LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 36: Inside the Vault.
September 2184. Facility 7. Vault.
Stepping through the threshold of the heavy vault door, two SEAF soldiers led the way, their flashlights piercing the dim interior. Jason followed close behind, scanning the room with keen eyes. N and Uzi trailed in last, their steps deliberate, sticking close together. One of the SEAF soldiers carried a portable NBC detector—a compact, lunchbox-sized device designed to detect nuclear, biological, or chemical hazards. Given the nature of Facility 7, such precautions were non-negotiable. While their filters and seals provided robust protection against most airborne toxins, the team could not afford to take unnecessary risks.
"Anything?" Jason asked, his voice low yet commanding. His gaze swept over overturned tables and piles of papers scattered haphazardly across the floor. The disarray suggested that the room's occupants had fled in a hurry.
"Clean air, sir. Safe enough for now, but I wouldn't recommend breathing it in too deeply," one soldier replied. Cracking a glow stick, he set it atop one of the tables, its faint green light adding a spectral glow to the scene.
"Lots of papers here, all over the floor," the second soldier noted, his flashlight catching glimmers of dust particles dancing in the air. "Judging by the lack of sealed containers, I'd guess this vault was vacuum-sealed at one point to preserve everything. But over time, the walls likely degraded, letting air and contaminants seep in."
Jason nodded. "Could be. But with the door still intact and the systems this facility once had, I think you're right. Okay, gather anything salvageable. N, Uzi—there's a room at the far end we need to check. If you find or hear anything unusual, let me know immediately."
The two SEAF soldiers began carefully sifting through the debris, while Jason motioned for N and Uzi to follow him.
"You know," N began as they walked deeper into the vault, his tone casual but thoughtful, "I remember finding another vault like this not far from here. I couldn't get it open, though. Built to withstand a nuclear blast, it seemed."
"I think Doll and I found something similar once," Uzi added, keeping close to N. "But we didn't get far, either."
Jason glanced back at them, his expression neutral but his tone firm. "We'll need that information. You've been here for over a century, and anything you've learned could be invaluable."
The corridor opened into a larger chamber. Jason's flashlight beam caught a reflection beyond a glass door ahead—a faint glimmer of something metallic or liquid. Moving closer, they entered a room dominated by a large glass container filled with a yellow, milky substance.
Jason frowned, stepping forward to inspect it. "Now that's something," he muttered. "Seen anything like this before?"
"Never," N replied, eyeing the container warily. Uzi stood silently beside him, her gaze darting around the room as if expecting danger to emerge from the shadows.
Jason shook his head. "We'll need a team from the Columbia's Ministry of Science to handle this. Biological and chemical specialists only."
As Jason examined a row of metallic storage units on a nearby table, he called back to the others, "Check the room. I'm going to see if these hold anything related to Uzi's mother. If you find anything significant, shout out. And stay alert—just because a room looks empty doesn't mean it is."
"Yes, sir," N replied, his voice tinged with unease. He turned to Uzi as they began their search. "Still wrapping my head around why your mother would've been here in the first place."
"Same," Uzi murmured, her fingers running over the dusty surface of a cabinet. "What could she have been doing here?"
Jason's focus shifted to the storage units. Their design was familiar—specialized preservation units he'd encountered during previous operations. He pulled at the handle of one, but it wouldn't budge. A quick inspection revealed a digital lock screen, its power cells dead.
"Locked tight," Jason muttered. Activating his helmet radio, he relayed his findings. "Helldiver Jason here. I've got a biological and chemical anomaly in Facility 7. Requesting a science team to transport a vital object to Bunker 00. ETA on the team?"
A crackle preceded the response. "Estimated thirty minutes, sir. Vessels are in orbit above you, but prepping the team will take some time."
"Understood. Have them move as soon as they're ready," Jason instructed, his voice steady. The question of what they had been studying here loomed heavy in his mind.
Across the room, N and Uzi combed through the detritus.
"Dead end," Uzi grumbled, tossing a faded sheet of paper back onto the pile. "Just more old documents. None of this makes sense."
"Don't lose hope yet," N encouraged, scanning the top of a nearby table. He hesitated before adding, "How are you holding up? This week hasn't exactly been easy."
"I'm fine," Uzi replied curtly, though a note of tension betrayed her. "Just trying to figure out why my mother was here. And Yeva… I know she and my mom had a history, but this feels different."
N nodded solemnly. "We've all been worried. It's a shame we didn't watch that door more closely that night. Despite everything, we haven't found her…"
Uzi offered him a small, reassuring smile. N's unwavering kindness had always been a source of comfort, even if his perpetual optimism sometimes baffled her.
"Hey," she said, her tone suddenly lighter. "Think you'll ever 'attach' to another human like before?"
N paused, caught off guard. "Why do you ask?"
"Just curious," Uzi shrugged. "You, V, and J worked with humans before everything went to hell. Seems like it might happen again."
N's optics dimmed. "I… I miss Loric, Uzi. I miss him like I miss so many others. But after what happened, I don't think I could go through that again."
Uzi placed a hand on his shoulder, her expression soft. "N, it's been a century. Letting go doesn't mean forgetting. Jason risked everything to keep Doll and me from exile. Maybe it's time for you to take a risk, too."
Her words lingered, striking a chord N hadn't expected.
"I'll… think about it," he replied quietly. Then, in an attempt to lighten the mood, he teased, "By the way, do you have a crush on Jason?"
Uzi froze, her optics widening in shock. "N!" She hurled a crumpled paper at him, her face flushed with mock indignation.
N laughed, and after a moment, Uzi joined in.
Jason approached them, his boots echoing on the metal floor. "Everything alright over here?"
"Nothing of note, sir," N replied, holding up a faded document. "Most of this is unreadable."
Jason sighed, casting a final glance at the room. "We'll have a team sweep this area later. For now, we head back to Bunker 00. There's much to discuss—starting with the Fortress Protocol."
Uzi's brow furrowed. "Fortress Protocol?"
Jason's tone was grim as they exited the room. "I'll explain everything when we're back. The days ahead are going to change everything." And he hopes for the better.
September 2184. Facility 7. Entrance.
Stepping outside into the frigid air, Jason watched as a Pelican descended from orbit, its engines scattering snow into swirling eddies. The craft had come from the Columbia, and Jason stood waiting with N and Uzi at his side. His gaze remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings to ensure that nothing else emerged to threaten their mission. So far, all was clear, and now it was time to uphold a promise as they moved toward the vault before returning to Bunker 00.
"Alright, they'll handle things from here," Jason said, nodding toward the approaching team. "Let's get moving." He gestured for N and Uzi to follow him as he headed toward the Pelican.
A group from the Ministry of Science emerged from the craft, carrying specialized equipment designed to transport the container and its storage device. Their leader, an older man with a pragmatic air, stepped forward and addressed Jason.
"Helldiver, I assume the object of interest is at the heart of this facility?"
Jason gave a curt nod. "It is. Both items are to be transported back to Bunker 00 for study and examination. How's the SEC Lucas deployment going? Any updates?" he asked, knowing the ships were linked for constant reporting.
The man adjusted his grip on a heavy case and replied, "All smooth so far. Other than scaring the locals, nothing significant has occurred. But I'd advise you to return quickly. The ship's arrival and the SEAF forces being deployed have the population rattled."
Jason sighed. He'd anticipated this reaction. The Lucas was an enormous vessel, and its mere presence was bound to cause unease. The week's buildup of events hadn't helped matters. Adding to his concerns, Jason realized he had neglected to warn the drones about the incoming hardware. Questions were inevitable. As these thoughts lingered, a second Pelican descended, having refueled aboard the Super Destroyer Aegis of Integrity after its earlier mission.
"Handle that container carefully," Jason instructed the science team, motioning toward the fragile glass. "If it's immovable, attempt to extract the contents instead. As for the storage units, they'll need power to reactivate. We'll see about restoring them at the bunker."
The team nodded and began their work as Jason turned to N and Uzi.
"So… I get the feeling things have changed a lot at the bunker since we've been gone," Uzi remarked, watching the science team disappear into Facility 7.
"You'd be right," Jason replied. "You'll see what I mean when we get there. But first, it's time to keep that promise."
"Oh, I remember now!" N said, his expression lighting up with excitement.
As they made their way toward the vault, N mentioned a request for a low-orbit flyby. Although the Pelican had no windows beyond the cockpit, its rear hatch could open briefly in space. With their suits capable of withstanding short-term exposure to the void, Jason saw the opportunity as a way to strengthen their bond and lift their spirits after everything they'd endured.
"I thought you might've forgotten," Uzi said, a small smile breaking through her usual stoicism. "After all these endless gray clouds, I'm ready for this."
Jason chuckled softly. "This will be a quick trip. My suit isn't rated for prolonged exposure, but it'll hold long enough for you two to enjoy the view."
They boarded the Pelican, taking their seats as Jason activated a comms link to the pilot.
"Pelican 1, before we head back to the bunker, take us up to low orbit. These two need to see what it's like."
"Understood, sir," the pilot replied as the ramp sealed shut and the engines roared to life.
As the Pelican ascended, Jason leaned toward N and Uzi. "Once the hatch opens, we won't be able to talk. No atmosphere, no sound."
"Good to know," N said, laughing nervously. "Would've felt pretty dumb trying to chat in silence."
Jason allowed himself a rare smile. He'd been tempted to let them figure it out on their own but decided a little forewarning wouldn't hurt.
"This is Pelican 1," the pilot announced. "We've reached low orbit, approaching the Super Destroyers. Preparing to open the bay door."
The engines quieted, and the bay began to depressurize. Everything inside the compartment floated weightlessly as the hatch slowly opened. N and Uzi's optics widened with astonishment as the vastness of space unfolded before them.
Above, the white and gray haze of Copper 9 stretched endlessly, broken only by the silhouettes of the Super Destroyers holding formation. Their immense hulls glided silently through the void, stark against the stars.
N and Uzi gazed in awe, their expressions a mixture of joy, wonder, and disbelief. The view was fleeting; within minutes, the hatch began to close, restoring pressure and gravity to the cabin. All three of them landed back in their seats as the Pelican resumed its journey.
"That was… I have no words, sir," N said, his voice thick with emotion. "I've dreamed of this moment for so long, and now… it's beyond anything I imagined."
"I can't wait to tell the others," Uzi added, her tone brimming with gratitude. "Thank you, Jason."
Jason nodded. "You're welcome. I can't promise we'll have the chance to do this again, but I believe one day, we'll get you drones off this world. For now, moments like this are worth every second."
It was the small things, Jason reflected, that made the hardships bearable. N, with over a century of memories, had endured more than most could fathom. Uzi, grappling with the revelations about her mother, carried burdens of her own. This brief reprieve was a chance to ease their minds, if only for a little while.
As the Pelican began its descent back to Copper 9 and their ever-changing home, Jason allowed himself a moment of quiet satisfaction.
September 2184. Bunker 00. Entrance Landing Platforms.
The Pelican descended through the thick atmosphere and cloud cover, its engines roaring as it approached the fortified walls of Bunker 00. Within moments, it transitioned into VTOL mode, its thrusters firing to stabilize the landing. The ship touched down gracefully on the metal platform within the bunker's secured perimeter.
"This is Pelican 1; we're five seconds from touchdown," the pilot announced over the comms. The ship settled with a dull thud, its landing gear absorbing the impact.
The ramp lowered with a hydraulic hiss, and Jason stepped out first, followed closely by N and Uzi. The vast expanse of the SEC Lucas loomed to their left, its colossal hull dominating the skyline. The sight of SEAF soldiers, automated vehicles, and an array of aircraft bustling around the area drew immediate attention. Both N and Uzi's optics widened in astonishment.
"What is all this?" N asked, his gaze shifting rapidly between the activity and the massive ship.
"That's got to be the Lucas you mentioned earlier," Uzi said, her optics fixed on the leviathan vessel.
"This," Jason began, gesturing broadly, "is part of the Fortress Protocol. It's been in the works all week. Once we regroup with the others, I'll explain everything. For now, let's just say your colony won't have to worry about threats anymore."
As they descended the platform, the bunker's entrance came into view. A group of familiar faces—Lizzy, Thad, Rebecca, and Emily—stood waiting, their colored optics bright against the muted surroundings. Jason noticed that V, J, Martin, Khan, Yeva, and Doll had already returned inside. Thad waved enthusiastically as the trio approached.
"You're back! You missed one hell of a show when the humans' ship arrived!" Thad called out.
"It was incredible. It tore the sky apart as it came down," Lizzy added, her voice tinged with awe. "I've never seen anything like it. The humans have built a marvel."
"Busy doesn't even begin to describe it," Rebecca said, nodding toward the flurry of activity outside the walls. "It's been non-stop since you left."
"It was terrifying at first," Emily admitted, her gaze lingering on the Lucas. "But now… I feel like things might actually change. For the better."
Uzi smirked, crossing her arms. "Well, we had our own little adventure. Jason here took us into orbit. We got a view of the planet and the fleet. Beat that."
The revelation caught the group's attention, their optics locking onto Uzi in amazement.
"Floating like that, with no sound… it was peaceful. Beautiful, even," N said, his tone reflective.
Lizzy's optics brightened as she turned to Jason. "Alright, next time, you're taking us up there too. No excuses."
Jason chuckled softly. "We'll see. For now, I've got duties to attend to. Surprised Martin isn't out here already, considering everything that's going on."
"He's inside with V and J," Thad explained. "Your people moving out has got everyone at the neighboring outposts and colonies buzzing. But Martin did say he wants to talk to you as soon as you're back."
Jason nodded, his expression briefly shadowed by the weight of responsibility. "This week has been chaos. Turning it into order has been a monumental task, and I forgot to warn them about what's coming. I'll sort it out."
N placed a reassuring hand on Jason's shoulder. "Go on ahead, sir. Uzi and I will stay here with the others—we've got some catching up to do. Looks like you've got your hands full."
Jason offered a quick nod before heading toward the bunker's entrance. Behind him, N and Uzi joined the others, their voices blending into animated conversation as they swapped stories. It was clear the group had much to share after the day's events.
As Jason walked through the bunker's halls, his thoughts turned grim. Beyond the lack of answers about Uzi's mother, one issue loomed large in his mind: the Steel Terror. It wasn't dead, and the probability that it had alerted others to their presence was high.
The discussion awaiting him with V, J, and Martin would be long—and it would determine their next steps in the face of mounting threats.
Edited thanks to ELE73CH.