Target acquired. Dog on chair found. Surveying area. Dog, chair, umbrella, table, sand, blue sky, duelling ring. Proceeding towards target.
A blue humanoid robot with spheres for feet rolled across the sandy desert. “Attention, target is believed to be extremely dangerous, proceed with caution,” commanded a disembodied robotic voice in the robots head.
”Understood,” said Printer, the name of the blue robot.
Direct approach deemed too dangerous. No movement from target, eyes are closed, he appears to be sleeping in the shade of his umbrella. Activating flight mode.
Printer transformed its spherical feet into jet propulsion systems, and quickly disappeared into the sky.
“Woah, not very subtle, huh,” said Jason as he observed Printer from a nearby oasis.
“You think it gave up?” asked Donald as he strolled to stand next to Jason.
“No, not yet. They don’t usually give up this early,” said Jason as he gazed up into the noon day sky.
“I guess we’re still in for a show then,” said Donald as he started to make himself comfortable.
“Yeah. Probably. It’s strange though. They usually come at night,” said Jason.
Altitude two thousand metres reached. Preparing to drop on target. Chance of success: high. Reward for completing mission: more original thought. Must win. Fight for knowledge!
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
Printer turned off its thrusters and began to fall. There were some clouds on the horizon which were gathering at an increasing rate; seemingly coming from nowhere.
Altitude decreasing. 1500 metres. 1250 metres. Preparing weapons.
Printer pulled a large axe out of its body and prepared to swing at its target. The sky was darkening even faster. The blue sky was gone; replaced by black clouds.
Problem detected. Weather conditions in surrounding area are abnormal. Correcting for increased wind speed. Continuing towards target. 750 metres. 500 metres.
“There it comes!” exclaimed Donald as he abruptly stood up.
Jason watched on silently as the robot; with weapon in hand, descended towards Charlie the dog, who still seemed to be sitting on his chair while enjoying some shade.
This weather is strange, thought Jason as he observed the dark clouds and strong winds.
A loud crack was heard that effected Jason’s hearing. It was accompanied by a white bolt of lightning that struck Printer and broke it into pieces.
Mission critical. Multiple systems disabled. Power decreasing. 80%, 75%. Never give up!
Pieces of the robot known as Printer were scattered across the desert. It was, however, still left with most of its upper body.
Optical systems functional. Target reacquired. Approaching. Distance 10 metres. Power 60%. 5 metres, 30%.
Printer slowly used its upper arms to pull itself across the ground and towards Charlie. One over the other, as if swimming in a quagmire of sand. Charlie was awake. He watched Printer with interest as it edged closer to his chair.
Power 5%. Distance to target: 1 metre. Unable to move. Not enough power. Continuing surveillance of target.
As Printer watched, Charlie got up from his chair and grabbed a small portable white board and rested it against his chair. He also grabbed a black pen from nearby with his mouth. He then proceeded to write.
It read ‘You should have come at night,’
Mission failure. Recommend future units not come when the sun is up. Power 1%. Transmission end.