Serial designation CH0PP3R rose up from the table.

"Success. The subject has awoken. Chopper, do you hear me? Refer to me as Researcher Konkai."

"Yes, Researcher Konkai."

"Okay, booting up metadata. Standby"

Chopper became aware of her existence. That wasn't her name though. It was something else.

"Subject, what can you remember?"

Chopper knew she had signed up for a program. The TEAR program, essentially the Port military. Her underground home was named after the founder's obsession with wine. It was a harebrained plan to combat the Synthoid invasion, an apocalyptic event that razed civilisation and forced humans underground. She was in a TEAR unit, a machine with a wetware strengthened brain, inherited from her body.

Actually, where is my-

[THOUGHTS TERMINATED]

It didn't matter where her body was. She repeated what she remembered and Konkai nodded.

"Good. Your commander will be in room 36. Doors are numbered on the left. Go."

Chopper instinctively saluted and left.

Why did I-

[THOUGHTS MODIFIED]

Superiors must be saluted to, and as a soldier, I am inferior.

She walked down to the door numbered 36 and opened it. Three other TEARS were in the room and her Commander. Commanders were unmodified humans that led squads of TEARS. Enhanced commanders were a waste of resources, as most were too cowardly to-

[THOUGHTS MODIFIED]

Commanders were too important to lose, so Chopper had to protects hers with her life. Or whatever facsimile of life she had left.

"Alright listen. We're tasked with grabbing supplies from an abandoned facility on the surface. Our equipment will be distributed at the elevator."

All four replied with various affirmations. Chopper mutely nodded, not seeing the point in talking.

Why don't I-

[THOUGHTS TERMINATED]

They walked through the streets towards the Lift. One of the few access points to the surface world, only military, researchers, and other authorised groups were allowed into it. Chopper looked at the items for the mission. A pistol, rifle, and a single grenade. Spare magazines for both and webbing to attach them. One of her teammates, who she learned was named Fusion, helped her put it on.

Stepping in the elevator, it rose towards the surface. After a minute or two, it opened, a plume of dust billowing in.

Alright, don't get scared now.

"Let's go!"

They ran out, boarding a helicopter.