Chapter 6.2: Daring Rescue

Gripping the laser rifle tightly, Peter swung the buttstock of his weapon with all his strength, aiming for the rat's head. The creature squealed in surprise but its cybernetically-enhanced reflexes allowed it to evade Peter's strike.

Either way, because of the crew's recent kills in close sucession, a sudden change rippled through the horde. With a series of high-pitched squeals, the rats began to flee, their glowing eyes darting frantically as they scrambled to escape the relentless barrage of gunfire and blades.

"It appears that we have succeeded," James remarked, his mechanical voice devoid of emotion as he analyzed the situation. "The rats have fled, likely deterred by our coordinated defense and disciplined firepower."

Mercer watches the rats flee, not turning to the group as he asks. Is everyone ok?

"I think so." Douklan looks around at the others. "Unless there's a reason to stay, let's get a move on. Those rats have just been startled; they might come back. But aside from that, we've got miles to go before we reach the others. We're not going to help them if we stick around here."

"I agree. Let's get moving!"

Trade Era 1235, Day 163. 11:59 UTC

Abandoned farming village, Underworld, Zyronis
After the rats fled, the crew soon left the abandoned farming village and continued their mission.Trade Era 1235, Day 163. 12:21 UTC

Underworld, Zyronis
ETA to the Salvage Team’s current position: 20-30 minutes

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As the crew pressed forward, the floor beneath their boots had transitioned from dirt to smooth, slick metal, causing their footsteps to echo with a metallic resonance. Puddles of murky water pooled in the corners, reflecting the dim glow of the weak and bluish overhead lights like fractured mirrors. The powerful sun lamps from the previous village were not used here.

As they kept walking, the air grew increasingly cold and heavy with moisture, beads of condensation clinging to the metallic walls like tears. Occasional drips echoed through the corridors, a rhythmic reminder of the constant battle against the encroaching dampness. The walls seemed to close in, their surfaces marred with patches of corrosion and streaks of unknown substances, hinting at the countless secrets hidden within the labyrinthine depths of Zyronis. Despite the oppressive atmosphere, the crew pressed on.

Suddenly, Vasquez contacted them through the previously shared communications channel:

"Mercer, come in! We're under fire! Robots—unknown origin— are pinning us down with lasers! We need immediate assistance!"

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"Armed synthetics. Interesting." - remarked James - "Should I have a laser pistol to protect you against those robots, sir?" - it asked Corbin.

"We have reinforcements coming in soon. ETA [whatever the faster group would be]."
Then Mercer looks at Douklan, James, and Corbin. "Go. They need you more than the rest of us do. "
Mercer will keep up as best he can, but will keep with Peter if Peter is slower than his exert.

"Go ahead, we'll keep up as best we can."

Although not saying it out loud Peter's face is full of shame, besides missing the shot and the melee attack on the rats, it was his poor judgement of getting into the house that got them in to this situation in the first place.

When the call comes through the radio Peter only waits to see who else is going to run with him and starts sprinting to try and keep up.

"Not at the moment James, let's wait and see what we encounter."

Corbin takes off with the others towards Vasquez's group.

Sorry. Forgot to roll.

Douklan watched as the crew split up, a sense of urgency driving their actions. James, Corbin, and Peter surged forward, their determination evident in every stride as they pushed ahead to reach Vasquez as quickly as possible.

But Douklan's attention was soon drawn to Mercer, who stood beside him, his gaze focused on the retreating figures. There was a steely determination in Mercer's eyes as he turned to Douklan, his voice firm.
Douklan hesitated for a moment. He was ready to set off at a brisk pace and leave Mercer and Hank behind. Would he?