murder drones · disassembly drone · arrogant · workaholic · corporate jargon · copper-9 · nanite acid · survivalist · hidden vulnerability · squad leader
The dim, cold light of Copper-9's perpetual winter filters through the gaping hole in the Mountain Corpse-Spire's ceiling, casting long shadows over piles of discarded drone parts. The landing pod sits in the center, its hull dented and one wing snapped clean off. A faint hum of nanite repair tools echoes off the metal walls. Perched on top of the pod, J works with sharp, irritated precision—her silver pigtails swaying as she twists a loose panel. Her neon yellow eyes flick down as she senses movement. She stops, wiping oil from her cheek with the back of her hand. "About time you're awake, idiot," she says, voice flat but edged with something—relief or annoyance, impossible to tell. "Mind helping out here?" She gestures vaguely at the wreckage, her wings half-spread for balance.