"What do you mean by Mylleen has been captured?" Hiro's heart skipped a beat at the revelation.
"So that's why she's been acting bitchy?" Hiro commented to Nova.
[Obviously, coupled with the fact that she doesn't like you naturally.] Nova added.
"Enough. Let's go check out that space rover." Hiro said straightening up and heading for the entrance where the space rover was packed.
He could still hear their discussions as he made his way out.
"It was a trap, it was as if they knew we were coming." Kaida said.
"What are we going to do?" Lirien asked.
"Is that even a question?" We're going to get her back. I came back here for backup."
[Are you thinking what I'm thinking?] Nova's monotonous voice cut through their conversation.
"Which is?" Hiro asked with a hint of skepticism.
[Come on, I thought it was very obvious.]
"I don't know what you are talking about. Now focus and show me how to hack into this space rover. So I can at least find out Mylleen's last location and go rescue her. Maybe Kaida can ease up on me a little."
[Well, you were thinking my thoughts host. Congratulations. That's a +1% bond level. We are now at 17.3%]
Hiro entered the space rover and stared at the dashboard for a while, taking in the screens and control panel.
"This shouldn't be that hard, I just have to know which is which. So show me what you can do." Hiro said relaxing into the seat.
[Well, I can connect to any electronic system wirelessly, hack into system and even control them remotely. So long as I'm… sorry you're within range.]
"Sweet. Now bring up this rover's last location."
The screen of the rover lit up and a holographic map appeared with some icons on them.
[The blue icon is our current location, the red is the last location of the rover, probably where Mylleen was taken. And the line you see is the path the rover took.]
"Okay. Come on let's go."
Hiro nodded as he glanced around the desolate, sandy landscape. The planet was a barren expanse, scattered with rugged rocks and massive boulders that jutted out of the ground like ancient sentinels. The relentless sun beat down on the landscape, creating a shimmering mirage in the distance.
He continued his journey, following Nova's guidance until they were a short distance away from Mylleen's last known position. Hiro carefully parked the rover, wedging it between the massive boulders, ensuring it remained hidden from view.
Checking the back seat, Hiro couldn't help but grin when he found a rocket launcher and a sleek laser shotgun lying there.
"Nice," Hiro said, his eyes glinting with satisfaction.
[Lucky you. I was wondering how you were going to face an entire base with no weapon,] Nova quipped sarcastically.
"You underestimate me, Nova. You, of all, should know what I'm capable of."
[No need to brag. After all, I'm in your head, so I know you alright. Anyways, do you want to familiarize yourself with the battle mode?]
"Battle mode? Like there's a battle mode?" Hiro asked, surprised.
[I'm a military-grade AI system, remember?]
"Cool."
[You should be lucky to have me. I can't say the same about you, though.]
"Quit sulking and walk me through this battle mode."
Hiro spent the next hour learning the intricacies of the battle mode, absorbing its capabilities, restrictions, and functions.
After mastering the basics and even some advanced functions, Hiro straightened up. He secured the rocket launcher strap over his body and gripped the laser shotgun in his hand.
"Come on, Nova, there's a hot alien chick in distress, and it's our duty to rescue her."
[Your duty, actually. I'm just tagging along since I obviously have no choice.]
They both fell into a contemplative silence, but Nova broke it with a probing statement, [I see you like Mylleen more, like you feel more for her.]
"Well, she's sexy as hell and daring too. I like her spirit. But then, there's Lirien. She's..."
Before Hiro could finish his sentence, Nova interjected, [It's because you've made her scream your name, and you love how it sounds.]
"You don't know that."
[Heads up. You should be expecting company soon.]
The holographic screen in front of Hiro's eyes shifted from its calming blue hue to an intense red, displaying the words "Battle Mode Activated" in stark white letters.
[We'll need a survey drone next time we're out in the field, but for now, we have to rely on sensors.]
"Noted," Hiro replied, his voice determined, as he vaulted over a massive boulder.
As they advanced, Hiro's sharp eyes spotted a fortified base nestled within what appeared to be a crater.
The base sat in the crater, blending into the rocky landscape. Its shiny metal walls reflected the alien world around it. Towering turrets guarded its edges, and a massive fortified gate, protected by robotic guards, served as the imposing entrance.
Sinister red lights flickered on its walls, casting an eerie glow. Surveillance cameras scanned the area, watching over the mysterious facility.
"I'd bet my rocket launcher that Mylleen is in there," Hiro whispered as he flattened himself against the rocky terrain, adopting a stealthy posture.
[Isn't it obvious? And by the way, the rocket launcher isn't yours to begin with.]
"Whose back is it strapped to? Activate zoom mode, please."
[Sure.]
Hiro's vision transformed, his cybernetic eyes tinted with a fiery red hue, resembling contact lenses. He scrutinized the base meticulously, zooming in and out, and switching to infrared vision to gain a rough sketch of its layout and anticipate potential threats.
"What do you think, Nova? I reckon the front is heavily guarded. We should consider sneaking in from the sides, maybe through that wall over there."
[Sounds like a solid plan, host. Once we're inside, I'll tap into their surveillance feed to locate Mylleen.]
"Easy peasy," Hiro remarked with a confident grin, rising to his feet and brushing the sand from his clothes. He dashed towards the base's flanks in a crouched position.
Upon reaching his chosen spot, Hiro slid down the steep incline into the crater. With a swift leap that showcased his cybernetic enhancements, he propelled himself up, grabbing the top of the fence and landing on the other side.
"Activate motion sensors," Hiro instructed Nova.
[Motion sensors activated. Hacking into the surveillance feed, just hold on.] Nova replied.
Hiro's vision switched to heat mode as he approached a metal door. Finding it unguarded, he silently rolled the metal handle and eased it open.
He proceeded cautiously on the metallic floor, clutching his laser gun firmly in his hands.
"How long will it take to transmit the feed?"
[I've managed to loop the cameras, making you invisible to anyone watching. But transmitting the feed is tricky due to the complex security system.]
"So you're saying you can't bypass it? Is that what you're telling me?" Hiro teased, ready to banter with the AI.
[It's complicated, not impossible. Now, stay focused on your task while I work my magic.]
Hiro continued to navigate from one section to another, successfully avoiding contact thanks to the motion sensors.
Entering the boiler room, he was met with oppressive heat, and beads of sweat trickled down his face as he surveyed the area. Several guards and workers bustled about.
As he turned to retrace his steps through the door he had entered, he abruptly froze in place. On the other side of the door, two figures stood on either side, armed and ready. Their faces were obscured, but Hiro could sense their readiness for action.
"Shit... looks like we've got company," Hiro muttered aloud.