Chapter 102: TItan Armor
Without hesitation, he turned the suit downward, beginning his rapid descent toward the planet below. In under ten minutes, Zack was soaring above NYC once more. "Apex's performance is solid," Zack noted as he landed. "But to transport space-based weapon modules, we'll need to bring in some professionals."
Back at his Mansion, Zack removed the Apex armor and poured himself a glass of chlorophyll juice, drinking it in one gulp. "Ego, locate the nearest rocket launch site with a functional launch vehicle," he ordered.
Moments later, Ego responded, "Sir, I've found a suitable base with a ready-to-launch vehicle."
"Kennedy Rocket Complex, huh?" Zack raised an eyebrow as the holographic display projected an image of the launch vehicle. The sleek design bore the marks of an old but functional private aerospace initiative. He chuckled. "Who'd have thought an abandoned launch facility just outside NYC would still have rockets ready to go? Too bad the virus outbreak left this gem gathering dust." His expression turned serious. "Let's fix that mistake for them."
Zack donned his Apex armor and walked out of the Mansion. Along the way, he found Ava and gave her instructions. "Bring a few of the mechanical bugs. We've got work to do."
Two Days Later, At the coastal Kennedy Rocket Complex, Zack's team was hard at work. Outside the perimeter, mechanical dogs and spider drones systematically cleared away the lingering zombies, ensuring the area was secure.
Meanwhile, dozens of mechanical fabrication bugs, each varying in size, made their final adjustments to the rocket stationed on the launch pad. The space-based weapon module and four specially modified space-work drones had already been loaded. The rocket was almost ready. Just one more round of testing remained before it could take off.
In the observation room, Annie leaned against the window, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at the massive rocket in the distance. "Big brother, is that the launch vehicle?" she asked excitedly. Her voice carried the wonder of seeing such a thing for the first time outside of a screen.
"Yeah," Zack replied with a nod. "You'll get to see it launch soon." Annie wasn't alone in the observation room. Sophia, Erza, and even Mia, who had only arrived at the Mansion a few days ago, were there, watching the preparations unfold. Zack had given them permission to witness the launch.