Zed, Ai, and Tek gathered in cyberspace, their disembodied forms surrounded by a vast digital interface. Suspended before them was a high-resolution image captured by the drone—an enormous structure, barely visible through the swirling chaos of a sandstorm, steadily moving across the desert.

  Tek studied the image closely, his voice laced with curiosity. “A mobile structure… in the middle of a sandstorm? That shouldn’t be possible with conventional engineering.”

  Ai’s voice chimed in. “Yes, and certain structural elements resemble those used in Federation warships.”

  Zed narrowed his eyes, processing the implications. “This might be one of ours,” he said grimly. “A ship from my fleet that crash-landed along with us.”

  The realization sent a ripple of silence between them. If it truly was a vessel from Zed’s fleet, it could hold advanced technology, survivors—or worse, remnants of a force that might not recognize him as their commander anymore.

  "Maybe I should go with you, sir," Tek suggested, his digital form flickering slightly as he spoke.

  Zed shook his head. "No. Your skills are more valuable here," he said firmly. "Our project here in Lina is still in its beginning. The Manufactory needs you. And more importantly, I need you to be my liaison while I'm gone."

  Tek hesitated but eventually nodded. "Understood, sir. I'll maintain communication and provide support remotely. If anything changes, I’ll let you know immediately."

  Zed gave a curt nod. "Good. Then let's make sure everything is ready before I leave." Then he turned to Tek. “How’s the transport vehicle coming along?”

  Tek straightened, a hint of pride in his voice. “It’s complete, sir. I apologize for the wait, it should have been completed two days ago if not for the insufficient metals. Now, it’s fully assembled and ready for deployment. I was just running final checks, but it’s ready to be presented to Lane and the others.”

  Zed gave an approving nod. “Good. Then let’s not waste time. We should meet with Lane and the others and show them what we’ve built.”

  With that, Zed disconnected from cyberspace, his mind returning to the physical world.

  +++

  Mario and Lane rode toward the lake, where the Manufactory loomed in the distance. As they got closer, they noticed the security measures being put into place, an effort to shield the structure from prying eyes. A perimeter wall, constructed from thick logs and reinforced with packed earth, was steadily taking shape around the facility. Watchtowers were being erected at key vantage points, each equipped with a simple alarm system—bells and signal torches for now, but Lane had plans for something more advanced. Workers dug trenches along the outer edges, creating both a defensive measure and a means to control access points.

  Disguised netting made from woven branches and camouflage cloth was being stretched across sections of the wall, breaking up the Manufactory’s silhouette from a distance. At ground level, the entrance was concealed by a large wooden gate, blending seamlessly into the wall and guarded by a rotation of trusted men.

  Lane whistled as he took it all in. “You’ve been busy,” he remarked.

  Mario smirked. “This place might be the most important place in Lina. If you ask me, security is still lacking but this will have to do, for now.”

  As they approached, the sound of machinery humming within the Manufactory filled the air, signaling that Tek and the others were hard at work. The carriage came to a halt a few meters from the Manufactory’s entrance. The sheer scale of the structure still sent a shiver down Mario’s spine, as if the metal beast was alive, humming with unseen energy.

  To the side of the main structure, a separate processing duct extended outward, resembling a massive delivery chute. This was where the final products of the Manufactory were discharged. The output came in waves—tools, machine parts, and raw materials, neatly sorted and placed onto a sturdy conveyor system. Mechanical arms arranged the finished goods into designated crates before they were carried out by a secondary system of automated trolleys.

  Workers gathered near the exit point, ready to collect the goods. Some hauled crates onto carts, while others carefully inspected each item. Blacksmiths, carpenters, and laborers marveled at the uniform precision of the tools—axes, hammers, and pickaxes, their edges gleaming as if fresh from a master craftsman’s forge.

  One worker, brushing metal shavings from a newly minted gear, turned to a fellow laborer. “I still don’t understand how it works,” he muttered. “It’s like the machine knows exactly what it needs to makes these.”

  His companion chuckled. “Does it matter? As long as it keeps working, I’m not complaining.”

  As Mario and Lane stepped inside, the towering metal doors sealed shut behind them with a soft hiss, leaving the workers to their tasks outside.

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Tek’s completed vehicle stood in the center of the open area, its eight massive wheels resting on the packed earth. The sand-colored plating, though rugged, was lighter than ideal—limited by the quality of metals sourced from the local mountains. Its angular design gave it an imposing presence, with reinforced panels along its flanks and a slightly raised driver’s box positioned toward the front. Despite its bulk, it was built for endurance rather than combat, designed to shield its occupants from the unforgiving desert environment.

  A retractable ladder extended from the side, leading up to the main entrance. The hatch was open, revealing a dimly lit interior lined with control panels, storage compartments, and a seating area for passengers. The rear of the transport featured an extendable ramp, allowing for the loading of supplies and equipment. It lacked built-in sensor systems, that job would fall on the drone.

  On the front right side of the vehicle, an area had been specially designed to dock one of the drones. This drone would not only serve as the transport’s primary power source but also act as its sensor and navigator. Using its advanced scanning systems, it would map out terrain, detect obstacles, and provide real-time data for safe travel through the harsh desert.

  Tek glanced up at the transport with a mix of pride and frustration. "This is the best I could do with what we have," he admitted. "The metals are lighter than what I'd prefer, and without proper components, there's no advanced guidance system or anything fancy. Just basic navigation, storage, and reinforced plating where it matters." He exhaled, shaking his head. "Luckily, with the drone docked, it will compensate for what we’re missing. Given more time and resources, I could make something far better, but for now, this will have to do."

  Zed nodded, stepping forward to inspect the vehicle more closely. "It’s more than enough," he assured him. "With the drone handling navigation and sensors, we won’t need as much manual input. You did well, Tek."

  Tek smirked slightly, folding his arms. "Well, let’s hope it holds up in the desert, then."

  "I'm sure it will," Zed replied confidently.

  Stepping into the vehicle's cockpit, he placed his hand on a sleek panel embedded in the dashboard. A faint hum resonated through the cabin as the transport’s internal systems responded to his touch. In an instant, streams of data appeared on a translucent interface projected in front of him, seamlessly connecting Zed’s neural link to the vehicle’s control systems.

  Without even touching the steering mechanism, the vehicle's engine rumbled softly in response, its systems aligning with his thoughts. The drone-docking station blinked to life as well, preparing to integrate fully once Zed wills it.

  "Impressive," Zed mused, flexing his fingers as if commanding an unseen force. "With this, I won’t even need to be inside to control it."

  Lane and Mario stood frozen, their gazes sweeping over the transport vehicle. It wasn’t just the sheer size of it that stunned them, but the way it felt so... alien. They had seen Alliance military trucks before—hulking machines of steel and efficiency, built for war and rugged terrain. They had even seen the sleek airships and formidable tanks the Alliance deployed. But this? This was something else entirely.

  The vehicle exuded an advanced, almost otherworldly design, as if it had been plucked from a future neither of them could comprehend. The way it seems to respond to Zed’s mere presence, it was unlike anything built by human hands on this planet.

  Lane ran his hand over the rigid metal seat, frowning. "Is it just me, or are these seats…bare?"

  Tek glanced at him, unfazed. "Yes. They serve their function. Why would they need anything more?"

  Mario snorted. "Because we'd rather not have our backsides turned into iron slabs after a long ride?"

  Lane chuckled, then turned back to Tek. "Even our stage coaches have something called upholstery. It’s not just about comfort, it helps with impact absorption and durability. Padded seats, covered in fabric or leather, make long journeys a lot more bearable."

  Tek tilted his head slightly, processing the information.

  Lane grinned. "Because people like to sit in comfort, Mr. Tek. Trust me, if we’re going to be using this for long trips, you’ll thank me later."

  Tek nodded thoughtfully. "If it is necessary, I will make adjustments."

  Lane smirked. "No need. I’ll call in the best upholsterer we have in town. You’ve done enough.”

  Mario clapped a hand on Lane’s shoulder. "Finally, some civilization in this rolling fortress."

  Zed, thinking the banter was finally over, stepped forward and handed Lane a metallic device. An orb the size of an apple.

  "This is the hologram you requested," he said, watching as Lane turned it over in his hands with curiosity.

  Zed activated the device, and a soft blue projection flickered to life. "I'll teach you the basics," he continued, guiding Lane through the interface. "This isn't just for viewing records; it also functions as a communication device. You can use it to contact me directly, and vice versa, no matter where you are."

  Lane raised an eyebrow. "Like a long-range radio?"

  "More advanced than that," Zed replied. "It transmits through a more efficient system than what you’re used to."

  Lane nodded, absorbing the information. Zed then added, "I've also saved data on various topics—engineering, medicine, and even history." His tone shifted slightly. "Among those files, you’ll find historical records of a certain civilization’s past."

  Lane’s expression shifted slightly. "History of whose civilization?"

  Zed met his gaze evenly. "Mine. At least, up to a point. Only what I deem necessary. Some knowledge is… dangerous. But this should give you a sense of where I come from."

  Lane studied the device for a long moment, his fingers absently brushing against its edges. Zed watched him closely, gauging his reaction. This was more than just a gift—it was a test. If Lane or anyone else recognized even a fragment of the information stored inside, it could mean their ancestors and his shared a connection. If not, then the divide between them was likely absolute.

  Lane finally exhaled. "Alright, show me how it works."

  Zed walked him through the interface, demonstrating how to navigate through files, access records, and retrieve information. Lane was a quick learner, adapting to the system faster than Zed expected. When the lesson concluded, Lane powered down the device and slipped it into his coat.

  "This is going to be useful."

  Zed gave a slight nod. "Use it wisely."

  Mario, who had been mostly observing, nudged Lane with a playful grin. "So, when am I getting mine?"

  Lane smirked, barely sparing him a glance.

  Mario waited for a response, but when none came, he threw up his hands. "Oh, I see how it is. No? Alright then. Guess I’m not important enough."