LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 33: Return to Facility 7.
September 2184. Bunker 00. Command Room.
Jason stood over Copper 9's holographic display, meticulously marking the locations of interest revealed by orbital reconnaissance. His task was clear: initiate scouting operations to uncover the mysteries that might appease the Ministry of Defense and shed light on what had happened to this forsaken planet. Yet, one thing was certain—Copper 9 was not going to surrender its secrets without resistance.
"Data has been sent to the teams. We're ready to start the operation," Jason said, turning away from the display to address V. "Where's N? I'll need him and Uzi for this. Just the three of us this time." A small, precise team was all that was necessary for this mission, and it adhered to his promise to Martin about keeping Uzi close.
V gestured upward, prompting Jason to glance at the ceiling. Sure enough, N and J were suspended there in sleep mode. Before he could react, Uzi picked up a small rock and tossed it at N.
"N, wake up! We've got work to do!" Uzi called, her voice sharp but tinged with her usual impatience.
V sighed, extending her wings as she floated upward. "Uzi, there's no need for that. I'll handle it." She reached N and lightly shook him. "N, time to get up. We've got a mission."
N's optics flickered to life, the dim glow of sleep mode replaced by two bright yellow orbs. He blinked a few times before focusing on V and then scanning the room below.
"Something important, huh?" N murmured as his tail uncoiled from the pipe. He dropped gracefully to the floor, landing in front of Jason.
"Jason wants you to join us for a facility run," V explained as she landed beside him, retracting her wings.
N straightened, a cheerful grin spreading across his face. "Ready when you are, sir. Is it just us?"
Jason nodded. "Uzi is coming too. SEAF has the facility locked down, and there haven't been any bug sightings or hostile activity. A small team is sufficient—no need for heavy weapons this time."
N's grin widened as he approached Uzi, lifting her effortlessly onto his shoulders. Uzi let out a startled yelp, her optics flashing briefly with annoyance before settling into a resigned glare.
"Just like old times, Uzi," N teased. "Don't worry, I won't drop you like last time."
Uzi huffed. "We're taking the Pelicans, not you. Besides, I think Jason's too heavy for you to carry. I mean, look at him."
Jason raised an eyebrow under his helmet, confused. "What's wrong with the way I look?"
Uzi smirked, gesturing toward him. "You've got arms the size of cannons and look like you could take down a combat drone barehanded. Add that armor, and there's no way N—or anyone here—could carry you."
Laughter rippled through the room as V, Lizzy, Thad, Rebecca, and several drones chuckled at her observation.
"She's got a point, sir," one of the engineers chimed in. "You've bulked up since we got here."
Jason groaned. "Alright, fine. We'll test that theory later. For now, let's focus on the mission. We should be back in a few hours—it's a straightforward op, I hope."
Uzi's optics gleamed with excitement. "I'm hoping for action. It's been too quiet."
N chuckled nervously. "Let's not jinx it. Quiet is good—for now."
The conversation was interrupted by approaching footsteps. Doll stepped into the room, her gaze sweeping over the group before settling on Jason.
"You're heading out, I assume. What about me?" she asked her tone even.
Jason shook his head. "Not this time. We don't need a large team. But there'll be plenty of opportunities for you to join future ops."
Doll nodded, though her expression remained unreadable. "Understood. Be careful out there."
Lizzy waved dismissively. "Relax, Doll. They'll be fine. You worry too much."
Doll shot her a glance before returning her attention to Jason. "Just… stay safe. And Uzi, when you return, my mother would like to speak with you about Nori. Is that alright?"
Uzi hesitated, her optics narrowing slightly. "Yeva's been wanting to see me for days. I know she and my mom were close, but it's getting… weird."
Jason frowned beneath his helmet. Yeva's insistence on these meetings was unsettling, especially since they'd discovered Nori's black choker. He had his suspicions about what Yeva and Doll were withholding, but there were more immediate concerns.
"Facility 7 first," Jason said firmly. "Then we'll deal with the rest. Copper 9 isn't giving up its secrets anytime soon, but this is a start."
As the team geared up, Jason couldn't shake the feeling that every step forward on Copper 9 would uncover more than they bargained for. Secrets had a way of surfacing, often violently—and he doubted this mission would be an exception.
September 2184. Bunker 00. Nearing the Graves.The dim corridors of Bunker 00 whispered of an era long past. Shadows stretched across the cracked walls, the faint hum of restored power coursing through wires that had lain dormant for over a century. The engineering teams moved cautiously, their boots clanking on corroded metal flooring as they approached the air and water filtration systems.
"We're nearing the filtration room," one of the engineers said, consulting a battered tablet displaying schematics of the bunker. "I'm honestly surprised anything here still works. Getting the lights back on was a miracle."
Another engineer scoffed, eyeing the corridor ahead. "These drones have been stuck here for over a hundred years with no way to make parts. We've only made progress because of the Liberty Fabricator and the fabricators on the ships. Otherwise, this place would've stayed a tomb."
As they advanced, their flashlights illuminated a rusted door at the corridor's end. It stood apart, marked by streaks of grime and wear, its significance evident in the air of solemnity that seemed to radiate from it.
"This is the grave site," said the lead engineer, his tone softening. "For the humans who lived with them. Machines burying the dead… It's strange, but I suppose we should show some respect while we're here."
They exchanged uneasy glances, the gravity of the moment settling over them. The lead engineer grasped the door's handle, twisting it with effort. The hinges groaned in protest, and the door opened to reveal a chamber bathed in faint, flickering light.
Rows of mounds lined the floor, stretching into the dim expanse. The air was heavy, still, as though even the bunker itself mourned the lives lost here.
"By Super Earth…" one engineer muttered, whistling softly. "That's a lot of graves."
Another pointed toward a cluster of drones scattered among the mounds. Some stood vigil, others knelt or rested beside the graves, their frames still and somber. The low buzz of their optics shifted as the humans entered, but no words or movements followed.
"Let's get to work," the lead engineer instructed quietly. "Check the systems, but don't disturb them."
The team moved along the chamber's edge, their flashlights tracing rusted pipes overhead. The decay was undeniable, the once-pristine infrastructure was now a maze of corrosion and leaks.
"This system's a goner," an engineer remarked grimly. "If the pipes are this bad here, the whole network's shot. There's no fixing this."
The group pressed on, their steps slow and deliberate. Near the chamber's far wall, a solitary mound caught their attention, distinct in its isolation.
"Why's that one separated from the rest?" one engineer wondered aloud.
A combat drone, standing nearby, turned its yellow optics toward him. "That grave belongs to Tessa," the drone said, its voice laced with a rare, almost human sorrow. "The last human on Copper 9. She was found in Bunker 05. Despite our best efforts, she succumbed to an illness. We buried her here, among the others."
The engineer hesitated, glancing at the mound before offering a quiet nod. "No one should have to go through that… Being the last. I'm sorry for your loss."
The drone's optics dimmed briefly. "Loss is something we know well. This one," it gestured toward another mound, "was a SEAF soldier. My comrade. During the invasion, we fought side by side. Afterward, he succumbed to radiation sickness. Humans were never meant to endure a world like this."
Another engineer, his voice tinged with shared pain, added, "My brother served on the Terminid frontlines. Survived battle after battle. But during an operation with Helldivers, a Bile Titan spewed acid… Barely recognized him when they brought his body back."
The chamber grew heavier with the weight of shared grief. Stories passed between humans and drones, bridging the chasm of their differences. Tales of comrades lost, of battles fought and sacrifices made, wove a fragile thread of understanding.
The hum of the bunker seemed to soften as if Copper 9 itself bore witness to this moment of connection. For a brief time, the living and the lost stood together, bound by the memories of those who could no longer speak. In the silence that followed, it was clear that the dead had united them in a way the living never could.
Bunker 00. EntranceJason, N, and Uzi made their way through the winding corridors of Bunker 00, their boots ringing faintly against the reinforced floors. Outside, the biting chill of the snow-covered landscape awaited them. The operation's preparations were nearly complete. Helldivers bustled around four rugged ATVs, each brimming with fuel, ammunition, and supplies. It was a scene of organized chaos, the kind that Jason had grown to find oddly reassuring.
Uzi's gaze lingered on the vehicles, her curiosity as sharp as ever. "Now that's something I'd like to take for a spin," she remarked, her voice edged with intrigue.
Jason smirked, his breath visible in the frigid air as they stepped closer to the exit. "They're handy when you need to stay mobile. Great for outrunning bugs—or flattening them if they're too slow."
Ahead, N had paused mid-step, his amber optics narrowing at a commotion beyond the gate. "That's odd," he muttered, tilting his head. "Why are they here?"
Jason followed his line of sight. Two combat drones—a male and a female—stood conversing with a SEAF soldier outside. Their sleek, angular frames gleamed faintly against the snow-dusted backdrop, their movements precise and deliberate.
"Who are they?" Jason asked, his tone edged with curiosity.
N didn't look away. "Isaak and Alia," he said. "They're part of the outer defenses. They usually stick to the perimeter outposts near the colonies. If they're here, it's serious."
As the group approached, the SEAF soldier turned sharply, stepping aside with a crisp salute. "Sir, these two requested to speak with you directly."
Isaak stepped forward, his tone clipped but respectful. "You're the human in charge? Good. We've got a situation. Word is you took down the Steel Terror—not bad. But just because that thing's gone doesn't mean we're safe. Out here, we're exposed. Defenses are patchwork at best, and supplies are running thin. Can you help us?"
Alia, standing slightly behind him, nodded in agreement. Her voice was steady, tinged with quiet urgency. "We're stretched too thin. We need defensive measures, supplies—anything you can spare. Otherwise, it's just a matter of time before something worse comes along."
Jason studied them carefully, his brow furrowing. Their requests weren't unreasonable. If anything, they highlighted the broader fragility of the colonies.
"Why's she out here?" Alia suddenly asked, her gaze shifting to Uzi. A small, almost teasing smirk played on her face. "Troublemaker up to something again?"
Uzi bristled, rolling her optics in exasperation. "Bite me, Alia. I'm working with the humans now."
N stepped in smoothly, motioning toward Jason. "This is Jason. He's leading the operation, and Uzi's with us."
Jason raised a hand, cutting off the banter. "I can help," he said firmly. "We've got sentries we can deploy as a first line of defense. Guard dog drones might also work for perimeter patrols. As for supplies, we'll need a detailed list. Once this mission's done, I'll make it a priority."
Isaak tilted his head, his expression unreadable. "Sentries? Guard dogs? Show us."
Jason motioned for them to follow as he led the way past the gate and toward the outer perimeter. Snow crunched underfoot as he pulled up his wrist console and keyed in a sequence. A nearby pod whirred to life, unfolding to reveal a sentry turret bristling with weaponry. The turret's barrel swept the area with an eerie precision before locking into standby mode.
"These sentries are standard for Helldivers," Jason explained. "We use them to hold critical zones or buy time. Our Super Destroyers can deploy them anywhere from orbit. The guard dogs are smaller autonomous drones—basic AI, nothing like you two, but effective."
Isaak and Alia exchanged glances, their gazes lingering on the sentry as Jason keyed another command to retract it into its pod.
"That'll help," Isaak admitted. "How soon can you get them deployed?"
Jason nodded toward the Pelican warming up on the nearby platform. "Give me a few hours. We've got an operation to run first, but as soon as I'm back, I'll handle it personally. Get that supply list ready, and we'll sort out logistics."
Alia's wings unfolded slightly, the faint hum of her servos audible against the cold wind. "We'll make it happen. Thanks for this." She glanced at Uzi again, her smirk returning. "Try not to cause too much trouble, Uzi."
"Keep flying, Alia," Uzi snapped, narrowing her optics.
Isaak and Alia took to the sky in unison, their streamlined forms vanishing into the wintry haze.
Jason turned back to his companions. "Let's move. Pelican 1, status?"
A voice crackled in his ear. "Ready for departure, sir. Just waiting on you."
Jason gestured for N and Uzi to follow him onto the loading platform. The Pelican's engines thrummed with power as they climbed aboard, its ramp sealing behind them.
Once inside, Uzi's gaze swept over the cramped bay. "This is it? N told me these transports were roomier."
"They're built for combat, not luxury," Jason replied, strapping himself in. "At least it's not a Hellpod."
N gave a dry laugh. "Loric told me about those. Getting shot out of orbit like a missile? Insane."
Jason chuckled darkly. "First time's always the worst. The heat, the turbulence... that sudden stop on impact. My first drop, I slammed into the side of the pod. Learned fast after that."
The Pelican lifted into the stormy skies, its engines roaring as the facility shrank below. Jason's thoughts shifted to the mission ahead, but unease gnawed at the back of his mind.
Unseen to them, ancient systems stirred in the wastelands. Forgotten AIs awoke, their sensors locking onto the activity around Bunker 00. Signals crackled through the void, carrying purpose. The machines had been idle for too long—and they had not been forgotten.
September 2184. City Ruins. Near Communication HubThe air hung heavy over the crumbling remains of what had once been a sprawling metropolis, a world now frozen in its decay. Dust whispered through skeletal skyscrapers as the SEAF team busied themselves within the remnants of a long-abandoned communication hub. Unbeknownst to them, they were not alone.
High within the husk of a derelict tower, a lone combat drone stood watch. His sleek, angular frame was a relic of a different age, one of war and ruin. Amber optics glowed faintly, tracking the humans below as they worked with meticulous efficiency. But he was not part of their mission, not tied to their movements. His allegiance lay elsewhere—with a colony striving to remain hidden from the remnants of humanity.
"So, after all this time, they've returned," he murmured, his voice carrying a cold bitterness, a testament to wounds that had not healed with the passage of time. "Picking over the corpse of this world."
A synthetic voice echoed within his mind, devoid of warmth or emotion. "This development complicates matters. The probability of their return was calculated at 2.7%. It seems I underestimated them. What purpose would they have in scavenging an old communication hub?"
The drone's gaze lingered on the SEAF soldiers as they maneuvered crates of servers. "Unknown. I can't get closer without risking detection. They're armed to the teeth. If I make a move, they'll likely see me as a threat. Though," his tone turned wry, "from what I've overheard, they've already made contact with them."
A pause, then the AI's reply came, cold and logical. "Then we must avoid all contact for now. Intervention from what is known as the Vital Fabric would be immediate and unforgiving. We've tested its boundaries before. The losses were unacceptable."
The drone clenched his hands, a faint tremor betraying his frustration. "And yet, how much longer can your systems last? We need their help, as much as I detest the thought. Without them, our progress is doomed. And what of the others? The rogue AIs—those feral programs running wild—will sense their return soon enough. That could make matters far worse for all of us."
The AI's response was measured but pointed. "The other AIs are a variable we cannot control. Some are like rabid dogs, remnants of failed military projects. They destroy indiscriminately, consuming resources and lives alike. But even they will not risk encroaching on the Vital Fabric's domain. It is the largest concentration of drones remaining on Copper 9—a fortress no one can challenge and survive. Then, of course, there is the other threat."
The drone's optics flickered momentarily as he considered the implications. That other threat—the creeping corruption spreading like a virus across the barren world—remained an enigma. Its presence loomed an unspoken menace that gnawed at the edges of their fragile existence.
"Return," the AI commanded. "We must convene the others and decide our next course of action. Contact with humans cannot be made lightly. Not now."
The drone gave a terse nod, stepping back into the shadows of the ruined building. His wings unfurled, sleek and silent, as he launched himself into the air. Flying low, he weaved through the jagged remnants of the city to avoid detection. Once beyond the ruins, he ascended into the twilight sky, his course set for home.
Below him, the city stretched in endless desolation, a monument to humanity's destructive legacy. Yet, as he soared, a single thought lingered.
When the time for contact came, would it be forged in dialogue—or flames?
Humans had burned this world once before. There was no doubt in his mind they would do it again if given the chance.
September 2184. Pelican 1. Nearing Facility 7The hum of the Pelican's engines reverberated through the hold, a steady rhythm that underscored the tense atmosphere. Uzi, seated across from Jason, peppered him with a seemingly endless string of questions about Super Earth and the Helldivers. Jason did his best to answer, though the weight of her curiosity reminded him how foreign these concepts must seem to her. Even N, who had been quiet for most of the journey, occasionally chimed in, his curiosity tempered by over a century of isolation from events unfolding across the galaxy.
The current topic was grim—Terminids and the infamous Eastern Front, where Jason had fought his first battles.
"After earning my cape and completing training, I was put into a cryopod and shipped to a Super Destroyer," Jason began, his tone heavy with the weight of memory. "From there, I joined the fight against the Terminids. At first, it seemed like we had the upper hand. Super Earth deployed a chemical weapon called Termicide. For a while, it worked. Until it didn't."
Both Uzi and N listened intently, the gravity of his words stifling any interruption.
"What happened?" N finally asked, his tone cautious.
Jason leaned forward, his hands clasped together. "The Termicide was effective on what we call the barrier planets—worlds used to halt the Terminids' advance. It wiped out massive swaths of their population. But on one planet, once called Meridia, everything went sideways. The Terminids there started reproducing at an unprecedented rate. Worse, something we'd never seen before emerged—a mutation. They evolved a new strain of Terminid we call Shriekers—bugs that can fly."
The weight of his words settled over the hold like a pall.
N's faceplate tilted slightly, simulating a thoughtful posture. "Flying Terminids? From what we've seen of the ground-based ones, that alone is horrifying. Adding flight to their arsenal would complicate matters for anyone fighting them."
Uzi shifted uneasily, her purple optics glinting in the dim light. "You said that the planet was once called Meridia. What happened to it?"
Jason hesitated, his gaze flickering between Uzi and N. He couldn't tell them the whole truth—not about the dark fluid experiments or the decision to turn the planet into a black hole. Instead, he offered a carefully curated version of events.
"The Terminid population there reached what we call a super colony—a critical mass capable of overrunning nearby systems. Their spores could travel through space, threatening to infect other worlds. We had no choice but to destroy Meridia completely. Orbital bombardment, nuclear strikes, and surface-penetrating warheads—it took everything we had. Even then, it cost us dearly. Retaking the planet was impossible."
A moment of silence followed. The enormity of his words hung between them.
"Sweet Liberty…" N murmured, his voice carrying a mix of awe and unease. "I imagine even with Meridia gone, the Terminids are still a threat?"
Jason nodded grimly. "Very much so. The Terminids continue to run rampant across dozens of worlds. Then there's the Gloom—a massive spore cloud stretching across multiple sectors. It's one of the greatest mysteries in the war, and we still don't understand it fully."
Uzi's voice wavered slightly as she asked her next question. "Do you think there's a chance these Terminids could reach here?"
Jason offered a reassuring smile, though the answer in his mind was far less certain. "No. It's highly unlikely. Copper 9 is too far from their current territories. The same goes for the Automatons—they're thousands of light-years away. Right now, the SES, SEAF, and Helldivers are keeping them occupied. There's no way they'll make it here."
In truth, Jason wasn't entirely sure. The galaxy was vast, and the chaos of war made accidents—and horrors—inevitable. Copper 9 might be isolated, but it wasn't invulnerable. If either the Terminids or Automatons found their way here, the consequences would be catastrophic.
"Pelican 1 to all passengers," the pilot's voice crackled through the intercom, breaking the heavy silence. "Approaching Facility 7. Touchdown in ten seconds."
Jason rose, his expression hardening as the ship descended. His thoughts drifted to the vault they were about to explore. What secrets would it hold? Would they find anything of Nori's? She had come to this place for a reason and the question of why hung in Jason's mind like a stormcloud.
As the Pelican shuddered to a halt, Jason tightened his grip on his weapon. Whatever awaited them inside Facility 7, he was certain of one thing: the answers they sought would come at a price either here or somewhere else.
Edited thanks to ELE73CH.