Murder Drones: New Models

/night fell over Copper-9\       Uzi and N, having made sure Izun was asleep, quietly left the house. The lock on the door was broken, and opening it wasn’t difficult. Still, it didn’t ease their concern—any attempt to rob them would be like going up against the entire planet and the new generation of Drones. After all, they were listed among the key initiators of the liberation movement, and thanks to them, all Drones were now free from Humans. Taxis didn’t run this late, so they had to get to work the old-fashioned way—by wing. Uzi climbed onto N’s shoulders, and the Disassembly Drone spread his wings and flew across the residential blocks. Uzi: How long till we get there? N: About ten minutes. Why? Uzi: Just… Dad said we need to hurry. This shift we’re diagnosing the core. N: Oh! Then yeah, we better move. *At the building: Research Center Nucleus Copper-9 (RCNC9)* The pair landed just outside the entrance. Uzi: Well, let’s go. N: Let’s go. Inside the majestic building, instead of asking for ID, the guard simply asked how they were feeling. Then, with a clap, he stood at attention and saluted. Passing through the main room filled with terminals and Drones working at them, they approached Khan, who was gazing through a massive wall-sized window at an equally massive vertical shaft. Uzi: Hi, Dad. Khan: Hello, daughter. Khan turned and shook N’s hand. Khan: As you can see, everything’s ready for today’s operation. Uzi: Then shall we begin? Khan: I think so. N: I’ll go prep for the descent. Uzi: Go ahead. Dad, where’s…? Khan: He’s already suited up and waiting for N. Fully equipped, N noticed a Worker Drone by the shaft entrance, also geared up. They shook hands and began descending, secured by safety lines. N (walkie-talkie): So we’re just going down to the core and checking the condition of its containment systems, right? ? (walkie-talkie): Yeah, I think so. N (walkie-talkie): Seriously? We do this once a month, and now it’s the second time already. They said it was a major operation. ? (walkie-talkie): Dude, how would I know? Better tell me how things are on your end. N (walkie-talkie): Same as usual. ? (walkie-talkie) : How’s Izun? Did he recover? N (walkie-talkie): Yeah. Turns out he’s tougher than he looks. ? (walkie-talkie): Still, I think Uzi’s methods are a bit extreme. I wouldn’t say anything if he could regenerate like you, but he can’t—and who knows what could’ve happened if she made a mistake. N (walkie-talkie): I agree. I didn’t expect it either. But the original idea was… Khan (walkie-talkie): You’re at the site. Be careful. N and the Worker stepped onto a thick black glass platform that domed over the planet’s unstable core. It was so smooth that any cracks would be instantly visible. N (walkie-talkie): Well, here we are. ***INTERESTING FACT: The job of maintaining core stability is one of the most critical on all of Copper-9. It’s also the highest-paid position on the planet. But most Drones don’t take it for the money—they do it because they understand that the more hands involved, the more effective the containment. If the core ever slips out of control, Drone civilization could regress back to the Frost Era. And this time, the planet might not survive—cataclysms could erupt, possibly leading to a full planetary explosion*** Uzi (walkie-talkie): All right, begin the inspection. Khan: Uzi, can I talk to you for a minute? Uzi: Sure. What’s going on? Khan: We need to talk about your son. Uzi: What about him? Khan: I’ve received word that you performed some kind of operation on him—modifying the structure of his frame. Care to explain? Uzi (uncertain): What’s the big deal? I embedded part of a railgun into his wrists—as a gift. Khan: How can you say that so casually?! He’s your son, and you did that to him! Uzi: I do what I want. He’ll thank me later! Besides, you weren’t exactly gentle with me either. Khan (sighs): Uzi, we agreed not to bring that up. Or… have you still not forgiven me? Uzi (calmly): No, it’s not that. Raising my own child helped me understand why you were so cold. Your desire to protect outweighed any emotion. And my rudeness back then was just teenage defense. I get it now. I had to isolate Izun from the world too—just like you did with me. Khan: Speaking of that… I know I went too far with isolation. But why haven’t you let Izun step outside for nine years—his entire life?! Even I wasn’t that strict with you. Uzi: You have to understand—no one but me and N can know. Not even Izun himself. Khan: B-but why— Uzi: Drop it. Khan: What do you mean “drop it”?! How can you say that?! I know I wasn’t perfect, but at least you could walk around the bunker. Go to school. Talk to other kids. You had the chance to make friends. He doesn’t even know what that feels like! He’s like a dog on a leash his whole life! Uzi: …… Khan: As his grandfather—as the foundation of his system code—I want to know what the real— A loud boom echoed in the distance, like thunder. They rushed to the window overlooking the residential district and saw a bright green flash coming from Uzi and N’s house. Uzi: 0_0 What the…? Before she could finish, a Worker burst into the room. worker: You’re needed on comms—URGENT! Fearing for the Drones near the core, they rushed to the radios. Uzi (walkie-talkie): N, are you okay?! — panicked N (walkie-talkie): I wish. Khan (walkie-talkie): What happened?! N’s Partner #1 (walkie-talkie): We checked everything—equipment, the dome, all fine. But suddenly the core started emitting way more energy, and then… the impossible happened. A crack appeared in the dome. Khan, Uzi, all workers: WHAT?! Khan (walkie-talkie): Report the situation immediately! Is the crack spreading?! ? #1 (walkie-talkie): No. Khan (walkie-talkie): At least that’s something. Looks like we’ll need to work around the clock to fix it. Uzi (turning to the hall): I’m sorry this happened, but you’ll all need to work 24/7 now. She expected outrage—but instead, everyone stood up, shouted motivational phrases, and dove into work with renewed energy. Surprised by the reaction, the violet-eyed Drone smiled involuntarily and turned back to the window overlooking the core breach. Uzi (walkie-talkie): So that’s how it’ll be! ? #1 (walkie-talkie): Wait, Uzi! You can’t do this to me! Today’s my last shift before vacation! N (walkie-talkie): He’s got a point, Uzi. We can handle the workload physically—but have you thought about who’ll take care of Izun? Uzi (walkie-talkie): He will. ? #1 (walkie-talkie): Who?! Me?! No, no, no! I care about you both, but come on—I’ve got two kids of my own! My wife’s vacation ends soon, the kids are on school break, and we planned a little trip across the cities. Now it’s all canceled?! I’ve been working like crazy since my last vacation! We could’ve taken Izun with us—our kids are the same age—but you won’t even let him past the fence! Uzi (walkie-talkie): Please. I know you’ve canceled five vacations in six years, and you really need a break. And for work like this, we’re offering the longest possible leave—two full years. Just be his babysitter for tomorrow while we figure things out? The Worker turned to N, who gave him a thumbs-up and a smile through his helmet. ? #1 (walkie-talkie): *sighs* Fine. One day won’t kill me. Uzi (walkie-talkie): Thank you! ? #1 (walkie-talkie): Let’s wrap this up fast, N, and get out of here. N (walkie-talkie): Got it! Khan: All right, I’ll go file the new work schedule. But next time—answer my question. Khan turned and walked toward his office. Uzi watched him go, her display dim with sadness.