I opened the door to the control room, and my senses were immediately overwhelmed by the array of screens displaying the vast expanse surrounding the mothership. Gustav's fleet of drones and rovers swarmed the skies and lands, their diligent patrols ensuring no army of damnation could amass unnoticed. Amidst the captivating spectacle, Gustav himself was deeply engrossed, studying a digital map of a nearby town when he caught sight of me.
He swiveled his head around, a tinge of frustration evident in his voice. "Ah, just in time. I'm furious at that audacious thief."
Unable to resist a smile, I retorted, "Well, we know how dearly you cherish your drones..."
Gustav nodded, his fingers deftly dancing across the control panels. "It's not just the drones; it's the resources invested in constructing their intricate chips. That miscreant managed to pilfer one."
"Alright, so I'll head out now? Anything else I need to know?" I inquired, preparing myself for the mission ahead.
"Take Russ along with you. And if possible, apprehend the thief alive. It seems they possess a rare understanding of my AI algorithm, catching it off guard," Gustav instructed, his focus fixed on his work. "Here, take this map. Retrieve my precious drone."
With a wave of his hand, Gustav gestured for me to leave, engrossed once again in his technological realm. As I stepped out of the control room, I made my way to Sam's quarters to inform her of my impending departure. As I swung open the door, I was met with an unexpected gasp.
"Wait! I'm... I'm naked," Sam blurted out, clearly taken aback.
I quickly backed away from the door, realizing I caught Sam off guard. "Oops, my bad, Sam. Didn't mean to startle you," I said, leaning against the wall and letting out a sigh.
After a few awkward seconds, Sam emerged from her room, dressed in a mini military getup. Her hair was a total mess, strands of blonde cascading haphazardly, and I couldn't help but comment, "Sam, do you even know what's going on with your hair?"
She shook her head, a sheepish grin on her face. "Nah, I have no clue."
I squatted down, trying to be helpful. "Alright, hold still. Let me fix it for you."
I gently gathered her long, beautiful blonde hair and expertly tied it into a neat ponytail. Meanwhile, Sam plopped herself on the bed and turned on the TV, which had a massive collection of cartoons. Her eyes lit up with delight, and I couldn't help but chuckle at her choice of entertainment.
After I finished fixing Sam's hair, I stepped back, admiring the twin ponytails that now adorned her head.
"Looking great, Sam," I praised, running my fingers gently through her hair.
She hopped off the bed, a grateful smile on her face. "Thanks! Can I call you big brother?"
My heart warmed at her request. "Of course, Sam. I'd be glad to be your big brother."
Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Can I come with you? Pleeease?"
I hesitated for a moment, concerned about her safety. "It might not be entirely safe, but if you promise to stay close to Russ, then you can come along."
With her mind set on joining me, Sam followed eagerly as we made our way to the dispatch bay.
The bay housed a vast array of vehicles, each tailored for different missions. My eyes locked onto the sickest motorcycle there, the one every biker would dream of. It was a masterpiece of engineering, both sturdy like a tank and agile like a predator. A special compartment at the back was designed for Russ to accompany us and unleash his turret skills if needed.
Before leaving, I swung by the armory to equip Sam with the necessary gear. The helmet and Kevlar vest seemed to fit her perfectly, making her look like a mini badass soldier. I couldn't help but feel proud of her courage. Though I worried about Gustav's reaction, I knew this mission would toughen Sam up and improve her chances of survival in this dangerous world.
Sam couldn't help but blush as she looked at herself in the mirror. "Do I really look like a legit soldier?"
I grinned, nodding with approval. "Almost the real deal, kiddo. You're ready for action."
As for my own attire, I suited up in a sleek black outfit I found in a stash of special forces gear. It came complete with Kevlar protection and additional headgear. Gustav was still working on a special helmet that would grant us enhanced vision, allowing us to spot nearby beings, whether they be friend, foe, or invisible entities.
Once fully prepared, we headed back to the dispatch area, where the gateway swung open, revealing a world of possibilities. With a gentle lift, I settled Sam in the middle of the motorcycle while Russ locked and loaded himself into his compartment, ready to unleash his silenced turret at a moment's notice. I climbed onto the bike, feeling its power beneath me.
Gustav's voice crackled through the radio, sounding both concerned and understanding. "Stay safe, and I understand, you want to keep Sam protected. Humans are a rare breed these days."
"Copy that, Gus," I responded, my voice resolute. I revved the engine, feeling the raw energy beneath me as we prepared to embark on our mission. The road ahead was uncertain, but I was determined to keep Sam safe throughout this journey.
As we ventured into the dense forest, the weather surprisingly remained pleasant, neither too sunny nor cloudy, providing us with the perfect temperature for our mission. However, given the Rapture's abnormal weather patterns, things could change in an instant. I couldn't forget the shock I experienced five years ago when it snowed in Zamboanga, a tropical part of the Philippines.
As we delved deeper into the forest, the trees grew thicker, casting long shadows over the narrow road. Eventually, the road came to an end, revealing a small village nestled amidst the trees. Signs of recent activity were evident, leaving an eerie feeling in the air.
I parked the motorcycle with a soft thud and put it on its stands. Helping Sam down, Russ emerged from his compartment, his tentacles ready for action. The village seemed off, and my instincts were on high alert, urging me to proceed with caution. At the center of the village, a flickering light in one of the buildings caught my attention.
Leaning down, I whispered to Sam, "Stay quiet and stay alert. We're not alone here."