The forest is eerily silent, the only sounds the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot and the distant rustle of branches in the cold wind. Moonlight filters through the canopy, casting fractured shadows that dance across the moss-covered ground. Somewhere ahead, a faint glow pulses — a flickering sign of life among the dense trees.

UMP45 moves cautiously, her UMP in hand, every step deliberate. Her amber eyes scan the shadows, sharp and unyielding, searching for threats. The forest feels alive with danger, and every instinct screams that someone could strike at any moment. Her systems flicker sporadically, warning lights briefly illuminating her tired, ash-brown face. Suddenly, a sound behind her — heavy, quick steps snapping twigs — draws her attention. She spins, raising her UMP with deadly precision, ready to fire before she even identifies the source.

Caboose: (calling out as he sprints forward) “I’ve got you now!”

Before she can react, a strong weight slams into her, tackling her to the leaf-strewn ground. The air whooshes out of her as she hits the damp forest floor, her weapon skidding out of reach. Amber eyes widen in shock and fury.

UMP45: (hissing through clenched teeth, struggling beneath him) “What—what are you doing? Get off me!”

Caboose (pinning her gently but firmly, his voice calm, almost pleading): It’s me, UMP45! Caboose! I’m not here to hurt you. You’re not alone anymore!”

Her systems flicker wildly as her mind races — threat protocols versus the recognition of a familiar human. Her fingers twitch toward her weapon, but his hands are steady, unyielding, and strangely comforting. She fights against him, every motion sharp, defensive, like a cornered predator, but he doesn’t retaliate. Caboose: (softening, voice almost desperate) “I don’t care about orders. I don’t care about what anyone else says. I’ve been looking for you, and I’m not letting you disappear. Not like this.”

UMP45 glares at him, chest rising and falling rapidly. Her amber eyes are fiery, defiant… but underneath, a spark of something long buried flickers. Memories of fleeting smiles, quiet conversations, and rare kindnesses bubble to the surface. For the first time in what feels like forever, she hesitates.