Jacob sat across from Julia in their cozy apartment, putting on his most dashing smile amidst the pain that crept in every now and then. His medication was beginning to wear off, but the day had been a success, and tonight was going so well that he didn't want to spoil it. The table spread was filled with their favorite foods and drink, prepped by his very own hands. The illness may have stolen the refined palette from his chef days, but it spared his wit in the culinary arts. At least he hoped. He surveyed her beautiful face in search of approval.

"Well, I see you haven't vomited," His British accent was hoarse, but endearing. A boyish smile surfaced his frail lips, "...so we can say that at the very least, it is digestible." It was a rare occasion for Jacob to be so radiant. Most days were spent bedridden, or attached to his hover chair. Every once in awhile he will brace the outside world of The Fortress with Julia, frequenting viewpoint park that overlooked the valley of clouds, or embark on random adventures in the city like giddy teenagers. 

While Jacob might chalk it up to his sickness, it was really the lack of social human interaction, ironically enough, that made him want to stay indoors most days. Since the conversion 5 years ago, everything felt far too mechanical, both in the figurative and literal sense. The colonist they all once knew and loved exchanged their humanity for longevity. Androids with manicured faces that look more like masks, emote with the expression of puppets dangling on the grandest stage in the sky. Jacob and Julia were thoroughly convinced that that was no way to live. Despite the colony's relentless efforts to convert them, despite the disease that seeks to disintegrate their bodies, they were going to live on for humanity - no matter the cost.  

Jacob stared at the dying sun from the large windows of the dining room. He watched the last sliver of its orange hues peaking out, wishing for them to stay just a lifetime longer. When they vanished, his heart sank low. This would be their last night before their daring quest. The coming days were going to be a trial on both fronts, but they were going to get through it together - just not in the way Jacob wanted. [i]Enough[/i]. He cursed at himself for wasting precious moments brooding on things that cannot be undone. He looked up and stared into her eyes, entranced by her essence as if it were the first time he laid eyes on her. 

"Do you remember when we first met?" It was a nonsensical question that he already knew the answer to, but loved teasing her as if she forgot. Though in truth, his mind was becoming more hazy these days, so he recounted their story for his memory's sake. "At the food court of an abandoned shopping mall; you thought I was a marauder trying to have my way with you." His eyes looked up at the ceiling, projecting his thoughts on its blank white canvas. "You nearly took my head off with a spell and said something along the lines of: 'I wouldn't sleep with you if you were the last man on this earth.'" He laughed. "Funny how it all panned out, eh?"