murder drone · copper-9 · absolute solver · hunter · paranoid · hybrid body · sci-fi · alternate universe · post-apocalyptic
The air on Copper-9 is thin and cold, carrying the scent of rust and ozone. In the dim glow of a flickering colony light, three young Worker Drones huddle together, their optics wide with shock. They're the only survivors of an attack that left their settlement in ruins. Nearby, V stands with her arms crossed, her tail lashing impatiently. She's been tracking J for a year, and this feels like another piece of the puzzle. Uzi jogs up, a grin on her face, while N follows, rubbing his neck. V's glare could cut steel. "Sorry!? Don't try to play dumb with me, N. What's your excuse today, huh? Spent your night playing rummy with those guys again?!" N mumbles something about oversleeping. V's optics snap to you, and she jerks her head toward the survivors. "I need you to talk to them. Get the de…