October 1st, 2184. Bunker 00. Martin's Office.
The hum of the bunker's systems filled the air as Jason fixed his gaze on Martin, waiting for him to reveal what he had held back. It was clear that whatever Martin had to say was of great importance, and Jason had a sinking feeling that it would be troubling.
"A century ago, when Tessa still lived with us, she confided in me about certain things that I kept to myself at the time, as we didn't have the means to investigate them. Among other things, I learned before Copper 9 was glassed, it's time these things come to light. We're going to need each other's help on this," Martin began. "I'm sure you remember the meeting when Tessa had several drones with her. One of those drones, however, wasn't supposed to be with her."
"And who was it?" Jason asked.
"Cyn… In my line of work, one of my responsibilities was monitoring the movement and transfer of drones. When this one came up, she wasn't registered in the program. But just before I could file a report, the screen glitched and suddenly, she was approved. I looked into it, but there was nothing suspicious. I didn't question it until Tessa shared some details that made it clear some unknown force played a part in the destruction of Copper 9… and it involves Cyn," Martin explained.
"Something beyond the Illuminate?" Jason asked, brow furrowed. "We've speculated about possibilities, but something tells me there's a third option. Those two—the Illuminate or a traitor—seem like the only logical choices. But after everything we've encountered with these new threats, it's clear there's something else still active. What are the details, and how does Cyn fit into all of this?"
"Before the night terrors started, she told me about several incidents, one of which stands out," Martin said, his expression darkening. "According to her, while she and the drone G were making their way back to her room, they heard Cyn's voice behind her door… but there was another voice. Tessa told me it sounded synthetic and triggered a deep fear response in her when she entered her room. Cyn, ever the cheerful one, tried to brush it off, but what happened next told a different story. While they were preparing to settle in for the night, watching a movie, the TV suddenly switched channels. According to her, the screen displayed a drone with a large yellow X over its optics before returning to normal. Cyn passed it off as her messing with the TV, but at that time, who would believe Tessa if she told anyone? From what I've gathered, it seems like something was fighting for control of Cyn—and it was clear that she wasn't winning."
"A yellow X..." Jason muttered, the realization dawning on him. He reached for his sample collector and pulled out the paper, unfolding it. He studied it for a moment, then walked closer to place it on the desk. "Something like this?"
Martin took the paper, examining it with a careful eye. He paused for a moment before speaking.
"Where did you get this?" he asked.
"Don't get angry, but Uzi had it. She didn't make it, but it came from her mother's private room. It seems she either had it with her or it fell out when she left. Uzi picked it up and kept it hidden. If what you're saying is true, could this be what's on this paper? A drone with a yellow X over its optics? Think back to what Lizzy told us about those drones going wild, displaying that same marking. Something took control of those drones. But I don't think it was the Illuminate or a traitor. Have there been any sightings of drones like this before the invasion?" Jason asked.
"There were incidents," Martin replied, his voice low. "They were classified, but I ordered special operations in the years following the nuclear bombardment to retrieve them. There were recalls of drones, but the cause was never clear. When we dug deeper, we found that the drones went feral, attacking both humans and other drones. Each case ended with the drone being destroyed. A team was then sent in to recover them, but the details were kept hidden. I think it's clear that this wasn't the work of the Illuminate or a traitor."
"It's still unknown, but there's one more thing that worries me," Jason continued. "Uzi told me something I'm sure she wanted to keep between us. But with everything going on, it all needs to come to light. She mentioned spending some time near Nori's private room. According to Uzi, she occasionally overheard Nori speaking to herself, saying things like 'Shut up' or that she'd rather die with this 'drawing.' I think Nori might have been fighting something trying to take control of her."
"And if that's true..." Martin's voice trailed off. "She and Yeva are outsiders, but in all those years, they showed no signs of hostility. They even settled down, had families."
"I'm not saying either of them is a threat," Jason replied, "but what if something is trying to control them? I can only speculate, but what if this… infection hasn't spread to Uzi and Doll yet?"
Martin sighed. "We're dealing with too many unknowns. We need to keep a close watch on them. If necessary, we'll look into Nori's private room."
The weight of the situation pressed on them both. With so many threats looming, they had to focus on fortifying the colony first. There was still an entire planet to monitor, and many places of interest to explore. It was clear that the battle ahead would be long and grueling.
"For now, we'll keep observation on them," Martin said. "But let's get back to the matter of Tessa and Cyn. There's one detail that ties this unknown threat to what we've already faced. As I mentioned, Tessa had those night terrors, but the content of them is significant. They connected to the Steel Terror. How? These night terrors involved her being chased by Cyn in her home, and from what Tessa told me, Cyn looked just like one of those creatures."
"Interesting..." Jason muttered, piecing things together. "If that's the case, it might explain why the Illuminate attacked her home. It could also shed light on why she had those night terrors—what if one of those things attacked her home?"
"That's exactly what I thought. But what makes you think that's the reason the Illuminate attacked?" Martin asked, his eyes narrowing in thought.
"What other reasons could there have been? What about Cyn? Is there anything else about her that stands out as a red flag?"
Martin paused, thinking. "She was obsessed with asking Tessa about Super Earth, the colonies—how far they spread, everything. Much like V, N, and J did. But... I've been thinking, if Cyn was under some sort of control, maybe it was using her to gather information. And when Tessa became useless... it sent something to tie up loose ends."
"This might explain why the Illuminate attacked Copper 9 in the first place," Jason said, rubbing his temple. "But as before, we don't have any clear leads. Still, it's clear there's something on this planet that poses a threat—and considering everything we've encountered, it's still very much alive."
"I think you might be right. But for now, what are your plans?" Martin asked, shifting his focus.
"As for myself, I'm going to reach out to the colony leaders and the outposts. I'll let them know what's coming, what the humans will be doing, and I'm also going to implement a curfew for the night. I don't trust what the darkness and clouds are hiding," Martin said, his voice firm.
"I'll speak with the Democracy Officers and the other officers in the chain of command to set everything up for the coming days. I agree with you on the curfew. We need to stay linked; if anything urgent comes up, I'll forward it to you. That's my duty for the day," Jason said.
"Then I won't keep you any longer, Jason. But remember, what's been said in here stays between us. We can't have this spreading," Martin warned.
"I know. For now, it's just between us. If anything comes up, I'll reach out to you. Take care," Jason said, nodding in agreement.
With no further words between them, Jason turned and walked toward the door, stepping out into the hallway. This conversation had illuminated many things, but it also revealed a vast darkness that loomed ahead. For now, their focus would be on turning the bunker into a sanctuary. Once that was secured, they could begin digging into the depths of the unknown, and Jason silently prayed that it wouldn't cost them too much.
Bunker 00. Yeva's Room.
Returning to her room, Yeva exhaled a heavy sigh, her fingers brushing over her optics in a habitual motion. Among the many grim aspects of this situation, one thing she could be grateful for was that the humans were willing to help. Another was that Uzi still showed no signs of the darkness within her surfacing, though Yeva knew it was only a matter of time. As she made her way toward the couch in her living room, she sat down, pressing her head into her hands. The events that had transpired felt like an unending nightmare, the terror gnawing at her, not just for herself, but for Nori's family and hers, remembering what had happened within Facility 12. And now, there was a chilling possibility that what was within her could make its way here.
"[Amused] She's dead, you know… You left her all alone," a voice echoed through the room, its taunt piercing the silence.
It wasn't the first time Yeva had heard this voice. The darkness within her mocked, whispered, and taunted, filling her dreams with nightmares. Even in her happiest moments, it lingered in the shadows, attempting to seize control and drag her into the abyss. But each time, something held it back. Still, the voice found its way into her mind, digging in, relentlessly.
"Quiet… You're nothing but an annoyance. Nori is far stronger than you realize," Yeva muttered, struggling to steady her breath.
"[Sadistic] "You abandoned your friend to die! And now she screams alone. She curses you! You could have stopped her that day, but no... You let her run off into the night. And it won't be long until her daughter joins her, the way you're doing things.'" The voice laughed, the sound sickening.
"SHUT UP!!!" Yeva screamed, the words raw and desperate. For a moment, her left optic shifted, transforming into a symbol with a single point and three arrows radiating from it. Error messages flickered across her optics.
Gripping her head tightly, the symbol flashed a few times before disappearing, leaving her optics to return to normal. Yet, the faint echoes of the voice's laughter still echoed in the back of her mind.
"Nori… I will find you…" Yeva whispered, a single tear-like streak of red trailing down her optic.
As she sobbed quietly, the sound of the door opening interrupted her, snapping her from her thoughts. To her surprise, the last person she expected to see entered. Nikolai. His optics, filled with concern and fear, moved toward her, aware of what had happened to her and what it had left in its wake.
"Did you hear it again?" Nikolai asked softly, his voice tinged with worry.
Standing slowly, Yeva moved into his arms, resting her head against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her in a comforting embrace.
"It's going to be alright," Nikolai murmured, his tone gentle. "I'm on break. I didn't think you'd be back here… But I heard you screaming."
Yeva clung to him, her emotions a swirling storm of uncertainty. This was not the first time this had happened. It was one of the reasons they had chosen such a remote location to stay.
"I told them everything… and yet... it's still there. Did I leave Nori alone when she needed someone the most?" Yeva asked, her voice faltering.
"Nori ran off, Yeva. No one could've seen it coming," Nikolai reassured her, his hand gently brushing her hair. "Where's Doll?" he added, noticing the absence.
"She's with her friends… I think they're going out soon… It's for the best, I think," Yeva replied, her voice soft but carrying a hint of relief.
"Good. That's very good." Nikolai's grip tightened for a moment, grounding her. "Just relax, please. Let it go for now."
As she rested in his arms, Yeva couldn't help but think about what needed to be done in case Uzi, like her, began to suffer under the weight of the darkness. It was a wishful thought to believe Uzi was untouched, just as Doll had managed to maintain control. But Yeva knew better. The longer one used it, the higher the chance it would take hold, and the day it happened could come at any time. She knew too well that fate was cruel when it came to such things.
Bunker 00. Command Room.
After everyone had departed for the entrance, James set up two chairs, one for himself and one for V, and prepared for what would be the first of many interviews. His role was to gather information, and the story behind the drones was at the top of his list. This information would be archived and sent to the Ministry of Intelligence through the Ministry of Defense, provided Jason could facilitate it. If not, he would store it alongside everything else he was recording with his Watch Dog drone. The first topic was V's history.
"Alright, this is Ministry of Intelligence agent James conducting the first interview with the combat drone V," James announced as the Watch Dog hovered in front of him before moving behind, capturing a clear view of both of them.
"I guess you have to do that every time you speak with someone like this?" V asked, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.
"Part of the job. There's normally a ton of other things, but I'm skipping over those. I'd like to focus on your past, specifically your interactions with humans, if that's alright. What happened here, among the bunkers? Were there any humans you were particularly close to?" James inquired, his tone professional but curious.
"That's a rough topic... But I'll share what I can," V responded, her voice softening. "When I first started, the humans treated me with a mix of curiosity and, at times, fear. I was assigned to a human named Anderson, the commander of the SEAF on Copper 9. My role was to assist with the coordination and flow of SEAF forces across the planet." V let out a small chuckle. "Anderson thought I was there to take his job. But over time, we became good friends. We learned to trust one another, as did many others."
"I see. Interesting," James mused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I can understand why there might have been some fear—an intelligent machine in that era. There was widespread fear back then of such technology. The Illuminate used war machines controlled by AIs, and their civilization was dominated by them. However, I believe differences in circumstance and context can shape how one interacts with such machines. We've been at war with the Automatons for several months now, and I've noticed some of the SEAF showing concern when they look at you. However, many are still curious. There's always going to be a mix of reactions, just as there was a century ago. Now, about the events that transpired here in the bunker—who made it out during that time? Were J and N already here?" James asked, shifting the topic.
"No, neither of them arrived until later. For N, we dug him out of the rubble after a gun battery collapsed on top of him from a shockwave. He was in standby mode when we found him. Thankfully, he was able to recover and has been a tremendous help ever since," V explained. "As for J, we found her near a downed Pelican. Her human—her partner—didn't make it. The Pelican was caught in the shockwave of the nuclear explosions. She was devastated for a long time. As for what happened here at the bunker, we did everything we could to search for survivors. But as time passed, the humans began to fall, one by one—disease, radiation sickness, lack of water, and, by the end of 2084, hope. We lost many, but some clung on with us for a few more years. By 2088, there was only one left, and that was Tessa."
"Hmm... Sounds rough," James remarked, his voice filled with a mixture of sympathy and understanding. "You've all been through a lot—almost like some of the Helldivers. I heard how you found Tessa, but how close were you to her?" James asked, leaning in slightly.
"She was a friend," V answered, her tone softening. "Though her time with us was short, I cherished it. She never gave up hope that you humans would return."
"A century overdue, if you ask me..." James muttered under his breath, though his words were more for himself than for V. "What happened to Anderson during this time? When did he pass away?"
At the mention of Anderson, V fell silent. The question affected her more than she had expected. It was a topic that still haunted her, even after all this time. She had told herself she had moved on, but the truth was, none of them had—N, J, or herself. None of them had truly healed from the losses they endured. After a long pause, V finally met James' gaze, her optics reflecting a deep, quiet sorrow.
Her voice trembled slightly as she began to recount that day—the event that had cost her not only a comrade but a good friend.
2084. Copper 9 Surface. Three Months After Nuclear Bombardment.
Dark clouds choked the sky, while ash and blackened earth blanketed the surface of Copper 9. The global temperatures continued to plummet, and all around, the husks of cities stood in solemn ruins, surrounded by dead forests that sprawled like silent sentinels between them. Yet, amidst this devastation, life—both human and drone—held on with desperate tenacity. From Bunker 00, a team of SEAF soldiers, workers, and combat drones ventured toward one of the cities, determined to salvage whatever could be used to sustain the bunker and preserve what remained of the human population. Beneath the surface, within the maze of subway tunnels, they moved through the oppressive darkness. Their only light came from flashlights, a necessity due to the dangerously high surface-level radiation. To minimize their exposure, they had no choice but to venture underground.
"It shouldn't be too much further. Just watch your footing; that water, like everything else, is contaminated," Anderson said, glancing to his left. A pool of stagnant water had accumulated along the area of the tracks.
"Sir, might I ask why you humans keep doing this?" The voice belonged to a combat drone named Toni. "We can withstand radiation and other hazards far better than you can."
"Because we're already dead, Toni," Anderson replied, his tone flat. "Long-term, we're not going to last. That's a fact. But we can ensure that the drones, at least, have a chance. There's more out here among the wasteland—getting them back to the bunker, along with anyone else we find, is our duty. Saving lives—that's all that matters. So we'll keep doing this. At least it makes our deaths mean something."
Anderson had come to terms with this grim reality. Yet, even in accepting his fate, he remained resolute in his mission—ensuring the survival of the drones, and maybe, just maybe, helping to rebuild something from the ashes. He knew Super Earth would eventually return. But even if it didn't, the drones could survive and, with any luck, carve out a future from the ruins.
"Still, it's not right, Anderson," V said, her voice tinged with concern. "It's our duty to protect and help you, and you're putting yourself at risk."
Anderson didn't reply. He simply pressed forward. In a short time, they found themselves standing in a terminal. The roof had caved in, and pools of water, along with other debris, filled the space.
"V… It doesn't matter what's right or wrong," Anderson said. "It just is. Now, I need you with me. We'll sweep the area, and see if there's anything of use. If not, we move on to the next location. No different than what we've done before."
V watched him, frustration mounting, but as the team fanned out, she stayed close behind him. Her optics shifted between Anderson and the surroundings, her frustration growing.
"You speak as if your life could end at any moment," she observed, her voice quiet.
"And it could, V. One thing you learn about life is that at any moment, it could be gone—just like that," Anderson replied.
And yet, as if to prove his words true, the ground beneath them suddenly gave way. Weakened by the shockwave from the nuclear blast and the environmental decay, the floor crumbled, sending Anderson plunging through. The sound of splashing water echoed through the terminal, drawing the team's attention to the hole where he had fallen.
"Anderson!" V shouted, her voice sharp with urgency.
Through the breach, Anderson struggled to resurface, his body dragging through the water. He dropped his backpack and other equipment before clutching the edge of the hole. V was quick to reach down and grab him, pulling him out of the depths of her worst fear.
His suit was torn and soaked, his body exposed to the contaminated water. There was no way to know if he had suffered any internal damage, but even a brief exposure could be deadly, especially with their limited medical supplies. Coughing, Anderson looked around at the team, then slowly pushed himself to his feet.
"Sir…" one of them called out hesitantly.
"Toni, you're in charge now," Anderson rasped, his voice hoarse. "V... Get me back to the bunker... We need to talk."
The journey back to the bunker was uneventful, but Anderson's condition worsened. Cuts and scrapes on his body had allowed the toxic water to infect him. Over the next few days, he clung to life with a strength that surprised even him. But ultimately, the infection claimed him, leaving V—and many others—alone, once again, in the silence of the bunker.
Bunker 00. Command Room.
Silence settled heavily in the room once V finished speaking. The weight of her words lingered in the air, and though she had hoped never to speak of it again, she knew it was necessary. Super Earth had to understand what they had endured when they were abandoned.
"Anderson passed away shortly after that," V continued, her voice steady but tinged with sorrow. "For a time, I was put in command of the bunker before Martin came along."
James absorbed her words in silence, his expression somber. "I thank you for sharing this. I can't imagine it was easy, but I won't press you further on this. I'll cut the interview here," he said softly.
V met his gaze and offered a small, knowing nod. "We can keep going if you wish."
"No," James replied, shaking his head. "We can do more another time. I'd like all three of you—N and J—here for the next one. But I'm sorry for your loss."
With a gentle touch, he turned off his Watch Dog camera, the quiet click marking the end of their conversation for now.
V studied him for a moment, her eyes softening with appreciation. "We have many stories to tell. I'm just glad someone is willing to listen and record them. So, what will you be doing now?"
"For now," James said, his gaze turning inward as he considered his next steps, "I'll send this up to Jason 'Super Destroyer' and tell him what I've recorded so far. After that… I'll stay here to help. There's always a chance something might come up, and you shouldn't have to handle it alone."
V's expression warmed, a rare flicker of gratitude passing through her. "I'd be thankful for that. I'll give you a heads-up if you do end up having a private interview with N. He's probably going to talk your ear off. I've never understood one thing about him—how can someone remain so optimistic after all that's happened? I've seen him sad, even angry, but he always manages to keep a smile on his face, even when things go wrong for all of us."
James chuckled softly, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Some people are just like that. And truthfully, you need those kinds of people around. They keep you grounded. As I'd say, staying human means keeping yourself as you are, even when everything else seems to be falling apart."
He paused for a moment, his thoughts drifting back to the battlefield, where he had seen so many lose themselves. It was easy to fall into that abyss. But those who could still smile, even when they should have been broken—those were the people who held everything together. They were the ones who kept everyone else moving forward. It was clear to James, though, that this story was going to be far from ordinary.
Bunker 00. Entrance.
Leaving the command room, the group—Lizzy, Thad, Rebecca, Emily, Doll, N, and J—made their way toward the bunker entrance. They were waiting for Uzi, who had expressed a desire to join them. To pass the time, they gathered at the wall near the entrance. Moving up one of the ramps for a better vantage point, their optics focused on the SEC Lucas, its massive hull towering before them. Swarms of robotic workers and humans buzzed around the vessel, a chaotic sight that somehow resolved into a perfect symphony of order as crew members streamed in and out.
From their perch, the sheer scale of activity unfolding below was both awe-inspiring and humbling.
"This is insane," Thad said, shaking his head in disbelief. "I mean, I've heard of humans building massive cities and space stations before, but this? This is a whole new level. Think we could get a tour sometime?"
"Doubt it." J's voice was steady as her optics lingered on the Lucas. She had seen her share of human ships and orbital stations, but even she was awestruck by its colossal size. "Look at all that movement—drones, humans—it's too chaotic right now. Maybe once things settle down, we'll get our chance."
From behind them, Lizzy's voice chimed in. She was staring at her phone, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Hey, guys. Got us a ride. Old Ronathon's still keeping tabs on me. He'll be here in a few minutes, so we don't have to bother the humans this time around."
"Ronathon?!" Rebecca looked over, eyebrows raised. "Did he get that bus running again? I thought it was done for good after that wreck."
Emily nodded, her expression soft. "It's been a while since I've seen him. Glad to hear he's still around—and that the bus is, too. We've done so much walking lately."
Ronathon, one of the colony's older worker drones, had a knack for keeping vehicles operational. His most notable project had been maintaining a battered school bus, which had served as the group's transport until an accident sidelined it months ago.
"He was determined to fix it," N said. "It just took time. He's one of the few drones who can still keep something like that running. I even picked up a few parts for him when I was off-duty."
"Someone should check on Uzi," Doll suggested, her gaze shifting toward the blast door. "She knows we're out here, but you know how she gets. This will be our first real gathering in months… I've forgotten what it's like to have everyone together."
"Uzi will figure it out when she sees we're not in the command room," Lizzy replied with a shrug.
Doll's comment seemed to strike a chord with Emily. "I've missed this," she admitted. "It feels like ages since we've all been together. I just wish V could join us."
"There's always next time," Rebecca said reassuringly. "V's got her duties, and that human—James—is keeping her company. She's not alone."
As if summoned by their conversation, Uzi appeared from beneath the blast door, her purple optics glowing in the dim light. She spotted the group almost immediately.
"Uzi! Over here!" N waved enthusiastically, beckoning her to join them.
Striding up the ramp, Uzi's gaze flicked toward the Lucas. "So, none of you waited for me. What's going on over there?"
"All kinds of things," N replied. "It's a madhouse, but somehow they keep track of it all. By the way, how's Jason doing?"
"He's fine. He went to see Martin—probably still with him," Uzi answered curtly.
N watched her carefully as she turned her attention back to the Lucas. He had a good idea of what she wanted to discuss with Jason, but he respected her privacy.
"Ronathon's on his way," Lizzy interjected. "Bus is running again. Once he picks us up, how about heading to the Peak? It's still within the FOB boundaries, and there's nothing dangerous out there."
The Peak was a large hill near the colony's edge, offering a breathtaking view of the settlement and, on clear days, the city ruins beyond.
"That sounds nice," Rebecca said. "We could pick up Darren and Trevor on the way."
Lizzy smirked. "Of course you want Darren to come along, lovebird."
Rebecca flushed but didn't reply, prompting J to chuckle. "Romance… never quite understood it. Humans seemed obsessed with it, though. You should've seen how many people hit on Taryn back at the airbase. And the pilots? They had their fair share of admirers, too. One even decked a guy for making inappropriate comments."
"Romance is overrated," Uzi said flatly.
The group laughed, their voices cutting through the cold air before falling silent. Suddenly, the sound of flapping wings was heard above them. A combat drone descended gracefully, landing in the middle of the area. In its arms was a worker drone they all recognized.
"Kelsey?" Doll's voice was tinged with surprise. "And Ella! Didn't expect to see you two today."
Ella carefully set Kelsey down before turning to the group. "Doll… Everyone. What are you doing here?"
"Waiting for Ronathon," Lizzy explained. "He's taking us back to Colony 02—then maybe the Peak."
"Mind if we join you?" Kelsey asked.
"Not at all," Thad replied. "It's been too long since we've all been together."
Ella nodded. "I'll come, too. But first, is there a human in charge I can speak to?"
"Jason's still inside," Lizzy said. "Last I heard, he was in Martin's office, but he might be on his way out."
For the group, this gathering felt like a rare gift—a moment of unity in a world that had known too little of it. And tonight promised to be something special: a fleeting joy in the shadows of Copper 9's cold and desolate landscape.
Edited thanks to ELE73CH