Democracy comes to Copper 9. (Helldivers 2 X Murder Drones.)

September 2184. Bunker 00. Topside.

After Jason explained their mission, N, V, and J waited as a Pelican was loaded with supplies and weapons for the journey. Jason stood by a table, readying a set of firearms, including an SG-8S Slugger loaded with steel slugs. Based on old reports, he knew Bugs had heavy armor plating across their bodies; only something with high stopping power would get through. He was also checking over a P-4 Senator revolver.

"This is going to be fun. What do you all think?" J asked N and V, her enthusiasm clear as she had always wanted to go on a mission like this.

"I think it's going to be dangerous... but it seems Jason knows how to handle this," V replied, her tone carrying a mix of caution and concern.

"It's the first time in a long time we'll be working alongside a human again." N sounded more than ready, clearly eager for the mission ahead.

As they chatted, a SEAF soldier approached.

"Alright, you three. If you're going bug-hunting, you'll need armor." The three exchanged looks; their bodies were made of the same durable material as their ship plating, so armor seemed redundant to them.

"I think—" J began, but the soldier held up a hand.

"Look, I don't care what you think—not trying to be rude here, but from experience, you need more protection. You're only covered in clothes, at least most of you," he added, glancing at V, who looked back confused. "We can't fully outfit you, but we'll make sure the important parts are protected." He gestured for them to follow him to a nearby tent.

Inside, armor plates for the chest, arms, and legs lay on a table. Several SEAF soldiers waited to assist.

"Alright, everyone, let's get them suited up. Jason's leaving soon, and they need to be ready. Step on the markers on the floor so we can get started."

The three of them moved to the red-outlined mats, and the team got to work. Taking hold of the armor pieces, they strapped them onto each of the drones, who looked surprised by the experience.

"How often do you fight these bugs?" N asked, trying to make small talk and learn more about the enemy.

"Terminids, actually. Lost count of the battles. Nasty things. Their numbers are the worst part—kill one and five take its place. And some subspecies are even tougher. The Charger, for example, is a brute with near-full armor. They're living battering rams; seen them knock down exosuits if you don't get out of their way. SEAF and Helldivers usually have to jump to avoid getting crushed." One of the soldiers answered, securing the last piece around N's legs.

"Never wore armor before—not as heavy as I thought," V commented, examining it.

"This is your standard SEAF armor. For a new Helldiver, it's not too heavy, but it's solid enough for this trip. Jason will fill you in on bug-fighting tactics. While they're not exactly like Terminids, it's close enough. Jason's been on some of the most hostile Terminid worlds out there."

"Thanks for this," N said with a smile.

"We'll do our best to bring it back in one piece," J added, glancing over her armored self.

"Don't worry about it; wouldn't be surprised if you lose some pieces. Just come back safe—and keep an eye on Jason; make sure he comes back in one piece." One of the soldiers added as the three exited. Outside, Jason was standing by the Pelican.

"Now you look like you belong with the SEAF. Everything's set. Ready to go?"

The three nodded, and Jason stepped inside the Pelican, with them following. On one side were several packs and weapons. Jason typed commands on his wrist, bringing up an outdated map of the region. He imagined the drones still had accurate knowledge of the locations, despite the century-old data. Turning, he showed them the map.

"All I need now is for you to point the way. We may be gone for a few days. Will that cause any issues with Martin or the others in the bunker?"

V leaned forward, examining the map before stopping at a point about thirty miles southeast.

"It won't cause any problems; this is the spot," she said, tapping the location with a metal finger, creating a marker.

"Forwarding it to the pilot. Alright, get strapped in." As the ramp closed, the Pelican started to lift off.

The three drones took seats on the right, with Jason across from them. As the engines roared to life, Jason noticed J glancing around the cabin, a hint of sadness in her optics.

"You alright?" he asked.

J looked at him. "Yes… I am. It's just been a long time since I was in a Pelican. Last time, I was with someone special before everything came crashing down." Her voice was heavy with grief.

"Losing a pilot is never easy. I've been there. Who was this person?" Jason had experienced a few operations where Pelicans were shot down—a terrible feeling.

J was quiet for a moment before speaking softly. "Her name was Taryn. Damn good pilot." N and V looked over at her, sensing her pain.

"That's a damn shame," Jason said. "I'm guessing each of you had someone close before the bombardment. If you don't mind sharing, I'd like to know more about them. We've got time."

The three looked at each other, considering his request before N broke the silence.

"I guess it couldn't hurt…" Like V and J, N had lost someone in the chaos that consumed Copper 9.

Jason leaned forward, waiting. It was clear they had kept these memories buried for a long time. After a few moments, V began to speak.

2083. Copper 9. SEAF Military Command and Operation Base.

The galactic war had raged for decades. Since it ignited in 2044, the conflict had spread relentlessly across the galaxy. Now, nearly forty years later, it seemed to be nearing its end. But for one colony of Super Earth, war had yet to touch it. Positioned at the border of Illuminate space, Copper 9 had remained untouched by invasion. However, the SEAF forces stationed there had been hard at work, fortifying the colony's defenses. The commander of SEAF operations, Anderson, anticipated that the invasion would eventually come. They needed to be ready.

Yet, Illuminate forces weren't Anderson's only concern. The Ministry of Science had established a dozen mysterious facilities across Copper 9, stirring unease. No matter how many times he asked, Anderson never received a straight answer about their purpose—only silence or vague assurances.

In the command center, Anderson studied a massive holographic map of Copper 9 under the dim lights, displaying ship traffic, communications, and SEAF movements. Tracking it all had become a daunting task.

"Hm… This isn't getting any easier," he muttered, closing a few displays.

"Sir, you should take a break. You've been here for hours every day," one of his officers advised, concerned.

Anderson waved him off. "I need the latest reports on any Illuminate sightings. They've been quiet too long, and I don't like it."

With a resigned sigh, the officer turned to leave. But just as he reached the door, he froze, eyes widening. "Umm, sir… you might want to see this."

Anderson glanced up. Through the glass walls surrounding the command center, a group of people in white lab coats entered, each wearing the Ministry of Science emblem.

"What in the name of liberty are they doing here?" he whispered, as officers around the room looked up in surprise.

Anderson strode out of the command room, intercepting the group. "Excuse me. Why are you here? I've already sent out the security teams you requested."

One of the scientists glanced up from a tablet. "Commander Anderson?"

"That's me. And you are?"

The scientist tapped a key on his tablet, looking toward the entrance as more Ministry personnel entered. Amidst them stood a figure that immediately drew attention. Tall and distinctly feminine, it was clearly a machine with sleek, white metallic skin that gleamed under the lights. Its face held two bright yellow optical sensors, and it had synthetic yellow hair. Anderson stared, both curious and wary, as the machine's optics settled on him.

"What in the name of Super Earth… is that?"

The scientist gestured toward the machine. "Commander, this is your new assistant—Combat Drone 098, or simply 'V.' Part of an advanced project we've been working on. She and others like her will be integrated into SEAF defenses."

Anderson's brow furrowed. "A machine assistant? How is it different from UAVs or any other robots we use?"

V's optics brightened as she stepped forward, speaking with clarity. "Sir, I am much more than that. I am fully sentient—like you."

Anderson's eyes widened, the full impact of her words sinking in. One of the scientists smirked.

"You've created true AI? She's… sentient?"

"Precisely," the scientist replied, visibly pleased. "V is part of a new line of intelligent machines developed for SEAF operations. While more units will follow, for now, V will accompany you directly. If anything arises, inform us immediately. Otherwise, we'll be back in a month to check on her progress."

With that, the team departed, leaving Anderson and V alone, the command center buzzing with murmurs as officers processed the surreal arrival. Anderson, still absorbing the shock, glanced around.

"So, this is what they've been hiding in Facility 12," one officer muttered, nodding in understanding. Facility 12 had a notorious reputation for secrecy.

"Well," Anderson said, resigning himself, "seems I don't have a choice in the matter. Come along, V; let's get to work."

V followed him closely, committing the moment to memory—the first day outside the labs, her first day with humanity.

2083. Copper 9. SEAF Ammo Depot N°117.

At one of the many ammo depots established by the SEAF on Copper 9, a large group of logistical officers and soldiers had gathered near the entrance. Their gazes were fixed on a convoy of trucks bearing the Ministry of Science emblem—a rare sight, as they seldom approached SEAF bases.

"What's going on?" one soldier asked, glancing at his peers.

"Beats me, but it must be important for them to show up here," another replied.

Despite the presence of the trucks, nothing emerged from them, and chatter filled the air among the gathered personnel. Meanwhile, the officer in charge, Loric, remained focused on his duties, methodically taking stock of the depot's supplies. He noticed a flurry of activity as people rushed toward the entrance, but with no alarm sounding, he continued his work, jotting notes on a tablet. However, the sound of footsteps drew his attention to the front of the depot.

"Logistical Officer Loric," he announced, stepping forward as a group of Ministry of Science personnel approached.

"That would be me," he said, eyeing them warily. "Look, I need to finish this count—what's all this about?"

His gaze shifted to a machine standing in the middle of the group. It resembled a humanoid figure with sleek white metal plating, yellow optics, and striking blond hair.

"This is your new assistant," one of the scientists explained. "Meet Combat Drone 205, or 'N.' We have more of these units being assigned to assist here at the depot, but this one will be attached to you."

N stepped forward, smiling brightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir!"

"Is this like some of the machines we've used before?" Loric asked, his skepticism evident.

"Much more than that," the scientist replied. "N is a fully sentient machine. His role is to help you with your tasks around the depot."

Loric exchanged glances between the scientist and N, realizing he had little choice in the matter. He remained uncertain about the presence of such a machine, let alone multiple units, operating in the base.

"If that's the case, then come with me," Loric said reluctantly. "You can start by helping me carry stock for our ammo."

N nodded enthusiastically, moving past the scientist to follow Loric. Though their initial encounter was rocky, N would treasure it for years to come.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2083. Copper 9. SEAF Airbase Omega.

On Copper 9, alongside numerous SEAF military bases, depots, and spaceports, the airbases were a defining feature of the planet. Today, the Ministry of Science was present at Airbase Omega, deploying combat drones. A group of them was in search of Pelican pilot Taryn, who was busy working on her aircraft in one of the many hangars.

"Taryn, you're not going to believe what just arrived!" called out one of her fellow pilots, excitement evident in her voice. "The Ministry of Science is here, and they've got something new for us."

"I'll check it out later. This bird needs serious work," Taryn replied, her focus unwavering. "It nearly blew out one of the engines during some maneuvers; I put too much stress on it." She had already removed much of the paneling on the right engine when the sound of approaching footsteps broke her concentration.

"By chance, is this Pelican Pilot Taryn Ranger?" A small group of scientists stood at the door, one of them engrossed in a tablet.

"That'd be me. What's this all about?" Taryn asked, eyeing the group cautiously. Her gaze fell on a combat drone standing among them, arms crossed and staring back at her.

Of all the drone's characteristics, what caught Taryn's attention most was its feminine form and the pair of pigtails hanging at the sides of its head.

"Umm… what is that?" Taryn asked, gesturing toward the drone.

"This is your new partner, Combat Drone 506, or 'J.' She's been assigned to assist you here at the base," one of the scientists explained.

Taryn sighed, returning her focus to the engine. "Fine," she said curtly as J stepped closer, the scientists watching their interaction with keen interest.

"I get the feeling you're not much of a people person—or a drone person," J observed, glancing at Taryn.

"Something like that. And what's so special about you? I don't mind the extra hands, but I could request that kind of help," Taryn replied, a hint of skepticism in her voice.

In response, J extended her wings, hovering a few feet off the ground without any visible flapping or motion. Taryn's eyes widened in surprise.

"How? Is that even possible?" she exclaimed, captivated by the sight.

"Don't know; you'll have to ask the scientists," J replied with a playful smile. "But we do have something in common—we both enjoy the rush of flying in the sky."

Impressed by J's display, Taryn felt a flicker of intrigue. As she took in the moment, J's enthusiasm and unique abilities marked the beginning of what would grow into a strong friendship—another cherished memory among the many shared on Copper 9.

Edited thanks to ELE73CH.