‘’We are now approaching enemy territory,” the voice of the pilot crackled over their headsets. “Going dark in 5…”
Red reached for her gun.
“4…”
Dex inspected his equipment one last time.
“3…”
Sparks tapped his foot feverously.
“2…”
Zhoa stared blankly out the window.
“1…”
Jack was counting the seconds on his watch.
The lights in the stealth gunship went off. Acid rain battered the cabin as they melted into the stormy night.
After a brief pause, eyes trying to readjust, a voice asked, “Will this mission solve anything? Every mission just leads to more questions. It’s like nothing we do matters in the long run.”
“In the long run, does anything thing matter?” another voice answered.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, regardless of what happens to us, organics, the galaxy will continue to revolve around Titan.”
“What if you gained limitless power, the ability to shape the universe as you willed it to be…what would you do?”
“I wouldn't want that power.”
“But what if you had it?”
“Having power, imposing my will upon others, would only lead to more suffering.”
“You could choose to end suffering.”
“As long there is intelligent life, there will be want. As long as there is want, there will be suffering. The only way to end suffering is to end intelligent life…”
“Is that your ultimate conclusion? Is that what you would do?”
“I don’t know.”
“End intelligent life?” a third voice piped up. “Isn’t that what humans have feared Clankers would eventually evolve to conclude?”
The pilot’s comically smooth voice interrupted their conversation, “If you look to your left you will see the beautiful green oceans of Yanikula, and on your right is the Singularity Research Facility.” He continued his satire, “Thank you for flying with the Galactic Forces.”
The gunship touched down, and the doors slid open. Team 9 piled out.
“See you at the extraction point,” the pilot said and flew off.
Jack’s eyes narrowed as he looked towards mysterious research facility which loomed in the distance along with, hopefully, answers.