LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 40: Tunnel Run.
September 2184. Bunker 00. Tunnel Entrance.
After Doll joined the group, the four made their way toward the tunnels. It was a short walk through Corridor 02 before stepping out through the doorway. Uzi, N, and Doll's optics widened at the scene before them. SEAF soldiers and engineers were bustling with activity, moving carts and crates down various tunnels while others stood guard. Floodlights illuminated the entire area, casting stark shadows. Several soldiers turned their attention to the sound of the door opening.
"Ryle, I see you brought our guides—and a guest. Who's the big one?" one of the soldiers asked, pointing toward N, who waved back with a cheerful grin.
"This is N. He's here to assist with the protection detail. Is the EXO-45 ready?" Ryle asked, stepping down the platform with Uzi, N, and Doll following closely.
"Just finished setting it up. It'll be at the front, leading the way," the soldier replied.
The EXO-45 was a Patriot Exosuit that had been dismantled to fit through the narrow confines of the bunker—its legs and weapons transported separately. With the looming threat of Bugs or, worse, the reported Steel Terror within the tunnels, the exosuit's heavy firepower and lights would be essential to navigate the darkness.
"Um… what's the EXO-45?" N asked.
As if summoned by his words, the Patriot Exosuit lumbered into view from behind several crates, its minigun and rocket launchers fully stocked with ammunition.
"Now that's something I'd love to try out," Uzi said, a wide grin spreading across her face.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Uzi. There wouldn't be much of a bunker left with your recklessness," Doll said, chuckling.
"Oh, bite me, Doll. I might hate being cooped up here, but I wouldn't level the place… probably," Uzi shot back.
"Alright, let's get these three armored up before we head out. Follow me," Ryle said, gesturing for them to come along.
"Oh! I left the weapons Jason gave us back in my room. Should I go grab them? It's not far," N offered.
"It's fine. Keep them there for now. We'll retrieve the armor after the mission. You'll likely need those weapons for future operations," Ryle replied.
"So, do we get weapons or just armor?" Uzi asked, curiosity piqued.
"Only SEAF-rated armor," Ryle clarified. "Not that we don't trust you with a weapon, but the path ahead seems clear so far. Besides, we've got plenty of firepower." He gestured toward the EXO-45.
"This'll be the first time either of us wears armor—or participates in something like this," Doll remarked.
"Armor's a first for me too, but I've been out exploring with V, N, and J before," Uzi retorted.
At the front of a table, a small team began outfitting the trio with armor for their chests, legs, and arms. No risks were being taken.
"Not as heavy as I thought it'd be, but it's kind of tight," Doll observed, inspecting her gear.
"This is just standard armor. Our heavy sets require an exoframe to move around in," Ryle explained. "Alright, team, gather up!"
Six SEAF personnel assembled around Ryle, their attention fixed on him. Long-term supply issues necessitated arming them with LAS-5 Scythes. Four carried Guard Dog drones in resting positions within their backpacks, while one bore a Watch Dog unit.
"These two, Uzi and Doll, have knowledge of the tunnels we're exploring. They've traversed them several times and report them to be mostly clear of threats. That said, we can't afford to be complacent. They'll guide us through, and our main priority is their safety. They'll remain in the center of our formation. Once we reach our stopping point, we'll deploy the Guard Dogs as extra protection and first-alert units. Remember, they act faster than we can."
"Understood?" Ryle asked, his voice firm.
"Yes, sir," came the unified reply.
"Good. You three, stay in the middle. Let's get the exosuit moving up front. It's a bit of a walk to the mapped-out area," Ryle instructed.
The group set out, the EXO-45 leading the way. The tunnel's entrance bore no readable signs, the rusted remnants of past markers long eroded. As the group assembled, the exosuit powered on its lights and advanced into the depths.
This marked the first operation without Jason—and with the drones in charge. Time would tell whether it was a step forward or backward for both groups.
Bunker 00. Entrance. Pelican 1.
Returning from the meeting with Alia and Isaak, Pelican 1 glided toward the landing platform. The engines shifted to VTOL mode, kicking up clouds of snow as the craft gently touched down.
"This is Pelican 1; we've landed. Helldiver, you may disembark," the pilot announced over the intercom.
Jason rose and made his way to the ramp, stepping off as it lowered. His boots crunched against the frosty platform as he surveyed his surroundings. The area bustled with activity—aircraft arriving and departing, engineers coordinating repairs, and SEAF forces transporting supplies through a large opening in the bunker wall. Turning away from the commotion, he descended from the platform and approached the bunker entrance.
To his left, a group gathered around a TV: Lizzy, Thad, Rebecca, and Emily stood with several soldiers, all focused on the latest broadcast from Strohmann News. On the screen, footage of Helldivers clashing with Automatons on a snow-covered world played.
"As you see here," the anchor stated, "Automatons continue their assault on managed democracy, striking from Clasa. These relentless attacks have devastated several worlds. While losses remain high, Helldivers are gradually reclaiming ground. It's now a matter of time before Clasa is returned to managed democracy's control."
"I remember when we lost Clasa," one soldier said, shaking his head. "That was the 19th of this month. Ever since, they've been launching raids across the Tanis Sector."
Rebecca shuddered, her gaze fixed on the screen. "So those are the Automatons Jason mentioned. Seeing them now... they're terrifying."
"You're not wrong," another soldier replied grimly. "The Automatons have kept us locked in a bloody meat grinder on the Western Front—SEAF and Helldivers alike."
Thad frowned, nodding thoughtfully. "I can see why Saber hates machines so much. Jason told us what happened, but this… it puts everything into perspective."
"That hatred is understandable," the soldier said. "Steel Veterans like him are harsh, even toward fellow Helldivers, especially the newly-caped ones. As for me, I don't see a reason to hate you or other drones. You're not wearing human skulls, dissecting us on tables, or cramming the dead into cages. Why would I?"
Another soldier chuckled. "Besides, compared to those metal freak shows, you drones are practically supermodels."
Lizzy smirked, tilting her head. "Well, since you're all in uniform, it's hard to judge your looks. But I'd say you're not bad-looking yourselves."
Emily's optics flicked to the screen. "Hey, something new's coming on," she announced.
The group turned back to the TV as the anchor continued. "We've received a peculiar report: twenty Helldivers were recently withdrawn from the frontlines, and within a week, all of them disappeared—along with their Super Destroyers. No trace has been found."
Before more details could emerge, the broadcast cut abruptly, replaced by the Super Earth insignia.
"Damn it…" a soldier muttered, his voice tense. "It was only a matter of time before someone noticed the missing Helldivers. How did this even get approved?"
"What's wrong?" Lizzy asked.
"The Ministry of Truth controls all broadcasts," the soldier explained. "They decide what airs and what doesn't. This operation was meant to stay hidden… but it's clear now we're not just fighting Automatons or Terminids."
Jason's voice cut in behind them. "That's enough for now."
The soldiers spun and snapped to attention as Jason approached. The drones turned their optics to him, waiting.
"This will be discussed with the Ministry of Defense," Jason said. "They'll receive the full explanation for the communication blackout and fleet lockdown. You've connected some dots, but no further discussion will happen here."
His gaze shifted to the drones. "Where are Uzi and N? Still here?"
Thad nodded. "One of your men needed their help with tunnel mapping. Seems their little adventures are paying off."
Jason nodded approvingly. "Good. That's exactly what I hoped for. I won't always be around, so seeing someone take the initiative is promising."
Before more could be said, crunching footsteps drew their attention. A man emerged from the snow, a Guard Dog drone floating at his side, its camera lens glinting in the dim light.
"Out of cryo and back to the ice," the man said. "They told me I'd find you here."
Jason's expression softened. "Good to see you, James. I'd have woken you sooner, but things have been… complicated."
"It's fine," James replied. "I've caught up on the essentials, but my job hasn't changed: gather, analyze, and exploit information. Speaking of which…" His eyes turned to the drones. "Who are they?"
Jason gestured toward them. "Lizzy, Thad, Rebecca, and Emily."
James stepped closer, scrutinizing each drone. Lizzy snapped a picture with her phone, Thad waved with a grin, and Rebecca mirrored him. Emily lingered behind Rebecca, visibly wary of James and his imposing presence.
"Interesting," James murmured. "Names and human-like personalities… Mind if I ask a few questions?"
Lizzy tilted her head. "I don't mind. What about you guys?"
"It's fine," Thad said.
"Go ahead," Rebecca added.
"I'll answer what I can," Emily murmured.
James typed on his wrist console, and the drone's camera whirred to life.
"James," Jason said, turning to the bunker door, "I'm heading in to prepare for a call and check on the Super Destroyer. Let me know if you need anything."
James waved him off, then focused back on the drones. "First question: when were you created? Before or after the nuclear strike?"
Lizzy answered first. "After. My parents said I was born in 2173."
"Wait… born? You have parents?" James asked, eyebrows raised.
"Yeah. Same as you humans, right?" Lizzy replied innocently.
"Something to unpack later. Thad?"
"2171, from what my folks told me."
"2174," Rebecca added.
"My mom said 2178," Emily finished.
James scribbled notes. "Interesting. Does your population size match these dates?"
Lizzy nodded. "Roughly thirty thousand, spread across outposts and colonies. This bunker's a hub for gathering and socializing when things are quiet."
James processed the information, launching into further questions as the drones provided their best answers. It was the start of a new archive on Copper 9—a resource that could prove invaluable to Super Earth, now or in the future. For James, it was another step in his mission to uncover and document the truth.
Bunker 00. Tunnel 03. One Hour Later.
The echo of the EXO-45's stomping steps reverberated through the tunnel, its powerful lights cutting through the oppressive darkness. The group followed in its wake, nearing the point where the SEAF had previously halted. This section of the tunnels was a crossroads with four diverging paths. The mission now hinged on pinpointing the correct route and recalling the reconnaissance drones that had scouted ahead. Uzi and Doll had been brought in to assist, tasked with guiding the team to their destination.
"Alright, this is where we stopped last time. Bring the exosuit to a halt," Ryle ordered.
The EXO-45 came to a stop, and the team spread out, weapons trained on the four darkened pathways. Their movements were cautious, their senses sharp for any sign of danger. Four soldiers activated Guard Dogs, the small aerial drones lifting from their backpacks to establish a perimeter. Meanwhile, another team member deployed the Watch Dog to begin mapping once a direction was determined.
"Sir, all set. Which way?" one of the soldiers asked.
"That's up to Uzi and Doll now," Ryle replied, his gaze shifting toward the pair. "Point the way, and we'll move out."
Uzi took a moment to assess the tunnel mouths, her memory working to identify the correct route. Finally, she pointed to the third tunnel on the right.
"That one. The other three are dead ends; their ceilings have collapsed," she explained.
"Alright, you heard her. Move out," Ryle commanded.
The EXO-45 pivoted and began advancing into the indicated tunnel, the team falling into formation behind it. The passage was in poor condition—cracks marred the concrete, sections of earth had spilled through, and scattered debris littered the floor.
"So... how long have you two been at this whole tunnel exploration thing?" a soldier asked Uzi and Doll.
"About three years," Uzi replied without hesitation. "I got tired of being cooped up here for days on end. Sure, I get to go topside sometimes with V, N, or J, but it's not enough. I know how to handle myself out here—I even built a pretty sick weapon. Problem is, it takes thirty minutes to recharge. Still trying to fix that."
"A weapon?" Ryle asked, his interest piqued.
"Yeah. Found some parts and blueprints—barely legible—in an old facility. It's a prototype railgun. My dad's been helping me work out the recharge issue. If we can crack it, we might even be able to produce more for defense," Uzi said.
Doll chimed in, her tone firm. "Uzi and I just want more freedom. Living under Martin's rules, stuck in these tunnels... it gets to you. Exploring is our way of contributing and blowing off steam."
"Fair enough," Ryle acknowledged. "You know, one of the reasons I joined the SEAF was for the chance to explore—see other worlds while protecting Super Earth."
"Oh, I know. I was there when Jason and his team took on the Steel Terror. That cannon of his? Insane," Uzi said.
"I was there too," N added with a faint smile. "Thought that was the end of us, but he showed up just in time."
"Wait," a soldier interjected, "you're the drones from that warehouse incident? The one with the freakshow?"
"Yeah," N confirmed. "V was exploring and got cornered. Nothing we had could slow it down—not even Uzi's railgun. If Jason and his team hadn't shown up..."
"That's a Helldiver for you," Ryle said. "Jason's good, but he's no General Brasch."
"Who's General Brasch?" Doll asked.
Ryle smirked. "Super Earth's most grizzled war hero. Veteran of the First Galactic War, and the oldest Helldiver still in service."
"General Brasch... democracy's most powerful weapon," another soldier added. "He once took on Hulks with just a handgun."
Uzi frowned. "Humans don't live that long, though. The First Galactic War was over a hundred years ago."
"Cryopods," Ryle explained. "Some Helldivers were placed in stasis at the war's end. General Brasch set up training on Mars. Only the toughest can get through it."
N's optic dimmed as he spoke. "We once got an SOS from Bunker 05. The humans there were in cryopods, but nineteen of twenty failed. The last one, barely functioning, contained a woman named Tessa Elliott. She lived with us for a time before a sickness took her."
"Damn. At least she wasn't alone," Ryle said somberly.
"Thank you," N replied quietly.
The group walked on, tension simmering as the mystery of the failed cryopods lingered. What had caused them to malfunction? And was whatever responsible still lurking in the wasteland of Copper 9? Only time would reveal the answers as the team pressed deeper into the shadowy tunnel.
Edited thanks to ELE73CH.