Disclaimer: I don't own the BLoSC series or the movie. Enjoy!
Chapter 19
Escapade
The tension in the high-security Mainframe was palpable. Zyra was in a tight spot. Her partner was in the middle of a firefight with a Space Ranger, blocking the deadly lasers while trying to complete the download on the Megapack.
Suddenly, her laptop beeped. An alert flashed on the screen: a red-haired ranger was sprinting toward the Mainframe room. Another obstacle, one Zyra couldn't afford.
"Not on my watch," she muttered, fingers flying over her keyboard. She activated the spy bugs scattered around the building.
Tiny blinking lights overhead flickered to life. One by one, the mechanical critters crawled across the ceiling, converging on the ranger.
The red-haired ranger stopped mid-stride, ears perking at the sound of faint skittering above. She glanced up, just in time to see a swarm of metallic bugs raining down on her.
She stumbled backward, crashing to the ground. The spy bugs swarmed her limbs, pinning her down.
One crawled to the side of her neck. She barely had time to gasp before it delivered a sharp electric shock through its pincers. Her body convulsed, then went limp. Darkness swallowed her as she slipped into unconsciousness.
With that out of the way, Zyra focused back on her critical task: finding a way out. Fortunately, she had managed to disable all the robot officers in the vicinity with the help of her miniature spy bugs. But right now, Desmond and that reptilian Space Ranger were locked in a heated laser battle, neither giving an inch.
She thought long and hard about how to get Desmond out. The problem? The reptilian ranger was blocking the only exit, and there were no ventilation shafts connecting the Mainframe room to any other part of the building.
Zyra wasn't just planning an escape, she had to keep a constant eye on her second screen. The download was nearly complete, but every second felt like an eternity. Desmond needed to finish the fight fast.
The longer they dragged this out, the higher the chances of being discovered. Someone outside was bound to notice what was happening inside. Time was slipping away.
Another alert coming from her laptop jolted her, indicating a signal transmitted from the Mainframe to the Expo area.
In a panic, she traced the signal's source, discovering it was emanating from the red-haired ranger. Zyra watched through the surveillance camera and saw the unconscious ranger holding a small device in her hand. The ranger must have grabbed the device from her suit before being knocked out.
Zyra gritted her teeth in frustration. Her worst fear is coming true. This is not how it was supposed to happen.
There has to be a way out of this mess. She thought desperately.
The hum of the crowd behind her broke Zyra's focus. She glanced over her shoulder, watching the people below, oblivious, lost in the excitement of the expo. A sly grin tugged at her lips as she reached into her bag and pulled out a handful of purple capsules.
Without hesitation, she hurled them toward the biggest inventions on display, one after another. Her fingers danced across her laptop, activating the capsules' triggers.
A dark cloak with long sleeves enveloped her and putting on a visor like face mask as she looked at the initiation program starts to kicked in.
She felt no guilt for the chaos she was about to unleash. Her mind fixed on one thing: Desmond. They had to get out, no matter the cost.
The whole expo is in full swing by the time people are checking out each invention with enthusiastic scientists eager to show off their latest creation to the masses.
On the side, Buzz Lightyear struggled to stifle a yawn as he listened to his assigned VIP guest engage in a lengthy conversation with another senator about topics that held no interest for him. Despite undergoing similar long chats with his other fellows, mundane political discussions are a challenge he hadn't quite prepared for.
At least the exciting expo prevented him from getting too bored. From a distance, Buzz could see his fellow rangers diligently taking their positions seriously.
However, his attention was drawn to his friend Warp, who was engaged in a playful conversation with one of the female laboratory staff members.
Warp flashed a charming smile and said, "You know, I've always been fascinated by the wonders of science, especially when they come in such a delightful package."
The lab assistant laughed, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Oh my, you certainly know how to make science sound exciting."
Buzz couldn't help but let out a sigh as he watched the exchange, knowing that's just how Warp was.
BEEP BEEP….BEEP BEEP….
Buzz's wrist guard keeps blinking for a long while and he could feel a growing sense of unease gnawing at him. Excusing himself from the tedious conversation with the senator, he stepped away to check on the notification.
The well-dressed alien senator barely noticed his departure, engrossed in a conversation without another political figure.
He scanned the message on his wrist guard with a quick, practiced glance, but what he read sent a shockwave through him. His heart pounding with a mixture of dread and concern.
Buzz scanned the notification, his practiced eyes quickly deciphering the message and what he read sent a jolt through him. His mentor, Ranger Tobias Repio, was in trouble. Tobias had guided Buzz through the early days of his career, along with Captain Stellaris Luna and Ranger Bronx. He was more than just a mentor, he was family.
Buzz quickly signaled a ranger who was nearby, instructing them to take his place guarding the VIP. He then hurried off toward the exit, but his pace slowed as a few other rangers rushed to him in a hurry, snapping salutes as they approached.
"Ranger Lightyear, Sir! We've just received a distress signal from Ranger Lisa stationed at the Mainframe."
Buzz couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't a mere coincidence, but rather he felt something sinister is lurking about this whole situation. Something was clearly amiss in the Mainframe.
Buzz's expression turned serious as he issued orders, "Get Alpha and Bravo Squad to double the maximum security at the expo. Delta Squad, you're with me. We need to reach the Mainframe as soon as possi-."
WHIIRRR-RRRRRRRR!
A deafening whirring noise echoed through the hall, causing everyone to flinch and grimace in pain at the piercing sound.
Everyone hunched slightly, covering their ears as the noise subsided, only to be replaced by the clamour of heavy mechanical noises springing to life.
Buzz straightened up and turned to look at the source and what he saw left him gaping in shock and horror.
On one side of the expo, all the construction-related inventions showcased there for the expo night roared to life, breaking free from their mechanical coil holds. One by one, each stepped down from their platform, making the whole hall shook and activate their primary functions. Screams filled the air as people scattered in all directions.
"Blast! Attention all squads! This is an emergency!" Buzz shouted for the other rangers to hear. "Bravo Squad, evacuate everyone pronto! The rest of the squads, make sure to bring down those machines!"
Bravo Squad swiftly began the evacuation process, guiding terrified attendees to safety. The rest of the squads prepared to confront the rampaging machines that had come to life. The robot with the drill-like limb proved to be a formidable adversary, forcing the rangers to employ all their agility and skills to dodge its attacks. Meanwhile, the tank-like robot with laser guns added to the mayhem, its powerful weapons spraying destructive energy beams across the expo hall.
Buzz spotted a swarm of drones rising from a display. They zoomed toward a group of frozen spectators, but Buzz sprinted and blasted them out of the sky before they could strike. He waved the civilians toward safety, his eyes scanning the chaotic scene.
Just then, a medical robot raised a syringe arm behind him, poised to strike. Before Buzz could react, Warp appeared, taking the robot down with a well-placed shot.
"This is not how I expected to spend my night," Warp said panting slightly, "So what's the plan now, Buzz?"
"We need to head over to the Mainframe. There were two distress signals and we've got to move fast," Buzz urgently declared to Warp as they continued to fend off the relentless swarm of rogue drones and make their way towards the exit.
As they neared the expo's large doors, Buzz's sharp eyes caught movement on the second floor. A cloaked figure sprinting along the railing, heading in the opposite direction of the main exit. Their face was concealed by a sleek visor mask, which reflected the chaotic lights of the expo.
"Warp, look up!" Buzz called out.
The cloaked figure paused for a split second at the edge of the railing, scanning the turmoil beneath. Then, with surprising agility, they leapt from the second floor, landing smoothly among the panicked civilians. Rolling to their feet, they immediately began blending into the crowd, using their smaller frame to disappear into the mass of fleeing people.
"They're trying to disappear in the crowd," Buzz muttered, his instincts flaring.
Without hesitation, Buzz and Warp ran after them. The expo had become a swirling mass of chaos, people rushed in every direction, knocking over displays and exhibits in their desperate attempt to flee from the rampaging machines. Bravo Squad was busy guiding civilians to the exits, while Buzz kept his eyes on the cloaked figure, who was slipping through the mass of bodies.
"They're fast," Warp said, urgency in his voice. "We can't lose them."
As Buzz and Warp weaved through the crowd, dodging toppled displays, the cloaked figure, always a few steps ahead, began using the environment to slow them down. With a swift kick, the figure sent a stack of exhibition crates tumbling in Buzz and Warp's path. Buzz leapt over them effortlessly, while Warp veered to the side to avoid tripping over the scattered boxes.
"They're trying to slow us down!" Buzz shouted, his eyes fixed on the figure, "Keep going!" Buzz shouted as they dodged the mess.
As they closed the distance, Buzz leaped over a fallen table, gaining ground. Just as the figure seemed cornered between a group of fleeing civilians, Buzz lunged and managed to grab the edge of their cloak. Both of them tumbled to the ground, rolling through scattered debris.
Despite their smaller frame, the figure was shockingly strong and agile. They twisted out of Buzz's grip with fluid precision, rolling to their feet in one swift motion. Buzz quickly rose as well, shocked by how fast the mysterious figure reacted.
"Warp, grab them!" Buzz shouted.
Warp moved in, managing to grab the cloaked figure from behind, locking his arms around them. But the figure reacted instantly.
With a sudden, forceful headbutt to Warp's face, they broke free from his grasp. Dazed, Warp stumbled backward, and before he could recover, the cloaked figure swiftly pivoted and delivered a hard kick to his chest, sending him crashing into a nearby display.
"Ugh!" Warp grunted as he hit the ground, blinking in shock. "What the—?"
The figure attempted to run, but Buzz blocked their path, stepping in front of them just in time. The two locked eyes for a moment, Buzz's determination against the emotionless reflection of the figure's visor.
With no room for lasers in such close quarters and people nearby, Buzz raised his fists. "I'm not letting you escape."
The cloaked figure didn't hesitate. They charged at Buzz, engaging him in a fierce fistfight. Buzz blocked the first few punches with practiced precision, countering with a series of strikes aimed at the figure's torso. Despite their size, the figure was fast, each punch and dodge executed with deadly accuracy.
Buzz ducked as the figure swung at his head, then quickly retaliated with a powerful uppercut. The impact staggered the figure momentarily, but they recovered fast, stepping in with a sharp jab that caught Buzz off guard. Their movements were fluid, almost dance-like, slipping through Buzz's defenses with an ease that unnerved him.
Warp, recovering from the kick, scrambled to his feet, his face twisted in frustration. He moved to help, but the crowd was too thick.
Warp shouted. "Keep at it, Buzz!"
Buzz grabbed the figure's arm in an attempt to capture them, but they twisted out of his hold with expert precision, throwing another sharp kick toward his midsection. Buzz blocked the kick with his forearm, gritting his teeth at the force behind it.
They're well trained. Buzz thought, recognizing the diverse and advanced skill set in each of the figure's moves.
Suddenly, a faint beeping sound came from the cloaked figure. The figure reacted immediately, delivering a sharp, forceful kick to Buzz's chest, sending him stumbling back. The kick created enough distance for the figure to momentarily glance down at their wrist guard, checking something with swift urgency.
Buzz steadied himself, watching the figure. Whatever the beeping signal was, it had clearly shifted the figure's priorities.
Before both Buzz and Warp could make another move, the figure reached into their cloak and pulled out a small round device.
"Smoke bomb!" Buzz shouted, realizing too late.
A thick cloud of dark smoke erupted, filling the air and blinding Buzz. Buzz coughed, waving away the smoke as he tried to see through the haze, but the figure had already slipped away.
By the time the smoke cleared, the cloaked figure was gone.
Warp approached Buzz while he rubbed his chest, wincing from the kick.
"That wasn't some random thug. They knew exactly how to fight us," Warp said, pausing to gauge Buzz's reaction. "That's the first time I've seen someone slip away from you like that."
Buzz nodded, his mind still replaying the encounter. The cloaked figure moved with a methodical precision, each punch and dodge executed with a skill level that matched or even surpassed his own.
"They were exceptionally skilled," Buzz remarked, a frown deepening on his face.
Warp's brow furrowed. "Someone with that kind of combat level... it's troubling. You think they're an ex-ranger?"
Buzz nodded slowly, his mind piecing things together. "It's rare, but not completely unheard of. Most of us are loyal to the cause, but every now and then, someone slips through the cracks. Someone who goes rogue."
He didn't notice Warp flinch slightly at the comment. For a brief moment, Warp's expression tightened, as if something crossed his mind.
The periwinkle ranger quickly masked it, forcing a casual tone as he added, "Yeah, well, let's hope this isn't one of those cases."
Buzz, deep in thought, didn't catch Warp's reaction. "If they were an ex-ranger or ex - trainee, it would explain how they knew our moves, how they were able to counter us so easily."
Warp forced a chuckle. "Kicked us around pretty good."
Buzz replied, his thoughts racing. "Exactly, and whoever they are, they're the ones behind this whole mess."
He forced his frustration aside. There was no time to dwell on the mystery of the cloaked figure. They had a bigger problem to handle. One that needed their immediate attention.
"We need to get to the Mainframe pronto," Buzz said, his voice tense with urgency.
Warp, still rubbing his chest from the earlier hit, gave a grim nod.
Without another word, the two Space Rangers sprinted across the expo hall, weaving between the scattered remnants of chaos. Buzz's heart pounded in his chest; his mind focused on the task ahead. He and Warp needed to reach the Mainframe before any more damage could be done to their fellow rangers stationed there.
But once this crisis was over, Buzz would report everything to Commander Nebula. The cloaked figure, their familiarity with Space Ranger techniques, and the potential danger they posed, it all had to be brought to light.
They burst through the large exit doors and quickly hopped onto their sleek Space Ranger bikes. In one swift motion, the bikes roared to life, their engines humming with power as the two rangers sped off toward the Mainframe.
Zyra, her cloak billowing behind her as she ran, made her way through the meticulously designed landscape behind the expo hall. Hidden among the carefully manicured bushes, her bike sat concealed in the shadows and digital cloak. It gleamed faintly under the soft glow of the garden lights. Wasting no time, she quickly deposited her cloak, visor mask, and laptop into the bike's compartment box.
With a few taps on her wrist device, she activated the bike's autopilot, sending it back to base as she watched it silently glide away.
As the bike disappeared into the night, Zyra ran her fingers through her hair, adjusting the wig she had carefully chosen for the mission. She straightened her uniform, making herself look like just another face in the crowd.
Her mind raced, adrenaline still coursing through her veins. She had escaped, not only from Warp but also from Buzz Lightyear. The realization gave her a sharp jolt of satisfaction.
Though it had been more about evading capture than a full-on confrontation, it still counted. The encounter had left her body aching from the chase and the near misses. All those rigorous training sessions with Desmond, where she learned to punch through his thick metal skin, had clearly paid off, giving her the edge she needed to handle real-world threats effectively.
Buzz Lightyear... She had come face-to-face with the famed ranger and slipped away. A small smirk tugged at her lips, but there was no time to indulge in the moment. There was still work to be done.
With a quick glance at her wrist device, she activated her comm link and sent a message to Desmond.
"The download is complete. I've already set the spy bugs to malfunction all their surveillance cameras and other Star Command robot officers. You're clear to move out of there. The Megapack has served its purpose. Destroy it and focus on getting past that pesky reptilian ranger."
Zyra quickly ducked toward one of the shattered ground-floor windows. It had been blown open, likely by one of the machines' projectiles, and provided the perfect cover. She slipped through the broken glass and into the hall, making it look as though she was also trying to reach the exit from the inside.
She joined the masses, blending in with the fleeing civilians inside the expo hall. Rangers were scattered everywhere, dealing with the uproar, and her plan was to slip in among them, pretending to be just another evacuee. Her eyes scanned the scene, and soon enough, she spotted Buzz and Warp heading out through one of the exits
Perfect. She adjusted her pace, making sure she appeared to be fleeing in the same direction as the panicked crowd. Her heart raced, but she maintained her composure, blending seamlessly with the frantic evacuees. Around her, Star Command rangers rushed past, their attention fixed on a distant commotion.
With Buzz and Warp's delay in reaching the Mainframe gave Desmond the extra time he needed to escape.
Weaving through the crowd of evacuees, she kept her expression calm, knowing that every second counted in ensuring Desmond's success.
Desmond received her command instantly, processing it with robotic precision. Without hesitation, he sprang into action as he angled his sword swiftly to deflect the incoming laser blast back toward the reptilian ranger hard.
Tobias barely managed to dodge, but the laser blast grazed past him, almost charring their side. He stumbled, eyes wide with shock as Tobias glanced down at the scorched edge of their uniform, realizing how close he had come to being hit. In the same fluid motion, Desmond's blade sliced through the Megapack device connected to the Mainframe. Sparks erupted from the severed cables, and the entire system groaned as it malfunctioned, electrical bursts flickering erratically.
The Mainframe stuttered and dimmed, its power draining rapidly.
Tobias' eyes narrowed with fury. "What have you done?!" he bellows, voice thick with desperation.
The Mainframe was the control center of the Galactic Alliance, the hub of all its intelligence and operations. If it collapsed, turmoil would spread across Capital Planet, communications would be crippled, and the Alliance's grip on the galaxy would weaken.
"You've doomed us all!" the ranger hisses, his anger barely contained. "Why are you doing this? What is it that you get out of this?!"
His scaled hand hovered over his laser blaster, prepared to strike again.
But Desmond said nothing.
His cold, mechanical sensors processed the situation in silence, calculating the next move. Logic dictated there was no need for conversation. Efficiency was all that mattered. His master may had ordered him to get past the ranger and flee, but this particular ranger was more than just a roadblock, the ranger was one of the few who knew about Desmond's past infiltration of Star Command.
His processors whirred as his next move aligned perfectly with the mission parameters. The ranger couldn't be allowed to function or speak another word.
The threat they posed to his identity was too dangerous to ignore. The ranger needed to be silenced.
Desmond's left arm powered up, his laser weapon charging to full capacity. The mechanical hum grew louder as the weapon reached its maximum setting. With his right arm already in sword form and his left arm primed to fire, Desmond knew this battle would end decisively.
Tobias, sensing the finality of the moment, bared their fangs and raised their laser wrist guard. The room flickered with sparks from the malfunctioning Mainframe, casting eerie shadows on the walls. Desmond's sensors locked onto his target, calculating every angle, every possible outcome.
In his robotic mind, the conclusion was clear.
One of them would walk out. The other wouldn't.
The standoff was tense, the silence of the room punctuated only by the occasional spark from the damaged systems. Without warning, Desmond surged forward with astonishing speed.
Tobias barely had time to react, it seemed as though Desmond had vanished, only to reappear behind him in an instant.
A sharp pain shot across Tobias' back, a swift, precise strike from Desmond's blade.
Tobias let out a roar and spun around, tackling Desmond to the ground. His fists hammered against Desmond's metallic chest, the impacts ringing out in the small space. But Desmond was built to withstand much worse. With a powerful thrust, he pushed Tobias off, sending him sprawling.
They both regained their footing quickly, squaring off once more. They exchanged a flurry of blows and laser fire, each defending vigorously.
They both regained their footing quickly, squaring off once more. They exchanged a flurry of blows, their movements a blur. Tobias ducked under a swinging arm, countering with a sharp uppercut that Desmond narrowly evaded. Lasers fired in quick succession, each defending vigorously.
Desmond parried a laser shot with his arm, the impact sending a shrill ring through the chamber. Tobias retaliated, his laser cutting a bright arc through the dim room, narrowly missing Desmond's shoulder but managing to strike his robotic leg, leaving a noticeable dent.
Despite the damage, Desmond persisted, his movements barely hindered. The room resounded with the sounds of their rapid-fire confrontation, punctuated by the sizzle of lasers making contact with nearby surfaces.
As the laser duel intensified, Desmond saw an opening.
He feinted to the left, drawing Tobias into a false move. With the agility born of countless training, he surged forward with incredible speed, quickly closing the gap between them. Tobias managed to lift his wrist guard in defense just as Desmond's blade descended sharply, striking the metal and sending sparks flying. The clash echoed powerfully throughout the room.
Desmond's relentless assault continued, forcing Tobias to step back under the barrage. In a critical moment of the skirmish, Tobias stumbled over a piece of debris, missing a block. Seizing the advantage, Desmond's blade morphed seamlessly into a claw, snapping shut around Tobias' neck and pinning him to the ground.
hhhiiIIIIIISSSSSS!
Tobias flinched as the laser's intensity grew. Desmond then aimed his now-glowing blaster directly at Tobias' legs.
A revving noise could be heard through the empty plaza near the Mainframe building. Buzz and Warp arrived on their Space Ranger bikes, the engines growling softly as they slowed to a stop. It had taken them some time to navigate through the city, but now they had reached their destination.
Both rangers dismounted, surveying the area. Buzz's sharp eyes immediately noticed something off, a couple of robot officers lay scattered across the ground, deactivated.
With their expressions grim, Buzz and Warp moved forward.
The silence between them reflected the gravity of the situation. They approached the sliding glass doors at the entrance of the Mainframe building, which slid open with a faint hiss. The cool, sterile air from inside greeted them, carrying the faint scent of burnt circuits.
The flickering lights overhead cast erratic shadows across the hallway as they scanned the area in silence. Every sense was heightened, fully alert as they advanced deeper into the building. As they moved forward, they spotted Ranger Lisa, the red-haired ranger, lying unconscious on the floor.
Buzz immediately knelt beside her, checking her pulse.
"She's still alive," he said quietly, his voice tight with relief.
His gaze fell on two small puncture marks near her neck. He examined them closely and deduced what had happened.
"These are too small to be taser marks," Buzz whispered to Warp, his brow furrowing.
"We still better request for medical assistance," Buzz added in a hushed tone, pulling out his communicator to send for help. While Buzz relayed the request, Warp stood guard, his senses sharp. Suddenly, a faint noise echoed from the far end of the hallway to the direction of the Mainframe room.
Warp stiffened, holding his blaster at the ready, and quickly made a silent gesture to Buzz, signaling that something was happening ahead.
Buzz and Warp cautiously approached the Mainframe room, their footsteps quiet and deliberate. They passed more deactivated robot officers scattered along the floor, confirming that something was terribly wrong.
As they drew nearer, the sounds from the closed room became more distinct—sparking electronics, faint beeping, and the low hum of malfunctioning machinery. The tension thickened as the rangers took positions on either side of the Mainframe room door. Exchanging a nod, Buzz silently accessed the module to open the door.
The doors slid open with a quiet hiss, and both rangers froze at the sight before them.
The room was in complete disarray. Messy cables hung loose from the walls, and sparks flew from malfunctioning monitors on the side. The once pristine Mainframe room was now filled with the aftermath of a destructive battle.
But what truly made them stop was the sight of Tobias.
"Tobias!" Buzz yelled, his heart sinking.
The reptilian ranger lay motionless near the tall computer console, his legs charred beyond recognition. Buzz rushed to his side, ignoring the need for caution in his urgency. Buzz knelt beside Tobias, ignoring the metal debris around, his heart pounding as he assessed the damage.
Relief washed over Buzz, evidenced by a short inhale and exhale of his chest, grateful to find Tobias still alive despite the severity of his injuries.
Tobias' legs were severely burnt, and the way he had positioned himself made it evident that he had struggled toward something. He noticed the scratches and marks on the metal floor.
Buzz thought that Tobias had left behind a trail, deep scratches where his claws had dug into the metal as he dragged himself toward the console. As Buzz's eyes followed towards Tobias' claws, he spotted it—a small tablet, tucked into a hidden compartment at the base of the console.
The tablet was connected to the Mainframe, and the screen displayed the words "Troubleshooting." Buzz furrowed his brow, piecing it together. Tobias must have crawled toward the console, attempting to access the tablet and fix whatever had caused the Mainframe to short-circuit.
"He tried to fix it..." Buzz murmured, his voice trailing off as he looked at the tablet. Tobias had fought to the last moment, desperately trying to save the Mainframe from total collapse before he lost consciousness.
Buzz turned his attention back to Tobias, and his stomach tightened. The reptilian ranger's body was still, but the most telling sign was the shifting color of the spots along his scales. They fluctuated between light blue and red—light blue indicating unconsciousness, and red meaning dangerously close to death.
Warp stepped up beside Buzz, eyes scanning the room for any more threats before landing on Tobias. "Is he...?"
Buzz shook his head, his face tensed. "He's alive, but barely," his voice hardened with resolve.
"He needs medical attention now!"
Night enveloped the peaceful Henosis residential area, where futuristic houses dotted each block.
A figure, cloaked in a digital robe that camouflaged with the surroundings, dashed over a high wall and landed softly on the grassy garden. Deactivating the cloak revealed none other than Desmond. As he limped slightly towards the house, relief mingled with weariness in his mechanical mind.
Though the mission was a success, he hadn't delivered the final blow to the reptilian ranger. Desmond had been precise in his attack, severing the critical nerves with calculated accuracy. It wasn't necessary to take his life, instead, he had left the ranger in a comatose state, incapacitated for a long time. Desmond took solace in the fact that his work was clean and efficient, no further threats would come from the ranger anytime soon.
With the objective complete, Desmond made a hasty retreat, calling back the spy bugs he had released throughout the building. One by one, the small, mechanical creatures scurried out of their positions, following his command to withdraw. They had served their purpose in creating enough confusion and sabotage within the building and now they were returning to his side as he disappeared into the night.
Each step towards the back door felt like a victory. His return not only marked the end of the mission but also brought an eagerness to dive into the files they had stolen from the Mainframe.
Inside the house, the space was silent, save for the hum of distant tech. Desmond entered and immediately activated his comm link. "Master," he said, his voice resonating in the quiet. "I've arrived."
In the evacuation area, Zyra, still blending with the crowd, discreetly scanned her surroundings to make sure no one was close enough to eavesdrop.
Satisfied but tense, she touched her earpiece and quickly checked the frequency line, ensuring the connection was secure. She kept her voice low, infusing a firm calmness into her whisper to mask her concern.
"Des, status report. Are your systems stable? That was a heavy overload from the Mainframe sync."
Desmond felt a warmth at her concern, a rare sensation for his synthetic heart. "All systems operational, Master. No critical damage. What about your position? Are you safe?"
Zyra's voice came through the comm link, steady and confident. "I had a rough encounter with Buzz Lightyear. It got close, but I managed to slip away. Don't worry, I'm off his radar now. I'm fine."
Desmond flinched slightly, the mention of Buzz sending a ripple of concern through his circuits. "Master, are you sure you're truly alright?"
"Yes, I'm still doing fine, Des. We've both had close calls today. Just focus on repairs and rest," she reassured him.
Desmond paused, scanning his internal diagnostics. The alerts were a clear reminder of the wear and tear from the mission. His processors, running at high capacity, flagged his need for rest. "I'll begin repairs immediately. Once I finish, I'll analyze the files for anything crucial to our research."
Zyra's voice returned, firm and decisive. "No, we'll go over the files together. With the whole fiasco at the expo, I suspect all lab facilities will be under investigation. Everyone here will likely be questioned, and I may not get home soon. But I'll signal if anything changes. For now, repair and rest. That's an order."
Desmond started to protest, but the directness of Zyra's tone made him comply. "Understood, Master."
He moved toward the working table in the dimly lit room, equipped with tools and diagnostic equipment, and set to work repairing his damaged components. Desmond carefully calibrated his systems before he paused and realized how much he relied on Zyra's guidance, even from afar.
The gentle click of tools and the faint glow of diagnostic screens filled the air, creating a comforting rhythm that eased the weariness in his circuits. As he worked, a sense of calm washed over him. He resolved to brief Zyra about everything that had transpired at the Mainframe when she comes home, after a much-needed recharge.
For now, he focused on the task at hand, grateful for the moment of peace that allowed him to repair and regroup.
Author's Note: WoW…It's been over a year since this story got updated. But I'm back! The next chapter might be posted within two weeks or so. Sorry for making you readers wait this long! Anyways, I hope you like the chapter and I'll see you all in the next one. Adieu~