“Commander Adwani, how go the preparations? It has been four days, ten hours, five minutes and forty-six…seven seconds since we last heard from Melnie and her team. We are already a day and ten hours over our original deadline, are we certain that your soldiers can get used to the new equipment? Would it not be wiser to make your move faster, even if using the standard equipment?” Without any additional information on the third survey team, I could only presume they were dead, yet the danger of what lay on the other side of the tunnel was still existed.

“It is fine my Lord if my niece has perished then that was simply her fate. Other than you my liege we are all expendable, we only exist by your grace… As for the equipment, the soldiers have already started to become accustomed, it will not be long now. It takes a bit of getting used to, especially the range of movement, but with those suits we should be more than capable of dealing with any unforeseen threats.” Arhun and his men had come up with an ingenious plan, using equipment I had long overlooked, that with a few modifications could easily act as military grade armor. If not a bit archaic, but what mattered were the results.

Arhun and I both realized the danger of walking into a dangerous situation blind. Thus, we spent a great deal of time analyzing the old records looking for tools that could be redesigned or modified to be used as military equipment until I managed to regain control of the subsectors. For that purpose, the Skellies were being modified into the newly minted Faceless.

Tactile sensors across their entire frame made an optical device unnecessary, while also reducing the cost associated with that. The sensors were built into every part of the bot’s frames, acting the same as human sensory organs, such as hearing and taste, and were easy enough to mass produce and insert during the manufacturing process. Their frames were noticeably bulkier, featuring thicker armor plating, a combination of composite materials resting atop a layer of steel. While heavy duty servos taken from the rover designs were integrated into the new frames, to cope with the increased weight more successfully. Finally, were their weapons, gone were the Buzz Batons, replaced instead with the Heat Lance.

The Heat Lance featured the same heavy composite alloy making up the shaft of the spear, while it had to extend and contract to fight effectively in tighter confines when required. An internal welding device placed in the center of the spear head could be activated, heating up the blade. This blade was designed using a composite metal composed of hafnium and carbon, which had a melting point of around eight thousand degrees. Thus, the name of Heat Lance, when activated the white-hot blade could easily slice through thick steel plating.

Primarily the issue with the weapon lay in the time it took to heat but could still be used without activating this lethal feature. However, the retrofitted welding device was difficult to miniaturize and produce for this purpose. In addition to the overall cost in resources needed to produce the faceless, only a handful of the fearsome machines could be produced. Luckily their more expansive suite of onboard systems allowed the new models to be loaded with a subservient slave mind, allowing the powerful juggernauts to act as a commanding unit directing larger groups of Skellies.

It was an impressive sight to behold, the act of creation, and not simply the act of manufacturing existing designs on an automated production line. This was far more than a slight modification, the humans provided the insight of what was needed, what form and weapon would be suitable within the tight tunnels and hallways they constantly encountered. The faceless were new, a new existence that neither stalked the world nor could be found within the database of the old world, it was mine, our creation. Unique to the inhabitants of the Bunker, and the advancement in design had even been adapted on the new suits adapted for Arhun’s team to use.

“It was an excellent find, those archaic suits which had remained within the museum. We had always seen them, a reminder of the old world, a time before time itself for us all. Yet such craftsmanship, to think human ingenuity without the assistance of one like the protector could be capable of accomplishing such a thing… It boggles my mind.” Arhun observed the screens as the men and women below tested out the new weapons.

“Had you not pointed out these pieces of ancient technology sitting in the museum I honestly would have overlooked it. However, be aware that each of those suits is the only one of its kind available, every loss is a loss we cannot replace.” I made sure to stress the fact that the production of the base suit was still locked to me. Until military authorization was unlocked, the best that could be accomplished was refitting the onboard weapons, upgrading the armored plating based on the Faceless models, and finally adapting the motion systems with ones more suited to our underground environs.

“I am sure it will be fine benefactor, with these new weapons there should not be a problem we cannot handle. Then upon our return, if the Faceless have not already secured your prize, then we will be more than capable to assist in that task as well. No enemy internal or external shall ever threaten your designs… I will stake my very life on that!” Commander Adwani, ever the faithful and loyal servant kneeled upon the ground, fist clenched above his heart. Although irritating, his devotion was sincere, and his removal of internal dissenters over the years had left the Bunker unified in its purpose. I could not fault his success, as his assistance was invaluable in accomplishing the tasks set before us.

“Your dedication is noted commander, I’m sure that in the future your counsel shall be sought. Through this experience I have been reminded of my weaknesses, you humans have much to add. Your understanding and experiences on the frontline are what is needed to better represent the whole, while also ensuring future designs are efficient based on our environs. Not those of the ancient human.” I could see the glint in Commander Adwani’s eyes, a smile and pure elation blessing his often stoically impassive facial features. The man truly was far too devoted, bordering on obsession at this point.

It was just as we completed our conversation that the squad practicing in the arena below came to a stop as the energy stores on their suits ran dry. However, they had shown exceptional progress, the exo-suits tearing across the dirt covered course engaging in mobile battles. The treads allowing the human pilots to easily traverse the rough terrain at a speed far faster than a human could achieve. Plates of Faceless armor were welded onto the ancient deep sea construction suits, the hardpoints featuring synchronized building equipment replaced with grenade pods, and a single Vulcan cannon. Attached to their backs were the Heat Lances, the dark gray metal melding with their new white and crimson paint job.

“Good Luck Commander.” Arhun smiled as he stood and approached the incoming elevator. As the doors slid open his own personal exo-suit awaited him, its dark black outer shell and single horn standing out from the rest. Remnants of the Oscyx beetle, the hardened carapace being used in the development of the experimental armor plating. With tests showing that it easily outperformed even the Faceless composite plates.

“I wish you well on your task protector.” He and his soldiers bowed as one before departing.