After disposing of the bodies in the incinerator, Daniel made his way out of the facility, ensuring that all traces of his presence were eliminated. As he emerged into the outside world again, he took a deep breath, the cold night air a stark contrast to the stifling confines of the underground complex.
The journey back to Arkanis City was long. With every step, Daniel's thoughts swirled around the events of the day. The unexpected integration of SELENE, the deadly encounter with the OBI operatives, and the implications of the technology now within him. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world in an eerie twilight glow.
By the time he reached the outskirts of Arkanis City, the sky was a deep, starless black. The city's harsh neon lights and towering structures loomed in the distance, a stark contrast to the desolation he had just traversed. He moved through the shadowy alleys and hidden paths, avoiding the main thoroughfares to minimize the chance of being seen.
Finally, he arrived at the Mercenary Hold. He pushed open the heavy door, the familiar creak echoing in the dimly lit interior. Dorian, the grizzled overseer of the mercenaries, looked up from his desk, his eyes narrowing as he took in Daniel's appearance.
"You're back," Dorian grunted, a mix of surprise and suspicion in his voice. "Got the documents?"
Daniel nodded, reaching into his pack and pulling out the carefully secured documents. He placed them on the desk, meeting Dorian's gaze with a steady look.
Dorian's eyes flickered over the documents before returning to Daniel. There was a hint of something in his expression. He studied Daniel for a moment longer, as if sensing a change he couldn't quite pinpoint.
"You seem... different," Dorian remarked, his brow furrowing. "Something happen out there?"
Daniel smiled thinly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Just another day in the wasteland. Now, about my pay?"
Dorian hesitated, then shrugged, pulling out a small pouch filled with the agreed-upon sum. He handed it to Daniel, his gaze lingering on the younger man for a moment longer.
"Here you go. Job well done," Dorian said.
Daniel accepted the payment with a nod, tucking it into his old jacket. "Thanks. I'll be seeing you around."
With that, he turned and left the Mercenary Hold, making his way through the labyrinthine streets of Arkanis City. The night was mostly quiet, broken only by the distant hum of machinery and the occasional shout from a far-off alley.
Eventually, he reached his shelter, a makeshift house tucked away in a forgotten corner among the other shelter. He slipped inside, locking the door behind him and letting out a weary sigh.
As he settled into the familiar surroundings, SELENE's voice echoed in his mind. ["This is a nice settlement, User."]
Daniel snorted, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. "Are you being polite now? I know this place is a dump."
["I am merely assessing the environment based on available data from your mind. I feel you enjoy living here?"] SELENE asked.
Daniel leaned back, staring at the cracked ceiling. "Enjoy? No, I wouldn't say that. But it's the best I can afford right now." He paused, a wistful note creeping into his voice. "I'd like to have a nice house someday, though. A real home."
SELENE's tone softened, almost comforting. ["With your abilities and my guidance, that dream is within reach. Continue to utilize my capabilities, and you will see your circumstances improve."]
Daniel closed his eyes, allowing the weight of SELENE's words to sink in. He didn't know that a machine can have that kind of soft voice.
The idea of a better future, one where he wasn't constantly scraping by, was a powerful motivator. "Yeah," he murmured. "Maybe you're right."
["I am designed to assist you in achieving your goals."]
A faint smile touched Daniel's lips. He wasn't used to feeling hopeful, but for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to believe that things could change for the better.
"Is that so? Well, then, let's see what we can do."
---
In the heart of a high-tech command center, rows of computer monitors lined the walls, each screen flickering with data and tactical information.
The room was filled with the soft hum of machinery and the rapid clicking of keyboards as staffs focused intently on their tasks.
Standing behind the rows of occupied stations, a man in his thirties monitored the activities with a serious expression. His sharp eyes scanned the screens, taking in every detail.
The door to the command center opened quietly, and a man entered. He approached the man overseeing the operations, speaking in a low, urgent voice. "Commander Grave," he said, drawing the attention of the stern figure.
Grave turned to face him, his expression immediately troubled. "What is it?" he asked, judging that maybe something was wrong by his expression.
The newcomer hesitated for a moment, then leaned in closer to ensure his words were not overheard. "The signals of the three operatives we sent to retrieve the prototype... they're gone."
Grave's eyes widened, a mix of shock and concern flashing across his face. "What?" he demanded, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper.
"All three signals went dark simultaneously," the man continued, his own face etched with worry. "We've lost all contact with them."
Grave clenched his jaw, his mind racing. Losing an entire team equipped with advanced technology and weaponry is almost impossible. Unless they are discovered by another faction or country.
He glanced back at the screens, then returned his gaze to the man before him. "How could this happen? Were there any signs of an attack or malfunction?"
The man shook his head. "No, sir. It happened too quickly. One moment they were there, and the next... nothing."
Grave's troubled expression deepened. "Damn it," he muttered under his breath. "We need to find out what happened and secure that technology. Assemble a recovery team immediately. We can't afford to lose it."
"Understood, Commander," the man replied, turning to relay the orders.
As Grave watched him leave, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in his gut. This mission was critical, and the sudden loss of their operatives was a setback they couldn't ignore. He turned back to the screens, his mind already formulating a plan to address this unexpected development.
"What the hell is going on?"
---