A faint, rhythmic pulse filled the darkness as the Ndaniroho Protocol initiated its boot sequence.
`// Boot sequence initiation`
`Aru-Roho.start();`
First, Roho performed a thorough self-diagnostic. Each core system was scrutinized: the Steel Heart, Super Skeletal Frame, Brunt Muscular System, Advanced Optical System, Externa Layer, and Hyperblood reserves.
`// System self-diagnostic`
`Roho.runSelfDiagnostic();`
`if (diagnosticResult === "error") {`
` Roho.addressErrors();`
`}`
With a soft whirr from somewhere deep within, the defibrillator system activated. Roho assessed the energy levels of the Steel Heart, confirming that there was sufficient power for the resuscitation process. The defibrillator pads, nestled along Aru's ribcage, were calibrated with meticulous care, ensuring they were primed for maximum efficacy. This was true for each and every one of her components.
And yet… she was deemed defective.
`// Defibrillator system activation`
`Roho.checkPowerLevels(SteelHeart);`
`if (powerLevels < requiredThreshold) {`
` Roho.allocateAdditionalPower();`
`}`
`Roho.calibrateDefibrillators();`
Roho’s sensors hummed internally as it prepared for the defibrillation sequence. The defibrillator system was charged, a controlled burst of energy ready to be delivered. The first pulse of electricity surged through Aru’s body, a jolt designed to kickstart her heart into a steady rhythm.
`// Defibrillation sequence`
`Roho.prepareDefibrillation();`
`Roho.deliverPulse(intensityLevel = 1);`
As the pulse was delivered, Roho's monitoring systems sprang into action. It scrutinized Aru’s heart rate and rhythm, adjusting the intensity of the defibrillation pulse based on real-time feedback. Each beat was assessed, with stabilization checks ensuring that the heart's rhythm was returning to normal from its previously motionless state.
`// Heart rate stabilization`
`Roho.monitorHeartRate();`
`if (heartRate < normalRange) {`
` Roho.adjustPulse(intensityLevel = 2);`
`}`
Once the heart was stable, Roho shifted its focus to system recovery. A critical status update flashed across the interface that appeared deep in Aru’s mind, detailing her physical and system conditions. Any ongoing issues were flagged, and adjustments were made to recalibrate the Super Skeletal Frame and Brunt Muscular System, ensuring they functioned optimally in the current state.
`// System recovery and recalibration`
`Roho.updateStatus();`
`Roho.recalibrateSystems(SuperSkeletalFrame, BruntMuscularSystem);`
Roho then engaged in data synchronization. It connected to the Roho Protocol, updating and integrating necessary data to ensure that Aru’s neural interface and cognitive functions were fully aligned with her augment systems. The system log recorded every step of the resuscitation process, a detailed account for future reference.
`// Data synchronization`
`Roho.syncData();`
`Roho.updateNeuralInterface();`
`Roho.recordLog();`
Finally, the wake-up protocol commenced. Aru’s Advanced Optical System activated, gradually bringing her awareness back online.
Her sensory inputs stirred, and Roho gathered data on the surrounding environment.
Consciousness came as a wave and Aru beheld a vast scrapyard which she found herself at the bottom of as the cloudy morning sky gently bathed her with light.
`// Wake-up protocol`
`Simplifying feedback`
Aru’s thoughts rapidly began to clear as the turbulent sea of information that was her mind calmed.
Flowing within and across it were currents of data which she was able to focus on one at a time.
`Integrating Simplified Heads Up Display`
[Serial number: AIFT-G3-U0Z
Codename: Kakkiaru
Level: 1
Remaining Upgrade Points: 1
HP (Health Points): 120/200
EN (Energy – available/maximum): 15/200W
STR (Strength – maximum output): 6000N
SPD (Speed – top speed): 20km/h
EI (Externa Integrity): 100%]
Aru winced at the information that appeared in front of her.
She knew it was a projection in her mind but it took a minute to stop thinking that she could reach out and touch it since it was projected over the view of her environment.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
She glanced at her own body, which lay naked and covered in mud, as if someone had just left it there.
At the centre of her chest, beneath her modest breasts, was a slightly elongated pentagonal shape which glowed dimly yellow.
She wanted to touch it and just by having that desire, her right arm moved to the shape which radiated a soft warmth.
She slid her hands over its glass like surface and relished its heat for a moment before sliding her thin fingers towards her skin which, while appearing normal at first, was lined with countless feint hexagons.
[ENERGY CRITICALLY LOW!
Recommended action:
Upgrade Steel Heart Mk. 1 to Mk. 2 and acquire “Bio-Energy Fusion Core" enhancement!]
Aru squinted at the instructions that appeared in her mind.
It felt like the instructions were pleading to follow them so she tried and, as soon as she focused on the words “Bio-Energy Fusion Core”, a list appeared before her.
1. Steel Heart Mk. 1 – Compact Super Cell power supply.
2. Super Skeletal Frame Mk. 1 – Composite Frame.
3. Brunt Muscular System Mk. 1 – nanotube advanced motion system.
4. Advanced Optical System Mk. 1 – enhanced eye and optical nerve structures.
5. Externa Layer Mk. 1 – Carbon Composite skin.
6. Hyperblood Reserves Mk. 1 – nanobot rich blood.
Aru’s eyes widened a little.
It felt like this was the first time and yet it was also like she knew exactly what each word meant.
She focused on the Steel Heart line and it expanded, revealing an available upgrade path.
[Do you want to upgrade Steel Heart Mk. 1 to Mk. 2? Y/N?]
Yes-
The thought didn’t even get a chance to finish as a sharp pain came from within her chest..
She felt countless strange connections form between her digestive System and her Steel Heart and while she couldn’t see exactly what was going on inside, It felt like something was repeatedly stabbing her.
She reeled from the pain and fell to the side as drool fell from her lips.
Another pain then came but it was weaker than the first.
It was more of a dull ache that made her greedily swallow whatever saliva her mouth held.
The first pain then steadily left and the instructions gave her another task.
[Find something to eat.]
Aru took a moment to calm her hastened breaths first and slowly sat up.
She scanned her surroundings and while she had a vague idea what food was, she was uncertain whether she’d find any where she was.
Regardless, she stood up with a level of ease it took and balance that surprised her a little.
She took to walking around in search of food but the more she searched, the more confident she was about the fact that she wouldn’t be able to find anything in the pile of rust and scrap she was in.
So she shifted her efforts towards trying to leave the scrap heap.
She wandered aimlessly for several minutes before eventually coming across a peculiar sight.
Squatted over a pile of junk was a small man who seemed be looking for something. He was clad in dirty rags that seemed to meld with his pale skin due to the mud and grime.
[Assessing individual: …
Threat level: ???
Error – unable to assess. Not enough data. Caution is advised.]
The man must have heard Aru’s approach because he quickly stood up and faced her with widened eyes.
He then pulled out a rusty shank which he pointed at Aru, making her stop a few meters away from him.
“Who are you? And why… are you naked?” The man shrieked through an unkempt beard, his hostility quickly turning into confusion.
His words prompted Aru who looked herself over.
She remembered her designated serial number and thought it would be a suitable name to give.
“I am AIFT-G3-U0Z and I am naked because I do not have any clothes.”
The man made a stupefied expression.
“Huh…?” he sounded while lowering his shank.
Aru was sure it was a weapon but the Roho Protocol didn’t raise his threat level.
The man then shifted his eyes back and forth, as if checking for something.
“Mmm… are you alone?” He asked as he took slow and careful steps towards Aru who answered as flatly as before.
“I woke up and arrived here alone, yes.”
“Aren’t you being a little too honest?” The man raised a brow as he walked up to her.
“I see no reason to deceive you.”
Aru could smell the putrid smells that rose from the man now that he stood before her but her expression remained unchanged.
He made no efforts to hide his prolonged stares at her breasts.
“Here. Can’t have you wondering around cheeks out and proud, now can we?”
The man peeled off one of his jackets and draped it over Aru’s slender frame.
“We also can’t stay out here for too long. Don’t wanna get swept up by the E-walls.”
The man nodded toward where he was digging before leading Aru to a pile of scrap which had bits of circuitry here and there.
“Gimme a sec, just gotta check if these bad boys are any good.”
He crouched over the pile and rummaged through it for a moment before letting a series of disgruntled grunts.
“Fuck all. Well, at least I found something interesting. That’ll have to do for today.” He muttered to himself while standing upright.
He then led Aru east as the sun rose on high.
“So… what are you exactly? Those tits are way too small for you to be a sex bot but you don’t have enough metal on ya to be a battle Droid. Are you a cyborg or something?” He raised a brow at Aru who looked up in thought for a moment.
“If being a cyborg means that I I partly human and machine, then yes.”
“So what the hell happened to your personality…”
The man snuck a glance at her breasts again.
“And your sense of shame?”
“I don’t know.”
“Well, that sucks. And are you sure you don’t have another name because there’s no way I’m remembering that alphabet you threw at me earlier.”
“You can call me by my call sign if you want. It’s Kakkiaru but you can call me Aru. It’s a nickname.”
As she walked, she noticed that the man was having significantly more trouble traversing the gnarly terrain than she was but, since he didn’t ask her to help, she remained silent on the matter.
“Usually other people give people nicknames but alright. My name’s Nelson. Nice to meet you.” He gave Aru a brown toothed smile.
Aru thought about smiling back in turn but the resulting twitches and convulsions that followed could hardly be called a smile.
“What the- what’s wrong? You malfunctioning or something?” Nelson cried as Aru’s face returned to its normal, black expression.
“My systems are mostly functioning at their expected levels.”
“Oh- alright.”
He didn’t sound convinced at all but kept walking regardless.
The two walked up a large fairly large hill of scrap which allowed Aru to see that the scrapyard was just south of a distant city and had a diameter of about one hundred kilometres.
The city seemed to be much larger than the scrapyard, something which was clear by the fact that its tall wall extended much further than the outer limits of the scrapyard.
Another curiosity was the settlement in the heart of all of junk to the east.
“Welcome to the Sea of Rust. Ove there is the illustrious capital of Unity, Cynosure. Any of these name ring a bell?”
Aru’s eyes narrowed.
Not that she needed to see any clearer, she was simply trying to recall.
She knew of Unity – the Manmade Continent, which floated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and she knew of its capital but, until this moment, she only had those names and images in her database.
Aru nodded prompting Nelson to point at the settlement she’d spotted.
“That there is Scumburg, home to the dregs that even the Ghettos of Cynosure kick out.” He scowled before pointing to a spot a few kilometres south of the town.
“That’s where my humble abode is and I guess we can chill there until you figure out… whatever it is you have to figure out. Sound good?”
Aru nodded.
“Good. But first, we gotta find you something to wear.”
.
..
The sun now soared high above the partly cloudy sky and Aru now wore a set of dirty, baggy clothing. Her pants had to be bound to her slim waist using electrical cable but she didn’t mind.
Her ever watchful eyes continued to scan her environment as she followed Nelson towards his home.
In the distance, a cleared path could be seen. It ran through the mountains of scrap although it wasn’t wide enough to be called a road.
Lining the path and walking in and out of the town were people who were either just as dirty as Nelson or far dirtier, details which Aru could see thanks to her enhanced eyesight although she couldn’t clearly make out individual faces.
A few baton wielding individuals could be seen patrolling the Path that ultimately led Scumburg's western gate.
“Keep close.” Nelson urged prompting Aru to return her gaze to the treacherous path towards his home.
The two eventually reached the small, rickety shack which sat on a cleared patched of dirt.
“Err… yeah. So this is my humble abode. It’s not much but… yeah.” Nelson cheekily smiled buy just as he reached out to open the door, it flung open, smacking him in the face and sent him tumbling backwards.
“Sheesh! You took forever to get here! We were starting to think you’d died or something. Don’t worry us… like that…”
Four men exited Nelson’s shack.
Chief among them was a man who stood almost two meters tall. His burly frame was barely able to fit in his dirty green shirt and he had a short Mohawk atop his tanned head.
However, his most prominent feature was his jaw which was made almost entirely of metal.
His companions were similar to the other denizens of Scumburg although they held guns in their hands.
This was enough for the Roho Protocol to mark them as Threat Level [1] individuals.
“Forget the Ultras, who’s this?” The metal jawed man growled as he walked over to Aru who hadn’t moved.
“Yeah, tell Irontooth who she is and maybe we won’t beat you as bad!”
One of Irontooth’s men cackled while stepping on Nelson.
“Oh, no. He’s getting no quarter but still… purple hair, big beautiful eyes… smooth skin. Just who are you and how in all hells did you end up with that loser?” Irontooth asked as he reached out to touch Aru but she had already identified him as a potential threat and so moved away.
This made Irontooth’s eyes narrow a little.
“Come now. Don’t be shy. You and I are gonna get real close, reap soon. So loosen up a little, doll face.”
He tried touching her again and again, Aru backed away which made Irontooth’s scar lined face twist.
“Run, Aru! Run away-“
Irontooth’s men all took turns at kicking Nelson, silencing his cries.
Irontooth himself then grabbed Aru’s arm but, before he could say anything else, Aru spun and kicked him in the head with so much force that her bare foot tore off the top half of his skull, killing him instantly.