for Dr. Wily to repair him before he fled, and Bass hadn't gone with him, wherever he was) but Rock hadn't thought about it before now.

"You know, I could-- or, um, Roll could help you with repairs. If you wanted."

The only response he got from Bass was a scoff.

Aquarius, on the other hand, shifted back and forth anxiously, dying to say something. Rock decided not to open up the topic for conversation, but after a minute or so Aquarius couldn't take it anymore. "Why would you offer to repair him, when his injuries are directly from when you beat him in combat?"

"I--"

"He didn't beat me," Bass interrupted. "I let him win."

"Oh? You 'let' me, huh?" Rock asked, unable to help himself.

This earned a sneer.

"So let me guess, pigtails is here to study their soil and queen bee to figure out pollination?" Bass said eventually, changing the subject. "And I bet Dr. Lala is 'helping' Dr. Light fix up the big guys."

"Yeah."

They worked in silence for a bit, the three alien robots focused on the task, Rock lost in thought, and Bass trying hard to let his defenses down and be relaxed (which in a way defeated the purpose) while doing something mundane in a group setting without trying to fight Rock, just like Blues and Roll had encouraged him to.

…right up until Rock abruptly straightened up and set down the pack of seeds.

"You really did let me win, didn't you?"

When it came to fighting he had a few advantages over Bass. Experience was a big one. Creativity and flexibility were a part of it, not only did he have better problem solving skills, he'd always had an edge coming up with out-of-the-box solutions in the heat of battle. Understanding and empathy helped him anticipate how his opponent would react during a scrap.

But while Bass still struggled understanding others, that 'creativity' was the reason Dr. Wily had given him so much freedom in the first place, and 'experience' was something that the more combat-focused 'bot was rapidly catching up on. He was already more powerful than Rock. Always had been.

So if they were even, or if the balance was now tipped in Bass's favor, then… why? To what end? If he was letting Rock win, what did that mean?

He watched Bass pretend to ignore him and decided then and there that he didn't care 'why'. For now he was going to enjoy sitting out in the sun with good (or questionable) company, doing something that felt like progress. The rest he could figure out along the way.

"Are you listening? Rockman asked if--" Aquarius started, only for Scorpio to make a quick gesture, silencing him.

They continued 'teaching aliens how to plant vegetables and crap', with Bass and Scorpio digging tiny holes, Rock and Capricorn sowing, Aquarius lightly watering the seeds. Capricorn leaned in to whisper to him. "Your friend is digging a little too deeply, it's less than optimal for germination."

It was clear from the way Bass tensed that he'd overheard, and was fighting hard to resist arguing with the Constellation Droid.