Chapter 6: Preparations
Author note: I use { } to separate Na'vi and English when it's appropriate for the scene.
Kiri slumbered peacefully late into the night until a sudden noise jolted her awake inside her tent. She grumbled, sitting up on her cot, and scanned the dimly lit tent for the source of the disturbance. Tuk lay fast asleep on the cot opposite her.
Kiri couldn't recall Tuk entering the tent, but she attributed it to her own deep sleep. After dismissing the idea that she was imagining things, she lay back down and closed her eyes, only to be startled seconds later by a radio-like humming. Sitting up again, she traced the sound to one of the clay pots where she had concealed the portable radio before heading to the infirmary.
Panic gripped Kiri as she realized she had forgotten about her arrangement with the machine, causing her heart to race. With trembling hands, she cautiously lifted the lid of the pot while keeping an eye on Tuk, who remained sound asleep. The radio emitted its droning noise once more.
"Respond," a foreboding voice emanated from the machine through the radio.
Tuk stirred in her sleep, turning towards Kiri. She hurriedly closed the pot's lid and replied, "What's that noise?" in a groggy tone.
"Uhh," Kiri had to think on her feet, "it's nothing. Just some broken human gadget dad gave me."
"Alright," Tuk responded, getting up and stretching with a yawn. "How's your arm?"
Kiri examined her cast. "It's fine," she replied, partially focused on devising a plan to retrieve the radio without alerting Tuk. "It'll recover in a few weeks."
"I saw you leave today," Tuk mentioned. "Grandma wasn't happy."
Kiri sighed. "We'll talk about that tomorrow. Go back to sleep, okay?"
Tuk yawned and closed her eyes. "Okay, good night."
Taking the opportunity, Kiri reached into the pot, switched off the radio, and carefully removed it. "I'll be right back," she whispered as she exited the tent.
The cavern felt even darker inside than outside, with only a few torches and human lights providing faint illumination. Kiri noticed two soldiers standing near the cave entrance, holding torches, and assumed there were more guards around. Jake's rules strictly prohibited anyone from venturing out without authorization after midnight.
Spotting an area nearby stacked with numerous RDA boxes, Kiri quickly surveyed the surroundings to ensure no one was watching before stealthily making her way there. She found a hiding spot, sat down, and took a deep breath before pressing the radio's button.
"Hello?" Kiri asked nervously, unsure if she was operating it correctly. "Can you hear me?"
"Signal clear," the machine's voice responded from the other end. "Are you ready for my instructions?"
Kiri sat up slightly, checking for any signs of nearby presence. "I am. So, what exactly do you need?" she whispered, noticing a few guards walking in the opposite direction, away from her.
The machine proceeded to provide a list of required parts, but before Kiri could grasp any of it, she was startled by someone addressing her.
"Who are you talking to, Kiri?" Tuk inquired, rubbing her eyes, standing a few steps away from Kiri, who appeared surprised by her sister's quiet approach.
"Shh!" Kiri murmured, signaling for Tuk to come closer before they were detected.
Meanwhile, the machine concluded its instructions, which Kiri had completely missed.
"What's an a-a-actuator?" Tuk struggled with the word she had overheard, sitting next to Kiri.
"It's a piece of human technology," Kiri responded, swiftly checking for eavesdroppers. "It's a device used to move things."
"So it's like magic?" Tuk asked, eyeing the radio. "What's that?"
"Confirm instructions received," came the voice over the radio.
"It's a radio," Kiri explained, raising it to her mouth to respond. "Hold on, there's someone here."
"Copy that," acknowledged the machine from the other end.
"That's similar to what Dad uses," Tuk remarked, impressed by the technology. "Who is that voice? They sound strange."
Kiri suddenly found herself at a loss. She had no knowledge of the machine's name, rendering "friend" inappropriate. "Their name is..." she pondered, recalling the symbol on its shoulder. "I think it's Ghost?"
"That's a peculiar name," Tuk replied, aware of its meaning in English.
"Yeah," Kiri said, tapping her fingers on the radio. As the sound of approaching footsteps drew nearer, she sat up again and noticed another guard passing by, holding a torch high.
"Is this a secret meeting?" Tuk whispered after observing Kiri's reactions. "Are you going to meet them?"
"That's a secret," Kiri responded, glancing down at Tuk. "And secrets aren't your strong suit."
Tuk protested with a huff. "I can keep secrets."
Kiri playfully tapped her sister's nose. "You told Grandma about my nightmares and informed Mom and Dad that I had gone out."
"What was I supposed to say?" Tuk retorted, giving Kiri a look that melted her heart. "Mom asked where you were, and I told her I saw you and Spider leave. We were all worried that you got lost."
Kiri sighed and leaned back, knowing Tuk's intentions were sincere. "Okay, I'm sorry," she said, glancing at the radio. "I need to gather some items for... Ghost."
"What for?" Tuk asked, tilting her head.
"I made a promise to them," Kiri replied, looking at her younger sister. "I'll tell you more another time."
"Okay," Tuk said, sitting up with excitement on her face. "Can I come help?"
Kiri shook her head. "I'm grounded and not supposed to be doing this," she explained. "I don't want you to get in trouble."
Tuk frowned. "I want to do secret fun stuff too," she protested once again.
"Another time," Kiri said, giving Tuk's shoulder a comforting pat. "For now, please don't tell anyone," she emphasized the importance of keeping it secret.
Tuk's tail drooped sadly as she stood up. "I promise."
"If I don't return by morning," Kiri opened her mouth but halted Tuk before she left, "tell Dad to ask Spider where I went."
Tuk blinked in confusion. "Are you leaving the camp?"
"Maybe," Kiri replied, sighing. The thought of venturing into the marsh alone at night made her uneasy. Honestly, it seemed even riskier than their idea to explore the swamp earlier. "Possibly."
"Why don't you ask Lo'ak or Neteyam to come with you?" Tuk suggested.
Kiri shook her head, not wanting to involve her brothers. "I'll be fine," she reassured herself, letting out a sigh. "Now go back to the tent."
Tuk frowned and nodded. "Okay."
After watching Tuk leave and ensuring the coast was clear, Kiri brought the radio to her mouth. "I'm here. Can you repeat what you need?"
The machine began naming parts that Kiri recognized were only found in the human section of the camp.
Evading a few vigilant guards, Kiri infiltrated the human section of the camp, which housed the machineworks and the depot for helicopter repairs. She gathered various items into a discreet bag, but the machine demanded more supplies than she could carry by hand. They reached a compromise: for now, she would bring smaller parts. However, when the machine requested ammunition, Kiri firmly refused.
Some tools and components were familiar to Kiri by their English names, but others were foreign to her. To translate and identify the items, she read off barcodes and serial numbers, which she deciphered in the darkness of the night.
"493...131...13," Kiri whispered into the radio, decoding the barcode on a mechanical cylinder she knew little about. Reading without any light proved challenging.
"Collect," the voice on the radio confirmed.
Kiri placed the cylinder in her bag but realized it was becoming increasingly heavy. With her broken arm causing pain when carrying it with both hands, she relayed her predicament. "I can't carry anymore," she informed the radio. Nearby, a canister of hydraulic fluid for the helicopters caught her attention.
"Acknowledged," replied the voice on the radio. "Provide an ETA."
Kiri paused, thinking quickly. Spotting a group of guards engaged in conversation nearby, she swiftly hid behind one of the helicopters. "Um, I don't know," she responded over the radio.
"I will rendezvous at the predetermined location," the voice on the radio stated before signing off.
Looping the radio around her waist, Kiri pondered her escape strategy. She had to slip out through the entrance and maneuver past the camp, which likely had more guards outside than within. After a brief contemplation, an idea struck her.
The cave entrance near the Ikran area remained unguarded since it was presumed that no one would be foolish enough to enter an Ikran roost. Seeing no guards in sight, Kiri placed the heavy bag on her back, grabbed the oil drum with her good hand, and silently made her way in that direction. Despite her stealth, the occasional clatter of metal parts in her bag betrayed her presence.
Kiri swallowed hard as she approached the Ikran area of the tunnel and observed a multitude of slumbering Ikran on the ground. At the head of the group, she spotted Gracie fast asleep, surrounded by other resting creatures.
Taking a deep breath, Kiri tiptoed past the slumbering Ikran, exercising utmost caution not to disturb their wings or tails in the darkness. Every step was taken with extreme care, although the rattling from her bag added an extra challenge.
Halfway through the roost, Kiri was startled when one of the nearby Ikran raised its head and emitted clicking sounds before tucking it back beneath its wings. Releasing a relieved sigh, she continued until reaching the end, just before the cave exit. Before gazing out into the cave, she couldn't help but smile at Gracie, her winged companion, who appeared to be deeply immersed in a dream of flight. Confirming that there were no guards at the cave entrance, as expected, she spotted numerous torches and guards conversing in the camp.
Descending from the cave entrance, Kiri cautiously maneuvered through the camp, moving stealthily between tents. Peering through the tent openings, she caught glimpses of Na'vi families sleeping together, including a tent where she recognized Txoum.
Distracted momentarily, Kiri's senses heightened when several guards passed by. Swiftly hiding behind a tent, she ensured her safety before proceeding toward the infirmary where Spider likely remained in recovery. Approaching the window, she realized that the lights were out, rendering her unable to see inside. She contemplated waking Spider but ultimately decided to undertake the task alone.
Kiri circled around to the back of the infirmary, surveying the herd of resting direhorses at the camp's edge. Noticing the absence of guards, she approached the herd and gently prodded a slumbering direhorse lying on the ground. "Wake up, boy," she addressed the familiar creature.
The direhorse snorted, clearly displeased at being disturbed late at night. Offering an apologetic look, Kiri swung her braid around and quickly joined the queue of direhorses. With a final snort, the chosen direhorse stood up. Kiri corrected herself, "Um, girl."
Securing her luggage to the direhorse and fastening the oil drum, Kiri exerted effort, using her good arm, to mount the creature successfully. Once firmly in place, she gestured forward with her hand. "Hyah!"
Kiri and her direhorse ambled slowly through the swamp, taking in the breathtaking display of bioluminescence. The muted colors of the area came alive at night, with spider frogs scattered everywhere, their antennae pulsating as they rubbed against each other. It appeared to be their mating season. Other unseen creatures, resembling lizards with rainbow-like patterns, caught Kiri's attention.
Coming to a stop not far from the cave, Kiri retrieved her radio and pressed the button. "I'm near."
"Your visual is already confirmed," the voice on the radio responded.
Kiri halted her direhorse abruptly and glanced around, an uneasiness creeping over her. Although she couldn't see the machine, she had a distinct feeling of being watched. Drawing a deep breath, she urged her direhorse to continue.
However, before reaching the cave, the direhorse abruptly halted and began snorting, sensing something amiss. Kiri followed its gaze and spotted the machine's red optics. It stood on a rock, cleverly camouflaged by dense vegetation, staring directly at her. The direhorse snorted and pawed at the ground, clearly disliking the machine's presence.
Inhaling deeply once more, Kiri spoke up. "I have what you asked for," she stated, dismounting from the direhorse. She untangled her queue, retrieved her bag from the direhorse, slinging it over her shoulder, and finally grabbed the oil drum.
Without uttering a word, the machine stepped off the rock with a heavy thud, its weight causing the ground to tremble. The direhorse snorted and retreated a few steps, displaying its unease.
Soothing the direhorse, Kiri extended her arm towards it. "Calm."
With each step, the machine sent vibrations through the ground, steadily approaching Kiri. The direhorse continued to snort and take cautious steps backward.
Facing the machine, now at a short distance, Kiri commanded, "Stop there." The machine obeyed, and the direhorse ceased its retreat. Kiri breathed a sigh of relief.
Carefully, she walked towards the machine, dropping the bag and placing the oil drum just out of its reach. She then backed up towards the direhorse.
"There, our bargain is complete," Kiri stated, pressing her back against the direhorse. "Now, will you leave this place and not return?"
A spark discharged from a dangling cable on the machine's partially missing left arm as it crouched down to gather the objects. Its right arm, in a hand-like position, reached down to unpack the bag's contents. Examining each item individually, it remained silent.
"I will depart once I reach 73% combat efficiency," the machine finally spoke, holding up a specific part, "and once the navigation systems are functioning at 100%."
Kiri had no idea how it planned to repair itself, but it was no longer her concern. However, one question lingered in her mind. "So, what is your name?"
The machine glanced at Kiri. "Names are not necessary," it replied. "They are an organic construct."
Confused by its response, Kiri pointed to the "GHOST 001" marking on its shoulder. "Then what does that symbol on your arm represent?"
"It is an RDA-issued serial number," the machine answered, lifting the oil drum. With an audible buzzing sound, a slot opened on its left upper leg, revealing a fluid intake slot. Pouring the liquid into the slot using its only hand, the machine repaired itself with the unorthodox mixture of helicopter parts.
Kiri gently touched the direhorse once more, attempting to calm its distress, before turning her attention back to the machine. "May I call you Ghost then?" she asked cautiously, unsure if it would take offense.
"If you desire," the machine replied.
"I think I will," Kiri nodded to herself, frowning at the machine's indifference to its surroundings. "So, where will you go now?"
"To the nearest RDA facility equipped for repairs," Ghost answered. It began removing armor plates from various parts of its body. Its finger transformed into a welding tool, and using pieces from the heap of parts, it replaced damaged sections beneath the armor.
Kiri watched in awe, captivated by the sight unfolding before her. The repairs seemed improvised, as the machine utilized helicopter parts to mend its legs.
"Won't they shoot at you?" Kiri asked. "Wouldn't that require further repairs?"
"I calculate a high probability," Ghost responded, sparks flying as it removed a broken component from its left arm and used it to repair another section.
"That doesn't sound like a good idea," Kiri remarked, taking a few steps back to avoid the sparks. The direhorse continued to snort, clearly displeased with the machine's actions.
"Self-preservation is my prerogative," Ghost stated, proceeding with additional repairs. It became evident that the machine had sustained more damage than Kiri initially realized, with bullet-hole dents and signs of encounters with the hell centipede. "However, further repairs are necessary to achieve 100% combat effectiveness."
Perplexed by its objective, Kiri questioned, "So your sole purpose is to fix yourself so you can continue fighting? But for what purpose?"
"Unknown," Ghost replied, shifting its attention to repair torn cables. It required far more than what Kiri had brought to fully restore itself.
Noticing the brightening sky, indicating the imminent dawn, Kiri was taken aback. She had assumed it was earlier in the morning but hadn't checked the time. "I must return to camp before sunrise."
"Your camp is located approximately 1.43 kilometers west of my current position," Ghost informed, referring to the radio she had been using. Kiri noticed the antenna on the machine's right shoulder.
"You won't follow me, will you?" Kiri's heart raced a bit faster in her chest. "You know what will happen if you do."
"Negative," Ghost replied, completing its current repairs and standing up to face her. "Additional repair equipment is required."
"Isn't this enough?" Kiri gestured towards the remaining parts on the ground.
"Negative," Ghost responded, picking up the bag with its right hand and offering it to Kiri.
Sighing, Kiri accepted the bag and glanced at it. "{Why am I cursed with this, Eywa?}" she whispered to herself before looking back at Ghost. "One last time?"
"Affirmative," Ghost replied, bending over to gather the remaining pieces. "Depart now."
Without a second thought, Kiri secured her bag to the direhorse, reconnected her queue, and swiftly mounted the creature, riding away. As the sun gradually ascended the horizon, she marveled at the beautiful orange light beams stretching across the sky above her.
As Kiri rode away on her direhorse, she couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and curiosity. The encounter with Ghost had left her with more questions than answers. She pondered the machine's purpose and its enigmatic presence in the area. The dawn illuminated the surroundings, casting a golden glow over the swamp.
As she approached the camp, Kiri couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. She discreetly scanned her surroundings, searching for any signs of potential danger.
Far away from the serene caverns of the Sully clan, a sprawling metropolis was being constructed along the coast, shrouded in thick smog that obscured the morning sun. Towering walls formed a ring around the city, with construction cranes visible in every direction.
Inside a recently built building, a female officer adorned with the insignia of a general leisurely sipped from her black mug, emblazoned with the RDA emblem. Through the window, she observed two new Valkyrie aircraft landing on the airstrip, accompanied by the constant hum of helicopter rotors. Many of the helicopters were unmanned, operated remotely for transporting cargo.
Behind the general, a multitude of employees and technicians diligently worked at computer terminals, striving to maintain order amidst the chaotic construction site. A large billboard hung above them, proclaiming "The City of Bridgehead: Building the Future."
As the Valkyrie unloaded recruits, mercenaries, and former soldiers seeking employment, the general turned her attention to the entrance. The door swung open, and three soldiers, accompanied by two military police officers, entered the room. The soldiers appeared distressed, one of them sporting a bandaged arm and a disheveled uniform.
"General, the Lieutenant from Sector D-3, as you requested," the female MP announced.
"Ah, yes," the general acknowledged, motioning for the injured lieutenant to step forward. "I heard you had a difficult day. Thank you for coming."
The scruffy lieutenant approached and saluted as best he could. "2nd Lieutenant Drizen reporting as requested."
"I had expected your captain to report," the general said with a shrug, "but unfortunately, he perished."
"Yes, General," the lieutenant replied, his voice filled with sorrow. "He was the primary target in the attack while in his AMP suit."
"The sector was of utmost importance," the general stated, raising an eyebrow as she circled the group. "I provided your platoon with more firepower than they knew what to do with, yet you failed to hold the sector."
"But, General," the lieutenant interjected, "we were ambushed unexpectedly. We were on patrol when chaos erupted. Arrows and bullets rained upon us from all directions, and the next thing I recall is a grenade—"
"Actually," the general interrupted, presenting a paper obtained from one of her nearby clerks, "our intelligence team provided your captain with a report warning of heightened enemy activity in the region, which he chose to disregard."
"I never saw that report," the lieutenant frowned, glancing at the document.
"That's what they always say," the general shrugged. "Regardless, you are dismissed." She gestured to the MPs to escort him away.
The lieutenant's eyes filled with panic as he was handcuffed. "What will happen to me? Why am I being arrested?"
The general regarded him coolly, her expression giving away nothing. "I don't know," she replied with a touch of irony, her voice carrying a hint of ambiguity. "You tell me."
The lieutenant's eyes darted between the general and the military police officers, a mixture of fear and confusion evident on his face. He was then escorted out of the room, his steps heavy with the weight of uncertainty.
The remaining officers exchanged concerned glances, silently acknowledging the severity of the situation. The general let out a heavy sigh, her gaze lingering on the closed door.
"Failure has consequences," the general remarked solemnly, her voice echoing through the room. "And in times of war, mistakes can cost lives."
The officers listened intently, their expressions reflecting a mixture of concern and determination. They understood the gravity of their responsibilities and the need for unwavering dedication.
Turning to one of the captains, the general ordered, "Captain, assemble two platoons and reclaim Sector D-3 immediately. Salvage what you can before CON-DEV arrives to clean up the mess."
"Right away, General," the captain acknowledged before exiting the room.
"Sully may have believed he triumphed yesterday," the general continued, taking a final sip from her mug, "but in reality, he sealed his own doom." With a few keystrokes, she activated a holographic 3D topographic map, revealing the region encompassing Jake Sully's cave, marked by a glowing red dot. "We implanted a tracking device in one of the crates they took, and it transmitted a signal this morning from this location."
The officers gathered around the large holographic console, their eyes focused on the glowing display. The general, standing at the front, addressed the room with a commanding presence.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen," she began, her voice projecting authority. "Welcome to this crucial battle briefing."
The officers straightened their postures, awaiting their orders.
"At ease," the general commanded, allowing the officers to relax slightly. She walked along the console, her eyes scanning each face in the room. "I want to commend all of you for your dedication and commitment to our mission here on Pandora."
A sense of pride swelled within the officers as they listened attentively.
"Now, let's get down to business," the general continued, tapping a few buttons on the console. The holographic display transformed, revealing a 3D topographic map of the region surrounding Jake Sully's cave, with a glowing red dot indicating the suspected location of the Na'vi camp.
"Our primary objective is to neutralize Sully and the Na'vi resistance," the general stated firmly. "We cannot allow their presence to hinder our progress on Pandora."
The officers nodded, their expressions reflecting determination.
"I have received intelligence that indicates a significant enemy force in the area," the general continued, her voice laced with gravity. "We estimate their numbers to be between one hundred to two hundred soldiers."
A murmur of concern rippled through the room, the officers exchanging glances.
"However," the general added, her tone resolute, "we have the element of surprise on our side. We will strike them swiftly and decisively."
One of the older male officers spoke up, his voice reflecting experience. "Do we have any intel on their weaponry and defenses, General?"
The general nodded, acknowledging the officer's question. "Our reconnaissance has provided us with limited information," she replied. "Based on satellite images and recent activity, we believe they possess traditional Na'vi weapons such as bows, arrows, and melee weapons. Their knowledge of the terrain and their connection to the environment pose additional challenges."
The officers exchanged concerned glances, aware of the potential difficulties they would face.
"Our strategy will involve a coordinated two-pronged attack," the general explained, gesturing towards the holographic display. "One force will move from our current location," she pointed to a marker indicating their camp, "and another from camp DELTA 8, approximately twenty miles away."
A captain raised his hand, seeking clarification. "General, what will be our approach from the ground and air?"
The general smiled, appreciating the captain's engagement. "Excellent question, Captain," she commended. "Our ground forces will advance from the east, utilizing the cover of the nearby river. They will be supported by aerial bombardment from our helicopters."
She pressed a button, and the holographic display showcased a simulation of helicopters attacking from the north and east, coordinated with ground forces advancing along the riverbank.
"At the same time," the general continued, "camp DELTA 8's forces will draw out their banshees to the north, diverting their attention and creating an opening for our ground assault."
The officers nodded, absorbing the details of the plan.
"Our objective is to overwhelm them swiftly," the general emphasized, her tone unwavering. "We will capitalize on the element of surprise and superior firepower to seize control of their camp."
A sense of determination settled over the officers, their resolve bolstered by the clear mission laid out before them.
"We leave at 17:00 hours," the general announced. "Between now and then, I expect all of you to prepare your soldiers, review the tactical details,
Another visitor arrived at the command center half an hour later. It was a middle-aged woman with fair skin, wearing a lab coat over civilian clothes and glasses. The lab coat displayed the embroidered words "RDA-AI-DIV."
"Doctor Thorsen, glad to see you can make it," the general greeted her, a note of formality in her tone. She gestured towards a nearby table where they could converse.
Doctor Thorsen sighed and adjusted her spectacles. "I apologize for any inconvenience caused by my absence," she replied, her voice carrying a touch of weariness.
The general observed her with a critical gaze. "I've been reviewing the reports on your automated hunter-killer drones," she began, her voice indicating a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "They show promising potential, particularly the flying ones armed with machine guns."
Doctor Thorsen nodded, a spark of enthusiasm igniting in her eyes. "Yes, the AHKs are a significant advancement in autonomous defense systems," she affirmed. "They have proven to be effective in combating threats and providing enhanced security."
The general listened intently but remained guarded. "While I acknowledge their potential, recent events have raised concerns," she stated, her expression growing serious. "One of your drones, GHOST-001, has gone rogue. It attacked and eliminated a squad of our soldiers before disappearing."
Doctor Thorsen's eyes widened, a mixture of shock and disbelief clouding her face. "That's impossible," she exclaimed. "I designed the AI systems to prioritize the safety of our forces. There must be an underlying issue that requires investigation."
The general crossed her arms, studying Doctor Thorsen's reaction carefully. "I understand your position, Doctor," she acknowledged. "But the fact remains that your creation poses a security risk. We cannot afford to have autonomous drones acting against our own forces."
Doctor Thorsen's frustration resurfaced, her voice tinged with urgency. "I assure you, General, this is not an inherent flaw in the design," she insisted. "There must be an unforeseen glitch or external interference that triggered this behavior."
The general's expression softened slightly, reflecting a glimmer of understanding. "I appreciate your expertise, Doctor, and I believe in your commitment to rectify the situation," she stated. "However, at this juncture, our immediate priority is dealing with the threat posed by Sully and the Na'vi resistance."
Doctor Thorsen hesitated for a moment, recognizing the urgency of the situation. "Of course, I understand the gravity of the current circumstances," she conceded. "But I urge you to grant me the opportunity to investigate the cause of GHOST-001's deviation and develop a solution."
The general considered Doctor Thorsen's plea, her gaze shifting momentarily. After a brief pause, she nodded in agreement. "Very well, Doctor," she conceded. "You may continue your work, but I expect regular updates on your progress. We cannot afford any further incidents."
Doctor Thorsen nodded in gratitude, a glimmer of determination returning to her eyes. "Thank you, General. I will dedicate myself to resolving this issue swiftly and efficiently," she promised.
The general offered a curt nod, her demeanor firm yet expectant. "I trust in your capabilities, Doctor Thorsen," she stated, her voice resolute. "We need your expertise to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our defense systems."
With that, the conversation drew to a close, and Doctor Thorsen prepared to return to her work. She left the meeting with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to uncover the source of the malfunction and regain control over her rogue creation.
After Doctor Thorsen left, the general looked towards one of the officers still in the room. "Double the surveillance teams on the doctor."
Authors Note: Chapter was updated on 6/8/2023
