Chapter Text
Audio fragment - Timestamp Now -7329 hours, Location: AlleGineKor Headquarters, Maintenance Sub-Level 3.
[Note: I’ve kept this for you. You won’t remember this yourself, so I have to do it for you. This is the last time your father spoke to you]
“SecUnit C7A - New Mission - Authentication code, Tango-Three-Three-Niner-Gamma-Two.” The AGK executive gasped out, holding a bundle to their chest. The executive is badly wounded, and predictive modelling suggests that in their condition, they will expire in less than 30 minutes without MedSys intervention.
Then again, this is a hostile takeover. Risk Assessment climbs to 99.99 repeating for this client within 15 minutes, regardless of MedSystem intervention.
Still, the command code is properly authenticated. I reply: “SecUnit C7A Authenticates command code. State new mission parameters.”
The bundle is shoved gently into my arms, as the mission parameters spill out of his mouth. “Take my daughter. Get her out of here, keep her safe. Do absolutely everything you have to do.”
My governor module chews on the order for a few moments, compares the authentication code to those that are hardcoded into it, and spits back an acknowledgement.
Risk Assessment - I didn’t think the numbers went that high. I redirect the reports to NULL for the moment.
Threat Assessment - Similarly useless. Again, redirected to NULL
Tactical projections? Uncertain, but mission approaches failure the longer I delay.
I glance down and see swaddled in a blood stained blanket [Scan analysis, she’s unharmed. Blood is her fathers. She is approximately 9 months old, Corporation Rim Recommended Standard, and she, despite the chaos, is asleep for the moment. She’s also completely innocent.]
Regardless of the governor module’s involvement, failure is unacceptable.
I tuck the child closer into my body, and clamp my projectile weapon to the back of my armor plate. My map software and Tactical Projections finally agree on a route. I turn, and start running at maximum velocity.
The executive yells after me “Linny! Daddy loves you!”
[End audio clip]