LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 38: Phase 1.
September 2184. Bunker 00. Entrance.
After speaking with the drones for a few minutes, Jason made his way out of the bunker toward Pelican 1, his duties calling him elsewhere. Within seconds, the aircraft took to the sky, heading for the coordinates he forwarded to the pilot. At the entrance, the group watched it ascend, Lizzy snapped a photo as N waved—whether the pilot or Jason noticed was anyone's guess.
"Mom's going to love these pictures. I think Dad will too," Lizzy said, scrolling through the photos on her phone. "Reminds me—I need to swing by Colony 02 to check in with them later."
"Same here," Thad spoke up. "Folks are gonna be worried if I don't check in soon. With everything going on, I wonder if Dad's working with the humans."
"I bet all the adults are going to be working with them…" Rebecca groaned, running a hand through her hair. "Ugh, Sis must be losing her mind with all this. She already hates going outside, and now humans are coming and going? She's probably scared to death."
"Yeah, you're right. Our families are going to be busy with all these changes," Emily added, staring out past the bunker entrance at the bustle beyond the wall.
"Heh… We combat drones are gonna be just as busy," N chuckled lightly. "I was kinda hoping for a break."
"You'll get your breaks, but we have to stay ready to work and help. My dad's been working with the humans since they got here. It was thanks to him they figured out where to start." Uzi crossed her arms, pride evident in her voice. Khan, her father, was one of the oldest worker drones, a vault of knowledge about the bunker and the nearby colonies.
Nearby, a group of SEAF soldiers and engineers gathered around a small TV set up inside the bunker. Seeing this, Uzi was the first to approach, the others following out of curiosity. On the screen, one of the major news channels flickered to life—Strohmann News, controlled by the Minister of Truth.
"Good evening, I'm Coretta Kelly. Today, the mysterious cloud of spores known as the Gloom has begun to slow in its growth. The cloud, which first emerged from the Terminid quarantine zone, has been doubling in size nearly every day, engulfing now over a dozen solar systems."
The screen shifted to a galactic map, with Super Earth centered prominently. To its east, a sprawling yellow cloud stretched ominously. Moments later, footage appeared from a probe approaching the cloud's edge—a hazy yellow mist, light-years in size, looming like an endless, silent wall. Suddenly, the transmission cut to static.
"As you just saw, every attempt to investigate the Gloom has failed. Military-class probes cease transmitting the moment they enter the cloud."
One SEAF soldier shook his head, frustration evident. "Damn… You'd think we'd know more about it by now."
"Wonder how long until it reaches Super Earth," he mumbled.
"Quiet," another soldier hissed, still focused on the broadcast.
The drones watched the screen in silence, a mix of fear and unease reflected in their optics.
"Experts speculate that the Gloom acts as an incubator for Terminid mutations and the formation of supercolonies. While Helldivers and SEAF forces maintain the barrier planets, it remains uncertain how long the line will hold. If whatever lurks within emerges, we may not have time to prepare. Both the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Science are collaborating to develop a probe capable of transmitting from inside the Gloom to uncover its true nature."
A heavy silence fell as the broadcast continued. It was clear to everyone—human and drone alike—that the war outside still raged on, and the changes it brought were far from over.
"Jason told us about this Gloom, but seeing it like that… It's terrifying," N said, his voice unsteady.
"You think that's bad? You should see the hordes of Terminids swarming the Eastern Front. The Gloom is just one part of the nightmare," a nearby SEAF soldier said grimly.
"Could… Could it reach here?" Emily asked, her neon-cyan optics flicking to the soldier.
"Unlikely. We're far out, and it's slowing down," he replied, though his tone betrayed some doubt. "Honestly, you're more likely to see the Bugs here turn into Terminids than the Gloom showing up."
"Thanks for the nightmares," another soldier teased, punching his comrade lightly on the arm. "Listen, you don't need to worry. Between the SEAF, SES, and Helldivers, they're holding the line. That cloud and the Terminids would have to get through all of them before reaching us."
"Sorry," the first soldier muttered sheepishly.
"Say… of the Helldivers, who has the most experience fighting the Terminids?" Lizzy asked.
"That'd be Meus. He's been on the front longer than anyone else I can think of," the soldier replied. "I've had my fair share of rotations, but Meus… He's something else."
"I guess that explains the heavy armor and the really big gun," Rebecca quipped, recalling the armored Helldivers preparing for deployment.
"Those ATVs they took off in—I'd love to take one for a spin," Thad said wistfully.
"Hate to burst your bubble, but those are Helldiver-only rides. Unless you get permission—good luck with that—you're not touching one." The soldier chuckled. "We've got our rides, but they're nowhere near as fun as what the Helldivers get."
Their conversation halted at the sound of footsteps approaching from the bunker's depths. A SEAF soldier stepped into view, his helmeted gaze locking on Uzi.
"You Uzi?" he asked.
"I am. What do you need?" Uzi replied, tilting her head slightly.
"Jason mentioned you explored those tunnels. They're a maze, even with the Watchdogs mapping ahead. There's one tunnel—dozens of cutoffs, dead ends, and drop-offs—that's been slowing us down. Jason suggested you and someone named Doll might be able to help us navigate it. Think you're up for it?"
The group froze, Uzi's optics widening in surprise. She hadn't expected this.
"I… Sure," she stammered, regaining her composure. "Well, this wasn't how I planned my day, but you're right—Doll and I know those tunnels well. There's a big vault door at the end of the one you're talking about. Whatever's on the other side… I've got no clue. Should I grab Doll? She won't want to miss this."
"Wouldn't hurt. So far, nothing deadly down there. What's strange is the Bugs—Warriors, even—won't go near those tunnels. We ran a test, lured one close, and it just turned around. Never seen them hesitate like that."
"Strange…" Uzi murmured, intrigued.
"Mind if I come too?" N asked, a grin on his face. "Someone needs to keep an eye on Uzi. She's a troublemaker."
"Oh, bite me, N," Uzi shot back, rolling her optics with a smile. "Let's grab Doll and get moving."
"How you can stand being in those tunnels, I'll never understand," Lizzy said, shuddering.
"Alright," the soldier said, gesturing for Uzi and N to follow.
"Take care, you two!" Thad called out.
"They'll be fine," a soldier assured him. "We may not be Helldivers, but we can hold our own in a fight."
As Uzi, N, and the soldier disappeared into the bunker's depths, the others watched, a silent understanding settling over the group. For the first time in over a century, humans and drones were beginning to cooperate again. And as Jason's absence loomed over them, one question lingered: what else lay ahead for both groups?
September 2184. Copper 9 Surface. Pelican 01. Nearing Outpost 10.
Sitting in the silent cabin of the Pelican, Jason contemplated their next moves. They still had a monumental task ahead: fortifying defenses, securing supply lines, and ensuring logistical support for operations beyond the colony. While a few steps had been taken so far, they were just the beginning. There were still the servers from the command hub to analyze, not to mention what had been uncovered at Facility 7.
"This is Pelican 1; we're nearing our drop-off point, sir," the pilot announced over the comms as the engines switched to VTOL mode. Jason could feel the aircraft slowing, the subtle vibration shifting as it prepared to land.
When the Pelican touched down and the rear ramp opened, Jason stood, stepping out onto the frozen terrain. Before him stretched an endless wasteland, its icy surface shimmering beneath a cold, pale sky. The sound of crunching snow drew his attention to the left, where Isaak and Alia were rounding the Pelican. Isaak's optics were scanning the aircraft, while Alia's were locked on Jason.
"One way to make an entrance…" Isaak remarked, tearing his gaze from the Pelican. "Mind telling us what those things in the sky are? They're dropping near the outpost."
"Those are the Aurora FOB Hellpods," Jason explained, turning to face them. "The SEAF transport ships are deploying them to locations we marked this week. It's the first step in building up our defenses. I'm here to set up sentries and guard dogs until the next phase of the operation."
"And what exactly is this operation?" Alia asked, her tone calm but inquisitive.
"It's a phased protocol," Jason replied, gesturing toward the frozen expanse. "We're laying the groundwork for future operations. Soon, there will be walls, roads, and railways integrated within your colony. Everything's being brought up to Super Earth standards."
Isaak and Alia exchanged glances, clearly surprised. They had expected minor fortifications, not a full-scale transformation.
"Sweet Liberty…" Isaak muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief. "I overheard some of the soldiers saying this was just supposed to be a salvage operation. And you're doing all of that?"
"It's standard procedure," Jason said, his tone even. "Any fleet must ensure a steady flow of supplies and resources. The SEC Lucas, our colony ship, has everything we need. Your outpost—and others—will become integral parts of a defense network as we progress through each phase."
"I see…" Alia murmured, her voice trailing off. "This is turning into something far more significant than I expected. How many Helldivers are with you, if I might ask?"
"There are twenty of us in total," Jason responded. "Four others are currently on the surface. Two are conducting geological surveys for ore deposits, while the other two are scouting points of interest we identified from orbit. That makes five of us here for now."
"I see…" Alia repeated, her optics unreadable.
Jason studied her briefly, sensing an unspoken question beneath her calm exterior. While her expression betrayed nothing, he wondered why she was so curious about the Helldivers. Brushing the thought aside, he motioned for Isaak and Alia to follow. There was still work to be done—defenses to set up, systems to configure—before he would return to base.
"These defenses are automated," Jason said as they walked toward the edge of the outpost. "You won't have to worry about manually controlling them. I've coordinated with the team to ensure the IFF systems recognize your drones. Guard Dogs and sentries will only trigger on anything not registered to the colony. Later, a team will deliver ammunition for the sentries. The Guard Dogs are equipped with laser weaponry."
They reached the perimeter, where the outpost loomed large and rugged—an amalgamation of old structures and makeshift expansions. Jason held up his wrist, typing in a series of commands before tossing a beacon onto the ground.
"That's good to know," Isaak remarked, his optics following the beacon as its blue light shot into the sky. "I was worried they might target us if we were returning from patrol."
Above, six Hellpods pierced the cloud cover, hurtling downward from two Super Destroyers in orbit. Each pod slammed into the frozen earth with precision. Seconds later, automated sentries unfolded, rising before folding back into standby mode. Moments later, three more Hellpods streaked through the sky, impacting around the perimeter. Guard Dogs emerged from within, their four jets igniting as they ascended into the air, pre-programmed patrol routes guiding their movements.
It wasn't much yet, but it was a start.
"Thank you for this," Alia said, her voice soft but sincere. "I'm going to sleep a lot easier over the next few nights."
"Just part of the job," Jason replied with a small nod.
It was the Helldivers' duty to protect the people of Super Earth. And while drones weren't human, they were still part of the colony. This was only the beginning, but even as Jason observed the automated systems spring to life, a sense of unease lingered. With so much activity, it was only a matter of time before unwanted attention was drawn their way.
The Steel Terror was still out there. And beyond that, an unanswered question gnawed at the back of his mind: What else lies among these ruins, watching and waiting?
Bunker 00. Martin's OfficeSitting in his dimly lit office, Martin had locked the door and made it abundantly clear he was not to be disturbed. It was rare for him to show such vulnerability or emotion, but something gnawed at him—a thought that had been pressing on his mind all week. He needed to speak with Jason, privately. The subject was Tessa—what she had told him nearly a century ago—and Cyn. Now that survival was no longer the primary concern, it seemed they could finally begin unraveling the mystery that had lingered for so long. Tessa and Cyn were at the center of it.
"The question is... do I ask him now or wait?" Martin murmured to himself, his voice low and uncertain.
The timing felt wrong. Should he bring this up now or wait until the protocol is complete? Jason was already overwhelmed. Martin leaned back, memories flickering across his mind—incidents with Tessa resurfacing. The nights she woke up screaming, gripped by night terrors. It was after one particularly harrowing episode that she had confided in him, describing the visions that haunted her. Yet even then, the answers had remained unclear.
2088. Bunker 00. Martin's OfficeThe hum of the bunker's systems underscored the tense atmosphere. V stood before Martin, her expression tight with concern. This wasn't her first time in his office, but today felt different. The situation had escalated beyond anything she had seen before, and it had drawn the attention of the drones patrolling near Tessa's room.
"It's getting worse, sir. She was screaming so loudly it woke up everyone nearby. If N hadn't been there to calm her down…" V's voice trailed off, the unease in her tone clear.
"How is she now?" Martin asked sharply.
"She's awake. N and J are with her, keeping her calm. I've seen trauma before, but this..." V hesitated.
The drones, for all their technological perfection, were not immune to trauma, just as many humans had been in the past. But this felt different. Despite the kindness Tessa had always shown, something darker was festering beneath the surface.
Before Martin could respond, a knock echoed through the room. N and J entered first, followed by Tessa. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying, and she held herself tightly, glancing from V to Martin. J shut the door behind them.
"She wanted to see you, sir," J said quietly.
"It's been rough, I'll say that. Tessa, what's going on?" N asked, looking at her with genuine concern.
Tessa had insisted on speaking with Martin alone, but she hadn't explained why on the way here.
"Leave us. This is private." Martin's tone brooked no argument. "Wait outside—but stay clear of the door."
The three exchanged uncertain glances before reluctantly stepping out. V lingered the longest, her optics lingering on Tessa, worry etched into her synthetic features before she shut the door.
Tessa sat across from Martin, her hands trembling in her lap.
"Tessa... Be straight with me. What in the name of liberty is going on? Don't lie to me." Martin's words came close to a demand.
"I... I don't know, Martin. It's like my mind is trying to tell me something," she stammered, her voice shaking. "The nightmares... they feel so real. Almost always the same thing. It's Cyn—she's a monster. A twisted amalgamation of flesh and metal. She hunts me in my own home, and every time she catches me... she bites and tears into me. And I feel it. I feel it."
Martin's gaze hardened, though his expression remained measured. This wasn't the first time she had spoken of her past or her visions—conversations he had kept from the others—but this was new. It felt more like a warning.
"Why didn't you tell me this sooner?" Martin pressed.
"I thought it was just trauma—the loss of everything I loved and cared about. I hoped it would fade in time, but..." She stopped, her voice breaking.
"It's clear it's not going away anytime soon," Martin replied firmly. "I appreciate you telling me, but there's little we can do for now. If you have another nightmare like this, you're to come to me immediately. We've discussed much, Tessa. I think... your mind may be trying to tell you something."
In the months before the sickness set in, Tessa's nightmares had grown more vivid. The details shifted, but the outcomes remained the same. It always led her back to her family home. The last time they spoke of it, she had described being drawn to the family library, where a hidden trapdoor appeared—something she insisted shouldn't exist.
But before she could investigate further, she had died. Whatever secrets were hidden there were lost with her.
Bunker 00. Martin's OfficeMartin snapped back to the present, exhaling slowly. He had made up his mind. He would keep this to himself—for now. It was too soon, and the situation was still unstable. When the time was right, he would bring it to Jason and no one else. Until then, he would carry this burden alone.
Copper 9 Low Orbit. Super Destroyer Aegis of IntegrityIn low orbit above Copper 9, the Helldiver fleet operated with precision. SEAF transport ships dropped FOBs onto pre-selected locations, marking the first stages of deployment. On the bridge of the Aegis of Integrity, the Democracy Officer stood before a holographic map of Copper 9, frowning at three distinct red dots blinking in an uncharted region.
"Are you sure this isn't Dark Fluid?" the officer asked one of the crewmen monitoring the anomaly.
"No, sir. We've triple-checked. The readings are gravitonic in nature—something folding space around itself. It's definitely not Dark Fluid. We've studied that for decades, and this is something else entirely."
The officer's expression darkened. Another unknown, added to the ever-growing list.
"As soon as the Helldiver concludes his operation and reports to the Ministry of Defense, we'll update him on this. Perhaps the drones can tell us something about that location," the officer said gravely.
For now, the Helldiver had more immediate duties, but this anomaly gnawed at the officer. Whatever it was, he had a sinking feeling that it would lead them deeper into Copper 9's mysteries. Whether it would provide answers—or merely raise more questions—remained to be seen.
Edited thanks to ELE73CH.