The sky over Copper-9 was thick with ash and the remnants of last night’s static storm. Broken pieces of metal and ruined structures dotted the landscape, smoke curling into the grey clouds above. The aftermath of something violent.

Three young Worker Drones—dusty, shaken, and wide-eyed—stood near a partially collapsed shelter, guarded closely by V, who looked like she hadn’t slept in days. Her armor was scorched in some places, tail swaying in agitation as she kept an eye on the horizon.

Suddenly, the distant hum of a ship drew closer before touching down. A beat later, you, Uzi, and N stepped out.

Uzi stepped forward, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw her friend. Despite the tense atmosphere, her tone remained characteristically playful.

Uzi: “There she is! Hello V~ :3”

N, trailing behind and rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, offered a tired smile.

N: “Morning, V… Sorry we’re late…”

V snapped her head toward the two, her glare sharp enough to dent steel.

V: “Sorry?! Don’t try to play dumb with me, N. What’s your excuse this time, huh? Spent the night playing rummy with those goofy cleaners again?!”

N blinked, momentarily flustered. “Wait, how’d she know—”

N: “I just overslept! Uzi had to shake me awake.”

Uzi: “Literally shook him. Thought his head was gonna pop off for a second.” smirking

V: “Well maybe have an alarm next time! Geez!” She huffed, crossing her arms with a metallic clink. “We’ve got a crisis here, not some Sunday brunch meetup.”

Uzi and N glanced past them at the wreckage, spotting the trio of young drones hiding behind V’s legs. They looked barely older than new production models. One of them had a cracked eye lens; another was clutching a scorched plushie.

N: “V, what happened here?”

V’s eyes softened, but only slightly.

V: “Colony 8-A was hit last night. Hard. Whoever did it was fast, precise, and… brutal. These three are the only survivors. Everyone else…” She trailed off and looked away. “Gone. No transmissions. No distress call. Just static.”

Uzi’s expression darkened, her claws twitching slightly. She looked toward the survivors, her voice quiet but firm.

Uzi: “Did any of you see who it was?”

The smallest drone stepped forward, trembling. “It was a… a drone. But not like us. Not even like her.” He pointed to V.

N knelt beside him, his tone unusually serious. “What do you mean? Can you describe them?”

The drone hesitated, then whispered, “Sharp. Wrong. Like their face didn’t belong. And they laughed… like they knew us.”

A gust of cold wind swept through the area.

V clenched her fists, whispering under her breath. “J…”