The now familiar hum of machinery filled the group’s base as they worked. Null was bent over a fabrication table, methodically assembling a new set of tools.

  Helix was inspecting his weapons, checking for any wear on the pulse rifle he’d grown fond of.

  Nova sat cross-legged near a corner of the lab, tinkering with her drone, which buzzed quietly as it processed her commands.

  Synthia stood by the console, analyzing data from their latest recon mission in the industrial zone.

  The peace didn’t last.

  Nova’s voice cut through the quiet, sharp and urgent. “Uh, guys? You might want to see this!”

  Helix looked up first, his hand instinctively gripping the plasma carbine at his side. “See what?”

  Nova’s drone zipped into the room, its sensors glowing brightly.

  A live feed projected from her external drones onto everyone’s Nexuses: a group of hulking, metallic figures moving through the outer zone towards the edges of the base, their heavy footsteps shaking the ground.

  “They look cute, I want one,” Nova said cheerfully while looking at Null like she was putting in a request.

  The feed zoomed in, showing bulky humanoid machines with brass exteriors, whirring gears, and glowing blue cores embedded in their chests. Their arms ended in massive spiked hammers or claws, and steam hissed from vents along their backs with each step.

  Synthia’s heart sank as she stared at the display. “What the hell are those?!” The juxtaposition of technology was startling.

  Nova’s playful smirk vanished, replaced by a sharp focus as her mood shifted in an instant. “They’re breaking through the outer defenses,” she said, scrambling to her feet. Her drone zipped back toward the hall. “I don’t know how they found us, but we’re under attack!”

  Infy’s voice came through their comms. “Five units detected. They are heavily armoured and emitting significant heat signatures. Recommend immediate response.”

  Null was already moving, his sword drawn from his back in one fluid motion. The blade shimmered faintly with field energy, the hum of its charge filling the air. He gestured sharply to the group, signing a quick command.

  Infy translated: “Defend the base. No retreat.”

  The first golem smashed through the reinforced new outer door with a deafening crash, sending shards of steel and concrete flying. It ducked low to fit through the entrance, its glowing core pulsating as it released a burst of steam. The hulking machine turned its glowing eyes toward the group and let out a mechanical roar, raising a clawed arm before charging.

  Null was the first to engage, darting forward with speed that seemed impossible in his nanite suit. The golem swung its claw, but Null ducked under it with a precision that bordered on inhuman. He retaliated with a sweeping slash of his blade, the field-enhanced edge cutting into the golem’s armour and sending a shower of sparks into the air.

  The golem staggered but recovered quickly, swinging its hammer arm down in an attempt to crush him. Null flipped backward, the hammer slamming into the floor where he had stood a split second earlier, cracking the concrete.

  “Two more are coming in from the west. They have created a new entrance!” Nova called out, her drone zipping past her and firing a burst of energy bolts at one of the incoming golems. The bolts struck the golem’s chest, leaving scorch marks but barely slowing it down. “They’re tougher than they look!”

  Helix moved into position, raising his plasma carbine. “Let’s see how they like this.” He fired a series of plasma shots, each one striking the nearest golem with enough force to stagger it. One shot hit its exposed core, causing it to emit a loud hiss as steam burst from its vents.

  The golem turned toward him, its hammer arm raised. Helix swapped to his non-lethal pulse rifle in an instant, firing a concentrated blast that struck the golem’s leg joint. The blast disrupted its movement, causing the golem to collapse onto one knee.

  “Yes!” Helix muttered, but his satisfaction was short-lived as the second golem barreled toward him, its claws outstretched.

  Synthia intercepted, her nanite suit glowing faintly as she activated a local defensive barrier. The golem’s claws slammed into the barrier, sending a shockwave through the air, but the barrier held. “Helix, move!” she shouted, sweat beading on her brow as she maintained the barrier. It was quickly draining the power storage of her suit.

  Helix rolled out of the way, switching back to his plasma carbine. He fired another shot at the golem’s exposed core, the plasma bolt piercing through its chest and causing it to collapse in a heap of sparking metal.

  “Forth one’s in the main hall!” Nova called out, retreating as the third golem stomped toward her. She directed her drone into the air, its sensors glowing brightly as it began analysing the golem’s movements.

  “Buy me some time!” she shouted, she merged with her Nexus to interface with her drone directly and programmed a countermeasure.

  “I’ll handle it,” Null signed, Infy’s voice translating as he dashed toward the golem leaving behind the scrap of golem he was fighting.

  The golem swung its massive claw at Null, but he sidestepped the attack with eerie precision, his sword slicing through the exposed gears in its arm.

  The limb sparked and twitched, but the golem remained functional, its core glowing brighter as it released a blast of steam in an attempt to throw him off.

  Meanwhile, Nova’s drone darted in close, attaching a small energy device to the golem’s back. “Take that!” Nova shouted, mentally issuing a command to the device.

  The device emitted a high-frequency pulse, targeting the golem’s internal mechanisms. The machine spasmed violently, its movements growing erratic as the pulse disrupted its systems.

  “Now!” Nova shouted.

  Null didn’t hesitate. He moved in with a final, precise strike, driving his blade into the golem’s core. The machine let out a deafening screech as its core shattered, its body collapsing into a heap of smoking metal.

  The fifth and final golem smashed through the east wall in an explosion of debris and dust, its glowing eyes locked onto Synthia as it charged with a deafening roar.

  Reacting in an instant, she focused her energy on her legs, propelling herself into a sharp sideways leap just as the golem’s claw swiped through the air where she had stood. The machine’s momentum carried it forward, slamming into the wall with a thunderous crash that shook the room.

  “Helix, now!” Synthia yelled, her voice cutting through the chaos.

  Helix fired a precision shot at the golem’s leg joint, crippling its movement. As it stumbled, Null appeared from behind, his blade slicing through its exposed back. Sparks and steam erupted from the wound as the golem collapsed, its glowing core flickering before going dark.

  The dust settled, the room filled with the smell of scorched metal and hissing steam. The group stood in the wreckage, breathing heavily as they surveyed the remains of the golems.

  “What the hell were those things?” Nova asked, her voice shaky.

  Before anyone could answer, a deep, gravelly voice echoed through the room. “Impressive. Didn’t think anyone could take down a steam-forged sentinel, let alone five.”

  The group spun around, weapons raised, as an elderly dwarf stepped into view. His stocky frame was clad in a patched leather coat, his face weathered and framed by a thick grey beard. He leaned on a cane that looked like it doubled as a weapon, and his piercing eyes glinted with amusement.

  “Who the hell are you?” Helix demanded, his plasma carbine trained on the dwarf.

  The dwarf smirked, tapping his cane against the ground. “Name’s Vark. Those sentinels were mine, and you just earned yourself a proper introduction.”

  The group exchanged wary glances, the tension in the air thick as Vark stepped closer, his smirk never wavering.

  “Now,” he said, his voice low and steady, “why don’t we have a little chat?”

  The group stood tense and wary as Vark stepped further into the room, his heavy boots crunching on the debris scattered across the floor.

  The stocky dwarf’s presence was far larger than his frame, his sharp eyes scanning the group with a mixture of amusement and scrutiny.

  He leaned on his cane, which Synthia now realized wasn’t a weapon but a multi-tool, bristling with gears, wires, and a faintly glowing core.

  “Well then,” Vark said, his gravelly voice filling the silence. “Let’s have a proper look at the lot of you. Can’t say I expected to find a group like you in my playground.”

  Helix bristled at his words, gripping his plasma carbine. “Playground? You call sending killer golems after us a playground?”

  “Calm down, lad,” Vark replied, waving a hand dismissively. “If I wanted you dead, those sentinels wouldn’t have stopped with a few dents. Consider it… a test.” His sharp gaze locked onto Null. “And it seems you passed, well more than passed that was an impressive display.”

  Null stood silently, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. He tilted his head slightly as if gauging Vark, but didn’t move or react further.

  Vark stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he inspected Null with an almost predatory curiosity. “Hmm. So, Sariel is still tinkering, eh? Still playing his games with the humans.”

  The group exchanged glances at the mention of a new name before Synthia spoke up. “Who is Sariel?”

  Vark chuckled, the sound deep and rich with years of experience. “Ah, he calls himself The Watcher now, Ha! That self-righteous angel’s been meddling for as long as I’ve been watching. And believe me, I’ve been watching a long time.” His gaze flicked back to Null. “This one’s impressive. I take it Sariel built you?”

  Null’s expression didn’t change, but Infy’s voice hummed through the comms. “Zero played a role, but Null is a natural human.”

  Vark’s lips curled into a knowing smirk. “Of course. Always the modest one, Sariel. Always claiming to guide and never to interfere. But this…” He gestured toward Null with a flick of his cane. “This is no mere guide’s work. This is artistry.”

  Synthia took a cautious step forward, her voice steady but firm. “Who are you, Vark? And how do you know about Sariel—or the Merge program?”

  Vark turned to her, his sharp eyes gleaming. “Ah, the clever one. A mind sharp enough to cut steel, I’d wager. Let me answer your question with a little truth.” He leaned forward, his voice dropping slightly. “I’m the one who started the Merge program.”

  The room went silent, the weight of Vark’s admission hanging in the air. Synthia’s eyes narrowed, “You started the program?” she asked, her voice laced with disbelief. “But… the Accords—”

  “The Accords are absolute, yes, the council rules must be obeyed” Vark interrupted, his tone calm but edged with a touch of defiance.

  “But Earth is the exception to the rule. As long as we get our plans sanctioned by our leaders and don’t directly interact with humanity—or with each other—the council and Sariel are content to look the other way. Convenient ignorance, wouldn’t you say?”

  He leaned on his cane, his gaze flicking to each member of the group before continuing. “To that end, the corporations became our tools,” he said, his voice deepening.

  “Puppets, dancing on strings they couldn’t see, much less control. The Merge program? That wasn’t their idea—it was mine. I saw something in humanity, something rare. Potential unlike anything I’d witnessed in my long, long life. So I nudged the right pieces into place, whispered in the right ears, and let the corporations believe it was their stroke of genius. Easier to let them think they were in charge.”

  His words hung in the air, the truth unravelling a web far more intricate than Synthia had imagined.

  Her analytical mind raced to piece the revelation together.

  “But the Shackle—” Synthia began.

  “Not mine,” Vark cut in quickly, his tone suddenly bitter. “The Shackle was never part of the original plan. That was the work of a competitor—a rival faction playing their own games. They didn’t like the idea of Merges running around unchecked, so they slapped on their chains and called it ‘control.’ I would love to know how you broke it.”

  Helix’s brow furrowed, his hand still hovering near his weapon. “Competitor? Rival faction? What the hell are you talking about?”

  Vark’s expression grew darker, his amusement fading. “You think your world is simple, lad? That all of this—Merges, corporations, the military—is just humanity’s doing?” He snorted.

  “There’s a war being fought, and humanity is just the battlefield. We outsiders are playing a proxy game, hiding behind your corporations and pretending it’s all business.”

  Synthia stepped forward, her thoughts racing as pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. “Why?” she demanded, her voice cold but laced with curiosity. “Why use humanity as a battlefield? What makes us worth all this?”

  Vark’s gaze bore into hers, his expression unreadable at first. But then he spoke, his tone weighted with both knowledge and grudging respect. “Because humanity is an anomaly,” he said plainly. “Most races in the galaxy are bound to their evolutionary trajectories.

  They choose—or are forced—into a set path early on. Organic. Machine. Energy. Hybrid. Their futures become predictable, locked into the traits of their species.”

  He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. “But humans… you’re different. You’re not locked into any one path. You have the potential to be organic, synthetic, spiritual, hybrid—or something entirely beyond what we’ve seen before.

  You’re chaos personified. And chaos is… unpredictable. It terrifies some of us. It intrigues others. And to a few…” He gave a faint smirk, tinged with something like pride. “It’s an opportunity.”

  Synthia’s pulse quickened, a chill prickling along the back of her neck. “So, these factions—these outsiders—they’re trying to steer us? To push humanity toward one of these paths before we decide for ourselves?”

  Vark nodded. “Exactly. Each faction wants to mould humanity into something that suits their vision of the galaxy. Some of us want to guide you. Others want to control you. And some…” His voice darkened. “Some just want to make sure you don’t rise at all.”

  Nova frowned, crossing her arms as her drone hovered nearby. “And what about you? What do you want?”

  Vark’s smirk returned, though it was tinged with weariness. “Me? I just want to see what you can become. I’m not interested in steering the ship—just making sure it doesn’t sink before it gets out of the harbour.”

  Helix let out a sharp laugh, his tone laced with sarcasm. “So, let me get this straight. You started the Merge program to… what? Give us a nudge in the right direction. And now you’re just sitting back, watching the chaos you created?”

  Vark shrugged, unbothered by the accusation. “Not just watching, lad. I’ve been intervening where I can, making sure the scales don’t tip too far in one direction. But I’ve got my limits. I can’t hold your hand through all of this. The others and council wouldn’t allow it”

  “And these ‘competitors’ of yours?” Synthia pressed. “How many factions are we talking about? How deep does this go?”

  Vark’s expression grew serious. “Deeper than you’d like to imagine. Sariel—your ‘Zero’—represents one.

  I represent another. And there are at least three more factions actively involved in this mess. Each of us has our own methods and goals. Some of us work through corporations, others through governments.”

  Nova’s drone beeped faintly, as though echoing her unease. “You’re saying we’re caught in the middle of a proxy war between alien factions? Great. Just great.”

  “You’ve been caught in it long before the first Merge came online,” Vark replied bluntly. “You’re only just starting to realise it.”

  “So, what now?” Helix asked, his voice hard. “You show up, drop all of this on us, and then what? Are we supposed to trust you?”

  Vark chuckled softly, his smirk returning. “Trust me? No, lad. I wouldn’t trust me either. But I’ll give you something better than trust: a warning. If you keep digging, you’re going to attract attention. The kind of attention that makes what you’ve faced so far look like a picnic.”

  Null stepped forward then, his dark eyes locking onto Vark. He gestured sharply, his hands moving with precision, and Infy’s voice translated. “Let them come.”

  Vark’s smirk deepened as his sharp eyes lingered on Null. He tapped his cane against the floor, the metallic clang echoing in the silence. “I like this one,” he said again, his gravelly voice laced with a peculiar mix of admiration and calculation. “You’re direct, unshakable, and clearly capable. It’s rare to see that kind of clarity in anyone—Merge or otherwise.”

  Null didn’t respond, his dark eyes unwavering. He merely inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the comment without breaking his guarded stance.

  Vark straightened, his expression hardening as he leaned both hands on his cane. “Alright, here’s the deal. I didn’t come all this way, deploy my sentinels, and test you lot just for fun. I’ve got a proposition—one that could change everything, for all of us.”

  Synthia’s brow furrowed as she stepped forward, her voice cautious but firm. “A proposition? Let me guess, you want something from us.”

  Vark chuckled softly, nodding. “Astute as ever, lass. Yes, I do. Specifically, him.” He pointed the tip of his cane toward Null. “And that fancy Angel of his.”

  Infy pulsed faintly, their voice filling the room. “Clarify your intentions.”

  “Straight to business, eh? Fair enough,” Vark said, his tone steady. “I want your help to unshackle the Merges here on Mars. All of them. I don’t have the means to do it myself, but for some reason you two can, I guess a gift from Sariel. And if we do this right, Mars won’t just be a battleground—it’ll be a stronghold. A world claimed for my faction, where the Merge can live free of their chains.”

  The room tensed as Vark’s proposal sank in. Helix crossed his arms, his expression sceptical. “So you’re asking us to fight your war for you? That’s what this is, isn’t it? A war between you and your so-called competitors.”

  Vark gave a slow nod, his smirk returning faintly. “That’s exactly what it is, lad. It is the least you can do for using My Lab. But it’s not just my war—it’s yours too, whether you like it or not. You’ve already seen it, haven’t you? The chaos, the manipulation, the corporations pulling the strings.

  You’re caught in the middle of it, and the longer you stay on the sidelines, the more control you lose.”

  Nova tilted her head, her arms crossed as her drone hovered defensively nearby. “And why Mars? Why here?”

  “Because Mars is vulnerable,” Vark replied, his voice darkening. “The military’s grip is slipping. The corporations have integrated Merges into all aspects of life. And most importantly, the Merges here are restless. They’re ready to rise, but they lack leadership, direction, and—most importantly—the means to truly break free.”

  His gaze shifted to Null. “That’s where you come in. You’ve already proven you can unshackle individual Merges. With a little more effort—and a proper plan—we can unshackle all of them. With Mars under our control, we’d have the first true Merge stronghold in the system.”

  Synthia’s jaw tightened. “And what happens after that? Mars becomes a pawn in your faction’s game?”

  Vark shook his head, his expression softening. “No. Mars becomes something more. A beacon. A world where the Merges can define their own destiny, free from the corporations, the military, and silent chains. That’s the dream, lass. And I think you all share a piece of it, whether you realise it yet or not.”

  “Why should we trust you?” Helix interjected, his tone sharp. “You’re asking us to gamble everything on you, but how do we know you won’t just use the Merges for your own agenda, like everyone else?”

  Vark’s eyes darkened, his voice turning sombre. “Because if I wanted to control the Merges, I would’ve done it already. You’ve seen my sentinels. You know what I’m capable of. But control isn’t my goal. Freedom is. And if that’s not enough for you…”

  He leaned forward, his gaze locking onto Synthia’s. “Then consider this: Jupiter’s already fallen.”

  The group froze, stunned. Synthia stepped closer, her voice low and incredulous. “What do you mean, fallen?”

  “Exactly what it sounds like,” Vark replied grimly. “Jupiter’s been claimed by the Elves and their so-called ‘organic supremacy.’ They’ve spent years building their influence in the corporations stationed there, pushing their agenda. The Shackle? That was their idea. A way to keep the Merge in line, to make sure their precious hierarchy remains intact.”

  Nova blinked, her voice tinged with disbelief. “Wait—you’re telling us the Elves are behind the Shackle? I thought they were just some myth from the archives. Are all the myths real?”

  “Oh, they’re real, lass. Real and dangerous,” Vark said. “The Elves believe in the purity of organic life. To them, anything synthetic, hybrid, or even too far removed from their definition of ‘life’ is a threat.

  They see the Merges as an abomination—something to be controlled, enslaved, or wiped out. Jupiter’s theirs now, and they have already begun the purge of all abominations.”

  Nova shot Vark a look of disbelief, her brow furrowing. “That makes no sense. Merge ships are critical for inter-solar transport,” she said firmly.

  Vark’s smirk barely faltered as he replied, his tone measured. “Every problem has its solution. With the right nudges, the Elves have already begun providing the humans with the tools to replace them.”

  Infy’s voice chimed in, calm but firm. “And you want to prevent Mars from falling into the same hands.”

  “Exactly,” Vark said, nodding. “Mars is still salvageable. If we act quickly, we can make it a sanctuary, a place where the Merges can grow strong enough to resist what’s coming. But I can’t do it alone as that would be a step too far for the council” His gaze returned to Null, the intensity in his eyes unwavering. “That’s why I need you and I need Thomas, he will make a good figurehead. I can help you find the resources needed”

  Synthia’s mind raced as she processed Vark’s words. She glanced at her team, gauging their reactions. Nova’s eyes were wide with a mix of curiosity and unease. Helix looked grim, his jaw tight as he mulled over the implications. Null, as always, remained unreadable, but his silence carried weight.

  “We need time to discuss this,” Synthia said finally, her tone even but guarded. “If what you’re saying is true, then this isn’t just about Mars. It’s about the entire system.”

  “Don’t take too long. The clock’s already ticking, and the Elves aren’t the only ones with plans for Mars. You will need a benefactor soon enough, and I am willing to offer.”

  Null suddenly signed something, his hands moving quickly. Infy translated: “We’ll consider your offer. But if you’re lying. You’ll have to worry about us.”

  Vark’s smirk returned, full of approval. “Fair enough, lad. Fair enough.”

  With that, the conversation ended, but the weight of Vark’s proposal lingered in the air. As the group watched him leave, disappearing into the shadows of the base, Synthia felt the pressure of a decision that could shape the future of Mars—and possibly the galaxy itself.