Chapter 15: It deserves respect

The flying ships were usually powered by neons and were often called neon cars. 

Although there were also electric machines, which were cheaper, they were smaller and less popular. They were used to fly around the outskirts of the forests to research and collect data on mutants. They rarely appeared in this area because it was far from the city. However, recently no neon activity characteristic of mutants had been detected here (because Zero often used these mutants for training), so they decided to conduct a survey. There was one security guard in a nanosuit and two researchers on board to collect and analyze the data.

- We have detected the activity of human beings approaching from the forest, - the mechanical voice of the AVI said.

- Homeless people again, - sighed the first researcher, who often met them and helped them during remote research.

- They survived here ?! - the second researcher, a newcomer, was surprised.

- Hmm, you haven't seen what people with nothing to lose are capable of. Even without neons, they're very strong and resilient, - the guard in the nanosuit hummed.

- Attention, one of the creatures has the ability to control neons. Female, - AVI said.

- What ? Is it for sure ? - the first researcher was alarmed, glued to the screen.

- Re-analysis confirms that the neon spectrum indicates this.

- Stop the ship, - said the first.

Everyone on board realized that homeless people usually did not have the ability to control neons. If one of them did, it meant that they could return to the modern city. Everyone on the ship wanted to help such people.

- They noticed us and stopped. Is it good ? - Alina asked Zero.

- Yes, it's exactly what we need, - he replied without stopping.

A few minutes later, the forest ended, and a small ship of white and blue colors with three people on board was waiting for them a few kilometers away. In a few seconds they approached the ship. Zero had long since analyzed everything around him and concealed his aura so as not to scare the crew-the control he had practiced was perfect.

- Good afternoon! I'm a researcher codenamed Harp, this is my assistant and bodyguard codenamed String. Who are you and why do you control the neons? Are you homeless?" asked the first researcher.

Alina, hearing these words, which she hadn't heard from people for so long, couldn't hold back her tears. She was incredibly happy. Zero stood next to her, holding his mother's hand, because at the moment he is just a five-year-old child.

- My name is Alina, and this is my son, Zero. We are homeless, but I learned how to control the neons, and we want to return to a normal life.

Everyone was amazed: to survive in one of the most dangerous areas of the forest, to learn how to control neons and protect yourself and your child - this deserved respect.

- Are you ready to contribute now ? - asked the second researcher, a newcomer.

The guard looked at him sternly:

- Sorry, he's new and doesn't understand what you've been through. We can talk about the contribution later, - he said apologetically, bowing slightly.

- It's okay, - Alina smiled, taking a few mutant nuclei out of her bag.

Everyone was even more surprised: these were D-rank and even C-rank mutant nuclei.

- Then let's go. Welcome back, - the guard saluted.

Once they entered the ship and took off, they were given clothes to change into and warm food. 

The first researcher went to inform his superiors about the new arrivals so that they could be authorized to transport the homeless.

The guard stayed with them and told them that they were now near the Crimean peninsula, one of the territories of Ukraine. They will be sent to Kyiv, where they can be temporarily accommodated, as research is being conducted near Crimea because of the large number of mutants killed by unknown means and by whom. They are to be sent to Kyiv to get their documents processed as quickly as possible. Alina briefly told the story of the shelter and Zero's "normal birth"; after the birth of her son, she was able to interact with neons. The guard listened attentively, admiring her willpower, and promised to help her if she needed it. He apologized and left them.

- Is everything okay ? - the first asked the guard who entered the captain's cabin.

- Yes, they need to be alone. How are things over there ?

- Everything is fine. Now more than ever we need people who know how to work with neons.

- Yes, it's true.

Alina fell asleep on her new bed in a quiet place, in the ship, in her room.

Zero sat next to her, thinking about the day's events. Everything had gone according to plan. He had heard the conversations between the researchers and the guard, and AVI hadn't been able to determine his strength. He looked at his mother: very soon she would be able to feel safe, and the country would take care of her. Such people were needed. The flight was only a few hours away. Zero did not sleep, because his body did not need sleep - his cells were different from normal ones.

Kyiv. A beautiful and strong city, the capital of a powerful state that had some of the best phantoms. Arriving here, they were met by several people in black suits and a few in nanosuits. After saying goodbye to the crew, they followed them. After conducting a quick analysis of Alina's interaction with the neons and learning that they had a contribution, they were told that they would quickly prepare all the necessary documents. They just had to wait a few hours, and the government would provide them with housing and everything they needed. They could already be considered full residents, but in the meantime, they were asked to stay in a hotel in VIP rooms.

There were four days left before the neon storm...