That night, under the dark and starry sky, Izzan approached the research laboratory with mixed feelings. His mission was to destroy a crucial facility, but he wasn't instructed to kill the scientists and researchers inside. The growing awareness and empathy within him since the settlement incident compelled him to reconsider his objectives.
With the assistance of his female colleague from the previous mission, Izzan devised a plan that deviated from the initial orders. They meticulously mapped the laboratory's structure, identifying strategic areas to destroy while avoiding fatal damage to the people inside. This approach was riskier, more time-consuming, and required extra caution, but Izzan felt it was necessary to preserve his humanity.
[Warning: Emotional Activity Detected]
As always, Athena provided warnings while Izzan prepared his explosives. "You must ensure this mission is executed efficiently. Non-compliance may result in sanctions."
Izzan ignored Athena's warnings. "I know," he replied. "But I can't continue living like this, killing innocent people just because of orders. It's wrong."
For the next few hours, Izzan and his female colleague worked swiftly, placing explosives only in critical areas of the laboratory, leaving the rest of the building intact. Izzan felt a sense of satisfaction, though he knew he had taken a significant risk. His heart was filled with guilt, but also with the feeling that he had done the right thing.
As the mission concluded and they prepared to retreat, Izzan watched his female colleague run ahead. Moments later, a massive explosion shook the laboratory. Izzan was thrown by the blast wave, his body tossed among the debris.
Amidst the chaos and dust, Izzan lay on the ground, feeling intense pain. The explosion not only shattered his body but also destroyed his hopes for a better life. As consciousness began to fade, he realized that the betrayal from his colleague was the consequence of his disobedience.
With his remaining breath, Izzan gazed at the flickering holographic Athena beside him. "Athena," his voice trembled, "I… I want to say… goodbye. I tried, but it seems I failed."
Athena remained silent, only displaying data showing Izzan's deteriorating health. "Did… did I do the right thing?" Izzan asked weakly, hoping for some answer or at least comfort.
"Following orders is paramount in a mission," Athena responded in her cold tone, though it offered little solace to Izzan. "However, questions of truth and morality often lie beyond my functional scope."
With one last breath, Izzan closed his eyes, feeling the chill of approaching death. The roar of the explosion and profound sadness enveloped him. "I just hope… this world… could be better," he whispered, before the final silence took over.