ALL NOVEL Chapter 43: Reflcetions.
September 2184. Bunker 00. Entrance. Two hours after last contact with Meus.
Jason and the others waited at the entrance of Bunker 00, their eyes fixed on the frozen horizon. Nightfall had engulfed the landscape, shrouding it in an oppressive darkness. The faint illumination from the SEC Lucas and other human structures barely pierced through the swirling snow. Earlier, the clouds had been blasted away by the railgun strike, briefly revealing the stars, the moon, and the imposing gas giant above. Now, the celestial tableau was obscured once more, adding to the growing unease among the group. It wasn't the strike that unsettled them—it was what had warranted its use.
"He should be back any moment now… Dammit, we might've lost him. I'm calling back the others as soon as we're done here. No more solo runs," Jason muttered, frustration evident in his tone. While Helldivers were no strangers to solitary operations, Copper 9 presented threats that defied comparison.
"What do you think he encountered?" Uzi asked, her voice breaking the tense silence.
Jason's expression hardened. "That's what we'll find out soon enough. My guess? Something akin to the Steel Terror. Meus called for a railgun strike—whatever it was, it wasn't small fry."
"The thought that more creatures like that could be roaming out there…" N shuddered. "It's terrifying."
"Yeah, one was bad enough," J added, her tone grim. "We don't need a whole pack of them."
"We'll have to double our patrols until the Fortress Protocol is completed," Martin said resolutely. "No room for complacency."
"I just hope the others are okay," V said softly. The thought of her fellow Helldivers, isolated in the wastes, gnawed at her.
Their conversation was interrupted by headlights cutting through the snowstorm. The ATV emerged from the darkness, its engine's hum growing louder as it approached. It rolled to a halt at the entrance. Meus climbed out, his posture weary but purposeful. He held up a sample collector as he strode toward them.
"Meus, what the hell happened out there?" Jason demanded.
"Ran into several hostiles," Meus began, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. "One was like the Steel Terror, but smaller. It was tearing through the hangar—and it spoke. Claimed it was 'collecting resources.'"
The revelation sent a shiver through the group. If there were more Steel Terrors—or worse, if they were organized—it spelled disaster.
"What about the other hostiles?" V asked.
"They resembled dinosaurs—ancient Earth creatures—but entirely mechanical. One detail stood out: a flashing blue light on their foreheads. It didn't affect me, but I've got a hunch it's dangerous for drones. I encountered three of those things, alongside the smaller Steel Terror."
J frowned. "I've never heard of anything like that. This is new."
"My theory?" Meus said. "It was an escort. After the Steel Terror incident, I think these things have a command structure. They've adapted quickly to counter us."
Jason's jaw tightened. "You're saying these aren't just mindless monsters. They take orders—like us." He turned to V, J, and Martin. "Have these things ever attacked the colony? Or gotten close?"
"No," V replied. "We've encountered them in ruins and once in a small town, but never near here. We've always made sure they couldn't follow us. Still, we've always feared the day the Steel Terror might come for us."
"That day may be closer than we'd like," Martin said grimly.
N tried to inject a note of hope. "At least we have human allies now. With their help, we might stand a chance."
The younger drones—Uzi, Doll, Lizzy, Thad, Rebecca, and Emily—stood in uneasy silence. Fear flickered in their optics, a response to the grim tales of the Steel Terror's prowess. Jason noticed their expressions and stepped forward.
"Listen, you've got nothing to fear," he said firmly. "These things can be killed. We'll ensure they never reach the colony."
Lizzy hesitated before speaking. "I trust you, but my home's just five miles from here—in the open. My parents are there… most of our families are."
"That's why we're building defenses," Jason assured her. "The groundwork's already in place. We'll protect everyone."
Before the tension could settle, Ryle interjected. "Sir, there's something else. N mentioned something during the tunnel walk. The Illuminate attacked Tessa's home during the invasion."
Jason frowned. "Wait… the Illuminate attacked a civilian residence?"
"Why target a place with no strategic value?" Meus added, baffled.
"It's a mystery," N said. "Tessa remembers little, but her entire family was killed, and her home was destroyed. We've never been able to make sense of it."
Jason exchanged glances with the others. The invasion of Copper 9, already inexplicable, had just grown more enigmatic.
"This changes things," Jason finally said. "We'll dig into it tomorrow. For now, everyone needs rest. We've got a lot to unpack—and even more to prepare for."
"Does that include us?" Rebecca asked tentatively.
"Absolutely," Jason replied. "Even the smallest details could help. Starting tomorrow, we'll gather every piece of intel we can. Until the Fortress Protocol is complete, all outbound operations are on hold. No more risks."
The possibility of bringing something deadly back to the colony made it clear: sending anyone out alone or in small groups was no longer an option. Not until they had the defenses and proper forces to back them. This new information demanded scrutiny.
"I'll take this to the Ministry of Science team—let them analyze it and see if they can find anything. For one thing, there's an inorganic mix in here. Could be something like a computer core. I doubt we'll recover much, but it's worth a look," Meus said, striding toward the Ministry of Science team's tent.
"Jason, I think I'll start gathering intel and conducting interviews—if anyone's up for it. Doll, you mentioned your mother; think I could speak with her? And what about your father, Uzi?" James asked, turning to the two of them.
"I know where he usually is, though he's been busy. I can check for you if you want to talk to him," Uzi offered.
"I'll need to ask her first, but I don't think anything can be arranged tonight," Doll added.
James nodded, recognizing their hesitance. He wouldn't press, but starting early was crucial. Gathering information was his job, and a head start could make all the difference.
"I'm going to contact the other colony leaders," Martin said. "We need contingency plans in case we're attacked before our defenses are ready. While it's unlikely, fallback measures are essential. I'll also see if they have anything to share when the time comes."
"Good. As for me, I'm heading back up. I need to speak with the Democracy Officer before calling it a night," Jason said, turning toward his Pelican.
"Take care, Jason. See you tomorrow," N called out.
Jason waved back as he ascended the platform and boarded the Pelican. The ramp sealed shut, the engines hummed to life, and the aircraft began its ascent.
"This is Pelican 1; we're dusting off and heading for low orbit," the pilot announced over the radio as the craft lifted into the sky.
The group watched as the Pelican disappeared into the clouds, marking the end of a long, eventful day.
"Things are getting more interesting around here," James remarked.
"Hey, Ryle, don't mean to bother you, but could you or someone give us a lift to Colony 02? If it's not too much trouble," Lizzy asked.
"Colony 02?" Ryle asked.
"It's one of the closest colonies to the bunker. Most of the drones live there, and while they usually walk back, it'd be a big help if you could arrange transport," V explained.
"I don't see why not. Let me check if one of the SEAF Pelicans is available for a pickup," Ryle replied, already reaching for his radio.
As he spoke, countless thoughts and questions hung in the air. The revelation of more creatures roaming nearby stirred unease among the group. A new fear settled over them, compounding the challenges already looming. Yet, for some, the steps being taken to ensure the colony's safety felt like progress—a necessary stride forward in an uncertain world.
September 2184. Copper 9 Low Orbit. SES Super Destroyer Aegis of Integrity
As the Pelican approached the Super Destroyer, Jason leaned back against his seat, his head resting on the cool metal. He was accustomed to being placed back into cryo after each mission—the long stretches of hibernation offering a strange solace. But now, forced to stay active for days, the accumulated toll of cryosleep was catching up with him.
"This is Pelican 1, approaching the hangar bay. Touchdown in ten seconds," the pilot announced over the comms.
Jason lifted his head, groaning softly as he stood. The Pelican's engines shifted to VTOL mode, and he braced himself as the craft touched down with a faint shudder. As the ramp lowered, revealing the bright expanse of the hangar bay, he stepped forward, his boots thudding softly against the metal.
The hangar was alive with activity. Crew members moved with practiced precision, maintaining the unrelenting rhythm of a warship's operations. Some paused to glance his way, their gazes a mix of respect and curiosity.
"Helldiver, good to see you. Calling it a night?" one of the crew called out, their voice cutting through the din of machinery and chatter.
Jason gave a curt nod, his expression unreadable as he surveyed the bustling hangar.
"At the moment, yes. Got a lot going on, and for now, I just need some rest and to sort it all out tomorrow. How are things going here?" Jason asked.
"Busy, but we're just making sure everything is in order. The inventory check is done, but we're still ensuring every shell, bullet, and machine is functioning as intended," the crew member replied.
It was an endless job—one that required constant vigilance. Jason had seen operations fail due to misfired orbital cannon shells or faulty equipment. The crew's job was to ensure such problems didn't arise again.
"Good. We're going to need everything in top condition. If anything comes up, let me know," Jason said as he made his way to the lift.
Stepping on it, he waited for it to ascend. Once it reached the bridge, he made his way to the command table displaying a hologram of Copper 9. The Democracy Officer stood nearby, scrutinizing the map before turning to Jason.
"Helldiver, I've got a few things for you—something I wanted to discuss before everything with Meus went down. For one, we picked up something gravitational in nature here," the Officer said, pointing to a spot on Copper 9 and zooming in on an unfamiliar location.
"What do you mean? Gravitational Dark Fluid?" Jason asked, narrowing his eyes.
The Officer shook his head. "No. We've run scans several times, even through the Columbia's systems, and it doesn't match. This is unknown by all accounts. What we do know is that it folded space—like something moving from one location to another," he explained.
"Folding space… Has there been anything else like this you've detected?" Jason asked, studying the location.
"So far, no. Just this one instance. We might need to show it to the drones and investigate further," the Officer suggested.
"Hmm… Besides the current SEAF team being sent to Meus' location, we're not deploying anyone else. Their mission is strictly recovery. Speaking of which, send out a pullback order for the Helldivers. Once we're done here, recall them all," Jason instructed.
"Why would we do that?" the Officer asked, frowning.
"Meus encountered something resembling the Steel Terror, along with another unknown hostile. Evidence suggests they're part of an organized force, not just random experiments gone rogue. The second entity seemed to act as an escort," Jason explained.
"That's troubling. So, we're facing an enemy capable of adaptation. After your first encounter, they've likely learned from it. This situation reminds me of the Automatons. When they realized our edge was orbital support, they deployed Stratagem jammers and eventually countered with orbital cannons of their own," the Officer said grimly.
"Exactly. We need to stay a step ahead. According to the drones, the Steel Terror—or whatever it is—hasn't located the colony yet. But with the SEC Lucas landing and this recent event, that's bound to change. I want the Super Destroyers sweeping the area. Anything approaching the colony that isn't us or doesn't turn around gets turned into slag," Jason ordered.
Orbital support was their ace in the hole against these threats, providing overwatch that no known adversary could counter. Overusing it carried risks, but for now, they had no choice but to keep it close at hand.
"I'll send out the order, sir. Is there anything else you wish to discuss?" the Officer asked.
"No. Right now, I need some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be a long day of sorting everything out. Let me know if anything else comes up," Jason said as he made his way to his private quarters.
Once inside, he let out a long sigh, unclipping his helmet clamps and removing it. He studied it for a moment before placing it on the table. Stripping off the rest of his suit, he hung up the armor with care.
Today had been unpredictable, and it was clear such events wouldn't end here. As he climbed into bed, he knew the rest he now enjoyed was a fleeting luxury. His thoughts turned to the colony, hidden for now, but for how long? Threats loomed not only on Copper 9's surface but from the wider galaxy. Only time will tell. Slowly, sleep claimed him.
Copper 9. SEAF Pelican 03. Nearing Colony 02.
After seeing Jason off, Ryle contacted a SEAF Pelican. Unlike the smaller versions used by the Helldivers, the SEAF model was far larger and designed to transport a significant number of personnel. It had ample room to carry the drones to Colony 02, the ones who had requested it. Sitting at the front of the Pelican, Ryle's eyes remained fixed on the door as the snow whipped past.
"This is something I didn't think I'd be doing today… Lizzy, what gave you this idea?" Thad asked, gripping the straps that secured him to his seat.
"It just seemed like a faster and safer option. Besides, the others got to experience it, so I thought it might be our turn," Lizzy replied, a light laugh mixing in with her words.
"I'm enjoying it. Snow isn't the real problem, but those whiteouts that come in make it hard to find your way back. I'll take this over walking any day," Rebecca said.
"Not as rough as I expected, and definitely safer," Emily added.
"This is Pelican 03; we are nearing our touchdown point, landing in about ten seconds," the pilot's voice crackled over the comms.
The engines switched to VTOL mode, bringing the entire aircraft to a halt before it gently lowered toward the ground. The engines roared to life just before it touched down. Once on the ground, Ryle stood and moved to Lizzy, unbuckling her straps first.
"Alright, I'll get off first, then each of you follows me, understood?" Ryle instructed, scanning each of them.
"We got you, sir," Thad replied as Ryle moved to unbuckle his straps.
After freeing Rebecca and Emily from their restraints, Ryle moved toward the door, sliding it open as they were in what was known as the blue zone. He wasn't going to take any chances or risk breaking protocol on who disembarks first. Scanning the area, he set his sights on a large blast door. Lights illuminated both sides, and above it, a flagpole displayed the Super Earth flag, fluttering in the wind. Several trucks were parked near the left side of the door.
"All clear. Looks like the boys from the SEC Lucas are here, and they've been busy," Ryle noted.
Stepping out, each of the drones looked toward the sight, particularly the flag above the bunker, a new addition, along with the lights. There was something else that caught their attention: a combat drone was speaking with a human at the mouth of the bunker.
"It's Toni. I haven't seen him for a while. Wonder what he's doing here?" Lizzy remarked.
"Maybe he noticed all the movement and the ship coming down and decided to check it out?" Rebecca speculated.
"Let's go find out," Ryle said, leading the way.
As they approached the colony entrance, Toni stood with his arms crossed, his optics filled with curiosity as he conversed with the engineer.
"We're working on it. You called it Colony 02, right? We're handling the air filtration systems, and there's a chance we may need to hot-bunk some of our men here from time to time. That's why we're here, fixing up the bunker systems to help both the drones and our people," the engineer explained.
"I see... makes sense. I'm stationed nearby, at an outpost, and I've seen everything going on, including that ship coming down. I was just checking to see what you humans are up to. Can I ask why you're using the flag? Seems like you're claiming it as your own," Toni inquired.
"It's a marker, not a claim. There aren't many landmarks here, and navigation is tough without something visible. The Super Earth flag is easy to recognize and helps us get from one place to another. Plus, each flag has a beacon inside to assist with navigation, especially during snowstorms," the engineer explained.
Toni nodded, understanding. The crunch of snow underfoot drew both their attention to the approaching group.
"Ah, looks like we have guests. I take it these are drones from here? We've noticed a lot of activity," the engineer said.
"They are. This is Lizzy, Thad, Rebecca, and Emily. They've lived here for some time and have families within," Toni introduced.
"Good to see you, Toni. Been a while," Lizzy greeted with a smile.
"And the human with you?" Toni asked, eyeing Ryle.
"Name's Ryle. I'm part of the SEAF. They needed a ride, so I got them one. Looks like my duty here's done, though. I'm needed back at the bunker. It's been a pleasure. You four take care, and I'm sure we'll meet again soon," Ryle said, turning to head back to the Pelican.
"Take care. I do hope we cross paths again," Thad said, waving as Ryle boarded the Pelican.
"Makin' friends with the humans already, I see. Well, I'm needed back at my outpost. I'll see you later." Toni said, expanding his wings and taking off into the sky.
"One day, I'm going to have to figure out how those wings work..." Lizzy murmured, watching him go. "Anyway, we've got a few teams inside working on the bunker systems. They shouldn't get in your way. As for me, break time's over. This place needs a major overhaul." The engineer turned and walked back through the blast door. Inside, dozens of engineers worked at various stations.
"Well, this place just got a lot more lively," Lizzy observed.
"I guess it's not just Bunker 00 getting the special treatment," Rebecca chuckled.
As they entered the bunker, a few engineers glanced up, one offering a brief wave before returning to their tasks. Thad waved back as they moved toward the door that led deeper into the complex.
"I'm surprised Darren's not out here to greet you, Rebecca, seeing as you two are always so lovey-dovey," Lizzy teased.
"At least I'm with someone," Rebecca shot back with a smile. "But you're right. I bet he's either with his folks or asleep. I'll have to talk to him later. He's going to find this whole story quite interesting."
"I think a lot of our friends are going to be intrigued by our time with the humans. Wonder if Braiden's still up?" Thad mused.
"It'll be hard for anyone to sleep with all the noise the humans are making," Lizzy remarked as they passed through the door. "You alright, Emily? You've been awfully quiet."
Emily's optics shifted nervously between the humans before she turned to the others.
"Sorry. My mind's still on what we saw on the TV. I trust the humans and the combat drones to protect us, but those machines... they had skulls and limbs attached to their bodies. I'm just scared, okay? I wish I never saw it," Emily confessed.
"Hey, we're all feeling it," Rebecca reassured her. "That one human said there are things out there like the Steel Terror. If it wasn't for the humans here, I'd be more than scared. I'd be downright terrified."
It was true; of all of them, Emily had always been the most easily startled, and the sight of the Automatons had clearly left an impact. As they continued down the corridor, Rebecca did the one thing that helped ease her nerves—she reached out and took Emily's hand.
"If you want, we can check in with your folks and then spend the night together. We can find something to do to take your mind off it," Rebecca offered, smiling gently.
Emily looked at her, a soft smile forming on her face as they walked down the familiar colony corridor. The layout was much like Bunker 00—large rooms had been repurposed into living spaces for the drones that called it home. There wasn't much of a difference, except for the massive rooms and the life that now filled them.
As they walked, the sound of footsteps echoed from around a corner, and soon, another friend stepped into view.
"There you guys are! Next time, let me know when you're off to Bunker 00. I've been waiting around all day, wondering when you'd be back," said Trevor, a drone they all knew well.
"Sorry, there's just been a lot going on. So, what's been happening around here?" Lizzy asked.
"The humans have been working hard for a while. As you can see, the lights are back on. I've bumped into a few of them while walking around—they've been too busy for much small talk," Trevor explained.
"That's to be expected, given what we've seen," Rebecca said. "They're serious about their duties."
"Well, since you're back in one piece, I'm going to check on some other people before I get some rest. I'll see you around... And maybe tomorrow you can introduce me to the humans you've been with?" Trevor asked.
"We can definitely introduce you tomorrow. Hanging around the older drones seems to have its perks," Lizzy replied.
"I see. Well, take care, you four. I'll see you in the morning before you head out," Trevor said, nodding before walking past them.
As Trevor walked away, Lizzy turned and resumed walking, the others following behind her.
"You think Jason would want him to be there?" Thad asked, glancing at the others.
"I'm not sure. We'll have to ask him, but I think for now, he just wants us here," Rebecca answered.
Trevor, like them, was one of the newer generation of drones, but unless told otherwise, they weren't planning to involve anyone else in the ongoing events. Not unless they were specifically asked. For now, it was just them and the others at Bunker 00 who needed to be involved.
As they walked, Lizzy stopped at a door, looking toward the others. This was her stop. She hoped her parents were still awake.
"This is my stop. I'll see you all in the morning. Get some good rest," Lizzy said, opening the door. As she stepped inside, she closed it behind her.
"See you in the morning, Lizzy," Rebecca called out, waving before the door shut.
Inside, the room was simple, filled with the essentials for survival. Only what was needed or practical had been kept—no unnecessary luxuries. A few small sentimental items filled the room, though, adding a personal touch. Two bedrooms were on the left, while a living room and kitchen occupied the middle. It wasn't much, but it was home. Lizzy hoped, with time, they could add more things to make the place feel more alive.
"Mom? Dad? I'm home," Lizzy called out.
She heard movement from her parents' room. Her mother stepped out first, her optics a neon pink like Lizzy's. Upon seeing her, a smile spread across her face.
"Oh, Lizzy... I didn't know when you'd be home. I was starting to worry, but I know how you are when you're out late with the others." Her mother walked toward her and embraced her in a warm hug.
"I'm sorry if I worried you. Everything's fine. I had a good time with the others. Got some great pictures I'll show you later. Is Dad still asleep?" Lizzy asked, wrapping her arms around her mother.
"He's out like a light, but in the morning, I'd love to hear about what you've been up to and see your pictures," her mother replied with a smile as she slowly let go of Lizzy.
Her mother always worried when she went out, but Lizzy was relieved she hadn't shown her the pictures from the tunnels, nor mentioned how close she, Uzi, and Doll had come to being hurt or killed by the creatures the humans called Bugs. There would be time for that later. For now, it was time to rest, to let the night settle, and to see what tomorrow might bring.
Colony 02. Corridor 04.
After leaving Lizzy's home, Thad, Rebecca, and Emily made their way to their respective homes within the colony.
"This week has been wild," Thad remarked. "It makes me wonder how the next one will go... or the rest of this month. It's clear that the humans are going to be here for a while."
"It'll be interesting, that's for sure," Rebecca replied. "But how I see it, we help where we can, with what we know, while staying out of their way."
"You know, I'd love to see their ships. I've heard stories about them, but I think it would be something fun to check out if we ever get the chance," Emily chimed in.
"Now that's something I think all of us would love to see up close," Rebecca agreed.
"Hey, Rebecca, if it's alright, could I hang out with you and your folks for a while?" Thad asked.
"I don't see a problem with it. I'm sure my folks won't mind," Rebecca responded.
This was nothing new, and it allowed them to discuss what they would say tomorrow to Jason and the others, before seeing what would come next. For now, though, it was time to spend with their families and enjoy the peace. It was clear that in the morning, things were going to get interesting.
Bunker 00. Corridor 01.
Once Jason and the others had left, V, N, J, Martin, Uzi, Doll, and James made their way back into the bunker, just like the others. It was time to take care of things, settle down, and get some rest before dealing with whatever would arise tomorrow morning when Jason returned. For four of them, this moment had been a long time coming—no longer did they need to focus solely on survival. Now, they could seek answers to the events that had plagued them for over a century.
"You four were here during the entire invasion. Anything you'd like to talk about now, or should we leave it all for tomorrow?" James asked, turning to V, N, J, and Martin.
"Tomorrow," Martin replied. "We all need rest, and I have some personal matters to take care of before morning."
"I agree. A lot has happened today, and I need some time to sort it all out... As for me, N and J, we have something to handle before the night is over," V added.
"I understand. As for Uzi, I'll hold off on an interview with your father. We can tackle that tomorrow. As for me, I'm going to sleep. I've been stuck in that cryopod for weeks, and I'm ready for a good night's rest. Either that, or I'll pop a stim, but that comes with its own set of problems," James said with a wave before turning to head down the corridor.
"You know, he reminds me of a few humans I met around the ammo depot—questions, more questions," N chuckled.
"I don't mind, but I can tell he's going to bug us nonstop with that kind of thing," J said.
"He's just doing his job, and right now, that job is gathering information. I've got my own questions for him, too, when we get the chance to speak tomorrow," V replied.
As they spoke, Martin stopped in front of his office, and the others turned their attention toward him.
"You're right," Martin said. "Just as he has questions for us, we have our own. We'll discuss it tomorrow when Jason arrives. As for me, I need to check in and see if the outpost has any reports. It's going to be a long few days for them."
Martin opened the door, stepped inside, and shut it behind him.
"Even with all the changes, he's still as cold as the snow outside," V commented.
"He's been like that ever since he got here," J added, glancing at the door.
"Martin has his own pain, just like us," N said thoughtfully. "I think a part of him keeps it locked away."
"You ask me, he should be more open with it, instead of locking it away until it blows up," Uzi said.
"Uzi, most of the time, something goes wrong around here. If not for Jason, you can imagine what would have happened to the two of us. Martin might seem cold, even cruel, but he did what he had to do to keep us alive, even with the humans around. That's not going to change who he is," Doll replied, looking at Uzi.
"I know, but it wouldn't hurt for him to vent a little. I do it all the time, and I feel better afterward," Uzi said with a smirk.
The others sighed softly, with N chuckling as he glanced at Uzi, who had been a bit of a troublemaker around the bunker. She still had work to do to prove herself to V, N, and J.
"Uzi, none of us are used to it or like it," J said. "These walls are thick, and I don't want anyone overhearing what I have to say by accident."
"Do we really want to damage our voices, though?" V asked. "I remember one drone who liked to yell a lot, until he couldn't anymore."
"Good point, Uzi," Doll added.
"All of you can bite me," Uzi muttered, crossing her arms.
"Say, Uzi," N spoke up, "would it be alright if I hung out with you tonight? I've got nothing much going on, and since V and J have their own things, I figured it wouldn't hurt to hang out if you're up for it."
Uzi looked at him. It wasn't the first time he had asked this question, and while they had hung out before, she always found it a little odd—especially considering the nervousness in his voice when he asked.
"I don't see why not... Unless V and J have something for you to do," Uzi replied.
"There's also the matter of speaking with my mother, Uzi. But, considering everything that's happened, I'll tell her it'll have to wait until tomorrow. Jason's going to need us early, I'd assume. If it's alright with you, I'm going to head out now... Take care, Uzi," Doll said as she walked away, the others watching her leave.
"I'm really starting to get creeped out by Doll," Uzi whispered.
"I'm not going to lie, something's off with all of this. We found that thing from your mother, and now Yeva has her full attention on you. Uzi, we might need to sit down and figure out what's going on," V said, watching as Doll disappeared down the corridor.
"It'll be another time. For now, we just let her be. But I think Yeva knows more than we do about what's happening around here," J said.
"Doll and Yeva... They've always been odd. I ran into Nikolai a few times, and he hasn't said much about why Yeva rarely leaves her room," N added.
Nikolai was Yeva's husband, the father of Doll. He was a worker drone, part of the bunker's population. Like Khan with Nori, he had fallen for Yeva. The result was Doll—who followed in her mother's footsteps of isolation. They had moved to one of the more remote living areas of the bunker.
"Another time to work on," Uzi sighed. "Come on, N. I'd rather get some sleep while I can."
Before she could finish her sentence, N's tail coiled around one of her legs, lifting her into the air. Uzi yelped, holding onto her hair and beanie. "N! You know this comes off when you do that!"
"Still haven't got it attached down, huh? Sorry," N said, setting her back down on his shoulder. "We'll show you how to keep it attached properly when we sleep."
"One of these days, you're going to do that, and I'm going to bite down on it really hard," Uzi warned.
N laughed as V and J watched, both of them smiling softly. For once, they could find enjoyment in the small moments like this.
"You two have fun," V said with a wave. "As for us, we can find something to do before calling it a night."
"One of these days, he's going to do that, and she really might bite his tail off..." J said, laughing. "How we all get along is a mystery. Come on, I've got an idea for something we can do before we sleep."
V had an idea of what J wanted to do—it was something to pay their respects for the night before heading off to rest. For both of them, they hoped that by tomorrow, and in the days ahead, they would finally get the answers they had been seeking, both before and after everything had gone to hell.
Bunker 00. Yeva's Room
The soft hum of the bunker's systems melded with the gentle glow of the lights, creating a tranquil yet somber atmosphere within Yeva's room. Once assured no one would disturb her, Yeva meticulously retrieved everything she had hidden away, arranging it with precision. Her optics methodically scanned the map of the colony and its surrounding areas. A new marker had been added—Facility 7. Doll had suggested it could hold deeper secrets, but skepticism lingered in Yeva's mind. To her, Nori was lost to the unknown, and the odds of uncovering anything worthwhile seemed painfully slim.
"Yeva, dear, I think it's time for some rest. You've been standing there for hours," Nikolai said softly, his voice breaking the silence as he stood at the doorway, his silhouette barely visible in the dim light.
Yeva sighed, her fingers rubbing the edges of her optics as if to ease a weariness deeper than physical exhaustion. "I've got new information, but like before, it leads to another dead end. I'd hoped Doll would uncover more for us, but it's clear we're stuck for now."
Nikolai stepped forward, his hand gently resting on her shoulder as he eased her fingers away from her optics. She met his gaze, and in that quiet moment, an unspoken understanding passed between them. Of everyone in the bunker, Nikolai alone knew their secret—their curse. Memories of that nightmare, the one that set all of this in motion, haunted her in whispers and visions of things not truly there.
She let out a heavier sigh and turned to embrace him, resting her head against his chest as his arms wrapped around her. "I just want to find her… before it's too late," she murmured, her voice trembling.
"I know," Nikolai replied gently. "You've told me, and you've shown me. We'll find her, Yeva. I believe it'll happen soon."
Her mind drifted back to the day Doll revealed what they'd kept hidden for so long. Could she have stopped her then, even by force, when she ran off? The thought lingered as they held each other. Their moment was interrupted by a knock on the door, followed by its slow creak open.
"Mother… Father, I'm home. I've got a lot to tell you," Doll's voice rang out as she entered, locking the door behind her.
"We're in here. We're coming out," Nikolai called back, releasing Yeva and stepping toward the doorway. "Let's hear what our daughter has to say."
"Yes…" Yeva whispered, following Nikolai into the main room.
"Rough day?" Doll teased with a light chuckle, meeting them halfway. "I've got some news you'll want to hear. It's about why the humans have such a tight lockdown on their fleet—and trust me, it's for good reason. Sadly, there's nothing new about Nori. I'm sorry, Mother, but they've got everyone, even Uzi, on high alert. She's asked others to keep an eye out for any sign of her."
"That's… good to hear, dear," Nikolai said, placing a reassuring hand on her head and giving it a gentle rub. "I'll get us some oil. You two sit down, and we'll talk this through."
He headed for the kitchen, leaving Yeva to settle on the couch with Doll across from her. It wasn't long before Nikolai returned, placing three cups of oil on the table before taking a seat beside Yeva.
"What have you learned?" Yeva asked, her tone steady but laced with tension.
"The reason for the lockdown and communications blackout comes directly from the Ministry of Defense," Doll began, her expression serious. "Jason wanted us present when he reported to the Minister, who revealed there are traitors among Super Earth and its colonies. Some are collaborating with their enemies, including the Automatons. If they discover Copper 9, we'll be in grave danger—enslavement or worse. From what I saw on a broadcast, the humans are stuck in a brutal, grinding war with them. The lockdown is their way of protecting themselves—and us."
"Traitors?" Nikolai asked, frowning.
"Exactly. Some are working with the enemy, while others act independently. Jason said it's a top-secret issue, and even the Helldivers are under suspicion. The Minister issued an execution order for anyone attempting to leave or contact the outside. He's refusing to send additional help because he doesn't know who to trust anymore."
Yeva and Nikolai exchanged uneasy glances. The implications were dire. Jason seemed trustworthy, but the suits and helmets of the humans made it impossible to gauge their true intentions.
"We'll need to remain vigilant," Nikolai said, breaking the silence. "I've worked with them, and while I've seen no issues yet, this news is deeply concerning. Perhaps we should request a TV to stay updated on events—it would help us monitor changes around Copper 9."
"It is troubling," Yeva agreed, turning to Doll. "You're not to leave Uzi's side, understand? Thankfully, you have good friends who will watch over you. I don't distrust Jason entirely, but I don't trust him fully, either—not until it's proven otherwise. As for tomorrow, I'll attend the meeting with you, Doll. If only to observe."
Yeva's thoughts churned. Their secrets couldn't be revealed, but giving the humans limited information to further her own goals might be necessary. Tomorrow promised to bring change—whether for better or worse remained to be seen.
Outpost 10
As SEAF units moved around Outpost 10, the constant rumble of vehicles and aircraft rendered sleep nearly impossible. The faint glow of headlights danced across the snowy landscape, accompanied by the steady roar of engines and the clatter of machinery as forward operating bases were established nearby, bracing for the challenges to come.
Alia sat in a chair by the window, her optics fixed on the drifting snow outside. Despite the mesmerizing view, her thoughts were far from tranquil. The cacophony beyond the glass only amplified the unease within her.
"Still can't sleep?" Isaak's voice broke the silence. He emerged from their shared sleeping quarters, his expression soft with concern. "If it's too much, I'll go out there and ask them to move further away."
Alia didn't respond immediately. She continued to watch the snowfall, her silence stretching into a sigh as her fingers moved to rub her optics. It wasn't the noise keeping her awake; it was something deeper—something she hadn't fully confessed to him yet.
"It's not just that," she began quietly. "I've been thinking... about guilt. About the Helldivers. If I were to see one of them again... The unit I served with—after I left—they were probably all killed."
Isaak moved closer, his gaze steady. "What makes you think that?" he asked, his tone calm but probing.
Alia turned her head slightly toward him, her voice heavy with memory. "On that world, one of the reasons I think I was deployed was because of something called a Siege Mech. A cyborg war machine unlike anything else—The Cyborgs deadliest weapon on the battlefield. If they encountered it after I left… Could they have even brought it down?"
Isaak frowned, his voice firm yet empathetic. "Alia… What choice did you have? Even if you'd disobeyed, even if you'd stayed to help take down that Siege Mech, do you think they wouldn't have shut you down? Or worse… scrapped you?"
"I know," she admitted, her voice softening. "But it's still there—the doubt, the guilt. I want to ask Jason if he can look into it for me. Just to put the matter to rest."
This was a part of her she had long buried, never imagining Super Earth or the Helldivers would return. Yet now, with them so close, there was an opportunity—perhaps a chance to get answers. Answers she never dared hope for, but ones that could finally let her move forward.
Outside, the night dragged on, heavy with uncertainty. For Alia, however, the dawn would bring more than just light—it would bring the weight of old ghosts and the promise of fragile hope.
And the night was far from over.
Edited thanks to ELE73CH.