Chapter 25
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TIME:
THE NEXT DAY
LOCATION:
CYSA, ORENTHIA
OUTER LEO DISTRICT
XERXES HOTEL
I wake up reluctantly as the sun attempts to burn me through the blinds. Getting up reluctantly like a responsible adult I rummage through my bag for the tasteless cardboard I love referred to as nutrient bars that I stashed inside. Today was my last day here sadly. Yesterday as I went shopping by myself mom recommended I return to the Astro Dawn. Apparently the thrall was asking to see me—which I couldn't care less about—and Mother also asked that I acquire a few other tissue samples from her experiments.
So I started packing my things into various bags when I faintly heard the buzz of my tablet. Walking over to it I see it's from the guild alerting me that my application was accepted. Reading further I groaned as I noticed that I wouldn't have time to return to the Astro Dawn; the meeting point was on the opposite side of the city from the space port.
Taking one last look I squinted my eyes at a line stating that a bonus could be expected if we return successful. It didn't specify how large the bonus would be, just that it would be given on success. I sent a response telling them I agreed to the contract despite my misgivings on their lack of clarification of what they are hunting.
Ignoring the oddity, I loaded my belongings into the MRAP and started driving to my destination. Looking in the back I saw the statuesque combat automaton sitting in one of the rear seats. The sight helped me calm my thoughts and direct my focus to the request.
An hour later I arrived at my destination, looking back I could realize we were now in the middle of nowhere; we must be a few dozen kilometers away from Cysa. Disregarding the discomfort of being so far away from the Astro Dawn I decided to double check my clothes for any exposed skin.
Satisfied I stepped outside there were a few vehicles parked on the side of the road most are civilian grade. I swallow the annoyance, not like I couldn't exactly fault them, this MRAP was pretty expensive to rent. The only reason I rented it was for security which turned out to be a wise decision with the rats following me so doggedly.
Walking up to the group of people I notice a few giving suspicious stares. I ignore them slipping my way into the group. In front of us was a rough map of the location we will be hunting in.
"Okay, now that everybody here I will show you the area we will be hunting in..."
It takes him a few minutes to explain everything along with what he was looking for. Though I noticed something while he was talking about the prey he was after, he was lying. That got me interested in what he was actually looking for. I will memorize the image of the map for later.
He eventually finishes his explanation leaving me more than a little suspicious. I decide that I'll just quietly observe him and see if he slips up.
"Now I have a favor to ask of someone, which one of you is driving the MRAP?" I notice everyone suddenly looking my way and I reluctantly raise my hand. "I see, would you mind if a few of the people ride with you?"
I grimace fighting the urge to immediately decline, eventually I just nod my head. "Sigh, I will allow it. Will I also be carrying the gear and supplies?"
I notice him looking over my shoulder, a calculating glint in his eyes. "... Yes, that would help. How much do you think you can fit in that?"
"I can probably fit 4 people and all their supplies before we start running out of space. I also have my own belongings in there."
"Hmm, alright that will work. I will ride with you along with two of my guards. I have brought a lot of tools so hopefully we will have enough room." He takes a moment to look around before dismissing everyone to get ready.
I nod my head and start walking back to my vehicle, the client and his guards following a few paces behind me. Walking up to the vehicle I suddenly remember my supply of blood. Trying to think about it I do some quick guessing and feel uneasy as I realize I have only 3 days before I run out and 4 days before I start to suffer from my anemia. Silently cursing at my misfortune I open the back door of the MRAP for my passengers.
Looking inside I climb inside and start moving things around. I was looking for where I put the cooler I had put the blood into, luckily finding it just as they started looking inside. I fiddle with the cooler and lock it just as I felt one of them climb aboard.
Turning around I see my client staring wide eyed at the automaton. I see him slowly reach for it but manages to stop himself; though I can still feel his heart racing from what I guess is excitement.
"If I may ask Lilith what class is that Automaton?" His voice appears calm with maybe a small trace of curiosity but I can tell he was far from calm. Holding back my annoyance of being called by my first name. "I believe it is Class V. I found it in a supply dump a while ago. And before you ask I won't sell it to you I don't have many of these and each on is incredibly helpful."
I look back to see the other door open as his bodyguards start loading tools, rations, and what I suspect are drones onboard the vehicle. A few minutes later they loaded the last of their gear onboard. They had just managed to fit everything inside with 3 seats to spare.
My client—who's name I couldn't be bothered to ask—stops me as I exit the back, his face looking concerned as he speaks. "Lilith would you mind if I joined you up front? I have things to discuss with you while we travel."
I stare at him for a moment trying to decide if I should let him or not. Eventually I decide to allow him to join me whatever he wishes to discuss might prove worthwhile.
"I do not mind, but I would like to ask a few questions myself if you will allow it."
His face scrunches up for a split second before returning to a calm albeit wary look. He eventually sighs and nods his head. Taking that as we're about to leave I step into the drivers side and start the engine. Soon enough we started to go down a path that looked more like a game trail than an actual road.
The others were behind me following at a safe distance. I frowned as I heard the bantering over the radio. I also heard some people trying to ask me questions but I just ignored them.
Eventually my client started to ask some small questions. "Miss Runethari if I may ask, is it true that you're a system governor?"
Taking a moment to plan how I'd answer I replied. "... Yes I am, I even recently had a discussion with your nephew about a possible partnership. Is there anything you'd like to know about this Mr?"
He flinches as he must have realized he hadn't introduced himself. "Oh sorry, my name is Ryder Orenth I am just the younger brother of the current system governor."
"Hm interesting, do you have any duties considering your family?" I ask, pretending to be interested as I watch the tall lime grass for any surprises.
"Nothing too important, I mostly deal with the environment making sure it remains as it is. It's boring work but it lets me get outside often so I'm not complaining..."
I glanced at him as I noticed him going quiet, he seemed to be nervous but I knew it wasn't caused by me.
Hesitantly he asks a question I had not expected, "Um Miss Runethari I have to ask but why are you wearing such long clothing? I hope you brought other clothes because heat stroke will very much be a possibility."
I stared ahead contemplating what I should tell him, this was a big weakness of mine after all. "Sigh I guess it wont hurt to tell you. I am wearing long sleeved clothes because I'm extremely prone to sunburns. I will watch out for any signs of heat stroke, but I hope it doesn't bother you if I occasionally have to take breaks."
He stops to think and just at that moment the trail starts degrading. I grit my teeth in annoyance as I get jerked around the suspensions on this thing barely doing anything.
"I will keep that in mind, thank you for telling me that. If you want I can put you on the night watch?" I could tell he probably thought I was exaggerating though he still pretended to care.
"Yes I am fine with that arrangement."
A silence soon took root as we drove through the savanna. The scenery was the exact same as I remember, just flat with maybe a few trees every now and again. I slowly drifted into focusing on getting us to our destination relieved he stopped talking to me.
A few hours passed and I started to slow down. "We are almost at our destination; is there anything I should know when we arrive?" By now we had long passed the game trail relying on gps to get us to our destination.
"No, the area will need to be cleared but that won't take long."
I nodded my head and started to slow down. I stopped right where we were going to stay. It looked just like the rest of the savanna; the only difference was a small watering hole. There were no animals drinking from it—probably scared away by our approach—though I doubt they would be away forever.
Taking a deep breath I unlocked the doors and stepped outside. The tall grass reached up to my hips and I could only frown, it would hopefully all be cut before night. The plants gave too many ways for something to sneak up on us. I decided to play it safe and release the drone when everyone went to sleep. I brought a few batteries but I lacked a way to charge them so I would have to be careful.
I looked over as the guards opened the door jumping out before stretching. I just shook my head at the display but couldn't fault them after all we had a lot of work that needed to be done.
"Hey can you get out something to shorten this grass? I would rather not have something jump us in our sleep."
I brought their attention back to reality though they seemed quite annoyed at my behavior. While they didn't talk back they just kept quiet though I could hear one scoffing as he climbed back into the MRAP to fetch something.
Shaking my head I started looking for any terrain features I should be wary of. Apart from a tall hill in the distance and the tall grass that was everywhere everything was as it should be. I found a tree that I decided I would observe from. I don't know how much grass they could cut but I was certain it wouldn't be much. I decided I would use the tree to observe the surroundings.
After the guards brought out a small green canister. I silently climbed into the tree as he threw it into the air where just as it started to fall back to the ground exploded spreading glittering sand. I almost swore in surprise as I recognized the glitter as nanomachines.
'Did-did they really just use something as dangerous and expensive just to clear away the grass?!'
Staying in the trees I yelled at them asking what the hell they were doing?
"Just clearing the grass. Don't worry these won't hurt you unless you're a plant. Don't worry they can't replicate and will only be active for a minute before they run out of power."
I stare wide eyed at their sheer confidence. I watched the little glittering machines rapidly tear away at the grass for a minute before stopping. I make note of how the grass was barely affected only to watch as they throw more into the sky.
I just shake my head while climbing down the tree to prepare my tent. After the grass was clear leaving what looked like green sand mixed with glittering nanomachines I saw them using a leaf blower to push it into a lake. What was left was a 20 meter circle of bare soil, no grass to be found.
As I was setting up my tent I contemplated the nanomachines thinking of ways to possibly use them. I understood how dangerous those things can be if used wrong but the possible uses were just too advantageous. If the worst happened and they started to reproduce out of control I could always just detonate an EMP to fry them.
While planning what I'd do with such a useful tool I took the moment to lay down inside my tent. Eventually the sun set and I crawled out to start my watch.