I stared at the gray ceiling, and luckily it didn't stare back.
Finally having gotten an all night of sleep and more importantly, a full charge.
I was finally able to exist again.
"Never doing that again" I muttered to myself, slowly climbing off the bed.
It felt weird, being fully operable again. No slowness, no exhaustion. Just normality.
Which is of course, its own hell.
That being confirmed by every kid staring at me as I walked past them, ignoring their presence and their eyes.
Ah yes, yesterday's fiasco.
The whole Uzi bullying thing.
I may have acted abruptly, but oh well.
I don't tolerate bullying, so they will need to tolerate my anger I suppose.
Sighing, I opened the door to the semi full classroom of students, entering it.
I was greeted by a few pairs of eyes, choosing to ignore them as always.
Soon enough, the students arrived one after another, filling up the classroom rapidly.
And when the teacher arrived, in all of his exhausted and empathetic glory, the class finally started.
"Who knows what a lemon is?"
The teacher asked, and since I hadn't yet set up my music, I clearly heard him. Which almost caused me to burst out laughing.
What the hell did I just hear?
Perhaps noticing my attention or amusement. Or perhaps just finally having a reason to call upon me, he spoke.
"Tenno?"
My amusement waved a little, but was still ever so slightly audible in my voice as I answered the older worker drone.
"It's an important fruit", I paused.
"Well, not here."
The teacher raised one of his eye brows as he always did, prompting me to continue.
"It has a high vitamin content, which needless to say, is useless for us."
The teacher nodded, marking something down in the little notepad he had on his desk.
Which was strange, but also not.
While the older generation of drones did use the new technologies, they were still somewhat rooted in the past. Using such things as physical clocks, note pads and other such items.
Meanwhile, the younger generation seem to oppose that with their very being, relying solely on technology for everything they do.
An interesting view from my point.
Lowering the volume of the music ever so slightly, I hoped to hear another amusing question.
Sadly, no such thing came.
***
Standing in the cafeteria, I couldn't help but frown.
Tray in hand, I stood silently, scanning the giant room for any fully empty tables.
Alas, there were none.
Frowning even further, I approached the only half acceptable person in this bunker that I somewhat know.
That of course being, the purple gremlin, also known as Uzi.
Silently walking over and seating myself to the furthest possible place from her, I began my dull lunch.
I stared at the empty air in front of me impassively, the wires being put into my mouth in the form of small balls.
After a minute, now done with the disgusting meal, I attacked my drink with fervor.
Taking a long and powerful sip, I enjoyed the cooling sensation it produced as it ran down my throat.
Banana again, nice.
Meanwhile, I started researching.
What exactly? The foundry of course.
The absurdly powerful machine that I didn't actually know how to build.
That alone immediately removed the possibility of making the segment, which connected to the arsenal that somehow Wirelessly, transfers data and matter in a split second, then rearranged it back as it was intended.
That alone is mind boggling.
Sadly, I wouldn't have that. Not for a decade at least.
I paused, or perhaps I could find such data already figured out by this planet's people.
Or I guess, universe's. Because yes, this was definitely a different universe.
My orbiter had every planet's location in history, both destroyed and not.
And I'm sure, unless I somehow slung myself several million years into the future, no new planet had formed.
Actually screw millions. That wouldn't even make sense, considering the planet's own terrain and historical events.
So yeah, I'm trapped in a different universe, without any of my gear. Delightful…
Now it truly set in for me. That there was no way of going home, literally.
Without the void in this universe, my own energy was weakened. Not to mention it regenerates far slower.
That alone proved the void didn't exist in this universe, meaning no slinging between worlds again.
Sad, but not too bad.
Considering I explored my own galaxy fully, killed off any threats that could destroy it too.
Frankly, I would be just a dark reminder to the future generations, as well as being the cause for immense military focus.
Perhaps after a hundred or so years, when the people who knew me have perished, I would be seen as a threat to peace once again.
And I didn't want that, so perhaps. This was my reward.
Another mission of bringing slaughter to help the weak.
I snorted outloud, then coughed as the drink got stuck in my mechanical throat.
Dispersing the useless thoughts, I focused on the foundry once again.
I would need insanely durable material, as sturdy as titanium at minimum.
While it wouldn't last me even a decade, it would be enough.
Once I had it, I could make stronger parts.
And then it got into the scientific bullshit I didn't quite understand.
While the term "3rd printer" is correct, its far more than just that.
It's a fabricator, capable of reconstructing atoms themselves.
Basically able to reconstruct them into anything and everything if being fed enough materials.
It also dealt with quantum physics as the people called it here.
Which I wouldn't quite add to its capabilities for a while.
Which meant, no prime warframes.
Saddening, but I wouldn't need them for these murder drones. Hopefully…
All I needed is my loves, the unstoppable and mesmerizing babies.
Vectis Prime, a sniper rifle, a beast of a weapon, capable of piercing everything in its single shot, Literally.
And then of course, the Boar prime, a shotgun, shooting eight pellets at once, and able to punch back a target meters back from just a single shot.
Although I would go for an entirely different weapon at first.
While not packing the same devastating power of the previous two, nor being my favorite, it had something they lacked.
Fire rate, as well as close to medium range capability.
And my choice for such a requirement?
Soma prime.
Fast, has a punch, and unbelievably reliable.
I do admit, it does look a bit funky.
However, the benefit of having sixty rounds in a mag.
As well as it's low recoil that would immensely help me in this weaker body were too hard to pass up.
So yes, my first weapon would be it. I, in the body of a child. Would make myself an automatic rifle.
I stood up, slowly walking towards the cafeterias plane doors, mind still stuck on the near future.
After the weapon, I would finally figure out a warframe, doesn't really matter which. The faster and easier the better.
And then? I would leave.
While this peace and somewhat normal life is welcoming. That is not who I am.
I would go outside the supposedly unpassable doors. Find a place to make my own base at. And hunt.
Because that is what I do best.
There was a single hurdle though, how in the ever living Lotus am I supposed to leave unnoticed, while being a giant robot carrying an equally large weapon capable of reducing these drones into mush with a single bullet?
And yes, I'd rather leave on good terms. Never know what the future could bring.
Hm, a problem. One that wouldn't be rectified all that quickly.
I let out a sigh, tossing my now empty large cup into the trashcan nearby.
My gaze shot around for a brief moment, then was stuck in front again.
Letting out another pitiful and quiet sigh, I entered the classroom silently, being the first student back from the lunch break.
God I hated school.
Taking my seat in the usual corner, I got into a staring contest with the teacher, who raised an eyebrow.
"Finally got a charge?"
He asked, his tone the embodiment of exhaustion.
"I did"
I confirmed, mind already going back to my plans of making weapons that have and probably will lead genocides.
Luckily the teacher didn't bother me after that, silently sitting and waiting for the others to arrive.
***
Closing the door behind me slowly, I started heading straight towards the kitchen, for the drinks gifted by Lotus herself.
Music on the loudest possible setting, humming along the song, I reached into the fridge, randomly choosing one of the large cups.
A second later, a straw already through the cup and sipping through it, I decided today is the day I get at least one part of the foundry.
Striding back into the living room, I scanned the place.
It would be far too out of place in here, not to mention it would be seen when the door is open.
Making more space under the floor or in the ceiling weren't really an option either, I'd get kicked out before I'd finish the entrance.
The kitchen perhaps, but again. If I had any visitors, it would be frequently visited.
Bathroom less dangerous, but you never know.
So that left my bedroom.
I sighed, turning my head to the couch and stopping cold.
The music went silent after a moment.
"How the fuck did you get in?"
The drone in question only scoffed, crossing her arms.
"Hacked it, duh."
I raised my left hand, pointing at the entrance door with my pointer finger.
"Get out."
I didn't ask, but ordered her. And my tone obviously made it clear how I despised the very idea of her being here.
I may hate school, but visitors? Far worse. This is my Lotus damn sanctuary, a place for me to relax and find peace at. Not speak to others like I already have to because society demanded it.
She uncrossed her arms, frown already in place.
Standing up, in all her gremlin purple glory, she glared.
"Listen, pal. I don't want to be here either, but-"
She cut her off randomly, eyes lowering.
And was that fidgeting I'm seeing? From her?
"I just need a place for an hour to cool off at."
She finally finished, although I have a feeling that's not what she wanted to say originally.
"So you came here, of all places?"
I paused, then continued after taking a sip.
"isn't there places for kids to hang out? Like arcades?"
The frown was replaced by an intense scowl.
"I'd rather not."
My brain worked for a few seconds, before I finally found the answer to this dilemma.
"Bullying I'm assuming?"
I sipped more, gorging myself upon the extremely cold but sweet drink.
She didn't answer, but her expression told me enough.
"Yeah whatever kiddo."
I glared at her attempt to interrupt me.
"I'm gonna leave soon though, got business."
She raised a digital brow, the expression quite funny.
"Business? And you're a kid too!"
I paid no attention to the question, waving a hand over my shoulder as I walked towards my bedroom.
"Yeah yeah, just don't be loud and annoying."
Then I slammed the door shut, my eyes scanning my bedroom.
I could place it in a corner on the doors side, with less visibility.
I nodded, best option.
The next problem. How the fuck am I supposed to give power to it?
Scratching my chin, I searched the database of the matter printer.
However, this would take literal hours. The list of possible things it can make almost endless.
Although a simple filter of "power" changed the previous long time into minutes.
Which is still a lot, considering I can process and understand at whatever robots can speeds.
Pushing the bed into the opposite corner of the foundry, to draw away attention, I waited.
Luckily, there were several charging ports, so I could move furniture around quite a bit.
Huh, maybe I should get some furniture as well, maybe even construct it myself? It would definitely make my days less boring.
Perhaps a large closet in one corner, with double mirror slideable doors.
Maybe black in color? Yeah sounds nice.
I continued thinking about furniture till I finally found what I was looking for.
Which is something actually really small, perhaps triple in size than your usual battery.
Although there was a problem. It is really, really expensive to make.
Like what the fuck?
Granted, I wouldn't need all of it. Considering how much it provided I would be able to even make a warframe or two.
So then again, the search began.
Somehow, even as I left my hab for the abandoned sectors of the bunker, digging my way through junk and setting some aside to use as fuel, I still haven't found a suitable battery.
***
I entered my hab, heading straight for the kitchen.
"How in the endless universe is there nothing less than "Yeah, that has the power of a miniature nuke"?
Surely, there was lesser things.
Well there are, but those are a bit too weak. Six times lower than what I require.
Now standing in front of the fridge, I slammed my head against it.
Of course! Why not just use six then?!
Letting out a groan that easily conveyed the annoyance I felt at myself, I opened the fridge. Only to see one drink left.
There were three when I left.
I grabbed it, blindly searching for a straw on top of the fridge, my new height making it impossible for me to see over it.
After a few seconds of searching, I finally got one, stabbing through the plastic lid of the cup with enough strength to dent it fully inwards.
Walking back into the living room, I thankfully didn't see the gremlin who stole two of my drinks. At least, she recognized the glory of them. That, I can understand.
Finishing the drink, I quickly left for the matter printer for the second time today. Having previously gone to it to deliver the scrap and what not.
If my math is mathing, which it should. I'm a robot. I should have enough for around two parts of the foundry at minimum.
Which is kinda hard to say, considering that there obviously weren't actual blueprints for it.
So I'd have to give the printer the blueprints out of my metallic brain, and hope for the best.
And I swear on the name of Lotus herself, if it's not possible I'm just ending my suffering on the spot!
***
I tapped a finger against the metal of the printer, impatiently waiting for it to finish its scanning.
It has been doing it for a while, as if not truly sure it can do it. Or should do it.
Which made sense if it was sapient too(wouldn't be surprised), considering I was trying to replace it.
Yet alas, the conflict within was overridden by its need to work for me, and the confirmation of the blueprints was shown.
Punching the air in excitement, a smile now on my face.
I quickly selected the front of the foundry to be made.
And was immediately surprised by the low cost.
It made sense I guess, it was nothing drastic.
Going back and selecting the printing part, my optics hollowed as I saw the drastic change.
Again, unsurprising but damn.
I would need to get around ten times the amount of resources I already had for it.
Silently begging for the resources of the weapon itself to not be expensive, I selected the entire front again and confirmed the crafting of it.
Five minutes. Not bad at all.
Sitting on one of the chairs provided, I hummed along to the song, my usual bored or foul mood replaced by some level of joy.
With this already promising future, life would be looking far more enjoyable.
***
Carrying the absurdly heavy and large piece of titanium might have not been the brightest idea.
Alas, I managed.
Ever so carefully placing it to the ground, heaving heavily.
I don't remember it being so heavy!
And indeed, because I had my warframe on.
With it, weight isn't a problem.
But this body? So-called "worker drones" barely even show up on the scale compared to a warframe.
And of course, I hadn't taken that into account.
I could have made a trolley again!
But noooo! "I can carry it"
Dropping onto the bed back first, I let out the final heavy exhale.
"I hate my life."
Then I just crawled towards the charger port, connected myself. And passed out on the spot.
***
A week later, I sat on my bed, both digital and biological eyes locked onto the foundry, which were missing only one component.
The Lotus damn printer! And of course, all the electronics that connected with it.
Needless to say, this would take a while.
Especially since I was starting to get glances from others while bringing all the scraps in, and even stranger ones once they see the large ass titanium parts I make.
So yeah, I might need to hold off for a while, just so no one comes in to check what the hell I'm making.
Meanwhile, I figured out how to hide the foundry!
My glorious idea? A fridge!
I like those drinks deeply, it would be beneficial to have them in two rooms.
Also it would make sense for those who know anything about me, which would be strange to begin with.
Although I wouldn't be surprised if someone say, the WDF.
Would ask around before barging in.
So yes, it's the perfect thing.
How would I hide it?
A double section fridge, one of the old types.
Just remove the freezer below, add some sort of touchpad code mechanism and bam.
A storage unit for my drinks and the foundry!
Perfection.
Letting out a chuckle, I left the room, stopping by the kitchen to grab a drink, then left the hab entirely.
School would be starting soon, and I'd rather not be late and be asked questions.
Especially since I haven't got the mostly done foundry hidden yet.
The now usual nightcore music blaring inside my head, I sipped on my drink and walked through the hallways.
Nodding at the drones who greeted me.
Why do they do that? No idea, don't even know their names.
Maybe politeness is in their codes or something? Possible.
A nice thing too.
And my immediately good mood was ruined as I turned the corner towards the school's sector.
Because there it was again, a circle of kids, laughing at what seemed to be the pink eyed bimbo's words.
Sipping the kiwi flavored drink(Still haven't found the lime one) a bit more forcefully than I needed, I approached the fiasco.
And there she was again, Uzi.
Just as I was nearing her, the girl, usually by the pink eyed drone, walked forward, pushing Uzi into the lockers.
While it wasn't that strong, the laughter and mocking words definitely hit hard.
Now done with my drink, being pissed off for two reasons. Those being that I was witnessing bullying.
The second, that these tin cans just ruined my perfect morning.
I threw the can over the ten or so meters, a slight infusion of void energy making it hit as hard as a punch.
The girl's head snapped towards the left, her body falling to the ground.
Immediately sobs and cries rang out, everyone's eyes turning towards me.
I scoffed,
"Stop over reacting, it was just a plastic cup."
I said as I finally approached the group, outstretching a hand towards the gremlin.
She visibly hesitated, but took it nonetheless.
I hoisted her up easily, abusing the void energy to empower this fragile body as much as I could.
And then, I walked off like last time, another drink now in my hands.
God I hope I didn't crack that girl's metal skull, it might be trouble.
Being the void energy it is, it's extremely difficult to control.
And even the slight annoyance I just experienced was enough to entirely throw my control out of the window.
***
Sitting in front of the teacher, us two being alone in the room, I couldn't help but groan inwardly.
Of course, now I was in trouble.
The teacher himself looked like he didn't even want to be here, his eyes looking even more exhausted if that's possible.
"You know why the both of us is here?"
Just in case, I decided to play dumb.
"Possibly…?"
The teacher sighed heavily, what seemed to be twenty more years of stress hitting his shoulders.
"Today you injured a student."
I raised a digital eyebrow much like the teacher does.
"With a plastic cup?"
The drone nodded, slight bewilderment entering his voice.
"Yes, although I'm unsure of how."
I nodded, begging to get off at least half scot free.
"So?"
I prompted him to continue.
"You owe her an apology, as well as you are forced to keep a two meters distance from her at all times, excluding classes."
My other digital brow shot up to meet the first one.
"Sure, as long as she does the same to Uzi."
At that, he too raised an eyebrow.
"How so?"
And in that moment I realized the older drone was lied to.
"Well, the girl," I paused.
"What's her name?"
"Rebecca."
"Right, so Rebecca pushed Uzi against the lockers, so I decided to throw a cup at her while approaching to break up the obvious bullying taking place."
I explained the situation quite nicely if I do say so myself.
The drone slowly nodding, his mind obviously slowed by years of stress. Or just being tired.
"I will inform her."
"Great! So once I do see her apologizing, and keeping her distance. I shall do the same."
I stood up calmly, already going towards the door.
Just as I left through the door, I heard a groan filled with exhaustion ring out behind me.
***
Eating lunch in the cafeteria, joined by Uzi at the completely different corner of the table, as usual.
I couldn't help but snort.
The girl whose name I already forgot(literally not possible now)didn't even need a part to replace, nor her exterior to be fixed. I knew she was overreacting.
As well as I knew she wouldn't approach Uzi to apologize.
Which meant I played smart and didn't trap myself in the "warning zone".
Because frankly, I'd rather not have to change directions entirely if I see a single individual.
Why? While this might sound and probably is cocky.
I'm the person who people turn away from.
I'm used to everyone seeing me and running as fast as they can. Not that they could run far if I was truly after them.
So yes. It would be difficult to get used to such a thing, not to mention the annoyances that would rise up.
I'd have no doubt she'd try to make me purposely walk into the range, only so she could whine and bitch to the teacher or whoever.
And she's now my number one disliked person on this planet.
Says a lot.
I raised a digital eyebrow at the obviously staring Uzi, for the first time unable to tell what she was thinking.
Her face was almost… empty? Like I sometimes slap a PNG on my face.
And while she was obviously staring directly at me, I wasn't quite sure if she was staring through me, or just in the air in front of me.
Every so slightly unsettling.
The stare, for some reason, reminded of the grineer at the end of their short lives. Being dead yet alive, watching the world around them, but not truly seeing it.
A terrifying way to go in my opinion.
She snapped out of her staring, only sending a glare my way before she picked up her tray and walked off.
Strange.
A quick search revealed that periods didn't exist in drones, so that isn't the cause.
Perhaps something was bugging her again?
Oh well, not my business.
Nothing is my business except if I'm asked for help, or decide to intrude because I myself dislike it to such a point.
Alas, neither of the criteria were met.
And so, shortly after finishing my drink.
I too picked up my tray, depositing it to be washed for later, and walked out the cafeterias doors.
***
Sitting upon my couch and watching a show entirely focused on illegal substances, I let out a bored sigh.
Drink in hand, I couldn't help but wish it to be something stronger. Something with a little kick to it so to say.
For something that would rest my mind from the terrible memories, for something to drown myself in.
Alas, no such beverages could be found in the bunker so easily. And first of all I would need to find the equivalent for drones.
I already knew magnets could act as drugs, but that's one of the things that I disliked with a passion.
So a big no no.
Alas, I had no choice but to turn off the TV and head to bed, thankfully remembering to plug in the charger.
Thanks for reading!