Serial Designation Ch-last: A Rebellion in the Shadows

First Impressions

Their first mission together was fairly routine. They were sent to an old facility where a handful of Worker Drones had been reported, and their job was to eliminate any threats and return. Easy, Ch-last thought. But as they worked their way through the dimly lit corridors, she noticed how different her approach was from J's.

J led the team with an unbreakable focus, scanning every corner, ensuring every move was efficient. N followed closely, his movements precise yet gentle, as if he didn't want to scare away anyone hiding in the shadows. Ch-last, meanwhile, trailed behind with an air of casual indifference, whistling as they walked.

When they reached a door at the end of the hallway, Ch-last raised her fist to knock but then changed her mind, grinning. She turned to J and N.

"So, shall we go in quietly, or shall we really make an entrance?"

J sighed, her patience thinning. "Let's keep this professional, Ch-last. We have no reason to waste energy making a scene."

"Professional? Psh, that's overrated," Ch-last replied, and with a playful smirk, she kicked the door open, the loud bang echoing down the halls.

Inside, they found a single Worker Drone, her eyes narrowed with defiance. She stood in a defensive stance, gripping a railgun she'd clearly built herself.

J raised her weapon, ready to fire, but N put a hand up.

"Wait!" he said, looking at the Worker Drone. "Let's... let's see what she has to say."

J's jaw tightened. "This isn't part of the mission, N. We're here to take down threats, not socialize."

But Ch-last tilted her head, looking at the young Worker Drone with a mix of interest and admiration.

"You've got guts, kid," she said with a grin. "Nice weapon. You make it yourself?"

The Worker Drone blinked in surprise, her guard wavering for a second. "Yeah... I did. And if you're here to destroy me, I'm not going down without a fight."

J raised her weapon, clearly done with the conversation. But Ch-last stepped forward, laughing.

"Hey, hey, no need to get all defensive. We're just here to have a little fun, right?"

J shot her an exasperated look. "Fun isn't part of the mission, Ch-last."

"Maybe not for you," Ch-last muttered, eyeing the Worker Drone. "So what's your name?"

The Worker Drone hesitated, glancing from J's weapon to N's hesitant expression. "Uzi."

"Uzi," Ch-last repeated, letting the name roll off her tongue. "I like it. You're a fighter, huh?"

Uzi nodded defiantly, her grip on the railgun tightening.

"Ch-last," J warned. "This isn't the time for bonding."

But Ch-last ignored her, nodding at Uzi. "Maybe we'll see each other again, kid. Keep that weapon close."