LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 34: SEC Lucas.
September 2184. Copper 9 Orbit. SES Super Destroyer Aegis of Integrity.
The bridge of the Aegis of Integrity buzzed with the orchestrated chaos of a fleet adapting to its monumental task. Jason's departure to Copper 9 had only marked the beginning. With logistical chains to establish, defenses to construct, and rebuilding efforts to coordinate, the workload was relentless.
In the center of the bridge, a holographic map of Copper 9 floated above the command console. The map was centered on the drones' primary habitable zone, a patchwork of outposts, colonies, and the critical facility known as Bunker 00. According to Jason's preliminary report, the drones numbered approximately 30,000, spread across a vast and challenging expanse. While the drones' assistance was invaluable, the sheer scale of the operation left no room for error.
"Sir, the last outpost location has been marked," reported one of the bridge officers. His voice carried a mix of relief and weariness as the map flickered, new data integrating into the display. "It's been a lengthy process, but we now have a complete picture of their controlled zones."
The Democracy Officer, standing at the map's edge, nodded, his gaze fixed on the updated projection. "Good work. Deploy Humblebee UAVs to expand our coverage. Despite this progress, we're still operating with significant blind spots."
The holographic display adjusted, rendering the drones' settlements in greater detail. Structures took shape, and clusters of blue dots indicated zones of habitation. The breadth of the drone population was staggering, but the scattered nature of their settlements added complexity to the already formidable mission.
"How soon can we begin construction operations?" the Democracy Officer asked, his tone measured but pressing. "Is the SEC Lucas ready for planetfall?"
"It's ready, sir," another officer confirmed, his voice carrying the weight of readiness tinged with apprehension. "We've identified a landing zone and marked points of interest for salvage and mining operations."
The Lucas was the fleet's logistical workhorse, a ship designed to sustain operations when cut off from the Federation's support. Equipped with robotic workers and advanced fabricators, it could construct and maintain critical infrastructure planetside. Its deployment would be a pivotal step in solidifying the fleet's foothold on Copper 9.
"Excellent. Establish a link with Helldiver Jason," the Democracy Officer ordered. "He needs a full briefing on these developments, along with the updated regional data."
The past week had been a whirlwind of preparation. While Jason's reconnaissance provided vital intelligence, the fleet had been tirelessly organizing both orbital and groundside operations. The deployment of the Lucas marked the transition from preparation to execution—a delicate maneuver with far-reaching consequences. The ship's dual role as a mobile fabrication facility and emergency evacuation vessel made it indispensable, particularly given the unknown dangers still lurking on Copper 9.
The Democracy Officer allowed himself a brief pause, his eyes lingering on the holographic map. The planet's haunting legacy hung heavy over every decision. Whatever catastrophe had devastated Copper 9 decades ago was not entirely dormant. The drones' survival was a testament to their resilience, but it also hinted at threats yet undiscovered.
What is it? He thought grimly. And where is it hiding?
A flicker of unease passed through him. Super Earth's mandate was clear: secure the drones and recover lost technology, but not at the expense of the fleet or their lives. The cost of failure was unthinkable, and the unspoken fear lingered among the crew.
"May Super Earth guide us," he murmured under his breath, a quiet prayer to the distant homeworld that seemed farther away than ever.
September 2184. Facility 7.
Jason stepped off the Pelican with the deliberate precision of a seasoned soldier. His sharp gaze swept over the area, taking in every detail of the transformed landscape. Facility 7 loomed ahead, its austere structure standing resolute amid the desolation, now flanked by two M10 APCs. The armored vehicles, bristling with mounted turrets, underscored the gravity of the mission. SEAF personnel moved efficiently around the perimeter, their discipline evident in every stride. One officer hunched over a portable terminal, fingers flying across the keyboard as he monitored the facility's systems.
To the left of the landing zone, the ominous entrance to a bug tunnel yawned wide, its jagged edges caked with the residue of conflict. Three insectoid corpses lay sprawled near the opening, their lifeless forms a stark reminder of the threats Copper 9 harbored. Jason recognized them immediately: two Scouts, their wiry frames designed for reconnaissance, and a Warrior, its massive forelimbs shattered in what must have been a vicious fight.
His expression remained stoic as he surveyed the scene. "Fuel won't be a problem," he noted, his tone calm and measured, the cadence of a man accustomed to operational briefings. "But there's a bigger question here. Why are the Bugs steering clear of this facility? They've made no effort to expand their tunnels toward Bunker 00 either. It doesn't track. Bugs—and Terminids—nest anywhere they can find, even in the most hostile environments. Hellmire's a prime example. Firestorms, fire tornadoes—they still thrive. But here? Nothing." He turned his gaze back to Facility 7, the implications swirling in his mind. "It's as if this place is toxic to them."
Descending the ramp, Jason moved with the ease of experience, his every step deliberate, his hand never far from his sidearm. His thoughts churned as he approached the facility's entrance, the faint hum of activity within punctuating the stillness of the wasteland.
Behind him, N and Uzi followed, their expressions marked by unease. Uzi's voice broke the silence, her tone laced with both curiosity and discomfort. "I don't get it. How do you even fight these things? And breaking them down into fuel... That's just—" she trailed off, shaking her head as she glanced at the shattered remains of the Warrior.
Jason stopped, turning to face her with an air of quiet authority. "Adaptation," he replied firmly. "Every resource has a purpose. We can't afford to waste anything—not here. Fuel keeps us moving. It powers our vehicles, our defenses, our operations. Without it, everything stops. And stopping isn't an option."
His voice carried the weight of hard-earned experience, the unflinching pragmatism of someone who had faced survival's harshest realities. Satisfied his words had landed, he turned back toward Facility 7, his focus shifting to the task at hand.
As they approached the entrance, Jason slowed his pace. Instincts honed over countless missions urged caution. The facility loomed before them, its weathered exterior giving no hint of the secrets it concealed. A faint hum reverberated from deep within, barely audible over the desert wind. Jason rested a gloved hand on the grip of his sidearm, his stance calm yet prepared.
"Stay sharp," he said evenly, scanning the structure with narrowed eyes. "Whatever's keeping the Bugs out of this place might still be inside. I'm not in the mood for surprises."
Without further delay, he moved forward, his steps steady and deliberate, bearing the weight of command as he prepared to unravel the mysteries of Facility 7.
A SEAF soldier approached, his posture stiff with purpose. "Helldiver, the team remains on standby to breach the vault. Per your request, we've conducted another sweep. No signs of drones, oil, parts, or anything else of interest."
Jason's gaze didn't waver as he listened. Uzi shifted uneasily, her synthetic optics flickering toward the soldier. "You found nothing?" she asked, her voice carrying an edge of frustration. N placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Nothing," the soldier confirmed. "We've searched from the entrance to the makeshift lab. We've been over it for days. There's nothing here."
Uzi's optics dimmed with a trace of sadness. "I see…" she murmured.
"Uzi," N said gently, his voice soft as he tightened his grip on her shoulder. "I'm sure we'll find something."
Jason glanced at her, his tone measured but resolute. "N's right. There might be something deeper in the vault. It's a long shot, but we can't rule it out yet."
The soldier moved to the console and activated the door mechanism, the sound of gears and servos filling the silence as the massive steel barrier slid open. Jason's attention shifted to the intricate workings of the door—a puzzle that had stymied both his team and the Ministry of Science.
"Sir," the soldier began hesitantly, "the engineering team still doesn't understand how this system is operational. The wiring, the seals, the machinery—everything's in near-perfect condition, as though it was built yesterday. The power source runs outside the facility, but we haven't traced it fully."
Jason's expression remained neutral, though his mind cataloged the information. "We'll investigate the source once the vault's open. For now, focus on the task at hand."
Inside the facility, floodlights illuminated the corridors and adjoining rooms. SEAF personnel and Ministry scientists moved methodically, performing final sweeps of the area. The once-oppressive darkness had given way to a clinical glow, though traces of unease lingered in the air.
N glanced around, his optics reflecting the light. "I'll admit, this is a lot less unsettling with the lights on. The first time we came in here, it was pitch-black. Creepy as hell."
Uzi smirked. "You should've seen the tunnels Doll and I crawled through. Just flashlights and pitch-black silence. The kind of darkness that suffocates—and comforts."
Jason's voice cut through their conversation, calm but firm. "Darkness is neither friend nor foe. Like fire, it's a tool—its usefulness depends on how you approach it. Understand the nature of your surroundings before making a judgment."
N blinked, slightly taken aback. "That's… surprisingly insightful. Didn't peg you for the philosophical type."
Jason kept walking, his tone was matter-of-fact. "War teaches lessons. So do worlds like this. Learn, or you don't last."
As they moved deeper into the facility, N couldn't suppress his curiosity. "You know," he said, glancing at Jason, "you'll have to fill us in on what's really happening out there in the galaxy. You've told us bits and pieces, but we need the whole picture."
Before Jason could reply, his wrist display beeped. He raised it, and a holographic projection flickered to life, displaying the face of a Democracy Officer aboard the Aegis of Integrity.
"Helldiver, the task is complete. I'm transmitting an updated regional map to Bunker 00. Also, the SEC Lucas has begun atmospheric entry and should arrive at the bunker within minutes."
Under his helmet, Jason allowed himself a rare smile. The arrival of the Lucas marked a turning point, it was progress. He had delayed deploying the Lucas until their surveys were complete, and now the pieces were falling into place.
"That's excellent news," Jason replied. "Once we finish here, have the Lucas team get to work on stabilizing Bunker 00. As planned, we'll assist the drones across the region. Prepare hellpods with sentries and watchdogs for immediate deployment."
Behind him, Uzi tilted her head. "What's the Lucas?"
Jason turned slightly, addressing both her and N. "It's an SEC vessel—a ship designed to support isolated operations. It houses automated workers and fabricators for large-scale development. This one's specialized for SEAF and Helldiver missions. It's also the only vessel in the fleet capable of planetary landing."
"Automated workers?" N asked. "Like our Worker Drones?"
Jason shook his head. "No. They're simple machines, non-sentient, but they'll be invaluable for the work ahead."
He turned back to the hologram. "Patch me through to Bunker 00. I need to brief V on the landing."
The display shifted to the Super Earth insignia before resolving into V's surprised face. "Jason, I just got a call saying you needed to speak with me."
"There's a ship inbound—the SEC Lucas. When it lands, the area around the bunker is going to be hit hard by the impact. I need everyone inside, now. Apologies for the short notice; I didn't anticipate it arriving today."
V nodded briskly. "Understood. I'll sound the alert. You three be careful out there."
Jason closed the hologram as a soldier approached. "Sir, we're ready. Thermite charges are set, just waiting on your order."
Jason nodded and followed, his focus sharpening. The hope for renewal bore down on him, but he was ready. Facility 7's secrets, and the arrival of the Lucas, marked the beginning of something far greater, it was the spark of a future worth fighting for.
September 2184. Bunker 00. Entrance.The announcement of the SEC Lucas's imminent planetfall sent the site into a frenzy of activity. SEAF soldiers and engineering teams scrambled to secure the area, hammering down tents, locking loose equipment in storage, and ensuring nothing remained vulnerable to the ship's landing thrusters, which promised to unleash a vortex of turbulence upon arrival.
"Move it! We've only got a few minutes before it's on us!" barked an officer, his voice cutting through the chaos as he directed workers from atop a supply crate.
Among the rush, a small group of drones gathered near the entrance to the bunker—Lizzy, Thad, Rebecca, Doll, and Emily. The sight of the humans' hurried efforts stirred unease among them. The drones exchanged concerned glances, their optics glowing faintly in the dim light as they observed the unfolding scene.
"Do you think we're under attack?" Emily asked nervously, adjusting her glasses as her cyan eyes scanned the area.
"I don't know," Thad replied, his tone uncertain. "But they're moving like something big's about to happen... Hey! What's going on?" he called out to a passing SEAF soldier.
The soldier paused just long enough to shout back, "The SEC Lucas is coming down. It's landing nearby, and when it does, it's going to kick up a storm. We're securing anything that isn't bolted down." Without waiting for a response, the soldier continued a crate balanced precariously in his arms.
"The Lucas? They're landing one of their ships here?" Lizzy asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"It must be something major," Doll said, her optics flickering as she recalled stories from older combat drones. "I thought their ships didn't land on planets."
Rebecca crossed her arms, frowning. "Why would they bring it down now? What's so urgent?"
"Umm... everyone," Thad interrupted, his voice unusually quiet as he stared skyward. The others followed his gaze, and their collective chatter ceased.
On the horizon, the clouds split apart, the atmosphere rending as a massive, dark object breached the skies. Descending slowly through the dense cloud layer, the SEC Lucas revealed itself—a behemoth of engineering, its mile-long frame dwarfing anything the drones had ever seen. As it approached, the vessel loomed like a leviathan, its shadow stretching across the barren landscape toward Bunker 00.
"Everyone inside! Now!" an engineer shouted, urgency sharpening his voice. "She's coming in hot! Move it!"
The command snapped everyone into action. Soldiers, engineers, and drones alike hurried through the blast door, their movements quick but orderly. The massive steel door groaned as it slid shut behind them, sealing the bunker just as the Lucas passed overhead.
The roar of its engines was deafening, drowning out all other sounds as the ground trembled beneath its immense thrusters. Dust and snow were hurled into the air, creating a blinding storm outside. Within the bunker, the vibrations grew stronger, rattling equipment and shaking the walls as the ship descended to its designated landing site.
In the tense stillness that followed, the drones exchanged wary glances, their unease lingering even as the sounds of the Lucas's engines began to fade. Whatever its purpose, the ship's arrival signaled a turning point—one that none of them fully understood yet.
Bunker 00. Command RoomThe air in the command room was tense, charged with the unmistakable hum of urgency. V stood at the center, her glowing optics locked onto the holographic map of Copper 9. A solitary blue dot edged closer, its steady approach unmistakable. As it neared, the entire room began to quake. The vibrations rattled through the bunker's reinforced structure, forcing V to grip the edge of the holographic table to steady herself.
Behind her, J startled awake, her tail uncurling from a pipe before she landed heavily on the floor.
"What in the name of Super Earth is going on?!" she shouted, her voice sharp and commanding, the echo of her words momentarily overtaking the rumble of the structure.
V glanced her way, her tone calm despite the upheaval. "The humans are landing a ship. It's going to be close—too close—but I didn't anticipate it would affect the bunker this much."
The tremors grew more intense, shaking the holographic map and distorting its glowing image. J groaned, planting her hands firmly on the table for support. Outside, the SEC Lucas was descending, its colossal thrusters displacing earth and atmosphere alike as it approached its landing site with deliberate precision.
Bunker 00. Martin's OfficeIn the solitude of his office, Martin pored over the latest reports from the previous night's patrols. The glowing screen illuminated his stoic face as his eyes scanned the text. The data was routine—minor threats were neutralized, and one notable danger was eliminated with human assistance.
Still, Martin remained cautious. The Steel Terror was no more, but history warned him that new threats were always waiting beyond the horizon.
"Hmm… we might need their help again, depending on what lies beyond our reach," he murmured, his voice low but resolute.
He leaned back in his chair, contemplating the future. Operations to recover supplies had been restricted to familiar grounds for safety, but their resources were dwindling. Expansion was no longer a matter of choice; it was a necessity. Yet, just as his thoughts lingered on the precarious balance of survival, a faint tremor rippled through the room.
Dust sifted down from the ceiling, catching the light as the vibrations grew stronger. Martin's expression darkened as objects on his desk began to rattle.
"What in the name of liberty is going on now?" he muttered, rising from his chair.
The rumbling intensified, a deep, resonating sound that seemed to emanate from the very core of the planet. The bunker groaned under the strain, the walls trembling with each passing moment.
Bunker 00. Yeva's RoomAlone in her quarters, Yeva sat amidst scattered maps and concealed items she had retrieved in secret. Her fingers traced the worn edges of a map, her thoughts clouded with uncertainty. The search for Nori had yielded nothing new, but her concern now lay elsewhere.
Uzi.
She had been monitoring her carefully, wary of the stress that might awaken the curse she carried—a curse Yeva knew all too well. Doll had suffered under its weight, as had Yeva herself. Keeping a close eye on Uzi wasn't just a precaution; it was a responsibility.
Yeva's lips curled into a rare, thoughtful smile as her mind turned to Jason. His unexpected actions had surprised her. After the disastrous return from Facility 7, Jason had shielded Uzi and her daughter from Martin's scrutiny. He had even gone so far as to involve them in missions, a gesture that hadn't gone unnoticed.
"It seems I misjudged the humans," Yeva murmured, her fingers gliding over the map as if searching for clarity.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden, violent jolt. The room quaked, sending books, tools, and personal effects tumbling to the floor.
"What is going on now?" she hissed, rising to her feet as the shaking intensified. The rumbling sound that followed was almost deafening, reverberating through the walls like the growl of some unseen giant.
Beyond Bunker 00The SEC Lucas's descent did not go unnoticed. Its immense frame, breaking through the clouds like a harbinger of power, became a beacon visible for miles. Observers from distant regions paused to watch, their optics or eyes fixed on the sky as the ship made its approach.
Among these distant watchers were forces with their motives—some benign, others malevolent. The sight of the Lucas stirred curiosity, greed, and even fear. As its shadow stretched across the barren landscape, these disparate factions began their slow but inevitable march toward Bunker 00, each driven by intentions that promised to test the fragile peace.
Copper 9. Camp 98
The palace ruins loomed under an ashen sky, their hollow halls alive with activity as the Pawns meticulously tore through every corner. The Null had sent them here with a clear directive, but frustration mounted as their search yielded only decay.
In what was once a medical room, the corrupted combat drone stood amidst the wreckage, its claws clutching a damaged, cross-shaped device. The device, once embedded in the necks of Yeva and Nori, was now utterly useless—fried like everything else in the desolate structure.
"[Frustration.] This entire trip has been a waste of time," it hissed, its glowing optics narrowing as it tossed the device aside. The faint sound of cracking bones pulled its attention toward the doorway.
There, one of its companions crouched over human remains, gnawing hungrily at a skeleton's fingers. Its female synthetic voice, distorted and malevolent, echoed through the chamber.
"[Satisfied.] At least there's something to eat here," it said, biting down with grotesque glee. "Though I'd much prefer fresh flesh."
The combat drone growled in annoyance, brushing past her. "[Annoyed.] We don't have time for this indulgence."
Stepping into the open air, it found their third companion standing watch. The drone's head was tilted upward, its optics transfixed on the sky.
"[Curious.] What are you staring at?" it asked sharply.
The watcher silently raised a claw, pointing toward the horizon. The combat drone turned, and its optics widened in shock.
"[Concern.] What in the name of the Null is that?"
Far in the distance, the SEC Lucas pierced through the clouds, its immense bulk descending with purpose. Even from miles away, its size was staggering, its engines displacing the very air with a rumbling power that reverberated across the barren landscape.
"[Dread.] We're leaving. This changes everything. Inform the Null at once," the combat drone barked.
A groan of protest came from inside the palace, but the other drones obeyed, emerging into the open. Their wings folded, their bodies tensed. In a flash of yellow light, all three vanished, leaving Camp 98 in silence once more.
However, their abrupt departure did not go unnoticed. High above, humanity's microsatellites registered their escape, triggering a cascade of signals. Soon, the ruins of Camp 98 would host new visitors—human investigators with their discoveries to make.
Bunker 00. Observation RoomThe SEC Lucas's arrival was a spectacle neither Tessa nor her AI companion had anticipated. The ship breached the atmosphere with an almost divine presence, its massive silhouette blotting out the sun as it passed over Bunker 00.
"By the Vital Fabric… is that a ship?" the AI marveled, its voice tinged with awe. "It looks more like a mobile city."
Tessa, staring at the feeds from the bunker's external cameras, shook her head in disbelief. "I've lived on Super Earth for years, but I've never seen anything like this. This isn't just a ship—it's a message. A declaration. And it's happening here, now."
Her AI companion buzzed with urgency. "This must be reported immediately. The Vital Fabric must know what the humans are planning."
Without another word, Tessa and the AI dissolved into the electric pathways snaking through Bunker 00, rushing to alert their superiors.
Bunker 00. EntranceThe tremors finally subsided, leaving a stunned silence in their wake. At the bunker's reinforced doors, an engineer cautiously flipped the controls, and with a hiss, the heavy gates slid open. Snow, whipped into drifts by the Lucas's thrusters, had blanketed the landscape.
One of the drones stepped outside, her optics locking onto the massive outline of the ship looming nearby.
"That… you humans built that?" Lizzy murmured, raising her phone to snap a picture.
A soldier beside her nodded his expression one of quiet pride. "We did. There are thousands more like it in the fleets of Super Earth. This is one of our largest. The Lucas is a colony ship—our backbone for expanding and reestablishing worlds. And now, it's here to bring light back to Copper 9."
He stepped into the snow, his boots crunching against the frost-covered ground. "Alright, let's get to work. We've got days of cleanup ahead of us, and that's just the beginning."
Around him, engineers and soldiers began fanning out, clearing snow, and setting up equipment. Lights flickered to life along the Lucas's hull, and massive hangar doors creaked open, revealing the ship's inner workings.
Thad, standing off to the side, whistled softly. "Uzi and N are gonna lose their minds when they see this."
SEC Lucas. BridgeThe Lucas's bridge was a marvel of modern engineering, filled with holographic displays and bustling crew members. At its center, a glowing projection of Copper 9 rotated slowly.
Captain Armin stood at the helm, sipping from a cup of liber-tea. His eyes were fixed on the planet below, his expression thoughtful.
"Taming this world won't be easy," he said, breaking the silence. "But it starts here. Jason made it clear—our priority is securing the bunker and assisting the locals. This isn't just about expansion; it's about unity and purpose. Copper 9 is as much a challenge as it is an opportunity."
The crew nodded, each returning to their tasks with renewed focus. As construction efforts began and lights illuminated the shadowy landscape, the Lucas stood as a symbol of progress.
For humanity and drones alike, Copper 9 was no longer a world of ruin but a place where a new future could take root.
Edited thanks to ELE73CH.