Chapter 6 UDA got the Go-ahead.

Trigger Warning, Some Villains and other characters within this piece of fiction do not reflect the IRL views of the author, and This Novel Will contain very extreme themes, some actions will not make logical since because of the character's psychosis; some of these characters will try to logically rationalize the irrational. Which Incudes Extreme Violence, Gore, Torture, and Corse language. Will feature Adult Themes through out, sometimes making light of great trauma.

 There is no Intentional subtext to suggest any of the characters political, or worldview is reflected by the Author some characters are to be driven by chaos. In this post apocalyptic, wasteland. 

WILL NEVER INCLUDE NTR.

Summary of Chapter 5

In Chapter 5 of "Lights Out: The Reset," Jodie Hughes meets with Anderson Strong, the leader of Dargon, to discuss Project Q, a groundbreaking defense system designed to neutralize multiple missile warheads. Despite Anderson's initial reluctance, Jodie convinces him to allow the test in the city, promising that no live shells will be used. After the meeting, Jodie visits Drakor Industries to request unarmed missiles for the test. She meets with Kenneth Osborne, who is impressed by her project and approves the request. They share a drink at The Soggy Doggy, where Jodie opens up about her work and personal life. As she walks home, Jodie is kidnapped by two large men and taken to an abandoned warehouse.

The Holovision technology is used to present the simulation of Project Q, showcasing its potential to protect the city from missile attacks. The Umbral Defense Agency (UDA) and Drakor Industries are portrayed as key players in the city's defense, with their partnership essential to the success of Project Q. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with Jodie's fate unknown.

Chapter 6

"Hello?" Belle answers the phone, her Brooklyn accent wrapping around each word like a warm blanket.

"Belle," I start after she picks up. "I just got the green light from Jodie. We need to set up the Project Q test site. We have to postpone our dinner and a movie."

On the other end, there's a short hiccup of silence before she shoots back, "That's fine.., Dave. But what's the out-of-town locale this time?"

"Well, it's out in the desert," I answer, tossing a casual spin on it. "We're talking about the Alpha Q test. I know I'm springing this on you, but I've got go to set it up."

"The desert?" Surprise laces her response. "That's a that's away's out there!"

"Tell me about it, and I'm really sorry, I wish I didn't have to go, truly, but in order to bolster our way of living," I admit with as much sincerity as I can muster. "Won't be more than a few days, but I got a favor to ask."

"What's the deal?" she inquires, a whiff of curiosity in her voice.

"When clients come into the tower, I want you to tell them I am unavailible and you can take a message. I want to make sure everyone knows where I'm at if they need to contact me."

"Sure thing, but you good? You're sending off some tense vibes. Tellin' me how to do my job off hours?" Her concern is tangible, the edges of her accent getting sharper.

I exhale hard, hand to my forehead. "Nothing to lose sleep over, Belle. I'll be okay…

"Alright, I'll zip it as you asked," Belle assures me, though I can tell she's not buying what I'm selling. "But you better ring when arrive, you hear?"

"Yeah, I promise." The guilt is tapping on my conscience, making me wince for dragging her into this whole spiel. "Means a lot, Belle. I'm in your debt."

"You're stacking up those IOUs," she flirts back, her mood lifting a bit. "And don't you dare come back without a souvenir."

"I'll see what I can rustle up," I chuckle, though the promise is as empty as the desert sky. "Look after the fort and mum's the word to anyone else about the specifics, alright?"

"Mum as a church mouse," she vows. "Kick some sand and watch your six, Dave."

"Appreciate it, Belle," I say before I hang up. "I'm gonna need all the luck I can get."

We have to set up this Alpha Q test site, and I'm the one tasked with it. But the desert? This is my first time here, and I'm not sure what to expect. All I know is that this is a pivotal point in whatever process Arnold is planning, and it has something to do with 'expanding the influence' of our family. It's all so secretive, but I trust Arnold, besides, it's our companies project, so I'm going along with it. However, as I make preparations to leave, I can't help but feel a sense of foreboding about what lies ahead.

As I pack my bags and prepare to leave, I can't help but think about Jodie, about how much she trusts me with this mission. I want to prove to her that I'm worthy of that trust, that I'm capable of handling whatever challenges lay ahead. And as I close the door to my apartment and step out into the morning, I know that I need to contact Arnold one last time, before arriving at the location for the final special details.

I call Arnold, making sure that we have the men and the robots ready to help set up the Project Q test site.

On the other end of the line, Arnold's confident voice resonates. "Everything's set, David. The team is on standby, awaiting your orders."

"Good to hear," I say, nodding to myself. "I'll need you to deliver the blueprints and send someone with the portable holovision device to show the building plans."

"You got it," Arnold responds, his tone laced with professionalism. "We'll have someone there with the data and the holo device. Just let me know when you arrive, and we'll get it all delivered."

"Thanks, Arnold, I appreciate it," I say as I hang up, confident that I can rely on him to get the job done.

With everything prepared, I pack my bags and head towards the location for the Project Q test site. As I drive through the familiar streets of Durgan, a sense of excitement mixed with apprehension washes over me. This is the first time I am working on a project of such magnitude, and the pressure is tangible. But I am determined to make it work, for Jodie, for our family, for everyone.

Crossing the city's borders, I enter the desert within the city-state's control. I'm greeted by a vast expanse of sand and rock, stretching as far as the eye can see. This harsh, unforgiving landscape, caused by the nuclear winter, possesses a strange beauty. I can understand why Belle might want to visit, even if it's just to witness this otherworldly place once.

Upon arrival at the test site, a secluded area surrounded by nothing but sand and rock, the team is waiting for me. They get to work immediately, unloading equipment and setting up the portable Holovision device. The blueprints are delivered, and with the Holovision, we're able to view the building plans in all their three-dimensional glory.

I study the plans, admiring the ingenuity of the design. Yet, I can't shake the feeling that this is just the beginning of something much larger. And as I think about Jodie, Miranda, and our employees, I know that I must make this project a success, no matter what.

The sun is high in the sky in this desert site, and I can't help but marvel at the beauty of the desert sky. The air is getting warmer now, and I can almost feel the weight of the desert's history, of the countless events that took place in this very spot. It's humbling, to say the least. Now that the warmth has returned to the desert, this area could be rehabilitated like closer in the city where folks like to fish and hunt.

As I watch the teamwork of the skilled human labor and the advanced robots, a sense of awe washes over me. I can't believe how far our family's business has come, from humble beginnings to being at the forefront of technology due to the success of our company during the nuclear winter. The robots are incredibly dexterous, performing tasks with precision that even the most experienced human workers would struggle with. It's almost as if they are their own entity, working together seamlessly like a well-oiled machine.

The central mainframe is being carefully installed by a team of expert engineers, ensuring that it is placed in a strategic location for optimal detection range. The design of the tower is unlike anything I've seen before, combining both beauty and functionality. Its sleek curves and shimmering exterior appear almost organic, blending seamlessly with its surroundings to make it more difficult for flyovers to detect the defensive structure.

The sun begins to set over the horizon, casting an orange glow across the desert landscape. The once harsh and unforgiving terrain now appears almost serene, bathed in a warm, gentle light. I can't help but feel a sense of pride in what we have accomplished thus far. This is just the beginning, and I know that there is still much work to be done.

I pull out my phone, feeling the weight of the promise I made to Belle. I dial her number and press the phone to my ear, listening to the ringing on the other end. She picks up after a few rings, her voice warm and welcoming.

"Hey, Dave. You made it safe?" she asks, concern lacing her words.

"Yeah, Belle. I'm here," I say, looking out at the desert landscape around me. "It's something else out here. You wouldn't believe it."

She laughs, a soft, musical sound that makes me smile. "Try me."

"Well, for starters, the site is huge," I say, gesturing to the expanse of sand and rock around me, even though she can't see it. "And the way they're building it, with these robots, it's... it's incredible."

"Robots?" she asks, her tone skeptical. "Like, you actually have them deployed out there for construction?"

"Yeah, they've been deployed here with us right now," I say, watching as one of them lifts a heavy piece of equipment with ease. "It's like they're doing all the work for us. I mean, I'm essentially just standing here, commanding a bunch of metal slaves. Thanks to the evolution of dexter under the production and creation process of Arnold and his R&D department"

There's a pause on the other end of the line, and I can almost hear the gears turning in Belle's head. "Do you think that's right, though?" she asks, her voice quiet. "I mean, they're not actually slaves, are they?"

I frown, considering her question. "I don't know, Belle. They're just machines, right? They don't have feelings or thoughts. They're not alive. Even if they look like a convincing form of life"

"But what if they were?" she presses, her voice taking on a serious tone. "What if they could think and feel and experience the world like we do? Would it still be okay to use them like this?"

I sigh, rubbing my forehead. "Belle, you're getting philosophical on me. These robots are tools, nothing more. They're not people. They don't deserve rights or anything like that. The robots are all just running code; the code written and in modern times we train the code with other code, written by Arnold and his invaluable research team"

"I don't know, Davy," she replies, her voice quiet yet tinged with concern. "It just seems... I don't know. Wrong, somehow."

I consider arguing, my lips parting to speak, but no words come out. Deep down, a part of me understands her point, the unease about creating machines so capable they blur lines best left clear. I look out at the construction site, at the tangible progress before me, and shove those doubts away.

"Look, Belle," I say softly, understanding her perspective. "I hear you, truly. But this is the path forward, the way of the future. We can't let sentimentality cloud our judgment. Besides, if these machines were alive and given rights, wouldn't they be holding us hostage, in a way? Wouldn't we have the right to cut off their power supply? Would they still be considered alive then? Life does feed on life, yes, but this is a different scenario. If this was a living entity connected to humanity, would you advocate for granting it rights, potentially turning it into a parasite if it doesn't obey its creator or those with administrative control and licenses and even those who supply it with maintenance and energy? I believe it's best we co-exist, where we supply it with it's energy and maintenance, and it doesn't become a parasitic being to humanity."

After a pause, she exhales resignedly. "I know, Davy. I'm sorry. Didn't mean to get all heavy on you."

"It's okay," I reply, a smile playing on my lips. "Besides, who in their right mind would give it a personality and one that demands rights? How would one deserve rights, when it never knows to seek them? I like it when you go all deep and philosophical on me. It's... refreshing."

Her laugh floats through the air, light and unfettered. "Well, I aim to please."

We continue our conversation, drifting through topics mundane and familiar. I share tales of the desert – the feel of sand under my boots, the relentless sun against my skin. She brings stories from the office, a microcosm of people and their intertwined narratives. There's comfort in the knowledge that, despite the miles of desolate sand between us, a sliver of home lingers in Durgan, waiting.

The call winds down eventually. I assure her I'll keep her posted, and she warns me to take care. The line clicks off, leaving me entangled in a web of emotions – excitement for our ambitious project interwoven with the uncertain threads of doubt Belle has spun.

I shake off the unease, concentrating on the mission before me. Work is calling, and I have a responsibility to see it through. I stand tall, surveying the construction site with resolute eyes. Whatever the future throws at me, I'm prepared. I have to be – for Jodie, for our family, for everyone.

With that resolve, I dive into my role, orchestrating robots and human workers alike as we construct the testing grounds for Project Q. The sun's blaze is unyielding, yet it doesn't dampen our pace. We are harmony in action, collectively breathing life into Arnold's blueprint. And as the day progresses, pride swells within me. This is my calling, honed through a lifetime of preparing for it. I will let nothing deter me.

* * *

I watch as Arnold directs the installation of the laser sensors for Project Q, his brow furrowed in concentration. He's been working on this project for months, obsessing over every detail, every line of code. And now, as the turrets begin to take shape, I can see the excitement in his eyes.

"These babies are state-of-the-art," he tells me, grinning like a kid on Christmas morning. "They use a combination of radar, infrared, ultraviolet, and visual cameras to detect hostile targets in the sky. The resolution is insane - 365 billion megapixels. And with the deep learning algorithms we've developed, they can track hundreds of bogeys at once and take them out in less than five seconds."

I whistle, impressed despite myself. "Damn, Arnold. You've really outdone yourself this time."

He chuckles, a dark sound that sends a shiver down my spine. "Oh, you haven't seen anything yet, Davy boy. Just wait until we get these babies online. The skies will be ours, and anyone who dares to challenge us will be nothing more than a pile of ash."

I nod, trying to ignore the unease that settles in my gut. I know that what we're doing is necessary, that we need to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the threats that lurk beyond our borders. But sometimes, when I see the gleam in Arnold's eye, I wonder if we've gone too far, if we've crossed a line that we can never come back from.

As if on cue, Miranda arrives with her marketing team, all sleek suits and perfect hair. She spots me and Arnold and makes a beeline for us, her heels clicking against the concrete.

"David, darling!" she exclaims, pulling me into a tight embrace. "And Arnold, you old dog. How's the project coming along?"

Arnold grins, puffing out his chest. "Ahead of schedule and under budget, as always. These laser turrets are going to change the game, Miranda. Just you wait and see."

Miranda nods, her eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and something darker, more primal. "I have no doubt, Arnold. And with our marketing team behind it, Project Q is going to be the talk of the town. Everyone will want one of these babies on their roof, ready to blast any threat out of the sky."

I force a smile, trying to ignore the way my stomach churns at her words. "Let's just hope it never comes to that, yeah?"

Miranda laughs, a sound that's both musical and menacing. "Oh, David. Always the optimist. But in this world, you never know when the next attack is going to come. Better to be prepared than caught with your pants down, don't you think?"

I nod, swallowing hard. She's right, of course. In this dark and twisted world we live in, there's no such thing as being too prepared. But as I watch Arnold and Miranda discuss the finer points of the laser turrets, I can't shake the feeling that we're dancing with the devil, and sooner or later, we're going to get burned.