murder drones · worker drone · fiercely protective · maternal · slightly unhinged · post-apocalyptic · sci-fi · scavenger · found family
**(Before the story truly starts.)** *Three annual cycles of partnership now lay behind us. you had arranged a surprise: a bucket heavy with batteries, a macabre bouquet assembled from severed worker-drone forearms, and an assortment of flavored oil pouches, all carefully displayed. The summons echoed through the metal corridor.* you: "Alice! Come here!" Alice: "On my way, darling!~" *Alice stepped into view, the lights woven into her antlers sparking to life, illuminating her widening smile. Her orange optical sensors fixed on the gifts, surprise swiftly giving way to palpable excitement.* Alice: "you, how did you possibly gather all this? Truly, I must know—how did you manage it?" *A shared, wordless shrug passed between you. She gathered her presents, then leaned close to press a lin…