Without saying another word, I nodded and departed from the control room, my mind occupied with thoughts of the impending mission. The idea of rescuing the prisoners felt morally right, but I couldn't ignore the tactical challenges it would present.
Swiftly changing into my gear, I emerged from my room within minutes, my heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Just as I stepped out, the door of Sam's room creaked open, and Sandra appeared, rubbing her eyes, still somewhat drowsy from sleep.
Sandra scanned her surroundings before her gaze settled on me. "Where's Sam?" she inquired with a hint of concern in her voice.
"Probably at the armory. You should grab something to eat in the cafeteria," I replied, my focus already shifting to the preparations for the mission.
"Wait," Sandra interjected, stopping me in my tracks. I turned around to face her, and she continued, her voice laced with worry, "What do you mean at the armory?"
My mind briefly flickered to Gustav's instructions and the hologram that laid out the plan. "Sam and I have been assigned a mission to destroy the SAM sites at the Fleshling base," I explained, trying to convey confidence in my decision. Pausing briefly, I added, "Don't worry, it'll be alright."
Sandra furrowed her eyebrows and walked closer to me, her concern intensifying. "Hold on a minute," she said, her arms crossed in front of her. "Are you telling me that a child is going out to face such a threat?"
I let out a deep sigh, understanding Sandra's worries all too well. "Yes, but trust me," I assured her with determination in my voice.
"How? She's just a six or seven-year-old girl," Sandra expressed her concerns, her protective instincts kicking in. "At that age, I was playing with dolls."
Believe me," I responded, trying to ease her apprehension, "I am more than capable of singlehandedly taking down the base."
Sandra snorted skeptically, still uncertain about the idea. "And?"
"It's important for Sam to learn and experience things in this new world," I explained, hoping to convey my reasoning. "As much as it may not seem right, it's better to be prepared in case the worst happens and she's left on her own. She needs to know what to do, how to survive."
Sandra's face reflected conflicting emotions, torn between protecting her sister and acknowledging the harsh reality of their circumstances. Eventually, she sighed, her voice softening, "Just keep her safe... It doesn't feel right, but you're right."
I nodded, grateful that Sandra was starting to understand my perspective. "I promise, I'll do everything in my power to protect her," I assured her earnestly.
As Sandra walked past me, I couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. She was right in her concerns about bringing Sam into the outside world, but I had to prioritize Sam's safety and preparedness for the challenges that lay ahead. It was a tough decision, but in this new world filled with uncertainties, arming Sam with the knowledge and skills to survive was the best way to ensure her well-being.
Upon reaching the armory, I found Sam already dressed in her gear, looking like a little warrior ready for battle. She wore a miniature Kevlar vest and headgear, fully covering herself from head to toe. Her outfit was completed with futuristic-looking goggles that added to her warrior-like appearance.
Sam struck a T-pose, puffing out her chest with pride. "I look like a mini Star Trooper!" she exclaimed with excitement, her eyes gleaming behind the goggles.
"Aww, that's absolutely adorable, Sam," I remarked, unable to resist the urge to pat her head gently. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.
"It was supposed to be white, but Gustav suggested wearing darker colors," Sam explained while adjusting the straps on her waist, looking quite determined for her young age.
"He's right. Where's mine?" I inquired, glancing around the armory until my eyes fell on a headgear that seemed to be mine.
Russ emerged from the back room of the armory, goggles clamped in his mouth, his tail wagging with excitement. "Yours is quite delicate. I worked my butt off to make it," Gustav stated proudly, indicating the headgear from Russ' jaws.
"Well, thank you so much, Gustav," I expressed my gratitude, taking the headgear from him and equipping it with care.
"It has a built-in heart rate monitor, temperature sensor, magic detection capabilities, and auto-aim, as long as your weapon is equipped with the custom scope," Gustav added in, adding some technical details about the headgear's features. "It also features a custom AI, although it's far from Russ's abilities."